Milton Bradley Blames Chicago for his Troubles with Cubs

wire

110

2010-03-04T14:46:00-05:00

Playerpress

211 7797 Milton Bradley has once again refused to personally take the blame for his struggles last season with the Chicago Cubs. <o:p> </o:p> Bradley said that unrealistic expectations along with poor communication, and not the player himself, were to blame for his struggles during his one season with the team. During an interview with The New York Times, Bradley used his career record to try and show what happened in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Chicago</st1:city></st1:place>. <o:p> </o:p> “ Two years ago, I played, and I was good. I go to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city>, not good. I've been good my whole career. So, obviously, it was something with Chicago, not me.” <o:p> </o:p> "Just no communication," Bradley said. "I never hit more than 22 homers in my career, and all of a sudden I get to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city> and they expect me to hit 30. It doesn't make sense. History tells you I'm not going to hit that many. Just a lot of things that try to make me a player I'm not." <o:p> </o:p> Bradley mightily struggled to live up to the expectations and what it takes to manage the pressures of playing for a team in a big market with national exposure. He batted .257 with 12 home runs and 40 RBIs for the Cubs last season. Well short of even the 22 homers a year that Bradley has averaged during his career. <o:p> </o:p> This is not at all what was expected by the Cubs and their fans from a player who was signed to a three-year, $30 million contract. <o:p> </o:p> And now it was <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Chicago</st1:city></st1:place>’s fault and not Bradley’s. Yeah right! <o:p> </o:p> Cub’s manager Lou Piniella disagreed with Bradley's assertion on Thursday. <o:p> </o:p> "<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Milton</st1:place></st1:city> did get off to a struggling start for us in 2009 but that was last year, Piniella said. We wish him well.” <o:p> </o:p> Bradley was traded to the Seattle Mariners for pitcher Carlos Silva during the off-season. The Mariners are counting on Bradley, a .277 career hitter, to be their No. 3 hitter 76.97.188.228

2010-03-04T14:46:00-05:00

7797-milton-bradley-blames-chicago-for-his-troubles-with-cubs

Yes 66.249.68.155, 123.125.66.88, 131.191.40.164, 152.131.10.74, 64.12.205.34, 99.88.103.6, 209.30.255.216, 128.95.198.235, 207.14.29.3, 82.165.36.19, 205.134.202.104, 64.32.228.44, 216.201.116.158, 75.71.152.35, 204.99.19.150, 67.195.113.247, 174.36.241.157, 99.140.222.217, 198.71.26.20, 67.173.120.97, 204.61.152.37, 174.99.22.32, 169.204.233.254, 66.195.32.2, 65.107.74.162, 76.178.151.23, 67.195.115.214, 166.205.137.145, 66.113.50.156, 12.44.210.21, 206.125.133.106, 96.246.186.6, 98.149.97.182, 72.44.61.86, 128.242.241.134, 204.236.198.91, 64.13.147.187, 67.202.63.158, 72.13.91.40, 89.151.116.56, 64.246.135.98, 70.37.70.230, 142.166.170.104, 72.51.34.138, 208.74.66.36, 208.74.66.39, 65.52.26.149, 64.233.172.6, 184.73.20.47, 174.96.85.252, 67.207.201.162, 70.37.87.67, 174.129.70.181, 209.180.142.49, 216.218.40.195, 67.207.201.161, 71.32.87.66, 63.146.24.10, 99.135.149.126, 204.236.236.41, 150.177.159.21, 38.98.140.67, 99.238.5.50, 207.211.82.107, 72.44.48.172, 69.209.195.224, 66.249.67.186, 38.98.19.111, 205.154.150.238, 142.166.170.102, 174.129.90.99, 205.141.247.28, 98.228.240.48, 216.145.224.82, 63.84.123.130, 205.144.234.175, 79.99.6.106, 142.166.170.103, 69.92.48.108, 76.97.188.228, 85.114.136.243, 216.24.142.47, 89.151.116.52, 67.207.201.160, 75.101.197.164, 208.74.66.38, 89.151.116.59, 12.236.174.2, 65.52.25.231, 216.24.142.46, 70.37.70.228, 99.53.209.191, 75.30.89.188, 67.236.191.101, 206.53.147.42, 71.115.47.234, 72.37.171.36, 207.63.16.46, 165.20.108.30, 66.120.29.101, 24.182.45.21, 83.149.199.54, 69.26.192.90, 89.151.116.54, 98.191.210.252, 142.166.170.100, 174.20.107.239, 65.116.201.51, 70.57.7.30, 131.156.199.70, 66.102.14.1, 173.14.253.97, 83.149.199.55, 24.117.163.76, 128.208.36.136, 75.19.95.214, 216.138.182.36, 206.228.222.37, 12.106.186.6, 138.208.5.3, 166.137.136.226, 67.91.15.130, 71.228.36.134, 67.176.179.43, 66.172.194.105, 174.44.46.98, 68.51.81.169, 99.34.110.86, 66.192.4.2, 98.214.207.55, 174.129.141.17, 99.28.251.200, 38.99.96.233, 24.145.198.252, 69.63.178.249, 207.229.177.44, 67.167.250.16, 174.129.93.37, 66.249.68.236, 75.101.190.114, 71.194.163.39, 71.22.164.109, 70.245.253.248, 68.171.235.53, 66.249.68.210, 99.160.189.206, 174.37.38.79, 174.129.157.165, 96.249.251.68, 119.63.198.39, 71.57.126.233, 98.206.154.4, 204.236.203.128, 216.56.15.225, 67.162.111.126, 70.243.49.166, 199.20.2.1, 97.87.26.40, 65.240.148.122, 98.228.74.209, 66.220.127.242, 216.136.10.35, 222.255.28.54, 74.86.227.227, 74.202.90.2, 63.215.202.234, 206.53.147.151, 123.125.66.122, 66.235.124.59, 207.191.212.242, 204.130.0.8, 68.57.247.230, 71.95.178.68, 38.100.41.66, 96.230.193.253, 67.173.176.127, 72.48.211.34, 75.101.195.195, 201.191.181.6, 85.17.226.119, 67.195.111.60, 87.250.252.241, 76.104.50.223, 216.129.119.11, 184.73.226.116, 71.202.1.50, 68.9.158.197, 81.94.194.34, 81.94.206.226, 68.225.171.116, 96.33.28.217, 70.190.141.120, 74.141.132.220, 38.99.186.5, 69.63.178.250, 65.52.16.152, 96.52.152.49, 69.63.178.248, 24.22.233.71, 207.164.141.163, 64.13.222.190, 207.178.146.195, 122.220.185.210, 38.103.17.185, 174.129.136.47, 174.129.139.3, 24.129.105.128, 66.157.36.99, 216.18.3.125, 66.249.68.248

Milton Bradley Blames Chicago for his Troubles with Cubs

No Milton Bradley, Chicago Cubs, Seattle Mariners, MLB

Milton Bradley Blames Chicago for his Troubles with Cubs

231

featured columnist

article

110

-1

2010-02-22T22:21:00-05:00

Playerpress

69 7637 Some one, some where cares about you. Sometimes you feel that things are just overwhelming you, but realize that these feelings will not last. Suicide may be a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Just because you occasionally have thoughts about killing yourself, does not mean you truly want to die, rather it just mean you have more problems than you can deal with at a given time. What may be bearable to one person can be overwhelming for an entirely different person. Or perhaps there is just one more little thing in a series of many more problems that push you closer to that edge. You can choose to live, but you need to seek help to relieve your pain. There are people out there who will listen to your troubles, even if it doesn't seem like anyone cares. If you feel like suicide is the answer please do not hesitate to call our suicide hotline. We have many people who are willing to listen to your troubles and not judge you for the way you feel. Many of the people you talk to have been in situations where they have felt like they wanted out, but found a way to overcome these thoughts. Please call 1-888-CubsFan now.  You are not the only loser out there. CubsFan suicide hotline: 102 years of experience saving lives...Just ask Steve Bartman We have even helped non cub fans such as: Terrell Owens Owen Wilson Britney Spears Halle Berry Drew Carey Gary Coleman Dwight Gooden and many others Remember there is always next year, but then again, what does Scrappy know? 98.111.29.241

2010-02-22T22:21:00-05:00

help-for-cub-fans

Yes 123.125.66.64, 174.37.205.85, 66.249.67.215, 98.111.29.241, 67.195.112.88, 66.249.68.187, 174.37.205.67, 186.137.25.72, 142.166.170.102, 76.97.188.228, 174.129.95.55, 204.236.198.91, 65.52.26.149, 89.151.116.59, 70.37.70.228, 75.101.170.136, 72.13.91.40, 66.249.68.98, 208.74.66.62, 142.166.170.104, 142.166.170.103, 67.202.7.151, 67.202.40.201, 89.151.116.52, 67.202.63.158, 204.236.232.79, 64.13.147.187, 216.24.142.47, 67.207.201.166, 70.37.70.230, 67.220.192.215, 79.99.6.106, 190.59.138.23, 38.99.96.233, 83.149.199.55, 208.80.193.63, 75.101.249.213, 67.195.37.188, 75.101.195.195, 174.129.139.3, 208.80.193.39, 79.177.7.99, 87.250.252.241, 66.249.68.242, 79.182.41.225, 64.13.222.190, 67.195.114.230, 67.195.115.214, 123.125.66.92, 208.80.193.38, 24.182.45.28, 66.249.67.154, 208.80.193.37, 142.166.170.101, 216.129.119.11, 66.249.68.81, 67.195.111.60, 208.80.193.34, 75.101.238.112, 208.80.193.35, 66.249.68.65, 66.249.68.184, 208.80.193.27, 218.28.29.236, 67.218.116.130, 99.58.108.180, 195.113.214.213, 67.218.116.131, 38.100.41.66, 67.195.113.247

Help For Cub Fans

No Chicago, Cubs, Baseball, MLB, Steve Bartman

Help For Cub Fans

2414

writer

wire

110

2010-02-22T20:19:00-05:00

Playerpress

104 7630 Chicago Cubs left-field Alfonso Soriano reported to spring training on Monday and said that his left knee that was surgically repaired in September, has not fully healed. Soriano has said that he has been working out in his native Dominican Republic, but has not tried to run full throttle in the offseason.  "I don't feel 100 percent, because I'm not running 100 percent," Soriano said on Monday.  "I'm just running at 75 to 80 percent.  We'll see when I test my knee running in the field and do some stuff I didn't do in the Dominican and my knee will tell me where I'm at." Soriano has been taking batting practice and admits that some of his concern is simply mental.  Soriano played only 117 games with the Cubs last season, batting just .241 with 20 homers and 55 RBIs in the third year of an eight-year $136 million contract.  It was obvious at times that the knee was bothering him.  He played his last game on September 3rd and had arthroscopic surgery on his knee on September 15th.  96.246.112.236

2010-02-22T20:19:00-05:00

7630-alfonso-soriano-s-knee-not-100

Yes 123.125.66.127, 66.249.68.187, 174.36.228.154, 96.246.112.236, 64.13.147.187, 216.24.142.47, 65.52.26.149, 89.151.116.54, 70.37.70.228, 75.101.232.27, 67.202.5.6, 79.99.6.106, 64.246.135.98, 75.101.170.136, 208.74.66.36, 66.249.85.3, 208.74.66.42, 75.101.205.207, 216.121.78.19, 142.166.170.104, 142.166.170.102, 142.166.170.101, 67.195.112.88, 67.195.37.188, 174.21.234.55, 206.53.157.109, 142.166.170.60, 166.137.10.225, 76.172.18.72, 66.249.67.215, 123.125.66.68, 66.249.71.42, 174.36.241.155, 142.166.170.81, 76.97.188.228, 174.129.95.55, 89.151.84.35, 204.236.198.91, 70.37.70.230, 208.74.66.62, 174.129.89.199, 83.149.199.55, 75.101.249.213, 38.99.96.233, 79.177.7.99, 87.250.252.241, 216.129.119.11, 67.195.111.28, 67.195.115.89, 66.249.68.242, 79.182.41.225, 67.195.114.230, 64.13.222.190, 67.195.115.214, 123.125.66.74, 66.249.68.143, 24.175.32.139, 24.182.45.28, 66.249.68.236, 67.16.94.2, 67.218.116.131, 66.249.68.81, 119.63.198.26, 66.249.67.154, 67.89.66.3, 66.249.68.184, 207.63.186.17, 66.243.225.6, 76.206.26.59, 199.249.176.251, 66.216.182.86, 174.102.196.155, 132.170.64.156, 76.248.242.78, 67.65.143.233, 12.2.142.13, 12.192.120.26, 12.104.244.6, 38.98.19.111, 24.107.117.127, 71.5.96.34, 128.255.155.236, 66.249.68.178, 170.35.224.64, 98.175.5.130, 66.100.119.140, 64.12.117.20, 160.109.63.190, 66.116.4.35, 170.153.62.251, 146.163.58.90, 66.116.31.55, 70.128.21.175, 76.253.57.163, 66.190.140.81, 206.169.226.74, 66.249.67.186, 24.107.196.88, 67.195.113.247, 67.218.116.130, 66.249.67.214, 66.249.68.172, 67.195.111.60

Alfonso Soriano's Knee Not 100%

No Alphonso Soriano, Chicago Cubs, Dominican Republic, Spring Training,

Alfonso Soriano's Knee Not 100%

2378

featured columnist

wire

110

2010-02-20T20:10:00-05:00

Playerpress

168 7591   <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0.6em; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman','Bitstream Charter',Times,serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> If there was a single ray of hope that shined last year for the Cubs, it was pitcher Randy Wells. In a year full of disappointments and distractions, the Cubs had one player who looked to be growing in talent and not wasting it.   Wells’ numbers were very good for a rookie season: 12-10 with a 3.05 ERA and a 5.65 K/9 rate.   With those numbers alone there is hope that Wells can become a #2 starter in the future. But the numbers don’t tell the whole story. <a href="http://www.midwestsportsfans.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/randy-wells-cubs.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; outline-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(60, 120, 167); font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;"><img width="200" height="200" class="alignright size-full wp-image-11433" title="randy-wells-cubs" src="http://www.midwestsportsfans.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/randy-wells-cubs.jpg" alt="randy wells, pitcher, chicago cubs" style="border-style: none; border-width: 0px; margin: 5px; padding: 5px; outline-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; float: right; display: inline;" /></a> There were multiple times were Wells would have a great outing and go 6 or 7 innings and only gave up one run, but the Cubs’ offense would fail to put any runs on the board, leaving Wells with a no-decision in a game that should have been a W.   In Wells’ first two starts he pitched 11 scoreless innings. Both were no-decisions. His next four starts he went 0-2 but pitched at least 6.2 innings and never gave up more than three runs.   Wells’ record didn’t show how well he pitched during those games.   There were plenty of chances for him to get many more wins than 12, but the offense was just unable to produce for him, something that can be frustrating for both the pitcher and the fans.   With spring training here, and the status of Cubs pitchers still hanging in the balance, Wells has a chance to prove himself worthy of a top starting position.   Carlos Zambrano hasn’t played like a #1 starter, and Ted Lily is coming off of a shoulder injury.   With Zambrano underachieving and Lily’s status hanging in the balance Wells has a great opportunity to wow the coaches this spring training. ********** * – Randy Wells photo credit: <a href="http://bleedcubbieblue2.mlblogs.com/" onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outbound/article/http://bleedcubbieblue2.mlblogs.com/');" target="_blank" style="border-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; outline-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(60, 120, 167); font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">Cubs Nation</a> </div> 76.97.188.228

2010-02-20T20:10:00-05:00

7591-chicago-cubs-randy-wells-is-one-to-watch

Yes 64.53.198.184, 66.249.67.133, 66.249.68.187, 67.195.112.88, 123.125.66.77, 67.195.37.188, 96.246.112.236, 174.129.95.55, 69.63.178.250, 204.236.198.91, 89.151.116.52, 65.52.22.222, 85.114.136.243, 67.202.63.158, 67.202.7.134, 75.101.232.27, 75.101.205.207, 88.162.35.120, 142.166.170.104, 216.24.142.45, 69.73.91.21, 174.37.205.85, 208.54.7.136, 142.166.170.60, 174.143.235.139, 67.202.38.107, 71.86.214.199, 70.103.164.4, 208.74.66.61, 76.209.225.232, 75.101.147.15, 109.93.198.237, 24.12.187.182, 67.212.108.250, 173.17.190.245, 208.74.66.42, 72.54.4.70, 98.144.59.6, 71.102.215.40, 76.97.188.228, 67.165.160.195, 84.17.129.60, 211.43.152.49, 65.52.22.215, 70.37.70.230, 211.43.152.51, 67.202.5.6, 72.13.91.40, 174.129.104.29, 67.36.178.17, 67.202.10.201, 64.13.147.187, 64.246.135.98, 70.250.112.31, 89.151.116.54, 74.73.189.98, 174.21.234.55, 216.129.119.81, 66.249.85.3, 76.103.216.171, 204.236.236.41, 38.99.96.233, 174.129.155.45, 67.207.201.161, 67.202.40.201, 204.236.232.79, 67.220.192.215, 66.249.68.146, 75.101.232.231, 208.74.66.62, 74.208.125.5, 174.133.61.66, 216.24.142.46, 83.149.199.54, 75.125.248.90, 72.44.48.172, 83.149.199.55, 75.101.241.11, 76.197.129.189, 71.239.6.160, 71.200.228.7, 76.201.148.161, 172.163.194.91, 75.101.170.136, 72.44.41.70, 173.170.209.18, 186.137.25.72, 68.171.235.85, 173.29.4.208, 64.233.172.6, 204.193.195.180, 68.31.83.36, 166.137.8.9, 165.249.0.62, 173.21.239.153, 75.81.242.76, 72.44.34.118, 64.13.222.190, 174.129.93.37, 98.134.132.90, 97.125.218.100, 82.166.235.235, 71.74.163.218, 66.235.124.58, 99.9.89.108, 174.129.151.29, 74.245.15.121, 131.110.87.219, 72.249.45.161, 166.137.138.252, 69.209.204.179, 98.212.156.199, 87.250.252.241, 71.190.182.25, 64.184.179.76, 198.51.216.55, 66.193.209.21, 94.23.26.160, 216.77.155.15, 24.167.215.100, 67.142.168.140, 123.125.66.61, 12.156.208.3, 75.132.162.71, 216.129.119.11, 98.222.57.68, 69.161.90.170, 12.111.88.14, 82.98.146.99, 66.249.68.175, 67.195.111.28, 98.211.36.145, 67.195.114.230, 66.249.68.143, 67.195.115.214, 64.107.84.170, 24.182.45.28, 174.129.237.157, 66.249.68.236, 188.220.89.101, 12.130.106.6, 166.137.8.186, 65.200.199.106, 67.218.116.131, 66.249.68.137, 66.249.67.250, 67.16.94.2, 66.249.68.81, 184.73.234.215, 209.191.123.35, 38.115.184.66, 119.63.198.11, 64.136.155.127, 66.249.68.178, 66.249.67.120, 67.195.111.60, 67.195.113.247, 66.249.68.21, 67.218.116.130, 142.166.170.100, 66.249.68.172, 38.100.41.66, 66.249.67.238, 66.249.67.16, 216.129.119.41

