anemic offense

he was also in a much more diffeicult situation than Santana was. For a starter who is accustomed to establishing a routine and starting the game, coming out of the pen has to be extremely tough. Not trying to make excuses for Carlos, but one would think that would factor into his performance (especially the first time out).

If Pete Rose received a lifetime ban for gambling, then Barry should receive ten. I don't care HOW good he was before he took the roids his actions are irreprehensible. IMO, this means no Cooperstown, no jersey retirement, no anything. Simply put, Barry Bonds is a disease to the human race. He's an ahole, a cheater, a liar, and a downright disgraceful citizen. Playing in the MLB is a privelage, not a right, and for him to have a consistent disregard to the fans, the integrity of the game, and a sense of truth is downright. I CAN'T believe anyone actually rooted for this guy.

Hopefully Maddux will have a rejuvenated year. If you ask me Maddux has had MORE than a little bit of luck. For the better part of the last two years it seemed 50% of the Cubs' big run games came when Maddog was on the mound. In about 2/3 of those games Maddux was getting absolutley creamed and should have had no chance to win. However he often came out on the better part of an 8-6 7-5 decision. If it wasn't for that, Maddux probably wouldn't have got to 15 2 years ago let alone last year (in contrast to the Z's and Prior's who have got ZERO run support). That statement is utterly ridiculous.

No you're not. But it's very popular to bash BBT personalities and assume all ex-player analysts/color commentators know less about the game then they do. Kruk is a neanderthal. Most ex-players know what they are talking about. Kruk was signed for that "average joe" appeal, not for baseball knowledge. I agree with you that his value on BBT is as an entertainer more than an expert. They have other guys to satisfy that role. But it doesn't mean Kruk is a complete baseball idiot. He's not even good at that. Aside from being an idiot, he comes across as an arrogant, pompous, self-conceited jerk who is sarcastic 99% of the time. Harold may be an even bigger idiot, but at least he doesn't rub me the wrong way.

What are you talking about? Prior wasn't the one with a .750 OPS last year. You are out of your mind! :lol: Seriously though, I'd have to go with Z, but you can't argue with someone for taking a healthy Prior. Any pitcher who can post a 18-6 record with a 2.43 ERA on a team who couldn't score runs is a worthy #1 pick on any team.

Just because you get to see a Cubs/Cards game for FREE doesn't mean you have to come here and toot your horn about it. I know that's lame, but I couldn't resist. Especially when you said you played the trombone.

Sounds encouraging, but it seems almost EVERY pitcher is working on "another pitch".

It's not on WGN radio. All MLB webcasts are broadcast through MLB.com audio. Thanks. I wouldn't have known because I couldn't get the Cubs carrying station to come in at ALL. This also begs the question, would any of you recommend signing up for MLB.com services? Unfortunately, Mediacom couldn't "come to an agreement" with CSNC in the DM Ames area, thus I am left with only WGN games. I've been thinking about signing up for the online video feeds, but I've often wondered if the value was worth the cost. Any anbd all feedback would be greatl;y appreciated. The audio package is only $14.95. To me, it's worth that just for ST games. I'm not sure about MLB.tv as I use EI Extra Innings for my Cubs games in the season. Thanks again Vance.

Anyone have Guzman's line? Judging by the score I'd say the threw well, but it'd be even more encouraging if his peripherals were stellar as well.

Congrats!

It's not on WGN radio. All MLB webcasts are broadcast through MLB.com audio. Thanks. I wouldn't have known because I couldn't get the Cubs carrying station to come in at ALL. This also begs the question, would any of you recommend signing up for MLB.com services? Unfortunately, Mediacom couldn't "come to an agreement" with CSNC in the DM Ames area, thus I am left with only WGN games. I've been thinking about signing up for the online video feeds, but I've often wondered if the value was worth the cost. Any anbd all feedback would be greatl;y appreciated.

Can somebody give me the lowdown? I'm in Ames (Ia.) and I can't get Pat and Ron to come in. Also, none of the major sports websites seem to update their scoreboards very well. :evil:

It should ALWAYS be high. :lol:

So you basically have to be a season ticket holder to buy Cubs Cards tickets? What a bunch of crap. This from the fan of a team that sells their tickets through a scalping front... Not many (if any) around here think the Cubs' scam should be legal, let alone emplored. Crap is crap. Just because we're Cubs fans doesn't mean we turn a blind eye to the organizations flaws. We're calling for Dusty's head on a platter for christ sakes. :)

Its definately not a given, but its conceivable Wood could be the 4th or 5th best starter upon his return. Z, Prior, are better straight away, and any one of Maddog (if his conditioning yeilds results), Williams, Hill, and Miller (even Rusch) have the chance to be better. That's a LOT of ifs, but its easily within in the realm of possibility.

