An eye for a Z and other Day 1 stuff
MESA, Ariz. _ A mustachioed Carlos Zambrano showed up today and said he's still looking into the possibility of having laser surgery on his right eye. That hasn't happened yet, partially because he's using eyedrops for an infection. The problem, according to Big Z, is that the shape of the eye area in question is more "like a football" and not rounded. He said any such surgery could keep him out two weeks. Along those lines, he said he is not planning on playing for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic.
Speaking of the mustache, Big Z said Lou told him it makes him look more intimidating. To whom, we're not quite sure.
Earlier, Zambrano took his cuts in the covered cage with catcher Geovany Soto, calling Soto "the rookie of the last year."
We'll have more details in the paper tomorrow (and on the Web site later today), but here are some of the other highlights on pitchers-and-catchers-report day:
--Lou gave every indication that Alfonso Soriano will be the leadoff hitter, citing the two division titles in a row the Cubs have won with Soriano at leadoff.
--Kosuke Fukudome won't be here until mid-March because of the WBC. He is playing for Japan, but Hendry says the Cubs are monitoring hsi progress in Asia.
--Lou isn't sure who will pitch on Opening Day. Big Z hasn't had much luck in recent years. Ryan Dempster is a possibility. Lou expressed regret that the Cubs didn't get to Ted Lilly in the NLDS last year, and he jokingly said Lilly might start. At least it sounded "jokingly."
--Hendry said reliever Kevin Gregg is fine after last year's knee surgery but that the Cubs may take it easy on Gregg during pitchers' fielding practice (PFPs) and in moving laterally.
--Joey Gathright and Jake Fox are here among position players.
Since Soriano is going to leadoff (which everyone hates including Lou)maybe what they should do is create a lineup different than the normal one. Thinking outside the box.
1) Soriano - leads hits hr. or makes an out bases still empty
2) Fontonot - single or walks
3) Theriot- hit into right field runners 1st and 3rd
4) Lee - single or sacrifice runners on 1st and 3nd or Theriot on 2nd
5) Bradley- one of the best Obp in the league last year should be able to get on and drive in a run more often than not. Even during the spring when Wrigley plays like the Astordome .
6) Ramirez- This could possibbly be your 3rd out but with his power he could also clear the bases.
7)Soto- another power hitter will protect Ramirez
8) The pitcher the Cubs pitching staff has in the past been one of the better teams getting pitchers that can hit the ball.
9) Johnson here would make sense cause it would have someone on base when Soriano comes up.
This however is only 1 of countless options , no doubt Lou will try to find the right leadoff hitter for the Cubs ,but also the the 2nd most comfortable spot for his premadonna.
My Comments are based on the fan responses. (Ignorance defined as a lack of knowlege)
!. Theriot was put at leadoff last year the expirment fail his Ba. and Obp. dropped significantly, ignorant suggestion.
2. Although I happen to agree that Hardin is a much better starter than out of the pen. Relivers do not usually go back to back unless he is the closer and even then it's not written in concrete. Ignorant
3. While having someone other than Soriano leading would be ideal. The fact remains he is most comfortable in that spot. Blaming him for the loss of the series in the playoffs .
Ignorant.
4. Harden's injured shoulder, questionable health. That is why he spent the off season train in Arizona. I don't know what you been reading that Harden admitted to being unfit for duty. Just the opposite he plans on starting more than 25 games this year. Ignorant
5.The WBC is a chance for the world to enjoy baseball as much as the U.S. playing in a real game with pitchers trying to strike you out will give Fukudome a chance to figure things out. The team has scouts watching his progress working out in Mesa won't any better than working out in Asia. Ignorant
6. Steroids They have benn using drugs in baseball alot longer than just 98, why not go back to 78. The point being made is that use of drugs in baseball is dropping. No one is trying to white wash the public about the use of drugs. Ignorant
With all these ignorant fans it is a wonder to me how newspaper staff can get any knowlege out to the public. Either they can't comprhend or they read between the lines. Then interpet whatever they want.
To all of the newspapaer writers, some of us do appreciate the effort put forth by all of you.
If you're going to label so many with that trait, perhaps you should check your spelling, grammar and punctuation first.
I wasn't aware that one had to be of Stephen King ability to qualify writing here. Agreed my punctuation is not the greatess. some of my words maybe misspelled, I am not the worlds best typer. But if that is the worst thing about my comment then I must be fairly accurate
BroLight is dead on. It's the playoff lineup that needs to be figured out by September 1. I can't help but think that either Johnson, Gathright or possibly Fukudome could produce at leadoff. Gathright MIGHT surprise a lot of people. A Johnson/Gathright platoon is a possibility.
