text:
A little help….
I hereby randomly
I hereby randomly acknowledge you.
a minnisota twins blog is in
a minnisota twins blog is in 2nd?
at least its well written.
It just got my vote. It's a
It just got my vote. It's a very resourceful site with very insightful people. Keep it up.
Fighting for third
Fighting for third place?
Why does this feel familiar?
Done! I voted for both Bleed
Done! I voted for both Bleed Cubbie Blue and The Cub reporter. :fi) any others I missed?
I hope you dont buy into these polls your readership says you are #1
This is the definitive
This is the definitive sports blog. You Run Shit.
I don't, but since Al
I don't, but since Al decided that he wanted to beat us, I thought I'd try and keep up our winning streak. :)
Bat Girl is good stuff
Thanks for the input
Thanks for the input Swanny.... Is that Paul Sullivan in disguise?
1 vote for cubreporter
1 vote for cubreporter cast....
Done. You're up to third
Done. You're up to third now.
I found an interesting J.
I found an interesting J. Jones read on batgirl's archives:
There's even a Neifi reference in the comments. But definitely go for the lego reanactment of a wacky play Jones was involved in.
Yeah I was reading about how
Yeah I was reading about how some of the Twins fans felt about Jacque Jones. They all pretty much liked him and the way he played the game. They also understood his weaknesses as a player.
I did get the impending sense of doom from one poster. Minnesota players coming to Chicago don't exactly have a great track record....
I hope JJ isn't getting set up to be the latest ex-pat crucifixion in Wrigleyville (Rick Aguilera, Kevin Tapani, LaTroy, Paul Douglas). Good luck Jacque - I know there are some throwing exercises you can do.
I have no idea who Paul Douglas is. And Tapani I always had nice memories of. How he won 19 games on that 1998 Cubs team is beyond me.
I still don't know how Riggleman got that pile of crap team to win 90 games that year.
"I still don't know how
"I still don't know how Riggleman got that pile of crap team to win 90 games that year.."
Two words. Mickey Morandini.
"I still don't know how
"I still don't know how Riggleman got that pile of crap team to win 90 games that year.."
"Two words. Mickey Morandini."
Three more words: performance enhancing drugs
I voted the last time you
I voted the last time you linked this. I voted again. I don't know if that helps, but you guys deserved it...kept me sane during these baseball free months. Looking forward to reading this once the season kicks in. (Wish I could say so much about the season itself.)
Bat Girl and Mets Blog
Bat Girl and Mets Blog almost certainly have far, far larger readership numbers than we do,and so does Gleeman's, but it may have suffered because he know writes primarily for The Hardball Times, not for his own blog.
So really, my suspicion is that we should be third, maybe fourth. Anything less than that is a sign that we have "soft" support from our readers, and must do more to gain their loyalty. We could offer one of us up to the readership for sacrifice, perhaps....
Dear readers, if you aren't willing to vote for us, how will we ever get you to die for us? Rob, John, Phil, Ruz and Me will NEVER get to be decadent cult leaderd with a compound and twenty wives each if you aren't willing to die for us.......
I voted for TCR, thanks for
I voted for TCR, thanks for all the content guys.
Shouldn't Mets Blog get negative votes for the terrible name?
Ok, I nominate myself as our
Ok, I nominate myself as our sacrifice to appease the readers, because I've completely lost my ability to spell or correct typos.
this from rob neyer in espn
this from rob neyer in espn insider:
Last night, I read a long story about the Cubs signing Jones to a three-year deal worth $16 million. Honestly, the money is not a big deal. The Cubs can afford it. The problem is that Jones will, for the next three seasons, be in the lineup nearly every day (notwithstanding trade or injury). In this particular story, I "learned" that:
ï According to Cubs general manager Jim Hendry, Jones has "a lot of upside in him" (he's going to be 31 next season);
ï Jones is "patient at the plate" (his career high in walks, set last season, is 51);
ï Hendry's scouts told him that Jones' struggles in the last two seasons were perhaps because "Jones tried to carry the Twins," who had to deal with injuries to key players such as Torii Hunter and Shannon Stewart.
On the other hand, here's what I learned in three minutes of quality time on the Interweb: Jones batted .300 in 2002 and '03 not because he was relaxed. He batted .300 because he was 27 and 28. He's not at all patient and figures to draw something like 40 walks in 150 games. The Cubs finished second in the National League last season with 194 home runs, but ranked just ninth in scoring. Why? Because their .324 on-base percentage ranked 11th in the league.
Jones' OBP over the last two seasons?
Jones is exactly the sort of player the Cubs don't need, and it's incredibly negligent of Hendry to ignore a fact so evident.
Talking about what Al is
Talking about what Al is doing over at BCB he is now saying his sources are telling him that the deal is in fact on the table.
What deal? What table?
What deal? What table?
Just got my Vine Line
Just got my Vine Line today...
Only read the first little bit, but ehre are two interesting tidbits:
- Jody Davis will be managing the Peoria Chiefs (low Class-A) this year for the Cubs.
- At the Cubs Convention this year the Cubs will eb selling "4x8 inch red bricks that will become aprt of teh pedestrian walkway on the ballpark's exterior". There are similar walkways in SD and COL. Installation will take place after teh 2006 season, teh same time they will be doing more construction with the addition of the parking garge among other things. Fans will have three 15-character lines to engrave their family names and/or personal message AND will get a replica of the brick as a keepsake.
No price was given, but I am going to get one for sure...
Being from Chicago I voted
Being from Chicago I voted twice.
Those are both very cool
Those are both very cool pieces of news. The Bricks remind me of the infamous PETCO thread at baseballprimer. PETA was protesting the naming of the park, and after their main protest had died down, they managed to buy one of those bricks, and write a seemingly inoccuous message on it. It turns out that if you took, like, the first letter of each work,it had the message in it of "PETCO is an evil seal-clubbing corporation that should burn in hell".
Well, maybe not quite that.
I wonder if I could get in a coded message in a Wrigley brick. Like "Read TCR" or "Dusty Must Go" or something...
Glad to hear Jody Davis is coaching. I bet he's with the parent team by 2010.
re: bricks for sale...and
re: bricks for sale...and SD...
Break Open Your Cold Ones! Toast The Padres! Enjoy This Championship Organization!
har har etc sigh whatever.
websearch that one if its lost on ya.
yeah, what trans said. hehe
yeah, what trans said. hehe
Trans: "Like "Read TCR" or
"Like "Read TCR" or "Dusty Must Go" or something..."
Don't forget the one that is finally gaining steam..."BYE BYE HENDRY!!" :)
Are you really receiving due
Are you really receiving due acknowledgement when you have to beg for it?
Being from Chicago I voted
Being from Chicago I voted twice.
That's the spirit....
Beyond the absurdity of trading a 25 year old pitcher with kick-ass numbers who we have control of for the next 3 years, doesn't TribCo step in at some point and say, "Hold on Jimbo, those Prior jerseys sell like hotcakes and everyone of his starts sell out. We'd don't think you should trade him"
Prior's still the most popular player on the team I'm guessing, with Lee, Z, and Ramirez right behind. I figure Wood has fallen out of favor a little bit and Tejada's a somewhat popular player, but I don't think he could approach Prior's status. And yes, Tribco does think about this stuff.
I guess we'll see...
Are you really receiving due
Are you really receiving due acknowledgement when you have to beg for it?
If I was looking for "due acknowledgement", I wouldn't be pointing to a poll where you can apparently vote multiple times and for different sites. And where was the begging?
And a vote is as much for the readers and commenters as us writers. You guys make this site what it is as much as whatever we spout off day to day.
I voted twice (taking part
I voted twice (taking part in a Chicago tradition)!
Cant beleive a MUTS blog is in 1st...
Regardless of the Mets team,
Regardless of the Mets team, they have some excellent bloggers. Same for Pittsburgh, oddly.
from rotoworld.com An
from rotoworld.com
An Orioles official told the AP that the club could soon take Miguel Tejada off the table in trade talks.
"There is absolutely no deal we find acceptable to trade this very special player to another team," the official said. The Orioles are believed to have discussed Tejada with the Cubs, Red Sox, White Sox and Angels, among others.
Save us from ourselves......
Rob G.: "Save us from
Rob G.:
"Save us from ourselves......"
WOO HOO!! Good news...
I hope they take him off the table ASAP before Hendry gives away Prior, Hill, Pie and Guzman for him.
Hi all...as a Chicagoan, I'm
Hi all...as a Chicagoan, I'm proud to announce that I've also voted twice (so far), my second vote was #311 for TCR.
ESPN also has the AP source as Rob mentioned above, the lead info is Burnitz signing but I'll include the Tejada stuff below:
BALTIMORE -- Free agent outfielder Jeromy Burnitz and the Baltimore Orioles have agreed on a two-year contract, pending the results of a physical.
A team source, speaking on the condition of anonymity since the deal has not been finalized, said Wednesday night that the deal will pay the former Chicago Cubs right fielder between $10 million and $12 million.
In other news, the Orioles are ON THE BRINK of abandoning their effort to trade disgruntled shortstop Miguel Tejada, who has expressed a desire to leave Baltimore because the team has not done enough to improve itself during the offseason.
"There is absolutely no deal we find acceptable to trade this very special player to another team,'' an Orioles official said.
Tejada is entering the third year of a $72 million, six-year contract. He hit .304 with 26 homers and 98 RBI in 2004, but that wasn't good enough to prevent the Orioles from logging their eighth consecutive losing season.
Well, we see that BALT has a
Well, we see that BALT has a much better PR staff than the Cubs. They come off looking great saying we can't find an acceptable deal for our great player and he is so great we don't want to give him up.
Meanwhile in Wrigleville, we have our stud pitcher being hung out to dry right now with our GM giving no comments and vacationing eating doughnuts.
MMMMMM doughnuts....
its not exactly
its not exactly disrespectful to offer prior to a club for pretty much their top player.
its not like hendry is shopping him out to multiple teams publically. this is a guy who gave a kid outta college a 5 year pro deal and a huge bonus. before the ink dried prior was pretty much guarenteed 12+m bucks with out clauses if he feels he's worth more.
what hendry's doing with prior isnt really in the same class as what he's doing with t.walker.
