The guy we once wouldn't trade for Brian Roberts in now probably going to Baltimore for a PTBNL. Actually, that's not true. Lou screwed it up, as he isn't very astute with acronyms, and traded Hill for a PBJ. A peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Sad, but true.
I say we should sign Manny and Adam Dunn. Put Soriano in right, Manny in left and Dunn at first. Trade Lee and Fukudome to the west coast. Maybe Seattle will give us Olson back.
I know. Defense bad. But...offense very, very good.
Think about it. We wouldn't need Peavy. Salzieder could go 17 and 5 with that offense.
My off season report card:
1. We didn't get enough for Mark DeRosa
2. We didn't get enough for Cedeno and Olson
3. We didn't get enough for Pie
4. We won't get enough for Hill
Other than that, we've done well, wouldn't you say?
Good luck at the big game tomorrow -- I was hoping to make a Mesa run, but won't be able to. Sorry, Doc. (Sounds like you might be playing the last inning?)
Pittsburgh over Arizona.
js
Friday, January 30, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
The Mayo Guy?
Aaron Hellman's?
Why in the world would you get rid of a lefty with at least a shred of potential for a righty without any? Ask any Met fan what this guy's worth and he'll spit on you.
Building a world series champ -- starts with Aaron Heilman and Paul Bako? What am I missing?
JS
Why in the world would you get rid of a lefty with at least a shred of potential for a righty without any? Ask any Met fan what this guy's worth and he'll spit on you.
Building a world series champ -- starts with Aaron Heilman and Paul Bako? What am I missing?
JS
Images
Ah, the lingering images from the melee...
Juan Pierre Raker slapping singles all over the infield
Barrister Dan limping along -- wondering how to sue Ralph for the Murnyak Strain. Or copyright it. Whichever.
Joel Smith showboating out in left field. Too bad Phil couldn't make it. (don't ask.)
Southsider tantalizing those old men with his off speed, and more off speed pitches.
What the fuck is an endodontist? And how can you hit a triple and end up on second base?
Wendell Kim.
Doc Rav with pom poms cheering you on...waiting for the real fantasy camp to start. How's that for an oxymoron? Real fantasy camp.
Sid Bugle (anagram for Bud Selig) eating dinner.
The images of a real good time.
Here's what we were not told. Who won? Assuming we heard Raker's batting average and not much else tells me that you went 1 and 3.
more later. or not.
Sherm
Juan Pierre Raker slapping singles all over the infield
Barrister Dan limping along -- wondering how to sue Ralph for the Murnyak Strain. Or copyright it. Whichever.
Joel Smith showboating out in left field. Too bad Phil couldn't make it. (don't ask.)
Southsider tantalizing those old men with his off speed, and more off speed pitches.
What the fuck is an endodontist? And how can you hit a triple and end up on second base?
Wendell Kim.
Doc Rav with pom poms cheering you on...waiting for the real fantasy camp to start. How's that for an oxymoron? Real fantasy camp.
Sid Bugle (anagram for Bud Selig) eating dinner.
The images of a real good time.
Here's what we were not told. Who won? Assuming we heard Raker's batting average and not much else tells me that you went 1 and 3.
more later. or not.
Sherm
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Slugging percentage?
Can you calculate slugging percentage when you only hit singles?
Apparently both Punch AND Judy showed up in Mesa this week and slapped little grounders all over the field. Wish I could have been there. I'm guessing not a lot of gold gloves were given out at the end of it all. Contrary to the Willie Keeler philosophy, this weekend's motto was "hit it where they ARE."
Shirley, I jest. It sounded like a lot of fun. I've even come up with a new name for it. Extreme Baseball. What do you think?
Fantasy Camp is now in full swing. Ravage and Pepitone are off drinking warm beer, and the trainers are busy taking care of the rash of injuries from the opening night banquet. Yes, I miss that, too.
I have little to say of baseball significance. Still no Peavy. Still no Dunn. Yankees just keep signing pitchers left and right. Big wheels keep on rollin.
js
Apparently both Punch AND Judy showed up in Mesa this week and slapped little grounders all over the field. Wish I could have been there. I'm guessing not a lot of gold gloves were given out at the end of it all. Contrary to the Willie Keeler philosophy, this weekend's motto was "hit it where they ARE."
Shirley, I jest. It sounded like a lot of fun. I've even come up with a new name for it. Extreme Baseball. What do you think?
Fantasy Camp is now in full swing. Ravage and Pepitone are off drinking warm beer, and the trainers are busy taking care of the rash of injuries from the opening night banquet. Yes, I miss that, too.
I have little to say of baseball significance. Still no Peavy. Still no Dunn. Yankees just keep signing pitchers left and right. Big wheels keep on rollin.
js
Friday, January 23, 2009
New owner
Well...it does appear that the team has new ownership.
I understand that the guy is a huge fan...which could be good -- provided he knows about baseball. If he's a big fan and a baseball idiot...it could be painful. Time will tell.
Have to agree with Mojo about locking up Marmol and Soto long term. Good idea. Have to check with Merv Griffin on the other guy. Is he still alive?
So, to be fair and learn a little more about the new owner before I bash him, I figured I'd google him and get some info. Here's what I now know. Rickets is a softening of the bones caused by lack of vitamin D, calcium or phosphate. Also called Osteomalacia.
That was helpful.
Then I read between the lines. Vitamin "D". Get it. Defense. We will play good defense this year. And Vitamin D can come from the sun. So we'll be awesome in day games. It all makes sense now.
I'm here to educate you. Going the extra mile. It's what I'm all about. Who says this blog isn't educational?
