mhuber92211

there was a blurb in Bauman's story on Cubs.com that Dusty is qutoed as saying that Nomar is "definitely" going on the DL.

Oh certaintly I would point that out, except the fact that Dusty was not here in 2001 and I would have assumed that this was a Dusty thread. My Bad. Agreed Talent is at a higher level, however the "trend" that we are speaking about is the Dusty trend. You can't argue those results. 2 Years, 2 winning seasons. Baylor had similar talent and didn't get anywhere in '02. Remember also that last year the talent that you speak about that Dusty had was hurt. The only talent that didn't get injured in some way last season was Alou & Lee. Even Zambrano had forearm issues. You have to say that Dusty did a pretty solid job last season adminst the team turmoil and injury issues. Most other teams with issues like that end up a major disappointment, like the 1st half Houston Astros of '04. One of the my main gripes about Dusty fans has been that whenever anyone brings up 2001 Dusty fans refuse to discuss that season and quickly try to change the subject back to 2002. Guess what, that's exactly what you did. Another question: if you won't discuss 2001 because "Dusty was not here in 2001" and this is a "Dusty thread", then why did you bring up 2002 again? Dusty wasn't here till 2003. I am confunzzled. Tell me again what 2001 or 2002 have to do with Dusty? I would be happy to talk about those seasons. I'm not sure where I brought them up again, other then to say that I couldn't see the relevance. Apparently that wasn't the right thing to bring up. But please lets discuss away those 2 seasons if you would like. I don't want to be accused of ducking or sjirting any issues. Like I have and will continue to say, I have no problem with constructive criticsm and breakdowns of different moves made. I would agree that skepticism is valid for many moves made, I just take issue with the calls to fire someone after 10 games and the namecalling. It just doesn't provide anything to a conversation.

What in the world are you talking about? NO WHERE have I said that you aren't a "real Fan" if you critcize something. In fact, should you read posts under the "Rants" section of this website under a thread started by Gracie Girl I specifically say that constructive criticsm is important. I take issue with the "Latroy Suckins" and "Season Over" negativity. What does concern me are the posters here who call for blood after 2 weeks! I guess I understand that the Cubs won't be a perfect 162-0 team and are allowed to make boneheaded plays. Apparently this is construed of being a cheerleader. I'm not sure what I said to deserve such a comment. But I should apologize for not criticzing the Cubs enough for you. Apparently conformity is that important in your life where everyone should do as you say. I won't stop defending the team, organization, players or managers from posters who just bash just to bash. This provides no purpose or insight. The intelligent posts breaking down the issues are what this forum should be about.

Oh certaintly I would point that out, except the fact that Dusty was not here in 2001 and I would have assumed that this was a Dusty thread. My Bad. Agreed Talent is at a higher level, however the "trend" that we are speaking about is the Dusty trend. You can't argue those results. 2 Years, 2 winning seasons. Baylor had similar talent and didn't get anywhere in '02. Remember also that last year the talent that you speak about that Dusty had was hurt. The only talent that didn't get injured in some way last season was Alou & Lee. Even Zambrano had forearm issues. You have to say that Dusty did a pretty solid job last season adminst the team turmoil and injury issues. Most other teams with issues like that end up a major disappointment, like the 1st half Houston Astros of '04.

Thats funny, cause I get a similar feeling that some people here will have posted ad nauseam "Macias Still Sucks"; "Fire Dusty NOW" when Dusty has his first 4 game losing streak. I guess I should just wait until the end of the season when Dusty delievers the 3rd straight winning season (something which hasn't been done in my lifetime) and then respond to those "Fire Dusty" comments.

totally wrong. Dusty bashers complain about what dusty is doing beforehand either here or in gamethread/flashchat. dusty supporters wait until neifi gets a hit to say anything here. Alas, I would disagree. This thread BEGAN AFTER the pinch hitting decisions of Macias & Perez in Arizona. Going back to the first thre pages or so, I even explained my view of the purposes of these moves in light of the gametime decision. I even spoke about how we all have to remember that these decisions are made during the game and we are sitting here without pressure and can look after the fact and identify what was bad because it didn't work. In fact the majority of this thread speaks about the Why this and the Why not that as opposed to I understand this but how come they didn't do that? Slight difference sure, but to say that this thread uses hindsight by the pro-dusty people only is laughable.

