So called Cub fans [Archive]

Hi_Im_Fred

Mar 12th 2007, 7:55 pm

HOLYCOW!25

Mar 12th 2007, 8:01 pm

I don't think he's finished, but I'm not real sure he'll be a number 2 starter this season. He's coming off 2 injury plaqued seasons, and it's hard to get back into things. I still think he'll make the rotation, because there's still 3 weeks left in ST, and he's making a minor league start to build some confidence, which could be very good for him. I don't think he's finished, but he still needs to prove he's ready.

Webgem

Mar 12th 2007, 8:15 pm

I don't think he's finished but I do think he has a lot of work to do before being thrown in the rotation.

cubbie_kern

Mar 12th 2007, 8:33 pm

he's not finished, he just needs to work his way back to where he was before.

ryno4ever

Mar 12th 2007, 8:37 pm

Everyone has to remember this guy has not really pitched...in his comfort zone... in over two years. Yeah, he pitched last year a few games, but was not healthy. It is going to take him some time to regain his confidence and tune up his mechanics. His body is not used to pitching like he did in 2003. Unfortunately, for Prior, time is not on his side. The Cubs are in a Win Now mode. They are not going to sit around anymore and wait for Prior to be the Prior of old. He is going to spend time in the minors. He will eventually get his form and confidence back, but until then, the Cubs have to move forward. The last couple of years the Cubs had no choice but to sit and wait. This year, they don't have to.

BTW...welcome to fogpog, fred!

LeeEila's/rant

Mar 13th 2007, 4:16 am

That is why they are in great shape in pitching . they don't need Prior . Have you checked out our bullpen ? Deepest one in years 1/2 the bullpen could be starting pitchers . Marquis is a good solid workhorse no need to trade. I think Prior is gone but ,I feel great about this upcoming season. This is the first time in years I have seen the Cubs field a team with such athletic players. The team is now balanced with offence and defencive players to where we just need solid pitching for 6 innings all of our starters are good for that( I would like to see Cotts as a 5th starter ) Wood Ohman will work great as setup guys and Demp is looking like he is back to himself . Really is a good looking team , I expect we will see more Murton and The Roit than they thought and keep an eye on this Fox kid he should show up before the allstar break.

But I am sorry Prior is toast it is not like he is tring to come back from an injury at 35 , you would expect a slow recovery but , he is 25 hell he should just bounce back at that age. Losing his location and speed like that is not due to injury it has to be due to thought. I don't think he sees himself as a major league pitcher anymore .

ChinMusic22

Mar 13th 2007, 6:25 am

I dont no bout anyone else but Im dusgusted with all these cub fans who think Prior is finished.

WAKE UP!!!

THIS TEAM HAS THE BEST ROTATION IN THE MAJORS ONCE HE IS HEALTHY. He should be ready to go after anuther start or 2.

Zambraino
Prior
Hill
Lilly
Marquis

just are rotation has the potenshal to win 100 games. Plus, if Wood feels good we can trade Marquis to someone like the Mets for Milledge or Heilman.

some 'fans' need to wake up and realize how good this staff is

Hey Fred, You do have optomism, I'll give you that, but ere are rotation questions, and even with a Prior at 100%, The Angels,Dodgers, Padres, & Red Sox all have better rotations (my opinion- on paper). It has nothing to do with being a "so-called fan".

Here's my take on the pitching staff:

1- Zambrano- Hands down one of the top 5 starters in all of baseball. If there was a #1 I was building a team around it would be Santana, Oswalt, or Zambrano. While I'm not real big on is new found mouth, as long as he pitches good, he can talk all the crap he wants.

2- Lilly- He's a career .500 pitcher. He's got good stuff, (everyone talks about Zito's curve, I think they forget about Lilly's). I think working with Rothchild, he'll definately improve. Also, coming over to the NL will help him a lot as well. He's got the ability to be a #2.

3- Marquis- Since you really should put lefties back to back, he's the #3. As stated in othr posts, I like Marquis, he's always had a tom of potential, but never put it to any use. He's going to eat a ton of innings, and he stays healthy. If the sinker sinks, he won't give up too many HR's (which is a obvious concern). He has had more wins then Zito & Schmidt over the past 3 years, but also had a high era.

4- Hill- I think Hill will have breakout year. He's got good stuff amd can finish batters. Being a good lefty is always a plus as well. I think he's our future #2, and with John Maine getting a ton of hype as a top young starter, I dig that Hill is going uner the radar (I'd take Hill over Maine hands down). Being a young pitcher he still comes with question marks.

5- Prior/Miller/Guzman- Where do start with the questions here. It's near the halfway point of ST and it appears Miller has the edge, but Guzman looks like the only guy who wants to be n the rotation. Miller has been less then stellar, and Prior has looked bad. I'm really hoping it's jitters and he's trying to get back to form, but his control is non-existant, and the power isn't dominant (I'm more concerned about control). Hopefully he can dominate some minor leaguers, and get some confidence back. I sorta feel bad for the guy, he's under a serious microscope. I'm really not big on Miller. When he washealthy he was a good #2, but nothing real mind blowing. He can fill he role of a 5th starter though. Guzman's an interesting guy,I would just prefer not to start the year with a rookie as the 5th starter (especially when Hill's only into his second year).