Chicago Cubs' Randy Wells Is One to Watch

No Chicago Cubs, Randy Wells, spring training, MLB, baseball, Chicago

Chicago Cubs' Randy Wells Is One to Watch

579

featured columnist

wire

110

2010-01-28T13:57:00-05:00

Playerpress

113 7166 Despite his desire to go into the Baseball Hall of Fame as a Chicago Cub, Andre Dawson, the “Hawk”, will be inducted into the Hall as a Montreal Expo.   On Wednesday, The hall announced that <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Dawson</st1:city></st1:place>’s plaque in the Hall would bear a Montreal Expo’s cap. <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Dawson</st1:city></st1:place> was upset and disappointed with the fact that he did not have a say in the matter and that he thought hall officials would at least discuss the issue with him in detail before the decision was made. <o:p> </o:p> He was hoping for a chance to tell them “what really catapulted me to Hall of Fame status and pretty much what my preference was but I think their decision had been made. It was a little gut-wrenching for me to hear that but it’s their decision.” <o:p> </o:p> “I’m disappointed,” <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Dawson</st1:city></st1:place> said. “I can proudly say that because <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Chicago</st1:city></st1:place> was my preference.” <o:p> </o:p> <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Dawson</st1:place></st1:city> thought he “would have a little bit more input or I would carry or merit some sort of weight” as to whether he would go into the hall as a Cub or Expo. <o:p> </o:p> “It was to my understanding they would make the determination at the consent of sitting down and discussing it with you prior to making the determination and I just thought it would carry a little bit more weight than it did,” <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Dawson</st1:place></st1:city> said. <o:p> </o:p> Besides his disappointment with the decision, the official <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Dawson</st1:place></st1:city> statement released by the Hall of Fame was more considerate of the decision. <o:p> </o:p> “I respect the Hall of Fame’s decision to put an Expos logo on my cap, and I understand their responsibility to make sure the logo represents the greatest impact in my career,” <o:p> </o:p> <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Dawson</st1:city></st1:place> said in Wednesday’s statement. “Cubs fans will always be incredibly important in my heart, and I owe them so much for making my time in <st1:city w:st="on">Chicago</st1:city> memorable, as did the fans in <st1:city w:st="on">Montreal</st1:city>, <st1:city w:st="on">Boston</st1:city> and <st1:place w:st="on">South Florida</st1:place>, my home. But knowing that I’m on the Hall of Fame team is what’s most important, as it is the highest honor I could imagine.” <o:p> </o:p> <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Dawson</st1:city></st1:place> is the only player for 2010 to be inducted into the hall. The induction ceremony for <st1:city w:st="on">Dawson</st1:city> into the hall will be on July 25, in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Cooperstown</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">N.Y.</st1:state></st1:place> <o:p> </o:p> For his first 11 seasons in the majors, <st1:city w:st="on">Dawson</st1:city> played for the Expos in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Montreal</st1:city></st1:place>, batting .285 with 225 home runs and 838 RBIs. He made the All-Star team three times and won the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 1977. <o:p> </o:p> He played six seasons for the Cubs, where he won the 1987 NL MVP award after batting .287 with 49 home runs and 137 RBIs. He also played two years for the Red Sox, and two years for the Marlins before retiring from baseball in 1996. <o:p> </o:p> Earlier this month, Hall of Fame president Jeff Idelson said “you want the logo to represent where this guy made his greatest impact. He was impactful in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Montreal</st1:place></st1:city>. He was impactful in <st1:city w:st="on">Chicago</st1:city>, and to a much lesser extent <st1:city w:st="on">Boston</st1:city> and <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Florida</st1:state></st1:place>, but it’s more of a case sitting down and collectively make a decision.” <o:p> </o:p> The hall stated that Dawson had 1,575 of his 2,774 hits as an Expo, won six out of his eight Gold Glove awards with the Expos and led them to their only postseason series win in 1981 with a five-game victory over the Phillies. <o:p> </o:p> Idelson also said it’s the museum’s responsibility to “properly interpret the game’s history. Every Hall of Fame plaque lists all of the teams where an electee played or managed,” he said. “Fans of ‘The Hawk’ in every city in which he played should claim Andre as one of their own.” <o:p> </o:p> The Expos franchise became the Nationals and moved to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Washington</st1:city> <st1:state w:st="on">D.C.</st1:state></st1:place> prior to the 2005 baseball season. Asked if he believed if the hall wanted to preserve Expos history, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Dawson</st1:city></st1:place> said: “The hall clearly stated their major concern was the history of the game.” <o:p> </o:p> Originally, players who had played on more then one team during their major league baseball career had the choice of which cap they would wear in the hall. It was the player’s decision and the player’s decision only.   Then in 1999, a controversy arose when there were rumors that the Tampa Bay Devil Rays were going to pay Wade Boggs if his Hall of Fame plaque bore a Devil Rays logo. <o:p> </o:p> Boggs denied the claim, but because the possibility was there for teams to pay players to wear their logo, two years later the hall took abolished the right of a player to choose which logo would be on the cap of his plaque. Boggs was inducted into the hall in 2005 with a Boston Red Sox cap on his plaque. <o:p> </o:p> Personally, I think it is a travesty and that the player should have the honor of choosing which team he would like to represent in the Hall of Fame. That is of course, that the player is choosing the team to represent because of his heart and not because of money. <o:p> </o:p> 76.97.188.228

2010-01-28T13:57:00-05:00

7166-7166-7166-7166-7166-7166-dawson-upset-over-halls-choice-of-caps

Yes 76.97.188.228, 174.129.155.45, 204.236.198.91, 216.24.142.45, 216.24.142.47, 66.249.68.245, 85.114.136.243, 174.129.90.99, 89.151.116.61, 123.125.66.64, 75.101.170.136, 74.201.117.226, 69.36.233.15, 38.104.134.114, 64.191.203.34, 216.39.58.18, 72.44.49.134, 70.37.70.230, 67.218.99.195, 174.129.89.199, 123.125.66.63, 67.202.57.190, 216.129.119.81, 174.36.228.155, 216.24.142.46, 208.74.66.36, 208.74.66.62, 174.37.205.86, 67.202.63.158, 190.246.92.108, 64.184.179.77, 75.101.139.240, 68.187.254.66, 67.195.114.42, 205.156.136.229, 142.166.3.122, 66.249.67.218, 24.10.71.222, 67.195.111.172, 75.73.116.41, 209.20.76.237, 174.133.61.66, 71.133.60.61, 128.241.112.231, 69.248.176.108, 63.215.202.234, 74.110.96.156, 38.99.97.126, 174.129.157.222, 64.13.222.190, 66.235.124.58, 72.156.146.45, 71.232.142.175, 66.249.68.149, 70.105.107.205, 66.219.58.34, 142.166.170.101, 64.184.179.74, 216.129.119.11, 218.28.29.236, 209.249.53.190, 209.249.53.187, 67.173.52.182, 67.218.116.131, 119.63.198.28, 68.37.165.170, 67.195.115.181, 67.195.112.85, 209.20.84.80, 87.250.252.241, 38.100.41.112, 66.249.68.204, 67.195.112.114, 66.249.67.44, 94.75.229.132, 71.201.216.46, 66.249.68.146, 38.99.97.10, 174.17.74.60, 67.195.111.28, 66.249.67.142, 142.166.170.102, 174.127.132.161, 24.9.160.185, 67.195.37.188, 38.100.8.50, 174.36.241.149, 142.166.170.100, 66.249.68.187, 174.37.205.87, 142.166.170.21, 174.36.241.155, 174.37.205.76, 142.166.170.60, 67.195.112.88, 123.125.66.92, 172.163.194.91, 72.249.45.161, 142.166.170.104, 66.249.68.251, 142.166.170.103, 66.249.68.236, 67.195.114.230, 67.195.115.214, 174.127.132.112, 66.249.68.81, 67.195.111.60, 66.249.68.37, 67.218.116.130, 67.195.113.247, 38.100.41.66, 204.236.244.231, 216.129.119.41

Dawson Upset Over Hall’s Choice of Caps

No Andre Dawson, Chicago Cubs, Montreal Expos, Hall of Fame, MLB

Dawson Upset Over Hall’s Choice of Caps

231

administrator

wire

110

2010-01-12T15:14:00-05:00

Playerpress

Yes

199 6964 Greg Maddux is back with the team that he started his major league baseball career with, the Chicago Cubs.  One year after retiring as a player, the former Cubs pitcher was named as a special assistant to general manager Jim Hendry on Monday. <o:p> </o:p> In his new role with the Cubs, Maddux will be helping coach young pitchers while he also learns all of the details of player evaluation. "We couldn't be happier," GM Hendry said. "He'll certainly be involved in all aspects of the baseball-operations department. As I've always said about him in the past, as a player and now as an employee, when Greg Maddux walks in your front door, your organization becomes a lot better." As a player, Maddux played for the Cubs twice during his stellar career. <o:p> </o:p> Maddux was drafted in the second round of the 1984 Major League Baseball Draft by the Cubs, and made his major league debut in September 1986. At the time, he was the youngest player in the majors at age 20. His first start in the Majors was a complete game win. <o:p> </o:p> In 1987, his first full season in the majors, Maddux struggled to a disappointing 6–14 record and 5.61 ERA, but the following season in 1988 he flourished, finishing 18–8 with a 3.18 ERA. This began a streak of 17 straight seasons in which Maddux recorded 15 or more wins, which is still a MLB record and the longest such streak in history. <o:p> </o:p> Maddux, a superb control pitcher, won more games during the 1990s than any other pitcher, and he is 8th on the all-time career wins list, with 355. <o:p> </o:p> Maddux established himself as the Cubs' ace in 1989, winning 19 games, including a September game that clinched the Cubs' second-ever National League Eastern Division championship. <o:p> </o:p> After consecutive 15-win seasons in 1990 and 1991, Maddux won 20 games in 1992,  was voted his first National League Cy Young Award. After the season, Maddux was a free agent and wanted to stay with the Cubs, but contract talks with the Cubs became contentious and eventually ceased. After seven seasons with the Cubs, Maddux signed a five year $28 million deal with the Atlanta Braves. <o:p> </o:p>  Prior to the 2004 season, Maddux returned to the Cubs as a free agent. On August 7, 2004, Maddux defeated the San Francisco Giants, 8-4, to earn his 300th career victory. In April of the following season, he defeated Roger Clemens for his 306th win in the first National League matchup between 300-game winners in 113 years. That same season, Maddux became the thirteenth member of the 3000 strikeout club and only the ninth pitcher with both 300 wins and 3,000 strikeouts. He finished as one of four pitchers to top 3,000 strikeouts while having allowed less than 1,000 walks. <o:p> </o:p> After his second stint with the Cubs, Maddux also pitched for the Dodgers in 2006, the Padres in 2007 and 2008, and was traded back to the Dodgers in August of 2008. He retired as a player after the season. <o:p> </o:p> Maddux and Hendry began conversations about the job after he retired last season, and after a year away from baseball, Maddux finally decided to accept his offer. He basically replaces Ed Lynch, the former Cubs GM who was a special assistant under Hendry until the end of the last season. "I'm looking forward to getting back with (Hendry) and working with him and learning from him and the people around him, and doing what I can to help the players on the field and the organization," Maddux said. Maddux will help tutor major- and minor-league players in spring training, and minor-leaguers during the season. He will also consult with Hendry on personnel decisions. The move was somewhat of a surprise, considering Maddux had never spoken publicly about a desire to get into management once he retired from baseball as a player. Although he hinted that he might want to be a coach during his final year with the Cubs, most people figured he would just spend his life golfing and spending time with his family. Maddux said Monday he didn't know how much time he would spend in his new job and that he would have some time to get away and balance his family life and work together. Helping out young players should come fairly easy to Maddux, who spent much of his career mentoring younger pitchers on the teams with which he played. He will also be working with Cubs pitching coach Larry Rothschild, as well as minor-league pitching coordinator Mark Riggins. "I'll learn how to evaluate players the best I can," Maddux said. "I'm sure there's a system that goes along with that. Hopefully I'll have an eye for it and will be able to evaluate players properly." Maddux said it "could be" a steppingstone to a future as a general manager but added that he has not looked that far ahead. He also said that he has no desire to manage "right now" and probably will not in the future. 76.97.188.228

2010-01-12T15:14:00-05:00

6964-6964-6964-6964-6964-6964-greg-maddux-back-with-cubs

Yes 76.97.188.228, 123.125.66.91, 72.44.61.86, 211.43.152.49, 65.52.18.116, 211.43.152.57, 70.37.66.169, 67.202.63.158, 89.151.116.54, 66.249.68.143, 74.201.117.226, 38.104.134.114, 64.191.203.34, 64.246.135.98, 75.101.197.164, 174.129.141.109, 173.170.209.18, 38.98.19.111, 72.13.91.40, 208.74.66.36, 79.99.6.106, 216.39.58.78, 216.24.142.45, 216.24.142.47, 72.44.49.134, 64.74.98.14, 69.120.209.81, 67.218.99.195, 67.202.57.190, 142.166.3.122, 174.37.205.85, 169.128.252.99, 68.58.57.100, 174.37.205.67, 123.125.66.79, 216.129.119.81, 91.121.89.155, 91.121.53.183, 83.149.199.55, 67.195.111.172, 38.105.193.178, 66.153.222.115, 174.129.157.195, 66.249.68.134, 38.113.234.181, 216.24.142.46, 75.101.170.136, 72.44.43.230, 208.74.66.42, 208.74.66.39, 174.143.213.49, 94.23.51.159, 174.133.61.66, 140.239.91.34, 66.249.67.229, 67.195.112.159, 12.37.155.14, 75.101.139.240, 64.233.172.6, 174.129.157.222, 174.129.58.57, 67.222.147.231, 74.53.3.132, 174.129.48.204, 74.99.89.230, 62.58.101.121, 194.8.75.44, 205.156.136.229, 142.166.170.21, 98.80.135.131, 85.175.5.146, 12.145.165.146, 142.166.170.100, 74.84.105.218, 68.37.126.223, 96.232.110.211, 66.249.65.109, 38.99.97.126, 99.63.99.180, 66.235.124.57, 142.166.170.104, 202.131.30.150, 24.224.100.0, 69.81.52.48, 71.229.93.33, 63.215.202.234, 98.182.60.18, 65.248.218.84, 66.235.124.54, 67.195.114.243, 202.131.30.149, 205.188.117.75, 174.121.2.2, 216.129.119.11, 67.218.116.131, 124.115.0.180, 66.249.67.117, 67.195.110.158, 92.241.164.105, 87.250.252.241, 216.226.7.193, 66.249.68.137, 71.173.133.182, 209.249.53.79, 69.58.178.31, 80.240.215.147, 168.103.167.147, 209.249.53.220, 207.54.124.211, 58.61.32.55, 142.166.170.101, 67.195.114.42, 136.167.193.21, 66.249.68.131, 119.63.198.46, 124.115.4.195, 64.13.222.190, 149.169.216.117, 66.249.68.248, 58.60.14.231, 67.218.116.130, 174.127.132.155, 174.59.121.118, 66.249.68.245, 75.126.140.19, 67.195.115.95, 174.127.132.64, 66.249.68.146, 66.249.68.149, 98.238.136.113, 67.202.15.176, 205.209.170.18, 66.249.67.142, 202.131.30.146, 66.249.68.204, 67.195.115.181, 123.125.66.86, 66.249.65.114, 67.195.112.85, 99.21.171.157, 94.23.222.6, 124.115.0.161, 165.138.73.253, 12.2.142.12, 67.195.112.114, 38.100.41.112, 91.214.248.2, 203.131.250.162, 94.75.229.132, 38.99.97.55, 174.17.97.20, 38.99.97.10, 74.118.192.159, 67.195.37.188, 66.249.67.104, 66.249.67.179, 67.235.89.202, 67.195.111.28, 84.241.50.142, 70.126.192.46, 119.63.198.15, 38.100.8.50, 202.131.30.148, 66.249.67.209, 65.55.207.45, 96.40.144.198, 66.249.68.155, 129.237.222.1, 88.131.106.31, 66.249.68.187, 174.36.241.149, 174.37.205.87, 91.121.92.159, 174.36.241.155, 142.166.170.103, 67.195.112.88, 174.37.205.76, 142.166.170.60, 123.125.66.69, 195.42.102.25, 72.249.45.161, 142.166.170.102, 64.214.191.210, 66.249.68.251, 69.95.200.200, 66.249.68.175, 68.229.31.135, 66.249.68.236, 69.137.253.44, 67.195.114.230, 67.195.115.214, 67.195.111.60, 95.169.186.170, 66.249.68.37, 67.195.113.247, 216.129.119.41, 86.122.164.46, 87.206.146.118