Honestly that quote has the
Honestly that quote has the feel of them having stalled talks with a team over including a guy or money in the deal and there using it as a threat to get that extra something. If there is no deal that they like just say he is off the block instead of threatening to do so.
Chifan- Smart move by BALT.
Smart move by BALT. Seeing if hendry will bite and give them EXACTLY what they want. It seems BALT is the team with the upper hand right now in these negotiations. If they don't pull Tejada off, hendry might include Pie in the deal too. UGH!!!
MLBTraderumors.com is
MLBTraderumors.com is reporting that the Cubs may be close to signing Preston Wilson. Apparently, according to this source, Wilson would play right everyday, while Jacque Jones would platoon with Matt Murton.
Ugh. I don't want Jones and Wilson on this team.
Andrew, He says the info
He says the info came "third hand" If Hendry had any intrest in Wilson he could have signed him instead of Jones probably to the deal he gave Burnitz last year. You dont give a platoon guy 16/3.
Looks like the scenerio I
Looks like the scenerio I layed out in post 39 could be true but its BOS there trying to get a deal done with. Gammons is reporting that BAL is "seriously considering" that Manram and Clement deal. They probably want one of the Jons in the deal or Flanigan is using Gammons in a simlar way that Beane describes in Moneyball to tell Hendry to put Pie in the deal or else he goes to BOS. Gammons says that they will decide by early next week what to do with him. I cant see Angelos doing that BOS deal. Hayden Penn could do better than Clement next year and Manny is a headache who would demand a trade sometime in ST if this deal gets done. Instead of asking for Bedard why doesnt he ask for Penn it seems to me that BAL overvalues Bedard and undervalues Penn.
MLBTraderumors.com is
MLBTraderumors.com is reporting a prior/tejada trade is a done deal according to the site owner's best friend's sister's boyfriend's brother's girlfriend heard from this guy who knows this kid who's going with the girl who saw hendry and angelos at 31 Flavors last night.
i guess its pretty serious.
I think that stupid little
I think that stupid little site is hitting .031 for the off-season. Half of his scoops are off of Foxsports rumors.
Just read Foxsports rumors. Same info, none of his stupid fantasies.
Where is Ferris Bueller when
Where is Ferris Bueller when we need him....
Yeah...my take is that
Yeah...my take is that Baltimore is just trying to get the Tejada pot sweetened by making those very public comments. He is clearly still on the market. If they really had no intention of trading Tejada, they would have said that a couple of weeks ago and been done with it. Instead, they created a beauty contest for his services. If Baltimore really had no intention of dealing Tejada, they would have nipped this silliness in the bud a couple of weeks ago.
The classic negotiating tactic when considering offers for a very valuable asset -- especially when multiple bidders are involved -- is to say something like "gosh, we love him so much, we just haven't seen an offer that is worth even considering giving up this special guy. We're happy with standing pat." Translation: "if you greedy bastards want Tejada, you have to do better than this."
Tonight I'm more convinced than ever that Tejada will be dealt.
433, I competly agree with
I competly agree with you, but lets not forgot that Tejada is going to be pulled off the market for a week and then he will go TO and then they will try for a couple of weeks to trade him and then he will apologi and everything will be calm for a week or so and then he will be traded right around Valentine's day. This whole saga reminds of the A-rod sitution from a few years back. Does anyone know anything about the Cubs signing Restovich? I was parzooing that batgirl and in the post on the Jones signing a commentor mentioned it.
Funny, I think the exact
Funny, I think the exact opposite.
I think BALT really thought about trading him and saw they just aren't getting what they think they need in return for what they are giving up. And with the winter caravans (like the Cubs Convention) coming up for most MLB teams AND with marketing ideas having to get started, BALT has to make a decision ASAP. If Tejada is going to be their main marketing piece, and he will as he is their best player, they need to get that all going now and focus on other needs to fill.
Many of the top FA's are signed and soon they will all be signed and teams will be finalizing their rosters. They won't have the upper hand in negotiating any trades at that point, so it is either trade him in the next week or so or close the door.
Let's all hope for the Cubs sake, it is close the door.
now you're stealing my lines
now you're stealing my lines Crunch? Sheesh...
Manny, I do think that BAL
I do think that BAL was trying to trade Tejada but if they were not going to trade him now say he is off the market instead of he is on the verge of doing so it just sounds like a barganing position to me. The Arod trade happened in late jan early feb area.
I think the SS Mariner is
I think the SS Mariner is the best blog, but they're freaking Mariner fans, so who cares?
no love for john sickel's
no love for john sickel's blog...maybe he's a bit too "big time"?
still, he makes for a nice opinionated read with some real-life logistics.
Crunch, i did that FBDO line
Crunch, i did that FBDO line MONTHS ago. You stole it from me.
oh..sorry..unintentional. i'll send ya a royalty check,
count Eric Byrnes off the
count Eric Byrnes off the market as JJ's platoon partner...well at least AZ Phil will be able to watch him in person.
I was hoping the extra OF slot would go to someone who could come off the bench, play some defense and be a righty hitter to platoon with JJones. When I looked that up in Wikipedia, EByrnes photo was displayed.
from the AZ Republic...
The Diamondbacks came closer to filling their center field vacancy as they closed in Wednesday on free agent Eric Byrnes.
Byrnes, who agreed to what is believed to be a one-year deal worth about $2.2 million, will undergo a physical examination today in Phoenix.
Lee and Nefi for Tajada and
Lee and Nefi for Tajada and Daniel Cabrera. Walker to first Cedeno to second.
Yes putting the rookies where thay can excel. Sink or Swim.
Miguel Tejada: No Longer on the Block
RotoWire.com Staff - RotoWire.com
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Update: The Orioles have abandoned their attempts to trade Tejada.
Recommendation: "There is absolutely no deal we find acceptable to trade this very special player to another team," an Orioles official said.
...as I've been preaching.
BTW, "I Voted!"
RobG: "Prior's still the
"Prior's still the most popular player on the team I'm guessing, with Lee, Z, and Ramirez right behind. I figure Wood has fallen out of favor a little bit and Tejada's a somewhat popular player"
I agree that Prior is still a popular player. Please no mistake about it, I like prior and I think he is one of the best right now.
But..are you kidding me with "Tejada's a somewhat popular player"!!! This guy for godsake's an allstar, a stud and one of the premier shortstops in the game today. A player who has produced consistently over time without any considerable time on the DL. His mere presence will engergize and motivate everyone around him. Well its no surprise that prior is the most popular player on the team with all the neifis and coreys around, Woody being on the DL so long, last year being DLee's career year(before that his numbers were no where close to astounding), ARam's consistent weight gain and frequent trips to the DL etc etc. Prior has been with the team longer than anyone you can compare to (except for maddux but his best years are behind him).
So in all fairness please give due respect to a guy of Tejada's stature. I don't have an iota of doubt that if we get him (be it a correct decission or not) in a short span there will be more tejada jersey's and mugs than those of prior's.
Hendry's scouts told him
Hendry's scouts told him that Jones' struggles in the last two seasons were perhaps because "Jones tried to carry the Twins," who had to deal with injuries to key players such as Torii Hunter and Shannon Stewart.
Oh I don't know...maybe it will be less pressure for Jones to try to carry the Cubs...you know the different market and atmosphere might make it easier on him???
What ever happened to TICH?
What ever happened to TICH?
"Oh I don't know...maybe it
"Oh I don't know...maybe it will be less pressure for Jones to try to carry the Cubs...you know the different market and atmosphere might make it easier on him???"
I don't think anyone knows if it will be easier or harder of an "atmosphere". What we do know is that it's a different atmosphere. For some, the added pressure might be a catalyst and for some it may be an inhibitor. It's definitely not a great place to be if you're not having success in the present. Why "atmosphere" is even talked about, to me, is because Jones is a gamble, and the atmosphere talk is a nice way of describing intangible reasoning like "possible upside". It's somewhat analogous to the justification of the Burnitz signing.
Jones is 6 years younger than Burnitz though. I still don't know about giving him a 3 year contract... Too many wildcards, like his % of ground balls per balls in play. Maybe they saw something they thought they could fix, maybe they were desperate.
Well as has been
Well as has been consistantly pointed out about Jones: Low OBP and High K totals are a staple for him. Anything is possible and he could have a good year but all trends point to him being an expensive three year bust. Hendry is really scraping the bottom lately. Whatever you think about the Furcal situation it seems apparent that Hendry made at least two mistakes: 1.) Targeting him so publicly and getting tunnel vision then not having the cash to back the vision (especially if the Cubs did not even hit 5/50 which has been rumoured to be the case). then 2.) having a crap backup plan or most likely no plan at all. This offseason and last offseason are painful to watch.
"Jones: Low OBP and High K
"Jones: Low OBP and High K totals are a staple for him."
And a staple for the Chicago National League Ballclub since World War II.
Exactly TBone. That is what
Exactly TBone. That is what is so frustrating about Hendry buying mid-relievers after good years and position players like Jones who completely fly in the face of our needs (High OBP, low K run producers). Of course Hendry's big dance move is to sign lots of cheap injured guys and hope they have miracle seasons. Those are all great rewards for 3,000,000 plus fans filling the place (along with having a hostile incapable manager who cannot stand the Wrigley faithful).
Re. Jones "Maybe they saw
Re. Jones "Maybe they saw something they thought they could fix,"
I don't think they saw something they had to fix at all. Look at the Cubs' minor league system. There's no shortage of guys who strikeout a lot and don't get on base enough. I think the Cubs believe they're getting exactly what they are getting: a guy who has a great attitude, a little bit of speed, who will run through walls for them and hit 15-20 of their beloved homers a year.
Superjimmer, Yeah, the
Yeah, the signing of injured guys reminds me of the old Bill Veeck "rent-a-player" days with the White Sox. But the Sox had no money. It just weird to watch a guy like Hendry behave like he's in desperation mode when his team's payroll is fairly high.
I'd rather see McFail OK the overpaying of the Furcal's of the world than nixing those signings and turning around and using that money to fill out the lineup with the dregs from other teams. You'd think the Cubs were based in Tulsa the way they do business.
how do you vote.
how do you vote.
How do you vote?
How do you vote?
