The Chicago Cubs General Manager Jim Hendry may have had the most underrated offseason in 2008. First let's highlight some of the most important moves he made.
The biggest splash the Chicago Cubs made this offseason was signing Kosuke Fukudome out of Japan. Fukudome had a strong showing in the World Baseball Classic and has been a proven leader in Japan for years. He is the left hand batter the Chicago Cubs line up so badly needed. He also plays right field which was a spot the Chicago Cubs needed to fill. And after a few seasons of fundamentally poor baseball Kosuke comes with the experience and hard work on the fundamentals that we need.
In my opinion the next biggest offseason move was the signing of former Chicago Cub John Lieber. Lieber didn't make the starting rotation for the Chicago Cubs out of spring training but has handled the relief role with professionalism. Unlike Chicago Cubs 5th starter Jason Marquis, who early in spring training said if he wasn't going to start the Chicago Cubs should trade him. Lieber in the bullpen gives the Chicago Cubs a lot of options. He can be the long relief guy for now, can spot start if needed due to injury, and can set up some potential trades down the line. As we all know Marquis is only decent in the first half, and after the All Star break it will be nice to know that the Chicago Cubs can turn to Lieber if needed.
The last move I'll mention is the signing of Reed Johnson. He was picked up very late in Spring Training after being released by the Toronto Blue Jays. He was originally signed to back up Chicago Cubs youngster Felix Pie in center field. He was definitely going to be played against left handed pitchers where Pie struggles. through the early going of the season though Chicago Cubs manager Lou Pinella has played him more then expected. He has been swinging a great back and always plays the game hard.
All in all none of these signings this offseason were of blockbuster caliber. But I believe before all is said and done Chicago Cubs General Manager Jim Hendry's moves will prove to have been the most valuable in all the major leagues. Hopefully the team he has put together, along with the potential moves he's set himself up to be able to make will put the 2008 Chicago Cubs deep into the playoffs!
Showing posts with label baseball. Show all posts
Showing posts with label baseball. Show all posts
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Chicago Cubs Are The Last Hope
After yet another disappointing loss by our Chicago Bulls its official that the Chicago Cubs are the last hope for a playoff run for Chicago sports teams this year.
Let me just start by saying the Chicago Bulls are a disgrace to this city. I have nothing but negative feelings about them. I've never disliked a Chicago sports team as much as I do the 08 Chicago Bulls. Not even a Chicago Cubs team in the last 100 years has been this disliked by myself. It's not just that they didn't make the playoffs, its the whole attitude the organization seems to have. This is no longer a team of young players who just couldn't get over the hump. From the beginning of the season they have just not seemed to have any heart. You might be able to blame this ugly start of the season, that seemed to carry over the entire season, on the non acceptance of new deals from Luol Deng and Ben Gordon. It seems to me that they didn't get enough money and didn't play hard from that point on. In my opinion I am happy they didn't sign and the Bulls should sing and trade them as soon as they possibly can. They make millions of dollars and blew this season because of hard feelings. I'm not implying they purposely lost games, I am just saying they set the wrong tone, for the team and for the season. There were other player on this team that contributed to the disappointment as well. Ben Wallace never seemed to fit, and caused locker room problems. Jokim Noah decided he was too good to show up on time on multiple occasions. As did Chris Duhon. I only hope that next year we find a coach who will bring discipline to this team, and we need to have some major roster shake-ups. For now though I'll turn my attentions to the Chicago Cubs and forget this disgrace of a team.
On a more positive note I am extremely excited about the Chicago Cubs 08 season. As I've described in my past posts this team has some real potential. With no game on Tuesday I have to admit I was somewhat bored! I think in my next post I will talk about the job General Manager Jim Hendry did this off season. Stay tuned to Chicago Sports Post for more on the Chicago Cubs!
Let me just start by saying the Chicago Bulls are a disgrace to this city. I have nothing but negative feelings about them. I've never disliked a Chicago sports team as much as I do the 08 Chicago Bulls. Not even a Chicago Cubs team in the last 100 years has been this disliked by myself. It's not just that they didn't make the playoffs, its the whole attitude the organization seems to have. This is no longer a team of young players who just couldn't get over the hump. From the beginning of the season they have just not seemed to have any heart. You might be able to blame this ugly start of the season, that seemed to carry over the entire season, on the non acceptance of new deals from Luol Deng and Ben Gordon. It seems to me that they didn't get enough money and didn't play hard from that point on. In my opinion I am happy they didn't sign and the Bulls should sing and trade them as soon as they possibly can. They make millions of dollars and blew this season because of hard feelings. I'm not implying they purposely lost games, I am just saying they set the wrong tone, for the team and for the season. There were other player on this team that contributed to the disappointment as well. Ben Wallace never seemed to fit, and caused locker room problems. Jokim Noah decided he was too good to show up on time on multiple occasions. As did Chris Duhon. I only hope that next year we find a coach who will bring discipline to this team, and we need to have some major roster shake-ups. For now though I'll turn my attentions to the Chicago Cubs and forget this disgrace of a team.
