Note to the Cubs. You actually have to get the Brewers out every once and a while to beat them. They are not THAT good, but we make them seem that way. Every pitcher we put out there seemed to pitch with fear of that lineup. What did they have? 45 hits? 32 for extra bases? Come on. We score seven runs off Ben Sheets -- we should win the game.
We've lost 4 of 5. So what's the problem? No Soriano? I don't think that's it, but maybe it will help to have him back. No number two starter behind Zambrano? Aha. That again? Maybe that has something to do with it, but you can't blame that one for losing four of five. Offense on Xanax? Sometimes. I still hate our "at the plate" strategy (assuming that we actually have one, that is.) This is a hacking team, and while that can be fun...over the long haul it doesn't win you championships. As a team, we need to have a plan, i.e. making pitchers work. You can be a free swinging, hack happy team if you have three starting pitchers that can usually be counted on to shut the other guys down...or at least "hold" the other team down. We don't. We have one. So we have to "win" games by playing smart baseball. I don't know that we can.
I hope we can. I want to believe. I also want someone to introduce the pork rib diet, but I don't get to have everything I want. I know it is a long season and every team will have slumps. We didn't need to have one this early. I think this team lacks killer instinct. We don't take a slight lead and regularly blow it open. We have a couple games up on the division and what happens? We slide back to the pack. Come on, Lou...it's on you to get these guys to pour it on.
JS
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Baseball
Fine. You want baseball, we can talk baseball. Geez. A guy tries to spread a little bit of culture around here and gets nothing. "I worked on my pool" or "I quit reading because it wasn't something I like." Wow. You should look more deeply into the blues music I recommend. It might be good for your soul.
Anyway. Baseball. Not much happened yesterday, except the Cards lost and we gained a half game in our idleness.
Who gets bumped when Soriano comes back from his owee? Murton? I think Fontenot. Sorry Mojo. I know you have a thing for him. He's just not getting it done right now.
We need at least two of three from the Brewers. We need to build a lead in this division for when we head west. I am telling you that Arizona is the real deal this year. We missed the boat on the Dan Haren trade.
Barry Zito. Ouch. 119 mil? He's what? 0 and 6 with an Howry-like e.r.a? And that's why so many teams don't lock up free agent pitchers for more than three or four years. He hasn't been good since he left the A's. Did Beane know? Let the 'roid speculation begin.
How can so many major league pitchers be suffering "arm strength" issues this year? Hmmm? Velocity is down. Hmmm? Maybe it's the global warming effect. Or not.
How about we lead off Fukudome and bat Reed J. second for a game or two? Just a thought.
Would you bat Big Z eighth and let Pie bat 9?
Is that enough baseball for an off day?
Sherm
Anyway. Baseball. Not much happened yesterday, except the Cards lost and we gained a half game in our idleness.
Who gets bumped when Soriano comes back from his owee? Murton? I think Fontenot. Sorry Mojo. I know you have a thing for him. He's just not getting it done right now.
We need at least two of three from the Brewers. We need to build a lead in this division for when we head west. I am telling you that Arizona is the real deal this year. We missed the boat on the Dan Haren trade.
Barry Zito. Ouch. 119 mil? He's what? 0 and 6 with an Howry-like e.r.a? And that's why so many teams don't lock up free agent pitchers for more than three or four years. He hasn't been good since he left the A's. Did Beane know? Let the 'roid speculation begin.
How can so many major league pitchers be suffering "arm strength" issues this year? Hmmm? Velocity is down. Hmmm? Maybe it's the global warming effect. Or not.
How about we lead off Fukudome and bat Reed J. second for a game or two? Just a thought.
Would you bat Big Z eighth and let Pie bat 9?
Is that enough baseball for an off day?
Sherm
Monday, April 28, 2008
the weekend
From a purely baseball point of view, I have nothing to say about this weekend or the series with the Nationals. When you lose 2 of 3 to one of the worst teams in baseball, there is little to add. When you get shut out by them? Less to add.
So what could I possibly have to say about this weekend, you wonder with gaping jaw? Well, it isn't Cub baseball, that's for sure. I didn't watch any of the games, so I probably spared myself my grief. So no Cub rant. What to do?