Anyway. Swear this guy in, or whatever you do with a new owner, and let's get on with it. Bring me the arm of Jake Peavy. Bring me the bat of Adam Dunn. (I know, I know.)
Bring me a world series championship. If not for me, than for our fathers and grandfathers. And if not for them, than for me. Whatever. Just do it.
Good luck in Mesa -- those of you playing. Good luck in camp -- those of you going. If you can comment from there, please do so.
Remember: measure twice, cut once. Wait. Wrong adage. Try this one: stretch, you old men. Yes. That's it.
Sherm
I understand that the guy is a huge fan...which could be good -- provided he knows about baseball. If he's a big fan and a baseball idiot...it could be painful. Time will tell.
Have to agree with Mojo about locking up Marmol and Soto long term. Good idea. Have to check with Merv Griffin on the other guy. Is he still alive?
So, to be fair and learn a little more about the new owner before I bash him, I figured I'd google him and get some info. Here's what I now know. Rickets is a softening of the bones caused by lack of vitamin D, calcium or phosphate. Also called Osteomalacia.
That was helpful.
Then I read between the lines. Vitamin "D". Get it. Defense. We will play good defense this year. And Vitamin D can come from the sun. So we'll be awesome in day games. It all makes sense now.
I'm here to educate you. Going the extra mile. It's what I'm all about. Who says this blog isn't educational?
Anyway. Swear this guy in, or whatever you do with a new owner, and let's get on with it. Bring me the arm of Jake Peavy. Bring me the bat of Adam Dunn. (I know, I know.)
Bring me a world series championship. If not for me, than for our fathers and grandfathers. And if not for them, than for me. Whatever. Just do it.
Good luck in Mesa -- those of you playing. Good luck in camp -- those of you going. If you can comment from there, please do so.
Remember: measure twice, cut once. Wait. Wrong adage. Try this one: stretch, you old men. Yes. That's it.
Sherm
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Blanco in San Diego
I'm not done with Dunn -- as a topic -- but first let's talk about Hank White.
He signs with San Diego for $750,000. That's not a big contract for a very good backup catcher. And Geo Soto's pappy. I don't know how we let him get away. I'd heard it was because he was going to be a $3mil guy...but he's not. His deal is $750,000. Ravage could've signed him for help around the house at that number.
I'm confused. We wanted a left handed hitting catcher so badly that we are willing to have a bad one?
On to Dunn. Last time on the topic. Maybe.
Raker said something that I've given a great deal of thought. Okay, not really. I mean, come on. Raker said it. But anyway, consider -- Sign Adam Dunn and put him at first base. Still get that bat into the middle of our lineup. Sure we add some K's. We lose some DP's. We add homers and walks. We lose some defense. Trade Lee west. San Diego is not a fit. The California Los Angeles West Coast Pacific Time Zone Western Hemisphere Angels of Anaheim are. They lost Teixiera and could use a couple years of DLee to fill that gap. They surely would have something to give up...bullpen help? Bench strength? A bag full of old rally monkeys. Think about it.
I would also trade Fukudome to Seattle. He could play next to his buddy, Ichiro. Trade him for a new Nintendo Play Station. They're pretty cool and have some good games and features.
I have work to do...so that's it for now. I might add to this later. It's difficult writing a baseball blog when there is such little baseball news.
js
He signs with San Diego for $750,000. That's not a big contract for a very good backup catcher. And Geo Soto's pappy. I don't know how we let him get away. I'd heard it was because he was going to be a $3mil guy...but he's not. His deal is $750,000. Ravage could've signed him for help around the house at that number.
I'm confused. We wanted a left handed hitting catcher so badly that we are willing to have a bad one?
On to Dunn. Last time on the topic. Maybe.
Raker said something that I've given a great deal of thought. Okay, not really. I mean, come on. Raker said it. But anyway, consider -- Sign Adam Dunn and put him at first base. Still get that bat into the middle of our lineup. Sure we add some K's. We lose some DP's. We add homers and walks. We lose some defense. Trade Lee west. San Diego is not a fit. The California Los Angeles West Coast Pacific Time Zone Western Hemisphere Angels of Anaheim are. They lost Teixiera and could use a couple years of DLee to fill that gap. They surely would have something to give up...bullpen help? Bench strength? A bag full of old rally monkeys. Think about it.
I would also trade Fukudome to Seattle. He could play next to his buddy, Ichiro. Trade him for a new Nintendo Play Station. They're pretty cool and have some good games and features.
I have work to do...so that's it for now. I might add to this later. It's difficult writing a baseball blog when there is such little baseball news.
js
Monday, January 19, 2009
Dunn
I read today that Adam Dunn's price tag has dropped and the best he can expect is about $5mil a year. For that, I'd say sign him. Right now. We know he would like to be a Cub...and if he can be an affordable Cub -- just fucking do it. I know. I know -- what about Fukudome? I've thought of that. Trade him to that Asian massage parlor in Naperville for Miss Hapi N. Ding -- it's a fair trade. He'll make some businessman very happy, Joe.
I like our lineup with Soriano, Bradley, Lee, Dunn, Ramirez and Soto in it. Wedge Soriano between the two lefties and watch out.
Theriot
Fontenot
Bradley
Soriano
Dunn
Ramirez
Lee
Soto
Pitcher
You have to admit that's one powerful lineup. It's one Doc Raker after another.
You could bat Lee second and move Soto to seven and Fontenot to eight against certain pitchers.
Sure...it'll never happen, but it's fun to speculate.
