We just traded Mark DeRosa to the Indians for three minor league pitchers. Sound like the backbone to a Jake Peavy trade, anyone?
We did pick up Aaron Kilometers earlier -- who can play second and is a better number two hole hitter than anyone we have.
Yikes. Didn't see that coming.
You heard it here first.
JS
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
New Year's Resolutions
First of all, it appears that we are going to sign Marvin Hasbro. I'm not thrilled about that as I would prefer the younger, better hitting Adam Dunn. The less headcase, less injured, wants to be a Cub Adam Dunn. The 50 plus dingers Adam Dunn. But what do I know?
I can see it now. Both Hasbro and Soriano will get injured on the same celebratory "jump bump" in May.
We'll be trading Jason Marquis for Jose Vizcaino. What's that? Oh. Sorry. Luis Vizcaino. Not much difference in my mind. It's more of a salary dump. Too bad we couldn't get more young talent for Marquis -- he's not THAT bad a starter. At least barring an acquisition, this means that Sean Marshall gets a chance to be a starter right out of the gate. I'm okay with that because he's a pretty good pitcher, getting better every season...and he's a lefty. As long as we split him and Lilly's starts, he should be effective.
The Mets have offered Derek Lowe three years and $36m...that's not much for a guy with his stats. We should jump into the mix if that's the going rate.
Enough baseball for the year --
It's time to talk about the new year. 2009. What will it bring? A world series to Cub fans? I hope so.
My resolutions:
1. I will not criticize Kosuke Fukudome. At least until spring training starts. Then it's ON.
2. I will not watch the "pitch by pitch" recap on my phone during family gatherings.
3. I will not stay up to see highlights of games that I watched.
4. I will not make fun of Mark DeCarlo's throwing arm.
5. I will not wear spandex pants to restaurants.
6. I will not let any single game outcome upset me. Because they play 162. Postseason not included.
7. I will quit stalking Mike Fontenot
8. I will be a happy blogger and not rant so much. I will seek out only the good. In fact, I might change the name of the blog to "Shermhappyhappyjoyjoy." Or not.
My real resolutions? Well, number 2 up there is kind of real, but beyond that...to try to be a better me than I was the year before. I'll try to keep blogging as often as possible, because it keeps me in touch with my friends -- you guys -- and that's important to me. I'll try to eat better so that I don't get confused for a lighter skinned Prince Fielder. And I'm gonna finish my novel.
Feel free to post your resolutions. Remember that they don't count unless you tell somebody.
I would like to play in that Mesa Mania, or whatever it's called, but as of this moment cannot commit to the days. My schedule in January is nuts -- I need a few more days to decide. If I miss out because of that...oh well...maybe I can come down and root for you guys who do play.
Happy New Year. I wish you all the best for 2009 -- and look forward to sharing a world series championship with you!
JS
I can see it now. Both Hasbro and Soriano will get injured on the same celebratory "jump bump" in May.
We'll be trading Jason Marquis for Jose Vizcaino. What's that? Oh. Sorry. Luis Vizcaino. Not much difference in my mind. It's more of a salary dump. Too bad we couldn't get more young talent for Marquis -- he's not THAT bad a starter. At least barring an acquisition, this means that Sean Marshall gets a chance to be a starter right out of the gate. I'm okay with that because he's a pretty good pitcher, getting better every season...and he's a lefty. As long as we split him and Lilly's starts, he should be effective.
The Mets have offered Derek Lowe three years and $36m...that's not much for a guy with his stats. We should jump into the mix if that's the going rate.
Enough baseball for the year --
It's time to talk about the new year. 2009. What will it bring? A world series to Cub fans? I hope so.
My resolutions:
1. I will not criticize Kosuke Fukudome. At least until spring training starts. Then it's ON.
2. I will not watch the "pitch by pitch" recap on my phone during family gatherings.
3. I will not stay up to see highlights of games that I watched.
4. I will not make fun of Mark DeCarlo's throwing arm.
5. I will not wear spandex pants to restaurants.
6. I will not let any single game outcome upset me. Because they play 162. Postseason not included.
7. I will quit stalking Mike Fontenot
8. I will be a happy blogger and not rant so much. I will seek out only the good. In fact, I might change the name of the blog to "Shermhappyhappyjoyjoy." Or not.
My real resolutions? Well, number 2 up there is kind of real, but beyond that...to try to be a better me than I was the year before. I'll try to keep blogging as often as possible, because it keeps me in touch with my friends -- you guys -- and that's important to me. I'll try to eat better so that I don't get confused for a lighter skinned Prince Fielder. And I'm gonna finish my novel.
Feel free to post your resolutions. Remember that they don't count unless you tell somebody.
I would like to play in that Mesa Mania, or whatever it's called, but as of this moment cannot commit to the days. My schedule in January is nuts -- I need a few more days to decide. If I miss out because of that...oh well...maybe I can come down and root for you guys who do play.
Happy New Year. I wish you all the best for 2009 -- and look forward to sharing a world series championship with you!
JS
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Winding down
Here we are...2008 is winding down, and baseball is at it's slowest. No news, except that the Dodgers and Mets are purportedly discussing an Andruw Jones deal. Me? I'd take him if the Dodgers would eat most of his salary. Why not? What's the upside? Huge. Downside? A centerfielder who can field and whiffs a lot. Been there already, haven't we? Rumor has it that he's lost about twenty pounds this offseason and wants to prove himself. Of course he does...it's another contract year. I'd rather have Adam Dunn. Have I mentioned that?