Greg Maddux Back with Cubs

No Chicago Cubs, Greg Maddux, MLB

Greg Maddux Back with Cubs

231

administrator

wire

110

2010-01-06T18:18:00-05:00

Playerpress

146 6881 Andre Dawson was one former Cub who was a happy camper on Wednesday.  Finally in his ninth year on the ballot, <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Dawson</st1:place></st1:city> was elected to the baseball Hall of Fame. A jump of 59 votes from last year got <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Dawson</st1:place></st1:city> into the Hall. <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Dawson</st1:place></st1:city> was the only player elected into the hall of Fame this year. <o:p> </o:p> To say the least, <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Dawson</st1:place></st1:city> was ecstatic about finally making it in.     "The wait isn't a big factor in the scheme of things,'' Dawson said. "You get frustrated when people say, 'When are you going to get in,' and you don't have an answer for that. As I sit here now, I think it was well worth the wait. ... One thing my mama always said is it's going to happen one day, just be ready when it happens.''   Dawson, who finished 44 votes short last year when Rickey Henderson and Jim Rice were elected, was named on 420 of 539 ballots in this year's Baseball Writers Association of America election, which was 77.9 percent of the vote. <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Dawson</st1:place></st1:city> played with the Cubs from 1987-92, winning NL MVP honors in '87 with the club. He was an eight-time All-Star and won eight Gold Gloves in right field. <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Dawson</st1:place></st1:city> had one of the best arms in Right Field and there were not too many challengers to score or take an extra base once he got the ball in his hand. <o:p> </o:p> But because <st1:city w:st="on">Dawson</st1:city> never played on a World Series champion, his election to the Hall couldn’t have made <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Dawson</st1:place></st1:city> happier.   <o:p> </o:p> <st1:city w:st="on">Dawson</st1:city> came to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city> in very unusual circumstances, handing the Cubs a blank check for the opportunity to sign him after he dwindled on a free-agent market that was later ruled by an arbitrator to have been manipulated by the owners. He was one of the players that received damages from those collusion findings. <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Dawson</st1:place></st1:city> becomes the 46th Chicgao Cub to be elected to the Hall of Fame. This will be the fifth induction in the last seven years with a Cubs connection, following the election of Dennis Eckersley in 2004, Ryne Sandberg in '05, Bruce Sutter in '06 and Goose Gossage in '08. <st1:city w:st="on">Dawson</st1:city> will be inducted July 25 at <st1:place w:st="on">Cooperstown</st1:place> along with manager Whitey Herzog and umpire Doug Harvey, who were elected last month by the Veterans Committee. <o:p></o:p> <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Dawson</st1:place></st1:city> was the only player elected this year but was almost joined by two other players. Pitcher Bert Blyleven received 400 votes, only short by five votes, and first-ballot candidate and former White Sox second baseman Roberto Alomar  was named on 397 ballots, only eight votes short. That trend tends me to think that they will both be elected in the future, most likely next year.   "This is a beautiful day for Andre Dawson,'' Blyleven told the MLB Network. "I'm surprised Roberto Alomar didn't make it. Hopefully my time is coming." Other players on this years ballot were Jack Morris with 282 votes (52.3 percent), Cincinnati shortstop Barry Larkin with 278 votes (51.6 percent), followed by reliever Lee Smith at with 255 votes (47.3 percent) and Edgar Martinez with 195 (36.2 percent). "I feel disappointed, but next year hopefully I make it in," Alomar said. "At least I was close." Mark McGwire received 128 votes (23.7 percent), 10 more than last year and it matched the total amount of votes from his first two times on the ballot. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>   76.97.188.228

2010-01-06T18:18:00-05:00

6881-6881-6881-6881-6881-6881-andre-dawson-only-player-elected-to-hall-of-fame

Yes 123.125.66.102, 123.125.66.45, 142.166.3.122, 174.36.228.154, 76.97.188.228, 174.37.205.87, 216.39.58.17, 66.249.68.143, 70.37.66.245, 65.52.18.116, 174.129.193.73, 89.151.116.52, 216.24.142.46, 174.129.141.109, 67.202.63.158, 174.129.155.45, 74.201.117.226, 38.104.134.114, 69.36.233.15, 75.101.197.164, 64.191.203.34, 72.13.91.40, 208.74.66.61, 89.151.116.54, 174.129.104.29, 64.74.98.14, 174.129.58.57, 67.202.57.190, 68.226.203.99, 67.195.112.159, 67.195.111.172, 83.149.199.55, 89.151.116.59, 74.99.89.230, 66.249.67.229, 87.250.252.241, 174.129.171.1, 66.197.176.137, 142.166.170.104, 99.63.99.180, 66.249.68.134, 218.28.29.236, 72.215.148.50, 206.53.153.37, 220.253.180.134, 76.173.55.116, 66.249.68.135, 142.166.170.100, 173.54.198.115, 38.98.19.111, 142.166.170.101, 174.133.177.66, 71.224.218.88, 208.118.60.156, 174.127.132.155, 174.127.132.160, 66.235.124.56, 142.166.170.102, 119.63.198.55, 64.184.179.75, 76.114.94.189, 92.241.182.23, 173.14.175.114, 67.218.116.131, 174.129.95.55, 64.13.147.188, 38.113.234.180, 70.37.66.169, 208.74.66.36, 208.74.66.42, 67.220.192.215, 216.24.142.45, 216.24.142.47, 64.233.172.6, 174.129.90.99, 74.53.3.132, 174.133.61.66, 4.78.248.3, 174.143.235.139, 216.24.131.119, 202.131.30.149, 202.131.30.146, 66.249.67.162, 208.82.100.139, 216.129.119.11, 69.58.178.31, 67.195.114.42, 66.249.68.248, 67.218.116.130, 209.191.123.35, 66.249.68.245, 123.125.66.119, 65.55.106.159, 66.249.67.218, 67.195.115.181, 123.125.66.79, 66.249.67.214, 202.131.30.147, 205.209.170.18, 190.17.87.27, 66.249.68.204, 66.249.68.163, 65.55.218.158, 66.249.65.111, 67.195.112.85, 204.65.114.100, 38.100.41.112, 91.214.248.2, 67.195.37.188, 65.55.106.155, 67.195.111.28, 65.55.106.111, 203.131.250.162, 94.75.229.132, 67.195.112.114, 38.99.97.55, 38.99.97.10, 64.140.49.72, 70.234.127.36, 65.55.106.209, 38.100.8.50, 208.115.111.245, 66.249.68.187, 174.36.241.149, 142.166.170.21, 174.36.241.155, 67.195.112.88, 174.37.205.76, 142.166.170.60, 142.166.170.103, 66.249.68.146, 72.249.45.161, 66.249.68.251, 66.249.68.236, 75.150.92.13, 67.195.115.214, 174.127.132.112, 66.249.68.81, 67.195.114.230, 65.98.224.5, 67.195.111.60, 216.129.119.41, 38.100.41.66, 67.195.113.247, 24.211.184.195, 66.249.67.66

Andre Dawson Only Player elected to Hall of Fame

No Andre Dawson, Chicago Cubs, Montreal Expos, Hall of Fame

Andre Dawson Only Player elected to Hall of Fame

231

administrator

wire

110

2009-12-18T17:33:00-05:00

Playerpress

Yes

224 6636 The Chicago Cubs have finally dumped…..err traded outfielder Milton Bradley to the Seattle Mariners for pitcher Carlos Silva and cash on Friday.  The Cubs have been trying to dump.....err trade Bradley ever since the end of last season after Bradley’s antics, and poor performance for the season told them that acquiring Bradley was a big mistake in the first place. Bradley was signed last off-season in a whopping $30 million deal.  <o:p> </o:p> The long-running Bradley soup opera for the Cubs began right away for the organization. Bradley was ejected after his first at-bat as a Cub at Wrigley Field when he was called out on strikes. His temper took over and he was eventually suspended for four games. <o:p> </o:p> Nice way to start out a new career with a new employer. It was all downhill from there.  <o:p> </o:p> Over the winter, <st1:placename w:st="on">Tampa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Bay</st1:placetype> and <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Texas</st1:state></st1:place> were considered the prime candidates for a trade, but both teams wanted the Cubs to pay what was left of Bradley's $30 million contract. Trade talk rumors abounded at the Winter Meetings in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Indianapolis</st1:city></st1:place>, and teams were denying the rumors left and right. <o:p> </o:p> "It really had a lot of twists and turns," Hendry admitted.  <o:p> </o:p> Hendry said there were more teams inquiring about Bradley than most of the media believed. Despite the rumors at the meetings, Hendry said the Cubs never had a conversation with <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Seattle</st1:place></st1:city> about a Bradley-Silva trade until Wednesday. Just last week, Mariners president Chuck Armstrong flat-out denied that a trade was in the works. <o:p> </o:p> Cubs general manager Jim Hendry has taken the blame for the whole Bradley fiasco, and a deal has finally been finalized to prevent the Cubs further aggravation. <o:p> </o:p> "In hindsight, it was an acquisition I'm responsible for that didn't work out," Hendry said. "I bear the responsibility for that not working out." <o:p> </o:p> The big question is whether Bradley is taking any of the blame himself for the terrible season? According to one of Bradley’s close friends, Bradley believes that the blame for his terrible season should be 50-50 between himself and the Cubs. <o:p> </o:p> I would have to say that in a manner of speaking he is absolutely right. The Cubs are 50% responsible for signing him in the first place. <o:p> </o:p> "I would think he would think he should've performed better," Hendry said. "But I can't speak for him." <o:p> </o:p> I totally agree, Bradley cannot blame the Cubs for his performance last season, they do not awing the bat or play the outfield. All the Cubs should take blame for is putting him in a Cubs uniform to begin with. It was Bradley though who did not perform up to expectations and that should all be on his shoulders and nobody else’s.  <o:p> </o:p> In the deal, The Mariners have agreed to pay the Cubs $9 million. <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Seattle</st1:place></st1:city> will be paying the $6 million of the $25 million remaining on Silva's contract. Bradley is owed $22 million, including his incentive, which works out to be $3 million less than the Mariners owed Silva. So in essence, in the end, the Cubs have cleared $6 million off of their player’s salary. <o:p> </o:p> This will give the Cubs some extra cash to possibly sign a free agent center fielder that they so desperately need right now and try to shore up the bullpen. Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik sounded ecstatic over getting Bradley, although his enthusiasm might have been that he unloaded Silva.  <o:p> </o:p> "We have been looking to add offense to our club and in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Milton</st1:city></st1:place> have a player who has always gotten on base and has the ability to drive in runs," Zduriencik said. "He is passionate about winning, as we are, and we believe he'll be a good fit here." <o:p> </o:p> Silva has been a big disappointment with the Mariners when he signed with them after the 2007 season. He was 4-15 in 28 starts in 2008 and 1-3 in only eight games last season while he spent the majority of the season on the disabled list with a shoulder obtrusion. Silva, whom the Cubs have been monitoring during Winter Ball in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Venezuela</st1:country-region></st1:place>, hopes that he will be able to turn things around this season. <o:p> </o:p> Silva will compete for a spot in the rotation during spring training, and he is likely to begin the season as a starter, at least until May when Ted Lilly will be returning. Once Lilly returns, it will depend on how well Silva has fared on the mound to that point, and he could end up pitching in middle relief for the Cubs. <o:p> </o:p> Is Hendry relieved that the deal is done? <o:p> </o:p> "I don't know if relief is the right word, but I felt obligated to (make the trade)," Hendry said.  <o:p> </o:p> All I can say is that I know every Cubs fan is relieved and glad that the Milton Bradley era in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city> is over. 76.97.188.228

2009-12-18T17:33:00-05:00

6636-6636-6636-6636-6636-6636-milton-bradley-traded-by-cubs-to-seattle

Yes 76.97.188.228, 64.191.203.34, 216.24.142.45, 72.44.49.134, 74.201.117.226, 69.36.233.15, 38.104.134.114, 216.39.58.17, 174.129.157.215, 89.151.116.61, 66.249.68.233, 174.129.104.29, 208.74.66.42, 208.74.66.39, 74.125.46.80, 174.129.142.69, 174.129.141.109, 216.24.142.47, 67.218.99.195, 75.101.197.164, 70.37.66.169, 216.24.142.46, 64.74.98.14, 89.151.116.54, 98.71.154.64, 98.129.76.112, 64.215.254.37, 76.213.229.14, 205.188.255.75, 67.202.57.190, 174.129.203.176, 174.132.144.138, 75.146.48.34, 174.129.193.75, 64.246.135.98, 38.113.234.180, 166.90.142.9, 79.99.6.106, 69.59.162.116, 174.133.61.66, 75.101.139.240, 216.129.119.81, 212.227.97.200, 211.115.109.14, 77.75.77.123, 89.151.116.52, 83.149.199.55, 67.18.5.150, 75.22.75.78, 174.36.241.149, 67.195.111.172, 166.137.138.27, 67.195.112.159, 12.37.155.14, 205.134.195.139, 66.249.68.134, 142.166.3.122, 89.151.116.56, 173.89.27.179, 65.52.18.116, 174.37.93.234, 71.167.239.102, 87.250.252.241, 12.54.0.130, 75.101.249.213, 119.63.198.48, 67.189.206.172, 66.249.67.229, 192.251.125.85, 75.101.169.122, 75.92.29.167, 24.12.248.224, 142.166.170.103, 173.89.10.139, 173.54.56.66, 68.81.166.28, 66.109.193.37, 67.183.137.74, 66.249.68.150, 67.195.113.249, 123.125.66.51, 69.209.212.160, 123.125.66.25, 123.125.66.47, 142.166.170.102, 124.115.0.109, 218.28.29.236, 208.48.232.11, 63.215.202.234, 174.129.121.101, 212.227.136.205, 74.105.127.250, 96.227.98.166, 71.200.7.181, 76.187.11.116, 66.78.249.66, 174.127.132.124, 174.127.132.126, 78.151.99.0, 123.125.66.97, 123.125.66.84, 61.135.249.203, 200.24.251.34, 38.99.98.21, 98.207.80.126, 75.73.208.58, 174.127.132.161, 68.42.81.181, 71.227.232.163, 173.60.163.204, 119.63.198.58, 77.75.73.123, 85.25.124.4, 74.60.210.172, 24.14.124.201, 124.115.0.140, 222.255.251.154, 113.20.89.60, 113.22.69.77, 70.106.202.51, 66.249.67.134, 38.99.98.111, 85.25.124.167, 174.133.177.66, 71.239.238.88, 96.56.3.250, 207.241.228.152, 72.30.142.187, 74.53.3.132, 38.105.83.6, 66.249.68.219, 124.115.4.202, 66.249.68.166, 211.233.79.174, 66.249.68.143, 173.13.131.138, 212.1.248.17, 123.125.66.105, 92.241.182.23, 209.202.168.74, 174.129.95.55, 65.52.19.122, 70.37.66.245, 64.233.172.6, 174.129.58.57, 119.63.198.33, 67.218.116.131, 65.55.207.26, 66.249.65.109, 66.249.65.119, 65.55.106.209, 66.249.67.162, 66.249.68.137, 69.58.178.31, 67.195.110.158, 67.195.114.243, 65.55.207.23, 76.77.126.109, 67.195.114.42, 64.13.222.190, 67.218.116.130, 66.249.67.136, 38.99.97.55, 66.249.68.248, 205.209.170.11, 69.115.241.123, 209.191.123.35, 65.55.216.54, 65.55.207.96, 67.195.115.95, 119.63.198.29, 66.249.68.245, 220.181.94.231, 66.249.68.149, 66.249.67.218, 123.125.66.131, 123.125.66.117, 66.249.68.204, 66.249.65.77, 66.249.65.114, 66.235.124.8, 65.55.207.25, 67.195.112.85, 65.55.106.230, 116.125.140.13, 38.100.41.112, 67.195.111.28, 203.131.250.162, 94.75.229.132, 65.55.107.197, 67.195.37.188, 66.249.68.225, 70.160.228.197, 75.142.254.0, 68.82.113.45, 70.233.75.232, 67.195.112.114, 65.55.207.119, 38.99.97.126, 24.251.69.34, 119.63.198.42, 38.99.97.10, 66.249.68.146, 66.249.68.155, 38.100.8.50, 142.166.170.100, 66.249.68.187, 174.37.205.87, 142.166.170.21, 174.36.241.155, 174.37.205.76, 142.166.170.60, 77.88.51.55, 72.249.45.161, 67.195.112.88, 66.249.68.251, 142.166.170.104, 67.195.111.60, 67.195.115.214, 67.195.114.230, 66.249.68.37, 38.100.41.66, 204.236.244.231, 216.129.119.41