I do not believe Fonetenot has the arm for either 3B or SS, but like him as a starting 2B.
If I remember correctly, Soriano's stats are best in the #7 spot. I really hope Lou doesn't stick to the old routine.
I also would really like to see Harden in the setup or closer role. I just don't understand why anybody else does not see this. The bullpen would then be scary good.
I have no problem with Marshall as a #4 and completely embrace him as the #5. I think he'll have either the 3rd or 4th best ERA among Cub starters this year if left alone as a starter. Time will tell.....
I've heard stats on this guy. No power. Weak "slap it to left" hitter. I would have rather kept Pie. At any rate, unless he can steal first, he is not a lead off hitte...er batter.
Harden cannot pitch in relief (i.e. multiple days in a row) with a fragile arm and the hole it would leave in rotation would also be significant
Steven...
If the Cubs expect to move Soriano down in September, they had better do it now. Not just because that is what Soriano has said, but because it takes time to adjust to new roles and slots, and it's better that those adjustments be made in Spring Training rather than September. Things have a way of happening, and one of the other teams could be breathing down our necks in September.
Fontenot has played SS & 3b at AAA and probably before that as well, but he deserves to be the starting 2b unless Cubs were to get Roberts. Miles was signed because of his versatility, so let him move around the infield as the need for another LH hitter in the lineup dictates.
Soriano's career stats do indeed show that he hits best in the 7th slot, but his fragile ego might be fractured if he were set that low in the lineup, again.
If you look at the OBP of Cubs players last year, it suggests that the following would be the best lineup without Roberts.....
6 Theriot R
4 Fontenot L
5 Ramirez R
9 Bradley S
6 Lee R
2 Soto R
7 Soriano R
8 Fukudome/Johnson L/R
It is really sickening to hear Piniella talk about excuses for keeping Alf in the leadoff spot, especially since he has publicly agreed to move down. It's almost as sickening as listening to Dusty talk about how Walks "clog the bases". It just isn't smart managing and it certainly does nothing to improve the team's confidence in him or in themselves.
I don't think Harden could take the pen work. He has to be careful and deliberate in his preparations and warm up routine, and that doesn't work when the team needs a reliever NOW.
As for Marshall, I would certainly like to see him in the rotation, but the Cubs need a 2nd lefty in the pen and have done nothing about acquiring one. I look for him to be used as an occasional starter and out of the pen in between starts....much like last year. Of course if Peavy is traded for, that would shut him out of the rotation, unless there is an injury.
And that brings up another issue. Everyone gets so excited about getting Peavy, but the Cubs could get to the Series without him. You only need 4 starters in the playoffs. But there doesn't seem to be the same clamoring for Hendry to get a real leadoff hitter, and filling THAT role would be a LOT more important to the success of this team than Peavy!
Hi Bruce;
I think by now you know how I feel on this subject, but I wanted to make the following comment and ask a pertinent question.
This team is good enough to win the NL Central, with my grandmother (who has been dead for 40 years) hitting leadoff........BUT.....NOT the playoffs....
If it becomes fact that Soriano actually is the leadoff hitter for the Cubs this year, and the team will therefore be subject to his streaky hitting both in season and beyond, do you prefer to determine the outcome of the first playoff series by flipping a coin or by rolling dice?
Maybe we can play Strat-O-Matic.
1-15 Lee homers, 16-20 triple
Always loved the left-right aspect of Strat. That's why I switched from APBA back in the '80s.
Hey, Bruce -- if there's nothing going on in sunny, 75 degree Mesa next Saturday, you could always cover our league's annual draft in Racine . . . . Tempting, isn't it?
Hey Bruce, hope you had a good trip , this spring is going to be real interesting to watch.
A lot of spots out there still undecided. Pitchers specifically. Hoffpauir should get a good shake at the bench this year, Fontentot wouldnt be my first choice at third, Miles has more time there.
I read the news on Z and his eye, but is in he in shape? Saying he has had the most rest ever makes me think he now looks like Fernando Venezuela.
Any buzz on the A-Rod news of his steroid use ?
I hear Sabathia and Prince Fielder have tested postive for Deca-FAT- durabolin.
Actually, Ed, he looks pretty good. He's always going to be a mite goofy.
