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I woudln't. He won't meet those projections anyways. So are you just one of those people who roots for players you don't like to fail, even if they're on your favorite team? Look, I don't like the fact that Ryan Theriot is the starting shortstop. There is nothing I can do about that, though, so I would be exceptionally happy if he performed well. Its one thing to be realistic about player performance. Its a completely different thing to actually root against that player. Some did that with Jacque Jones last year, and now SOME are doing it with Theriot. Regardless of whether or not you agree with the decision to start him or bat him leadoff, you need to understand that there's nothing you can do to change it, so you might as well root for him to meet those projections, instead of taking your frustrations with management out on a player who has nothing to do with the decision to put him in the lineup each day. What makes you think I'm rooting for him to fail? Of course I'm not. I would be absolutely thrilled if Theriot surprised everyone and had a great year, I just don't see it as likely. I like Theriot. I like the way he plays and all that stuff, I just don't think he's a good hitter. I want the team to win, period. And stop acting like I'm going to games and yelling "you suck" to Theriot or something like that, because I'm not. I'm expressing my opinion on an internet message board about what I think would give us the best chance to win. I don't blame Theriot, because he is doing everything he can. I blame Jim Hendry, since he is the one responsible for building the team, not Theriot. Not once have I said that I hate Theriot, and not once have I unfairly criticized him. I don't have any ill feeling towards Theriot at all. I just think he's not a very good hitter. Ernie Banks couldn't hit at a major league level right now, but that doesn't mean I dislike him. My sister can't hit at a big league level right now, but that doesn't mean I dislike her. I never said I hope Theriot doesn't meet Bill James projections, I said I don't think it will happen. There's a pretty obvious difference between those 2 things. That being said, is it so much to ask to get some guys with good OBP at the top of the order? Am I wrong for wanting guys to actually get on base in front of Lee and Ramirez? Is that such a radical idea?

I woudln't. He won't meet those projections anyways.

As someone already mentioned, it looks like we're going to have to get Roberts just to save Lou from himself. How can someone possibly consider a 1/2 of Theriot and Soriano? Ay dios mio.

YAH!!! UZE YER PENIS, D00D!!!! Well done.

What a joke. Way to man up Jim.

That doesn't mean he has to continously talk to the media about it. You want to voice your displeasure once or twice and let it be known how you feel? Fine, but I think he needs to shut his mouth now. What he's saying is true, but that doesn't mean he needs to say it over and over again.

It takes 2 parties, both of whom think they are getting a good deal, to make a trade. I'm not sure how guts enters into that. This negotiation is now 3 months also and Hendry is still getting jerked around. It's pretty clear that Hendry wants to make the deal and that Baltimore is the side holding it up. That fact that Hendry has let it drag on while not saying "this is my final offer, take it or leave it" is gutless, plain and simple. Not to mention it's now created a distraction with opening day just over a week away. That's great, everyone knows how key distractions are when avoiding getting off to a slow start.

I didn't really care when he spoke out about it the first time or two, but this is a bit much. He has made it very clear to the media that he is unhappy about it, it doesn't seem necessary to keep saying it. Either way, it pisses me off that Jim has created a distraction right before opening day. He should have grown a sack long ago and told the Orioles this is my offer, take it or leave it. For this to still be dragging on is pathetic.

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/cs-080321-cubs-mark-derosa-trade-chicago,1,3320569.story Add another notch to the distraction factor.

It sounded like he was using a cliche phrase to imply that we should be going young and that Hill is not good. Relax.

Seriously, I've been against the Roberts trade, but I don't know if I can tolerate watching Theriot lead off every day.

Your birthday is on 4/20? That's awesome.

I agree on the leadoff thing. But it's pretty clear that CPatt beat Bruce out to start in CF. How is it "pretty clear"? Either way, the thread title is a lie. Are you serious? The Reds have Freel and Bruce. They sign CPatt, a CF, to a minor league deal. CPatt hits 400+ in the spring. Bruce gets sent down and Freel is being rumored to be traded. You don't think it's pretty clear that Patterson won the CF job? That's all speculation and just you guessing. Patterson might start, but that's far from "pretty clear" right now.

I agree on the leadoff thing. But it's pretty clear that CPatt beat Bruce out to start in CF. How is it "pretty clear"? Either way, the thread title is a lie.

Umm, are you guys even reading the article? Nowhere does it say Patterson will leadoff or start in center field. Obnoxious.

Are you joking?

Today Lou said Hill's job is NOT in jeopardy and he has the 4 spot in the rotation guaranteed.

I'm not a Dusty defender by any means, but the Dusty bashing that is going on in this thread over Bruce being sent down is absolutely ridiculous.

I agree, the Cubs need to identify and give more chances to players that are getting younger instead of wasting their time on guys like Hill that are not. Name a player that is getting younger. Name one. Yeah, sub 4 era, 28 years old, why waste time with a pitcher like that? What a ridiculous statement.

Yeah, 14th best whip in all of baseball, this guy is terrible. Why are people in love with Ted Lilly while they hate Rich Hill?

Parra got lit up tonight.

I bet he goes in a Roberts trade with money exchanged and Payton coming back.

The projected Cubs lineup is unfortunate.

I know there was one of these in the past, but I figured I'd see what people's opinions are now, as a decision will have to be made soon. Also, I'm bored.

Is he even going to start? They seem to like Villanueva and Bush better.