Sherm
here's an added thought for the day: if we're getting all these players to send off to San Diego for Jake Peavy...why not just go get Ben Sheets and keep them? Peavy will be available later in the season...for a lot less, and a healthy Sheets is as good as it gets. Sign him to an incentive laden contract, perhaps?
I like our lineup with Soriano, Bradley, Lee, Dunn, Ramirez and Soto in it. Wedge Soriano between the two lefties and watch out.
Theriot
Fontenot
Bradley
Soriano
Dunn
Ramirez
Lee
Soto
Pitcher
You have to admit that's one powerful lineup. It's one Doc Raker after another.
You could bat Lee second and move Soto to seven and Fontenot to eight against certain pitchers.
Sure...it'll never happen, but it's fun to speculate.
Sherm
here's an added thought for the day: if we're getting all these players to send off to San Diego for Jake Peavy...why not just go get Ben Sheets and keep them? Peavy will be available later in the season...for a lot less, and a healthy Sheets is as good as it gets. Sign him to an incentive laden contract, perhaps?
Cubs Convention
I did not attend the Cubs Convention. I am not a fan of paying for autographs. I don't charge for mine, in case you were wondering.
I see that we have traded Felix Pie for Garrett Olson. This, on the surface, appears to be a good trade. Olson is young, left handed, and talented. Probably hit the big leagues a little too soon for the Orioles, but who did they have to pitch?
Might we be building players to trade for Jake Peavy? Perhaps. If so, though, it is kind of peculiar to me that we just didn't enter the free agency market and get another pitcher. For this year, anyway, Lowe would have been just fine. This players that we are beginning to stockpile for the supposed Peavy trade are starting to look pretty flippin good for a AAA team...which means good Cub teams for the next decade.
It is a shame to see Pie go after all the hype, but he's never done a thing at the major league level. Maybe 600 at bats in Baltimore will help him. Or maybe he'll whiff 300 times. I don't know. I just know that if his name were pronounced like the dessert "pie" rather than pee-ay, I'd have liked him better. Pee-ay is just downright silly.
Think of the other words that could affect...if he's right about the pronunciation.
"Honey, which "tee-ay" goes better with this shirt?"
"Fee "fee-ay" fo fum..."
"Don't you "lee-ay" to me"
"The Cardinals and Steelers will "vee-ay" for the Championship"
See how ridiculous that is? I bel-ee-ya-ve words should be pronounced correctly, even names.
Think the Cards will trade Rick Ank-ee-ya-l? More I type it, more it starts to sound like a hee haw in my mind. Better stop or this could quickly get out of hand.
Olson could be that bullpen swing man we need from the left side -- allowing Marshall to fill that number five starter role.
Why doesn't anyone think that Dempster can repeat his 2008? Other than Hendry, I mean, who gave him lots of money? There is no reason to think he won't be just as good. If Harden is healthy, this is a mean staff -- with or without Jake Peavy. Once we have all the pee-ya-ces that San Diego wants for Peavy? I'd be less interested to trade with them. Hold out...and make them give in a little.
Later, all...
Have a great week. More later.
JS
I see that we have traded Felix Pie for Garrett Olson. This, on the surface, appears to be a good trade. Olson is young, left handed, and talented. Probably hit the big leagues a little too soon for the Orioles, but who did they have to pitch?
Might we be building players to trade for Jake Peavy? Perhaps. If so, though, it is kind of peculiar to me that we just didn't enter the free agency market and get another pitcher. For this year, anyway, Lowe would have been just fine. This players that we are beginning to stockpile for the supposed Peavy trade are starting to look pretty flippin good for a AAA team...which means good Cub teams for the next decade.
It is a shame to see Pie go after all the hype, but he's never done a thing at the major league level. Maybe 600 at bats in Baltimore will help him. Or maybe he'll whiff 300 times. I don't know. I just know that if his name were pronounced like the dessert "pie" rather than pee-ay, I'd have liked him better. Pee-ay is just downright silly.
Think of the other words that could affect...if he's right about the pronunciation.
"Honey, which "tee-ay" goes better with this shirt?"
"Fee "fee-ay" fo fum..."
"Don't you "lee-ay" to me"
"The Cardinals and Steelers will "vee-ay" for the Championship"
See how ridiculous that is? I bel-ee-ya-ve words should be pronounced correctly, even names.
Think the Cards will trade Rick Ank-ee-ya-l? More I type it, more it starts to sound like a hee haw in my mind. Better stop or this could quickly get out of hand.
Olson could be that bullpen swing man we need from the left side -- allowing Marshall to fill that number five starter role.
Why doesn't anyone think that Dempster can repeat his 2008? Other than Hendry, I mean, who gave him lots of money? There is no reason to think he won't be just as good. If Harden is healthy, this is a mean staff -- with or without Jake Peavy. Once we have all the pee-ya-ces that San Diego wants for Peavy? I'd be less interested to trade with them. Hold out...and make them give in a little.
Later, all...
Have a great week. More later.
JS
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Baseball Blog Blahs
Sorry. I haven't had much to say lately, but the baseball world has been fairly dull and I am tired of all the speculation that never comes true. Wish we'd get a new owner already; that's not helping us this off season. Of course, it's the Cubs...ergo, always something.
I could type more about the HOF, but I think Doc nailed it with the Morgan Line line (line line -- that's funny. Line squared.)
We could discuss how cold it is in Chicago, but who gives a shit? It's not cold in southern California and that's all that really matters.
I read that the Cubs are considering Randy Wolf. I think we already have Randy Wolf and his name is Sean Marshall.