The ARod stuff came up today. Lou said this:
"I was saddened. Alex, you know, we brought up as a young pup, Seattle. Got him up there at age 18, gave him a taste and brought him up a second time and he became an all-star. Wonderful young man. It's a shame it's happened to him. I've been really, really close with him. I think the statement that he made getting that huge huge contract with the Texas Rangers probably put pressure on him to be superhuman. And it turned out to be a big mistake. I hope he's learned from this and I'm sure he has and he can go on and continue his career and do the great job he's done.''
Hendry cited the fact that 104 of 1,200 players on 40-man rosters tested positive has led to a perception that the whole industry is on PEDs.
"The one thing I think is left unstated sometimes when you hear the shows now on TV or a lot of things that are written now that the Alex Rodriguez situation has come out that there seems to be a concept that there is like 50 to 70 percent of the people in the game were cheating," Hendry said. "If you take 30 40-man rosters that's 1,200 players, OK. Everyone was subjected to the testing in 03 and obviously nobody is going to condone the 103 people that tested positive. But that's probably less than 10 percent."
Way to spin it your way Jim, 10 % in 03, wonder how many there were in say 01 or 98 ?
It would really be nice if MLB from the top down just came out and said , "we dropped the ball", but they continue to spin it that things arent so bad. Knowledgable fans arent that stupid.
Bruce I hear George and Jesse are down there, have to catch up with them for some fine spirits.
(just kidding )
If you own up to a mistake or wrongdoing, you get forgiveness in our society. You also get a little wider berth to make a mistake again in the future. MLB does have a mess.
Just Jesse is down here, Ed. I'm heading back to the condo this evening!
Since Harden came out and admitted his tear in his shoulder, whats Hendry saying about it , he didnt know before the option was picked up did he ?
That could throw a big wrench into things if he cant stay healthy. Cubs have that bad habit of losing starters the year after they make the playoffs.
Hendry reiterated today that he feels Harden is stronger this year than last after working out all winter in Arizona. All you can do is see how it plays out. We'll know more once he starts throwing.
"a young pup"
I think I'm looking forward to another season of Lou Piniellaisms as much as I'm looking forward to baseball.
Bruce, with the Cubs relative lack of depth at third base, how much will they have Fox working over there during Spring Training? Would his ability to play both corner IF and OF spots give him a leg up over Hoffpauir for a roster spot?
They all will see time there. I'll ask Jake about it when I see him tomorrow.
Hey Bruce,
Hendry spoke yesterday of being a more versatile/deeper team. What are your thoughts on their 13 position players? I am not sold that the bench players can get it done. We really have no backups at 3rd, SS, or 1B(this will depend on Hauf making the team as an OF). Also, there will be no pop off the bench. Last year we had Font, Edmonds(when he didn't start)...it just seems like we will not be as deep a team with this bench...I'm mean bottom of then 9th 2 outs, pitchers spot up, and you have to trot out Fuke, Gathright, Bako, or mile. It just seems underwhelming.
I don't think they'll miss Daryle Ward. They may get a wash at backup catcher. This might be Hoffpauir's last chance, so he's got to make the most of it. He could provide the pop; you're right, though, that's the one thing they seem to be missing, the guy who can come off the bench and hit a game-tying homer. I'm OK with Miles. Gathright? You'd hope he doesn't have to play too much, especially if the Johnson-Fukudome platoon works in center field. The other thing to watch is whether Hendry picks up a bat off the waiver wire in mid to late March.
Should be interesting seeing Fontenot and Miles over there, too.
I love your analysis, Steve. Do you write a newsletter that I could subscribe to?
I'll bet with a different leadoff man the Cubs could score the most runs in the National League.
You know, just like they did with Alfonso batting there last year.
(Cue inevitable "He didn't do anything in the playoffs!" rant...)
I bet you have a Fukudome head band, and wear a pop up collar shirt.
The Cubs offense was very good last year, but how did #12 hit in the playoffs? How was that offense then? Are you kidding me?
Don't the Cubs have to get to the playoffs first?
To their credit, both Hendry and Piniella were quick to say today that nothing is assured to them. Methinks they didn't want to give bulletin-board material to the other NL Central clubs, too.
Bruce-
Can you ask Z, about this shoulder and how it's feeling? I am curious as to why after having some noted problems last year, he didn't feel the need to work it extra hard to build up endurance, per the Cubs Convention articles I read. Does he feel it was a fluke?
Any word on Rothschild looking to alter his delivery so he isn't "short arming" the ball as much?
He said this off-season was the most rest he's ever gotten since he's been in baseball and he seemed to think that's what he needed. He also said the Cubs sent a trainer down there to strengthen the shoulder. Haven't talked to Larry yet.
Appreciate it.