Milton Bradley Traded by Cubs to Seattle

No Chicago Cubs, Milton Bradley, Seattle Mariners, Carlos Silva, MLB

Milton Bradley Traded by Cubs to Seattle

231

administrator

wire

110

2009-12-08T23:07:00-05:00

Playerpress

149 6466  When I read this article on <a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outbound/article/http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/baseball/wires/story/1370479.html');" target="_blank" style="border-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; outline-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(60, 120, 167); font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/baseball/wires/story/1370479.html">Ryne Sandberg’s promotion to manager of the Cubs’ Triple-A team in Iowa</a>, I couldn’t help but think that Sandberg will one day manage the Cubs.  Sandberg is one of the most respected ex-Cub by the fans, and he has slowly been moving up the manager chain. He coached the Double-A Tennessee Smokies in 2009.  <div style="border-width: 0px; margin: 5px; padding: 0px; outline-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; float: right;"><img alt="post thumbnail" style="border-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; outline-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;" src="http://www.midwestsportsfans.com/wp-content/plugins/simple-post-thumbnails/timthumb.php?src=/wp-content/thumbnails/7535.jpg&w=175&h=175&zc=1&ft=jpg" /></div>   I first wondered when Sandberg was going to manage, but Lou Pinella has only one more year on his contract, and neither he nor Jim Hendry have said anything about Lou re-signing. That doesn’t mean that the Cubs won’t re-sign Lou, but could that mean that Sandberg could coach as early as the 2011-2012 season?  It’s not for certain that Sandberg will coach as early as 2011, but I am thinking the Cubs are thinking of having him manage the team in the near future. * – Ryne Sandberg photo credit: Saul Young via <a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outbound/article/http://www.knoxnews.com/photos/galleries/2009/sep/13/smokies-3---hunstville-1/');" target="_blank" style="border-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; outline-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(60, 120, 167); font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.knoxnews.com/photos/galleries/2009/sep/13/smokies-3---hunstville-1/">Knox News</a>   76.97.188.228

2009-12-08T23:07:00-05:00

6466-6466-6466-6466-will-ryne-sandberg-manage-cubs-in-the-coming-years

Yes 76.223.71.7, 63.215.202.234, 200.126.226.16, 123.125.66.108, 76.97.188.228, 75.101.197.164, 174.129.95.55, 89.151.84.35, 70.37.66.169, 70.37.92.166, 216.24.142.46, 75.101.232.231, 208.74.66.39, 174.129.142.69, 208.74.66.36, 208.74.66.42, 72.13.91.40, 79.99.6.106, 174.129.141.109, 72.44.43.230, 216.24.131.119, 208.74.66.61, 174.143.213.49, 66.249.68.227, 75.101.139.240, 89.151.116.52, 67.218.99.195, 174.133.61.66, 67.195.112.159, 174.37.205.76, 123.125.66.31, 66.249.67.206, 75.101.232.109, 66.249.68.251, 66.249.67.174, 64.53.198.184, 174.129.157.215, 69.63.178.246, 89.151.116.54, 216.24.142.45, 208.74.66.38, 216.178.40.22, 65.222.217.213, 76.206.241.81, 216.129.119.11, 66.249.68.230, 216.178.40.13, 67.218.116.134, 67.195.111.172, 173.25.53.225, 67.195.113.249, 67.218.116.131, 67.218.116.130, 174.129.107.161, 99.155.62.244, 66.249.68.172, 98.209.243.60, 67.202.15.176, 119.63.198.48, 173.24.121.42, 142.166.3.122, 38.103.17.185, 66.249.68.233, 142.166.170.104, 38.99.98.16, 24.12.210.212, 212.227.136.205, 68.188.59.130, 87.250.252.241, 85.25.124.4, 66.249.67.229, 38.99.98.111, 85.25.124.167, 65.55.106.109, 66.235.124.54, 95.133.168.17, 174.133.177.66, 123.125.66.20, 123.125.66.34, 91.205.173.243, 123.125.66.23, 207.241.228.152, 66.249.68.137, 74.53.3.132, 38.105.83.6, 69.115.241.123, 66.249.68.219, 66.249.68.134, 66.249.68.166, 66.249.68.143, 212.1.248.17, 72.44.61.86, 65.52.18.116, 64.13.147.188, 216.24.142.47, 75.101.170.136, 83.149.199.55, 64.233.172.6, 174.129.90.99, 65.55.207.136, 209.202.168.81, 65.55.207.97, 209.202.168.80, 65.55.207.53, 67.195.110.158, 67.195.114.42, 66.249.68.248, 38.99.97.55, 123.125.66.95, 67.195.115.95, 66.249.68.245, 65.55.207.126, 66.249.68.146, 65.55.106.112, 194.80.32.11, 67.195.115.181, 38.100.41.112, 94.75.229.132, 65.55.106.115, 67.195.112.114, 67.195.111.28, 38.99.97.126, 98.234.68.155, 67.195.37.188, 69.138.161.49, 38.99.97.10, 65.55.109.229, 130.209.239.6, 38.100.8.50, 65.55.110.95, 65.55.207.133, 174.37.205.87, 142.166.170.21, 174.36.241.155, 66.249.68.187, 142.166.170.60, 123.125.66.70, 72.249.45.161, 142.166.170.102, 142.166.170.103, 66.249.67.154, 67.195.115.214, 67.195.111.60, 206.83.86.2, 66.249.68.37, 216.129.119.41, 38.100.41.66, 142.166.170.100

Will Ryne Sandberg Manage Cubs in the Coming Years?

No chicago cubs, lou Pinella, MLB, Ryne Sanderg

Will Ryne Sandberg Manage Cubs in the Coming Years?

579

writer

article

110

-1

2009-11-18T14:43:00-05:00

Playerpress

Yes

179 6115 Okay, okay, it isn't even Thanksgiving yet. We haven't opened any holiday gifts yet either. We've yet to ring in a new year or to give our special someones candy-filled hearts. Hell, most of us haven't even seen the first snowflake of the season. But there is a place where baseball is a passion twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week and where hope springs eternal in the hearts of its fans 365 days a year every year...Wrigleyville.     When April rolls around next, the familiar sign on the rooftop across the street from Wrigley Field on Sheffield Ave in Chicago will reflect the ugliness that is...it's been 101 years since the fans on the North Side of the Windy City have had a World Series title to celebrate. Everyone in Wrigleyville knows it, everyone in baseball knows it. When that fateful day in April does arrive though, something more magical than the Whos down in Whoville will happen. Cub fans will flock to Wrigley Field, not only on Opening Day, but eighty more times throughout the summer, until the number of men, women, and children who have passed through the turnstyles of their beloved sanctuary exceeds 3,000,000 people. People, not only from all corners of the City and its suburbs, not only from all corners of the United States, but from all corners of the globe who all share one commonality: to see their beloved boys of summer win it all!        Where does the hope come from? Most Cub fans probably can't answer that question themselves. Maybe it was passed down to them by their families. Maybe they got reeled in by the broadcast superpower WGN just because they were looking to watch baseball on TV and the Cubs were the "only game in town". Maybe they married into it. While no one may know exactly where the hope comes from, one thing IS for sure, these folks are the most loyal and dedicated fans in all of sports.      76.97.188.228

2009-11-18T14:43:00-05:00

hope-springs-eternal-in-wrigleyville

Yes 68.40.139.153, 66.249.68.242, 69.63.178.249, 76.97.188.228, 64.233.172.6, 75.101.197.164, 67.195.112.109, 123.125.66.114, 174.36.228.156, 69.208.86.226, 66.249.67.174, 76.112.19.180, 66.249.68.198, 67.195.114.233, 67.218.116.130, 66.135.56.37, 174.129.184.165, 67.202.15.176, 119.63.198.19, 66.249.68.27, 75.58.226.43, 174.37.205.76, 124.115.0.161, 66.235.124.57, 209.237.75.130, 67.218.116.131, 79.183.103.138, 142.166.3.122, 142.166.170.104, 128.30.52.70, 142.166.170.101, 85.25.124.132, 67.195.115.216, 65.208.151.116, 151.197.2.143, 218.28.29.234, 67.195.37.172, 216.129.119.11, 66.249.68.227, 130.246.45.90, 70.42.92.126, 66.249.68.251, 89.253.70.223, 142.166.170.102, 66.249.65.200, 72.20.109.34, 67.195.111.172, 66.249.65.199, 67.195.112.159, 216.43.6.35, 63.215.202.234, 66.249.67.206, 216.129.119.13, 123.125.66.36, 124.115.0.25, 114.159.91.104, 67.195.113.249, 38.100.41.112, 67.218.116.166, 216.129.119.40, 66.249.68.230, 216.129.119.41, 66.249.68.172, 87.118.122.54, 67.218.116.133, 66.249.67.229, 66.249.68.178, 69.58.178.30, 65.55.106.204, 66.249.68.152, 199.125.16.11, 95.103.137.160, 66.249.68.134, 66.249.68.195, 66.249.68.233, 38.99.98.111, 72.20.109.62, 212.227.136.205, 87.250.252.241, 88.159.73.53, 209.202.168.74, 173.2.99.67, 124.115.0.24, 85.25.124.4, 123.125.66.104, 123.125.66.43, 85.25.124.167, 123.125.66.102, 174.133.177.66, 65.55.106.232, 65.55.107.182, 207.241.228.152, 38.105.83.6, 74.53.3.132, 63.223.124.237, 66.249.68.166, 193.69.163.235, 212.1.248.17, 66.249.68.143, 92.241.182.23, 66.249.68.108, 173.170.209.18, 38.98.19.68, 174.129.157.195, 65.52.18.116, 70.37.66.245, 89.151.116.59, 208.74.66.42, 208.74.66.39, 174.129.141.109, 79.99.6.106, 38.113.234.181, 75.101.170.136, 72.44.43.230, 72.13.91.40, 216.24.142.47, 174.143.213.49, 174.133.61.66, 67.218.99.195, 83.149.199.55, 12.37.155.14, 75.101.139.240, 67.202.30.126, 85.207.8.210, 67.195.110.158, 67.195.114.243, 69.58.178.31, 38.100.8.50, 65.55.207.50, 65.55.109.164, 123.125.66.78, 65.55.106.135, 67.195.114.42, 38.99.97.55, 67.195.115.95, 65.55.207.140, 65.55.207.29, 65.55.104.68, 66.249.68.149, 69.247.126.33, 67.167.202.249, 66.249.68.146, 67.195.111.178, 94.75.229.132, 67.195.37.188, 38.99.97.10, 67.195.112.114, 65.55.106.112, 24.178.236.219, 88.131.106.30, 67.195.111.28, 65.55.106.109, 130.209.239.6, 66.249.68.155, 142.166.170.103, 123.125.66.122, 24.11.189.193, 72.249.45.161, 71.202.3.127, 67.202.0.31, 121.129.1.199, 174.129.159.143, 67.195.114.230, 207.46.204.186, 67.195.111.60, 67.195.115.214, 66.249.68.137, 208.115.111.245, 66.249.68.187, 67.195.113.247, 66.249.68.37, 173.9.78.107, 66.249.68.140, 66.249.68.248, 38.100.41.66, 208.115.111.247, 66.249.68.236, 76.106.153.229, 66.249.65.202

Hope Springs Eternal in Wrigleyville

No Cubs, Wrigley, baseball, Chicago

Hope Springs Eternal in Wrigleyville

1684

writer

article

110

2009-11-07T13:41:00-05:00

Playerpress

199 5975 After the 2011 season, the Chicago Cubs will have to make a choice: keep third baseman Aramis Ramirez and purchase his club option for $16 million, or let him hit the market and buy the remainder of the contract for $2 million. <img width="275" height="235" alt="" src="/uploads/Image/ao66wjf2.jpg" /> Josh Vitters, the Cub’s 2007 first-round draft pick and indisputable No. 1 prospect, might be making that decision a little easier.  In his first bout with full-season baseball in 2009, 19-year-old Vitters paced the low Class A Midwest League, compiling 15 homeruns and 46 RBI along with a .316 batting average in 70 games.  His dominant handling of the league’s pitching soon led to a promotion to high Class A Daytona in the Florida State League. He struggled mightily after the call, however, hitting just .238 with 3 homeruns and 20 RBI in 50 games.  In the short-season Arizona Fall League, Vitters has shown signs of recovery; enough signs, in fact, to warrant a selection to the league’s Rising Stars Showcase. Vitters, batting .360 through 12 games, is sixth in the Winter League in batting average. His power statistics, however, are down; in 50 at-bats, he’s yet to record a homerun, but has rapped a triple and three doubles.  According to reports, Vitters will not participate in the Showcase after straining a pectoral muscle in batting practice last Wednesday.  Despite his inconsistency, Vitters stock has risen considerably. When 2010 prospect lists rollout, he’s certain to be among the top 20 (last year he was in the 40’s.)  The 19-year-old prodigy still has a lot of developing to do, however.  <img width="300" height="203" style="border: 2px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px 5px; padding: 2px; float: right;" alt="Scouts love Vitters' smooth righthanded stroke." src="http://bloggingaboutbaseball.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/vitters_2_feature.jpg?w=300&h=203" title="Scouts love Vitters' smooth righthanded stroke." class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1517" />Scouts love Vitters’ smooth stroke from the righthand side, but are equally suspicious of his extremely low walk rate.  In 458 at-bats between Peoria and Daytona, Vitters induced a walk just 12 times, or in just 2.5 percent of his plate appearances. To maintain such an unsustainable level of aggression would equate him with MLB contemporaries such as San Francisco Giants catcher Bengie Molina and New York Mets outfielder Jeff Francoeur.  Baseball America asserts that asking Vitters to change his approach “may border on heresy,” but Scouts, Inc.’s Keith Law maintains that patience has to come in order for Vitters to become a “potential no. 3 hitter who’ll hit plenty of doubles and 25-plus home runs with a high average.” It appears as though Vitters is content working with his current approach. In a recent <a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: rgb(0, 68, 119); text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/chi-06-cubs-josh-vitters-nov06,0,3420877.story">Arizona Fall League article</a>, Vitters stated:  "I’m not going up there looking for a walk. If I see a good pitch and I can drive it, I’m going to swing. It’s not a problem at all because I don’t strike out a lot."  Vitters is going to struggle in the higher levels of professional ball <a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: rgb(0, 68, 119); text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" href="http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/chicago-cubs-wrigley-bound/2009/11/red-flag-josh-vitters-on-plate-discipline.html">until he becomes more selective</a> a hitter. His collapse in the Florida State League, where pitchers can locate their offspeed offerings better than the Midwest League, was just a glimpse of the growing pains he’s almost certain to experience.  Vitters has amazing hand-eye coordination and has an uncanny ability to put the bat on the ball, drawing comparisons to Howie Kendrick to Vladimir Guerrero to Pablo Sandoval.  But for comparison’s sake, Sandoval, the least selective of the group, still walks about nine percent of the time.  Vitters’ defense was a cause for major concern when he was first drafted. Despite a tremendously strong arm, Vitters has struggled with footwork and agility at all levels. Through 188 minor league games, he owns a weak .908 fielding percentage bolstered by 42 errors.  Vitters’ fielding percentage jumped from .909 in 2008 to .918 in 2009.  Supporters claim that Vitters’ shoddy play could be a product of the Arizona Fall League’s hard surfaced infields and un-groomed minor league parks.  Still the 19-year-old is diligently <a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: rgb(0, 68, 119); text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" href="http://www.bleachernation.com/2009/10/24/josh-vitters-is-getting-better-defensively/">working to improve his play</a>, taking extra infield repetitions and readying himself mentally before each play unfolds:  "I’m just trying to work on everything—agility and always being ready at every pitch. I know my hitting will always be there, and these things will help me be better."  Ultimate Zone Ratings aren’t available for Vitters currently, but one has to suspect he’d be close to the worst everyday starter in the minor leagues. Aramis Ramirez isn’t a Gold Glove caliber third baseman either, but his tremendous offensive value offsets his career negative-9.9 UZR.  As it stands right now, Josh Vitters is nowhere close to a call-up. With three more years of development, he could be close.  That’s an $11.5 million decision the Chicago Cubs will have to make in 2012   76.97.188.228