Cubfan, Thats classic. Hmm
Thats classic. Hmm Minnesota where they have won the WS since 1908 or Chicago where they haven't, have a TV contract for the entire country and have had their rival chicago team win the WS last year? Pressure? Nah! Jaque Jones in his new less pressure environment is set to put up Barry Bonds numbers.....
OK With Tejada supposedly
OK With Tejada supposedly off the market who would trade 3 prospects + Patterson for Zito?
Sure would be nice.........
And which prospects, NCFan,
And which prospects, NCFan, do you think will get that done?
I am thinking with this new
I am thinking with this new Preston Wilson rumor, that Matt Murton might be on his way to Oakland in a deal for Zito.
I'm voting early and
I'm voting early and often
vote #412 and TCR is in 2nd place with a bullet moving up. Only 17 votes behind the mutts blog
I'm certainly glad to keep Prior, would rather watch the offense muddle through things if the pitching is good. The fact that the Cubs have a clear cut leadoff hitter and base stealing threat should not be underestimated.
The team has gone to the playoffs only when they've had success in the leadoff slot. So IMHO the season rides on what kind of year JPierre has and the health of the big three ...38/22/34. God I love those numbers :D
who would trade 3 prospects
who would trade 3 prospects + Patterson for Zito?
I tell you who wouldn't--Beane.
Patterson anti-OBP machine and the A's probably have as talented if not more talented pitching prospects than the Cubs.
I was ambivalent about Prior
I was ambivalent about Prior for Tejada, but this possible Jones-Murton platoon makes me ill.
Is it too late to cancel my reservations for Spring Training..?
The rotation of:
The rotation of:
sSounds great but not at the expense of an outfield of Jones/Pierre/Patterson. Murton seems like the kind of guy the A's would like and any deal would involve him.
Also when the Cubs signed Rusch wasn't there a promise that he would get the opportunity to be a starter?
BTW, I voted for TCR. New to this blog and blogging in general, and have really enjoyed reading it.
Assuming that Wood comes
Assuming that Wood comes back healthy and we obtained Zito our rotation of:
Would be pretty awesome. We would break up our power pitchers with a couple of soft tossers and keep everyone off balance.
Jones is just the equlivant
Jones is just the equlivant of Burnitz who was our best OF last year. Pierre and Murton are upgrades over Cpat and Holly. Cedeno and Tejada/Soriano/Vidro/Hairston are at least equal to or better than Neifi/Walker in the MI. If Wood and Guzman are finally healthy than we dont even if we lose Prior to trade or most likely an injury. Eyre and Howry will solidify the pen. We are a better team than STL or Hou
LoL. Oakland has zero use
LoL. Oakland has zero use for Patterson or any of our prospects.
They have an OF of Kotsay, Bradley, and the young talented and patient hitter in Nick Swisher. The back up OFer's are very good also, Jay Payton and Bobby Kielty.
Patterson wouldn't even make the AAA squad in Oakland.
I hope Hendry has a plan
I hope Hendry has a plan with Patterson. We better not end up eating any of his salary in a trade, when we could of just nontendered him.
Patterson needs to be playing everyday to try and get his game back, so he needs to be traded to a weak team who can take a chance on him.
If we sign Wilson, Patterson's fate is seasled and then we have ZERO elverage in any trade. UGH!!
After looking at the
After looking at the juvenile draw Chuck contest over at Bleed Cubbie Blue they deserve to lose in this voting contest.
So that is how Al treats other posters with a dissenting view of how the Cubs are run? I guess if you want the hive mentality you can visit the comments section over at Bleed Cubbie Blue. What a joke that site is now.
"Patterson's fate is
"Patterson's fate is sea-sled"...
The Sea Sled thing gave me an idea. Why don't we put Patterson, Wood, and Prior on a Sea Sled to the Dominican or Cuba, force them to play good baseball or they don't eat. Then we'll see how willing they are to make adjustments, tolerate pain, and make CUBS WIN.
If Batgirl wins, I'll vomit
If Batgirl wins, I'll vomit on my shoe.
MikeC, Plus Al recommended
Plus Al recommended the movie "The Family Stone" the other day. Got dragged to it with my wife. Yikes. What an awful movie. Good performances but a turd of a script.
1 vote from me to you
1 vote from me to you
TBONE: "I'd rather see
"I'd rather see McFail OK the overpaying of the Furcal's of the world than nixing those signings and turning around and using that money to fill out the lineup with the dregs from other teams. You'd think the Cubs were based in Tulsa the way they do business."
I agree. What do you guys think of the possiblity that the Cubs didn't have a chance to counter the Dodger's offer. IE: Furcal was so sold by his visit with Manny Mota that no amount of > money would have swayed him.
EricW: That was what many
That was what many of us initially thought, but Paul Kinzer (Furcal's agent) came out afterward saying the Cubs did have a chance to up their offer but didn't. He made it sound like the Cubs were Raffy's first choice but that he couldn't turn away the Dodger money.
Oh well, I'm over that. I wish Hendry would do something productive now. Not sign Preston Wilson though. Or trade Prior -- I've decided I'm against that idea though not adamantly so.
It could be worse, he could
It could be worse, he could of recommended Cheaper by the Dozen 2.
Speaking of bad movies, I rented "Into the Blue" yesterday and it wasn't as bad as I thought. My judgement could be clouded due to the fact Jessica Alba was in a bathing suit. Nahhhh that couldn't be it....
We are in first place in the
We are in first place in the poll -- keep voting everyone, let's try to get up to over 100%
NO to preston wilson.
NO to preston wilson. ugh.
the only thing worse than a average but not good enough outfield of murton, pierre, jones
is murton/jones, pierre, wilson.
that would definitely be worse.
this team doesn't have enough offense as currently constructed. either we go get tejada or abreu, or maybe we go get zito (but beane will want a lot, he doesn't have to trade him by any stretch), or otherwise we languish with another 80 win team. average/poor hitting + slightly above average pitching = 80 wins.
i get the sinking feeling in 10 years we'll all be wondering "how did we not win in the years when zambrano and prior were pitching essentially for free?". answer? finishing 14th in OBP in the NL makes it really hard to win, even with some good power guys. we're headed that way again.
MIKEC: "So that is how Al
"So that is how Al treats other posters with a dissenting view of how the Cubs are run? I guess if you want the hive mentality you can visit the comments section over at Bleed Cubbie Blue. What a joke that site is now."
He isn't only a poster he actually has his own blog and it is more a toungue in cheek contest anyways. Oh yeah, TCR really treats the posters with dissenting views really nice...
two things 1) yes, i know
two things
1) yes, i know zito won't help the offense, but my point is, the pitching is not good enough to prop up this offense. another upgrade to pitching would help, but i'd rather get a SS or corner OFer.
2) i voted several times on different computers for TCR. you guys provide me with lots to read, and lots to think about. thanks
433: "We are in first place
"We are in first place in the poll -- keep voting everyone, let's try to get up to over 100%"
Keep stuffing the polls posters!!! GO TCR!!
"Keep stuffing the polls
"Keep stuffing the polls posters!!! GO TCR!!"
Manny, didn't you vote for BCB and tell everyone as much in a post over there?
Andrew: "Manny, didn't you
"Manny, didn't you vote for BCB and tell everyone as much in a post over there?"
Yes I did.
Obviously my sarcasm on my previous post here at TCR didn't work too well over the internet. ;)
Give the OBP BS a freaking
Give the OBP BS a freaking REST!!! The White Sox had a lower OBP than we did last year. Stop acting like OBP wins championships. Its only one part, like home runs, batting average and ERA. They are all just small parts.
Yes, Manny, in fact, you
Yes, Manny, in fact, you did:
"I voted for BCB...
I love the personal expereines Al thows in there and this site tends to be much nicer to people who don't agree with the majority. Very few personal attacks...
THANKS AL, you got my vote!!
by mannytrillo on Wednesday, December 28, 2005 at 6:55 PM CST "
So Manny is playing both sides against the middle yet again, unless he is going to argue that someone else out there is using his name and is also talking about unfair attacks against minority views (and Dusty love). Haha, I love it.
Ah, sarcasm noted. Post #99
Ah, sarcasm noted. Post #99 retracted.
Hey everybody, Just got
Hey everybody,
Just got recommended to this site by a buddy of mine. After reading several threads on here and, by living in the Twin Cities for years, there are HUGE differences in how we Cub fans see our team and how other fans see their teams.
Most people up here LOVE Jacque Jones although they make fun of his throwing arm. He's not a bad pick up for the Cubs seeing that he is comes cheaper, faster, and younger than our previous right fielder. He does, however, NEED someone to platoon with him in RF vs. the lefties. What about using Michael Rostovich (sp?). I thought the Cubs signed him in early December.
All I'm saying is maybe we don't need to be so doom and gloom. CHIFAN3887 is right. We are better (on paper) than the other teams in the central. A rotation of Z, Prior, Williams, Maddux, Rusch (and eventually Wood) should keep us competitive and with Pierre and Murton "clogging" up (Dusty's an idiot) the bases in front of DLee and Aramis with solid bats like Walker, Jones, and Barrett to clean up the scraps. It's not a bad team. A ton of question marks but who doesn''t have those going into the season?
Andrew: "So Manny is playing
"So Manny is playing both sides against the middle yet again, unless he is going to argue that someone else out there is using his name and is also talking about unfair attacks against minority views (and Dusty love). Haha, I love it."
Thank you for backing up my reasoning for my vote...THANKS!!
Andrew: "Ah, sarcasm noted.
"Ah, sarcasm noted. Post #99 retracted."
Too late...
"THANKS!!" Hey, no problem,
Hey, no problem, glad to help! I'll be happy to do the same if I see you around at BCB! ;)
EricW: I think that Furcal
EricW: I think that Furcal and Kinzer went to the highest bidder. If the Cubs had been willing to grossly overpay for Furcal, we'd have him.
Green Lantern: I like Zito, but not enough to give up Murton, unless a supplemental deal is in place to boost our offense. And Preston Wilson is not an acceptable alternative, IMO.
If the Cubs can't use the rest of their payroll wisely to upgrade where need be, I'd rather see them hold onto it and re-evaluate a couple months into the season. I do not under any circumstances want to see Preston Wilson on the Cubs. The only saving grace is that MLBtradrumors.com has proven over and over again to be one of the least reliable sources for baseball rumors/news.