I did spend the weekend up in the valley at a Blues festival. (one of two we'll be enjoying this summer) It was superb. So Blues fans...and I don't mean Cubbie blue this time -- let me give you my review of THAT.
1. First up was Barry "Big B" Brenner -- a very nice acoustic blues guitar set. Had that Nawlin's sound...slow and easy. Very pleasant. Great way to warm up for what was to come.
2. The Lori Morvan Band. She was alright. Sang a song called "Why don't more girls play guitar?" and the simple answer is because all the dudes played better, Lori. She wasn't bad, though, and the women there seemed to enjoy her "it's a man's world" angle on the world. I wouldn't buy her music, though, or recommend it.
3. Michael John and the Bottomline. Probably the best blues band that you've never heard. Outstanding. He's won awards for outstanding vocals. The band is super, including lead guitar player Mikey Mo -- who is young and raw, but extremely talented. He's also Michael John's son and they work real well together. I could, and do, listen to them with regularity. Recommend their cds? Oh, yeah. Find them and buy them...none will disappoint. Mostly original stuff (more than 90%, I'd say) but to hear him cover John Hiatt's "Feels like rain" is worth whatever you pay to see them. It's on their "Good thing" cd. Find it. Buy it.
4. BB Chungking and the Buddhaheads. One of the best guitar players you'll ever want to hear. BB is tremendously polished, and it shows. They are a wow experience -- a lot of sound for a 3 pc band. It's just BB, a bass and the drummer, and they put it out, trust me. Did a new song called "At 10 she's a 2, but at 2 she'll be a 10" and it rocked the house. Okay, it rocked the park, whatever...do you have to be so specific?
5. Jimmy Z and the Ztribe. Another Nawlins style blues band. He was real good -- I'd say as good as I've heard on the harmonica. Good sax player, too. Lots of energy. Currently touring with Etta James...Very entertaining. Not the kind of music I'd buy to listen to in the car. But fun, nonetheless and a good "tweener" between BB Chungking and the headliner.
6. Robben Ford. One of my alltime favorites. The guy is a guitar magician. He's an absolute technician and it shows. 9o minutes of Ford went by in seemingly no time...he's like the pied piper -- you'd follow him anywhere. Not that you are a rat. Nevermind that analogy. He did a couple of instrumentals dedicated to the Kings (BB and Freddy) called "Indianola" and "Texas Cannonball," respectively, that were hot. Finished with "Supernatural" which is my favorite of all his tunes, officially making my day.
And there you have it. No one probably read this far. So whatever. I had a great time.
If you like this kind of stuff -- consider the Doheny Blues Festival this year (May 18 and 19?) so that you can see Jonny Lang, Coco Montoya, Bonnie Raitt, Joe Bonamassa and more...plus if you call ahead -- you can come by the house for a shot or two before or after since I live three minutes from Dana Point.
Sherm
So what could I possibly have to say about this weekend, you wonder with gaping jaw? Well, it isn't Cub baseball, that's for sure. I didn't watch any of the games, so I probably spared myself my grief. So no Cub rant. What to do?
I did spend the weekend up in the valley at a Blues festival. (one of two we'll be enjoying this summer) It was superb. So Blues fans...and I don't mean Cubbie blue this time -- let me give you my review of THAT.
1. First up was Barry "Big B" Brenner -- a very nice acoustic blues guitar set. Had that Nawlin's sound...slow and easy. Very pleasant. Great way to warm up for what was to come.
2. The Lori Morvan Band. She was alright. Sang a song called "Why don't more girls play guitar?" and the simple answer is because all the dudes played better, Lori. She wasn't bad, though, and the women there seemed to enjoy her "it's a man's world" angle on the world. I wouldn't buy her music, though, or recommend it.