So, anyway, 2008 is slogging to a close. What a year it has been. A decent baseball year for us, certainly (if you can short memory the playoffs) and a wild ride otherwise. There's the economy -- do I believe what I read or what I see? The stores SEEM busy when I go to them. The freeways are still jam packed with cars, regardless of gas prices. Hotels and airlines still take advantage of the fact that I HAVE to travel. I expect 2009 to be another year of doom and gloom (at least it'll be reported that way) for the economy.
Stores closing left and right. Did anyone notice that a lot of stores closed back when the economy was good? It's called "bad management" and it is not exclusive to down economy. Linens N Things took the big shit because they weren't very good at what they did. The automotive industry is circling the bowl because they didn't believe that this could happen to them (again -- see short memory.) So, instead of bailouts and rewarding bad (stupid) behavior...how about just doing things better? That's a novel approach, huh? Improvement instead of bailout.
Ah. It'll never change. Change is hard and we live in an "easy button" kind of world. Just ask Circuit City. Oops. There goes another one.
I'm sure the president elect will change everything. Maybe we can adopt the Canadian health care system. I'm sure the Canadians would appreciate that...since they all come here to avoid the long wait and poor treatment. I tried to ask a Canadian about that last time I was there but he was too sick to answer.
More than all that stuff -- it was a year of life and death, gain and loss. Like all years are. Which does not make it easier. My heart broke a hundred times this year for little Courtney -- a beautiful baby that I never even got to know, except through pictures and speaking with her father. On the flip side, baby Kendall is a beautiful little girl who is blessed to have such a loving family -- and my prayer for her is simple: health and happiness. What else is there?
I'm ready to close the book on 2008. It has been a tiring year. I am looking forward to 2009 with great anticipation. As always, I am determined to hit this year running (figuratively) and live it well. My resolution list? Maybe tomorrow. For now, suffice to say that I'm done reflecting on what is past and starting to consider all that is good in the future.
Sherm
So, anyway, 2008 is slogging to a close. What a year it has been. A decent baseball year for us, certainly (if you can short memory the playoffs) and a wild ride otherwise. There's the economy -- do I believe what I read or what I see? The stores SEEM busy when I go to them. The freeways are still jam packed with cars, regardless of gas prices. Hotels and airlines still take advantage of the fact that I HAVE to travel. I expect 2009 to be another year of doom and gloom (at least it'll be reported that way) for the economy.
Stores closing left and right. Did anyone notice that a lot of stores closed back when the economy was good? It's called "bad management" and it is not exclusive to down economy. Linens N Things took the big shit because they weren't very good at what they did. The automotive industry is circling the bowl because they didn't believe that this could happen to them (again -- see short memory.) So, instead of bailouts and rewarding bad (stupid) behavior...how about just doing things better? That's a novel approach, huh? Improvement instead of bailout.
Ah. It'll never change. Change is hard and we live in an "easy button" kind of world. Just ask Circuit City. Oops. There goes another one.
I'm sure the president elect will change everything. Maybe we can adopt the Canadian health care system. I'm sure the Canadians would appreciate that...since they all come here to avoid the long wait and poor treatment. I tried to ask a Canadian about that last time I was there but he was too sick to answer.
More than all that stuff -- it was a year of life and death, gain and loss. Like all years are. Which does not make it easier. My heart broke a hundred times this year for little Courtney -- a beautiful baby that I never even got to know, except through pictures and speaking with her father. On the flip side, baby Kendall is a beautiful little girl who is blessed to have such a loving family -- and my prayer for her is simple: health and happiness. What else is there?
I'm ready to close the book on 2008. It has been a tiring year. I am looking forward to 2009 with great anticipation. As always, I am determined to hit this year running (figuratively) and live it well. My resolution list? Maybe tomorrow. For now, suffice to say that I'm done reflecting on what is past and starting to consider all that is good in the future.
Sherm
Monday, December 29, 2008
Spending
I read that the Cubs have "maxed out" their spending for this coming year. What does that mean? That we've publicly aired the fact that we'll do no more free agent shopping? We haven't done anything. Sure. Fine. We spend a bundle to keep Ryan Dempster. That was nice. Meanwhile, other teams have made some deals that help them do more than just stay the same.
We have the same weaknesses that we did in 2008. We haven't addressed them one bit. The bullpen is slightly worse. Gregg for Wood doesn't make us better. Just a little older.
Starting pitching, despite all the Peavy hoopla there for a while, is exactly the same. Marshall is now more likely to be the number 5, not Marquis as we try to dump his salary. What does that mean? That we'll likely eat half or more of it, and trade him for someone who doesn't help us.
Infield? Same. Still no "real" shortstop. Furcal, and all his drama, stayed a Dodger.
Outfield? Ready for this, Cub fans? Same. Oh, sure, we might get Milton Boardgame eventually. And we'll overpay for the 34 year old, headcase, oft injured outfielder, because we are somehow somewhat desperate to "acquire" the "best of what's left." And is he? This blogger prefers Adam Dunn. Younger. Better hitter. You think Marvin Hasbro (whatever) is that good a fielder? I don't. Or maybe we don't even land him and end up with the 2008 outfield, minus Jim Edmonds. Can't give up on Goes K. Paying him too much.