TWINCITYCUBMAN: "Most people
"Most people up here LOVE Jacque Jones although they make fun of his throwing arm. He's not a bad pick up for the Cubs seeing that he is comes cheaper, faster, and younger than our previous right fielder."
Welcome aboard...
But doesn't Korey meet the same criteria?? And we wouldn't have to sign him to 3 years.
Manny, if you hate it here
Manny, if you hate it here so much, why do you keep coming back for your daily beating?
"But doesn't Korey meet the
"But doesn't Korey meet the same criteria?? And we wouldn't have to sign him to 3 years."
Except that Korey seems to have lost any and all capacity to actually hit. Jones isn't a bad hitter at all against righties. He just needs that lefty platoon mate.
Too bad Brynes is gone. I think he would have been great and would have been a fine addition to the passionate players of Jones and Pierre. He also might have been a hometown favorite in time.
Maybe the Cubs can put together something for Craig Wilson, as Rob G. (I believe) suggested. But no Preston Wilson, unless he's platooning with Jones and not Murton.
And, yes, welcome TwinCityCubfan. And, yes, Dusty is an idiot.
I say Preston Wilson? HELL
I say Preston Wilson? HELL YEAH! I forgot you guys hate RBI producing machines.
"And, yes, welcome
"And, yes, welcome TwinCityCubfan. And, yes, Dusty is an idiot."
praAAAAise GEEEE-ZUS-HUH. I feel a healing comin' on. Can I get a WIT-NESSS-hah.
Amen, brother.
433: "Manny, if you hate it
"Manny, if you hate it here so much, why do you keep coming back for your daily beating?"
I know you would think i would jump ship right?? Well, I actually do like a good amount of people on here and this site has the most posters to discuss the Cubs.
And really I don't "HATE" it here, just don't like some of the posters and how they act towards people who don't agree with them.
But I ain't going anywhere...Just plan on another year of seeing my pretty face around :)
Andrew: "Jones isn't a bad
"Jones isn't a bad hitter at all against righties. He just needs that lefty platoon mate."
Jones vs righties last 3 years:
Yes, not bad, but I wouldn't come close to calling that good either.
"And, yes, Dusty is an idiot."
How long till you add Hendry to that list?? He is already on my list. And that is not my Xmas card list. :)
why would preston wilson
why would preston wilson sign with any team to platoon...much less in LF? he dont even like RF.
Do you think the Cubs signed
Do you think the Cubs signed Jaque Jones for 3 years and 5 million per season to be a platoon player? And lets not forget that Jones didn't sign with the Cubs for that amount of money to be a platoon player.
"How long till you add
"How long till you add Hendry to that list??"
Haha. It's getting close, my friend. If he adds Preston Wilson for anything more than a year and for any significant amount of money and for anything other than as a platoon partner with Jones, then it's a done deal. Still, he ain't no Dusty.
Wilson is not going to be in
Wilson is not going to be in a platoon. If he was left handed maybe. But not as a right handed hitter. Jones would play left and Wilson would play right. Then MURTON would platoon with Jones in right. That is the ONLY scenario which Wilson gets signed.
guys, this is preston
guys, this is preston wilson.
unless he's got a detatched retina or something he's not gonna work bench.
Thanks all for the warm
Thanks all for the warm welcome!!
KKKorey does meet SOME of the same criteria as Jones. The biggest problem is that KKKorey is a complete headcase that will NEVER get his act together in cubbie blue. So while he has the tools to be a great player...I seriously doubt his mental ability to reach his full potential. Jones has a bigger upside, at least in the foreseeable future.
Anybody thought of the fact that maybe PIe will be his platoon partner after not too long. Hendry HAS to know by now that Dusty will never give Pie an everyday spot in his rookie year, maybe platooning with Jones for a couple of months makes sense. Then if he gets hot and Murton struggles, Murton can platoon with Jones. Anyway you slice it, you have three OF's for two spots.
Plus with the rest of the league drooling over Hill and Guzman why not hold on to them instead of using them as trade bait for some second rate OFer. Wouldn't you love to see Z, Prior, Hill, Guzman, and Woody in 2007? I would
Aw Manny, believe it or not
Aw Manny, believe it or not I don't want to see you go. When people disagree, healthy and constructive discussions often/should result. I was just reacting to your surprising comments about TCR being intolerant of "dissenting views."
I thinkthe thing I like best about TCR is that it's usually impossible to separate the "dissenting" views from the "prevailing" views. People just have views, and there is usually no agenda. That isn't to say that there aren't personal rivalries in here -- there are -- but they don't seem to be based on intolerance.
"I say Preston Wilson? HELL
"I say Preston Wilson? HELL YEAH! I forgot you guys hate RBI producing machines."
Are you for real, RBI machine? Preston Wilson had one above average season six years ago and one Mile high, drunk in sky season three years ago. Remember the stats Burnitz had in `04 in Colorado? He didn't exactly repeat those #'s last year. Wilson has hit above .280 once in his career, his speed is gone (8 SB in the last two seasons) and he has averaged a K per game played over the course of his career. On top of that, he is a shaky defender with a below average arm.
Just give Murton 500 AB's and let's see what he can do!
Andrew: "Haha. It's getting
"Haha. It's getting close, my friend. If he adds Preston Wilson for anything more than a year and for any significant amount of money and for anything other than as a platoon partner with Jones, then it's a done deal. Still, he ain't no Dusty."
:) Good stuff.
Just remember Hendry hired and supports our man Dusty.
well, Wilson had 90 RBIs
well, Wilson had 90 RBIs last year and almost half were in a Nationals uniform. The guy is only 30 so he has a coupld of years left before you would a have to worry about career decline. Now, if you want to complain about his health, fine. I'd hear that. But otherwise this guy is a proven run producer.
marlins sign borowski and
marlins sign borowski and p.reese.
"Just remember Hendry hired
"Just remember Hendry hired and supports our man Dusty."
Come on, he has to... 1/2 the stuff Hendry says is PR. He can't tip his cards, he still has to try and get Dusty to not f*ck sh!t up this year. We all know what will happen, but I doubt Hendry is asked to leave after this year's meltdown.
Dusty drove Steve Stone out of town and I will never forgive him for that. I am however, a Hendry fan. I don't blame him for not signing Furcal. I do blame him for not getting a better OF. I think he has plan B's, C's and H and I, and I think he's doing a good job of not taking stupid risks in the face of desperation.
steve stone drove steve
steve stone drove steve stone outta town.
he walked away from a huge contract. if anything in some fan's mind...steve stone sold out cubs fans and delayed his replacement by playing with the cubs front office.
he struck out trying to get on board in DC...too bad. maybe one day he'll get it together.
alou/mercker were dealt with. hendry gave stone a **4m** contract. if someone wants to drive me outta town by giving me one of the largest announcer contracts in baseball, go for it.
seems like a guy worth that much to the cubs would be an easy signing to do announce work somewhere else...ya know...not just doing AM radio and piece-work for ESPN...
I didn't say Hendry drove
I didn't say Hendry drove him out, nor did Dusty offer a contract to Stone. How were Alou/Mercer "dealt with"?
I wonder if Stoney would come back in 2007, post Dusty-Era? I miss his commentary, especially his articulation of why the Cubs are sucking as much as how.
alou/mercker were both told
alou/mercker were both told "thanks and g'bye" when the season ended.
mercker and his 2.whatever ERA was sent packing without a thought for the sake of ending an ugly chapter.
im just saying a lotta people think there's more to stone/cubs than there really is.
from my perspective i see a guy who wants to work management, but cant find a team to take him seriously.
Crunch: people would take
people would take him more seriously if he had 300 million dollars.
Eric W: "I miss his
Eric W:
"I miss his commentary, especially his articulation of why the Cubs are sucking as much as how."
Well, I am sure much of what he would say now would be ripping the GM for putting together an inferior roster considering a $100 million payroll. Especially when the GM across town won with an inferior payroll and minor league system.
And it makes me sick to read the paper this morning seeing the Sox GM talking shit to the Cubs and their fans. Talking about how they are going to make themselves THE team in Chicago. That organization has run circles around this one the past 15 months.
I do give hendry credit for one thing, he didn't lie about saying the Sox winning last year was not going to change anything or put more pressure on him. Unfortunately....IT SHOWS!!!
The more and more I think of it, the TRIB might need to just gut the entire management of this team and start over.
"this guy is a proven run
"this guy is a proven run producer."
Are you for real?
1) The Cubs dont't need another right handed bat!
2) They don't need another free swinger, especially one that K's once every 3.6 AB's (as a benchmark, KKKorey has a career avg. of 1K/3.9 AB's) and has a 3:1 K to walk ratio.
3) They don't need less defense.
4) They don't need another weak arm in the OF.
5) They really don't need another player that's great "when he's healthy".
6) Nor do they need another player that Dusty will dote over and make excuses for when he doesn't perform!
7) Where will he hit, fifth? Let's imagine how many times this scenario will play out. Runners in scoring position, two out and Ramirez at the plate. Ramirez gets IBB so opponent can get to the WHIFF MONSTER. Three sliders and we go to the ninth. Oh, there was only one out when Preston K'd, well let's go get the lefty and watch J. Jones swing like a little girl. Of course, Dusty will PH with Murton with the game on the line and then blame the rookie for not coming through when he got his chance.
Tejada is still pist at the
Tejada is still pist at the Orioles:
Of course he is probably going to BOS anyway.
I am listening to Kap and
I am listening to Kap and Waddle right now and Kap says he is hearing from his sources that the Cubs are trying to get Zito.
Chifan- Now that would be a
Now that would be a move by Hendry that I would cheer. Of course pending we didn't give up the entire farm system AND any trade has to come with a contract extention.
More than likely the A's would mandate Murton be a part of that deal, most likely with Hill, but taht means Wilson would most likely be a Cub.
I guess we will have to wait and see, but ESPN is reporting during halftime of the bowl game right now that the BALT-BOST talks are heating up.
Man, this Tejada thing will
Man, this Tejada thing will not go away. I don't see a scenario where Baltimore can keep him around anymore. If management was pissed off the first time he mouthed off, how will they respond to tonight's Tejada quote:
"I am more upset than when I requested the trade because it's been a month and they haven't done anything."