Paul Bako for backup catcher? Really? Jeez. That's a step backwards. Especially when Blanco was kind of like Soto's grandpappy. What's he going to learn from Bako? I mean, sure, Bako was good in Usual Suspects, but what's he got left for the Cubs? Not much, I suppose.
All in all...I really wish the season would start.
Not really into football blogging, but that was pretty funny -- San Diego getting only one offensive play in the third quarter vs Pittsburgh.
I think Utah and USC should play for the right to play Florida. Oh, wait. That would be like a playoff. Nevermind.
More later. Or not.
Sherm
I could type more about the HOF, but I think Doc nailed it with the Morgan Line line (line line -- that's funny. Line squared.)
We could discuss how cold it is in Chicago, but who gives a shit? It's not cold in southern California and that's all that really matters.
I read that the Cubs are considering Randy Wolf. I think we already have Randy Wolf and his name is Sean Marshall.
Paul Bako for backup catcher? Really? Jeez. That's a step backwards. Especially when Blanco was kind of like Soto's grandpappy. What's he going to learn from Bako? I mean, sure, Bako was good in Usual Suspects, but what's he got left for the Cubs? Not much, I suppose.
All in all...I really wish the season would start.
Not really into football blogging, but that was pretty funny -- San Diego getting only one offensive play in the third quarter vs Pittsburgh.
I think Utah and USC should play for the right to play Florida. Oh, wait. That would be like a playoff. Nevermind.
More later. Or not.
Sherm
Monday, January 12, 2009
Special edition
Midday post:
Note to the entire baseball world -- Andre' Dawson was EASILY as good as Jim Rice, and in my opinion, BETTER. Certainly a better all around ballplayer. Better defense. Better arm. Would have played even longer and hit even more homers had he been in Boston all those years instead of Olympic stadium.
Once again the jagoffs who vote on this stuff screwed the pooch.
I'm boycotting the Baseball Hall of Fame.
I do, however, propose the Blogging Hall of Fame. I'm in. Smitty's not.
Sherm
by the way -- what the hell is a snowblower? It's 80 here today and I've got the AC on.
Note to the entire baseball world -- Andre' Dawson was EASILY as good as Jim Rice, and in my opinion, BETTER. Certainly a better all around ballplayer. Better defense. Better arm. Would have played even longer and hit even more homers had he been in Boston all those years instead of Olympic stadium.
Once again the jagoffs who vote on this stuff screwed the pooch.
I'm boycotting the Baseball Hall of Fame.
I do, however, propose the Blogging Hall of Fame. I'm in. Smitty's not.
Sherm
by the way -- what the hell is a snowblower? It's 80 here today and I've got the AC on.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Hall of Fame, BCS, etc.
Don't care about any of it right now. Agree with Mojohowitz and Ravitsky-- HOF is diluted and voting is tainted by sportswriters who think, like all journalists, that they for some reason are closer to God than the rest of us.
BCS. Couldn't care less. Shitty championship game if in fact that's what it was. Utah and USC deserve to play to decide who's number 1. Or just give it to Utah. At least they don't have to defend a loss. And they did spank Alabama.
I love the Smoltz signing by the Red Sox. They've quietly and for a half billion or so less dollars, matched the Yankees off season moves. Okay, not exactly matched, but they've done well -- Kotsay, Baldelli, Smoltz for practically nothing added on to an already very good team. They haven't really lost anything from last year. (Unlike our Cubs, who had to subtract to add, unfortunately.)
I'd still sign Adam Dunn if I'm Jim Hendry. I've said it before and I will say it again. Damn the defense. I love a lineup with Soriano, Bradley, Dunn, Lee, Ramirez and Soto in it. Plus the little guys. Wow. Replace Dunn with Fukudome or Gathright and it just doesn't seem as imposing, does it?
Add Dunn and Peavy and we'll win 100+ games and the World Series. You read it here first.
That's all for now. I have work to do. Not middle of the night, life saving, heroic stuff, mind you, but whatever.
Sherm
BCS. Couldn't care less. Shitty championship game if in fact that's what it was. Utah and USC deserve to play to decide who's number 1. Or just give it to Utah. At least they don't have to defend a loss. And they did spank Alabama.
I love the Smoltz signing by the Red Sox. They've quietly and for a half billion or so less dollars, matched the Yankees off season moves. Okay, not exactly matched, but they've done well -- Kotsay, Baldelli, Smoltz for practically nothing added on to an already very good team. They haven't really lost anything from last year. (Unlike our Cubs, who had to subtract to add, unfortunately.)
I'd still sign Adam Dunn if I'm Jim Hendry. I've said it before and I will say it again. Damn the defense. I love a lineup with Soriano, Bradley, Dunn, Lee, Ramirez and Soto in it. Plus the little guys. Wow. Replace Dunn with Fukudome or Gathright and it just doesn't seem as imposing, does it?
Add Dunn and Peavy and we'll win 100+ games and the World Series. You read it here first.
That's all for now. I have work to do. Not middle of the night, life saving, heroic stuff, mind you, but whatever.
Sherm
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Bert Blyleven
No HOF for Bert. If you induct Bert, you also have to induct Jerry Reuss. And Dennis Martinez. And a host of other guys who pitched twenty years and had decent numbers. Decent numbers should not qualify you for the hall. Longevity alone should not, either. Decent plus longevity? No.
For that reason, no to Mark Grace. He was never great. The Hall of Fame should be reserved for greatness. That's the friggin' point of HAVING a hall of FAME. It's not the hall of mediocrity. It's not the hall of pretty darn goodness. It's not the hall of above average. It's the Hall of Fame. Then again, by definition, fame implies celebrity -- so why shouldn't everyone be in it. If we know them and watch them on television...that means they are FAMOUS, right? Ah...semantics. Change it to the Hall of Greatness and vote accordingly. I don't give a shit if no one else ever gets in. Earn it or don't.
