SB Nation User Blog: lilkimmer77

A Look Ahead For A Set With 'Stros

lilkimmer77 — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 09:13:56 -0000

And so we start another set with the inner-division Astros, where Biggio will be leadin....wait a second, no, for the first time in 100 years the Cubbies will face Houston without a man that looked like he was 15 at age 35. Here's a few things I look forward to and look for...

First and foremost, Rich Hill. If we're gonna be successful this year we need Hill to be throw the ball like we all know he can. After a not-so-sweet spring break, will surely be anxious to see what he looks like in first start. More specifically, if he can get the dirty breaking ball going and spot the heat. I hate Chris Young.

Effectiveness of line-up. I think there's been enough talk on this subject for the first 3 days of the season.

Getting a lead early. I hear this is a good thing, plus for Ron Santo's health, it'd be nice to get on the board first. In all seriousness though, it's hard to make a habit of winning when your playing from behind like we have been. Let's see what we can do.

In addition to that, when you have a lead, it's much easier for Lou to manage his bullpen and set those guys up for success. I'm curious to see as how our middle relief will pitch under pressure.

Kosuke "I am really good at baseball" Fukudome

Slow down Cub killers Carlos Lee and Lance Berkman. I have no idea what to think about Miguel Tejada to tell you the truth.

Additional Notes on First Victory

lilkimmer77 — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 23:27:45 -0000

Just a handful of things I'd like to hear people's thoughts on...

Capital 'A' for Awesome victory today. Some thoughts...

- First and foremost, the thing that has had me giddy like a school girl since the winter, Mr. Kosuke Fukudome, what a beast. Having an on-base guy on the team, a guy you know will 99% of the time make something out of his plate appearance, is really really refreshing. You heard it here first - Fuku for ROOKIE OF THE YEAR AND MVP.

- Now do people believe me that Dempster wil be solid this year? Been trying to say he has the stuff to be a solid starter and today that left-to-right sinking fastball was dirty. Love it.

- Another positive, Mr. Soto. This kid can rake. That sac fly probably woulda been a jack if it wasn't going into the teeth of the wind. But I think we all knew he could hit, here's to him keeping it up.

- The studs (Fonz, Lee, Aram) are heatin' up, gotta love it when one of them finally breaks out of their shell and carries the team for a week or so.

- One kind-of, sort-of negative from the game today, I'm sure nobody was as upset about Pie's bases loaded at-bat more then Pie. The fact that I (my first sport is ice hockey) knew every single thought process in his head during the at-bat made me think I could of struck him out. I'm pretty sure he went up there saying he was gonna hack at a first pitch fastball and he did so to one that was at the letters...finally goin back there to strike him out. This said, I know he'll come back from it, it was just a typical young-guy at the plate with bases loaded no outs trick.

Until tomorrow

Lineup Discussion

lilkimmer77 — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 04:12:37 -0000

I know it's about as early as it gets, but to be honest, I never have really liked this lineup that Lou is throwing out there right now. And for multiple reasons. I think the fundamental theory of a baseball line-up AND with the personnel we have, we're ultimately just hurting ourselves in the long run. And just to be clear, this post would be up even if the Cubbies were 1-0. Gimme a chance :) Hear me out.

I'm a Ryan Theriot fan, believe me, but he's not built (yet) to be a major league leadoff hitter. I am all for having some speed in the top spot, but his OBP just isn't good enough to get it done. Which brings me to Fonz. Alf as a leadoff hitter is just a unique situation, I think we all know what he offers and "dis-offers" with his services in the #1 spot. I also don't think he should be there. I think the OPTIMAL choice for this spot is Fukudome. His career OBP in japan was ridiculous, and by what we've seen from him thusfar, I really don't see anything changing in that respect.

This is what it comes down to...

Defensive baseball teams feel stress when there are people on base. It makes them have many more mental thoughts before a pitch (which I admit the majority of big leaguers have no problem with) but it also opens up holes, but most importantly makes the pitcher feel less comfortable. Not only would Kosuke be on base non-stop, but he can also run and why not give the guy as many at-bats as physically possible in a baseball game. Guy's a stud.

Given this I really wouldn't mind Fonz in the 2-hole, but again, I think we could do better. IMO, the 2 spot is the most important one of all. With Fuku on base in front, if we just put someone there that we know can handle the bat, it'd be money in the bank. Maybe a Dero who we know won't hesitate a second to give up his at-bat to SACRIFICE for the team. Anyone see Fonz doing that? Didn't think so.

So how about something like this...

