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Analysis, News & Rumors
Archives
April 2006 Headlines
What's Next for Pitching Staff - 4/30/06 3:16pm
Important Stat Categories - 4/25/06 7:27pm
Lee Replacements? - 4/22/06 6:47pm
Lee Fractures Wrist - 4/20/06 11:00pm
Cubbie Blue Camo Trend - 4/18/06 8:19pm
Speed Changes Things - 4/13/06 7:42pm
Offense Holding Out for Pitchers to Return - 4/12/06 11:19pm
Thoughts on Bleacher Renovations - 4/7/06 11:32pm
Notes from Opening Day - 4/3/06 7:28pm
4/30/06 3:16pm - What's Next for Pitching Staff
So far this year, there are quite a few unexpected results from the Cubs pitching staff.
First, Greg Maddux is pitching like he is 30 again. He has so much movement on the ball that umpires
have checked him several times to make sure he wasn't cheating. At 5-0, with a 1.35 ERA, Maddux has
been getting run support and dominating opponents.
As Maddux performs above expectations, the Cubs rookie arms have also performed very well. Sean
Marshall stands at 2-0 and had 7 strikeouts last week. Angel Guzman, who was called up last week,
also looked good in his debut. Though he didn't get the win, he struck out 5 in 5 innings.
What fans expected was to see Carlos Zambrano dominate. Through Sunday, he hasn't lived up to that
expectation. Most consider this to be because of his hot temper, but others think its because he is
a little more relaxed than he use to be. Carlos is 0-1 through 5 games and looking to fall to 0-2
after Sunday's game. Though he tied a career high with 12 strikeouts last week, Zambrano is having
problems with his control and not getting the run support.
The biggest problem in the rotation is now Glendon Rusch. Over the past few years he has helped out
jumping between the starting rotation and the bullpen. This year, it is clear that his confidence
is starting to wear on him. At 1-4, Rusch has a 8.46 ERA. It may have actually been a good thing
if Sunday's game was rained out since the Cubs may want to look at skipping a start or replacing
Rusch.
The Cubs may be interested in replacing Rusch with either Rich Hill or Jae Kuk Ryu. The most
likely candidate would be Rich Hill. If this is the case, the starting rotation would have three
rookies.
The good news is that this may all change in a few weeks. Kerry Wood looks closer and closer to
returning. Following Wood will be Mark Prior and Wade Miller. This could dramatically change
the look of the starting rotation.
What will the Cubs do with the rookies when the veterans return? What if these rookies are pitching
well? Don't expect the Cubs to shop them around, but expect the Cubs to keep their ears open. It
is unlikely any deals will be made considering the health of Wood and Prior. After all, the Rookies
may come in handy!
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4/25/06 7:27pm - Important Stat Categories
Did anyone think that in 2006, the Cubs would be leading the NL in batting average with runners in scoring position? How about come from behind
victories after the 7th inning? What about bullpen ERA? So far this year, the Cubs are either leading these categories or near the top in all
three categories.
This is a big difference from 2005. The Cubs were one of the worse teams in the NL when hitting with runners in scoring position. This year
through last night's victory, the Cubs are batting over .310 with runners in scoring position.
Already in 2006, the Cubs also have 4 come-from-behind victories after trailing in the 7th inning. This was almost unheard of in 2005.
Another important stat is that the Cubs are 6th in the major league with a team ERA of 4.00. This compared to a team ERA of 4.19 in 2005, good
enough for 15th in the majors. Even more impressive than that is that as of last week, the Cubs were ranked 3rd in the big leagues, keeping
opponents to a .207 batting average.
The Cubs' performance in these categories are huge improvements over the 2005 season. These numbers are impressive considering the Cubs
are without Prior, Wood, Wade Miller, and even Derrek Lee.
The morale of this is that Cubs fans shouldn't count the team out just yet. Without key players, the team is getting clutch hits, pitching decent enough to win,
and pulling off victories when trailing late in the game. Remember, this is happening with a slumping Ramirez and a slightly inconsistent Carlos Zambrano.
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4/22/06 6:47pm - Lee Replacements?
Only the Cubs could have this kind of luck. Only days after signing a multi-million dollar contract
extension, Derrek Lee, the Cubs star first baseman broke his wrist.