2009-11-07T13:41:00-05:00

know-your-prospects-3b-chicago-cubs-josh-vitters

Yes 68.213.126.23, 66.249.67.238, 174.129.101.63, 38.98.19.111, 66.249.68.227, 174.37.205.67, 123.125.66.33, 67.195.115.163, 72.156.192.131, 76.97.188.228, 174.129.107.161, 174.56.137.47, 174.129.81.149, 70.146.6.178, 200.126.226.16, 205.208.7.129, 67.195.113.245, 67.218.116.130, 67.173.147.250, 174.129.87.184, 71.104.166.66, 66.249.68.193, 67.202.34.153, 74.171.141.64, 24.26.29.80, 173.48.234.168, 198.76.89.7, 67.202.15.176, 67.218.116.134, 74.10.102.33, 67.195.112.109, 72.185.51.82, 216.129.119.11, 142.166.3.122, 71.202.87.78, 66.249.67.174, 67.218.116.131, 142.166.170.101, 213.149.247.102, 72.30.142.161, 66.249.68.207, 76.27.197.249, 66.249.68.242, 74.192.225.202, 64.125.157.12, 99.141.59.59, 69.137.244.126, 142.166.170.100, 67.218.116.163, 190.102.206.48, 222.178.58.117, 119.63.198.41, 189.21.126.3, 128.30.52.70, 64.12.117.80, 120.28.64.77, 142.166.170.104, 114.127.246.36, 74.105.97.128, 68.40.139.153, 189.14.192.91, 67.195.114.233, 66.249.67.208, 99.61.226.249, 63.215.202.4, 200.206.225.51, 71.123.40.21, 142.166.170.102, 123.138.18.114, 206.53.147.131, 67.170.221.118, 222.116.210.143, 120.28.64.78, 85.25.124.132, 66.249.67.206, 203.147.4.68, 24.125.186.24, 66.249.68.251, 67.218.116.164, 66.235.124.57, 216.129.119.43, 200.222.64.170, 67.218.116.166, 89.253.70.223, 67.218.116.133, 24.13.163.68, 216.129.119.44, 206.83.86.2, 66.249.65.200, 67.195.112.159, 12.168.0.122, 63.215.202.234, 69.95.200.200, 66.249.71.167, 66.249.65.199, 216.129.119.14, 208.43.229.68, 123.125.66.28, 155.201.35.54, 195.229.62.157, 69.73.36.66, 38.100.41.112, 173.23.156.252, 66.249.68.230, 87.118.122.12, 66.249.68.172, 163.1.5.150, 205.209.170.2, 69.209.235.192, 204.12.248.194, 163.1.5.153, 66.249.67.229, 66.249.68.178, 66.249.68.152, 65.55.207.46, 66.249.68.233, 38.99.98.111, 67.195.111.172, 212.227.136.205, 87.250.252.241, 67.195.113.249, 66.249.68.134, 85.25.124.4, 123.125.66.105, 123.125.66.26, 85.25.124.167, 123.125.66.38, 174.133.177.66, 65.55.106.184, 65.55.106.231, 195.210.57.83, 207.241.228.152, 38.99.98.89, 38.105.83.6, 74.53.3.132, 212.1.248.17, 142.166.170.103, 174.129.95.55, 65.52.19.122, 70.37.66.245, 89.151.116.61, 208.74.66.42, 208.74.66.39, 72.13.91.40, 174.129.141.109, 75.101.197.164, 66.130.26.103, 174.133.61.66, 216.24.142.46, 216.24.142.45, 75.101.199.147, 72.44.48.172, 67.202.10.201, 207.229.164.198, 71.102.215.40, 66.249.68.137, 71.145.168.118, 66.249.67.162, 67.195.114.243, 65.55.106.230, 123.125.66.95, 38.99.97.55, 65.55.106.211, 38.99.96.15, 67.195.114.42, 66.249.68.146, 65.55.106.139, 65.55.106.186, 65.55.109.71, 38.99.96.108, 94.75.229.132, 67.195.112.114, 65.55.207.27, 166.205.136.134, 66.249.68.204, 98.166.41.177, 69.123.111.173, 38.99.97.10, 67.195.111.28, 67.195.37.188, 65.55.110.27, 38.100.8.50, 75.120.159.219, 66.249.68.187, 67.195.112.88, 123.125.66.61, 65.55.207.95, 72.249.45.161, 67.195.111.60, 67.195.114.230, 67.195.115.214, 66.249.68.11, 66.249.68.37, 208.115.111.245, 208.115.111.247, 67.195.113.247, 216.129.119.41, 207.46.195.226, 66.249.68.236

Know Your Prospects: 3B, Chicago Cubs, Josh Vitters

No josh vitters, mlb prospects 2010, chicago cubs

Know Your Prospects: 3B, Chicago Cubs, Josh Vitters

1449

writer

article

110

2009-10-22T12:32:00-04:00

Playerpress

146 5744 The Cubs fired Gerald Perry who has had a ton of success with Lou Piniella in the past. He couldn't get the offense started this season though he was part of the reason for them winning 97 games in 2008.  Then they fired Von Joshua the man responsible for the hitting success of the young Cubs minor leaguers who have made an immediate impact since being called up. He is credited with being responsible for Geovanny Soto having his success in the minors which translated to being named Rookie Of the Year in 2008.   None of these men had any success with helping the Cubs out of their late season slump and Soto barely batted .220 last year. My point is the Cubs not having the talent to win and the hitting coach having nothing to do with the lack of success.   With all of the changes in hitting coaches Derrick Lee still had an amazing year. Is it possible that the guys on the field around Derrick Lee besides Aramis Ramirez are not major league talent? I would say yes. We do not have a major league quality short stop or second baseman thanks to Jim Hendry sticking with the Cajun Connection but they only fall apart at the end of seasons.   He traded away Mark Derosa for nothing and he ends up on the division winning Cardinals. Alfonso Soriano is down right offensive in the outfield a spot Manny Ramirez has proven that you only have to be somewhat cometent to play the easiest outfield position in baseball.   While it is true that the new hire for hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo from Texas has had a lot of success with the likes of  Soriano and Milton Bradley, whom it seems like will be with the team next season after having been told that he was on his way out.  I'm more concerned about what he will have to work with.   Players have had success with Rudy Jaramillo in the past but I cannot think of the last time the Rangers made the post season in that weak American League West. Instead of replacing the hitting coach who might get replaced midway through the season anyways after having signed a three year contract with the Cubs because the players we have stink why not replace the general manager before he makes another bone head choice? 148.233.239.24

2009-10-22T12:32:00-04:00

cubs-bring-on-third-hitting-coach-and-i-m-expecting-nothing-different

Yes 38.115.192.34, 66.249.67.136, 174.37.205.76, 200.126.226.16, 66.249.68.248, 148.233.239.24, 123.125.66.103, 174.129.111.78, 67.228.11.210, 72.30.79.93, 66.249.68.245, 72.30.78.232, 67.218.116.131, 74.52.45.250, 216.129.119.11, 66.96.220.69, 67.218.116.130, 67.195.115.163, 195.2.216.186, 67.218.116.163, 67.218.116.134, 72.14.184.121, 62.197.40.154, 119.63.199.7, 217.116.23.132, 174.46.170.179, 202.54.61.99, 66.249.68.35, 67.218.116.132, 38.100.41.113, 218.75.75.246, 67.218.116.164, 66.249.68.227, 98.17.149.8, 216.129.119.43, 66.249.67.238, 216.129.119.40, 118.175.22.69, 89.253.70.223, 216.129.119.44, 67.195.112.170, 216.129.119.41, 67.195.112.109, 66.249.68.242, 125.165.174.249, 63.119.14.20, 203.147.4.68, 66.249.67.174, 190.102.206.48, 94.23.238.27, 124.207.129.132, 134.153.184.17, 201.39.87.130, 94.169.191.51, 212.51.221.221, 24.132.42.251, 221.238.17.245, 85.23.35.18, 114.127.246.36, 67.195.112.110, 120.28.64.85, 85.25.124.132, 67.195.37.172, 164.77.170.66, 174.129.216.113, 66.249.67.206, 65.55.207.48, 120.28.64.78, 65.55.106.180, 120.28.64.94, 221.215.1.224, 96.2.81.200, 67.195.112.159, 206.83.86.2, 66.249.65.200, 66.249.65.199, 65.55.106.157, 83.3.170.242, 123.125.66.38, 155.201.35.54, 66.249.68.251, 67.195.113.249, 38.100.41.112, 66.249.68.230, 163.1.5.150, 65.55.106.137, 163.1.5.153, 142.166.3.122, 38.99.98.111, 67.195.111.172, 212.227.136.205, 66.249.68.233, 87.250.252.241, 85.25.124.4, 66.249.68.134, 123.125.66.104, 65.55.37.186, 65.55.207.30, 85.25.124.167, 65.55.207.134, 123.125.66.111, 174.133.177.66, 38.105.83.6, 212.1.248.17, 173.170.209.18, 66.249.65.109, 38.98.19.111, 65.55.207.75, 67.195.110.158, 67.195.114.243, 123.125.66.92, 38.99.97.55, 209.191.123.35, 67.195.114.42, 67.195.115.95, 65.55.106.163, 66.249.68.149, 67.195.115.181, 65.55.106.203, 66.249.65.76, 94.75.229.132, 38.99.97.10, 67.195.112.114, 67.195.37.188, 67.195.111.28, 66.249.68.146, 24.254.120.213, 65.55.207.136, 65.55.110.116, 38.100.8.50, 65.55.207.78, 123.125.66.119, 77.88.51.55, 76.65.207.92, 208.115.111.245, 72.249.45.161, 67.195.112.88, 142.166.170.102, 142.166.170.103, 67.195.115.214, 65.55.110.27, 76.29.61.118, 66.249.68.137, 66.249.68.66, 208.115.111.247, 66.183.61.131

Cubs Bring On Third Hitting Coach And I'm Expecting Nothing Different

No Chicago Cubs, Rudy Jaramillo, hitting coach, MLB

Cubs Bring On Third Hitting Coach And I'm Expecting Nothing Different

149

writer

wire

110

2009-10-10T22:13:00-04:00

Playerpress

Yes

340 5554 The Los Angeles Dodgers swept the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLDS on Saturday.  Oh Boo Hoo, I have tears running down my cheeks. NOT! <img width="125" height="154" src="/uploads/Image/laughing 1.JPG" alt="" />Being the Cubs fan that I am, I am actually relishing this accomplishment by the Dodgers. You see, the Cardinals are the Cubs biggest rivals and even throughout the 2009 season, I have heard nothing but grief from Cardinals fans that are acquaintances of mine concerning the fact that the Cubs were swept in last seasons NLDS by the Dodgers. <o:p> </o:p> The Cardinals actually ended their 2009 season with such a Cubs flair that it has me all giddy inside. Just the thought of what their fans were going through, it puts a big smile on my face. <o:p> </o:p> On Aug. 6, the Cardinals and Cubs were in a virtual tie for the NL Central lead. A month later, the Cardinals were 11 1/2 games up and the division title was all but officially over. However, the Cardinals stumbled very Cubs like down the stretch and they looked lifeless in the NLDS against Los Angeles, just as the Cubs did last season. <o:p> </o:p> <st1:city w:st="on">St. Louis</st1:city> lost 14 of its final 21 regular-season games, including a 1-6 finish after clinching the division against the <st1:place w:st="on">Rockies</st1:place> on Sept. 26. The poor showing cost the Cardinals a shot at the NL’s best record and home-field advantage throughout in the playoffs. <o:p> </o:p> The Cardinals potent and deep offensive lineup scored three runs or fewer in half of their final 30 games, including all three playoff games. I am all bubble headed right now. This is too good to be true.   <img width="164" height="154" src="/uploads/Image/laughing 2.JPG" alt="" /> <o:p> </o:p> So I take great pleasure in this outcome. It even had a little bit of Cubs fluke flare in it. In game two, with two outs in the ninth inning, reliable and steady outfielder Matt Holliday had a soft line drive fly right past his glove as he stumbled and go directly into his groin area and then both he and the ball fell to the ground. <o:p> </o:p> It was an owie in more ways then one. The catch would have ended the game with a Cardinals victory, but as with the famous “Bartman” ball, the floodgates then opened and the Dodgers went on to win the game for a 2-0 lead in the series. I just cannot stop laughing here.     <img width="126" height="198" src="/uploads/Image/laughing 3.JPG" alt="" /><o:p> </o:p> Now Cardinal fans know how it feels to be humiliated before a national audience. The only Cardinal that I do feel sorry for is Mark DeRosa, who was a Cubs fan favorite while he was with the Cubs prior to this season, and who as a majority, we were very sorry and disappointed to see him go. <o:p> </o:p> The reason I feel sorry for him is that he has now lost 9 NLDS games in a row, with six in a row being against the Dodgers. I am sure that there will be Cardinals fans that blame him because he used to be a Cub and saying the “Ex-Cub Factor” took effect. <o:p> </o:p> For those of you unsure or unaware of the “Ex Cub Factor”, it is the theory that any baseball team headed into the playoffs with three or more former Cubs on its roster has "a critical mass of Cubness" and a strong likelihood of failure. <o:p> </o:p> Ironically, and very humorous to yours truly, The Cardinals actually only have two ex Cubs on their roster, DeRosa and pitcher Todd Wellemeyer. However, I am sure it will come in to play anyway with Cardinals fans. When things go bad, it is always the Cubs fault. <o:p> </o:p> It would not surprise me one bit. However, despite the DeRosa feeling, all I can say is Ha Ha Cardinals fans. Feels great, doesn’t it? Wait ‘till next year…Har Har Har! <img width="170" height="198" src="/uploads/Image/laughing 4.JPG" alt="" /><o:p> </o:p> The Cardinals were the first National league team to clinch a division title this season. Their fans were certain that they would get to the World Series and win it. Yeah right, so were we Cubs fans last season. I know exactly how you feel, and I do not feel one bit sorry for any of you. <Snicker, snicker> <o:p> </o:p> Most of the so-called experts were picking the Cardinals in this series in 4 games. Once again, the experts proved why they are the experts. <My stomach is beginning to hurt> <img width="196" height="162" src="/uploads/Image/Laughing.jpg" alt="" /> <o:p> </o:p>Tim Brown said “The Dodger’s can’t beat Carpenter or Wainwright.” <o:p> </o:p> Ho Hum, in game one, Chris Carpenter stats were:  5 IP, 9 hits, 4 runs, 4 walks, 3 strikeouts, as the Dodgers win the game 5-3. <o:p> </o:p> In game two, Wainwright was spectacular in only giving up 1 run, too bad the bullpen and a Cubs like play from Matt Holliday gave the game away after two outs in the ninth in a 3-2 Dodgers victory. <o:p> </o:p> Jeff Passen said “The Cardinals pitching simply too strong.” <o:p> </o:p> Obviously, the Cardinals pitching was not strong enough. They gave up 13 runs to the Dodgers in the series, while only scoring 6. What happened to that potent Cardinals offense? Hmm, must have been the same offensive virus that caught last years Cubs who led the league in practically every offensive category. Until the playoffs that is. This is just too funny! <o:p> </o:p> Gordon Edes said  “Manny less than mahvelous.” <o:p> </o:p> Manny was being Manny once again, with three hits and two RBIs in game 3 while hitting .308 in the series. What a knee slapper! <o:p> </o:p> So it might not be 102 years since their last World Series for the Cardinals, but I will take it and enjoy this sweep for everything I can take it for. It is just too good to pass up…….. especially coming from a Cubs fans perspective.   Right now, we are rolling on the floor laughing our butts off! <img width="188" height="150" src="/uploads/Image/laughing 5.JPG" alt="" /> 76.97.188.228

2009-10-10T22:13:00-04:00

5554-5554-5554-5554-5554-5554-cardinals-end-season-cubs-style-lol

Yes 66.249.67.136, 66.249.68.248, 201.254.119.56, 69.67.213.178, 67.228.11.210, 77.75.77.123, 209.249.53.48, 209.249.53.162, 213.180.209.10, 97.126.94.15, 72.209.147.90, 72.30.142.117, 119.63.199.5, 12.87.165.174, 174.46.170.180, 72.30.79.93, 65.55.105.216, 216.129.119.11, 66.235.124.56, 66.249.68.240, 216.129.119.43, 67.218.116.133, 65.55.108.242, 174.46.170.181, 168.16.227.77, 67.218.116.130, 218.186.10.226, 77.75.73.123, 124.124.57.50, 72.30.78.232, 72.30.87.105, 66.96.220.69, 85.93.222.21, 72.30.142.179, 67.195.115.163, 64.253.178.210, 174.129.81.149, 174.129.101.63, 85.10.242.138, 173.85.50.243, 67.195.113.245, 66.249.68.245, 66.249.68.163, 66.249.68.199, 66.249.68.227, 38.100.41.113, 98.240.251.196, 67.195.112.170, 66.249.67.238, 67.195.113.244, 89.253.70.223, 69.196.186.123, 66.249.68.129, 75.3.128.111, 174.129.87.184, 38.98.19.67, 174.46.170.185, 206.53.157.114, 123.125.66.26, 218.26.170.84, 86.47.52.3, 66.249.68.242, 65.55.106.227, 38.105.83.12, 67.195.112.109, 66.249.67.174, 67.195.114.233, 124.115.0.103, 38.108.180.111, 87.118.122.54, 24.132.42.251, 38.108.180.53, 67.195.115.216, 67.195.37.163, 66.235.124.8, 65.55.207.53, 65.55.207.23, 72.223.33.93, 85.25.124.132, 67.195.37.172, 67.195.113.249, 66.249.67.206, 67.195.112.159, 94.23.238.27, 65.55.106.108, 206.83.86.2, 66.249.65.200, 67.195.111.172, 74.62.154.166, 123.125.66.53, 123.125.66.37, 38.100.41.112, 95.108.157.251, 65.55.106.231, 65.55.207.137, 65.55.207.71, 61.135.249.203, 163.1.5.153, 67.218.116.131, 38.99.98.16, 142.166.170.103, 142.166.3.122, 95.103.137.160, 66.249.68.134, 87.250.252.241, 38.105.83.13, 67.195.114.52, 38.99.98.111, 66.249.68.153, 65.55.106.180, 212.227.136.205, 124.115.0.165, 66.150.224.245, 65.55.110.204, 65.55.207.121, 65.55.106.211, 85.25.124.4, 66.249.68.233, 123.125.66.108, 123.125.66.103, 85.25.124.167, 123.125.66.47, 174.133.177.66, 207.46.199.191, 65.55.37.202, 207.46.199.190, 38.105.83.6, 65.55.106.207, 207.46.199.200, 218.28.29.236, 65.55.51.112, 207.46.199.185, 212.1.248.17, 66.249.68.143, 92.254.193.209, 173.170.209.18, 38.98.19.111, 207.46.199.195, 38.101.148.126, 207.241.228.152, 94.75.229.132, 207.46.199.180, 65.55.106.183, 123.125.66.73, 67.195.110.158, 88.131.106.24, 123.125.66.78, 38.99.97.55, 209.191.123.35, 67.195.115.181, 66.249.68.149, 65.55.106.184, 38.99.97.10, 65.55.207.134, 67.195.111.28, 67.195.37.188, 123.125.66.61, 65.55.51.110, 67.195.112.114, 71.235.209.87, 38.104.134.114, 88.131.106.31, 65.55.106.182, 67.195.111.26, 38.100.8.50, 207.46.194.196, 88.131.106.30, 66.110.255.191, 174.36.241.149, 142.166.170.100, 174.37.205.87, 142.166.170.21, 174.36.241.155, 66.249.68.187, 174.37.205.76, 142.166.170.104, 142.166.170.60, 67.195.112.88, 123.125.66.119, 66.249.68.146, 72.249.45.161, 66.249.68.251, 67.195.114.230, 67.195.115.214, 66.249.68.37, 91.205.96.13, 67.195.113.247, 216.129.119.41

