Baseball-Commissioner-For-Life-Unless-I-Step-Down-In-2009 Bud Selig announced today, that in tune with the downsizing that's rampant in American society today, the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox will become one team, effective immediately.
They will be known as the Chicago White Cubs.
This move is expected to strengthen the team, as players such as Brian Anderson, Pablo Ozuna, and Ronny Cedeno will no longer be needed.
However, it was also announced that pitchers Mark Prior and Javier Vazquez will immediately be placed on the disabled list with, respectively, elbow and shoulder problems.
Since it could not be agreed whether the team should play at Wrigley Field or U.S. Cellular Field, the club will outsource its home games to the city of Hyderabad, India. Season ticket holders will be reimbursed for travel expenses, and the new Wrigley Field bleachers will be moved there as soon as possible.
All games will be televised via WGN, but cable subscribers will have to pay a surcharge of $10 per game due to the extra cost of satellite transmissions from India.
Team colors are to be announced later.
Finally, there will be a tag-team wrestling match on Sunday between Lou Piniella and Ozzie Guillen, to decide who will manage the White Cubs.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Friday, March 30, 2007
What's he going to be?
An old southern Baptist country preacher had a teenage son, and it was
getting time the boy should give some thought to choosing a profession.
Like many young men, the boy didn't really know what he wanted to do,
and he didn't seem too concerned about it.
One day, while the boy was away at school, his father decided to try an
experiment. He went into the boy's room and placed on his study table
four objects:
A Bible,
A silver dollar,
A bottle of whisky,
A Playboy magazine
"I'll just hide behind the door," the old preacher said to himself,
"and when he comes home from school this afternoon, I'll see which
object he picks up. If it's the Bible, he's going to be a preacher
like me, and what a blessing that would be! If he picks up the dollar,
he's going to be a businessman, and that would be okay, too. But if he
picks up the bottle, he's going to be a no-good drunkard, and, Lord,
what a shame that would be! And worst of all, if he picks up that
magazine he's gonna be a skirt-chasin' bum."
The old man waited anxiously, and soon heard his son's footsteps as he
entered the house whistling and headed for his room. The boy tossed his
books on the bed, and as he turned to leave the room he spotted the
objects on the table.
With curiosity in his eye, he walked over to inspect them. Finally, he
picked up the Bible and placed it under his arm. He picked up the silver
dollar and dropped it into his pocket. He uncorked the bottle and took
a big drink while he admired this month's Centerfold.
"Lord have mercy," the old preacher muttered in disgust, "he's gonna be
a Congressman."
getting time the boy should give some thought to choosing a profession.
Like many young men, the boy didn't really know what he wanted to do,
and he didn't seem too concerned about it.
One day, while the boy was away at school, his father decided to try an
experiment. He went into the boy's room and placed on his study table
four objects:
A Bible,
A silver dollar,
A bottle of whisky,
A Playboy magazine
"I'll just hide behind the door," the old preacher said to himself,
"and when he comes home from school this afternoon, I'll see which
object he picks up. If it's the Bible, he's going to be a preacher
like me, and what a blessing that would be! If he picks up the dollar,
he's going to be a businessman, and that would be okay, too. But if he
picks up the bottle, he's going to be a no-good drunkard, and, Lord,
what a shame that would be! And worst of all, if he picks up that
magazine he's gonna be a skirt-chasin' bum."
The old man waited anxiously, and soon heard his son's footsteps as he
entered the house whistling and headed for his room. The boy tossed his
books on the bed, and as he turned to leave the room he spotted the
objects on the table.
With curiosity in his eye, he walked over to inspect them. Finally, he
picked up the Bible and placed it under his arm. He picked up the silver
dollar and dropped it into his pocket. He uncorked the bottle and took
a big drink while he admired this month's Centerfold.
"Lord have mercy," the old preacher muttered in disgust, "he's gonna be
a Congressman."
Monday, March 26, 2007
24 SPECULATION (SPOILERS?? MAYBE)
So, 24 tonight. Wooooo. I honestly think this season is the best yet. True, there's some farfetched things going on, but still, it's a good season. I moaned when I first saw the autistic character, but really, 24 was very sensitive with him. I was extremely worried at first.
Second thing: 100 greatest 24 moments.