Maddux is in. Smoltz will be, too. Grace? No. Dawson should be. Actually, I'd vote in Dennis Martinez before Blyleven. Martinez may have had the best curve I have ever seen. And he won a lot of games on very shitty Expo teams in his time. Emphasis on very.
Do you vote in Ricki Henderson on the first ballot? (I spelled it like that to piss him off in case he reads this. I assume he googles his name daily.) I think he has to get in. Numbers dictate it. First ballot. Like it or not. If not, it's obviously personal and that skews the entire process. Here's a novel idea -- take the voting away from the sports writers. How's this? Players with ten years in the majors get a vote. That's it. Period. You can only vote for players that played during your time in the league so that your personal knowledge is the vote base. If only most of them weren't such morons, it could work.
Let the sportswriters do the old timer voting. Take that AWAY from Joe Morgan and his segregation committee. I can imagine THEM sitting around -- "Hey guys, if we NEVER let anyone else in? It makes US look even greater than we were...if such a thing can be possible!"
As far as the posthumous HOF awards? I recommend seances and letting the old players vote. Or the use of a OUIJA board.
Speaking of OUIJA board...now THERE'S a nickname for Billy Cribbage. Weeja. Weeja. I can hear the chants now.
The Peavy conversation is obviously back on because everyone says it isn't. God, I'd love to play poker with these guys.
How's this for a clever four team deal? We trade all the young arms to San Diego for Peavy. We through in Vizcaino, too. We then trade Peavy to Cleveland for Wood and DeRosa. We package Miles and Bradley and send them to Colorado for Marquis. Cleveland sends Peavy to San Diego to get the three arms back. Colorado sends Bradley to San Diego for Vizcaino. Just a thought.
If you induct Blyleven? You have to vote in David Wells, too. Look at the numbers.
Sherm
For that reason, no to Mark Grace. He was never great. The Hall of Fame should be reserved for greatness. That's the friggin' point of HAVING a hall of FAME. It's not the hall of mediocrity. It's not the hall of pretty darn goodness. It's not the hall of above average. It's the Hall of Fame. Then again, by definition, fame implies celebrity -- so why shouldn't everyone be in it. If we know them and watch them on television...that means they are FAMOUS, right? Ah...semantics. Change it to the Hall of Greatness and vote accordingly. I don't give a shit if no one else ever gets in. Earn it or don't.
Maddux is in. Smoltz will be, too. Grace? No. Dawson should be. Actually, I'd vote in Dennis Martinez before Blyleven. Martinez may have had the best curve I have ever seen. And he won a lot of games on very shitty Expo teams in his time. Emphasis on very.
Do you vote in Ricki Henderson on the first ballot? (I spelled it like that to piss him off in case he reads this. I assume he googles his name daily.) I think he has to get in. Numbers dictate it. First ballot. Like it or not. If not, it's obviously personal and that skews the entire process. Here's a novel idea -- take the voting away from the sports writers. How's this? Players with ten years in the majors get a vote. That's it. Period. You can only vote for players that played during your time in the league so that your personal knowledge is the vote base. If only most of them weren't such morons, it could work.
Let the sportswriters do the old timer voting. Take that AWAY from Joe Morgan and his segregation committee. I can imagine THEM sitting around -- "Hey guys, if we NEVER let anyone else in? It makes US look even greater than we were...if such a thing can be possible!"
As far as the posthumous HOF awards? I recommend seances and letting the old players vote. Or the use of a OUIJA board.
Speaking of OUIJA board...now THERE'S a nickname for Billy Cribbage. Weeja. Weeja. I can hear the chants now.
The Peavy conversation is obviously back on because everyone says it isn't. God, I'd love to play poker with these guys.
How's this for a clever four team deal? We trade all the young arms to San Diego for Peavy. We through in Vizcaino, too. We then trade Peavy to Cleveland for Wood and DeRosa. We package Miles and Bradley and send them to Colorado for Marquis. Cleveland sends Peavy to San Diego to get the three arms back. Colorado sends Bradley to San Diego for Vizcaino. Just a thought.
If you induct Blyleven? You have to vote in David Wells, too. Look at the numbers.
Sherm
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
The well is dry
I've run dry on the Uno Parcheesi topic. Sorry, I like that one. For now.
Don't want to talk about the DeRosa trade.
Marquis is gone. Fine.
I really don't care about Felix Gathright.
Our middle infield is now composed of the Gaedel triplets. Great.
The rotation is the same. The bullpen, I think, is slightly worse.
We'll be very sorry to have let Ceda go so cheap. Clip and save.
Ownership is up in the air and that's holding up bigger deals. Or not.
I've got nothing. I don't care about the Cub Convention. I'm not going to Randy Hundley's camp, nor will I be attending the Mockery in Mesa, or whatever it's called.
I'm tired of reading about Mark Teixiera. He signed already. Let it go.
I got an iPod for Christmas. I think I'll try to find my top 1000 songs of all time. Feel free to send your recommendations. Madonna and rap not accepted.
More later. Not really.
Sherm
Don't want to talk about the DeRosa trade.
Marquis is gone. Fine.
I really don't care about Felix Gathright.
Our middle infield is now composed of the Gaedel triplets. Great.
The rotation is the same. The bullpen, I think, is slightly worse.
We'll be very sorry to have let Ceda go so cheap. Clip and save.
Ownership is up in the air and that's holding up bigger deals. Or not.
