SB Nation User Blog: madog93

Lahey to the Phillies

madog93 — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 12:23:02 -0000

Tim Lahey who the Cubs picked up in the rule 5 draft was picked up by the Phillies early this morning. They had to either keep him on the 25 man roster or take the risk of losing him. I was hoping along with Al that they could get him right back from the Twins as the PTBNL in the Craid Monroe deal, but it did not work out that way. I hate to lose him, but it is good to have too many arms. Here is the link to the article on chicagosports.com

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/cs-080328-chicago-cubs-tim-lahey-phillies,1,5917797.story

Why Jason Kendall?

madog93 — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 12:31:49 -0000

I know this was discussed in the game thread to some extent, but I wanted to post a diary and talk about Jason Kendall in detail. I realize that Shawn Marshall did not have very good stuff last night, but he did have a guy struck out only to have his catcher throw a lolipop to first base that allowed the player to reach first. It did appear to me that that one play is what opened the flood gates in the inning and got St. Louis back in the game. He had more than enough time to take two steps to his right and fire a good throw down there that Dereck Lee no doubt would have caught. I don't normally blame an entire ball game on one bad play that early in a game, but this time I am going to. That play completely changed the momemtum of the game.
Now let's look at what happend in the first game. Soto had a third strike get past him and go all the way to the wall. He ran back and quickly fired a strike to first and got his man by a half a step. I don't think Kendall would have made this play. Soto hits the ball very well. He has a better arm than Kendall and I think he calls a better game. I am sick of hearing that Kendall is in there because he is a veteran. Who care if he is a veteran if he isn't getting the job done. I haven't been very impressed with him ever since he got here. In his first game he missed a pop up that came back to haunt us. I really hope the Cubs don't resign him next year. In fact, I really hope his playing time gets taken away in favor of Soto, who at this point in their careers is a better option behind the plate and at the plate.

Poll

Who shold be catching the most down the stretch.

Soto

24 votes

Blanco

2 votes

Kendall

22 votes

48 votes | Poll has closed

Who is the odd man out?

madog93 — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 21:24:49 -0000

I posted something similar to this in an old diary, but I wanted to bring it to the forefront and get some more ideas on it. As we all know, Lou is saying he wants to go with a 12 man pitching staff. Here is how I have it:

Zambrano
Lilly
Marquis
Hill
Miller/Guzman (probably Miller unless traded)

PEN

Wood
Eyre
Howry
Dempster
Ohman
Cotts
Weurtz

I know Cotts hasn't pitched real well in the spring, but Jim did not trade for him to send him to the minors. He is probably safe. That leaves Ohman and Weurtz. I think Ohman is safe as well, so it really leaves us with Weurtz. When his slider is working it can be pretty nasty (the air in AZ could be having an affect on the slider). Too much pitching is a good problem to have, but at the same time I think somebody is going to have to be traded before the season starts. If Guzman wins the fifth starter's job then Miller is the obvious guy to trade. Someone else mentioned using Guzman for long relief, which might not be a bad idea. If that happens though who is the odd man out in the bull pen? Lou has also said that Rocky Cherry has looked very good and has a chance at making the team.
I also know that over the course of 162 games you are going to need about 17 pithcers. We have a good stockpile right now. Notice the one guy I didn't mention (Prior). I believe he is done.

A litmus test for my heart

madog93 — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 17:48:56 -0000

This past Sunday's Super Bowl loss by our Chicago Bears proved something that I always knew to be the case. My heart truly belongs to our beloved Cubbies. After the Bears game I was dissapointed and really wished that the outcome would have been different. Had they won I would have been ecstatic and been going bonkers with my friends and family members that I had over at my house to watch the game on my new 50" DLP tv. When they lost however I was still happy about the season we had just witnessed. I was happy for Tony Dungy and Peyton Manning. The Colts are a class act just like Lovie and the Bears, so I couldn't help but be happy for them.
I am sorry for rambling, but I said all that to say that if that had been the Cubs losing game 7 of the world series I wouldn't be so calm. When the Cubs lost to the Marlins in '03, I was distraught. I couldn't believe what had just happened, and I am not ashamed to admit that I shed a couple of tears. In fact, I hate to admit that I threw a childish temper tantrum. This might belong in the "Why we are here" diary, but I just wanted to share it with you. When our Cubs reach the baseball mountain top I will be so happy that words won't begin to describe it. I will probably tear up again with tears of joy. I hope that day comes this October.
My heart belongs to you Chicago Cubs.

