IST: Cubs/Cards

[brett05]

Game management is not his greatest skill. It's obvious that he has learned a few things. In the end it's like firing a hitting instructor because the players aren't hitting. The hitting instructor isn't the one taking the AB's. Players play. Ricky has fostered a great attitude around the clubhouse. Players want to work hard and get better and continue to battle.

How do you know this?? Didn't the few vets that left says the contrary?

 

[chibears55]

How do you know this?? Didn't the few vets that left says the contrary?

Haven't seen any complaints from players about him, what ya got. Who complained

 

[brett05]

Haven't seen any complaints from players about him, what ya got. Who complained

Thought I read about Shark

 

[Parade_Rain]

Thought I read about Shark

Nope. Shark's issue was with the FO. Regarding that situation, I recall Rizzo being upset at some point in the season about the trades. He changed his tune quickly. Someone surely had a talk with him, and that person was likely RR.

 

[brett05]

Ok well enjoy im dropping out until there's something concrete

 

[CSF77]

I see you're a Sox fan. Awesome year by Abreu. However, I bet there are quite a few pitchers that are taking notice of what the Cubs are doing. They have got to think the Cubs are a good option cuz of the run support they could get. Also, I'm sure a WS in Chicago with the Cubs could be a major attraction as well. The Cubs winning a WS will be as huge as anything. Free agent pitchers very well could be lining up to play in Wrigley.

What flavor is the kool ade that you are drinking?

 

[CSF77]

Ricky needs work as a manager. But in all he was left with a shitty team and he was platooning the hell out of it. That is Theo's fault for giving him crap to work with.

The only think that i don't like about Rick is he is 1970's about how a line up should be constructed. Speed at the top vs OBA. Studies have shown that the 6 hitter is the ideal spot for a guy with Lake's tool set or Alcantara's. Speed with some pop but not a strong OBA type. 1 & 2 hitters hold the more value in OBA due to their heavier Ab's. Then #4 as the 3 hitter tends to be up with 2 out and no one on more so than not. If the #4 gets up he is either leading off an inning or some one is on base.

The theory holds strong value in weighting the values of players in the order.

 

[CSF77]

But to the game:

Well Doubront 7 IP with 7 hits and 1 BB. Not bad as he controled the damage. I want to see him more and if he can keep his WHIP more in control.

4 SO in 7 IP well not great either. Sill he managed to keep it to 1 run.

Again I need to see more of a work load before judging him.

 

[chibears55]

Thinking of lineup once rizzo back.
I like........
Alcantara Baez rizzo soler Valbuena castro castillo Coughlin

I just want to see mendy finish year on top and hoping he and javy could gel on top with challenging one another...

Like Coughlin in 8 hole with OBP and speed in front of pitcher for sacrifices, etc..

Mid order good Left Right Left Right bats with power n RBI production..

 

[beckdawg]

Can we talk about Logan Watkins? He's not going to be the star that a Soler is but he once was a top 10 prospect in the past. He's also unlikely to even be a starter. But he has some pretty good versatility off the bench. He hit .256/.327/.364 in AAA which isn't amazing but if you put those numbers up at 2B in the majors that's arguably below average starter especially when he gives you 20ish SBs.

It will be interesting to see what they do with Valaika because he and Watkins both sort of fulfill the same sort of role. You also have Valbuena who I'd imagine may stay til at least midseason when Bryant may come up. It gives you a lot of options for a team that already had a lot of options at middle infield. An argument could be made that you try and deal Valbuena for something and give Olt another shot until Bryant is ready.

 

[CSF77]

Thinking of lineup once rizzo back.
I like........
Alcantara Baez rizzo soler Valbuena castro castillo Coughlin

I just want to see mendy finish year on top and hoping he and javy could gel on top with challenging one another...

Like Coughlin in 8 hole with OBP and speed in front of pitcher for sacrifices, etc..

Mid order good Left Right Left Right bats with power n RBI production..

NA, Cog holds the 2nd best OBA on the team. Really bad idea to give more out opertunities to Alcantara. That is what it comes down to. Do you want to give more AB's to a .350 OBA (out .650 of the time or a .300 OBA .700 of the time an out.

The best lead off is not on the team. That is the problem and I'll be honest here 100%. I would have Soler lead off next year.

Soler, Rizzo, Baez, Bryant, Castro, Alcantara, LF, Castillo

If they invest into a LF then he slots after Bryant. Just looking at OBA it makes the most sense.

 

[CSF77]

Can we talk about Logan Watkins? He's not going to be the star that a Soler is but he once was a top 10 prospect in the past. He's also unlikely to even be a starter. But he has some pretty good versatility off the bench. He hit .256/.327/.364 in AAA which isn't amazing but if you put those numbers up at 2B in the majors that's arguably below average starter especially when he gives you 20ish SBs.

It will be interesting to see what they do with Valaika because he and Watkins both sort of fulfill the same sort of role. You also have Valbuena who I'd imagine may stay til at least midseason when Bryant may come up. It gives you a lot of options for a team that already had a lot of options at middle infield. An argument could be made that you try and deal Valbuena for something and give Olt another shot until Bryant is ready.

I would keep both him an Valikia as UI's and trade out Valbuena.

 

[TL1961]

Cubs bashed the ball in the first and got one run. (Thanks to Castillo not able to get a man in from 3rd with 1 out)

Cards get the run back on a DP ball. Not only do we not get the DP, but allow a guy to score due to bad throw. Unacceptable.

 

[chibears55]

NA, Cog holds the 2nd best OBA on the team. Really bad idea to give more out opertunities to Alcantara. That is what it comes down to. Do you want to give more AB's to a .350 OBA (out .650 of the time or a .300 OBA .700 of the time an out.

The best lead off is not on the team. That is the problem and I'll be honest here 100%. I would have Soler lead off next year.

Soler, Rizzo, Baez, Bryant, Castro, Alcantara, LF, Castillo

If they invest into a LF then he slots after Bryant. Just looking at OBA it makes the most sense.

With 25 games left in season im not concerned about Coughlin and his 2nd best OBP..
i am more concerned about getting Alcantara and Baez more ABs to finish out the year and hopefully have those extra AB help them..

They need to look ahead to next season as they will finish season with 6 of the 8 everyday players in lineup. ( excluding bryant and LFer ).. unless they get a leadoff hitting LFer, Alcantara most likely the guy..

 

[chibears55]

@CSNMooney: Jorge Soler is the first player to have RBI and extra-base hit in each of his first four games since RBI became a stat in 1920, per Elias.

 

[TL1961]

3-1, outside for strike 2.

Sorry, rookie!

 

[TL1961]

Baez needs to adjust

 

[theberserkfury]

The throw beat Mendy, but I'm not convinced that the tag beat his hand on the base...

 

[TL1961]

Castro is hitting the ball very well right now. Even his outs have been hit hard.

The two base running gaffes discussed here recently were still both hit very deep. He had a HR last night, single to the gap tonight, and a liner to left center. Seeing the ball well lately.

We should have more than one against this guy. Hate to bludgeon them twice and come out of this with only 2 of the first 3. Let's get this done tonight.

 

[chibears55]

Castro is hitting the ball very well right now. Even his outs have been hit hard.

The two base running gaffes discussed here recently were still both hit very deep. He had a HR last night, single to the gap tonight, and a liner to left center. Seeing the ball well lately.

We should have more than one against this guy. Hate to bludgeon them twice and come out of this with only 2 of the first 3. Let's get this done tonight.

Need a HR to keep consecutive HR streak alive, which is at 14 now.. hopefully we get one with a couple runners on