Cardinals End Season Cubs Style LOL

No St. Louis Cardinals, NLDS, LA Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Ex-Cub factor, MLB

Cardinals End Season Cubs Style LOL

231

administrator

article

110

2009-09-26T04:36:48-04:00

Playerpress

265 5334 Maybe there still will be Cubs features.  There were promises made, and it's all legal and promising in the comment section of my <a href="http://www.playerpress.com/articles/red-hot-sox">Red Hot Sox</a> article.  You can skip past the article and go right to the comments, if you must.  No more Cubs features unless the Cubs made a miracle comeback and made the World Series.  Of course, we all know that hasn't happened since 1945, but that's another article.     So I woke up this morning, and the top feature was on Cubs outfielder and circus sensation <a href="http://www.playerpress.com/articles/milton-bradley-more-than-just-a-board-game-">Milton Bradley</a>.  Kerri Corazon still feels sorry for his name, even though we all know that he got what he asked for with the name thing.  With apologies to cmos666, because it was a well written article and he joined Playerpress after the no more Cubs treaty was signed.     So I am left celebrating the Cubs official elimination from the NL Central this weekend.  It doesn't come from a hatred for the Cubs.  I actually like the Cubs.  This is more of a celebration of a "I was right, you were wrong" perspective.  I suffer from this from being on the losing end of this statement way too many times in my first marriage.  And you could say that the Cubs are still alive in the Wildcard, although that would be climbing over many teams and that has about as much chance as MLB immediately passing my new <a href="http://www.playerpress.com/articles/a-wild-wildcard-idea">wild Wildcard idea</a> and allowing an extra team this season.  It's not going to happen.     So here's what to look for this weekend.  There is the Cubs elimination party.  In other action, the Cardinals face the Rockies in what could be a playoff preview.  Also, the Cards are tied with the Phillies, the team that finishes with the better record hosts the Rockies while the other team has to go to Los Angeles for the NLDS.  The Red Sox play the Yankees in another chapter in a saga that has gone on way too long.  The real action in the American League will be next week when the Tigers host the Twins for four games.  If the Twins remain hot, there could be a race in the AL Central.  Something to root for, a Twins vs. Tigers playoff on October 5 in Minnesota, which could conflict with the Vikings game.     And the parties continue. 76.24.134.188

2009-09-26T04:36:48-04:00

cubs-elimination-party

Yes 220.181.53.232, 66.249.68.248, 219.90.91.69, 119.63.199.52, 220.181.53.241, 218.241.174.166, 123.125.156.138, 123.125.156.135, 123.125.156.132, 72.30.79.93, 208.131.186.27, 195.184.7.251, 174.46.170.181, 72.30.78.232, 67.218.116.130, 123.125.156.131, 66.249.68.245, 65.55.207.137, 218.25.99.135, 66.96.220.69, 91.121.91.61, 190.213.49.51, 202.44.4.85, 114.127.246.36, 67.195.113.245, 67.195.115.163, 118.175.22.69, 74.206.98.195, 202.188.222.2, 203.147.4.68, 66.249.68.163, 65.55.207.126, 64.13.159.90, 203.82.73.198, 66.249.68.117, 59.36.98.154, 38.100.41.113, 217.14.6.210, 92.76.153.7, 66.249.68.219, 190.14.254.162, 89.253.70.223, 66.249.68.227, 65.55.207.69, 38.108.180.111, 66.235.124.56, 65.55.106.180, 67.195.112.110, 85.120.79.217, 210.51.10.197, 121.28.34.69, 75.103.49.210, 66.249.68.207, 200.44.112.147, 67.195.112.109, 94.23.238.27, 200.141.202.162, 119.145.136.236, 72.30.142.187, 61.91.242.19, 212.51.221.221, 218.76.73.33, 61.145.121.124, 208.69.231.202, 66.235.124.8, 120.28.64.94, 221.238.17.245, 38.108.180.53, 222.116.210.143, 120.28.64.77, 221.215.1.224, 67.195.114.233, 65.55.207.123, 85.25.124.132, 65.55.207.27, 65.55.106.136, 120.28.64.85, 93.93.128.104, 70.42.92.126, 66.249.68.251, 89.16.178.147, 59.51.60.169, 148.245.191.3, 66.249.65.200, 208.115.111.246, 195.210.57.83, 200.177.228.4, 67.195.113.249, 123.125.66.55, 117.25.129.200, 195.229.62.157, 38.100.41.112, 99.155.62.244, 163.1.5.153, 65.55.109.117, 67.218.116.131, 142.166.3.122, 66.249.68.195, 67.195.111.172, 66.249.68.233, 38.99.98.111, 67.195.112.159, 212.227.136.205, 87.250.252.241, 65.55.106.184, 85.25.124.4, 123.125.66.53, 123.125.66.39, 85.25.124.167, 123.125.66.115, 174.133.177.66, 38.105.83.6, 212.1.248.17, 38.101.148.126, 208.115.111.245, 67.195.115.95, 123.125.66.130, 38.99.97.55, 67.195.114.42, 67.195.115.181, 142.166.170.103, 65.55.106.179, 66.249.68.149, 66.249.67.218, 66.249.67.142, 65.55.106.139, 66.249.65.114, 65.55.104.134, 67.195.111.28, 66.249.68.204, 94.75.229.132, 38.99.97.10, 67.195.112.114, 98.237.197.210, 67.80.89.223, 67.195.37.188, 65.55.107.233, 130.209.239.6, 38.100.8.50, 66.249.68.155, 65.55.207.140, 123.125.66.81, 72.249.45.161, 67.195.112.88, 67.195.111.60, 207.46.204.188, 208.115.111.247

Cubs Elimination Party

No Red Hot Sox, Milton Bradley, Elimination Party

Cubs Elimination Party

793

writer

article

110

-1

2009-09-24T20:41:00-04:00

Playerpress

Yes

705 5325 Soon to be FORMER Cubs outfielder Milton Bradley issued a letter of apology Wednesday saying that he is sorry for the things he has said and the way that he has acted.  Chalking it up to frustration, he says that his comments were a reaction to his situation and that he wished things turned out differently.  Well, Milty ole buddy boy- SO DO WE! <img width="218" height="72" src="/uploads/Image/Bradley feature.JPG" alt="" /> The suspension and apology came in the wake of statements made by Bradley over the weekend in the Daily Herald-  "you understand why they haven't won here in 100 years."  Bradley, who signed a three year $30 million dollar deal this past offseason went on to say that "It's everything, it's everybody," in describing his wariness at being bashed by the team and fans.   Plagued all season long by terrible play in the outfiled, sub-par performance at the plate, and incredibly jack-assed actions and statements, Bradley had worn out his welcome sometime around the all-star break.  I am amazed that it took this long for Cubs GM Jim Hendry to suspend him.  Actually, I'm amazed that teammates and fans haven't taken swings at him.  Bradley would have done better in the outfiled if he would have used his big mouth to catch balls hit his way.  And of course, his batting numbers improve after the Cubs are all but done in the playoff race.   Bradley was batting .257 with 12 homers and 40 RBI in 124 games before being asked not to return to the team for the remainder of the year.  Those are respectable numbers.  Respectable if you are not a $10 million dollar a year highly publicized free-agent signing in the third largest media outlet in the country.   There has been a VERY long line of excuses for his poor play this past season- Like when he said on sports radio that he is slumping because he wasn't used to playing so many day games.  Or when he said that it was hard for him to play well because none of his teammates were friendly to him.  "I played every game with everything that I had and wanted to desperately win." Bradley said in his apology.  Really?  How desparately do you want to win and how much are you truly giving if you tell your mother that you pray for the games to only go nine-innings so that you can get out of there?  Yes, his MOTHER.  A popular Chicago news outlet conducted an interview with Bradley's MOTHER in order to gain deeper insight, I suppose, on Bradley and his problems.   This entire debacle is far from over as he is still signed for 2 more years.  The Cubs are going to have to eat a large portion of that salary in order to get another team to take him off their hands- which is their only viable choice at this point.  Lou Piniella and Hendry simply can't rehab his deplorable attitude to the point where he will be welcome in the clubhouse or on the field in this town again.  One has only to look a few hundred miles south to St. Louis where Mark DeRosa is the toast of the town to see what a collosal mistake Hendry made this past off-season.  DeRosa is a free-agent after this year though, so here is Hendry's big chance to right a HUGE wrong.   For Bradley though, although the experiment failed here, there are other teams that need his temperamental switch-hitting bat and have enough support pieces in place that his crap-tacular attitude will not be the focus on a losing team.  Until the Cubs front office can find a team willing to make that happen this off-season- Milton Bradley is just another bad kid grounded at home playing board games... 76.97.188.228

2009-09-24T20:41:00-04:00

milton-bradley-more-than-just-a-board-game-

Yes 72.30.87.97, 188.51.100.73, 66.249.68.248, 99.169.107.73, 220.181.53.229, 200.238.83.49, 123.125.156.134, 213.180.209.10, 66.197.159.229, 94.103.227.36, 94.142.130.88, 66.235.124.54, 65.55.108.242, 212.123.164.217, 204.124.182.156, 220.181.53.227, 64.191.50.60, 195.241.61.133, 195.2.216.186, 70.91.51.98, 150.199.176.125, 64.38.3.50, 174.46.170.181, 72.66.215.133, 174.142.104.57, 222.76.212.17, 72.30.78.232, 66.249.68.245, 91.77.108.244, 74.169.32.242, 87.110.102.138, 123.252.207.163, 68.81.214.168, 82.131.192.212, 74.182.102.160, 67.202.46.241, 80.240.215.147, 207.200.116.9, 67.195.115.185, 209.211.7.1, 89.28.114.111, 72.30.79.93, 72.30.87.105, 210.51.10.197, 164.78.248.57, 202.112.126.123, 12.50.25.162, 71.33.10.52, 195.88.33.77, 190.102.206.48, 75.22.17.147, 217.114.3.220, 114.127.246.36, 67.218.116.131, 220.181.53.247, 202.99.21.162, 66.96.220.69, 204.124.182.42, 212.95.58.205, 188.92.76.208, 205.188.116.195, 202.57.33.134, 65.55.106.232, 91.121.91.61, 82.194.76.19, 193.11.233.70, 220.181.53.241, 219.94.84.102, 194.187.148.3, 87.149.201.184, 68.57.187.167, 193.169.4.7, 67.195.113.245, 207.44.255.162, 67.195.115.163, 66.249.67.133, 82.52.98.144, 202.44.4.85, 66.249.68.163, 188.92.75.174, 221.130.48.67, 71.7.78.60, 174.129.101.63, 64.13.159.83, 220.181.53.244, 66.67.48.122, 66.235.124.56, 125.46.73.179, 210.245.63.218, 195.88.33.109, 211.115.109.14, 66.249.68.227, 65.55.106.227, 212.117.183.126, 66.235.124.8, 38.100.41.113, 217.14.6.210, 66.249.67.238, 92.76.153.7, 210.212.216.228, 66.249.68.219, 74.87.81.138, 38.98.19.111, 174.46.170.182, 89.253.70.223, 221.181.64.110, 89.149.197.241, 87.244.139.249, 65.55.207.48, 61.18.170.34, 212.191.130.227, 64.191.65.229, 67.195.112.110, 64.233.173.2, 66.249.68.242, 79.139.225.204, 198.189.53.24, 99.141.96.53, 201.67.42.133, 66.249.67.174, 71.242.50.175, 67.202.34.153, 74.222.1.99, 189.41.66.5, 79.139.225.250, 66.249.68.207, 70.136.55.160, 89.189.137.21, 84.16.224.91, 212.66.42.134, 71.52.45.46, 174.129.81.149, 84.16.231.195, 188.92.72.162, 195.88.33.84, 95.46.0.238, 67.195.112.109, 76.123.212.81, 66.249.68.198, 69.58.178.27, 217.147.29.50, 124.115.0.161, 201.39.87.130, 124.8.157.1, 94.76.218.174, 211.138.124.189, 38.108.180.53, 91.197.130.57, 65.55.106.207, 200.81.19.253, 67.218.116.130, 129.79.247.103, 188.92.75.82, 200.206.225.51, 217.218.98.254, 67.195.115.216, 194.110.162.90, 194.110.162.94, 219.90.91.69, 65.55.106.134, 66.232.124.243, 195.184.204.157, 195.184.204.159, 120.28.64.77, 85.25.124.132, 92.241.164.105, 66.249.68.251, 65.33.111.127, 71.60.128.241, 190.161.66.123, 195.229.62.157, 90.192.45.131, 89.136.33.82, 203.147.4.68, 24.31.215.234, 200.241.244.5, 123.125.66.26, 67.195.112.159, 188.92.74.81, 123.138.18.114, 65.55.106.156, 58.246.76.76, 221.215.1.224, 66.249.65.200, 194.110.162.92, 194.110.162.228, 124.115.0.24, 93.93.128.104, 67.208.234.6, 74.118.192.159, 208.115.111.246, 150.70.84.49, 58.106.94.222, 24.185.19.73, 65.55.207.119, 200.177.228.4, 87.244.128.47, 93.182.185.52, 66.235.124.55, 130.126.24.166, 123.125.66.18, 78.26.187.123, 38.100.41.112, 67.195.113.249, 65.33.124.176, 95.108.157.251, 66.96.229.53, 95.215.1.13, 77.88.50.53, 163.1.5.150, 95.25.34.77, 193.169.4.164, 188.112.151.198, 194.8.75.251, 93.182.136.150, 163.1.5.153, 65.55.106.209, 69.58.178.30, 142.166.3.122, 67.195.111.172, 66.249.68.134, 68.61.123.188, 213.251.133.49, 65.55.106.186, 65.55.109.154, 38.99.98.111, 123.125.66.37, 91.77.195.85, 87.250.252.241, 212.227.136.205, 195.210.57.83, 92.242.82.169, 71.191.228.253, 188.72.225.209, 163.191.32.224, 124.115.4.195, 89.149.244.89, 91.212.226.208, 78.26.187.201, 74.176.58.41, 66.249.68.233, 95.24.148.152, 76.17.93.218, 91.77.239.97, 109.86.171.86, 95.28.207.56, 65.55.106.133, 91.212.226.222, 89.149.244.92, 188.165.192.166, 119.63.198.19, 78.26.187.125, 85.25.124.4, 12.175.178.250, 95.28.104.113, 65.33.110.228, 95.215.0.28, 82.193.99.54, 123.125.66.54, 95.28.105.72, 123.125.66.114, 85.25.124.167, 60.217.248.144, 86.96.226.15, 93.85.55.245, 123.125.66.113, 58.61.164.40, 91.211.117.129, 174.133.177.66, 89.28.14.35, 58.61.164.141, 82.193.99.58, 95.68.82.31, 202.108.50.75, 188.165.192.168, 94.23.238.192, 203.51.112.189, 195.238.108.131, 38.105.83.6, 116.125.140.2, 94.23.226.25, 94.41.90.149, 125.24.176.158, 65.55.108.243, 92.242.82.72, 212.117.183.163, 91.214.44.231, 212.235.107.33, 212.1.248.17, 208.115.111.245, 212.235.107.41, 92.241.182.23, 38.101.148.126, 65.33.110.208, 109.169.137.162, 66.249.65.88, 96.47.227.198, 212.95.54.235, 211.141.86.152, 65.55.207.45, 109.196.16.7, 67.195.114.243, 38.100.8.50, 92.235.120.37, 95.133.167.113, 91.124.228.57, 201.92.94.82, 65.33.111.81, 123.125.66.129, 150.70.84.41, 92.113.31.148, 76.118.152.90, 66.249.68.137, 122.205.95.27, 71.238.254.92, 95.25.35.237, 38.99.97.55, 93.80.118.159, 67.195.115.95, 66.176.137.129, 64.214.191.210, 121.128.203.159, 95.134.13.42, 65.55.207.120, 94.41.162.226, 213.155.25.194, 60.217.248.133, 67.195.114.42, 65.33.111.221, 78.26.187.46, 92.48.118.229, 203.81.81.36, 91.214.44.59, 66.249.68.146, 123.125.66.63, 119.63.198.52, 67.195.115.181, 78.26.187.62, 212.117.187.100, 78.26.179.139, 109.187.78.140, 190.220.145.44, 94.23.222.6, 84.19.161.8, 78.26.187.44, 67.195.112.114, 67.195.37.188, 109.187.111.19, 94.75.229.132, 38.99.97.126, 67.195.111.28, 67.8.219.82, 92.241.164.108, 95.132.174.9, 109.187.86.65, 38.99.97.10, 65.55.207.72, 91.201.64.12, 65.55.106.203, 60.217.248.156, 90.157.48.55, 95.25.32.228, 91.121.92.159, 123.125.66.69, 72.249.45.161, 123.125.66.67, 212.117.175.54, 67.195.114.230, 89.149.244.240, 194.8.75.147, 67.195.115.214, 68.232.187.101, 66.249.68.81, 221.130.13.57, 207.46.204.233, 216.129.119.11, 68.35.15.92, 67.195.111.60, 119.63.198.54, 89.178.82.20, 206.83.86.2, 95.169.186.170, 123.125.66.93, 77.40.41.78, 38.99.96.233, 77.40.34.230, 67.195.113.247, 66.249.68.236, 221.130.13.34, 208.115.111.247, 38.100.41.66, 212.235.107.118, 124.115.1.7, 77.40.65.13, 91.212.226.80, 78.26.179.9, 202.239.214.180, 204.124.182.34, 74.118.193.172, 71.238.70.239, 201.225.226.68, 94.142.130.122, 78.46.102.194, 94.103.227.172, 86.122.164.46, 87.206.146.118

Milton Bradley- more than just a board game...