But in other news, I was perusing the spoilers as usual, and came upon this: (NOTE: DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO KNOW ABOUT 24!!!!!!)
This is from the last scene from the last episode of season 6. (Taken from 24 Insider board) Keep in mind, it can change.
Person TBD: Get in, Jack. There's a lot I have to tell you.
Jack, still struggling to get past the shock of who he's seeing, climbs in the passenger side as Person TBD gets behind the wheel. As the car peels out, we... FADE OUT
END OF SHOW
So this got me thinking about who it could be that Jack would be shocked to see. In the past 15 or so minutes, I've made up a list of who it could be.
-Tony Almeida
-David Palmer
-Michelle Dessler-Almeida
-Nina Myers
-Ryan Chapelle
-George Mason
-Stephen Saunders
-Mike Novick
-Teri Bauer
-Sherri Palmer
-Curtis Manning
-Former SecDef James Heller
-Kim Bauer
-Audrey Heller-Raines
-Walt Cummings
-Cheng (the Chinese Consulate guy)
Now, if you look at this list, you'll notice something that almost all of these characters have in common: they're all dead (with the exception of Kim, James Heller, Cheng, and Audrey (?)).
Now I have 3 ideas on this:
-1. This is an April Fool's joke.
-2. Jack is dead and the person that is telling him to get in is dead as well.
-3. There was a conspiracy and one of the characters will not be dead (here I group, Tony, Michelle, David Palmer, Nina, Teri). In season 5, Tony, Michelle, and Palmer 1.o all died because they were the few that knew Jack was still alive. What if...one of these 3 (or all 3) were made to look dead, but not dead. Longshot, I know, but still. Either that, or Nina comes back.
Anyway this happens, Jack has to be completely shocked. With the group mentioned above (Nina, Palmer 1.0, Tony, Michelle, Teri, Nina), this would be completed.
Anyway this comes out, I fear that I will shit my pants.
Second thing: 100 greatest 24 moments.
But in other news, I was perusing the spoilers as usual, and came upon this: (NOTE: DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO KNOW ABOUT 24!!!!!!)
This is from the last scene from the last episode of season 6. (Taken from 24 Insider board) Keep in mind, it can change.
Person TBD: Get in, Jack. There's a lot I have to tell you.
Jack, still struggling to get past the shock of who he's seeing, climbs in the passenger side as Person TBD gets behind the wheel. As the car peels out, we... FADE OUT
END OF SHOW
So this got me thinking about who it could be that Jack would be shocked to see. In the past 15 or so minutes, I've made up a list of who it could be.
-Tony Almeida
-David Palmer
-Michelle Dessler-Almeida
-Nina Myers
-Ryan Chapelle
-George Mason
-Stephen Saunders
-Mike Novick
-Teri Bauer
-Sherri Palmer
-Curtis Manning
-Former SecDef James Heller
-Kim Bauer
-Audrey Heller-Raines
-Walt Cummings
-Cheng (the Chinese Consulate guy)
Now, if you look at this list, you'll notice something that almost all of these characters have in common: they're all dead (with the exception of Kim, James Heller, Cheng, and Audrey (?)).
Now I have 3 ideas on this:
-1. This is an April Fool's joke.
-2. Jack is dead and the person that is telling him to get in is dead as well.
-3. There was a conspiracy and one of the characters will not be dead (here I group, Tony, Michelle, David Palmer, Nina, Teri). In season 5, Tony, Michelle, and Palmer 1.o all died because they were the few that knew Jack was still alive. What if...one of these 3 (or all 3) were made to look dead, but not dead. Longshot, I know, but still. Either that, or Nina comes back.
Anyway this happens, Jack has to be completely shocked. With the group mentioned above (Nina, Palmer 1.0, Tony, Michelle, Teri, Nina), this would be completed.
Anyway this comes out, I fear that I will shit my pants.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Monday, March 19, 2007
yay!!
Questionable Trades Could Hamper ChiSox
The White Sox entered this offseason with one major issue: the state of their starting rotation. After looking like aces during the Southsiders’ 2005 championship run, Jon Garland and Mark Buehrle saw their ERAs grow by more than a run to 4.51 and 4.99, respectively. Manager Ozzie Guillen was not shy about sharing his displeasure about the starting staff with the media, and the outspoken, emotional skipper clearly expects his rotation to rebound with a strong 2007 campaign. But ChiSox GM Kenny Williams’ main transactions this winter did not reflect much concern about the starting rotation. In fact, Williams’ decision to trade veteran Freddy Garcia and top-prospect Brandon McCarthy to the Phillies and Rangers, respectively, may have made the staff worse.