1. Fuku

2. Dero

3. Lee

4. Aram

5. Alf

6.Soto

7. Riot

8. Pie

I'm sorry, but Fonz can just shut his trap if he's gonna start complaining about hitting 5th, which I'm not necessarily saying he would. But the idea is to win games and I truly think something like this is our best recipe for success.

Poll

Do you agree?

Yes

25 votes

No

20 votes

Maybe So

13 votes

58 votes | Poll has closed

Only Pure Joy From This Diary...

lilkimmer77 — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 07:14:46 -0000

There's nothing I like more then writing a post on BCB after a nice Cubbies victory. I have 6 words that are probably more premature then anything that has ever been said here, I can't wait until the fall. That's right, I said it. I guess technically it's 7 words but who cares. We have a team here, ladies and gentlemen, that's capable of great things. This is not meant to guarantee anything because, well, nothing in life is guaranteed. Just like Wood and Prior are no longer guaranteed, but again, who cares. From what I've seen, I like our chances against anyone...

I've seen signs too Al

The last two games we have looked like a team on a mission. And although this obviously can't last for 157 more games, but......wait, what if it can? What if Wade Miller is a solid #5 starter (which I'll take) and our other four starters just keep pitching like they have been? I'm ranting, let me get back on track here.

I have grown to appreciate MLB.tv because, to tell you the truth, it's nice to hear another team's perspective from their broadcasters. It's especially nice when all they constantly talk about is how, "this cubbies line-up is gonna do some work this year" or, "YIKES" after Z K's the side in the first inning, or, "there aren't too manyy first basemen who make that play". It's nice, FOR ONCE, to be respected and almost feared. That is why I can not wait until the fall, with the talent on this cubbies team (and possibly added talent with wood and/or prior) there is no reason to be contending for something come the time the ivy is going through it's beautiful foliage.

And of course I can't go through any sort of diary without mentioning Lou Piniella. Again, it's early, but I absolutely love what he's teaching these 'kids' and just his impeccable timing in every asset of the game. Let's keep it goin, and until something bad happens, I'm gonna keep writing these random diaries.

1st Win with Our New Era Cubbies

lilkimmer77 — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 08:08:26 -0000

I can't sleep because these thoughts are running through my head at a mile a minute. So basically, everyone here gets the pleasure of reading this for the reason that I have sleeping issues, but I digress.

Sure, the season is a 'marathon' as everyone calls it, and there are 162 games to play, but no one likes to start 0-2. Especially when you have half the team swimming in a pool of gold (like the father figure from 'Duck Tales' used to do, anyone remember 'Duck Tales'?). Anyways, yes, 1-1 and ahead of both the Astros and Cardinals. Tell you one thing, I'm not liking these young and talented teams coming from PA and WI.

First, things I loved about the W. Ted Lilly, what more can you say. Two days after your ace gets aced himself, the $40 million dollar man lives up to billing and shuts down the Reds. I hate Adam Dunn. Next thing that comes to mind, Derosa playing a solid game on both sides of the ball. How hard you think it must of been to play defense on a day like today? Freezing, just standing there. I'm usually drinking a beer during softball so I got that going for me. Derosa, great effort, stressing effort, I think I'm gonna like this guy. He's like a good Alex Gonzalez of old. Next, I love to see us win a ballgame when it wasn't exactly the big boppers doing all the bopping. Lee and Ramirez, I think they'll be just fine. Cesar came up with a big hit today. If he was hacking at another first pitch with bases loaded, I was gonna fly to Cincy (I'm in Argentina), and personally [bleep] [bleep] him myself. I'm gonna go ahead and guess Lou had something to do with his different approach this time around. Ahhhh and yes, my favorite part of the game, Lou coming out guns blazing in the ninth to set Dempster straight. I timed it, the meeting lasted exactly 1.237546973 seconds but Lou managed to get at least 8 words in there. 7 and 1/2 of which one should not write on a family site such as this. I couldn't stop laughing when I read both their post-game statements on what Lou said and they couldn't have been further apart from eachother (like two similar magnetic poles, 6th grade science coming into use). I love the fire in Lou's eyes, it's contagious.

And there are still of course things I didn't like today. It seemed like DLee was getting a little frustrated, and who could blame him, Arroyo had some nasty stuff early on and he was looking so good, I'm convinced he could of got ME out. Let's see, what else didn't I like.....I didn't like my crappy MLB.tv feed....I didn't like the catcher's interference, I haaaated having to listen to Brentley or Brenley or Bramley or whatever his stupid name is. Howry is an abolute stud as a side note....not really much not to like when you win a ballgame. Marquis tomorrow, let's see how 'connected' he got with Rothschild in spring training. I personally think he looked like a machine his last spring training outing. But then again, that's spring training. Good night all, hopin there will be some replies to this when I wake up (which should be about 1 hr before first pitch). Here's to settin' the bar high...