The lineup? Same. Yes, it's true. The same deficiencies exist that were exposed in the playoffs. Shhh. Maybe no one else noticed. Maybe the other teams in the majors didn't watch. Soriano will still lead off. From his home in wherever he lives, he just swung at a pitch thrown in the winter league. Followed by Ryan "caught stealing" Theriot. He could also be "ground ball to the right side" Theriot. I wonder if teams will ever put on the shift for him? The same one they used to use on Barry Bonds? Eight guys on the right side. Then Derrek "BOGO" Lee (that's "buy one, get one" for those of you not in the retail game) -- batting third and grounding into a pitcher's helper. Aramis "might as well pitch around him because look who's batting fifth" Ramirez is next followed by, what a coincidence! No one of consequence. Who's batting five? DeRosa? Soto? Fukudome? Gathright? Pie? Fontenot? Cotts? Rothschild? DeCarlo? Oops. I found the whole in the order. 6 through 8? Who cares? It'll be three of the guys I just mentioned. Probably not DeCarlo. Soto is a pretty good hitter. Yes. But very slow and not a number five guy. He should hit six or seven. DeRosa is a two, six, or seven hitter. We do have the market cornered on guys who can and should bat 8th.
Anyway...think about it. Same team as 2008. Same problems as 2008. Same result as 2008? Win the division and get blown out in round one? I hope not.
What do you think?
I hope that you all had a very safe and Merry Christmas. More later.
Sherm
We have the same weaknesses that we did in 2008. We haven't addressed them one bit. The bullpen is slightly worse. Gregg for Wood doesn't make us better. Just a little older.
Starting pitching, despite all the Peavy hoopla there for a while, is exactly the same. Marshall is now more likely to be the number 5, not Marquis as we try to dump his salary. What does that mean? That we'll likely eat half or more of it, and trade him for someone who doesn't help us.
Infield? Same. Still no "real" shortstop. Furcal, and all his drama, stayed a Dodger.
Outfield? Ready for this, Cub fans? Same. Oh, sure, we might get Milton Boardgame eventually. And we'll overpay for the 34 year old, headcase, oft injured outfielder, because we are somehow somewhat desperate to "acquire" the "best of what's left." And is he? This blogger prefers Adam Dunn. Younger. Better hitter. You think Marvin Hasbro (whatever) is that good a fielder? I don't. Or maybe we don't even land him and end up with the 2008 outfield, minus Jim Edmonds. Can't give up on Goes K. Paying him too much.
The lineup? Same. Yes, it's true. The same deficiencies exist that were exposed in the playoffs. Shhh. Maybe no one else noticed. Maybe the other teams in the majors didn't watch. Soriano will still lead off. From his home in wherever he lives, he just swung at a pitch thrown in the winter league. Followed by Ryan "caught stealing" Theriot. He could also be "ground ball to the right side" Theriot. I wonder if teams will ever put on the shift for him? The same one they used to use on Barry Bonds? Eight guys on the right side. Then Derrek "BOGO" Lee (that's "buy one, get one" for those of you not in the retail game) -- batting third and grounding into a pitcher's helper. Aramis "might as well pitch around him because look who's batting fifth" Ramirez is next followed by, what a coincidence! No one of consequence. Who's batting five? DeRosa? Soto? Fukudome? Gathright? Pie? Fontenot? Cotts? Rothschild? DeCarlo? Oops. I found the whole in the order. 6 through 8? Who cares? It'll be three of the guys I just mentioned. Probably not DeCarlo. Soto is a pretty good hitter. Yes. But very slow and not a number five guy. He should hit six or seven. DeRosa is a two, six, or seven hitter. We do have the market cornered on guys who can and should bat 8th.
Anyway...think about it. Same team as 2008. Same problems as 2008. Same result as 2008? Win the division and get blown out in round one? I hope not.
What do you think?
I hope that you all had a very safe and Merry Christmas. More later.
Sherm
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas
That's it. Just Merry Christmas.
No baseball news. The hot stove is quiet for the day. It's been quiet for the Cubs all winter.
But have no fear. Jim and Lou have a plan. That plan? Well, if you must know (I must, I must) it's for Fukudome to be as good as he was in Japan. Yeah. That's the plan.
And for Dempster and Lilly to each win 17 games again.
And for Feliz NaviPie to hit like he did in the minors in the bigs.
And for DLee to return to his MVP, pre-owie wrist injury self and hit .330/40/120 while playing flawless gold glove caliber first base.
For Mark DeFonta to combine for 35 dingers while playing rightsecond against leftrighties.
For Big Z to win the big Cy.
For sunshine and the Cubbies in the world series. (thanks to raker for that one)
And so the hot stove simmers for another day. But for now, we have Christmas -- the day when anything is possible!
Merry Christmas to all of you.
Sherm
unrelated side note: did television kill the name Gilligan for future generations or has it just always been a poor choice?
No baseball news. The hot stove is quiet for the day. It's been quiet for the Cubs all winter.
But have no fear. Jim and Lou have a plan. That plan? Well, if you must know (I must, I must) it's for Fukudome to be as good as he was in Japan. Yeah. That's the plan.
And for Dempster and Lilly to each win 17 games again.
And for Feliz NaviPie to hit like he did in the minors in the bigs.
And for DLee to return to his MVP, pre-owie wrist injury self and hit .330/40/120 while playing flawless gold glove caliber first base.
For Mark DeFonta to combine for 35 dingers while playing rightsecond against leftrighties.
For Big Z to win the big Cy.
For sunshine and the Cubbies in the world series. (thanks to raker for that one)
And so the hot stove simmers for another day. But for now, we have Christmas -- the day when anything is possible!
Merry Christmas to all of you.
Sherm
unrelated side note: did television kill the name Gilligan for future generations or has it just always been a poor choice?