3. Michael John and the Bottomline. Probably the best blues band that you've never heard. Outstanding. He's won awards for outstanding vocals. The band is super, including lead guitar player Mikey Mo -- who is young and raw, but extremely talented. He's also Michael John's son and they work real well together. I could, and do, listen to them with regularity. Recommend their cds? Oh, yeah. Find them and buy them...none will disappoint. Mostly original stuff (more than 90%, I'd say) but to hear him cover John Hiatt's "Feels like rain" is worth whatever you pay to see them. It's on their "Good thing" cd. Find it. Buy it.
4. BB Chungking and the Buddhaheads. One of the best guitar players you'll ever want to hear. BB is tremendously polished, and it shows. They are a wow experience -- a lot of sound for a 3 pc band. It's just BB, a bass and the drummer, and they put it out, trust me. Did a new song called "At 10 she's a 2, but at 2 she'll be a 10" and it rocked the house. Okay, it rocked the park, whatever...do you have to be so specific?
5. Jimmy Z and the Ztribe. Another Nawlins style blues band. He was real good -- I'd say as good as I've heard on the harmonica. Good sax player, too. Lots of energy. Currently touring with Etta James...Very entertaining. Not the kind of music I'd buy to listen to in the car. But fun, nonetheless and a good "tweener" between BB Chungking and the headliner.
6. Robben Ford. One of my alltime favorites. The guy is a guitar magician. He's an absolute technician and it shows. 9o minutes of Ford went by in seemingly no time...he's like the pied piper -- you'd follow him anywhere. Not that you are a rat. Nevermind that analogy. He did a couple of instrumentals dedicated to the Kings (BB and Freddy) called "Indianola" and "Texas Cannonball," respectively, that were hot. Finished with "Supernatural" which is my favorite of all his tunes, officially making my day.
And there you have it. No one probably read this far. So whatever. I had a great time.
If you like this kind of stuff -- consider the Doheny Blues Festival this year (May 18 and 19?) so that you can see Jonny Lang, Coco Montoya, Bonnie Raitt, Joe Bonamassa and more...plus if you call ahead -- you can come by the house for a shot or two before or after since I live three minutes from Dana Point.
Sherm
Friday, April 25, 2008
The Riot
Let me say this first off. I like Ryan Theriot. I like the way he plays. But he's young and he has a lot to learn -- and as the starting shortstop on a team with hopes of winning it all...he needs to learn it all quickly. Speaking in generalities, he's doing well. Hits are falling. He still whiffs a little too much for me, but a lot of that has to do with pitch selection. When he learns to work the count into his favor, instead of always being 1 - 2, he'll be a more consistant hitter and "putter of the ball into play." But SS is a critical defensive position, and he needs to work hard to become more than merely "serviceable" in that position. I am not talking about yesterday's error specifically. I am talking about the way that the position is played. His anticipation needs to improve -- maybe that comes with learning his pitchers a little better. He needs to get rid of the ball quicker -- he still has a second baseman's arm. Don't get me wrong. I like the guy. This is all "constructive." If he wants to be David Eckstein, then he has to walk more and foul off more and shorten his swing. Here's a tip for him. Watch Reed Johnson bat. The deeper into the count he goes, the more he chokes up and gets closer to the plate.
We were outplayed yesterday anyway, so it wasn't like we gave the game away. You are going to lose games. Just don't give away wins. So far we are winning the games we should (exception being the first series to the Brewers.)
Pie has shortened up his swing this week and it is paying dividends. Let's hope that he can keep it that way. He did misplay that ball in the eighth yesterday, but overall his D has been superb, so no complaint.
Aramis Ramirez is starting to heat it up. He looks to me likes he's dropped a few pounds. I think he's going to have a big, big year. Watch. You heard it here first.
Fontenot (Sorry Mojo) needs to go back to AAA for some at bats. He's not comfortable at the plate. He's pressing again, just like he did last year after his fast start. Another little guy trying to jerk the ball out of the yard. Fine him for hitting the ball in the air. Hey, Lou, while you are shortening Pie's swing? Work with Fonty, too. He might just be a good player someday with some help.
Question. Why doesn't Fukudome bat second against righties? I'd like to see Johnson or Theriot lead off and Fuku in the 2 spot. Move Soto up to protect Ramirez -- he's hitting, and drop the other guy in the 7 or 8 spot. Patience in the two spot is important and a long at bat in that spot makes a pitcher more likely to groove DLee early.
