March 2011
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Laughing Because It Isn’t the Cubs: Cards Blow It Late
The Cardinals took a 3-2 lead into the 9th today – their Opening Day – but lost the game in 11, after the Padres tied it with two outs in the 9th. Albert Pujols was 0-5 with three(!) GIDP. That’s a double nut punch if I’ve ever seen one. But the icing on the cake [...]
The Opening Day Lineup is Set
Chicago Cubs manager Mike Quade has announced tomorrow’s Opening Day lineup, and it contains at least two surprises: Kosuke Fukudome, RF Starlin Castro, SS Marlon Byrd, CF Aramis Ramirez, 3B Carlos Pena, 1B Geovany Soto, C Alfonso Soriano, LF Darwin Barney, 2B Ryan Dempster, P The first surprise is Darwin Barney getting the start at [...]
Matt Garza is Almost Certainly Not the Next Milton Bradley
It’s a bit surprising in how little it’s been discussed – including here – but, did you know that Matt Garza is, on paper, a character risk? Known as a hypercompetitive player (on the plus side), Garza has a whole lot of Carlos Zambrano in him. But he’s also known as a great teammate; someone [...]
Mike Quade Offers a Few Words on the Back-Up Catcher Decision
Much to our pleasure, Max Ramirez cleared waivers yesterday and will remain in the organization, albeit at AAA Iowa. There, he’ll be joined by the other catcher in Cubs camp this Spring who won’t be on the big club, Welington Castillo. Much to our chagrin, the job on the big club went to nice-guy-bad-ballplayer Koyie [...]
Does it Count as Opening Day if the Cubs Aren’t Playing?
Depending on your bent, today is Opening Day. But, of course, it’s hard to feel that normal level of excitement when the Chicago Cubs aren’t in action. Stil, it’s technically the day, so let’s get the 2011 season underway. Let’s rock.
Max Ramirez Cleared Waivers
Inasmuch as one can be excited about back-up-back-up catchers making it through waivers so that they can struggle to find playing time at AAA, I’m pretty excited. Today, Max Ramirez cleared waivers, and the Chicago Cubs outrighted him to AAA Iowa. Ramirez will split time behind the plate with Welington Castillo (you know, that other guy that isn’t Koyie Hill), [...]
Two Chicago Cubs Minor Leaguers Suspended for Testing Positive for Steroids
A couple of Chicago Cubs minor leaguers recently tested positive for a banned substance (we’ll use “steroids” as the catch-all), and will be suspended for 50 games, says the Commissioner’s Office. Pitcher Amalio Reyes and catcher Erick Castillo, members of the organization’s Dominican Summer League team, were the guilty Cubs. Neither was a member of [...]
Why the 2011 St. Louis Cardinals Will Suck
By Brett on March 30, 2011
Editor’s Note: Yes, it’s that time of year again – the time for us to settle back into our protective bubble where the Chicago Cubs are destined for greatness, and every other team in the National League Central is bound for spectacular failure. If you’d care to check out last year’s fare: St. Louis Cardinals, Cincinnati [...]
Posted in Analysis and Commentary | Tagged Aaron Miles, Albert Pujols, Astros, Brewers, Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, Dodgers, Giants, Mariners, Orioles, Phillies, Pirates, Red Sox, Reds, Royals, Ryan Theriot, Tigers | 26 Responses