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Christmas List
Dear Santa,
Here's what I want for Christmas this year:
1. Jake Peavy in the starting rotation (without losing Marshall or Fontenot)
2. Adam Dunn's bat in the middle of the lineup
3. A healthy Alfonso Soriano all year. Hitting 40 out, stealing 40 and generally doing everything we thought he'd do when he was signed to that big contract.
4. Big Z's breakout season: 22 - 5
5. A healthy Rich Harden all year long: 19 - 3
6. Fireman of the year: Carlos Marmol: 55 saves
7. A scholarship to the Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp
8. Yankees: 86 - 76
9. Al Franken admitting defeat and going away. Forever. Because he's not good enough. And people don't like him.
10. Shermrants getting picked up as a daily column by the Chicago Tribune. Et al.
11. Mike Fontenot breakout season: .311 w/ 22 dingers
12. Ron Santo in the HOF
13. Ryan Theriot -- 200 hits and 30 stolen bases vs 3 caught stealing.
14. Happy, safe and healthy holiday season for my friends -- especially all you guys who travel with me on this winding road called "cub fan"...thank you all for your friendship and have a Merry Christmas!
Sherm
oh, yeah...and an owner who makes the Steinbrenners look like Scrooge.
Here's what I want for Christmas this year:
1. Jake Peavy in the starting rotation (without losing Marshall or Fontenot)
2. Adam Dunn's bat in the middle of the lineup
3. A healthy Alfonso Soriano all year. Hitting 40 out, stealing 40 and generally doing everything we thought he'd do when he was signed to that big contract.
4. Big Z's breakout season: 22 - 5
5. A healthy Rich Harden all year long: 19 - 3
6. Fireman of the year: Carlos Marmol: 55 saves
7. A scholarship to the Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp
8. Yankees: 86 - 76
9. Al Franken admitting defeat and going away. Forever. Because he's not good enough. And people don't like him.
10. Shermrants getting picked up as a daily column by the Chicago Tribune. Et al.
11. Mike Fontenot breakout season: .311 w/ 22 dingers
12. Ron Santo in the HOF
13. Ryan Theriot -- 200 hits and 30 stolen bases vs 3 caught stealing.
14. Happy, safe and healthy holiday season for my friends -- especially all you guys who travel with me on this winding road called "cub fan"...thank you all for your friendship and have a Merry Christmas!
Sherm
oh, yeah...and an owner who makes the Steinbrenners look like Scrooge.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
In defense of offense
Everyone is so "defense minded." Can't get Dunn. He's not a great fielder.
Let's review some of the best teams of the past few years. That Red Sox team has been pretty good, even though Manny is way "below average" defensively. They seemed to manage. Sure, he misplayed a few balls, but the opposing team had to change its entire pitching strategy because of him...
The Phillies did okay last year, even with Pat Burrell and Jason Werth in the outfield corners. Both "serviceable" fielders at best, but offensive players.
Brewers did okay -- even with two DH's in the OF -- Ryan Braun and Corey Hart.
Angels made the playoffs with Vlad Guerrero, who can't play outfield anymore on those knees or with that shoulder and Garrett Anderson, a 51 year old slacker with no arm.
My point is this -- if you can make an acquisition that makes you one of the most...if not THE most feared offense in the league? You do it. It doesn't matter that the D suffers a little. Our pitching is good enough to win games. A handful...and that's all it'll be...a handful of unearned runs aren't gonna kill us. We lost games last year because of our offense. Let's rectify that. Adam Dunn puts a huge lefty, power bat (with patience, by the way) into the middle of the lineup. Which only makes everyone else better, too.
And, Soriano, for all his defensive faults? Isn't THAT bad. He catches most balls. He's getting better out there the longer he plays OF. He has a quick and accurate arm.
Let's try it. One time. Get Dunn. And get it done. Consider the lineup.
Soriano
Theriot
Lee
Dunn
Ramirez
Soto
DeRosa
Whoever in CF (Fuku, Pie, Joey)
Pitcher
Huge difference over the 2008 lineup.
js
Let's review some of the best teams of the past few years. That Red Sox team has been pretty good, even though Manny is way "below average" defensively. They seemed to manage. Sure, he misplayed a few balls, but the opposing team had to change its entire pitching strategy because of him...
The Phillies did okay last year, even with Pat Burrell and Jason Werth in the outfield corners. Both "serviceable" fielders at best, but offensive players.
Brewers did okay -- even with two DH's in the OF -- Ryan Braun and Corey Hart.
Angels made the playoffs with Vlad Guerrero, who can't play outfield anymore on those knees or with that shoulder and Garrett Anderson, a 51 year old slacker with no arm.
My point is this -- if you can make an acquisition that makes you one of the most...if not THE most feared offense in the league? You do it. It doesn't matter that the D suffers a little. Our pitching is good enough to win games. A handful...and that's all it'll be...a handful of unearned runs aren't gonna kill us. We lost games last year because of our offense. Let's rectify that. Adam Dunn puts a huge lefty, power bat (with patience, by the way) into the middle of the lineup. Which only makes everyone else better, too.
And, Soriano, for all his defensive faults? Isn't THAT bad. He catches most balls. He's getting better out there the longer he plays OF. He has a quick and accurate arm.
Let's try it. One time. Get Dunn. And get it done. Consider the lineup.
