MustangMike

I hate to say it, but I think you are right. How long is Walker signed as well? Hairston could take over 2nd base next year if they won't want walker, although I don't know why you wouldn't want walker. Can Kotsay play center? Maybe we can swing something like that and put either or in center or left.

I don't personally Boo patterson when at the game, but I'm not really a supporter of him anymore. When he plays I hope he suceeds for the cubs sake, but I just don't believe in him anymore. Put him in center and leadoff and see how we do. Follow him by walker and lets see if Lee can drive in those runs.

I think Hendry and Baker are on the same page. They both like experienced, aggressive hitters and hard throwing pitchers. They both want to win but are very traditional in their thinking. Both overvalue batting average and tend to overlook OBP. Consider this evidence: Hendry trades for Randall Simon to replace Hee Sop Choi- a player that Baker agreed was not aggressive enough. Hendry signs Burnitz to play RF and defends him by saying that he was 5th best at (something) among players that struck out a lot. Hendry and Baker are very much on the same page. Unfortunately most of us- and a good portion of the league- have already read that book and didn't like how it ended. Nothing will chnage unless 1 of these 2 things happens. Hendry pulls off a deal to bring in 2 hitters that represent sizeable upgrades over the incumbents or Hendry and Baker get fired and replaced by a new management team that value speed, defense and palyers that don't make as many outs. I always had the feeling that Hendry liked the younger player, Dubois and Cendeno...players like that. He didn't give Baker an option in LF besides Hollandsworth yet he still played him. I don't think he can make him play anyone else. Maybe its just the losing thats making it feel like nothing is right in cubdom.

I hear people say this all the time but no one really ever explains it. I've experienced it as well but couldn't explain it my self. What do you do to get this change in mindset? I did get that feeling in 2003 that we expected to win but that could just be romance.... I think attitude comes from winning. The yanks believe in themselves because they win year in and year out. The braves have won the division every year for how many years now, how can that NOT breed confidence and expectations of success? The cubs win the division what, like once a decade and were terrible for 30 years in a row? My dad raised me a cubs fan, but when i was real young we didn't go to see them win, we just went because they NEVER won. A few years of hitting the playoffs and it changes everyone's attitude. 40-41 with a high payroll, no faith in the manager and scattered faith with the GM, never a good combo. I don't even think the GM and Manager are on the same page, and I feel everyone knows that and its hurting the team. What's the focus and direction of this team? I can't see it.

And we played better for awhile when Prior and Wood went down...strangest thing really. I wish I could understand the problems and therefore find some solutions for this team. They just can't hit, it really comes down to that. When you trot out guys like Neifi, patterson, Burnitz, and back them up with Macias you are in for a treat I guess. I always like to compare positions head to head with good teams and see which player I'd rather have. how do YOU feel about the cubs?

Why is it more important for Walker to "protect" Ramirez then to be on base for Lee to drive him in and therefore the cubs to score runs? "Welcome to Bakerology 101-Please have a seat where you like"1st year students have to sit in the back......that means you ronny..... I know people don't agree, but Walker seemed to buy into the logic of protecting Ramirez....thats the part I don't get. Maybe he was just being a good little boy and not starting problems with the move. I wonder if Hendry can make Baker play someone like Ronny or Jason Dubois?

When they beat the Braves in 2003, i was laying in bed staring at the ceiling with the biggest stupid grin on my face just thinking about it. To win the series, I'd cry like a little baby...beautiful tears of joy. Hell I'd be excited to just make it again to be honest with you.

The article makes sense, why worry about the other team when you have no control over them. We as fans watch the box scores and standings, but I'd think for their sanity (cubs) they would just ignore the cardinals and worry about the days game, something they have control over. I don't think it really gets heated until we get within 3 games at the very least.

Why is it more important for Walker to "protect" Ramirez then to be on base for Lee to drive him in and therefore the cubs to score runs?

He did sign this year on his own terms, although he mentioned "being a starter" as being the condition. He is the starter, its just worked out he's sat a lot more. If they would just let Hairston play CF or left then he can get the at bats and Todd can play as well. All cub players are biting their tounges, which is fine after all the bellyaching last year. He was honest and respectful, that all you have to do.

Steve stone said Hill had a major leage Curve ball, so I'd try to hold onto him. I like Dubois so I'd hate to trade him, but I would since Dusty isn't going to use him. I'd rather give him a month and see what he can do, but I know that won't happen.

Good interview with Carmen/Silvey...Walker seems like a straight shooter and a nice guy. They played the "gay horn" for Walker and it scared him...if you don't know what that is don't worry about it, its not important. Main points were: 1) wants to hit second -- says you "can't steal first". -- Baker wants him to hit 2nd but wants him to protect ramirez -- todd said he would prefer to use his OBP in front of Lee, it only makes sense to him. -- doesn't like bouncing back and forth, batting in the 1st inning everygame and then batting lowering in the lineup "can be hard on your mindset" --when moving from 6th back to 2nd, players tend to try to step it up TOO much (maybe a corey reference) 2) wants to play against lefties --only doesn't play against lefties because that's hairstons only chance to play doesn't love pinch hitting because its a "different mindset" and hard to bounce back and forth 3) don't trade for a sake of trade --they mentioned Kotsay, but he said then Corey would have to sit which woudl be a bad idea in his mind. Didn't talk about putting him in LF(Kotsay). Mentiond Sheffield, but said you don't want an angry player. 4) doesn't know if Nomar can even be effective even if he does come back --seemed like he didn't think like Nomar would be making it back --if he does make it back, it "takes much longer than I expected to get into MLB shape" Not much new information really, but it was interesting to hear why he's hitting 6th and that he understand but doesn't like it. Anyway, thats it for now.

Everytime Patterson doesn't strike out I keep thinking of the movie major league when he says: "Well, at least he didn't spike himself"...is that a bad sign?

Does it matter who comes in today, no one is getting anyone out.

damn you!

The board is under a denial of service attack right now. The regular board has been temporarily disabled while I work on things. Premium members still have access. Damn hackers, get 'em TIM!!!!

Because Dusty rests everyone when we have a chance. Macias in right? He also benched our hottest hitter in Walker...even though I know the split theory. Plus Maddux is throwing batting practice.

No its not bad, but actually going for the sweep when you are on a winning streak at home doesn't seem like a bad idea.

Did we all boo him? :)

Either situation doesn't say much about his makup as a player. Maybe another course of action is needed.

He's a slow starter isn't he? he's hitting .290 in June which is good. Although you are right his power seems to have disapeared...steroids? Whats his problem, do they have any ideas?

Gallagher and Moore, both deserving, made the team photo. BTW, no Cardinals made the hot sheet again this week. Hunh, go figure... Is Epatt more of a true leadoff man than his brother, because Corey obviously is not? I'd assume Epatt is many years away from the cubbies though if at all.

You assume Dubois will play though! Would you change it up more if Hollandworth was in there?

If he could get a week or so straight of FULL games maybe he'll get a chance to get into a groove. I really like his promise, I don't know why but I think he'd be a fine corner outfielder for this team.

I wonder how bad he would haev to collapse to be returned...