Here are the key statistics for the White Sox primary 5 starters from 2006:
- Buehrle: (12-13)/4.99ERA/1.45WHIP/.305BAA
- Garland: (18-7)/4.51ERA/1.36WHIP/.294BAA
- Vazquez: (11-12)/4.84ERA/1.29WHIP/.259BAA
- Contreras: (13-9)/4.27ERA/1.27WHIP/.256BAA
- Garcia: (17-9)/4.53ERA/1.28WHIP/.267BAA
Translation: the rotation wasn’t all that terrible on the outside, but there were plenty of concerns, and a deeper look reveals some brutal numbers. Take a look at these trouble signs…
Buehrle (it gets worse…):
- 247 hits allowed in 204 innings pitched (10.89 hits/9 innings)
- 36 homeruns allowed (1.59HR/9)
- Vs. RH-hitters: .322BAA, 1.56WHIP
- Away: 5.51ERA/1.58WHIP/.333BAA
- Post-ASB: 6.44ERA/1.64WHIP/.343BAA
Garland (he won 18 games, but…):
- 247 hits allowed in 211.1 innings pitched (10.35H/9)
- Monthly ERAs: 7.11, 5.40, 4.50, 2.89, 2.89, 4.70
- If you think that’s inconsistent, watch this…
Vazquez (worth his new extension?):
- Monthly ERAs: 3.67, 3.99, 7.50, 6.82, 3.41, 3.82, 7.71
- Monthly WHIPs: 0.93, 1.23, 1.77, 1.55, 1.27, 0.99, 1.27
- Monthly BAAs: .211, .243, .338, .297, .239, .197, .364
- Scary to think Javier Vazquez was the ChiSox 2nd-best starter last year…
Contreras (rapid decline?):
- Post-ASB: 5.40ERA/1.38WHIP/.279BAA
- Similar month-to-month inconsistency
Garcia (now the Phillies’ ace):
- Away: 5.05ERA/1.30WHIP/.282BAA
- 32 homeruns allowed in 216.1 innings (1.33HR/9)
Clearly, that’s not an adequate starting-5 for a team looking to defend a World Series crown. And so, despite one of the League’s most potent lineups, the ChiSox failed to make the playoffs, finishing third in the AL Central division, behind the fast-improving Twins and Tigers. Interestingly enough, it was tremendously consistent starting pitching that paved the way to the postseason for Minnesota and Detroit — the exact opposite of what the ChiSox rotation gave them.
The aforementioned deals consummated by GM Kenny Williams this offseason were, as I mentioned, meant to shake-up the starting rotation. However, the staff is worse now — at least in the short-term — than it was at the end of last season. How’s that? Well…
The first deal made by Williams sent Freddy Garcia to the Phillies, for northpaw prospect Gavin Floyd, who has been inconsistent in the Majors thus far. In 24 career appearances (19 starts), the 24 year-old has a 7-5 record with a 6.96ERA and 1.74WHIP. Over his minor league career, which began in 2001 when he was Philadelphia’s top pick (4th overall), Floyd has compiled a 38-40 record with a 3.77ERA and 1.30WHIP, over 117 appearances (112 starts). Clearly, Floyd is not the blue-chip prospect he was once considered to be, and Garcia was a steep price to pay for an unproven starter.
But even if the Garcia-for-Floyd (and ex-ChiSock Gio Gonzalez) deal made sense, trading promising righty Brandon McCarthy to Texas for prospects certainly did not. McCarthy appeared to be a shoo-in for the 5th-starter job this season, after posting a 4-7 record with a 4.68ERA last year, working primarily out of the bullpen. But after the acquisition of Floyd, Williams sent him packing for Rangers’ top-prospect John Danks, and 2 lower-level pitchers. Why? No one seems to have a clear answer. McCarthy was stunned by the decision — enough so that he ripped the organization. Ozzie fired back. And still, we have no clue exactly what Kenny Williams was thinking when he made the deal.