Bruce wouldn't you think that Kosuke would have wanted to get to camp early or at least on time? It seems to me he needs all the practice he can get and he isn't putting the best interest of the "team" first? Thoughts?
The teams from Asia are opening WBC play over there, and he's with Team Japan. The Cubs can't stop any healthy player from competing for their team. I don't know if it makes any difference to the "team" if he's getting his work in over here or over there. The Cubs said they are monitoring. Because of the tourament, they won't see him until mid-March.
I asked Hendry specifically about Fukudome today. Here is what he said:
"Yeah, we're going to scout every series in the World Baseball Classic. We'll have that from day one, and most places we'll have two or three scouts at every site. So we've been on top of his situation all winter. (Trainer) Nao Masimoto been over there twice. We've had a lot of communication with him, and like I said, the negative is he's not going to be here in camp in the beginning like everybody else because they are starting, the Asian teams, are starting at home in their workouts. But we will be covering all the series and certainly his from day one.''
Hey, Bruce...this is a really minor question, but I have to ask. Is Nao Masimoto a trainer or a video coordinator or both? I ask because, in a recent article, Carrie Muskat refers to him as "the video coordinator for the Cubs" but I notice you refer to him as a trainer. I've never heard of him before - his name kind of came out of the blue in Muskat's article - so I'm just curious.
Thanks for the updates from Mesa. Oh, and Happy PCR Day!
Nao has vast experience as a trainer even though his title is that of video coordinator. He helps out the training staff to a large degree and has worked with Fukudome extensively. Good question. Back at you with Happy PCR day. Sweetest words in sports: Pitchers and catchers report.
Thanks!
I would love to see the owners stipulate that players can't play in this WBC thing. Fukudome needs to get his butt there and start showing he's improved. Hell, if I am the Cubs I have a rookie throw him a similar pattern of pitches he saw all throughout the second half of last year and see what he can do. If he still swings, spins, and whiffs.....then Reed Johnson better get ready to play 150+ games this year.
I just pray that the idiots that bought the headbands, and bow to this guy stay at home. If he hasn't adjusted, he will go down as the worst free agent signing in the history of Chicago sports.
The owners are SPONSORING the WBC along with the Players Association.
The purpose of the WBC is to gain fans around the world. This means additional revenue to the owners.
If the owners are willing to give up future revenue streams overseas and the players are willing to give up ballooning contracts, then the WBC could be scrapped. Fat chance of that happening!
This is a case of being a supporter of an idea in theory but when it affects a team/player personally, the support erodes.
I figured they had to be getting some sort of revenue from this.
It's only a matter of time until a big name player gets hurt. Most likely a pitcher. Can't rev it up, slow it down, and rev it up again. Asking for problems.
I was really hoping Lou wouldn't play the two-division-titles-with-Soriano-in-the-leadoff-spot card. So what? That works well in the regular season when you face watered down pitching a lot of the time. But come playoff time, assuming they make it, you face much better pitching and he is such a free swinger it just doesn't translate into success.
Go out to baseball-reference.com and check it out. In all those post seasons he has played in, I think in only one year did he have good numbers.
I completely agree. They can sit here and defend this guy all they want about how if they would have won this, or that, or his numbers, or the Cubs record, or whatever BS they want to spin, but the fact remains is that he's not a leadoff hitter. He refuses to take pitches, and puts A LOT pressure on the second hitter to lead off the inning and somehow get in scoring position without making an out.
The Cubs record thing is flawed. IT's because he's IN the order, not because he's hitting first. They need to move him down. With Lee's dramatic drop in power, put Soriano 5th, Lee 6th, and Soto 7th on the days Bradley plays. He couldn't complain about that, as he would see very hittable pitches in that spot, just like what he sees batting first.
The one postseason the Cubs had success, Kenny Lofton led off and actually generated some offense. Getting up early in playoff baseball is huge. Takes pressure of the starting pitching, allows Lou to dictate the matchups he wants, etc. If Soriano would have delivered a hr in the past 6 playoff games, fine. But he hasn't. He has one hit and that was a sawed off single in game 2 last year.
The only defense I see for this argument, is that Theriot is god awful at stealing bases. With his speed, he shouldn't be getting thrown out almost 40% of the time. That has to stop. Also, without a guy on first it takes away his best weapon, and that is the inside out jam shot to the rightside.
So ultimately the Cubs still don't have a leadoff hitter, and their ability to manufacture runs is non-existant. I would love to see a walk/single, bunt, and set up Ramirez, Bradley, and Soriano with a guy on second or third and 1 out.