SB Nation User Blog: The E-Man

BLOW IT UP?!

The E-Man — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:15:52 -0000

I had posted a rhetorical question after the Game 2 Loss, where I felt that the writing was on the wall. In spite of the fact that the 2008 Cubs had the best NL record, a deep pitching staff, huge run diferential, and "all that veteran experience", plus Playoff experience, many of you saw as "can't miss" indicators of a World Series appearance. I have World Series tickets (worthless now), as some of my fellow Season Ticket holders have.

However, with the prospect of now looking at essentially the same team who have been swept two years in a row - in 2009 - and that these players for whatever reasons cannot finish the deal - how many of you would be in favor of blowing it up and going younger?

Keep the pitching intact. Keep a couple of veterans who are gamers: Reed, Fontenot, A-Ram, DeRosa as a backup only, Soto - and just trying to deal everyone else.

Personally, I am tired of being crushed so brutally two years in a row. These are NOT the players who can win here. Perhaps the D-Backs method is the way. Speed, better D, clutch hitting in the Post Season...Perfect example: the "veteran" Evan Longoria...

The Rays sucked. Got many 1st round draft choices. Great trades. I would have to think they would be competitive for several years to come. And, in their first ever Playoff game, did THEY choke???

I am for blowing it up and looking at some other ways. Anyone else?

Blow it All Up? Or Add On?

The E-Man — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 03:16:03 -0000

As the Cubs are now poised once again to flop in the Post-Season, I am wondering what sentiment there might be on BCB to just go the way of the D-Backs or Rays, and go for highly-touted, younger and cheaper players, - and dump the overpaid players that just can't get the job done? Maybe hang on to key starters and bullpen, and just clean house?

It would seem that for whatever reason, the team under Lou's regular season guidance has won the Central Division, only to just completely and utterly buckle under the pressure with absolutely no resemblance to the team that had such success in the NLDS.

It is no mistake that the Dodgers completely outplayed, outhit, outpitched, our team, and Lou was also out-managed. Why? Is it a crap-shoot? A "small sample size" - two straight Division series? How close - or far - is this team from "winning" anything.

Many of you will just be satisfied at another Division Championship for your Cubs. That is fine, for you. For me, it is just reinforcing the other flops that I have lived through. I had a great summer of baseball - but ONCE, I'd like to experience a winner.

IF you believe that the team can repeat in what will be a truly competitive Division next year, what do you wish to add or subtract? CC? A shortstop with an arm? Middle relief? What say ye?

BTW - if they win three straight - which has as much chance as Sarah Palin French kissing McCain on camera - I will retract, of course. But, as I've said, these are not the Pirates the Cubs are playing, unfortunately for us.

Shopping for a Pitcher: The Hendry Files

The E-Man — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 15:52:13 -0000

It is an obvious conclusion that it will be difficult for the Cubs to go deep into the playoffs with the current starting rotation. Recently, they slipped back to 4th in the NL in team ERA, no doubt influenced by Demp's poor start against the Sox, and the recent bullpen implosions. Also, when the team falls into a hitting slump - as we have seen recently - a lock-down pitcher that can be a tough stopper is key.

This is not a terrific year to be shopping for a difference-making pitcher. However, as I see it, these are the Free Agents and disgruntled players that could be employees which our Jim Hendry is considering. Have at it! My subjective comments are next to each:

C.C. Sabathia - if the Brew acquires him, I will be sick to my stomach. So will Cubs hitters.

E. Bedard - has plenty of talent, and would be another strong lefty to throw at the Cards and Brew. However, reports are he is not a "team guy". Same was said about Kenny Lofton. Until we got him.

A.J. Burnett - Don't we already have pitchers with high ERA's, that allow plenty of HR's?

Gil Meche - He likes the smaller market. Hendry courted him once, and got Lilly instead. Very talented, but he'd probably be more happy where he is, or Pittsburgh.

Randy Wolf - Pitches well. One game out of six. Next...

Derek Lowe - at 36, he still has a mighty sinker that would be a terrific in Wrigley. We gave Coletti Maddux - maybe he'd return the favor? FA in 2009

Livan Hernandez - I was at Game 3 against the D-Backs. 'Nuf said.

Unfortunately for the Cubs - ain't much more out there this year.