The bottom line is, however, that the White Sox starting rotation has plenty of questions heading into this season; questions that the Tigers, Twins, and Indians do not have. As we saw in 2006, even a powerful offense featuring Jim Thome, Paul Konerko, Jermaine Dye, and Joe Crede could not lead the Southsiders’ to the playoffs because of their erratic starting pitching. The 2007 edition of the White Sox sports a starting rotation that has the potential to be worse than the 2006 version was.
A bounce-back season from Jon Garland and Mark Buehrle will be crucial to the White Sox playoff hopes this season. If they pitch well in 2007, the ChiSox may have a legitimate shot at re-capturing the division title. If they don’t, Ozzie Guillen will be making faces again come October.
And while it’s Ozzie Guillen who might find himself on thin ice should the White Sox fail to make the playoffs in 2007, Kenny Williams’ controversial swaps will likely be the true culprit.
now how in the hell did I do this?
Now, I know this class is easy, but how in the hell did I do this?
my plans for DCI SA
So, near the end of July, I hope to go down to San Antonio for North Texas Festival of Drums and Bugles AND Drum Corps International Southwestern Championships. I'd much rather take the train down, then fly. I am not a very good flyer at all. Here's my Amtrak plans:
My plans are to stay with Harold Tate for a day or two, then head up to San Antonio for the Southwestern Championships. It'd be awesome to go, to get to see people that I've never met, or only have met once. Now to talk my parents into letting me go....
Until next time.
My plans are to stay with Harold Tate for a day or two, then head up to San Antonio for the Southwestern Championships. It'd be awesome to go, to get to see people that I've never met, or only have met once. Now to talk my parents into letting me go....Until next time.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Prior update
Carrie Muskat, cubs.com writer, is so full of shit. She says that Mark Prior, oft-injured pitcher, had pitches that were clocked at 85-90 mph. However, Al Yellon, blogger over at Bleed Cubbie Blue, says differently. He says that the guy working the radar gun for the Cubs was hiding Prior's speeds from view, and that everyone could see Marquis' pitch speeds. We'll see. Honestly, I think his days as a big leaguer for the Cubs are done, which is a darned shame.
So I got promoted at work. Wooooooooooo!! I am now an Senior Honor caddy. For those of you that don't know, here's how the order goes:
-Evans Scholar
-Senior Honor
-Honor
-A
-B
And in other news, my bracket is getting it's butt kicked. I finally learned how to do a screenshot, and here it is: (open in a new window)
-Evans Scholar
-Senior Honor
-Honor
-A
-B
And in other news, my bracket is getting it's butt kicked. I finally learned how to do a screenshot, and here it is: (open in a new window)
Thursday, March 15, 2007
famed advertising man dies
The guy who invented the Keebler Elves died this past week. When asked
recently to what he contributed his success, he said he held firm to one
belief: "the Lord helps those who help them elves."
Oh. And the co-inventor of the television remote control died this week,
too. Men everywhere should pause for a moment of respect.
recently to what he contributed his success, he said he held firm to one
belief: "the Lord helps those who help them elves."
Oh. And the co-inventor of the television remote control died this week,
too. Men everywhere should pause for a moment of respect.
Two semi-related stories
In my reading of the Internet today, I came over several stories, several that were related to the Cubs in one way or another.
First, Jay Mariotti says the Cubs should get rid of Mark Prior. In his spring training intrasquad game tomorrow morning, Prior will show Piniella and pitching coach Larry Rothschild whether or not he should be given a chance with the Cubs. Mariotti says the Cubs should trade Prior for a couple of backup infielders, at best. I think they'd probably get a couple of class A prospects. I say the Cubs should keep him, and if he doesn't work out at the end of this year, amicably let him go, and let him try to get on somewhere else.
Secondly, Sammy Sosa has been added to the Rangers 40 man roster. Good for him. A lot of people thought as a non-roster invitee, he didn't have a chance in hell of making the Rangers. And now he will be on the Rangers' opening day roster. By being added to the Major League roster, he is guaranteed a base salary of $500,000. He can earn another $2.2 million in incentives based on number of at-bats. Sosa was 1-for-3 on Thursday and is now 14-for-31 (.452) with three home runs and seven RBIs in 10 Cactus League games. He has hit safely in all 10 games. He struck out twice Thursday, giving him eight in 31 at-bats, but the home run was a blast.
