SB Nation User Blog: dmlichte

Cubs expected to broadcast games in Spanish

dmlichte — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 14:17:47 -0000

Cubs expected to broadcast games in Spanish

The Cubs are expected to announce that they will broadcast 20 games in Spanish. The games will be on WRTO-AM 1200.

Sox postpone opener due to snow

dmlichte — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 23:14:57 -0000

Sox postpone opener due to snow

And the Twins are building an open air stadium why?

WSCR Tournament of Bad

dmlichte — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 18:08:26 -0000

WSCR Tournament of Bad

As we brought up a week or so ago, Boers and Bernstein on WSCR do a Tournament of Bad during March Madness and this year is no different. They're actually down to the Sweet 16 and will crown the champ today. Here are the updated brackest.

If you're interested, they vote during the show today from the WSCR website between 2-6pm CST. Of most interest for Cub fans would be the Dan Bernstein Region where Ronny Woo Woo goes up against Jim Belushi for one of the spots in the Final Four. Once Sarah Palin went down to Ronnie Woo Woo my tourney favorite has shifted to People who use bluetooth when not driving.

Court Strikes Chicago's Landmark Law

dmlichte — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 05:21:10 -0000

Court Strikes Chicago's Landmark Law

According to Crain's Chicago Business, a court has decided that Chicago's Landmark Ordinance is unconstitutional. Obviously, as things to in court, this is a long way from resolving itself... however I know of one Chicago ballpark that is impacted by this allegedly unconstitutional law.

Hollandsworth Replaces Plesac

dmlichte — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 03:12:44 -0000

Hollandsworth Replaces Plesac

As we know Dan Plesac has departed the Comcast studios for greener pastures and the MLB Network. Many, including myself were touting Todd Hollandsworth to replace Plesac and that has happened. In a brief snippet in an article focusing on the Heilman trade, Dave Van Dyck reveals that Hollandsworth will take over on Comcast Cubs pre and post game.

New Texas Rangers Unis

dmlichte — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 03:05:20 -0000

New Texas Rangers Unis

For those who enjoy seeing new unis...

The Texas Rangers have unveiled new unis. The changes aren't drastic, aside from a new red alternative jersey. Also, home unis will now say "Texas" instead of "Rangers". Some minor changes to the trim and it seems that vest jerseys are no longer part of their wardrobe.

Overall they are fine... nothing special IMO. I'm think that the home jersey could have been a bit spiced up.

Padres grab former Cubs bird killer off waivers

dmlichte — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 22:32:33 -0000

Padres grab former Cubs bird killer off waivers

The Padres have claimed Jae Kuk Ryu off of waivers from the Tampa Rays. Ryu pitched one game in the majors for the Rays last year.

Cubs Sign So Taguchi

dmlichte — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 04:33:28 -0000

From ESPN.com

Taguchi gets a minor league deal with an invite to spring training. The deal calls for him to potentially $900,000 if he makes the club.

Taguchi is the kind of guy you see on playoff teams, however he'll be 40 this season and did not have a great 2008. This possibly is a guy to bring in to be Fukudome's buddy in spring training as well. I do imagine that he'll get a shot at making the big league team, however with Soriano, Fukudome, Johnson, Bradley and Gathright, the odds are not in his favor of making this team. On the other hand, if he's willing to go down to AAA, he's likely to get a few call-ups with the health issues of Soriano and Bradley.

Bradley interview on Boers and Bernstein

dmlichte — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 23:59:07 -0000

Bradley interview on Boers and Bernstein

Here is the interview link

Judge for yourself but I found the question to be honest. We just need to get used to the fact that Milton is not a typical "fan friendly" Cubbie.

Crowded Bullpen Situation

dmlichte — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 21:57:20 -0000

With the trade of Marquis and the acquisition of Vizcaino, there are a lot of arms battling it out for the bullpen.

Obviously the #5 starter situation is in question at the moment, but leaving that out of the equation, here are the bullpen candidates

LH: Marshall and Cotts

RH: Ascaino, Gaudin, Gregg, Guzman, Hart, Marmol, Patton, Samardzija, Stevens, Wuertz, Vizcaino. Guys like Wells are unlikely to get much consideration.

With Rich Harden's inconsistency there are going to be seven relievers.

Certain to make the bullpen are Gaudin, Gregg, and Marmol.

Vizcanio is there, too, unless he's dealt. IMO, he has a nice track record and could be a valuable addition.

Samardzija and Marshall will both be on the team, the question is whether they'll be relievers or starters.

The interesting situation is the LOOGY and while Neal Cotts likely is the candidate, I'd much rather have Michael Wuertz there. Wuertz doesn't get enough credit and he is very inconsistent, however his numbers against lefties have been very good, especially over the last three seasons. I have little use for Cotts, who has a poor major league track record. Wuertz, if not utilized, should have some real trade value.

Ascanio, Hart and Guzman will likely get an extended look but appear to be crowded out. Patton would seem to have a hard time sticking on a contending team.

I think at this point in time, I'd prefer to have Marshall in the rotation. IMO its time to see what the Cubs have in Marshall who could be a nice middle of the rotation starter. Gaudin could be that swing man.

Then working from the 9th inning back the Cubs have

- Marmol in closer situation

- Gregg, Vizcaino and Samardzija setting up

- Gaudin and one other righty cleaning up

- Wuertz as the LOOGY.

I'm actually fairly satisfied with the bullpen as is. The Cubs did take a step backwards in the 8th inning situation but as a whole, there are several good arms. With as difficult as relief arms are to predict and relievers coming on out of nowhere, I could see Gaudin, Vizcaino and Wuertz providing a lot of stability to the pen.

Other bullpen thoughts?