Soriano
Theriot
Lee
Dunn
Ramirez
Soto
DeRosa
Whoever in CF (Fuku, Pie, Joey)
Pitcher
Huge difference over the 2008 lineup.
js
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Adam Dunn
I keep reading that Adam Dunn WANTS to be a Cub. Are you kidding me? I don't care if right field becomes an amusement park...sign this guy. He wants to be a Cub. He says he's not looking to break the bank...just be fair. We are talking about 50 or 60 home runs added to last year's team total. That's more. Probably 125 rbi's. That's more than Fukudome. Yeah. It is. And he does walk a lot. Yes, he strikes out a lot, too. So do Pie and Goes K. Sign him. Ummm...what was that top priority again? Oh yes...power lefty bat for the outfield...
Don't argue with me. Just sign him.
Sherm
Don't argue with me. Just sign him.
Sherm
Friday, December 19, 2008
the outfield
What's wrong with the JCM's? Look at it this way. The JCM's would easily hit 110 homers and have upwards of 300 rbis, if healthy. That makes up for a whole bunch of misplayed fly balls. I think even Zambrano would understand that.
*JCM = Juggling Circus Monkey
I really like yesterday's line up. With our pitching staff, I'd sacrifice a little defense for a ton of offense. You kidding me? Think of the difference. Boardgame and Dunn instead of Fukudome and Pie. Holy Cow! Come on Jim Hendry...read this blog. Make that deal. Two free agents. No trade. No loss of players. Keep the farm for a mid season deal...
The more I think of it, the more I like it.
More later. Or perhaps not.
JS
*JCM = Juggling Circus Monkey
I really like yesterday's line up. With our pitching staff, I'd sacrifice a little defense for a ton of offense. You kidding me? Think of the difference. Boardgame and Dunn instead of Fukudome and Pie. Holy Cow! Come on Jim Hendry...read this blog. Make that deal. Two free agents. No trade. No loss of players. Keep the farm for a mid season deal...
The more I think of it, the more I like it.
More later. Or perhaps not.
JS
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Hot stove
Not sure why they call it hot stove. More like crock pot. Not much going on except for the same bozos holding out for more money.
Furcal seems like a punk. I thought so last time he was a free agent. Now I know it. Sure screwed the Braves. Again. To get a little more from the Dodgers.
Cubs are in the hunt for Milton Boardgame. I'm okay with that. I'm okay with Randy Johnson, too, for a year. If he's healthy, he's nasty, and he'd be an interesting clubhouse presence for us. Some say we need fire. Johnson brings fire. So does Boardgame. I'd rather have Peavy or Lowe, but would take the Unit. That keeps Marshall as a Cub, too, as he'd become the bullpen lefty along with Cotts.
What we should do is make a big play...get Boardgame. AND get Adam Dunn. Get rid of Pie. Give "Goes K" a year in the minors to learn how to say "why I suck?" in English and let Gathright be the fourth outfielder. I didn't forget Reed Johnson. I just don't care. Bada Bing. Offensive problems solved.
So then even if Soriano and Lee have to bat 1 and 3 because of their egos...our lineup looks like this:
Soriano LF
Theriot SS
Lee 1B
Dunn RF
Ramirez 3B
Bradley CF
Soto C
DeRosa/Fontenot 2B
Pitcher
Now you really do have to admit -- that's a nice lineup. A real nice lineup. Really, really nice. Huh? Admit it. You know you want to.
So here I sit by the phone waiting for Jim Hendry to call.
If you are wondering what to get your favorite blogger for Christmas...I'll post my list soon. Stay tuned.
js
Furcal seems like a punk. I thought so last time he was a free agent. Now I know it. Sure screwed the Braves. Again. To get a little more from the Dodgers.
Cubs are in the hunt for Milton Boardgame. I'm okay with that. I'm okay with Randy Johnson, too, for a year. If he's healthy, he's nasty, and he'd be an interesting clubhouse presence for us. Some say we need fire. Johnson brings fire. So does Boardgame. I'd rather have Peavy or Lowe, but would take the Unit. That keeps Marshall as a Cub, too, as he'd become the bullpen lefty along with Cotts.
What we should do is make a big play...get Boardgame. AND get Adam Dunn. Get rid of Pie. Give "Goes K" a year in the minors to learn how to say "why I suck?" in English and let Gathright be the fourth outfielder. I didn't forget Reed Johnson. I just don't care. Bada Bing. Offensive problems solved.
So then even if Soriano and Lee have to bat 1 and 3 because of their egos...our lineup looks like this:
Soriano LF
Theriot SS
Lee 1B
Dunn RF
Ramirez 3B
Bradley CF
Soto C
DeRosa/Fontenot 2B
Pitcher
Now you really do have to admit -- that's a nice lineup. A real nice lineup. Really, really nice. Huh? Admit it. You know you want to.
So here I sit by the phone waiting for Jim Hendry to call.
If you are wondering what to get your favorite blogger for Christmas...I'll post my list soon. Stay tuned.
js
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
We did it!
We addressed the need for a left handed hitting outfielder! We got Joey Gathright!
Of course, he only hits a homer about every other year, but he's fast and he can jump over cars and pitchers. Look it up. Maybe he can play CF and jump over Soriano to catch balls in left field.
How's this? Outfield of Pie, Gathright and Fukudome? Nothing in the air ever lands on the grass.
Put Soriano at second base. Fuck it. Who cares? Look how good the outfield is!
Ah, nevermind. They'd never do it.
Looks like Furcal is going to be a Brave again. Good for him.
Teixiera will probably get 8 years at about 21 million a year. Good for him.
Peavy could go 4 and 14 with a 2.13 era in San Diego this year. Good for him.
By "good for him," I mean "fuck him" in case you weren't reading between the lines.
more tomorrow, I think. I'm very busy today. Good for me.
Sherm
Of course, he only hits a homer about every other year, but he's fast and he can jump over cars and pitchers. Look it up. Maybe he can play CF and jump over Soriano to catch balls in left field.
