98navigator

stop double clutching!

sloppy DeRo

almost Jacque. Jenkins didn't need to jump

an untouched popup on the infield.

everybody froze because Marquis called for the play. Luckily, it didn't hurt him.

Marquis called for it!

OMG

Well, at least they didn't take the lead.

YES!

Wow, 1-2-3 DP close the deal Marquis

I'm really souring on Barrett

Great, a double. It looked catchable

8 pass balls! DP please

UGH, block the pitches

WHEW!

Ive been wondering who was actually mixed up on the pitch. Not sure how Stone knows this though cause I havent seen it reported anywhere Haven't you learned by now that Steve Stone knows everything. LOL, I hear ya--he's a know it all but his explanation sounded credible considering where DeRosa was and Barrett's immediate reactions. After watching the tape a few times, it doesn't seem to me that Barrett was being sarcastic. He looked shocked by Zambrano's reaction.

Yes, he was standing in front of the dugout. On the replay of the incident you can see him reach over the fence to try to restrain Zambrano. BTW, I heard Stone say Barrett was talking to DeRosa and not pointing at the scoreboard as well. It was because DeRo was able to see the pitch that Barrett called. Zambrano, reportedly, got upset because he was embarrassed that there was someone else that knew he (not Barrett) had thrown the wrong pitch. I guess Barrett getting confirmation of the called pitch set Z off. As far as why Steve Stone knows this, I have to figure that he spoke with the players involved. I know from listening to him in the past that he's been in the clubhouse quite a few times this season.

based on what? Based on how bad we are? LOL, yeah, yeah... My question was more to find out if there was something new I hadn't heard about.

based on what?

Actually, iirc, Barrett wasn't at the meeting. That was the day he was rumored to have been traded. I don't think he showed up at the ballpark until before the game had started. Barrett not being there was a rumor. He was there but Lou told him to take the day off from batting practice (which fueled speculation that he was absent). I remember that The Score admitted later that he was spotted at the park.

If it was a "players only" meeting who do B&B know what went on? I'm sure Boers has some source on the roster. I don't think he's making it up at all. Terry was a sports writer and he's been on the radio for over 15 years. It's afforded him the opportunity to get close to some of these guys.

BTW, I heard Terry Boers on The Score talking about the "players only meeting" too. He said DLee tried to stick up for Lou but he also said that there were guys that didn't participate in the bashing; specifically Alfonso and Aramis. Apparently, there were 4-5 guys out of the 25 who were angry. I'm willing to bet that they were relievers, bench guys and Barrett. After I saw the exchange between MB and Lou on the bench, following his base running blunders in LA, I knew they were on the outs.

I have a problem with this line of reasoning; even if they collectively hate Lou it shouldn't prevent them from performing on the field. Lou isn't giving up late leads, getting thrown out for stupid base running, or failing to drive runners in... By the same token, there have been very productive teams with less than friendly (read combative) clubhouses. They don't have to like one another just respect the manager and each other. Most importantly, they should just do their individual jobs instead of busying themselves with blame. This team is underachieving and I hold the players, manager, and GM accountable. However, I don't buy that Lou knew the roster before signing up because there were acquisitions after he was hired; there was no way for him to know or anticipate the issues with signing DeRosa and already having Theriot (who wasn't a lock to start the season in the MLs), the team not having a true CF until NOW that they've finally committed to playing Pie full time, the various other issues with extra outfielders, the starting SS issue, and the ever important issue of so-called team stalwarts not living up to expectations (Zambrano, Eyre, and Howry to name a few---add Barrett to the list as well). Much of the lineup problems and inconsistencies can be blamed on Hendry. Yes, Lou could have just benched certain guys but that too would have caused clubhouse problems. Damned if you do, damned if you don't! Don't get me wrong, Lou shares in some of the blame by continuing to use Eyre (especially) and Howry in crucial situations after they demonstrated their ineffectiveness. He's also used Ohman against RH which I don't agree with... but it seems to me that there have been far more favorable situations where players have failed.

I expect Pie to be in the line-up today. Hitting 2nd, 8th, doesn't matter. Just in the line-up. I just wonder who goes when Ward comes back. I'm hoping that Jones does but we'll see. If they are truly sticking with Pie longterm, then I think you are right, somebody will be gone within 15 days - when Ward returns. Ideally someone could be moved in 15 days but the Cubs could play it out longer by not activating Ward. Hell, I almost forgot that Wade Miller has been on the 15 day DL since April 23. :shock: