vance_the_cubs_fan

The Cardinals suck!!!!

Magic 8-ball says, "It is certain"

I wonder if the Phillies would do a Marshall for Abreu deal. Maybe Marshall and Jones for Abreu and a minor leaguer.

If you could replace Marshall with Hill/Guzman....or both, I would do it in a heartbeat. I just think Marshall is the real deal. And if they wanted Sing, or Harvey to complete it, I'd do that too. I think if you replace Marshall, the Marlins hang up the phone. They know what they have in Cabrera. If they trade him, it will be for someone that is the "real deal."

I think Marshall, Pie, and Wuertz might get their attention for Cabrera.

I think it is time for a change. This team is going no where with Baker at the helm. While the current failures of the team may not be all Baker's fault, that's just the nature of accountability. Baker never failed to take credit for the success of 2003, so why should he deflect from himself the blame for the current failures. He's not getting the most out of this team. Even poor teams should be able to avoid long losing streaks. Baker is unable to right the ship during these times. We are currently in an 8 game losing streak. Last season we had two eight game losing streaks and one seven game losing streak. I stopped counting how many times we lost three or four in a row. That is unacceptable. His contract is up at the end of the year. It's time to move on and moving on should occur without Baker.

Johnson also has the distinction of being the only manager fired the same year he wins manager of the year. As bad as the Cubs are managed, it could be worse. They could be the Orioles. I've put out requests that they consider Gary Varsho if they want to go young. I'd put out a feeler to the Hitman, Don Mattingly because Girardi was so highly looked out for and Willie R. has done a pretty good job with the Mets. I think you have to at least give a courtesy interview to Brenley...I mean, you do have a manager that won the WS on payroll. That being said, I expect if they fire Dusty before the end of the year, that they'll promote from within for the rest of the season (or hire Brenley) and get serious about a full-time replacement if the new guy doesn't do better in the offseason. If I'm not mistaken, that was a result of a personality issue between Johnson and the Angelos family. I don't think Johnson would have the same problems in Chicago. He'd be an excellent hire.

I thought I owed Pierre an apology for those thinsg I said about him while I sat in the bleachers watching him play against us last season. I'm starting to think I have spoketh the truth.

My list of replacements: 1. Davey Johnson. Johnsons has said he's not interested in managing again, but if the Cubs offered him a contract similar to Baker's I think he could be persuaded. Johnson isn't the easiest person to get along with, but he understands the game, is not afraid of stats and data, and will always be one of the most prepared managers around. Johnson has a 14-year track record as a manager with one World Series title. He has a career .564 winning percentage with an impressive four seasons above 600, and directed two teams to seasons with over 100 wins. In his 14 years, Johnson only had two teams finish below .500. Of those 14 seasons, Johnson has five first place finishes, and seven second place finishes. His teams contend. I don't think we could do any better than Davey. 2. Larry Dierker. Dierker only managed for five years, and he had winning seasons in four of those five years. He has a nice 533 career winning percentage. I'm not as big a fan of Dierker as I am Johnson, but you could do lots worse than picking Dierker. 3. Fredi Gonzalez Gonzalez is my favorite of the relative unknowns. Gonzalez is a coach with the Braves and has come through their system. He's bright and has learned from Cox. I think if the Cubs decide to go with an unproven route, Gonzalez would be the man I'd take. He likely would not be available until at the end of the season.

From the looks of the offense, I'm not sure the Cubs players are using bats anymore.

What trash did we get in return for Patterson again?

So, how many games do we have between now and June 10? I'm curious to how long the losing streak might last.

Has the season reached critical mass yet?

He also made a great catch while running into the wall. The best catch of the night goes to Montanez, however.

Anyone interested in a return of Paul Noce.

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If the Cubs want someone with managerial experience, I hope they look at Davey Johnson or Larry Dierker. If you want a young coach, I hope they look to Fredi Gonzalez.

I heard that. It was on right after the announcement of the Delino DeShields signing. I thought so. Oh wait...Mickey Morandini just signed a minor league deal!

Thanks for sharing....my new favorite!

I remember my ancestors telling me about the time Fassero struck out three batters in one inning right and then helped the Israelites defeat the Egyptians in extra innings. Pharoah was so pissed off he chased them into the Red Sea.

Is there any truth to the rumor we just traded for Mark Grudzielanek again?

I'm going to watch a minor league game tonight. To Tivo or not to Tivo...that is the question.

Ron, If you're reading this...what's the weather like over there? I'm about to leave around 3:00 PM and the reports are saying thunderstorms but the doppler looks clear.

I think Maddux does have a no-trade. Cot's isn't always completely accurate. I know that Walker has a limited no-trade clause for this season which isn't listed by Cot's.

I'm really thinking Dusty could be gone. Our losing streak has hit 7 games. Last year we had three such streaks of at least this length. Good managers don't allow this to happen to their teams.