The question now is: Who will replace him? Will the Cubs attempt to trade for a replacement like many
experts predict or will they fill the position from within?
Many expected Todd Walker to be traded this year due to the three-headed monster at second base.
Fortunately for us, he remains with the Cubs, which makes
him the best option at first base. No, he isn't going to be able to replace Lee's defense, or offense for
that matter. He will be about the best option for the Cubs. Trading this early in the season will
be difficult and could require quite a bit of talent.
This is a good opportunity for Jim Hendry to bring up a few rookies and let them get some big league
experience. If the Cubs can remain with the Cardinals and Astros at the top of the division, they
should be much better when Lee returns. This is also the type of thing that brings a team together.
The Cubs' best bet is to leave Walker at first base and swap Mabry here and there. This gives Jerry
Hairston second base and also gives the Cubs the ability to bring up some young talent. Lee's replacement
on the roster is Michael Restovich, who has not played first base since high school.
Now, an injury to a team's star player is never good, but this may just be what the Cubs need to pull
together.
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4/18/06 8:19pm - Lee Fractures Wrist
The worse possible scenario has come true for the Cubs. Their MVP from the 2005 season is going to land
on the DL for the first time in his career.
Fans held their breath lastnight after Rafael Furcal collided with Derrek Lee. After an inconclusive
X-Ray on Wednesday night, the Cubs flew Lee back to Chicago to take another look. The result was
a fracture in his wrist, which could keep him out for up to three months.
If any fans didn't believe in the curse, its time to start believing. A play like this could only happen to
the Cubs.
In the mean time, the Cubs will probably go with Todd Walker or John Mabry at first base. This will
be the ultimate test for the 2006 Cubs.
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4/18/06 8:19pm - Cubbie Blue Camo Trend
The arrival of Juan Pierre to the Cubs has also brought a new trend. The camouflage t-shirt trend.
Pierre first started wearing camouflage t-shirts under his jersey when he started with Colorado. This
was a good luck charm of former teammate, Todd Helton, and Pierre decided to adopt it. With the Rockies,
Pierre wore a black and white camo shirt. When he went to the Marlins, he decided to go with purple camo.
After joining the Cubs, it wasn't long until Pierre found a blue camo t-shirt during Spring Training.
The trend has apparently caught on quick. Both Carlos Zambrano and Jacque Jones have already been spotted
wearing blue camo t-shirts under their jerseys. If the Cubs continue to play well, expect this to be
adopted as the "homer hanky" or "rally monkey" did with other teams in the past.
If you are interested in purchasing the Cubbie Blue Camo, visit our Amazon.com Partners .
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4/13/06 7:42pm - Speed Changes Things
With the addition of Juan Pierre this year, the Cubs immediately changed the dynamics of the team.
Adding Pierre to the squad of speedsters like Ronny Cedeno, Jerry Hairston Jr., Derrek Lee, Freddie Bynum,
Angel Pagan, Matt Murton, and Jacque Jones, the Cubs have expanded their game.
The same situation seemed to have happened to the Chicago White Sox last year with the addition of Scott
Podsednik. The team immediately adapted to the speed. The Cubs hope they have the same formula in 2006.
Already, we have seen the Cubs bunting, legging out hits, stretching hits into doubles, and beating throws
for double plays. Dusty has already attempted the squeeze play!
Though Pierre isn't hitting well yet, he will use every chance he can get to use the length of the Wrigley
Field grass to his advantage and lay down quite a few bunts. Once he starts hitting better, it will be similar
to how the team changed in 2003 when Kenny Lofton was leading off.
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4/12/06 11:19pm - Offense Holding Out for Pitchers to Return
After sweeping the Cardinals and splitting games with the Reds, the Cubs are now 5-2 on the year. Its clear
at this point that the offense is the key to the team. The Cubs are hoping they can ride the current pitching
staff for another few weeks and wait for the return of Prior, Wood, and the newly acquired Wade Miller.
With a stronger bullpen, the Cubs may have the luxury of easing these guys back into the game a few innings
at a time. The difference is that with a strong offense, the team may not have to depend on the trio of arms to
save the team.