and amazingily enough the Cubs have scored 7 runs by the 3rd inning. Lets try to make sure that the moves are poor before we discount them Hindsight is 20-20. Benching A-Ram, Barrett, and Nomar for Prior's first start is a really bad way to build his confidence, in my opinion. Waiting to see how it turned out isn't exactly fair, is it? This is like when Dusty would do something stupid in 2003, have it work out, and Chip Caray would say, "Dusty pushes the right button again!" Those drinking birds can push buttons, too. Yet we use hindsight all throughout this thread to take issue with Dusty's decisions.

and amazingily enough the Cubs have scored 7 runs by the 3rd inning. Lets try to make sure that the moves are poor before we discount them

This thread is about Baker. I'll let you know when there's anything worthy of praise wrt this doofus and how he manages the Cubs. Here's a hint though: Don't hold your breath. Just in case something miraclus happens... http://www.northsidebaseball.com/PremiumForum/viewtopic.php?t=19807&highlight= :wink:

oh come on Don...no sense of humor about this stuff yet? There has to be some part of you that wants to have a good time with the Cubs and actually praise them for something some times right?

:lmao:

JUst out of curiosity. If mitre was the 5th starter and doing average or slightly above average, how easy would it be for everyone here to replace him with Guzman when he has shaken off the rust. Essentially, Guzman is on a rehab assignment right now. Isn't it easier to replace Dempster in this kind of spot? I guess similar to the school of thought of having a minor leaguer get to play everyday or have them be on a the bench for the big club.

Rusch was pretty successful last season as a starter, Dempster hasn't had a good season as a starter since before TJS and that was 5 years ago. Prior to last season, what how good of a pitcher was Rusch? He was demoted to bullpen work for Milwaukee! Thats almost as bad as not being able to make Tampa's staff as a lefty. Don't get me wrong, I think that Rusch had an excellent season last year. Certainly beat the odds. But if I recall, at the time many of these same people were railing the decision to go with Rusch and not Mitre or a different pitcher due to the same reasons that are now going against Dempster. I think we all agree that Dempster has talent and a similar background of sucess as Rusch. Why rail against Dempster already? Lets try something new and give him the support we have given Nomar this season and see how he responds. Heck Nomar is in a slump too currently. How come no one is complaining about him?

So don't double switch and let Rusch hit. He's better than the alternatives if you aren't going to use Walker. That was the plan! And the point of the double switch with Nomar. Unfortunately, Rusch (who is apparently better then Dempster as a 5th starter according to this forum, but hasn't proven anything more then Dempster) couldn't last as a long man in the game. Now look at De La Rosa. His performance was supposed to be what Rusch was to do. Rusch's performance is not Dusty's fault, therefore calling the double switch a poor move is illogical.

Well not going nuts per se...then again many can argue the point that I am already there.... 1st off, Hawkins is the closer. He is the best option to begin the season with. Wuertz will get there (just like Leicester proved his worth in mid year last year) but he needs more then 3 innings to prove he has made strides over last season. Besides, its still extremely early to be anoiting Wuertz as your best reliever. Remmy had a solid game & Hawkins' inning actually was pretty solid until the walk in which he should have had strike 3 twice. Walker belonged on the bench until the 12th. In an extra inning game like this one where a double switch was going to come again, I would rather have Walker be the one switched not Macias. The double switch was nessacary at that point. You have to figure if you use your long man you would expect him to pitch 3 innings before you get to him again. Otherwise you would burn your Pen too quickly. Unfortuately, Rusch's performance led to the switch not working. Again, Hollandsworth was a double switch that made sense at the time. Even Brenly & Kasper made mention of it. One thing to remember is, just because the moves don't work out each time, its doesn't mean it was the wrong gametime decision. Hindsight is a luxury that we anaylsts have. I would have to say that if many of us were managing a team in thes circumstances we would make similar changes.

Raisin, I would disagree...but alas, It won't matter....