On a more positive note I am extremely excited about the Chicago Cubs 08 season. As I've described in my past posts this team has some real potential. With no game on Tuesday I have to admit I was somewhat bored! I think in my next post I will talk about the job General Manager Jim Hendry did this off season. Stay tuned to Chicago Sports Post for more on the Chicago Cubs!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Chicago Cubs Week One Review
Week one for the Chicago Cubs would rank average in my book.
Biggest Surprise: The biggest surprise for the Chicago Cubs would have to be outfielder Kosuke Fukudome. I have fast come to love watching this man play the game. He had a slow spring (which may have been on purpose) but through 7 games hes batting a team leading .458 with a slugging percentage of .708 and an on base percentage of .581. He is also stolen 2 bases and laid down one of the greatest bunts I've seen in a long time, especially from a Chicago Cub.
Honorable mention for this category has to be the the Chicago Cubs late addition Reed Johnson. He has been more then productive in his three straight starts.
Biggest Disappointment: This honor unfortunately has to go to Chicago Cubs left fielder Alfonso Soriano. Through 7 games he's batting .094, slugging .188, and has an on base percentage of .147. And yes Chicago Cubs manager Lou Pinella has moved him back to the lead off spot. Although he has one outfield assist, I wouldn't call his defense stellar. He looks to be jogging down balls, and over ran a few balls as well.
Honorable mention for this category is an easy one with Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Ted Lilly. Of all the Chicago Cubs starting pitchers he has the highest ERA with a 9.72 through 2 starts. He's given up 9 runs on 12 hits through 8.1 innings. As our 2nd starter this is scary!
The Chicago Cubs are currently sitting tied for third place in the NL central. They are only 1.5 games back of the division leading Brewers. The Cardinals have started hot and are in second place only a half game back of the Brewers. I would have to say the Cardinals have surprised me with their play through the first week, but they will fall off soon enough. Mark my words!
I know some of you may be saying we're only through one week, don't you think its a little early to be analyzing anything. Well after waiting 100 years for a World Series I think nothing is off limits. And besides I wouldn't be a true Chicago Cubs fan unless this early in the season I showed some sort of illogical hope and extreme panic!
Biggest Surprise: The biggest surprise for the Chicago Cubs would have to be outfielder Kosuke Fukudome. I have fast come to love watching this man play the game. He had a slow spring (which may have been on purpose) but through 7 games hes batting a team leading .458 with a slugging percentage of .708 and an on base percentage of .581. He is also stolen 2 bases and laid down one of the greatest bunts I've seen in a long time, especially from a Chicago Cub.
Honorable mention for this category has to be the the Chicago Cubs late addition Reed Johnson. He has been more then productive in his three straight starts.
Biggest Disappointment: This honor unfortunately has to go to Chicago Cubs left fielder Alfonso Soriano. Through 7 games he's batting .094, slugging .188, and has an on base percentage of .147. And yes Chicago Cubs manager Lou Pinella has moved him back to the lead off spot. Although he has one outfield assist, I wouldn't call his defense stellar. He looks to be jogging down balls, and over ran a few balls as well.
Honorable mention for this category is an easy one with Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Ted Lilly. Of all the Chicago Cubs starting pitchers he has the highest ERA with a 9.72 through 2 starts. He's given up 9 runs on 12 hits through 8.1 innings. As our 2nd starter this is scary!
The Chicago Cubs are currently sitting tied for third place in the NL central. They are only 1.5 games back of the division leading Brewers. The Cardinals have started hot and are in second place only a half game back of the Brewers. I would have to say the Cardinals have surprised me with their play through the first week, but they will fall off soon enough. Mark my words!
I know some of you may be saying we're only through one week, don't you think its a little early to be analyzing anything. Well after waiting 100 years for a World Series I think nothing is off limits. And besides I wouldn't be a true Chicago Cubs fan unless this early in the season I showed some sort of illogical hope and extreme panic!