Dare I say it? He'd be my vote for Comeback player of the year if he keeps up this torrid pace.
Analysis of the 2nd place NL Central Division team (and maybe 3rd place) coming later tonight.
First, Jay Mariotti says the Cubs should get rid of Mark Prior. In his spring training intrasquad game tomorrow morning, Prior will show Piniella and pitching coach Larry Rothschild whether or not he should be given a chance with the Cubs. Mariotti says the Cubs should trade Prior for a couple of backup infielders, at best. I think they'd probably get a couple of class A prospects. I say the Cubs should keep him, and if he doesn't work out at the end of this year, amicably let him go, and let him try to get on somewhere else.
Secondly, Sammy Sosa has been added to the Rangers 40 man roster. Good for him. A lot of people thought as a non-roster invitee, he didn't have a chance in hell of making the Rangers. And now he will be on the Rangers' opening day roster. By being added to the Major League roster, he is guaranteed a base salary of $500,000. He can earn another $2.2 million in incentives based on number of at-bats. Sosa was 1-for-3 on Thursday and is now 14-for-31 (.452) with three home runs and seven RBIs in 10 Cactus League games. He has hit safely in all 10 games. He struck out twice Thursday, giving him eight in 31 at-bats, but the home run was a blast.
Dare I say it? He'd be my vote for Comeback player of the year if he keeps up this torrid pace.
Analysis of the 2nd place NL Central Division team (and maybe 3rd place) coming later tonight.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Dan's National League Central Division Predictions-The Chicago Cubs
Seeing as how baseball season is upon us, I've decided to start my National League predictions. Each team will be covered in a seperate entry, as this Cub one is extremely long. These are only my opinions, and to be taken with a grain of salt.
And here we go!! 2006 statistics in parenthesis. Stats are (average, HR's, RBI's) for batters, (Wins-Losses, Games, ERA, IP) for pitchers.
CENTRAL DIVISION
1. Chicago Cubs (66-96, 17.5 GB)-That's right, I just said that. With a $300 million payroll, anything lower than 1st or 2nd in this division is unacceptable. The Central is not the most competitive division in the league, and the Cubs should be able to capitalize on this.
Starting Lineup
Catcher-Michael Barrett (.307, 16, 53 )-Good hitting catcher, not too good at throwing runners out. Real class act. Donated $50,000 to Derrek Lee's daughter's foundation, and will donate an additional $10,000 for each home run he hits.
1st Base-Derrek Lee (.286, 8, 30)-The most solid all-around 1st baseman that the Cubs have seen in a long time. Injured and missed 85 games, then his daughter went partially blind, and he took the rest of the season off. Undeniable leader of the team. Cubs got a major steal when they traded Hee Seop Choi to the Marlins for him.
2nd Base-Mark DeRosa-(.296, 13, 74)-Was a bit injured last year, however, is very versatile, playing every infield position except for catcher last year. Should be better this year in the National League.
Shortstop-Cesar Izturis- (.245, 1, 18)-No hit, solid fielder. Was injured a lot last season, splitting time between the Cubs and the LA Dodgers. Not the best trade ever, being sent to the Cubs straight up for Greg Maddux. Should be leaps and bounds better than Neifi Perez. God, he sucked.
3rd Base-Aramis Ramirez- (.291, 38, 119)-Arguably the best third baseman in Cubs history since Ron Santo. His numbers will be better this year, now that he has people on base to move ahead. Last year was the only player on the Cubs who actually really did anything. Pirates are probably kicking themselves for this trade. Cubs sent Bobby Hill as a player to be named later for Kenny Lofton and Aramis Ramirez. Bobby Hill is now back in the Cubs organization, so the Pirates got screwed.
Left Fielder-Cliff Floyd-(.244, 11, 44)-A solid outfielder, however, a bit older. Will be 35 on Opening Day. Will platoon with Matt Murton (more on him later).
Center Fielder-Alfonso Soriano- (.277, 46, 95) 8 years, $136 million. Some owners around the league laughed at this signing, saying the Cubs overpaid him. Led the NL in outfield assists last year, however committed 11 errors. Also strikes out a lot (160 in 647 AB last year). As he gets more accostomed to the outfield, I expect his errors to go down. Should make the Cubs fans love him. He's fast, solid hitter, and should move to right field later on in the year.