Imagine what the pitching staff would look like when these guys return. Wood could immediately join the
bullpen with Howry, Eyre, Ohman, Williamson, Wuertz, and Dempster. Prior and Miller could join the starting
staff and fill a rotation of Zambrano, Prior, Maddux, Miller, and possibly Marshall or Williams. Depending on
what needs more help, Kerry Wood could remain in the bullpen or join the starting staff. So far, Glendon Rusch
is having troubles, so he might best serve the bullpen until he finds confidence.
With the burst of hitting, base running, and good defense, and power, is it too early to say the Cubs could
be putting together a decent team? 4-1 with the current pitching staff is very good.
The offense has also proven twice that they can come back late in the game after being down. If the pitching
staff can hold opposing teams to 4 runs or less, the current offense built around a combination of speed and
power should be able to pick up the slack.
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4/7/06 11:32pm - Thoughts on Bleacher Renovations
Your first thought as a die-hard Cubs fan should be: "How could they renovate the Wrigley Field bleachers?"
After seeing the changes, even die-hard fans have to appreciate the renovations.
The new renovations to Wrigley Field not
only added close to 1800 additional seats to the Wrigley Field Bleachers, but it also added a new outfield box suite,
new concession areas, more bathrooms, and even a peep hole for fans to see the games from outside
the stadium.
Initial concerns came from fans who wanted Wrigley Field to keep the historic look and feel. Not only does the
historic look and feel remain, but the bleacher section is much more impressive. There is even a thin section
of dirt outside the outfield wall set up specifically to grow ivy. Keeping this ivy alive will be a challenge
since fans will want to take pieces for themselves.
Even those fans who were concerned about the Cubs selling the naming rights to the Bleachers shouldn't have much
to be concerned about. Though there is a very large "Bud Light Bleachers" sign outside the stadium, there
is really no advertisements visible from the field.
Maintaining the tradition of Wrigley Field is not an easy task. Now that the renovations are complete, it is
safe to say the organization passed the test. Not only is the tradition maintained, but the historic presence
of Wrigley Field is even bigger than before.
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4/3/06 7:28pm - Notes from Opening Day
If opening day was any indication, the Cubs may just have a lethal combination of hitting and
speed this year.
Speed - Compared to last year's team, the speed of the 2006 team is amazing. Numerous times
the Cubs were able to lay down bunts. Pierre opened up the game with an attempted bunt, which will make
Cubs fans smile. He then immediately followed with a triple in his first at-bat in Cubbie Blue. Cedeno
was also able to bunt for a base hit in the game. Combining Pierre, Lee, Cedeno, Murton, Pagan, and
some of the other speedsters, this team is going to generate runs.
Rookies - The rookies stepped up big time. Murton finished 2 for 3 with a 3-run homer. Pagan
was also impressive getting a hit in his first Major League at-bat. He finished the game 2 for 3 with
2 runs and an RBI. Together, Murton, Cedeno, and Pagan were 6 for 12 with 4 RBI's and 5 runs. I expect
good things from them all season.
Walker Starting - While I have no idea why Walker wasn't projected as the starter until days before
the opener, he proved there should be no question going 3 for 4 with 3 RBI's. You can't find someone much
better than Walker to complement Pierre at the top and set the table for Derrek Lee. Neifi Perez better
be nothing more than a backup or a safety net for Ronny Cedeno.
Defense - In back-to-back innings, both Murton and Pierre made spectacular catches at the fence.
With the outfield speed, the defense should look much better. At least much better than Cincinnati's Adam Dunn looked
in Left Field.
Lee and Ramirez - The best part about this game is that most of the runs came without the help of
Lee and Ramirez. They combined to go 2 for 6 with only 2 of the 15 Cubs' RBI's. They helped the team by
combining for 5 walks.
Pitching - While the home plate umpire was calling the game with a strike zone the size of a mosquito,
we should expect more from Carlos Zambrano and the Cubs bullpen. Giving up 7 runs isn't going to get a win
on most days.
Other Notes - Wishing we kept Nomar? You may be singing a different tune after finding out he will
be landing on the disabled list yet again with a strained ribcage. I love him as a player, but he needs
to find some way to stay healthy. Oh well.. Its no longer my problem since he isn't wearing the Cubs logo.
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