No Chicago Cubs, Milton Bradley

Milton Bradley- more than just a board game...

1094

writer

article

110

2009-09-17T21:55:00-04:00

Playerpress

213 5211 7 games out of the Wild Card in the National League, 5 games over .500- historically this would be considered a good year for the not-so-lovable losers on the North Side.  While still alive, mathematically, it is clear that Lou and his crew have given up.  Has Lou lost this team?  Hard to say, but they clearly no longer have any passion or ambition for their work this season. <script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.coolchaser.com/javascripts/freecause.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.coolchaser.com/javascripts/freecause.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.coolchaser.com/javascripts/freecause.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.coolchaser.com/javascripts/freecause.js"></script>  Cubs fans have woken up this past decade, no longer looking at Wrigley just as party central, but as the baseball shrine that it is and they now expect a winner.  It's hard to argue with recent history- winning the NL Central and making the playoffs in each of the 2003, 2007, and 2008 seasons- the fans have grown used to winning and were expecting to go farther in the playoffs this year.  But a weak season from the big free agent and big-mouthed right-fielder Milton Bradley, continued mediocrity from Alphonse Sorianno and Kosuke Fukudome, unstable attitude from Big Z (for Zoloft?), and the loss of emotional spark plug Mark DeRosa have all contributed to lack-luster play this season.   Can you still expect professionals to do their job and play to win every time they don Cubby Blue?  Absolutely.  But that doesn't begin and end with just the talent on the field.  To paraphrase a scene from Bull Durham- 'They're lollygagging in the infield, lollygagging in the outfield, lollygagging up the base paths- what does that make them?  Lollygaggers!'  But I digress...  Lou Piniella's job is to motivate these guys to give their all and to put them in situations to succeed.  Some people may think that professionals shouldn't need motivation, that they should play for pride and to justify salaries, but that just isn't how human beings work.  Poor play is the fault of the player, poor attitude is the fault of the manager.   And you can trace this down turn in attitude to the day DeRosa left town for Cleveland.  Always affable, always prepared, always hustling, DeRosa was the leader of this team last year.  One of the better hitters, fileding 4 spots, and always fighting to win- you could just feel the air being let out of the bubble at 1060 W. Addison the day he left.  Fan reaction to the loss was anything but typical, for Cub's fans anyway.  Expressing disappointment at the loss of such a well-liked player, Chicago still had faith, hope, and trust in Hendry that he would work the phones and money-line to get Jake Peavey or a big left-handed bat to replace DeRosa's roster spot.  We got switch-hitting and Bi-polar Bradley instead.   Jim Hendry has had a great run the past several years, bringing some good players to town, and some not so good.  But the fact that he has been spending and trying has already made him one of the more popular GM's in Cub's history if only because of the excitment of playoff baseball the last few years.  Regardless of the opinion that he was doing so to raise the value of the team so that the Tribune could sell the Cubs off, you can ignore a lot when you are winning.  But he has taken a giant step back this year.  How much of that is his fault, and how much fault lies with Piniella and the players?  It's definitely shared, especially with Lou asking for a big left-handed bat after getting swept by the LA Dodgers in the playoffs last season.  But taking a chance on a well known problem child with a history of running his numbers up, and his mouth, when it no longer matters lies solely in the lap of the GM, no matter how much your manager yells about what he wants.   It's going to be hard to dump the big slaries, mediocre numbers, and poor attitudes.  It's going to be hard for Hendry to convince new ownership that he should keep his job despite the poor excuse for a "team".  It may not be so hard for Piniella to justify his position, if only based on reputation.  But you can make an argument that he has lost this team, they are not motivated and are not playing hard.  This coupled with a new owner, doesn't bode well.   New ownership tends to want to bring their own people in, no matter what they may say about keeping existing staff and tradition.  The bottom line is that this is a business.  And all businesses are motivated by the bottom line.  Was this just a bump in the newly paved road to success that the Cubs seemed to have been traveling down?  WIll this year's giant step backwards result in the fans voicing their opinions by not showing up next year?  Can we expect a house-cleaning and the obligatory "re-building"  for the next few years?  Good questions.  Only time will tell, but the only question that matters right  now is: are Cubs fans who have grown used to winning, to thinking that this is the year- ready to wait until next year- again? <script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.coolchaser.com/javascripts/freecause.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.coolchaser.com/javascripts/freecause.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.coolchaser.com/javascripts/freecause.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.coolchaser.com/javascripts/freecause.js"></script> 76.97.188.228

2009-09-17T21:55:00-04:00

lou-s-crew-won-t-make-it-through

Yes 66.249.68.248, 72.30.142.117, 65.55.105.230, 72.30.79.93, 65.55.106.162, 174.46.170.180, 72.30.78.232, 66.249.68.245, 66.96.220.69, 64.13.159.90, 67.195.115.163, 65.55.106.179, 66.249.67.133, 66.249.68.163, 66.249.68.117, 66.235.124.8, 38.100.41.113, 66.249.68.219, 67.195.113.245, 89.253.70.223, 66.249.68.227, 24.22.117.98, 67.195.112.110, 66.249.68.207, 66.249.68.242, 67.195.112.109, 66.249.68.198, 217.14.6.210, 65.55.106.204, 72.30.142.187, 38.108.180.111, 67.218.116.130, 38.108.180.53, 65.55.106.155, 85.25.124.132, 71.60.128.241, 67.195.37.172, 66.249.68.251, 67.195.112.159, 67.195.113.249, 66.249.65.200, 208.115.111.246, 65.55.106.138, 123.125.66.28, 38.100.41.112, 173.17.78.248, 77.88.50.53, 163.1.5.150, 163.1.5.153, 142.166.3.122, 67.218.116.131, 66.249.68.195, 67.195.111.172, 38.99.98.111, 212.227.136.205, 66.249.68.233, 65.55.207.98, 87.250.252.241, 85.25.124.4, 123.125.66.52, 123.125.66.116, 85.25.124.167, 123.125.66.111, 174.133.177.66, 38.105.83.6, 212.1.248.17, 65.55.107.179, 66.249.68.134, 208.115.111.245, 38.99.97.55, 66.249.68.210, 173.185.11.152, 67.195.114.42, 65.55.216.53, 94.75.229.132, 66.249.68.204, 67.195.37.188, 65.55.106.227, 67.195.111.28, 38.100.8.50, 65.55.207.22, 72.249.45.161, 67.195.114.230, 66.249.68.81, 67.195.115.214, 207.46.195.235, 208.115.111.247

Lou's Crew Won't Make It Through

No chicago cubs, milton bradley

Lou's Crew Won't Make It Through

1094

writer

wire

110

2009-08-30T11:25:00-04:00

Playerpress

285 4953  Things are looking very dull for the Chicago Cubs and their playoff hopes.  The lovable losers are 9 games behind the Cardinals in the NL Central Division, and that number doesn’t seem to want to decrease. The Cardinals are playing very strong, and they just seem to win whenever the Cubs do.    Lou Piniella told reporters to <a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outbound/article/http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/news/story?id=4426355');" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: rgb(60, 120, 167); text-decoration: none;" href="http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/news/story?id=4426355">blame him</a> for this dismal season, and while you usually do blame the manager for a bad season, you can hardly blame Lou for the Cubs’ problems this season.  The only problem I have with the job Lou has done this year is his inability to build up chemistry between the players. I don’t see any between the Cubs players. They look like a bunch of strangers out on the field. Without good chemistry between players, teams often lack that go-to spirit that is needed to win ballgames. The locker room just doesn’t seem to be a happy and laid-back locker room, which has hurt the Cubs all season long.  After telling reporters that he <a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outbound/article/http://cbs2chicago.com/sports/milton.bradley.hatred.2.1146903.html');" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: rgb(60, 120, 167); text-decoration: none;" href="http://cbs2chicago.com/sports/milton.bradley.hatred.2.1146903.html">thought fans were racist</a>, Milton Bradley has been on a tear. While there might be some racist fans, most of the fans are angry at him because he has failed to meet expectations, not because he is black. And fansshould be angry with him. He has failed to meet any expectations. And I mean FAILED. He is batting a dismal .167 with runners in scoring position. That is unacceptable in baseball. If you wan to make fans and managers happy, you need to produce with runners on 2nd and 3rd.  Another problem player is Carlos Zambrano. When he said he wasn’t trying his hardest, I was infuriated. The Cubs pay this guy loads of money and he isn’t even trying? That is the worst possible stunt a baseball player can pull. I would axe him in a minute. No wonder his numbers are bad this year. He wasn’t even trying! I am sorry if I sound harsh, but that is unacceptable for any pro athlete to just give it half-assed effort. You can’t do that to a team that is paying you to be their #1 starter. Just a really dumb thing to do.  Despite these issues, while you can say the Cubs are out of the division race, they still have an outside chance at the Wild Card. The Cubs are a manageable 5.5 games behind Colorado, with three other teams (S.F., Atlanta, Florida) ahead of the Cubs as well. This is their only light at the end of the tunnel. The Cubs have one month to get it in gear and win games.  Though it is perhaps unlikely, 5.5 games is still a manageable number to overcome. We’ve seen it done before during the last month of a baseball season. It’s just a question of how much to do they want it? 76.97.188.228

2009-08-30T11:25:00-04:00

4953-4953-4953-4953-cubs-hopes-are-slim-but-not-gone

Yes 202.188.222.2, 89.136.152.108, 74.206.98.195, 66.249.68.248, 222.124.212.196, 212.191.130.227, 65.55.106.135, 174.46.170.180, 123.125.156.132, 212.138.69.18, 72.30.87.105, 202.131.30.150, 119.63.199.13, 202.44.4.85, 66.96.220.69, 114.127.246.36, 212.51.221.221, 65.55.106.162, 66.249.67.133, 66.249.68.163, 195.229.62.157, 208.115.111.246, 124.128.193.123, 38.100.41.113, 64.13.159.90, 89.253.70.223, 38.108.180.111, 67.195.115.163, 202.131.30.146, 67.195.113.245, 67.195.112.170, 210.51.10.197, 72.90.57.210, 66.249.68.242, 120.28.64.77, 174.129.218.253, 67.195.115.216, 67.195.112.109, 93.93.128.104, 200.177.228.4, 67.218.116.130, 66.249.67.174, 38.108.180.53, 195.2.216.186, 203.210.142.206, 208.115.111.250, 202.131.30.148, 80.14.39.130, 85.25.124.132, 120.28.64.94, 66.249.68.251, 67.195.113.249, 200.196.189.34, 67.195.112.159, 189.124.129.174, 120.28.64.85, 174.143.243.6, 65.55.106.182, 58.246.76.76, 65.55.107.179, 123.125.66.47, 59.51.60.169, 38.100.41.112, 66.249.68.230, 202.131.30.147, 67.195.111.172, 67.218.116.131, 142.166.3.122, 38.99.98.111, 212.227.136.205, 87.250.252.241, 85.25.124.4, 66.249.68.134, 123.125.66.36, 123.125.66.16, 85.25.124.167, 123.125.66.51, 174.133.177.66, 66.249.68.150, 24.5.166.94, 38.105.83.6, 66.249.67.245, 65.55.207.46, 212.1.248.17, 208.115.111.247, 67.195.110.158, 208.115.111.245, 38.100.8.50, 67.195.114.42, 123.125.66.118, 71.238.254.92, 38.99.97.55, 67.195.115.95, 66.249.68.245, 61.247.222.83, 65.189.254.122, 67.195.115.181, 94.75.229.132, 38.99.97.10, 67.195.37.188, 61.247.222.46, 65.55.107.180, 65.55.106.137, 66.249.68.146, 65.55.109.239, 130.209.239.6, 72.249.45.161

Cubs Hopes are Slim, But Not Gone

No Chicago Cubs, Mlb, baseball

Cubs Hopes are Slim, But Not Gone

579

writer

wire

110

2009-08-26T22:54:00-04:00

Playerpress

Yes

486 4920   Now don’t get your booties all in a bunch. Everybody knows that for the last 101 years that the Cubs have not won a World Series. However, the fact of the matter is, is that there is a long list of former Cubs players that have not only played in the World Series, but that won it and were a key part in winning it as well.  In addition, it is not that any of these players were lousy players while they were on the Cubs, they were not, and the problem was that they just happened to play for the Cubs. Once they left the Cubs, championship success was just around the corner. <o:p> </o:p> Unbelievably, this is not a small list either. You actually might be surprised at some of the names and might not have even realized that some of these players were at one time, prior to being a champion that is, a Chicago Cub. <o:p> </o:p> Just for the sake of sanity, I only went back as far as the last time the Cubs actually appeared in a World Series, which was 1945, which they eventually lost to the Detroit Tigers in 7 games. 1945 was also when the supposed “Curse of the Goat” was put on the Cubs for not allowing a patron to bring his goat into one of the World Series games at Wrigley Field. As hard as it is to believe in a curse, the fact of the matter remains that the Cubs have not appeared in a World Series since.  <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> World Series Champion 1947 Yankees Lonnie Frey played for the Cubs in 1937 Bobo Newsom played for the Cubs in 1932 <o:p> </o:p> World Series Champion 1955 Dodgers Russ Meyer played for the Cubs from 1946-1948 <o:p> </o:p> World Series Champion 1957 Braves Andy Pafko played for the Cubs from 1943-1951 Carl Sawatski played for the Cubs from 1948-1953 <o:p> </o:p> World Series Champion 1959 Dodgers Johnny Klipstein played for the Cubs from 1950-1954 <o:p> </o:p> World Series Champion 1960 Pirates<o:p></o:p> Smokey Burgess played for the Cubs from 1949-1951 Don Hoak played for the Cubs in 1956 Gene Baker played for the Cubs from 1953-1957 <o:p> </o:p> World Series Champion 1962 Yankees<o:p></o:p> Dale Long played for the Cubs from 1958-1959 <o:p> </o:p> World Series Champion 1964 Cardinals<o:p></o:p> Barney Schultz played for the Cubs from 1962-1963   World Series Champion 1964 Dodgers Lou Johnson played for the Cubs in 1960 Jim Brewer played for the Cubs from 1960-1963 World Series Champion 1964 & 1967 Cardinals<o:p></o:p> Lou Brock played for the Cubs from 1961-1964 <o:p> </o:p> World Series Champion 1969 Mets<o:p></o:p> Don Cardwell played for the Cubs from 1960-1962 <o:p> </o:p> World Series Champion 1966 & 1970 Orioles Moe Drabowsky played for the Cubs from 1956-1960   World Series Champion 1971 Pirates<o:p></o:p> Bob Miller played for the Cubs from 1970-1971<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> World Series Champion 1972 & 1973 & 1974 Athletics<o:p></o:p> Ken Holtzman played for the Cubs from 1965-1971<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> World Series Champion 1974 Athletics<o:p></o:p> Billy North played for the Cubs from 1971-1972   World Series Champion 1975 & 1976 Reds<o:p></o:p> Fred Norman played for the Cubs from 1964-1967 <o:p></o:p> World Series Champion 1979 Pirates<o:p></o:p> Bill Madlock played for the Cubs from 1974-1976 Matt Alexander played for the Cubs from 1973-1974 <o:p></o:p> World Series Champion 1980 Phillies<o:p></o:p> Greg Gross played for the Cubs from 1977-1978 <o:p></o:p> World Series Champion 1982 Dodgers<o:p></o:p> Rick Monday played for the Cubs from 1972-1976 <o:p> </o:p> World Series Champion 1982 Cardinals<o:p></o:p> Bruce Sutter played for the Cubs from 1976-1980<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> World Series Champion 1984 Tigers<o:p></o:p> Willie Hernandez played for the Cubs from 1977-1983 <o:p></o:p> World Series Champion 1987 Twins<o:p></o:p> George Frazier played for the Cubs from 1984-1986<o:p></o:p> Joe Niekro played for the Cubs from 1967-1969 <o:p></o:p> World Series Champion 1988 Dodgers<o:p></o:p> Jay Howell played for the Cubs in 1981 <o:p></o:p> World Series Champion 1989 Athletics<o:p></o:p> Dennis Eckersley played for the Cubs from 1984-1986 <o:p></o:p> World Series Champion 1990 Reds<o:p></o:p> Billy Hatcher played for the Cubs from 1984-1985<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> World Series Champion 1992 Blue Jays<o:p></o:p> Pat Tabler played for the Cubs from 1981-1982 <o:p></o:p> World Series Champion 1992 & 1993 Blue Jays<o:p></o:p> Joe Carter played for the Cubs in 1983<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> World Series Champion 1995 Braves<o:p></o:p> Greg Maddux played for the Cubs from 1986-1992 Dwight Smith played for the Cubs from 1989-1993 <o:p></o:p> World Series Champion 1997 Marlins<o:p></o:p> Alex Arias played for the Cubs in 1992 <o:p></o:p> World Series Champion 1996, 1998 & 1999 Yankees<o:p></o:p> Joe Girardi played for the Cubs from 1989-1992<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> World Series Champion 2000 Yankees<o:p></o:p> Jose Viscaino played for the Cubs from 1991-1993 Glen Allen Hill played for the Cubs from 1993-1994, 1998-2000 <o:p></o:p> World Series Champion 2001 Diamondbacks<o:p></o:p> Mark Grace played for the Cubs from 1988-2000 Luis Gonzalez played for the Cubs from 1995-1996 Miguel Batista played for the Cubs in 1997 Mike Morgan played for the Cubs from 1992-1995 <o:p></o:p> World Series Champion 2004 Red Sox <o:p></o:p> Mark Bellhorn played for the Cubs from 2002-2003 Bill Mueller played for the Cubs from 2001-2002 <o:p></o:p> World Series Champion 2007 Red Sox<o:p></o:p> Julian Tavarez played for the Cubs in 2001 <o:p></o:p> World Series Champion 2008 Phillies<o:p></o:p> Scott Eyre played for the Cubs from 2005-2008 (joined Phillies in August) Jamie Moyer played for the Cubs from 1986-1988 Matt Stairs played for the Cubs in 2001 <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> There has also been a theory called the Ex-Cub Factor, which was originally coined by writer and Cub fan Ron Berler. He wrote an article in 1981 for the Boston Herald stating that since the Yankees of that season had five ex-Cubs on their roster, they were destined to lose the World Series if in fact they got there. <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Chicago</st1:city></st1:place> newspaper legend Mike Royko picked up on the factor as well, especially after Berler's 1981 prediction turned out to be correct, as the Yankees lost to the Dodgers in six games.   However, since 1945 there have been three teams that have in fact won the World Series with three ex-Cubs or more on their roster. Those teams are the 1960 Pirates, which had 3 ex-Cubs, the 2001 Diamondbacks, which had 4 ex-Cubs and the 2008 Phillies, which had 3 ex-Cubs.   If you care to, you can read the original article here: <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20070405002336/http:/www.all-baseball.com/ref/berler.html">Ex-Cub Factor</a>.  76.97.188.228