I've got nothing. I don't care about the Cub Convention. I'm not going to Randy Hundley's camp, nor will I be attending the Mockery in Mesa, or whatever it's called.
I'm tired of reading about Mark Teixiera. He signed already. Let it go.
I got an iPod for Christmas. I think I'll try to find my top 1000 songs of all time. Feel free to send your recommendations. Madonna and rap not accepted.
More later. Not really.
Sherm
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Brad Milton
I've spent time, now, trying not to think about the Cubs' newest acquisition. It didn't work. Is he the right guy? Is he the player to be named later? I've decided against Milton Bradley for obvious reasons. The name, I mean. I'll give the player a chance to prove himself. What other choice do I have? I'll not type his "real" name again.
So. What to call him? We've exhausted the usual monikers. Marvin Hasbro has been my favorite so far. Boardgame is old. Let's look at a few new ones and decide what he shall be named.
1. "Trainer Me" Elmo
2. Hangman Lego
3. Skat Canasta
4. Trivial Injury Pursuit
5. Hungry Hungry Hendry (I know it doesn't apply to this guy, but I think it's funny)
6. Billy Cribbage
7. Uno Parcheesi
8. Rook Twister
9. Sorry Life
10. Boggle Junior
11. Leroy Yahtzee
12. Noh Clue
Pick one. I don't care.
Personally, I think we just should have taught Mark DeRosa to bat left handed. He was a good guy. He'd have done it. He did everything else the team asked.
The Marquis deal is just about done. We lose an eleven game winner who ate innings like Sabathia eats housepets. Replacement arm? Marshall. Could be. I'm okay with that as long as he pitches well and wins games. If he doesn't, than I'm against it. How's that? Hurts my crack sitting on this fence.
I'd still like to see Jake Peavy on the team. He'd be a long term Cub -- and give us a great rotation for some time.
I'd still like to see Adam Dunn in right field. I've said it before. Damn the defense. Pitch around it. Put Skat Canasta in CF and Dunn in RF. Trade Pie and Fukudome to ACE Hardware for some spackle.
I want a great pitching staff AND a team that can outscore opponents with regularity. Why can't we have both for a change? I want to see shutouts while we pound people into submission. Is that too much to ask? I want the rest of the national league going to the commissioner's office with a petition for the mercy rule. Is that wrong? I want to see outfielders pitching against in the seventh, eighth and ninth inning -- every week. I want broom sales to skyrocket in every city in which we play...
Sing with me, people!
I don't know what that meant, it just typed itself. Sometimes, I'm just channeling, folks.
Oh, I thought of another name. Hannah Barbera. Thoughts?
I'll need to see him play defense before I know if he's a JCM or not.
Is it true that Hendry said after the signing "He'll be a perfect DH for us. Oh, wait, we're a national league team. Doh!" And then he choked Bart.
More later. Or not.
One question. Smitty has a blog?
Sherm
BUT WAIT!!! THERE'S MORE!!! THIS JUST IN!!!
As part of the deal for Billy Cribbage, the Cubs ALSO get the rights for several of the Monopoly pieces, including the hat and the shoe! They are negotiating for the iron as we speak. The guy with the monocle (aka Ralph) is also part of the deal, and will act as Boggle Junior's clubhouse valet. Big news, folks, big news!!!
So. What to call him? We've exhausted the usual monikers. Marvin Hasbro has been my favorite so far. Boardgame is old. Let's look at a few new ones and decide what he shall be named.
1. "Trainer Me" Elmo
2. Hangman Lego
3. Skat Canasta
4. Trivial Injury Pursuit
5. Hungry Hungry Hendry (I know it doesn't apply to this guy, but I think it's funny)
6. Billy Cribbage
7. Uno Parcheesi
8. Rook Twister
9. Sorry Life
10. Boggle Junior
11. Leroy Yahtzee
12. Noh Clue
Pick one. I don't care.
Personally, I think we just should have taught Mark DeRosa to bat left handed. He was a good guy. He'd have done it. He did everything else the team asked.
The Marquis deal is just about done. We lose an eleven game winner who ate innings like Sabathia eats housepets. Replacement arm? Marshall. Could be. I'm okay with that as long as he pitches well and wins games. If he doesn't, than I'm against it. How's that? Hurts my crack sitting on this fence.
I'd still like to see Jake Peavy on the team. He'd be a long term Cub -- and give us a great rotation for some time.
I'd still like to see Adam Dunn in right field. I've said it before. Damn the defense. Pitch around it. Put Skat Canasta in CF and Dunn in RF. Trade Pie and Fukudome to ACE Hardware for some spackle.
I want a great pitching staff AND a team that can outscore opponents with regularity. Why can't we have both for a change? I want to see shutouts while we pound people into submission. Is that too much to ask? I want the rest of the national league going to the commissioner's office with a petition for the mercy rule. Is that wrong? I want to see outfielders pitching against in the seventh, eighth and ninth inning -- every week. I want broom sales to skyrocket in every city in which we play...
Sing with me, people!
I don't know what that meant, it just typed itself. Sometimes, I'm just channeling, folks.
Oh, I thought of another name. Hannah Barbera. Thoughts?
I'll need to see him play defense before I know if he's a JCM or not.
Is it true that Hendry said after the signing "He'll be a perfect DH for us. Oh, wait, we're a national league team. Doh!" And then he choked Bart.
More later. Or not.
One question. Smitty has a blog?
Sherm
BUT WAIT!!! THERE'S MORE!!! THIS JUST IN!!!