Right Field-Jaque Jones-(.285, 27, 81)-A solid contact hitter, however, a terrible right fielder. Had more errors than assists last year, which is unacceptable. Many believe the reason he was better in Minnesota was because of the Astroturf surface, and he could bounce the balls back into the infield. Not so in Chicago. Should be traded by the trade deadline, which'll have the Cubs call up Felix Pie.
OFF THE BENCH
Daryle Ward (1B, DH)-(.308, 7, 26)-Spent time between Atlanta and Washington last season. Was injured last season. Appeared in 98 games. Very versatile. Last season played LF, RF, 1B, and DH. Should figure in the Cubs plans as a DH and pinch hitter.
Matt Murton (LF)-(.297, 13, 62) Last year was his first full season in the majors. Surprised all with decent power, very good situational hitter. Will platoon in LF with Cliff Floyd. I expect Floyd will get most of the duty against right handed pitchers, while Murton will face LHP's. Expect him to be the Cubs every day Left Fielder in a few years.
Ryan Theriot (2B, SS)-(.328, 3, 16) Instantly a crowd favorite. "The Riot", as he is known, will one day be the Cubs starting second baseman. Until then, he has to live off the bench, which is a shame. Will get a few starts this year, but not as many as he deserves.
Ronny Cedeno (SS)-(.245, 6, 41) He had 41 RBI's in151 games last season? Man, that's not good. Hopefully will improve on that this season, or he will go the way of Neifi Perez.
Henry Blanco (C)-(.266, 6, 37)-I'm willing to bet that last season is a fluke. He had the highest batting average of his career. Formerly Greg Maddux's personal catcher. The only reason he's still in Cubby blue is because he's exactly the opposite of Barrett: good field, no hit.
STARTING PITCHERS (Wins-Losses, Games, ERA, Innings Pitched)
1.Carlos Zambrano-( 16-7,33, 3.41, 214.0)-Undoubtedly the ace of the staff. A very strong contender for the Cy Young. Should easily win at least 15 games. Can be unhittable if he keeps his cool.
2.Ted Lilly (15-13, 32, 4.31, 181.7)-Easily many team's ace. However, he has to be on the same team as Zambrano, so he'll be the number two pitcher. A left handed pitcher with a darned good curveball, and can be a bit wild. That's the reason his innings pitched are a bit on the low side.
3.Jason Marquis (14-16, 33, 6.02, 194.3)-Honestly, I cringed when I first heard about this deal. 3 years/$21 million is a bit much for a guy that had a 6.02 ERA last season, on a World Series championship team (he was left off of the postseason roster.) Does not strike out many, only 96 in 194.3 innings. Gives up a ton of homeruns. We'll see.
4.RIch Hill- (7-1, 15, 1.80, 100.0 at Iowa, 6-7, 17, 4.17, 99.3 at Chicago)-Split time between Iowa (AAA) and the Cubs. Literally unhittable in Iowa. Batters hit .179 against him. Will get better as time progresses.
5. The 5th spot is a tossup between 4 players: Mark Prior (1-6, 9, 7.21, 43.7), Angel Guzman (0-6,15, 7.39, 56.0), Wade Miller (0-2, 5, 4.57, 21.7), and Neal Cotts (1-2,70, 5.17, 54.0). Needless to say, the 5th spot's kind of scary to think about.
BULLPEN (Wins-Losses, Games, Games Saved (if applicable), ERA, IP)
Closer: Ryan Dempster- (1-9, 74, 24, 4.80, 75.0) The less said about last year, the better. Let's hope it was a fluke, because Dempster sucked up the place. Every time he would come into a came, I would bite my nails. If he fails again, expect Kerry Wood to come in and close. Incidentally, a real class act. Has donated $50,000 to Derrek Lee's daughter's foundation, and will donate an additional $1,000 for every game he saves this year.
Closer 2: Kerry Wood:(1-2, 4, 0, 4.12, 19.7)-Should be a lot better than last year. Came back from some random injury that I don't remember exactly. Expect him to be a lot stronger than last season, as he has lost 30 pounds, and his pitches have a lot more zip on them now. I doubt he'll ever start a game again.
