brinoch

There are a lot of posters who like Dusty and think he's doing a pretty good job. And for every person who complains about Dusty, there's a person who supports him and will defend him. Frankly, I think such a thread will be a conflict magnet and this particular debate runs pretty hot. Moreover, I strongly believe that focusing such attention on any one Cub signals a tacit encouragement that criticizing Baker is the "official" board position. That's fine when it's Joe Morgan. Not fine when it's Dusty Baker. The bad managerial thread seems to cover this pretty well, and it usually stays on one of the first two pages of Baseball Discussions. It also sticks to actual bad decisions, which is nice.

So, Wood and Prior are wimps, then? I hope that's not the gist of your statement, but somehow I think it is.

So now we have "mr. genius, tough guy and keep drinking the kool-aid man". No you never insult other posters. There's a difference between saying someone's idea is absurd then saying why it's absurd (which I did) and telling someone to "keep drinking the kool-aid" and calling them "mr. genius and tough guy" (which you did.) XZero77 noticed the same thing and said the same. I'm not the only one who sees it. I'm not going to go back and discern the genesis of this burgeoning flame war. I am, however, asking all of you to keep it civil and refrain from personal insults, calling people out, name-calling, and over-generalizing with intent. Thank you for your cooperation.

I'm still an advocate for Choi.

So all that crap about none of them being back until June was just that... Crap? It's not crap until he pitches for the Chicago Cubs. May Day (the workers holliday) is one week from now. I don't expect him back until late May at the earliest. That is only a month away. If he throws 1 start in the minors next week then his first start with the Cubs will be pushed back a week from that start date (that makes two weeks). I think he'll make more than one minor league start. If he makes two minor league starts that puts him 3 weeks away from a start with the Cubs. And that is with no setbacks. I don't think June is that far fetched. Actually, it's sooner than that, more like a little over two weeks from his first rehab start. Figure that Wood makes three rehab starts -- 1 in Mesa, and then 2 more at West Tennessee or Iowa. First start is Wednesday, April 26. On a regular schedule, the second start is May 1, and the third is May 6. That brings Wood in line to pitch for the Cubs around May 11. Given that the 11th is get-away day from SF, I could see the Cubs waiting until the 12th or 13th to have Wood make his first start. As the rotation is set right now, that would be replacing either Guzman or Rusch. This presumes three things: 1. No problems or setbacks with Wood; 2. Wood makes three rehab starts (If Wood is doing well, I could easily see Mesa and 1 more to bring Kerry back around May 6/7/8); 3. That Guzman is indeed a part of the rotation. My hope is that Wood replaces Rusch, and then Prior replaces Guzman or Marshall. And then in June, Miller either augments the bullpen or displaces the remaining rookie starter.

I'd try and get Choi.

If you want to blame someone, it'd be better to go after Furcal for running 2' inside the line. Not signing Furcal looks even worse now. Nobody could have predicted this obviously, but it wouldn't have happened if we had him. That's a ridiculous outlook. You can't blame this injury on not signing Furcal. Seriously, that's a really silly statement. How exactly are the two related? It's as valid to say that this injury wouldn't have happened if just about any event occurred. Hindsight is always 20/20, but this is ridiculous and annoying Monday morning quarterbacking.

Ronny's also batting eighth, and that has an effect of what kind of pitches he sees. There have been a couple at-bats where Ronny got a little aggressive, but it hasn't been like Pierre or Neifi when they clearly won't accept a walk.

Hairston can play the OF, too. No reason not to utilize his abilities there. If Jones isn't ready to go, and Pie isn't going to get called up, this is a good use of Hairston. Plus, it gets he and Walker both into the game.

Good news, all around. I think we'll see Wood around the beginning of May, or perhaps a little sooner. Now, the question which will face the Cubs: who to jettison from the rotation? I vote Rusch (too bad my vote doesn't count). I like what I've seen from Marshall, and Williams looked good last night. Too many deep counts, but still effective.

I'll gladly take a Paul O'Neill-esque career from Murton. 20 HR's a year is solid power, he hits for a nice average, draws walks, has speed, and plays good D. I think he'll be a nice, cheap fixture for us in left.

Look at that. Neifi pinch hit. And flew out in one pitch. I hate Neifi.

That looked pretty similar to the strikes that Duke kept getting. But it was a ball for Eyre. Annoying.

Bleh. I hate that upper cut swing by Ramirez.

Cubs win!!!

Cedeno made a diving stop to his right (in the 3B hole). No chance to get two, and it took a great play to get one.

WOW!! Cedeno and Lee!! :D Great play....

Cedeno bounces the ball over Randa's head, two runs score. Sweet!

It caught the Pirates by surprise, but it was too close to home plate, and Cota grabbed it quickly. Another couple of feet and everyone is safe. Randa was way back. I'm pretty sure that Barrett did that on his own.

You should use your best relievers in your most critical situations. Using Williamson as he was used today was well done by Baker, in my opinion.

Randa robs DLee. DP.

Ugh. Walker attempts a bunt. Just let him steal.

Slappy with a single to left.

All I have is Game Day Audio on this one. What is he doing that is tipping his two pitches that he has? Craig Wilson saw it, and the Pirates broadcast team caught Wilson calling out help to his teammates after his HR. Looking at the pitching, it looked to me like Wuertz's arm slot was changing and his delivery looked slower on his sliders. He was also hanging his sliders.

Wuertz is tipping his pitches, I think.