How's this? Outfield of Pie, Gathright and Fukudome? Nothing in the air ever lands on the grass.
Put Soriano at second base. Fuck it. Who cares? Look how good the outfield is!
Ah, nevermind. They'd never do it.
Looks like Furcal is going to be a Brave again. Good for him.
Teixiera will probably get 8 years at about 21 million a year. Good for him.
Peavy could go 4 and 14 with a 2.13 era in San Diego this year. Good for him.
By "good for him," I mean "fuck him" in case you weren't reading between the lines.
more tomorrow, I think. I'm very busy today. Good for me.
Sherm
Monday, December 15, 2008
Powerhouse?
I never once thought of our team last year as a powerhouse. Very good? Yes. At times. Good pitching. Scored some runs in bunches, sure...but a powerhouse? No. Even though we scored more runs than blah blah blah...we all know that this team is no offensive juggernaut. That was painfully exposed during the playoffs.
I am starting to realize that Jake Peavy probably won't be a Cub. Perhaps until midseason, if the Padres don't trade him sooner. I'd love to have the guy, but agree with keeping key components. I'd say that the rest of baseball's salivating over Mark DeRosa is a good reason to keep him. I'm happy keeping Marshall, too.
Powerhouse? Really, Doc?
Will the oft injured, headcase Milton Boardgame be the next free agent signee for the Cubs? Or will he go to the Rays where he can DH part time, too? Maybe we should say to hell with defense and go get Adam Dunn. Mike Fontenot can be his "Mini Me." It'd be cute.
Powerhouse? No.
Anyone starting to think a salary cap makes sense for baseball? Before the Yankees sign Manny, Lowe, Teixiera, Bradley, Dunn and Wolf? I'm waiting for Mussina to announce his un-retirement and return to pitch with those guys for one more year. If the new Cub owner prospects had any balls at all -- they'd all be calling Crane Kenney and telling him to go get what they need and not worry about it.
Powerhouse. That's funny. Maybe in a "wind farm" kind of way...
We need a true leadoff hitter. We need a power lefty. We need a little...just a little...bullpen help -- probably from the left side if Marshall is in the rotation.
Yes. We beat up bad pitching last year. We didn't hit good pitching as a rule, though, and that's what it takes to go farther than round one. We need some patient hitters. OBP guys. I'm telling you that Teixiera is that kind of guy. I know. We can't have him, but that's not the point. As a team, we need to change our approach and be more like that.
I agree with Doc -- I think it was Doc -- who mentioned that the RH/LH thing is overrated. We should go get the best athlete for RF...whichever way he bats and improve the team. But who is that guy? Thoughts?
Someone told me they had an idea for backup catcher...Mike Piazza. Thoughts on that? Think he can handle 20 games a year back there? Wouldn't mind that bat on the bench...but I'm not crazy about the idea. Fun thought, though.
Glad we aren't in the AL east...
Happy Monday to all...
Sherm
I am starting to realize that Jake Peavy probably won't be a Cub. Perhaps until midseason, if the Padres don't trade him sooner. I'd love to have the guy, but agree with keeping key components. I'd say that the rest of baseball's salivating over Mark DeRosa is a good reason to keep him. I'm happy keeping Marshall, too.
Powerhouse? Really, Doc?
Will the oft injured, headcase Milton Boardgame be the next free agent signee for the Cubs? Or will he go to the Rays where he can DH part time, too? Maybe we should say to hell with defense and go get Adam Dunn. Mike Fontenot can be his "Mini Me." It'd be cute.
Powerhouse? No.
Anyone starting to think a salary cap makes sense for baseball? Before the Yankees sign Manny, Lowe, Teixiera, Bradley, Dunn and Wolf? I'm waiting for Mussina to announce his un-retirement and return to pitch with those guys for one more year. If the new Cub owner prospects had any balls at all -- they'd all be calling Crane Kenney and telling him to go get what they need and not worry about it.
Powerhouse. That's funny. Maybe in a "wind farm" kind of way...
We need a true leadoff hitter. We need a power lefty. We need a little...just a little...bullpen help -- probably from the left side if Marshall is in the rotation.
Yes. We beat up bad pitching last year. We didn't hit good pitching as a rule, though, and that's what it takes to go farther than round one. We need some patient hitters. OBP guys. I'm telling you that Teixiera is that kind of guy. I know. We can't have him, but that's not the point. As a team, we need to change our approach and be more like that.
I agree with Doc -- I think it was Doc -- who mentioned that the RH/LH thing is overrated. We should go get the best athlete for RF...whichever way he bats and improve the team. But who is that guy? Thoughts?
Someone told me they had an idea for backup catcher...Mike Piazza. Thoughts on that? Think he can handle 20 games a year back there? Wouldn't mind that bat on the bench...but I'm not crazy about the idea. Fun thought, though.
Glad we aren't in the AL east...
Happy Monday to all...
Sherm
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Peavy?
Doesn't look like the Peavy deal will come to pass, and perhaps that's good...if Hendry thought it was too much...then it probably was. Is Peavy worth 6 - 1 or 7 - 1? I don't know. Padres wanted to base their entire rebuild on the Cubs. I think we might be better off to go and find someone through free agency. Money is sometimes better than players...long term.