Scott Eyre: (1-3, 74, 0, 3.38, 61.3)-Eyre and Howry were about the only bright spots on the Cubs bullpen last season. He failed every drug test he had-because he has a doctor's note for a prescription for ADD.
DOWN ON THE FARM
Felix Pie (Iowa: .283, 15, 57). Will oneday be the Cubs' every day center fielder.
He's fast, he's a great fielder, and he's a solid hitter. And he's only 22. Will be called up to the Cubs mid-late 2007.
Donald Veal (West Tenn/Peoria: 11-5, 28, 2.16, 154.1)-His stuff has been called better than Dontrelle Willis's. Dominated low/hi A ball last season. Should start at AA Tennessee. Should be called up to the majors in 2008, at the latest, 2009.
Jeff Samardzija (Boise/Peoria: 1-2, 7, 2.70, 30.0) Didn't really pitch that much last year because of committments to Notre Dame football. Now that he's a Cub, expect him to start at hi A Daytona. He will progress quickly through the minors. Will be called up to the big leagues 2009.
CENTRAL DIVISION
1. Chicago Cubs (66-96, 17.5 GB)-That's right, I just said that. With a $300 million payroll, anything lower than 1st or 2nd in this division is unacceptable. The Central is not the most competitive division in the league, and the Cubs should be able to capitalize on this.
Starting Lineup
Catcher-Michael Barrett (.307, 16, 53 )-Good hitting catcher, not too good at throwing runners out. Real class act. Donated $50,000 to Derrek Lee's daughter's foundation, and will donate an additional $10,000 for each home run he hits.
1st Base-Derrek Lee (.286, 8, 30)-The most solid all-around 1st baseman that the Cubs have seen in a long time. Injured and missed 85 games, then his daughter went partially blind, and he took the rest of the season off. Undeniable leader of the team. Cubs got a major steal when they traded Hee Seop Choi to the Marlins for him.
2nd Base-Mark DeRosa-(.296, 13, 74)-Was a bit injured last year, however, is very versatile, playing every infield position except for catcher last year. Should be better this year in the National League.
Shortstop-Cesar Izturis- (.245, 1, 18)-No hit, solid fielder. Was injured a lot last season, splitting time between the Cubs and the LA Dodgers. Not the best trade ever, being sent to the Cubs straight up for Greg Maddux. Should be leaps and bounds better than Neifi Perez. God, he sucked.
3rd Base-Aramis Ramirez- (.291, 38, 119)-Arguably the best third baseman in Cubs history since Ron Santo. His numbers will be better this year, now that he has people on base to move ahead. Last year was the only player on the Cubs who actually really did anything. Pirates are probably kicking themselves for this trade. Cubs sent Bobby Hill as a player to be named later for Kenny Lofton and Aramis Ramirez. Bobby Hill is now back in the Cubs organization, so the Pirates got screwed.
Left Fielder-Cliff Floyd-(.244, 11, 44)-A solid outfielder, however, a bit older. Will be 35 on Opening Day. Will platoon with Matt Murton (more on him later).
Center Fielder-Alfonso Soriano- (.277, 46, 95) 8 years, $136 million. Some owners around the league laughed at this signing, saying the Cubs overpaid him. Led the NL in outfield assists last year, however committed 11 errors. Also strikes out a lot (160 in 647 AB last year). As he gets more accostomed to the outfield, I expect his errors to go down. Should make the Cubs fans love him. He's fast, solid hitter, and should move to right field later on in the year.
Right Field-Jaque Jones-(.285, 27, 81)-A solid contact hitter, however, a terrible right fielder. Had more errors than assists last year, which is unacceptable. Many believe the reason he was better in Minnesota was because of the Astroturf surface, and he could bounce the balls back into the infield. Not so in Chicago. Should be traded by the trade deadline, which'll have the Cubs call up Felix Pie.
OFF THE BENCH
Daryle Ward (1B, DH)-(.308, 7, 26)-Spent time between Atlanta and Washington last season. Was injured last season. Appeared in 98 games. Very versatile. Last season played LF, RF, 1B, and DH. Should figure in the Cubs plans as a DH and pinch hitter.
Matt Murton (LF)-(.297, 13, 62) Last year was his first full season in the majors. Surprised all with decent power, very good situational hitter. Will platoon in LF with Cliff Floyd. I expect Floyd will get most of the duty against right handed pitchers, while Murton will face LHP's. Expect him to be the Cubs every day Left Fielder in a few years.