Cubbies' New Years Resolutions

lilkimmer77 — Mon, 01 Jan 2007 04:48:06 -0000

I have personally contacted all of our favorite people to see what they'll be working on in 2007, so here it is:

A. Ramirez: I will always hustle out of the box, even if I know I just cracked one onto Waveland. My bat will be there, so I'll continue to improve playing the hot corner.

M. Barrett: If I get another chance, I'll sock Pierzynski and make it count this time. I'll never wear one of those goofy hockey helmets behind the plate.

A. Soriano: I won't be content with swimming in my pool of gold coins (Ducktale's style), I'll actually care about winning.

D. Lee: I'll continue to bail out bad throws from my teammates. My wrist will never get in the way of someone running down the first-base line. More thoughts of a triple crown?

J. Jones: I'll continue to use the best looking bat in the bigs.

M. Murton: I won't care what other people think about me, cause I know I'm good.

C. Izturis: I'll find ways to stay off the DL and play like the gold-glover that I am. I'll fulfill much needed productivity from the bottom of the order.

M. Prior: I will pitch in full body pads so I can live up to my potential and show all the nay-sayers that I am potentially the best pitcher in the league. I will name my calves.

L. Piniella: I promise to bring this team to the promised land, becoming the most loved person in all of Chicago. I also promise at least one (very entertaining) encounter with an umpire per month. All three infield bases will--at some point--end up in the outfield.

C. Zambrano: Edmonds will taste my fury, 105 mph style. Cy Young. I will stay with the Cubbies until my arm falls off (in 2020).

K. Wood: My loyalty will pay off, big time.

Bullpen: My ERA will collectively be under 4.0, so will our collective college GPA.

And for us, we will continue to be the best fans in the world. There is something to say about a group of people who devote a big (or small) part of their lives to a team many know as the 'loveable losers'. Even my own family makes fun of me for having to see every pitch of every possible game--for filling out a scorecard at the Friendly Confines when being down by 6 runs in the 8th inning--for bleeding cubbie blue. This is the year, I know it, the world is going to change. Happy New Year everyone.

Line-Up Up and Away

lilkimmer77 — Sun, 31 Dec 2006 19:07:43 -0000

I can't help but to think about the Cubs almost every second I'm awake. Right now I'm spending some time in Argentina so this makes it kind of tough considering they live, breathe and eat (dont ask how) fútbol (soccer) here. Ultimately, I have no one to share Cubbie passion with, hence, bringing it up with all of you whenever a random thought gets generated in my fragile brain.

The leadoff spot is going to be very intriguing come fall time. Last year was obviously a no-brainer with Pierre but there are plenty of options for Piniella to tinker with. First, who knows what our middle infield is going to look like exactly come opening day but guys like Theriot are certainly viable candidates (of course you need to be starting to be in the lead-off spot). Soriano is constantly brought up but I personally think he's too much of a thumper to be wasted there. Also, no one can say his SB numbers last year were a little inflated because he was trying to make bank in the offseason (which I'm not sure, did he?).

Personally, I would like to see Murton as our #1 guy. I know, I know, he doesn't have to wheels that leadoff men generally should but, he works pitchers better then anyone else on the team. He's also a phenomenal contact hitter than can use every part of the field. His hair is red so chances of the pitcher being disturbed come first pitch are extremely high and he seems like the kind of guy that would be willing to do anything for the team to win and not come in last place in the division. Again, the issue arises of, will he be starting opening day? I certainly hope he is.

New Face of the $100 Bill (Big Z)

lilkimmer77 — Sat, 30 Dec 2006 19:52:31 -0000

No one needs to be reminded that Zito's new contract has broken records, this I know. With this, I'd be curious to see how much people think Zambrano will rack up next year. He has arguable been one of the most consistent pitchers within the last few years, he's extremely young and built like a tank. I personally think Hendry was dumb not to offer him something already (because as we all see the price of pitchers has experienced inflation worse then gas prices). Now I'm sure Carlos is licking his chops to cash in whenever he can. As a side note, the genuine passion Zambrano has for the game is contagious and I think he'd pitch for free if it came down to it, but money is money. And we all know the more other people have (see Zito, Meche, etc.), the more Big Z is ultimately going to have, especially when you're better then everyone else now wiping their asses with $100 bills. MY GUESS: AT LEAST 7 YEARS, AT LEAST 150 MILLION