I have to say though, that I like the Mets thinking. I know that was disputed on yesterday's comments -- but games are more often won in the eighth and ninth than they are in the early innings. We are not (unless someless dramatic happens) a powerhouse, run scoring, big lead, offensive team. Even with a great staff -- we'll have a lot of close games late and that means that we need to hold and save, hold and save, hold and save. I like the comment I heard today -- someone (a GM) was asked about spending a lot of money on a set up guy, and he said that if it's that important to have a guy for the ninth...it's equally important (and expensive) to have a guy in the eighth. I agree.
Apparently the entire league wants DeRosa -- which means we should either NOT trade him...or get something real good for him.
I am glad that for the time being we still have Marshall. For some reason, I think he's going to be very good this year.
We should trade Soriano.
Huh? What?
Yes. Free up about a hundred million and go get Nate McLouth and someone else for the outfield. Use the rest of the cash to find a leadoff man. Only problem is that I can't think of anyone who might want Soriano. Maybe the Yaguchi Dragons? Is Fukudome's cousin available? His name is Isuktoo.
Teams are getting better this offseason. Are we?
Who's our backup catcher? If we let Soto catch 150 games...we'll just burn him out.
Thoughts on Randy Johnson?
I think we should consider Ben Sheets. Give him a two year deal with incentives and a player option. When he's right...he's easily as good as Peavy.
Well...after this trip I'm done traveling for the year, I think, and thrilled about that. Next post will be from the friendly confines of San Clemente. Anyone have any exciting Christmas plans? All I want is a "staycation." Stay home. Work on the novel. Smoke cigars. Drink. Relax. Chill. Yeah...that sounds nice. Real nice.
js
I have to say though, that I like the Mets thinking. I know that was disputed on yesterday's comments -- but games are more often won in the eighth and ninth than they are in the early innings. We are not (unless someless dramatic happens) a powerhouse, run scoring, big lead, offensive team. Even with a great staff -- we'll have a lot of close games late and that means that we need to hold and save, hold and save, hold and save. I like the comment I heard today -- someone (a GM) was asked about spending a lot of money on a set up guy, and he said that if it's that important to have a guy for the ninth...it's equally important (and expensive) to have a guy in the eighth. I agree.
Apparently the entire league wants DeRosa -- which means we should either NOT trade him...or get something real good for him.
I am glad that for the time being we still have Marshall. For some reason, I think he's going to be very good this year.
We should trade Soriano.
Huh? What?
Yes. Free up about a hundred million and go get Nate McLouth and someone else for the outfield. Use the rest of the cash to find a leadoff man. Only problem is that I can't think of anyone who might want Soriano. Maybe the Yaguchi Dragons? Is Fukudome's cousin available? His name is Isuktoo.
Teams are getting better this offseason. Are we?
Who's our backup catcher? If we let Soto catch 150 games...we'll just burn him out.
Thoughts on Randy Johnson?
I think we should consider Ben Sheets. Give him a two year deal with incentives and a player option. When he's right...he's easily as good as Peavy.
Well...after this trip I'm done traveling for the year, I think, and thrilled about that. Next post will be from the friendly confines of San Clemente. Anyone have any exciting Christmas plans? All I want is a "staycation." Stay home. Work on the novel. Smoke cigars. Drink. Relax. Chill. Yeah...that sounds nice. Real nice.
js
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Met note
I'm not thrilled to see the Mets suddenly have such an outstanding bullpen. That was their only real weakness last year, and now they go get K-Rod (for not THAT much money) and JJ Putz (for minor leaguers who didn't figure into their immediate plans anyhow) -- suddenly the Mets are playing seven inning games. Why didn't the Cubs think that way? Could have kept Woody and done just that.
Jake Peavy. Will we or won't we? I don't care that much anymore. Just make the deal. Or not. And then make a different deal. Quit dragging it out. And don't overpay the stupid Padres, all right?
I think Milton Bradley will be a Cub. Good thing or bad thing? Maybe a little fire is exactly what the clubhouse needs.
Gotta like Roy Oswalt. He's begging the Astros to get more pitching, and will take a salary restructure to make it happen. Houston should trade him to a real team.
The Yankees say that they want Sabathia, Burnett and Lowe. Add that to Wang, and that's a pretty fearsome foursome. Good series with us if we get Peavy, huh?
Question of the day. Will any Cub pitcher win 20 games in 2009? If so...who?
more later. It's late and I just got in. To Charlotte. The city. Not the woman. Stop it.
js
Jake Peavy. Will we or won't we? I don't care that much anymore. Just make the deal. Or not. And then make a different deal. Quit dragging it out. And don't overpay the stupid Padres, all right?
I think Milton Bradley will be a Cub. Good thing or bad thing? Maybe a little fire is exactly what the clubhouse needs.
Gotta like Roy Oswalt. He's begging the Astros to get more pitching, and will take a salary restructure to make it happen. Houston should trade him to a real team.
The Yankees say that they want Sabathia, Burnett and Lowe. Add that to Wang, and that's a pretty fearsome foursome. Good series with us if we get Peavy, huh?
Question of the day. Will any Cub pitcher win 20 games in 2009? If so...who?
more later. It's late and I just got in. To Charlotte. The city. Not the woman. Stop it.
js
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Winter Meetings
Sorry, Dave, that I couldn't be there yesterday...
Time to jump back into baseball...
The Cubs appear to be ready to get Jake Peavy. I still like the acquisition, although I question the trade of Mark DeRosa. I know that you have to give quality to get quality. I just think he's such a valuable and versatile player -- as a multi position guy, a good teammate and a fairly important part of our offense. He did hit 20 out and have 90 rbi's. I also realize that he may have had the best year of his career and perhaps this is a perfect time to trade him.