I'm sure somebody has
I'm sure somebody has already pointed this out, but...
Maybe we wont have to give up Prior for him.
Manny, Was the report about
Was the report about the BOS-BAL talks just recycling of the Globe story or something new because I saw the SC update during the game ESPN news and.com and there was nothing new it. The net had the same stuff from last night and the news channel had a taped interview with Phillips saying the $$$ was to much for a deal to happen.
I think it was mostly
I think it was mostly recycled stuff. It seemed like they were going to talk about something new, but well, you know...
"I am more upset than when I
"I am more upset than when I requested the trade because it's been a month and they haven't done anything."
Baltimore just signed Burnitz for 2 years
Therefore Burnitz = not doing anything x2
and for all those math impaired out there
0 x 2 = 0
(kind of like JJones vs lefty pitching....nada)
Manny, Yeah it was recycled
Yeah it was recycled stuff but thanks for passing along the info though. If they traded Prior for Tejada and then got Zito how would that change your view of Prior-Tejada.
Chifan: "Yeah it was
"Yeah it was recycled stuff but thanks for passing along the info though. If they traded Prior for Tejada and then got Zito how would that change your view of Prior-Tejada."
It would be better (not ideal), but only if getting Zito meant locking him up long term AND not giving up Murton/Cedeno + our top 2 prospects.
But my issue is that we could keep Prior and Hill and Patterson AND signed Furcal (for nothing more than $$$$).
The real WINNER in this best
The real WINNER in this best blog contest is of course: Red Reporter, simply because he has caused readers from all the other good blogs to come to his site. VOILA! Instant increase in site hits!
The more Tejada talks, the
The more Tejada talks, the more leverage the Orioles lose. Keep talkin', Miggy. Keep talkin'.
The Orioles are not losing
The Orioles are not losing any leverage. He is signed for many more years to come. What is Tejada going to do? Not show up to play and forfeit his salary? LMAO!
I guess he could sit out the next 4 years and wait till he becomes a free agent again, but I highly doubt that.
This isn't like a player demanding a trade when he is 1-2 years from free agency and expected to get a huge raise.
He has the contractual right
He has the contractual right to demand a trade. And as a rule, if a player asks to be traded, you trade him. You want a guy on your team that doesn't want to be there? So he can loaf it on the field and strike out? Or bench a guy that gets paid 13 million dollars. Do you even watch baseball?
It doesn't make any
It doesn't make any difference that Tejada wants the Orioles to get better or trade him, he qouted; "Now, I am more upset than when I requested the trade because it's been a month and they haven't done anything," Tejada told The Associated Press on Thursday.
The thing is the Orioles want to trade Tejada but they are very much sticklers on who they get in return, I think they think that Tejada is gold, if I was the owner and GM of the Orioles I would pull the trigger on a deal as soon as possible. Forget about the Cubs getting Tejada, Jim Hendry is such a pussy.
A recent post made mention
A recent post made mention of maybe my favorite Cubs rotation of starting pitchers from the 40 years I've been a fan. I thought while we're waiting on one of these trades to happen (or, I hope in the case of Prior, not happen) readers might enjoy listing their favorite Cubs rotation. I realize our choices are , unfortunately, somewhat limited in terms of, for example, post-season success (sorry), but reader could list most talented or just favorite (although I assume they would often be the same). The one recently mentioned was Jenkins-Hands-Holtzman-Pappas. Certainly one of my very favorites, maybe my favorite of all, in terms of the way those guys took the ball and went deep into games and gave quality performances on a regular basis. I'd enjoy reading the thoughts of other readers on their favorites.
Of course the Orioles are
Of course the Orioles are losing leverage the more Tejada whines. The more that other teams know that you HAVE to trade a guy, the less leverage you have. (For an example, you only need to look at the Sosa debacle of 2004-2005. Everybody knew Hendry had to deal Sosa, so Hendry got rock bottom for him.)
This doesn't mean Tejada will come cheap, it just means that the deal probably won't get any sweeter than what is on the table now.
If Tejada is traded the team
If Tejada is traded the team most likely to end up on their roster is Kenny Williams and the South Siders. They have the pitching that the Orioles would want in return and the GM that is a hard worker that will get the job done (unlike Jim Hendry).
Cubs: General manager Jim Hendry was among the first to express interest in Tejada, which is natural for a team lacking one more offensive player, but it has been slow going since. The Cubs, apparently, would be willing to part with Prior for Tejada, which would save the Orioles money and give them a young starting pitcher.
The proposed deal has been altered several times to include such Cubs as Corey Patterson and Todd Walker and perhaps prospect Rich Hill. The Cubs would want young lefty Erik Bedard back. The Orioles prefer Carlos Zambrano to Prior.
One advantage for the Cubs: They have the financial flexibility to take on Tejada's salary without giving much salary in return.
White Sox: If the Orioles trade Tejada, they would need a shortstop, and the White Sox would be willing to part with Juan Uribe as part of a deal. They also might be willing to trade Jose Contreras, who might have been baseball's best pitcher the last two months last season. Would GM Ken Williams really break up his world championship lineup? In a heartbeat. After adding Jim Thome this winter, Williams would turn around a lineup that was very average last season.
The problem for the White Sox is money. Their payroll already is projected at $95 million, which is $20 million more than last season.
Still, to add someone of Tejada's quality to a team already capable of winning again would intrigue Williams, who adores big-name players.
The names don't come any bigger than Miguel Tejada.
Ummmm.....did you copy this
Ummmm.....did you copy this article yuorself, or just forget to give credit to the Tribune?
If this was college Jerry
If this was college Jerry would get an automatic zero for his plegerized sp.? post. :)
Can't believe people still
Can't believe people still think "Dusty drove Stoney out of town." Steve Stone opted out of his contract. End of story. He could've come back if he really wanted to. He didn't. Drop it.
Hey Bob, Your version is an
Hey Bob,
Your version is an EXTREMELY negligent version of an obviously complicated story. You might do well to DROP your version. When the manager decides to get in a war of words with a TV announcer during a crucial last week of a pennant race (in which the team lost, oh, all SIX of the games - except the meaningless last game) and then the GM comes out and calls out the announcer as well. And when the team acknowledges players such as Mercker calling the announcer and confronting the announcer in elevators, and when the announcer (a two decade fixture in the booth) has been all but removed from team flights for speaking his (extremely accurate BTW) version of the manager's/team's inadequacies . . . well it mightbe a convenient political oversimplification to say (as you do): "Steve Stone opted out of his contract. End of story. He could've come back if he really wanted to. He didn't. Drop it." That is bullshit and the reason people won't drop it is that it indicative of EVERYTHING that is wrong with Dusty Baker and subsequently Hendry for supporting the attack of stone when the team should have been rewarding the 3,000,000 wrigley faithful with a team focussed on the field and a playoff birth. Instead Dumbass Baker decides his ego is worth more than his team and fans.
Bad news rumor of the day,
Bad news rumor of the day, from the Denver Post:
"Gone are Eric Byrnes (Arizona) and Marquis Grissom - whose agent said he will sign with the Chicago Cubs..."
Grissom better come real
Grissom better come real cheap and be a bench dude. He is 38 years old and was injured all of last year. Sheesh.
Grissom career-wise has
Grissom career-wise has struck out more than twice as much as he's walked and has a putrid OBP of .318. Add the fact that his best years are behind him and I'd have to say - sure sounds like a Cub to me.
Grissom's three-year
Grissom's three-year lefty/righty splits:
vs. Lefties 355 plate appearances, .322/.359/.567
vs. Righties 995 PAs, .267/.299/.396
So the only "upside" to signing Marquis Grissom is that it makes it makes a RF platoon more probable. Note that I use the word "upside" and Marquis Grissom in the same sentence with a heavy dose of chagrin.
Now, if Grissom were signes to a minor-league, Trenidad Hubbard deal, I would feel differently.
On Grissom I cant see him
On Grissom I cant see him getting a MLB contract he will mostly likely sign a Minor league deal with an invite to ST suck and then get cut. I wouldnt worry too much about it. Oh that website is saying the Sux have a couple of offers for Tejada.
If the Cubs sign Grisson to
If the Cubs sign Grisson to a minor league deal i have no problem with it. The main objection to signing him to platoon or be a bench option is that i think there are better options out there, especially considering the trade chips we have (Patterson, Walker, Wellemeyer).
What I don't want to hear
What I don't want to hear about Grissom-
"Looks like our opening day Leftfielder, dude."
You guys take this stuff
You guys take this stuff seriously, we're now in 1st in the voting, wasn't really looking for that, but thanks!!!
Hey, at least we'll finish
Hey, at least we'll finish 1st in something this year!
Superjimmer, the bottom line
Superjimmer, the bottom line is that the Cubs wanted him back and he declined. Sure, there's more to the story. Isn't there always? I certainly didn't feel compelled to go into a story that surely everyone here already knows. But the notion that Dusty Baker drove Stone away is pure, unadulterated horseshit. So drop that.
The real WINNER in this best
The real WINNER in this best blog contest is of course: Red Reporter, simply because he has caused readers from all the other good blogs to come to his site. VOILA! Instant increase in site hits!
Shhh!!!! No one is supposed to know that...
The Orioles are not losing any leverage. He is signed for many more years to come. What is Tejada going to do? Not show up to play and forfeit his salary? LMAO!
No, but he'll make life miserable in that clubhouse. Tejada's a moody freak and if he's unhappy, the entire team is going to be unhappy.
It is not horseshit
It is not horseshit Bob.
Grissom huh?? I guess we are really desperate to sit Murton.
MAybe you can update your
MAybe you can update your blog ince in awhile!
"Dusty Baker drove Stone
"Dusty Baker drove Stone away is pure, unadulterated horseshit. So drop that."
Dusty Baker's asinine game management drove Steve Stone into a "me or him" mentality. Par for the course, they chose the one of lesser value.
Steve Stone is a huge
Steve Stone is a huge crybaby. He sucked at announcing and still does. Can a human being possibly be any more boring or divulge more obvious information than the dribble that spewed forth from his mouth? Stop crying with him. Thanks.