Give one example. Nothing like replying 4 pages later. Sorry for my slowness... I can think of 2 teams off the top of my head, 1985 & 1999. Also 2001 has a point as well. All 3 teams finished behind the last 2 years. Don't misunderstand me, I believe that these past 2 years and this year's team is incredibly talented and probably would beat those other teams, but you can't discount the fact that Dusty has made these teams successful. Just because you are talented doesn't mean that you will win just by showing up or in spite of yourself. Look at the late 60's team. They were loaded but fell flat. I guess it takes more for me to lose faith in a leader then a bad PH decision.

speaking of the guidelines, I have noticed the imiages for the logos each game. Is there a universal source for these we should use to make sure they are the same size and such? Same with the head shots. Where are people getting these from?

well see, I appreciate that. Considering I figured that only Hairston had faced Lyon before, I gathered he would have done something. And why would I never believe you Cali? :D Regardless, I understand that I am alone on the island of Dusty support, but for all those detractors he does win. We brought him in for that reason and he has been successful no on can argue that. Of course we can debate whether or not the Cubs would have been more successful with a different manager but would there be any proof? Like it or not Dusty Baker is the manager of the Cubs and he has been successful, more so then any other manager in recent memory. I understand that he is frustrating and does questionable things, but really, why get stressed over it in the 2nd game of the season? Doesn't make sense. For those who think that Dusty is a terrible manager, how does he win so often? If you tell me the reason is because of the talent on the team, I would beg to differ. Many a Cub team has had more talent then the last 2 years and have not been successful. The Giant teams of the 90's weren't a juggernaut on paper like the Yankees. Dusty has to be doing something right. Lets try focusing on that for awhile and see what happens.

Well ok, I will be like ZZ i guess. I have never understood the Dusty bashers here. Its not like he hasn't managed teh Cubs to victories. Quick name the last manager to lead the Cubs to back 2 back winning seasons. Besides its a bit early to start up the "fire Dusty" "Win or leave" "In Dusty we no Trusty" stuff. Can't we enjoy baseball for awhile its its pure state. The most important key to this game is that the Cubs made it close and had opportunities. Wasn't the main worry about our offense? Didn't seem too bad throught the 1st 2 games. As far as the pinch hitter choices, Macias hit in the 7th to not burn a PH in a useless AB. How would it have been to have Dubois or Hairston get a single there and get stranded? Would that have been a good move? As for Nefi, has anyone looked at the matchups? What has Hairston done against Lyon? To me, to jump all over the situation in the 2nd game of the year is a bit premature.

Thus saving time for Kelton to make the team....

Well HOF Peter Gammons (:smokin:) claimed on Sportscenter last night that Dusty was pretty confidenant that both Prior and Would would be ready for the start of the season but that he would just move his rotation to have Z start the opener and Wood ready for the home opener

I got sosa in the 13th! In NSBB west to boot! Many people forget about Berkman because he is out for the 1st couple of months. Draft him in late rounds (i think mine was the 18th) and put him on the DL. Think of it as a huge midseason pickup. Livan Hernandez is always a lte pickup but he eats innings and has a solid WHIP. Also pick up a couple of guys that can play multiple positions so they can fill in on off days. A good guy for that is Huff (OF, 1B & 3B) and Matt LeCroy (C, 1B, OF). I think some young guys to look for are Francis (Col), Houston Street (when he turns up on Yahoo) & X Nady. Some turnaround guys - Jason Jennings & Shawn Chacon, Klesko & Erstad

Team Stats & Scoring 1. Number of Cubs wins, season 92 2. Number of Cubs wins, Cardinals season series (14 games) 9 3. Number of runs scored, 2005 933 4. Number of earned runs allowed, 2005 782 Player Stats & Scoring 1. Number of DLee Home Runs 38 2. Number of CPatterson BBs 92 3. Nomar's Batting Average .317 4. Aramis' RBIs 127 5. Maddux's Wins 16 6. Zambrano's ERA 3.25 7. Kerry Wood's Ks 256 8. Mark Prior's Games Started 33 Tiebreaker: Michael Barrett’s OPS .877 --------------------------- ETA (Serena) Team Stats & Scoring 1. 92 + 0 2. 9 + 75 3. 933 + 0 4. 782 + 0 Player Stats & Scoring 1. 38 + 5 2. 92 + 0 3..317 + 0 4. 127 + 0 5. 16 + 20 6. 3.25 + 50 7. 256 + 0 8. 33 + 20 Tiebreaker: Michael Barrett’s OPS .877 Total: 170

well let me add my thanks and my Grrrr....for all the teasing of Cubs baseball and the fun of summer. I guess us here in So Cal do have one leg up. At least it literally FEELS like summer out here with the sun shining and the bikinis already in stores. Funny to see all the winter clothing on 50% off at the stores! Gotta love California