Obviously, Marquis must go to get this and other deals done. That'll happen, but when? They keep talking about a lefty bat for the outfield -- my prediction? We get Milton Bradley. I know. People think he's a headcase. So what? Lou does well with headcases, and he's the most talented guy available. Much better fielder than Abreu or Ibanez or Dunn. Also, a switch hitter. I'm okay with him.
I hear that the Yankees want to sign all three big pitching free agents: Sabathia, Lowe and Burnett. Could you imagine if they got all three? That would be quite a coup. And expensive.
I'd rather see Sabathia in the AL than on Milwaukee.
This is fun -- I wish more deals were being made. It's all talk right now. K-Rod is a Met. I think Kerry Wood will be a Tiger. Better a Tiger than a Cardinal, I always say.
More later.
js
Time to jump back into baseball...
The Cubs appear to be ready to get Jake Peavy. I still like the acquisition, although I question the trade of Mark DeRosa. I know that you have to give quality to get quality. I just think he's such a valuable and versatile player -- as a multi position guy, a good teammate and a fairly important part of our offense. He did hit 20 out and have 90 rbi's. I also realize that he may have had the best year of his career and perhaps this is a perfect time to trade him.
Obviously, Marquis must go to get this and other deals done. That'll happen, but when? They keep talking about a lefty bat for the outfield -- my prediction? We get Milton Bradley. I know. People think he's a headcase. So what? Lou does well with headcases, and he's the most talented guy available. Much better fielder than Abreu or Ibanez or Dunn. Also, a switch hitter. I'm okay with him.
I hear that the Yankees want to sign all three big pitching free agents: Sabathia, Lowe and Burnett. Could you imagine if they got all three? That would be quite a coup. And expensive.
I'd rather see Sabathia in the AL than on Milwaukee.
This is fun -- I wish more deals were being made. It's all talk right now. K-Rod is a Met. I think Kerry Wood will be a Tiger. Better a Tiger than a Cardinal, I always say.
More later.
js
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Family
I am again on the road -- so this post is a bit later than it should have been. It's not about baseball or the Cubs and if you're a first time reader, go away, it's not for you.
Dave and Missy lost their little one yesterday -- cb, as I've come to think of her -- and I cannot fathom the scope of that loss or their pain. She was the littlest member of our "blog buddies" team -- extended family in that way -- always on our minds, in our prayers and hearts.
Life is funny. It has a way of going onward despite our hurdles, challenges, tragedies and setbacks. It will for Dave and Missy, too, and especially for little Kendall who will bring them great joy in the years to come. She'll never really get to know her sister...with whom she shared a warm womb for almost nine months and a family for six. They'll tell her what a beautiful little girl her sister was -- and that will keep cb's memory alive forever.
I don't know God's plan -- but I believe that He has one. Somehow we all fit into it in a way that we will understand, hopefully, when we are together again in eternity. Courtney makes us better. Her life makes us better. I feel it. I never met her, except through Dave's joy -- at the anticipation of her and her sister's birth, the actual event and the pictures since that time. Her life, although too short -- was filled with love. Wonderful loving parents. Their family and their friends. Time is the gift that she wasn't given and the only comfort in that, if you believe as I do, is that our time here is short in comparison to eternity anyway -- and we know she's already there and living it up...still being loved and cared for; now she waits, patiently as life here rolls on.
Dave, I apologize if this is way too personal and religious -- I felt moved by cb the first time I saw her little face in the pictures you sent. A friend of mine told me once that he looks for the face of God in every person he meets -- I know I saw it in Courtney.
My deepest sympathies to the family, especially the parents, for their loss. I wish that were something I could say to help ease the pain. I am aware that there are no such words.
I'll probably pull this post in a day or two when it sinks in and I realize how personal it is. For now, without calling and bothering you guys -- just know that all my prayers and love, and that of my wife, are with you.
best to cb, always,
Sherm
Dave and Missy lost their little one yesterday -- cb, as I've come to think of her -- and I cannot fathom the scope of that loss or their pain. She was the littlest member of our "blog buddies" team -- extended family in that way -- always on our minds, in our prayers and hearts.
Life is funny. It has a way of going onward despite our hurdles, challenges, tragedies and setbacks. It will for Dave and Missy, too, and especially for little Kendall who will bring them great joy in the years to come. She'll never really get to know her sister...with whom she shared a warm womb for almost nine months and a family for six. They'll tell her what a beautiful little girl her sister was -- and that will keep cb's memory alive forever.
I don't know God's plan -- but I believe that He has one. Somehow we all fit into it in a way that we will understand, hopefully, when we are together again in eternity. Courtney makes us better. Her life makes us better. I feel it. I never met her, except through Dave's joy -- at the anticipation of her and her sister's birth, the actual event and the pictures since that time. Her life, although too short -- was filled with love. Wonderful loving parents. Their family and their friends. Time is the gift that she wasn't given and the only comfort in that, if you believe as I do, is that our time here is short in comparison to eternity anyway -- and we know she's already there and living it up...still being loved and cared for; now she waits, patiently as life here rolls on.
Dave, I apologize if this is way too personal and religious -- I felt moved by cb the first time I saw her little face in the pictures you sent. A friend of mine told me once that he looks for the face of God in every person he meets -- I know I saw it in Courtney.
My deepest sympathies to the family, especially the parents, for their loss. I wish that were something I could say to help ease the pain. I am aware that there are no such words.
I'll probably pull this post in a day or two when it sinks in and I realize how personal it is. For now, without calling and bothering you guys -- just know that all my prayers and love, and that of my wife, are with you.
best to cb, always,
Sherm
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