Marquis Grissom will be 39
Marquis Grissom will be 39 in April
He only had 137 AB's last yr and hit .212/.248/.285 and got paid $2.75M by the Giants.
He's never been on a Dusty Baker team (so forget that link), the closest was his stint in LA in 2001-2 but he was just old at that time, now he is ancient/petrified.
Can't we do better than this mummy?
The Denver Post mentioned some pretty ugly 2005 stat guys for what's left for the Rockies extra OF slot, like:
Dustin Mohr .214 .280 .466
Eli Marrero .181 .239 .413
Gerald Williams .233 .258 .400
Scott Seabol .219 .272 .295
Mike Edwards .247 .300 .339
Hell, these guys make Calvin Murray and Trinidad Hubbard look like an all stars!
Actually I always thought Marrero could hit but after he broke his ankle at that wet Wrigley Field RF on the Mothers day game in May 2003 he was never the same.
Time to have Jim Hendry put on his Super-Trader costume and go get Craig Wilson, methinks.
Well Steve Stone Sucks, you
Well Steve Stone Sucks, you don't' know much about baseball, do you? Steve Stone was one of the best in the game.
ERICW: "Dusty Baker's
"Dusty Baker's asinine game management drove Steve Stone into a "me or him" mentality."
So the meaningless broadcaster, told management either him or the manager? HA HA
No wonder he is gone.
But again, the bashing is aimed at Dusty instead of the guy Stone supporters should be directing it at....JIM HENDRY. Hendry 100% stood behind Baker, so all this venum should be spewed at Hendry, but...
Hold the presses! I figured
Hold the presses! I figured out Hendry's plan for the off-season!
He has been taking a course in History of the Western World and is just getting up to the rise of Napoleon and France.
Since these Frenchies are such badasses he figures why not make a team full of them? Juan Pierre, Jaque Jones, Aramis Ramirez, Marquis Grissom!
I have a feeling this plan will end up like the Maginot Line.
"The French, getting their ass kicked since 1812"
SteveStoneSucks, ever heard
SteveStoneSucks, ever heard of the word "drivel"? Look it up.
And if Stone is so bad, who is good?
Ted Cox of the Chicago
Ted Cox of the Chicago Reader recently accused Cub fans of continuing to revel in tragedy, or words to that effect. I'd like to think that's not true, but rehashing the end-of-2004 Stone debacle is just that. That was one of the single most depressing displays I've seen as a Cub fan, and that's saying a lot. All parties were blameworthy; all were acting like complete morons.
What distressed me most about it was Hendry's seeming inability to get control of the situation in the media. He seemed to have no desire or ability to crack the whip with the players, the announcers, and the manager; every putrid, backbiting thought of theirs was broadcast directly. Even Kenny Williams, GM of a notoriously obnoxious, yappy organization, does better than that.
Reveling in tragedy complete. On to raging against tragedy (I think the Cubs just signed my grandpa to platoon in RF).
Levine is reporting that the
Levine is reporting that the SUX do not have the $$$ to get involved in the Tejada derby and the obvious that we and Bos are the front runners.
"All parties were
"All parties were blameworthy..."
Not Dusty. Just ask him, it's always someone elses fault.
"Steve Stone is a huge
"Steve Stone is a huge crybaby."
I'll give you that one.
"He sucked at announcing and still does. Can a human being possibly be any more boring or divulge more obvious information than the dribble that spewed forth from his mouth? Stop crying with him. Thanks."
This is just wrong. Stoney was excellent, always was, and for a few games a year on ESPN, always will be.
I vote Stoney for new Cubs Manager in 2007.
I liked Stone overall. He
I liked Stone overall. He has a tremendous knowledge for the game. With that said, there were two things that bugged me about him
1. He seemed to always want to show off how much he knew, and somehow treated viewers as if they were idiots watching the game.
2. After Harry died, it seemed like Stone was ready to go to something else. I don't know if it was Chip, or the team being bad, or what. He left the booth, then got an itch to return. After about half a season, it seemed like he was back to no being happy.
I can see where he rubbed off poorly on some people though.
"I vote Stoney for new Cubs
"I vote Stoney for new Cubs Manager in 2007."
I vote Stoney for new Cubs General manger in 2007!!
NOT (can't do much worse though)!!
But again, the bashing is
But again, the bashing is aimed at Dusty instead of the guy Stone supporters should be directing it at....JIM HENDRY. Hendry 100% stood behind Baker, so all this venum should be spewed at Hendry, but...
Yeah, Dusty creates a clubhouse environment that allows hostility towards the broadcast booth and its Jim Hendry's fault because he didn't call Dusty out for it to the media.
Hendry's a professional who's smart enough not to start bad mouthing his subordiants to the press, damn him, damn him.
In Dusty we Trust, because he's not responsible for anything!!
Speaking of Stone, has
Speaking of Stone, has anyone heard if the Sox have hired their new radio color guy?
I predicted a couple of months ago that Stone would get the job, so I'm curious.
Bleeding Blue: "Hendry's a
Bleeding Blue:
"Hendry's a professional who's smart enough not to start bad mouthing his subordiants to the press, damn him, damn him."
I guess you didn't follow the whole Sosa leaving early debacle. Who released the tape of Sosa leaving early??
Ok, so since Hendry didn't
Ok, so since Hendry didn't stop the "Sosa is a liar" tapes from being released last year, then its also his fault that Dusty allowed a 'blame the broadcast booth' mentality in the clubhouse.
BleedinBlue: "Ok, so since
"Ok, so since Hendry didn't stop the "Sosa is a liar" tapes from being released last year, then its also his fault that Dusty allowed a 'blame the broadcast booth' mentality in the clubhouse."
Like an earlier poster mentioned it was everyone's fault, from Hendry to Baker to the players to Stone.
Not JUST Baker's fault like some Baker-Haters like to try and spin.
I agree that Hendry didn't
I agree that Hendry didn't handle the situation as well as he should have, but that hardly means its his fault.
Blaming Hendry for a situation that started with an out of control clubhouse is just foolish.
"I guess you didn't follow
"I guess you didn't follow the whole Sosa leaving early debacle. Who released the tape of Sosa leaving early??"
Don't be such a simpleton. It's not like Hendry grabbed the video and called a press conference to show everyone for the fun of it. That was all a calculated move by the organization to grease the skids for Sosa's departure. Hendry only did what was deemed "best" by the organization to make trading Sosa easier. Otherwise, the outcry over trading the beloved Sammy would have been unbearable.
Funny, always an excuse for
Funny, always an excuse for Hendry, but if Baker makes one, he gets killed.....HYPOCRISY!!
Also... who was the
Also... who was the "player's manager" who couldn't keep Sammy's massive ego in check?
Also, who was the "general
Also, who was the "general manager" who hired and still supports the manager?
Oh manny, you're such a pud.
Oh manny, you're such a pud. Hendry has been knocked all winter for his decisions and he actually took blame for the team's failure last year. Dusty continues to act like he's an innocent bystander and makes excuses anytime he's called out.
Bleeding Blue I read in the
Bleeding Blue I read in the Trib a few days ago that Tommy John had the inside track. Looks good on paper.
Big John Stud: "Oh manny,
Big John Stud:
"Oh manny, you're such a pud."
Thanks!! Well, i am glad some fans are starting to see that there are much more glaring problems that blaming teh manager for every incident.
"Well, i am glad some fans
"Well, i am glad some fans are starting to see that there are much more glaring problems that blaming teh manager for every incident."
That's only because the season hasn't started yet and Dusty doesn't have the chance to be a fuckup in the off-season. Once April 3, 2006 arrives, Dusty will again be the biggest, most glaring problem the Cubs have to overcome.
Funny, always an excuse for
Funny, always an excuse for Hendry, but if Baker makes one, he gets killed.....HYPOCRISY!!
So blaming Hendry for on field problems is an excuse now? Silly me, I thought the manager was responsible for those things.
But at least you now admit that the whole situation was Dusty's mistake.
Also, who was the "general
Also, who was the "general manager" who hired and still supports the manager?
Again, this is a nice montra for someone who wants to blame Hendry for all of Dusty's mistakes.
BUT Hendry has his bosses too, and certainly from the things McFail has said, it appears that Hendry has not been allowed to fire Dusty. If Hendry can't take any action against him, then he has no choice as a professional but to support Dusty.
Big John Stud: "Once April
Big John Stud:
"Once April 3, 2006 arrives, Dusty will again be the biggest, most glaring problem the Cubs have to overcome."
And that is where your complaints are misfounded. Hendry puts together thd roster and that should be looked at very heavily during the season. And oh yeah, Hendry hired and still suports the "biggest, most glaring problem". Maybe you should be more pissed at Hendry for leaving him the manager. Nah...
Bleeding Blue: "But at least
Bleeding Blue:
"But at least you now admit that the whole situation was Dusty's mistake."
Where did i say that?? LIAR!!!!
Here is what i said:
"Like an earlier poster mentioned it was everyone's fault, from Hendry to Baker to the players to Stone."
Please don't put words in my mouth like normal. You should go work with Bruce Levine, you guys are about as reliable.
You should go work with
You should go work with Bruce Levine, you guys are about as reliable.
You mean the guy who's work you were using all last week to back up your claim that Hendry had certainly offered up Prior, and we needed the O's to save us from ourselves?
That Bruce Levine?
"And that is where your
"And that is where your complaints are misfounded. Hendry puts together thd roster and that should be looked at very heavily during the season."
And that is where you have NO credibility. Dusty will mismanage whatever roster that Hendry gives him and prove once again that he's a fraud. Of course, you'll make excuses for every poor decision Dusty makes and continue to be a Baker cheerleader. Didn't you get the smackdown by numerous posters a couple weeks ago for contradicting yourself while being such a blind-faith nuisance in a Dusty debate.
Where did i say that??
Where did i say that?? LIAR!!!!
Funny, always an excuse for Hendry, but if Baker makes one, he gets killed.....HYPOCRISY!!
My position was that Baker, not Hendry should be blamed for the Hendry situation, because it was an issue that started in the clubhouse.
Your response was that Baker gets killed for making mistakes, one would certainly imply that was an admition that he made a mistake, and you're simply mad that we aren't blaming Hendry for his problems too.