Girardi article in the Suntimes

madog93 — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 12:39:34 -0000

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/deluca/82553,CST-SPT-deluca04.article

I just read this article about Joe Girardi and I am more in favor of him being the manager of the Cubs than I ever was. The Marlins were pissed at Girardi for not getting their younger catcher in the game to hit more. Joe wanted the vet catcher to work with the young pitchers more. The Marlins wanted Joe to take a look at some of the younger players more. Joe was trying to win. Isn't that what the manager is supposed to be trying to do?!?! For that matter, isn't it more important to develop a young pitching staff than a young catcher? The Marlins did have a no hitter this year. This may be a moot point though as the catcher who caught the no-no was Olivo. Joe Girardi did not expect the fire sale that took place right after he was hired.
I have heard some say they don't want him to be here becuase he doesn't allow facial hair. Who CARES! I don't care if he manages a team of bald headed monkies as long as they win. The only thing I thought sounded crazy was when I heard that Andre Dawson had to shave his moustache.
Joe understands the Cubs and he understands Cub fans. He grew up a die hard Cubs fan. I know this because I have met him and he told me this himself. I think he would be a good fit. Isn't that what most of us have been asking for for years now? We want a guy running the team that really cares. We already know we won't be getting ownership like this. At least we have a shot at having a manager like this.

Rally in front of the Chicago Tribune

madog93 — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 15:27:44 -0000

I know the issue of who the Cubs should hire as their new manager has been debated here over and over. My intent is not to beat a dead horse. I heard yesterday that there was a group of disgruntled Cub fans having a rally in from of the Tribune holding up signs and asking Hendry to hire Joe Girardi as the manager. Does anyone here know if this is true? Even if it is true I don't suspect it will sway Hendry's decision making one little bit. I think he already has his mind made up. As much as I would like to see Joe get the job I don't think it will happen. If there really was a rally though I think it is pretty funny. I am glad that Cub fans are tired of being happy being lovable losers. It is time for a winner.
GO BEARS!!!

Rusch vs. Arroyo part 3

madog93 — Tue, 06 Jun 2006 17:10:55 -0000

Here is to hoping that Glendon's start against St. Louis was not a fluke. He seems to be his best out of the bull pen and then only making spot starts. I realize he has been used as a starter due to injuries and ineffective call ups, but his next start worries me. The Cubs website is showing a Rusch/Arroyo matchup in the first game of the upcoming series in Cincinatti. We all know what Arroyo has done to Glen-done in his first two starts this season. I don't like the looks of this. Maybe Arroyo should bat 3rd or 4th with Rusch pitching.

Poll

If you were the Reds manager where would you bat Arroyo against Rusch?

3rd (get him more at bats)

12 votes

4th (power against ????)

7 votes

9th (no way Arroyo can keep up his pace)

18 votes

37 votes | Poll has closed

Minor League Report

madog93 — Sat, 15 Apr 2006 11:59:04 -0000

Last night I took the family to a Peoria Chiefs game. We had a good time. Fergie Jenkins threw out the first pitch, and it was a strike. Looked like he probably threw it about 50-60 mph right over the heart of the plate.
Jody davis is the new manager of the Chiefs and before the game started they played a recording of Harry Caray calling a grand slam by Jody Davis in the 1984 season. I remember the game he hit it in. Minor League baseball is pretty cool, because not only is Jody the manager, but he is also the third base coach.
I went and bought two baseballs, one for each of my sons, and got Fergie Jenkins to autograph them. He charges $10.00 per autograph. The money goes to his charity, but I cannot remember what he uses the money for. I only had fifteen bucks left in my wallet after buying food at the ball park, and Fergie said just make it $10.00. I was relieved, because before I even looked in my wallet he had already signed both balls.
The Chiefs beat the Swing of the Quad Cities (Cardinal affiliate) 6 to 4, but they did make it interesting by giving up 3 runs in the top of the ninth.
On the way back to the van my 5 year old got into a friendly debate with a lady wearing a Cardinals jersey. He had her and her husband laughing. He was very adamant that the Cardinals are as he puts it "dirty birdies" and that he thinks their players a sissies and whiney babies. Gee I wonder where he has heard that.

Jocketty is crying

madog93 — Sun, 11 Dec 2005 21:51:03 -0000

Walt Jocketty (Cardinal scum) is saying that the market has "gone crazy" and that he won't go crazy with it. I think this is another way of him crying and whining because he is not having a very good off-season so far. He so far has lost Grud (who I wouln't mind having back if we trade Walker for a right fielder), Sanders, Mabry, Tavarez (who cares), and traded King. I'm not sure why he traded King. He was pretty reliable in their bull pen.
Jockety really wanted Burnett and could not pull it off. Now it looks like his back up plan of resigning Morris might not work out either. I really hope Morris moves on and he cries a little more. I love to see the Cards squirm.
They will not be a 100 win ball club again next year. Houston is another year older and I don't see them improving. If the Cubs are going to reclaim the Central then next year is the year to do it.

Poll

How many games will the Cubs need to win to beat St. Louis in the Central

100+

5 votes

95-99

38 votes

90-94

34 votes

85-89

7 votes

84 votes | Poll has closed

Furcal

madog93 — Fri, 18 Nov 2005 14:09:17 -0000

I just read on ESPN that Chipper Jones is restructuring his contract to allow room for signing Furcal. I sure hope that Nefi and Aramis are still talking to him. I think it would be hard for him to say no to Atlanta with a teammate willing to make less for him to stay. Wouln't it be nice to see some unselfish superstars play for the Cubs!