Let's win today and win the series. Most important stat of all is series' won. Sweeps are great, don't get me wrong, but win 2 of 3 with regularity, and you walk away with the division.
Ah, well. That's my two cents. Take it for what it's worth.
Sherm
PS: rumor has it that Smitty has a rotator cuff injury (from patting himself on the back over the Podsednik thing)
We were outplayed yesterday anyway, so it wasn't like we gave the game away. You are going to lose games. Just don't give away wins. So far we are winning the games we should (exception being the first series to the Brewers.)
Pie has shortened up his swing this week and it is paying dividends. Let's hope that he can keep it that way. He did misplay that ball in the eighth yesterday, but overall his D has been superb, so no complaint.
Aramis Ramirez is starting to heat it up. He looks to me likes he's dropped a few pounds. I think he's going to have a big, big year. Watch. You heard it here first.
Fontenot (Sorry Mojo) needs to go back to AAA for some at bats. He's not comfortable at the plate. He's pressing again, just like he did last year after his fast start. Another little guy trying to jerk the ball out of the yard. Fine him for hitting the ball in the air. Hey, Lou, while you are shortening Pie's swing? Work with Fonty, too. He might just be a good player someday with some help.
Question. Why doesn't Fukudome bat second against righties? I'd like to see Johnson or Theriot lead off and Fuku in the 2 spot. Move Soto up to protect Ramirez -- he's hitting, and drop the other guy in the 7 or 8 spot. Patience in the two spot is important and a long at bat in that spot makes a pitcher more likely to groove DLee early.
Let's win today and win the series. Most important stat of all is series' won. Sweeps are great, don't get me wrong, but win 2 of 3 with regularity, and you walk away with the division.
Ah, well. That's my two cents. Take it for what it's worth.
Sherm
PS: rumor has it that Smitty has a rotator cuff injury (from patting himself on the back over the Podsednik thing)
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Cedeno
Never thought I'd say this...but if Cedeno plays short today, we win the game. Wow. Horrible error in the 8th to lose the game. Theriot has to play solid D...he's never gonna be an offensive power. He has to be solid in the field or he's gonna be a sub................
Marquis looked good...especially for falling behind every hitter. If we were more patient, Cook would have, too.
Ah, well...can't win 'em all.
Marquis looked good...especially for falling behind every hitter. If we were more patient, Cook would have, too.
Ah, well...can't win 'em all.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice game
Now that's the kind of game I like. Zambrano pitched great. I would have left him in for another inning, personally, but it worked out just fine. Marmol and Wood did just fine...although Woody had no pressure on him thanks to some clutch hitting from Cedeno and Pie (did you ever think you'd read that?) after some bad at bats by DeRosa and Soto.
Side note: loved hearing the announcer say "Zambrano got into a fight with Marty Barrett." I went to school with Marty Barrett. Pretty sure that Big Z wasn't even born then. Marty retired in what, 1991?
Another announcer note: Orel Hershiser needs to get out of the booth and into a Cub uniform -- as pitching coach. The guy just gets it. He knows the game inside and out from both a pitching and hitting perspective. We need to start a petition or something. Maybe start an "I love Orel" website, although that might not get the intended participants.
You have to like this win. We finally play a good team and face a good pitcher -- and we do more than just hang with them. We outplay them. Great defense with 4 dp's if you count the strike him out/throw him out dp in the first. Aramis is starting to heat it up. Fukudome is a human foul ball machine. Nice game.
One more thing. Any of you remember last year this time? Game against the Mets when we blew a big lead -- and set the stage for them kicking our asses all year long. No lead was safe. This game has to be huge mentally for everyone on this team. A true confidence boost.
Good game. Wish they were all like that.
Time to watch Sportscenter and re-live that game.
Sherm
Side note: loved hearing the announcer say "Zambrano got into a fight with Marty Barrett." I went to school with Marty Barrett. Pretty sure that Big Z wasn't even born then. Marty retired in what, 1991?
