Update Bagwell played firstbase for the first time this spring, but he didn't have a chance to test the shoulder as he didn't have to throw any during his four innings. To me, this is likely the death knell of the insurance claim.
Is anybody arguing that his injuries are not a huge concern? No. The argument is that wins is the most worthless pitching stat, ever. If you want to knock him, use Starts. Not wins. Wins have been the #1 measurement of a successful starting pitcher since baseball began and will continue to be so. As much as everyone wants to wish it away and makeup their own stat du jour, wins are what counts. Anything else is just excuse making. Why measure a pitcher with a number that he has less than 50% of the control over? It seems rather assinine to me.
A lot of it is playing time decisions. As the players stay longer and the pitchers throw longer outings, there's going to be fewer innings pitched and played for the other players, so by going to minor league camp they'll get more time on the field. Minor leaguers will still get called back for games some times, but it will get fewer and fewer.
This article has some interesting conclusions. This writer seems to believe that Hendry's deal is about done, but Baker is being watched this year before a decision on his deal is made.
I'm with you, Raisin. I always thought Marshall had better stuff and was more projectible. I like Hill and think he still can be a good major league pitcher. (I would've sent him packing for Dunn without thinking twice however.) Hopefully, this is more Marshall being healthy than a de-evaluation of Hill.
Baseball Prospectus is breaking down the minor leagues in each division. They took on the NL Central. Link Under what's not working, they mention injuries to Guzman, Johnson, Ryu, and Brownlie. They also mention Dopirak's disapointing season. This is what they said about 2006 Rookies- They really like Veal, but don't care so much for Gallagher.
Right now, I'd say it's 60-70% likely Hendry is back, and 50-50 on Dusty. If the Cubs return to the play-offs, then Dusty likely returns. If the team is successful, but just misses like in 2004, who knows? If they end up like last season, he's gone.
According to the Sun Times, the organization now values Marshall over Hill. Link. I've been impressed with Marshall as well. If he stays healthy, he could be very, very good. Maybe it's time to see what value we could get for Hill in a trade... :-k
Not only has Wood recovered well, apparently Miller looks to be ready in early May as well. Link. I still think if we can have a healthy Prior to start the season and a healthy Wood and Miller to complete the rotation in May that we will be a strong contender this season.
According to this article at Cubs.com, Baker hasn't been approached with an offer for an extension. While the talk all winter was on an extension being done in the spring, it appears, at least for the time, one isn't forthcoming. It's possible the Cubs are waiting to see how the season plays out before re-upping with Hendry and Baker.
My wife has said that if we have another daughter it would not have a Cubs themed name. BTW Addison's middle name is Grace. On the other hand, these are the boys names I have selected: Ryne Maddux and Banks
Yeah. And I've posted these before, but here's Addison in some of her previous Cubs outfits. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/vance_the_cubs_fan/swing.jpg Addison at 3 months. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/vance_the_cubs_fan/addisonandbear.jpg Also around 3-4 months. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/vance_the_cubs_fan/addisoncubsoutfit008.jpg This one was around 9 months. I can't find a pic from last summer when she was 1 year.
I'm getting ready to order some Cubs clothes for Addison. I've looked at http://www.wrigleyvillesports.com. They have a cute Cubs cheerleader outfit, but I was hoping for a larger selection. Does anyone know of any other sites? Thanks.
But to me, if I see a thread titled "Oh my god!" and the only thing in there is a link, I don't even bother with it. I'm not going to click random links that I know nothing about, especially when the thread title gives no clue. so, instead of starting discussion, titles should be clearer in stating what's contained in the link
Unfortunately I need to fly back home tomorrow. I wanted to go back Sunday and see two games, but I'm flying on a free voucher (compensation for volunteering to be bumped from an overbooked flight) and couldn't get a return trip on Sunday. You're right about the auction tomorrow. I'd say that the game is very much up in the air, though, as there is a 70% chance of rain for the Phoenix area tomorrow (which would break a streak of 140+ days with no rain). Yeah it sucks that you can't stay longer, but free flights are always good. I would love to be at the auction.