As part of the deal for Billy Cribbage, the Cubs ALSO get the rights for several of the Monopoly pieces, including the hat and the shoe! They are negotiating for the iron as we speak. The guy with the monocle (aka Ralph) is also part of the deal, and will act as Boggle Junior's clubhouse valet. Big news, folks, big news!!!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Mark DeRosa
Is still an Indian.
I dearly wish that I had something to report this morning. I've been searching for something positive...but have found nothing both Cub related and positive to say. As my mother always taught me -- "If you don't have anything nice to say, say it in print." Or something like that. She babbled a lot and I didn't really listen.
Ryan Dempster has come out in favor of signing Training Room Elmo. And TRE's former manager, Ron Washington, says it's not that he "doesn't care" -- it's that "he cares too much." Oh. Okay. That makes me feel better. At least we'll know that when he's sitting out, he still cares. A lot.
I wonder what the collective IQ of the team is now -- without Ivy Leaguer Mark DeRosa to bring it up? High double digits? Less if you include the coaching staff.
Mike Fontenot had been missing for three days. They found him, fortunately, in Alan Trammel's face. Apparently, he'd been spelunking. Lou Piniella was busy at Hometown Buffet, and was unable to comment.
Before I go -- why do people point their keys at their car when they are locking and unlocking it? So the keys can see which car they mean? Morons.
More later. Or not.
Sherm
I dearly wish that I had something to report this morning. I've been searching for something positive...but have found nothing both Cub related and positive to say. As my mother always taught me -- "If you don't have anything nice to say, say it in print." Or something like that. She babbled a lot and I didn't really listen.
Ryan Dempster has come out in favor of signing Training Room Elmo. And TRE's former manager, Ron Washington, says it's not that he "doesn't care" -- it's that "he cares too much." Oh. Okay. That makes me feel better. At least we'll know that when he's sitting out, he still cares. A lot.
I wonder what the collective IQ of the team is now -- without Ivy Leaguer Mark DeRosa to bring it up? High double digits? Less if you include the coaching staff.
Mike Fontenot had been missing for three days. They found him, fortunately, in Alan Trammel's face. Apparently, he'd been spelunking. Lou Piniella was busy at Hometown Buffet, and was unable to comment.
Before I go -- why do people point their keys at their car when they are locking and unlocking it? So the keys can see which car they mean? Morons.
More later. Or not.
Sherm
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Breaking News
Jim Hendry was taken to a hospital today when he wakened from his afternoon nap screaming "oh my God, oh my God, what have I done? What have I done? DeRosa's gone. He's really gone! What have I done?"
He was given antidepressants and other medications and remains sedated.
Lou Piniella was enjoying both parts of a buy one, get the second entree at half price at Carrows and would not comment.
In an unrelated story, Milton Bradley was injured today while reading the paper. Bradley is expected to be ready by spring training, but will need to take it slow for the first month or two of the new season.
He was given antidepressants and other medications and remains sedated.
Lou Piniella was enjoying both parts of a buy one, get the second entree at half price at Carrows and would not comment.
In an unrelated story, Milton Bradley was injured today while reading the paper. Bradley is expected to be ready by spring training, but will need to take it slow for the first month or two of the new season.
Various thoughts and miscellaneous comments
First of all, Smitty...I'm never far, but thanks for asking.
Rather than start adding comments to previous entries, I'll do a mishmash today and try to get to everything under one post.
1. Hockey. Okay, here' s what bothers me most about the hockey game at Wrigley. The Blackhawks scored more than the Cubs did in either their last two games of the year there. I did not watch any of the game because I remembered at the time that it was hockey.
2. Aaron Miles. Southsider makes a strong point. The guy was hitting in front of the Mighty Albert. In Chicago, he'll hit in front of Dlee and perhaps set the world record for most outs on the front end of a double play. Or maybe he'll just be a sub, now that DeRosa is gone. Or maybe he won't play at all, and Jim Hendry is just stockpiling cute, little cajun guys 'cuz he kinda likes them.
3. Mark DeRosa. Initially, I was against trading DeRosa. Now, after a few days of thinking about it? I am against trading DeRosa. Good guy. Was just reading that he is considered one of the best (smartest) baserunners in baseball. Here's the biggest question I have about trading him: Who is going to back up Ramirez at third? Miles? Cedeno? Kevin Orie? We lose a lot more than a second baseman with this guy -- and I hear that all three pitchers are "good" but that none are considered to be an "A" prospect. What does that mean? They all will eventually pitch in the bigs. But not well. Great. Maybe we can flip them for a backup third baseman. Oh, wait.
3a. DeRosa part 2. I'd have rather had DeRosa in RF all year than Marvin Hasbro. Kenny Mattel. Whatever. Better guy. Smarter. More durable. More than that, though, I'd prefer to have DeRosa at 2b and Adam Dunn in right field. Damn the defense.
3b. Part of this whole thing is Jim Hendry's belief that Mike Fontenot is going to be the second baseman of the future for the Cubs. See cute little cajun guy comment above. I'd rather have Brian Roberts now...for a number of reasons, including leadoff bat.
3c. It's hard for me to fathom this comment, but I fear it is true. We are now WORSE than we were when 2008 ended. Period. Essentially we've gained Kevin Gregg and Aaron Miles. No big deal. We've lost Kerry Wood and Mark DeRosa. Two great clubhouse guys. A closer who was getting better each year for a set up man who is getting older and worse, and a mini sub for the league's most versatile player and the Cubs '08 MVP. Plus, we lose 20 homers, 90 rbi's and teams best (or one of the best) on base % guys in DeRosa.