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Chicago Cubs Lineup Fiasco!
The Chicago Cubs Line-up Troubles Begin with Game 3!
The Chicago Cubs have not started the season as Cubs fans would have hoped. There has been a lot of talk about the quick line-up change by manager Lou Pinella. Although he downplays the meaning behind such a quick change, you have to wonder if he is a little panicked. The " big shake-up" involved switching the first two hitters Alfonso Soriano and Ryan Theriot. The thinking being that Soriano is more comfortable and thus more productive in the lead off spot. Although most Chicago Cubs reporters and even Chicago Cubs fans think Soriano should be anywhere but the one hole... I don't believe this part of the Chicago Cubs line-up is the most important. I don't care where Soriano hits. There is however one major flaw in the Chicago Cubs line-up.
Fukudome needs to bat second in the Chicago Cubs line-up. For emphasis let me repeat: Fukudome needs to bat second in the Chicago Cubs line-up. Batting him 5th with Mark DeRosa behind him does him no justice. He is the Chicago Cubs hottest hitter, is patient, and can hit for power. It will not take very long for teams to pitch around him in the 5th spot to get to DeRosa. Listen I love DeRosa, I think he is a critical part of the team, but he doesn't provide the protection that Lee would.
One final thought. I was at Wrigley for the Chicago Cubs second game this year. Late in the game Chicago Cubs slugger (not speedster) Aramis Ramirez was on first with Fukudome up to bat. As usual he drew the count to 3 balls 2 strikes . Now I can't be sure but it seemed as though Lou put on the Hit and Run. (why else would Ramirez be running?) What was the result? Fukudome was forced to swing at a ball way out of the zone to protect the runner and struck out, and Ramirez was thrown out by a mile. now Why in the world would Chicago Cubs manager Lou Pinella put on the hit and run in that spot. I understand the basic strategy behind the hit and run, but in that spot it makes no sense. Fukudome is too good a hitter, and Ramirez too slow a runner. Had he not done that Fukudome undoubtedly walks and advances Ramirez into scoring position with no outs and Lee coming up.
Now I love Lou as much as I love the Chicago Cubs but we have to be smarter then that. So please Lou for the sanity of all Chicago Cub fans Please Please Please put Fukudome in the 2 hole!
For more Chicago Cubs rants please check back often!
The Chicago Cubs have not started the season as Cubs fans would have hoped. There has been a lot of talk about the quick line-up change by manager Lou Pinella. Although he downplays the meaning behind such a quick change, you have to wonder if he is a little panicked. The " big shake-up" involved switching the first two hitters Alfonso Soriano and Ryan Theriot. The thinking being that Soriano is more comfortable and thus more productive in the lead off spot. Although most Chicago Cubs reporters and even Chicago Cubs fans think Soriano should be anywhere but the one hole... I don't believe this part of the Chicago Cubs line-up is the most important. I don't care where Soriano hits. There is however one major flaw in the Chicago Cubs line-up.
Fukudome needs to bat second in the Chicago Cubs line-up. For emphasis let me repeat: Fukudome needs to bat second in the Chicago Cubs line-up. Batting him 5th with Mark DeRosa behind him does him no justice. He is the Chicago Cubs hottest hitter, is patient, and can hit for power. It will not take very long for teams to pitch around him in the 5th spot to get to DeRosa. Listen I love DeRosa, I think he is a critical part of the team, but he doesn't provide the protection that Lee would.
One final thought. I was at Wrigley for the Chicago Cubs second game this year. Late in the game Chicago Cubs slugger (not speedster) Aramis Ramirez was on first with Fukudome up to bat. As usual he drew the count to 3 balls 2 strikes . Now I can't be sure but it seemed as though Lou put on the Hit and Run. (why else would Ramirez be running?) What was the result? Fukudome was forced to swing at a ball way out of the zone to protect the runner and struck out, and Ramirez was thrown out by a mile. now Why in the world would Chicago Cubs manager Lou Pinella put on the hit and run in that spot. I understand the basic strategy behind the hit and run, but in that spot it makes no sense. Fukudome is too good a hitter, and Ramirez too slow a runner. Had he not done that Fukudome undoubtedly walks and advances Ramirez into scoring position with no outs and Lee coming up.
Now I love Lou as much as I love the Chicago Cubs but we have to be smarter then that. So please Lou for the sanity of all Chicago Cub fans Please Please Please put Fukudome in the 2 hole!
For more Chicago Cubs rants please check back often!
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