2008 Chicago Cubs

[bluengold34_OS]

Re: 2008 Chicago Cubs

To be fair, I only advocated putting Hoffpauir in the lineup as a replacement for Fukudome IF his struggles continued. Fukudome might show some improvement, yet. However, Micah looked solid in his brief stint with the Cubs, and he has been on an absolute tear at AAA. I would not entertain replacing Lee with Hoffpauir.

Not pointing you out specifically, or anyone else for that matter. I have seen it on the Cubs board also, and while I understand the frustration, just don't understand the logic. I also realize Micah has been hitting everything over in Sec Taylor under the Sun, but that does not make him DLee. Lee is one of the cornerstones of our franchise, if not the cornerstone.

If I offended anyone, or made them feel like I called them out on this I apologize profusely, that was not my intention. It was more of a " I see a growing contingent of people with this mindset" type of thing, and I just do not understand it.

[fugazi]

Re: 2008 Chicago Cubs

It's all good....

I think everyone has been perplexed by Lee this season, and has grown frustrated at times. We are certainly unaccustomed to seeing 3-hole hitter on a winning team with his numbers.

Additionally, I think everyone is excited about the idea of adding Hoffpauir to the mix, in just about any fashion. Replacing Lee is a bit rash, but splitting some time in the OF to rest Soriano and Fukudome isn't a bad idea; and he might be a better option as a lefty off the bench than Ward. Either way, I can't imagine that we would not get another good look at him in September.

As for the long term, however...where does he fit in? Who will leave first...Lee, Soriano, or Fukudome?

[bluengold34_OS]

Re: 2008 Chicago Cubs

It's all good....

I think everyone has been perplexed by Lee this season, and has grown frustrated at times. We are certainly unaccustomed to seeing 3-hole hitter on a winning team with his numbers.

Additionally, I think everyone is excited about the idea of adding Hoffpauir to the mix, in just about any fashion. Replacing Lee is a bit rash, but splitting some time in the OF to rest Soriano and Fukudome isn't a bad idea; and he might be a better option as a lefty off the bench than Ward. Either way, I can't imagine that we would not get another good look at him in September.

As for the long term, however...where does he fit in? Who will leave first...Lee, Soriano, or Fukudome?

Honestly, I do think it will be Lee who leaves first. If we win the WS this year( yes I know ) I think Lee will play 1 maybe, and I stress maybe, 2 more years. He will retire and spend the time with his family and daughter. I think Lee will be one of those guys, that will end up as part of the Cubs family, that will be around the ballpark occasionally, and I could see lee in the booth , as intelligent about the game, as he is.....also such a camera presence.

I just wish Micah was in his early 20's, that would be nice to have him come behind Derrek. We honestly have a core of guys, in which we could have a nice run of competitive teams for five -six years.

[ThreeKing]

Re: 2008 Chicago Cubs

WOW. Marquis shutting up some critics for now. Including me.

Nice job boys, lets keep it rolling!!

[ezekiel55]

Re: 2008 Chicago Cubs

WOW. Marquis shutting up some critics for now. Including me.

Nice job boys, lets keep it rolling!!

Didnt see the game, but from looking at the boxscore it looks like Marquis had quite the performance...Lately he's been going above and beyond what a 5th starter's asked to do.

[fugazi]

Re: 2008 Chicago Cubs

Didnt see the game, but from looking at the boxscore it looks like Marquis had quite the performance...Lately he's been going above and beyond what a 5th starter's asked to do.

honestly, i would say "all year"....at least before the 6th inning of any start, just about.

[bluengold34_OS]

Re: 2008 Chicago Cubs

We couldn't beat Cole Hamels if it was just Cole pitching and John Kruk playing the field.

[ThreeKing]

Re: 2008 Chicago Cubs

We couldn't beat Cole Hamels if it was just Cole pitching and John Kruk playing the field.

LOL. I know.

This is the type of crap that scares me sometimes. We have been beating the crap out of the cupcakes, but as soon as we face a tough team with a tough pitcher, it's goodnight charlie.

[ThreeKing]

Re: 2008 Chicago Cubs

****ING ARAMIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ThreeKing]

Re: 2008 Chicago Cubs

LOL. I know.

This is the type of crap that scares me sometimes. We have been beating the crap out of the cupcakes, but as soon as we face a tough team with a tough pitcher, it's goodnight charlie.

Good call stupid.

[poster]

Re: 2008 Chicago Cubs

Wow, what a win!

[fugazi]

Re: 2008 Chicago Cubs

Awesome...leave work, Cubs are losing...get home, Cubs are winning...that makes for a good night.

I can understand the sentiment above, re: tough pitchers....we do struggle at times, sometimes we get shut down...Randy Johnson, Kuroda in LA....

BUT...

Just let the Cubs at another team's bullpen, and its over...

That seems to be what is making this team so deadly; they KILL the opponents' relievers...get past the starter with a chance to win, and it is probably going to happen. Most managers won't leave their starters in the whole game much anymore, even if they are pitching well, and this is especially true in the NL...where our offense has been pressuring managers to pinch hit for their starter perhaps more often or earlier than preferred. Let's hope that the trend continues in the post-season, where managers are a bit more likely to allow their SPs to go deep into the game.

Solid inning from Howry, too.

This team might be deeper than any I have ever seen, cubs or otherwise. seriously...1-9, the bench, the rotation, the starters...LET'S GO CUBS!!!

Gonna be in the LF Bleachers for the finale against Philly...Cubs will remain at home afterwards, so I hope I don't see a 'getaway day' lineup...who cares...gotta go make up some songs to yell at Burrell...

[bluengold34_OS]

Re: 2008 Chicago Cubs

Man the guys were 100% right when they said the whole atmosphere tonight was like a mid-October night.....

this game just felt the playoffs had already started.


I agree, there are certain guys we just can't beat, and Hamels and Johnson are guys that top that list. I hope amongst all hope that the the Dodgers find a way to get it together, and pass the Diamondbacks to win the West.

[poster]

Re: 2008 Chicago Cubs

Hamels is tough, much like Harden with that nasty changeup. I had a bad feeling when Demp had a rough first inning. This team just doesn't quit, and they will hurt a bullpen like fugazi said. I know at one point, they had the most comeback wins in the NL. I can't imagine that has changed as they have come back many a time since I saw that stat.

This is the best Cubs team of my lifetime. They are balanced in every area. That being said the playoffs are a different beast as we all know. We will see the best of the best on the mound, and that worries me a bit as if we go cold for a couple of games, it could be over just like that ala last year. I welcome the challenge though and know they can do it.

[poster]

Re: 2008 Chicago Cubs

Day after day, we find another way! 35 f'n games over. At a loss for words when thinking of that.