Which of course is ironic, because you keep talking about this bye bye hendry bandwagon, apparently a bandwagon of people who want Hendry gone but refuse to point out his mistakes???
Recent comments
Friday's games will be in Washington, Chicago, Arlington, and Cleveland or Boston. Someone's game is starting laaaaaaaate - 50-50 chance it's the CDT Cubs.
Meh, I messed that up. Mets are in.
Cards and Giants can still tie though.
Kershaw gets hurt by his defense and gave up 2 more runs. Blach has 8 shutout innings.
Mets already won as did Cards.
tomorrow is gonna be helluva fun if Giants hold on. We're all rooting for a 3-way tie I presume.
good news is now 5 K's for Lester through 4 (in a quest for 200 for season). Bad news is he's already at 86 pitches.
be curious how long Maddon sticks with Lester to try and let offense get back into it and get him the win (4-2 as I type, was 4-0)
Fwiw, he needed 2.1 IP to cross 200 for season so he got that at least. He also needs 9 K's for 200K's on season and he has 4 through 3.
cubs score 2 runs thanks to predictable reds pitching and horrible CIN defense...cubs only down by 1 now. heyward even got a gift 2rbi double out of an easy popout. neat.
something named Ty Blach has outpitched Clayton Kershaw through 6 innings (1-0 Giants).
not that finishing 2nd place will matter much nor did this game, but have to think if Hendricks pitches well tomorrow, he could leapfrog Lester in Cy Young voting. Don't see anyway Scherzer doesn't win it regardless and it doesnt' look like Lester has any incentive clauses that matter. Also might give Cueto some votes.
Rather remarkable how many teams have really good 1-2 options this year.
Nats: Scherzer and Roark (and Strasburg was great before injuries)
Cubs: Lester and Hendricks (and Arrietta is still damn good just not as consistently lately)
pretty much what I'm gathering from this thread is that it doesn't matter who you play in 5-game series, but no one wants to have to deal with Cardinal fans if we end up losing.
I can respect that.
first game for lester giving up more than 2 runs since july 24th. hell of a run.
doh, yes...dunno what happened there. jake arrieta is all "bro wut?"
lester going for #20...cubs haven't had a LH (thanks jpep for the correction) 20 game winner since d.ellsworth in 1963.
fwiw, all the games are free on mlb.tv
Short rest for MadBum would be 2 days. WC game is Wed., Games 1 & 2 are Friday/Saturday.
A left-handed one...
J-Hey not finishing with an offensive onslaught.
If Geoff Blum could be a Playoff hero, there is hope still...


text:
DELAND, Fla. – The Stetson men's tennis team has announced the signing of Chilean Kevin Gonzalez, who will begin play for the Hatters during the fall. Gonzalez comes to DeLand from Colegio Altomonte in Valparaiso, Chile where he attended high school and excelled on the school's tennis team.
"Kevin is a great addition to our team as he brings a wealth of international experience in both singles and doubles play," Associate Head Coach Christophe Noblet said. "We are excited to have him join the Hatter family."
Gonzalez steadily improved his game as a youth, garnering No. 1 national rankings as the best player under the age of 12, 14 and 16. He then went onto compile a 37-16 singles record during his two final years of high school competition and earned an equally as impressive 31-17 doubles mark.
In 2012 he was awarded a No. 256 international ranking from the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and later teamed up with his brother, Carlos to reach the semifinals doubles match during an ITF Futures Tournament.
Gonzalez also boasts wins over internationally ranked players during the last few years, including triumph's against the ATP's No. 800 and the ITF's No. 30th best players.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Calf-Tel launches a Heavy Duty Fence System
Calf-Tel launches a Heavy Duty Fence System
New product provides flexible yet durable gate option to calf and heifer raisers.
Hampel Animal Care introduces the Calf-Tel Heavy Duty Fence System, a new structure that provides U.S. producers the flexibility of a gate system with the durability and longevity that Calf-Tel products are known for.
"We are excited to add the Calf-Tel Heavy Duty Fence System to our line of products," says Joe Weber, marketing manager of Hampel Corporation. "We designed the system to increase farm efficiency, decrease labor and improve the opportunity for calf care. Producers are already seeing these benefits as they can more quickly clean hutches and move heifers."
The Heavy Duty Fence System provides dairy producers, calf growers and heifer raisers with features and benefits that are not available on standard panel fence systems, including:
· A fully functional front door which opens inward and outward, providing maximum flexibility for the manager.
· A dual locking system on the front door keeps calves safely in the pen while the area is cleaned.
· A fold in/fold over feature allows managers to easily clean the hutch and pen areas.
· A mobile and flexible wheel system with two rugged wheels enables managers to simply move the hutch for cleaning or relocating.
· Freeze-free feet keep the bottom horizontal surface off the ground for increased mobility through all seasons.
"A big advantage with this system is its ease of movement," Weber says. "To clean out the hutch bedding, you can fold the hutch into the fence and, to clean the pen area, simply fold the fence over the hutch. Wheels simplify the cleaning process further, allowing you to move both the hutch and fence with minimal effort."
For more information on the Heavy Duty Fence System from Calf-Tel, contact your local Calf-Tel representative, call (800) 558-8558 or visit www.Calf-Tel.com.
Hampel Animal Care, a division of Hampel, began serving the agriculture industry in 1981 with the introduction of Calf-Tel housing systems. Today it is the number one choice for calf housing, worldwide. For more information, visit www.Calf-Tel.com or learn more at www.facebook.com/calftel.


text:
Face the facts
On May 7 1st District voters will have an opportunity to select our next congressional representative. For me the choice will be easy. As a Libertarian, I believe in and support free markets, free minds and limited government.
No matter what one's political affiliation, we should all recognize that our nation's greatest enemy is not some external threat but rather something of our making: a national debt approaching $17 trillion together with unfunded obligations that might very well exceed $100 trillion.
We as a nation will either find ways to properly and effectively deal with those issues, or they will destroy the American republic.
During six years as our congressman and then eight years as our governor, Mark Sanford proved that he is a sincere, dedicated warrior in the struggle for limited government, balanced budgets and free minds.
He was Tea Party before there was a Tea Party. He would join a growing number of other members of Congress who "get it."
And for those who are not "a women scorned" or possessed of a hardened heart there is a love story apparently headed toward a happy ending that we should all celebrate.
Walter D. Carr
Ashley River Road
Clear choice
When I first met Elizabeth Colbert Busch 26 years ago, she was "Lulu," a young, single mother who had just gone through a painful divorce and was raising three small children.
She had two years remaining to complete her college degree at the College of Charleston and was determined to do it.
At the time I was a professor in the business school and was just inaugrating a new two-year program of study called the Intermodal Transportation Program.
Lulu had the foresight to realize that this program might provide her with a way to find a good job in the waterfront community in Charleston.
I was delighted that she chose to join the program, and she did excel in meeting all the requirements for graduation. Shortly after, she landed a job with Orient Overseas Container Lines and quickly rose to the position of sales manager.
She has followed that with cutting edge experience working with wind turbine energy at Clemson's new portside facility.
My wife and I know Lulu very well, and we want to urge everyone, Republican and Democrat, to vote for Elizabeth Colbert Busch on May 7.
We know her to be the kind of person everyone would be proud to claim as their congressional representative.
She is honest, hard working, intelligent and well informed regionally, nationally and internationally.
We need more good women in our state and national government, and Lulu would certainly be a great one.
Dr. Paul Nelson, Ph.D.
Isaw Drive
Mount Pleasant
Paying respect
I think it is shameful that President Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Bill Clinton or George Bush didn't attend Margaret Thatcher's funeral.
America had no better friend, and this was a real slap in the face to our closest ally.
Despite her conservative politics, that should have been put aside at a time like this. This made us look small.
Stew Williams
Chisolm Road
Johns Island
Picking up litter
On April 16 I looked out my window. On the opposite side of Ashley Avenue, a man and a woman were walking toward MUSC.
He had on a blue shirt and carried a soft briefcase looped over his shoulder. She had on a purple shirt.
About halfway down the block he went back a yard or so and picked up an aluminum can.
My first thought was that he was collecting aluminum, but he deposited the can in a blue recycle bin that was sitting on the curb.
I don't know who this man is but I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for helping clean up my city.
Jo Cannon
Ashley Avenue
Take the pledge
If 100 of us got in a room and were asked if we were ever involved in a wreck (even a minor bump) because of a cell phone, how many would truthfully answer yes? I would.
The next question would be: how many "close calls"? I went about 35 years without ever having a wreck until one day I rolled up (less than 5 mph) to a stoplight while texting away.
I heard a strange noise and glanced up to see the hood of my truck being peeled back like a sardine can as I slid under the flatbed truck in front of me.
Before I could stop, the damage ($3,000) was done. Luckily, I did not get hurt and I did not hurt anyone. I just felt very stupid.
I was watching the Masters Sunday and saw Zach Johnson's commercial with his children where he "took the pledge."
It just resonated with me, and so I quit (texting and driving) cold turkey.
I want to live to 101 years of age like my two grandparents. You should try it too. You might live to be 100, if you're lucky.
L. Banks Wannamaker
Broad Street


text:
At Miami Valley Hospital, heart care takes many forms. Treating a heart attack. Placing a stent. Correcting an irregular heartbeat. Surgery. Rehabilitation. Whatever your heart needs, we deliver with exceptional care. That means quicker recoveries, shorter stays and better outcomes.
Whether you need an advanced minimally-invasive procedure or care to prevent a heart attack from happening, Miami Valley Hospital can help. We provide the full spectrum of cardiac care with the latest techniques and technology, including sophisticated diagnostics, advanced surgical capabilities and comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation. Our experienced, board-certified physicians specialize in complex procedures. They are a team of professionals dedicated to you and your heart…leading with care.
Treating the patient as quickly as possible can improve the outcomes for heart attack victims. That's why we focus on urgency at every level.
Cardiology at Miami Valley Hospital is backed by an experienced emergency department and the region's only Level I Trauma Center.
Working with local emergency medical services (EMS), physicians can use the cardiac alert program and advanced monitoring equipment to confirm a heart attack and begin appropriate treatment before the patient arrives. Faster care. Better outcomes.
