IST: Chicago Cubs (7-5) at Pittsburgh Pirates (6-7)

[Parade_Rain]

Russell gets his first hit. Nice job, kid.

 

[Diehardfan]

I may be completely off base on this but does Soler even have one hit wearing that stupid mask? I know Cubans aren't used to the cold but it's like 48 degrees in Pittsburgh. Take off the mask, you big wuss.

 

[TL1961]

If you're not enjoying watching Starlin Castro play baseball right now I'm not sure you like the game. This kid is having some big fun out there.

I don't enjoy seeing high pop ups to short LF turn into runs for the opposition because our SS doesn't take the right angle and catch the damn thing!

 

[TC in Mississippi]

I don't enjoy seeing high pop ups to short LF turn into runs for the opposition because our SS doesn't take the right angle and catch the damn thing!

So the standard now is for him to never make mistakes?

 

[TL1961]

Now, before you bash me for bashing Castro, know this: I am frustrated with him for a) not always staying focused and b) not having any baseball sense. (He is as bad a baserunner as I can remember. He has no idea when he is supposed to go to 2nd, when not, he doesn't pay attention to what;s going on around him, etc.

But one main reason I am frustrated he hasn't taken it to another level is that I was very, very much in his corner from day one, and expected more by now. I like him, but it's like one of your children: You get more upset because you care about him.

I truly believe that he is currently our 4th best IF (since Tuesday). Not that he is a bad player, but he isn't on the same planet as Bryant, for example, as far as knowing what the right play is. (I am not talking in terms of HR potential or OPS)

Balls drop that should be caught. He fails to take the extra base. Those things lose games. He needs to learn - FAST.

All that being said, he HAS improved his D, and he is hot at the plate, so we're getting production now. Keep it up Starlin.

 

[TL1961]

So the standard now is for him to never make mistakes?

That's what you took from that?

He allows balls to drop - regularly - that EVERY other SS gets. And we're supposed to be OK with that because expecting more is expecting perfection??

See, I like that Theo is raising the level of talent, and we are getting a higher level of production, rather than lowering expectations in order to be happy with everyone simply because they wear the Cub uniform.

 

[chibears55]

I may be completely off base on this but does Soler even have one hit wearing that stupid mask? I know Cubans aren't used to the cold but it's like 48 degrees in Pittsburgh. Take off the mask, you big wuss.

I was wondering that myself. ..

Gotta be if he that cold to wear that mask, he must be very uncomfortable standing up there,..

 

[TL1961]

I'm watching highlights from the Cub game and others, and a lot of guys are wearing those.

 

[SilenceS]

We have a winner

 

[Diehardfan]

This German....isn't he the guy that got absolutely rocked in a televised spring game in Arizona?

 

[chibears55]

Like to see a couple guys on with soler rizzo and bryant due up

 

[Ari Bear]

Soler strikes out agian, blah! His plate discipline today is awful.

 

[chibears55]

Here comes a DP or K by Ross..

Ummm pinch hitting for coghlin, ok who gonna play LF?

 

[chibears55]

Really? ?? PH for Russell with Herrera?

Edit: never mind

 

[chibears55]

Come on Russell. . Big first Rbi here

 

[chibears55]

Ross and Herrera. .. you wonder why i dont like our bench
Big situation and easy outs...

 

[Ari Bear]

Hold them here, only down by one run with the top of our lineup due up next! :buttrock::cubs:

 

[chibears55]

Seriously. .. can soler rizzo bryant and Castro do it a second game in a row ?

 

[chibears55]

Oh well.. get them tomorrow and take series

 

[chibears55]

Ok.. Maddon actually got stupid there. .

Pinch running for rizzo there? Tied or take the lead , your defense is already weak