Ryan Theriot (2B, SS)-(.328, 3, 16) Instantly a crowd favorite. "The Riot", as he is known, will one day be the Cubs starting second baseman. Until then, he has to live off the bench, which is a shame. Will get a few starts this year, but not as many as he deserves.
Ronny Cedeno (SS)-(.245, 6, 41) He had 41 RBI's in151 games last season? Man, that's not good. Hopefully will improve on that this season, or he will go the way of Neifi Perez.
Henry Blanco (C)-(.266, 6, 37)-I'm willing to bet that last season is a fluke. He had the highest batting average of his career. Formerly Greg Maddux's personal catcher. The only reason he's still in Cubby blue is because he's exactly the opposite of Barrett: good field, no hit.
STARTING PITCHERS (Wins-Losses, Games, ERA, Innings Pitched)
1.Carlos Zambrano-( 16-7,33, 3.41, 214.0)-Undoubtedly the ace of the staff. A very strong contender for the Cy Young. Should easily win at least 15 games. Can be unhittable if he keeps his cool.
2.Ted Lilly (15-13, 32, 4.31, 181.7)-Easily many team's ace. However, he has to be on the same team as Zambrano, so he'll be the number two pitcher. A left handed pitcher with a darned good curveball, and can be a bit wild. That's the reason his innings pitched are a bit on the low side.
3.Jason Marquis (14-16, 33, 6.02, 194.3)-Honestly, I cringed when I first heard about this deal. 3 years/$21 million is a bit much for a guy that had a 6.02 ERA last season, on a World Series championship team (he was left off of the postseason roster.) Does not strike out many, only 96 in 194.3 innings. Gives up a ton of homeruns. We'll see.
4.RIch Hill- (7-1, 15, 1.80, 100.0 at Iowa, 6-7, 17, 4.17, 99.3 at Chicago)-Split time between Iowa (AAA) and the Cubs. Literally unhittable in Iowa. Batters hit .179 against him. Will get better as time progresses.
5. The 5th spot is a tossup between 4 players: Mark Prior (1-6, 9, 7.21, 43.7), Angel Guzman (0-6,15, 7.39, 56.0), Wade Miller (0-2, 5, 4.57, 21.7), and Neal Cotts (1-2,70, 5.17, 54.0). Needless to say, the 5th spot's kind of scary to think about.
BULLPEN (Wins-Losses, Games, Games Saved (if applicable), ERA, IP)
Closer: Ryan Dempster- (1-9, 74, 24, 4.80, 75.0) The less said about last year, the better. Let's hope it was a fluke, because Dempster sucked up the place. Every time he would come into a came, I would bite my nails. If he fails again, expect Kerry Wood to come in and close. Incidentally, a real class act. Has donated $50,000 to Derrek Lee's daughter's foundation, and will donate an additional $1,000 for every game he saves this year.
Closer 2: Kerry Wood:(1-2, 4, 0, 4.12, 19.7)-Should be a lot better than last year. Came back from some random injury that I don't remember exactly. Expect him to be a lot stronger than last season, as he has lost 30 pounds, and his pitches have a lot more zip on them now. I doubt he'll ever start a game again.
Scott Eyre: (1-3, 74, 0, 3.38, 61.3)-Eyre and Howry were about the only bright spots on the Cubs bullpen last season. He failed every drug test he had-because he has a doctor's note for a prescription for ADD.
DOWN ON THE FARM
Felix Pie (Iowa: .283, 15, 57). Will oneday be the Cubs' every day center fielder.
He's fast, he's a great fielder, and he's a solid hitter. And he's only 22. Will be called up to the Cubs mid-late 2007.
Donald Veal (West Tenn/Peoria: 11-5, 28, 2.16, 154.1)-His stuff has been called better than Dontrelle Willis's. Dominated low/hi A ball last season. Should start at AA Tennessee. Should be called up to the majors in 2008, at the latest, 2009.
Jeff Samardzija (Boise/Peoria: 1-2, 7, 2.70, 30.0) Didn't really pitch that much last year because of committments to Notre Dame football. Now that he's a Cub, expect him to start at hi A Daytona. He will progress quickly through the minors. Will be called up to the big leagues 2009.
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