3c1 -- oh wait! We also added Joey Gathright to replace Jim Edmonds. So we lost ANOTHER 19 home runs and the accompanying rbi's. If Gathright plays everyday and gets 600 at bats? He might hit 2 out. Maybe. So we are down at least 40 homers...(more if you count Jason Marquis --who was always good for a couple) which brings us to...
4. Sorry Candyland! Our new right fielder? At 3 years/$30m? Good for him. Glad we cleared salary for that. Guy played 120 games last year (100 as a dh) and hit 22 homers. Um, Jim...that's still way short of the 40 we lost. (Note to everyone who's been on Mars -- Adam Dunn hits about 40 a year) And Candyland can't play everyday. He gets owies.
I have to say that I am grossly disappointed in this offseason. I realize that it isn't over...but if this is the team going into next season...I'm gonna be pissed off. We didn't address a single real NEED, and we lost some strengths. We won 97 games last year and have overreacted because of a lousy three playoff games. Plus, the ownership situation doesn't help...but you know what? It's always SOMETHING because these are the fucking Cubs and that's the way it is. Watch. Someone else will get Roberts -- I'm hearing it'll be the White Sox, and someone else will get Peavy. We'll have a good year, because we have a "good" team...but it's not a great team -- not by a long shot and it has no chance, as it stands, to be a postseason winner.
What number was I on? Oh, yeah. 5. Mesa. I don't know if I can make it to Mesa for the Melee. Not that I don't love a good melee, mind you. I will know more this week.
I'm pissed about the Bradley/DeRosa thing. I'd like to rant and rant and rant, but since we are quoting Gilda Radner characters...as Emily Littela would say...nevermind.
Sherm
Rather than start adding comments to previous entries, I'll do a mishmash today and try to get to everything under one post.
1. Hockey. Okay, here' s what bothers me most about the hockey game at Wrigley. The Blackhawks scored more than the Cubs did in either their last two games of the year there. I did not watch any of the game because I remembered at the time that it was hockey.
2. Aaron Miles. Southsider makes a strong point. The guy was hitting in front of the Mighty Albert. In Chicago, he'll hit in front of Dlee and perhaps set the world record for most outs on the front end of a double play. Or maybe he'll just be a sub, now that DeRosa is gone. Or maybe he won't play at all, and Jim Hendry is just stockpiling cute, little cajun guys 'cuz he kinda likes them.
3. Mark DeRosa. Initially, I was against trading DeRosa. Now, after a few days of thinking about it? I am against trading DeRosa. Good guy. Was just reading that he is considered one of the best (smartest) baserunners in baseball. Here's the biggest question I have about trading him: Who is going to back up Ramirez at third? Miles? Cedeno? Kevin Orie? We lose a lot more than a second baseman with this guy -- and I hear that all three pitchers are "good" but that none are considered to be an "A" prospect. What does that mean? They all will eventually pitch in the bigs. But not well. Great. Maybe we can flip them for a backup third baseman. Oh, wait.
3a. DeRosa part 2. I'd have rather had DeRosa in RF all year than Marvin Hasbro. Kenny Mattel. Whatever. Better guy. Smarter. More durable. More than that, though, I'd prefer to have DeRosa at 2b and Adam Dunn in right field. Damn the defense.
3b. Part of this whole thing is Jim Hendry's belief that Mike Fontenot is going to be the second baseman of the future for the Cubs. See cute little cajun guy comment above. I'd rather have Brian Roberts now...for a number of reasons, including leadoff bat.
3c. It's hard for me to fathom this comment, but I fear it is true. We are now WORSE than we were when 2008 ended. Period. Essentially we've gained Kevin Gregg and Aaron Miles. No big deal. We've lost Kerry Wood and Mark DeRosa. Two great clubhouse guys. A closer who was getting better each year for a set up man who is getting older and worse, and a mini sub for the league's most versatile player and the Cubs '08 MVP. Plus, we lose 20 homers, 90 rbi's and teams best (or one of the best) on base % guys in DeRosa.
3c1 -- oh wait! We also added Joey Gathright to replace Jim Edmonds. So we lost ANOTHER 19 home runs and the accompanying rbi's. If Gathright plays everyday and gets 600 at bats? He might hit 2 out. Maybe. So we are down at least 40 homers...(more if you count Jason Marquis --who was always good for a couple) which brings us to...
4. Sorry Candyland! Our new right fielder? At 3 years/$30m? Good for him. Glad we cleared salary for that. Guy played 120 games last year (100 as a dh) and hit 22 homers. Um, Jim...that's still way short of the 40 we lost. (Note to everyone who's been on Mars -- Adam Dunn hits about 40 a year) And Candyland can't play everyday. He gets owies.
I have to say that I am grossly disappointed in this offseason. I realize that it isn't over...but if this is the team going into next season...I'm gonna be pissed off. We didn't address a single real NEED, and we lost some strengths. We won 97 games last year and have overreacted because of a lousy three playoff games. Plus, the ownership situation doesn't help...but you know what? It's always SOMETHING because these are the fucking Cubs and that's the way it is. Watch. Someone else will get Roberts -- I'm hearing it'll be the White Sox, and someone else will get Peavy. We'll have a good year, because we have a "good" team...but it's not a great team -- not by a long shot and it has no chance, as it stands, to be a postseason winner.
What number was I on? Oh, yeah. 5. Mesa. I don't know if I can make it to Mesa for the Melee. Not that I don't love a good melee, mind you. I will know more this week.
I'm pissed about the Bradley/DeRosa thing. I'd like to rant and rant and rant, but since we are quoting Gilda Radner characters...as Emily Littela would say...nevermind.
Sherm
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