2009-08-26T22:54:00-04:00

4920-4920-4920-4920-4920-4920-cubs-winning-a-world-series

Yes 123.125.156.132, 65.55.106.182, 195.229.62.157, 202.54.61.99, 59.36.98.154, 114.108.234.166, 66.249.68.248, 74.206.98.195, 71.201.149.36, 220.181.53.230, 72.30.79.93, 220.181.94.231, 77.88.66.251, 174.46.170.180, 66.249.68.245, 203.236.210.210, 72.30.87.105, 116.125.140.11, 202.188.222.2, 200.195.95.38, 212.138.113.15, 89.179.244.135, 110.8.253.100, 65.55.106.134, 65.55.106.136, 203.147.4.68, 12.148.169.2, 66.249.67.136, 114.127.246.36, 67.195.113.245, 72.54.238.141, 67.195.115.163, 66.249.68.163, 195.3.245.62, 202.131.30.146, 65.55.108.242, 208.115.111.246, 222.90.66.30, 38.100.41.113, 64.13.159.90, 195.216.213.6, 89.253.70.223, 38.108.180.111, 66.249.68.219, 66.249.68.227, 205.188.116.76, 38.98.19.111, 67.195.112.170, 116.125.140.13, 210.51.10.197, 65.31.177.109, 120.28.64.94, 65.55.106.185, 94.23.238.27, 212.117.183.169, 61.247.222.82, 67.195.112.109, 124.115.0.170, 38.108.180.53, 66.249.68.242, 66.249.68.198, 221.215.1.224, 200.196.189.34, 217.25.26.204, 67.218.116.130, 67.195.112.110, 200.201.190.82, 66.219.58.34, 58.246.76.76, 208.115.111.250, 190.102.206.48, 200.177.228.4, 85.25.124.132, 120.28.64.77, 67.195.113.249, 122.70.146.53, 211.233.79.168, 123.125.66.112, 189.21.126.3, 61.247.222.83, 67.195.112.159, 61.135.249.203, 65.55.106.162, 62.216.241.133, 124.115.4.204, 221.224.206.86, 123.125.66.23, 66.249.68.251, 200.222.64.170, 38.100.41.112, 163.1.5.150, 133.11.213.137, 69.138.158.254, 142.166.3.122, 202.131.30.148, 67.218.116.131, 69.208.8.11, 67.195.111.172, 66.249.68.233, 65.55.207.131, 38.99.98.111, 66.249.68.150, 124.115.0.139, 87.250.252.241, 67.87.1.118, 66.249.68.134, 130.149.228.8, 123.125.66.27, 130.149.228.5, 123.125.66.49, 66.249.67.131, 123.125.66.109, 174.133.177.66, 123.125.66.77, 208.115.111.247, 38.101.148.126, 207.241.228.152, 202.131.30.147, 198.103.184.76, 67.195.114.42, 208.115.111.245, 71.238.254.92, 123.125.66.68, 38.99.97.55, 67.195.115.95, 65.55.106.107, 65.55.207.48, 66.249.68.210, 154.20.110.123, 67.195.115.181, 202.131.30.150, 99.145.88.80, 66.249.65.76, 66.249.68.146, 123.125.66.58, 94.75.229.132, 66.249.68.204, 38.99.97.10, 67.195.111.28, 68.36.144.6, 65.55.106.135, 65.55.207.70, 67.195.37.188, 67.195.112.114, 38.100.8.50, 88.131.106.30, 66.249.68.187, 67.195.112.88, 72.249.45.161, 124.13.141.207, 216.51.239.213, 66.249.68.236, 67.195.114.230, 67.195.115.214, 66.249.68.37, 66.249.68.172, 67.195.113.247

Cubs Winning a World Series

No Chicago Cubs, Ex Cub Factor, World Series

Cubs Winning a World Series

231

administrator

article

110

2009-08-23T08:55:00-04:00

Playerpress

280 4873 Ok Cubbies, we have rooted for, believed in, un-cursed, stood up for, given excuses for, and swore that "next year" would be the year. Well there is one thing that you have absolutely been consistent with, and that is being "inconsistent." The Cubs burst out of the gate in the second half of the season to the best record through the first 15-20 games, looking like a team on a mission. They even flirted with first place for about a week stealing it and giving it back to the St. Louis Cardinals, only to completely abandon hitting with less then two outs, or with runners in scoring position. Ryan Theriot is the only player consistently getting on base, but once he gets there, professional baseball rules very specifically state that he is not allowed to hit again until his spot in the batting order comes up again. At the beginning of the year I P'd and M'd that Milton Bradley was a waste of space, and that letting go of Mark Derosa was the biggest mistake of the 21st century. I still stand by that statement, but Alfonso Soriano is sprinting toward changing my mind. How is it humanly possible for a man that makes more then 15 million a year to hit a baseball to swing and miss as often as he does? The scouting report on him has to be "throw as many sliders as you can in the dirt away and let him get himself out. Lets dwell on some of the positives that we can take out of this weekend. First, where did Sam Fuld come from, and if at all possible can we get a few more of him? I have never seen someone in major league sports give more effort then he does. If we could run nine of him out on the field I think we would be better off. Two stolen bases, and three web gems in two games make him officially the best player on the Cubs. And last but not least the Tribune has officially sold the Cubs to The Ricketts family, something the Cubs have not seen in quite some time. He claims he will not make a public statement until he has been given the keys to the stadium. This has to be a positive move for the Cubs. They have always been like one of the slower learners in the class, and they really need hands on help if they are ever going to pass the test. The family ownership immediately makes it a household thing, and less of a corporate machine. At least we have the Bears right? I mean Jay Cutler was a man on a mission tonight, and Matt Forte has all the right moves to make the big Bears a team to watch this year. Is there any way the Ricketts can sign them for the rest of the season? 0.0.0.0

2009-08-23T08:55:00-04:00

consistently-inconsistent-and-rickett-y

Yes 123.125.156.134, 200.6.162.31, 218.75.75.246, 123.125.156.138, 66.249.68.248, 195.2.216.186, 222.124.212.196, 65.44.161.100, 213.93.147.235, 210.212.216.228, 59.148.248.107, 174.46.170.180, 119.63.199.13, 218.76.215.23, 72.30.78.232, 61.91.242.19, 77.108.72.196, 190.102.206.48, 201.225.226.68, 118.175.22.69, 128.95.137.164, 61.145.121.124, 190.213.49.51, 216.158.1.201, 91.121.91.61, 212.12.160.47, 221.130.48.67, 66.249.67.133, 66.249.68.245, 66.249.68.163, 114.127.246.36, 208.115.111.246, 221.215.1.224, 202.98.223.197, 67.195.112.170, 67.195.113.245, 38.100.41.113, 64.13.159.90, 210.21.63.141, 89.253.70.223, 38.108.180.111, 120.28.64.77, 122.70.146.53, 65.55.207.120, 67.195.112.109, 203.147.4.68, 120.28.64.94, 67.195.112.110, 204.191.244.43, 202.112.126.123, 110.8.253.100, 222.116.210.143, 210.51.10.197, 38.108.180.53, 93.93.128.104, 67.218.116.130, 200.177.228.4, 221.224.206.86, 123.138.18.114, 202.54.61.99, 99.57.3.31, 203.82.73.198, 208.115.111.250, 190.14.254.162, 85.25.124.132, 120.28.64.85, 124.172.110.158, 189.14.192.91, 67.195.37.172, 65.55.207.27, 200.253.115.18, 58.246.76.76, 67.195.112.159, 66.249.68.227, 66.249.68.251, 120.28.64.78, 200.129.25.14, 67.195.113.249, 65.55.106.203, 189.84.123.30, 190.128.225.182, 189.80.178.106, 189.124.129.174, 222.76.210.8, 189.14.192.84, 221.238.17.245, 123.125.66.113, 38.100.41.112, 163.1.5.150, 163.1.5.153, 65.55.106.158, 38.99.98.111, 66.249.68.233, 67.195.111.172, 87.250.252.241, 65.55.106.208, 174.133.177.66, 212.1.248.17, 66.249.68.135, 66.249.67.245, 66.249.68.134, 208.115.111.247, 207.241.228.152, 71.238.254.92, 38.99.97.55, 208.115.111.245, 67.195.115.181, 65.55.106.205, 94.75.229.132, 38.100.8.50, 67.195.37.188, 72.249.45.161, 66.249.68.81, 67.195.113.247, 207.46.204.232, 216.129.119.41

Consistently Inconsistent and Rickett-y

843

writer

wire

110

2009-08-21T18:58:00-04:00

Playerpress

Yes

366 4855 OK, I know it is only August and there is another whole month and more of baseball left, but at this point, all I have to say is that the Chicago Cubs are officially out of the race this season.  As I mentioned in an article at the beginning of the season, on paper, the Cubs had the best team in the National League and possibly all of baseball. (<a href="http://playerpress.com/articles/cubs-will-win-it-all-on-paper">Article here</a>) <o:p> </o:p> However, this is the Cubs we are talking about here and after all, for the last 101 years we have been proudly proclaiming, “Wait ‘till next year”. Well it is time to make it 102 years; the Cubs are done for this season. <o:p> </o:p> I must say though, I am actually kind of relieved that they are choking at this point and have not played the kind of baseball that they have the potential to play and that they are basically out of the picture at this point. At least I will not have to worry about the Cubs being swept in the first round of the playoffs for the third year in a row. I do not think that I could take that again. My heart is just not strong enough to go through that once again.   <o:p> </o:p> I really cannot explain why the Cubs took such a free fall this season. Oh sure, I am sure that the constant injuries that kept popping up to numerous key players throughout the season had something to do with it, but I am not going to use that as an excuse. <o:p> </o:p> On the other hand, of course, I could say it is the curse. Moreover, as much as that idiotic goat sounds and makes you wonder considering all of the years this has been happening to the Cubs, I am not going to use that as an excuse either. <o:p> </o:p> No, I will tell you why a promising team that looked prime to take the National League by storm this season instead as fluttered out and once again become the Cubs we have come to know and love throughout our lifetimes, the players, well certain players anyway. <o:p> </o:p> There are few on the team that continue to hold up their end of the bargain. Derrick Lee, Aramis Ramirez, Kouske Fukudome, Ted Lilly, Ryan Theriot, and Rich Harden continue to play the game the way it is supposed to played and have basically held this team together for this long this season. Although Ramirez and Lilly have both spent time on the DL this season, but you cannot blame them for that, especially when the injuries happened because they were giving 110% trying to win. <o:p> </o:p> No, I am talking about Carlos Zambrano, who did not follow the trainer’s advice to stay in shape and be able to pitch at his best. Or his lackadaisical attitude that he does not need to give it all every time he steps on the mound and still expecting to win with ease. <o:p> </o:p> I am talking about Alphonso Soriano, who is paid millions and millions of dollars and is not only a liability on the field due to poor defensive skills, but this season he has been absolutely terrible at the plate. Oh sure he has had a few big hits, but I blame the opposing pitcher for that. All you have to do is throw sliders low and outside and Soriano will wave at it not even coming close to actually hitting the ball. This is especially true when he has two strikes on him and every pitcher and team in the league knows this. <o:p> </o:p> I am talking about Milton Bradley, who the Cubs picked up in the offseason after he had a stellar year last season with the Rangers. Oh but not this year. The first half of the season, you could have bet the house that on a 3-2 count he would take strike three and swing and miss at ball four. In addition, he would argue the strike three call, get ejected from the game and get all riled up. This is nothing new for Bradley.  He has come around lately and is playing much better, but it is too little too late in my book. <o:p> </o:p> I am talking about Geovany Soto, last season’s rookie of the year who showed up to Cubs camp this season after the Baseball World Classic out of shape and not ready to play at all. It all went to his head and the drive and desire to succeed that he had last season all went right out the window. Then he admitted that he smoked marijuana during the Classic. Here it is August and he still must be in haze because his bat is nowhere to be found. <o:p> </o:p> I am talking about Aaron Miles, who the Cubs picked up from the Cardinals to compete for the second base job, after hitting over .300 last season, he has yet to break the .250 mark with the Cubs and has been injured for most of the season. <o:p> </o:p> I am talking about Carlos Marmol who last season was lights out, no worries, nasty stuff that nobody could hit. If he was in the game, the other team did not have a chance in hell of scoring. This season, if he could get the ball over the plate and stop hitting batters he might have been even slightly effective. However that is not the case and more often then not this season, can he not only hold a lead, he has given up the lead all together as well. <o:p> </o:p> I am talking about Kevin Gregg, who was supposed to be such a good closer that the Cubs decided to not resign Kerry Wood, a Cubs fan favorite, in favor of Gregg. Talk about a decision blowing up in your face. Gregg has been horrible. What other closer do you know of that goes into a game two nights in a row with the lead of 2-3 runs and ends up giving up a game winning walk off home run? In addition, three nights later after two nights off, comes in and does the same exact thing. <o:p> </o:p> I am talking about Manager Lou Piniella or maybe it is General Manager Jim Hendry. How in the hell are Soriano and Bradley still getting a chance to play when you have hungry young players on your bench such as Jake Fox and San Fuld, that would most likely produce a hell of a lot more on the field and at the plate and help the team win? <o:p> </o:p> Is it about winning or always playing the guys who make the most money? If I were Piniella, I would play the player that gave me the best chance to win regardless of how much money the prima-donna players were making if they were not producing on the field. <o:p> </o:p> However, this is the Cubs and for yet another year it’s “Wait ‘Till Next Year”! <o:p> </o:p> Thank God for football season!  0.0.0.0

2009-08-21T18:58:00-04:00

4855-4855-4855-4855-4855-4855-wait-till-next-year-for-the-102nd-time

Yes 72.30.87.97, 72.30.142.117, 219.232.253.36, 174.46.170.180, 66.249.68.248, 91.121.96.210, 72.30.87.99, 66.249.68.245, 72.30.87.105, 65.55.207.119, 67.195.115.163, 173.50.79.224, 66.249.67.136, 65.55.106.228, 66.249.68.163, 65.55.108.242, 208.115.111.246, 38.100.41.113, 64.13.159.90, 67.195.112.170, 72.30.161.249, 66.249.68.227, 89.253.70.223, 38.108.180.111, 65.31.177.109, 66.249.68.207, 66.249.68.242, 61.135.249.205, 67.195.112.109, 65.55.207.132, 67.195.115.216, 124.115.0.28, 65.55.106.211, 38.108.180.53, 67.195.114.233, 67.218.116.130, 208.115.111.250, 67.195.37.172, 124.115.0.163, 67.195.113.249, 65.55.106.107, 66.249.65.200, 66.235.124.8, 67.195.112.159, 123.125.66.33, 66.249.68.219, 65.55.106.131, 222.231.42.191, 67.218.116.131, 38.99.98.111, 66.249.68.134, 65.55.106.185, 67.195.111.172, 124.115.0.100, 87.250.252.241, 123.125.66.35, 123.125.66.99, 123.125.66.115, 123.125.66.46, 174.133.177.66, 65.55.51.114, 207.46.199.193, 207.46.199.196, 207.46.199.201, 65.55.37.203, 65.55.109.181, 207.46.199.191, 66.249.68.135, 212.1.248.17, 66.249.67.245, 207.46.199.198, 65.55.107.180, 61.135.249.203, 208.115.111.247, 207.46.199.182, 208.115.111.245, 66.249.68.137, 67.195.114.42, 71.238.254.92, 38.99.97.55, 66.249.68.210, 123.125.66.80, 65.55.107.179, 67.195.115.181, 38.100.41.112, 94.75.229.132, 38.99.97.10, 65.55.51.70, 65.55.218.158, 67.195.37.188, 67.195.112.114, 67.195.111.28, 38.100.8.50, 65.55.216.33, 129.234.193.111, 72.249.45.161, 67.195.112.31, 66.249.68.236, 67.195.114.230, 66.249.68.11, 67.195.115.214, 66.249.68.37, 67.195.113.247

Wait ‘Till Next Year for the 102nd Time!

No Chicago Cubs, Loveable Losers, Goat Curse, Wait Till next year

Wait ‘Till Next Year for the 102nd Time!

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