Miami Valley Hospital was ranked one of Healthgrades America's Best Hospitals for Cardiac Care and Cardiac Surgery in 2014. Learn More.
Miami Valley Hospital received Magnet certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) in 2004. At that time, MVH was the first hospital in Dayton, the fifth in Ohio, and one of only 115 hospitals nationwide to receive such a prestigious distinction of outstanding nursing practices. Miami Valley Hospital earned a re-certification in 2008 and 2013.
Magnet certification recognizes that the nursing staff of the hospital meets high standards of patient care, nursing excellence and innovations in professional nursing practice. The program is based on quality indicators and standards of nursing practice. Additionally, hospitals applying for this recognition must provide an environment that empowers nurses, values their contributions and supports nursing leadership. According to the ANCC, Magnet hospitals consistently deliver better patient outcomes than non-Magnet hospitals.
The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) created the Beacon Award for Excellence™ to recognize individual nursing units that distinguish themselves by improving every facet of patient care. AACN's Beacon Award signifies exceptional patient care through improved outcomes and greater overall satisfaction. In 2011, Miami Valley's Heart and Vascular Intensive Care was the 1st critical care unit in Dayton to receive this distinction for demonstrating success in developing, deploying and integrating unit-based performance criteria for optimal outcomes.
Since 1890, Miami Valley Hospital has been devoted to building a healthier community. Our steadfast mission has remained unchanged for more than a century, as a legacy of excellence has been passed from one generation to the next. This tradition continues as we usher in a new era of patient-centered care with the opening of our Heart and Vascular Center.
This space combines environmentally sound construction techniques, with the latest developments in cardiac care to create a healing environment. The result is one of the most innovative health care facilities in the country. Every detail was carefully crafted with the health of our patients in mind.
Learn more about the Heart and Vascular Center
Premier Health Library
The Premier Health Library offers a wealth of information about cardiology and treatment of heart disease. Learn about conditions, treatments, how to prepare for surgery, and much more.
Content Updated: September 28, 2016
One of Healthgrades America's 100 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Care™ for 3 Years in a Row (2014-2016)
Premier offers a range of outpatient cardiovascular services at convenient locations near you.
When additional help is needed, the experienced teams at Premier are ready with innovative technology and compassion care.
First in Southwest Ohio to bring new technology that enables physicians to confidently treat complex cardiac arrhythmias
New hope for patients with symptomatic, severe aortic stenosis.
From early detection to advanced treatment and holistic support, you can rely upon the Cardiology and Vascular Services programs at Premier Health.
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text: According to relationship experts, the couple that clicks together stays together. So don't hesitate to reveal your pins and passwords to your spouse. For more reasons why sharing your online world with your partner helps to foster a healthy union, here are tips from sources that include Los Angeles-based dating and relationship expert Julie Spira of www.cyberdatingexpert.com:


text:
Top Definition
A type of white trash. Someone who lives in a single-wide trailer, and is therefore not as committed to the trailer park as a double wide.
He's definitely only a single wide. He'll be out of the trailer park before his 25th birthday.
von wordguy2 9. März 2010
Trending Now
Can you define these popular missing words?


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on June 17, 2013 - 11:55 PM
The downtown districts of three Western New York villages have been nominated for addition to the State and National Registers of Historic Places.
The nominations, according to State Board for Historic Preservation, are:
• Randolph Historic District, Cattaraugus County, a 19th century lumbering community.
• Exchange Street Historic District, Attica, Wyoming County, railroad district including the 1879 depot and three railroad hotels.
• Warsaw Downtown Historic District, commercial and religious structures in the Wyoming County seat.


text:
6 Popular Upbeat Songs You Didn't Realize Are Depressing
If there's one thing the Internet has taught us about society, it's that even a half-eaten slice of pizza has more of an attention span than the average person. So it should come as no surprise that a sizable segment of the population can listen to a popular song dozens of times without ever really grasping what it's about.
Sure, melodies and even the occasional chorus might stick in a person's head, but the actual meaning of the song often goes unnoticed. For the most part, people just assume every song by a dude is about fucking and every song by a woman is about some dude who fucked her over. Picking up on anything else requires way more focus and attention than most people are capable of.
To add even more confusion to the situation, some bands and musicians will bury lyrics about horrifying shit under a huge layer of major chords, catchy hooks and upbeat tempos. Everything about the song, on the surface at least, screams "I'm walking on sunshine!" But if you listen closer, what you'll hear is a lot more like "Hey, maybe you should just kill yourself."
Here are six seemingly happy songs about ridiculously depressing situations ...
#6. Outkast -- "Hey Ya"
Most Deceptively Fun Lyric:
Why It Makes People Happy:
Outkast's "Hey Ya" wasn't the happiest-sounding song released in 2003. No, it was probably the happiest-sounding song released during that entire decade. It was jam-packed with memorable lines about neighbors lending sugar and ladies who look like Lucy Liu shaking it like a Polaroid picture. And that was just in the lyrics. Get a load of the video if for some reason the facility you've been incarcerated in since the late '90s didn't allow inmates to watch television of any sort:
By my count, there are at least five Andre 3000s, and every one of them seems super stoked to be there. In fact, the biologically impossible band's enthusiasm is only overshadowed by that of the audience, who you can see is absolutely losing their mind at the happy funtime shenanigans unfolding in front of them. Their reaction is pretty much a perfect summary of how the world as a whole reacted to this song: just pure, unadulterated adoration. But did your mom really get the meaning behind her favorite "rap" song of all time? Don't bet on it.
Why It's Secretly Depressing:
At its core, "Hey Ya" is an incredibly sad song. The lyrics are basically an indictment of the entire idea of being in a relationship. Not just getting married, but being in a relationship at all. The "hero" of the song has found himself tied down to a woman that he no longer loves, and to make matters worse, it's pretty clear she's lost that feeling for him also. And that's how, in the midst of one of the most deceivingly happy-sounding songs ever, a line like this found its way in:
If you're not reading that and feeling bummed out, congrats on the contentment you feel about your current relationship or your belief that your current state of soul-crushing loneliness will someday come to an end.
"At least I'll always have that Outkast song to cheer me up."
Now, allow this sunshine ray of a song to take a dig at you, too:
Did you catch that part when you were dancing around the house and lip syncing the words to "Hey Ya" into your hairbrush? If you think I'm being cynical when I say that I suspect you didn't, rest assured, I'm not alone. The man who wrote the song figured you probably wouldn't get it, either, and he even said so right in the lyrics:
Maybe I'm just overly negative, but I suspect he's 100 percent correct.
#5. Paul Simon -- "You Can Call Me Al"
Most Deceptively Fun Lyric:
Why It Makes People Happy:
You remember this song, right kids? It came out in the mid-'80s. Chevy Chase is in the video. I was pretty sure that it appeared on the Fletch soundtrack when I sat down to write this, but Google says I'm an idiot for thinking that. At any rate, it's hard to listen to this song without feeling like all of the world's sadness has finally come to a heartwarming end.
From the happy as all get out horn arrangements to the silly and nonsensical chorus, almost everything about this song seems like the kind of thing that would be playing on an endless loop in the tape deck that I assume every unicorn was outfitted with in the 1980s during their Trapper Keeper cover model heyday. You watched the video, right? Do I need to remind you that it has Chevy Chase in it? Hell, Paul Simon even dances at the end.
As you can tell from the facial expression, that's something that rarely happens.
So, just to recap, we have a horn section, a goofy chorus and Paul Simon dancing a jig with Chevy Chase in a pink room. It's enough to make a person vomit rainbows for a week straight. Or so it seems.
Why It's Secretly Depressing:
While the goofy chorus has an equally goofy back story to go with it (an acquaintance with a loose grasp of the English language mistakenly introduced Paul and his wife, Peggy, as "Al and Betty" at a party), that's where the good vibes of the song begin and end. If you listen closely, the lyrics tell the tale of a man in the seemingly unbreakable throes of a depressing midlife crisis.
Just as I assume this guy is.
The first verse kicks things off in a somewhat innocuous way, with a man complaining about having a beer belly. As a man who indeed has a beer belly, I can assure you that it's something that does cause a fair amount of depression, but it's not nearly as depressing as what happens in the second verse.
And things just get worse from there. By the end of the song, the poor guy is wandering around a Third World country, broke and looking for "angels in the architecture." It ends with him shouting "Hallelujah!" but, for the life of me, I have no idea why.
#4. Third Eye Blind -- "Semi Charmed Life"
Most Deceptively Fun Lyric:
Why It Makes People Happy:
Stephan Jenkins, the front man of '90s rock band Third Eye Blind, is never credited with being one of the finest lyricists of his generation, and he brought it all on himself. His biggest hit ever literally kicks off with the words "Do do doo" repeated far more times than that "phrase" should ever be used in a song (which is never).
Given the carefree approach to songwriting displayed in the opening moments (and at the beginning of every verse), it's easy to mistake "Semi Charmed Life" as a lighthearted pop tune about whatever bullshit activity inspires people to speak in baby talk.
But could it even be possible that a song that gives the impression that some unnamed toddler was screwed out of a co-writing credit could also be about some horribly depressing situation or event? Shockingly, the answer to that question is "yes."
Why It's Secretly Depressing:
You may not have realized it the first 400 times you heard "Semi Charmed Life," but the song is about being addicted to crystal meth. At least that's what I gather from the following lines:
For the record, this in your trash can means you have indeed been broken.
Those lyrics are approximately as subtle about telling the listener that the song is about drugs as the "Do do doos" are subtle about telling the listener that the song was written by someone with undiagnosed head trauma.
But wait, is the happy-go-lucky feel of the song really as dumb as it seems? You might be surprised to know that it's not. Here's what Stephan Jenkins had to say in an interview with MTV:
"When I wrote 'Semi-Charmed Life,' the guitar riff was intended to have this sort of bright duh-nuhnuh-nunt, this shiny thing, because that was a feeling of speed. You know, it's sort of a bright, shiny drug. And we all were sort of into hip-hop, and so it has a hip-hop flow over it."
No, Stephan, that's not a "hip-hop" flow, it's just a white dude saying words that rhyme. Gigantic difference. That said, fine, I guess that "Do do doo" shit is kind of clever, when you put it that way. I still hate this song, though.