Another announcer note: Orel Hershiser needs to get out of the booth and into a Cub uniform -- as pitching coach. The guy just gets it. He knows the game inside and out from both a pitching and hitting perspective. We need to start a petition or something. Maybe start an "I love Orel" website, although that might not get the intended participants.
You have to like this win. We finally play a good team and face a good pitcher -- and we do more than just hang with them. We outplay them. Great defense with 4 dp's if you count the strike him out/throw him out dp in the first. Aramis is starting to heat it up. Fukudome is a human foul ball machine. Nice game.
One more thing. Any of you remember last year this time? Game against the Mets when we blew a big lead -- and set the stage for them kicking our asses all year long. No lead was safe. This game has to be huge mentally for everyone on this team. A true confidence boost.
Good game. Wish they were all like that.
Time to watch Sportscenter and re-live that game.
Sherm
First place
I like first place. Now to slowly pull away.
Not much to rant about today. I wasn't even going to write anything, since I have a plane to catch, but I figured that I should post something in light of our sweep of the Pirates.
Okay, so it was the Pirates. As Bob said repeatedly yesterday -- you are supposed to beat the bad teams. They will improve as this season rolls along as there is a little talent on that club, but right now they really and truly suck. Ergo, we were supposed to beat him. Hopefully, the Cub offense is waking up and starting to click -- as opposed to just taking BP against a shitty staff. I'd hate to see John Maine shut us out tonight, because it could indicate the latter. We need to beat a few good pitchers.
Felix Pie looks overmatched in every at bat. He has that "I hope I don't hurt my testicle" look on his face all the time, too. Until he can get his mind out of his scrote and onto the game, I saw send him to AAA and let him bat until his other nut falls off.
I thought that Sean Marshall looked good yesterday. Just an inning, I know. Gave up a run, I know. But he looked confident, and in control of his pitches. I think he's "tougher" than Rich Hill, and might belong in the rotation. He's got that "je nes sais quoi" that a pitcher needs. Rich Hill seems immature to me on the mound.
Okay, so I've used ergo and je nes sais quoi. No place left to go now but Smitty's blog. Ah, yes, Smitty. The Doctor Seuss of bloggers. No, that's not right. The Sam I am of bloggers. Yes. That's it.
Anybody reading, or searching for Replay yet? I am pretty sure that I still have a paperback copy of it here...so if you cannot find it and want to borrow it that could be arranged. Might cost you that single malt.
I'll be in Virginia. The state, not the woman. Stop it.
Sherm
Not much to rant about today. I wasn't even going to write anything, since I have a plane to catch, but I figured that I should post something in light of our sweep of the Pirates.
Okay, so it was the Pirates. As Bob said repeatedly yesterday -- you are supposed to beat the bad teams. They will improve as this season rolls along as there is a little talent on that club, but right now they really and truly suck. Ergo, we were supposed to beat him. Hopefully, the Cub offense is waking up and starting to click -- as opposed to just taking BP against a shitty staff. I'd hate to see John Maine shut us out tonight, because it could indicate the latter. We need to beat a few good pitchers.
Felix Pie looks overmatched in every at bat. He has that "I hope I don't hurt my testicle" look on his face all the time, too. Until he can get his mind out of his scrote and onto the game, I saw send him to AAA and let him bat until his other nut falls off.
I thought that Sean Marshall looked good yesterday. Just an inning, I know. Gave up a run, I know. But he looked confident, and in control of his pitches. I think he's "tougher" than Rich Hill, and might belong in the rotation. He's got that "je nes sais quoi" that a pitcher needs. Rich Hill seems immature to me on the mound.
Okay, so I've used ergo and je nes sais quoi. No place left to go now but Smitty's blog. Ah, yes, Smitty. The Doctor Seuss of bloggers. No, that's not right. The Sam I am of bloggers. Yes. That's it.
Anybody reading, or searching for Replay yet? I am pretty sure that I still have a paperback copy of it here...so if you cannot find it and want to borrow it that could be arranged. Might cost you that single malt.
I'll be in Virginia. The state, not the woman. Stop it.
Sherm
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