Aside from the added injury risk, I've always been intriqued with Carlos getting some ph at bats. Z can flat out mash, with the only drawback being his high strike out rate (which, if put in a different situation, I think he'd curtail). He also scares the hell out of me everytime he slides into base. It sure would be something to see though.

Best GM trader in baseball? I highly doubt it. My money would be on Shapiro in Cleveland. That's like comparing apples to oranges. Not that Shapiro isn't a fantastic GM, but he was in a much different situation when he made those trades. Aside from Marte, Shapiro hauled his current lot when he dismantled the team 4-5 years ago. Conversely, Hendry has had to try to make trades while maintainging a winning ballclub. For the most part, I think Jim has made more fantastic trades than not, especially when evaluating based on what was known at the time instead of hindsight hindsight (Nomah). IMO, the GMs who have can juggle maintaining a winning team and making trades at the same time are more impressive. As Tim said, the Schuerholz's and Jocketty's are probably at the top, along with Beane. Then there's the guys/teams who have done great jobs of dismantling teams while ensuring they get great talent in return, that is the Shapiros/Clevelands and the Marlins. I think they are two distinct groups until those in the latter can show they can do both at the same time.

It's only the 2nd game of SP, but Welly's been with the team going on three years and has hasn't improved at all. If anything his controll has actually regressed. He's got to be on the shortest leash of anyone in camp.

Yes it is. They'd gain credibility by not having it at all.

They got the same crew as last year? Ugh I don't know who was worse. Kruk with his constant sarcasm, Harold and his idiotic analyses, or Ravitch who's an annoying twit. Man I miss the days with Rece Davis and more Gammons and Kurkijan. It was a pretty good show back then

Just read the game recap over @ ESPN.com and decided to check if they'd updated player bios. I clicked on Zambrano's name and decided to take a gander at the "Insider" portion of his bio. This is laughable: Talk about perplexing. He has one of the FASTEST delieveries in baseball which makes him EXTREMELY tough to run against (as evidence by his 1 SB allowed last year). Not only that, but Carlos has developed an extremely good move to first (which I believe resulted in a few pick offs). Which brings me to this; if Carlos is average, just what the hell constitutes a good to plus rating when holding baserunners? Zero steals and 45 pickoffs? Someone at ESPN needs to brush up on their homework.

has to be over 10, probably closer to 15 games. Absolutely sick how we have blown so many games this year. and btw, I hate the Cavs a lot too..not on the level of the Knicks and Pistons, but they are up there. Mostly because of the bandwagon Cavs "fans" at my school. LeBron gets way too much star treatment too, another thing that definitely turns me off from the NBA. I also don't like how pretty much every one of their games is on network TV just because of LeBron. Hello, we made the playoffs last year and I can count the number of network games that we have had this year on one hand. Something is not right with that. The most frustrating thing is how they've blown those games. If I didn't know any better I would have thought they were trying to lose these games. Ben Gordon inexplicably going soft on the layup, Noce not grabbing that ball, Noce helping on defense when you HAVE to guard the perimeter. Seriously, these are mistakes caused from continuous lapses in mental concentration. It's nauseating. One other aspect I've noticed about this team is an inner will/passion to want these games. Although many people associate playing hard and a will to win synomously (they are closely linked), they are two distinctly different beasts. There's nary a night where I doubt this team's effort. However there are several nights where I question this team's desire and will. Where' the passion? Where's the ferocity? At some point, this team will HAVE to supplement its hard nose play with that desire. Last year it was evident. This year that quality is AWOL. Can they get it back? I hope so, because I'm afraid if they don't their playoff chances are slim and none.

Wow, its only a matter of time before the Giants will have to build an on site nursing home adjacent to the field. They're trotting one 1/3 of the nations senior citizen population on the field every day.

I wouldn't either. Might hurt a little bit. :lol:

I think the Cubs could put together a package that would satisfy Florida, but I'm not sure they'd even try. A lot would depend on how guys play early this year. If Pie gets off to a rocking start his value will increase. If Guzman looks good, he would be of value as well. The question's not whether or not the Cubs could offer a package that would SATISFY the Marlins. Rather its whether or not the Cubs can COMPETE with other teams' offers, specifically those (Arizona, La, Laa, etc.) that have better farm systems. I believe the answer to the latter question is a resounding no, unless that is, the Cubs are willing to strap this team for several years (considering the high priced guys we already/will have and the lack of depth of talent in the farm system) to come.