Overall, I see it as a staff with a true ace, that has a lot of potential, but also a ton of questions. Starting pitching is the biggest question mark this team has (in my opinon). This is the year we don't need Prior to be our ace, but we do need him to win us some games. We're MAYBE the best in our division, but that might be a bit of a stretch as well if the Brewers have a healthy Sheets, but that doesn't mean this team can't win it all. I think the Cuibs team we have this season, with th attitude they're showing can win it all!

As far as dealing Marquis for Milledge/Heilman, that will never happen. That's the package the Mets were looking to get Willis. While I think Willis is overrated to a point Besides, we don't have the luxury at this point of dealing away a starter. If any trade happens it should be to acquire a start, not drop one.

CubsFan23

Mar 13th 2007, 7:44 am

I agree we have good starting pitching. I do not think Prior is through yet. But he is a 4 or 5 starter at this point if he makes the rotation. Lou will not break camp with a starting pitcher who is not ready. So I see Prior staying back at extended spring training to get his comfort zone back.

bringbacktuffy

Mar 13th 2007, 12:01 pm

I dont think prior is done by any means but he has a lot of work to do to pitch back to form. He'll get some Minor League starts b/c Lou wants to get a better look at Guzman and Miller. If either one of those guys is pitching better than Prior they should get the 5 spot. I agree when he is on, MP is lights out. Right now however what needs to be done is whats best for the team. If he comes around in may and starts pitching like the MP of old, than by all means get him in the rotation. I wont cry if he starts the season at iowa.

CubsFan23

Mar 13th 2007, 12:23 pm

If Prior started the season in Iowa and then had a monster second half to led us to the WS, I think everyone would be happy.

DLee25

Mar 13th 2007, 3:00 pm

If Prior started the season in Iowa and then had a monster second half to led us to the WS, I think everyone would be happy.

I will be happy if he is just healthy pitching for us, then contributing. I don't care when.

HEYHEY

Mar 13th 2007, 7:11 pm

Hey Jagoff.Don't go callin people "so called Cubs fans" just for stating there opinions.And while your at it why don't you use spellcheck so we could try to read your crap.On second thought don't.It matches your IQ.
BTW Priors done.

Webgem

Mar 13th 2007, 7:16 pm

Easy now....simmer down.

ChiCubs1984

Mar 13th 2007, 7:31 pm

Prior really needs to get his crap together before he makes it back to Chicago. I dont think he has the control yet obviously giving up runs/walks I think after a few starts in Iowa maybe then come up and see how he does. And BTW I am a so called fan that knows a thing or two about this team so if I am critical its because I earned it along with everyone else on this board.

BigZ38

Mar 13th 2007, 7:49 pm

I will be happy if he is just healthy pitching for us, then contributing. I don't care when.

If the Cubs made it to the World Series I would be estactic despite what Prior does. If he comes back great just another weapon in my mind. But that's if he comes back healthy and with a chip on his shoulder.

jcubs69

Mar 13th 2007, 9:41 pm

Hate to say it but I think Prior may be done. He can't throw the fastball for any velocity and has had bad location. Zero strike outs so far this spring should tell you something. The man is suppose to be a power pitcher and he couldn't get his fastball past a high school hitter. And that is no exageration. Send him the minors to work on his confidence and velocity and give Miller a shot at the 5th spot in the rotation.

ryno4ever

Mar 13th 2007, 9:58 pm

Jason

Mar 13th 2007, 10:41 pm

Prior is NOT finished... but the Cubs don't have the best rotation in baseball.

As much as if pains me... Red Sox.

HOLYCOW!25

Mar 13th 2007, 10:53 pm

Red Sox do have a nice rotation. I agree, I wouldn't go as far as saying the we have the best rotation. We have the potential to go out there and be one of the best, but potential's nothing if you don't use it. But I honestly think that the rotation will do a good job, weather or not Prior makes it in the rotation.

markgrace'sslumpbuster

Mar 14th 2007, 7:25 am

Say what you want about me, but I do think Prior is finished. I don't think he'll ever return to be remotely the Prior we used to see. Our hope has to be that Miller or Marshall can pitch better because Prior is done.

Dusty rode this horse into the ground.

CubsFan23

Mar 14th 2007, 7:52 am

In my heart I believe Prior still has it in him to be good. But my brain tells me it may not be so. The only person who truly knows if he is done or not is Prior himself.

I hope he can at least return as a serviceable pitcher, it will help us to have the depth.

Webgem

Mar 14th 2007, 4:31 pm

I guess he threw 50 pitches with Rothschild watching him yesterday. I guees he looked good and will pitch in a minor league Friday. Let's see what happens.:)

BigZ38

Mar 14th 2007, 6:13 pm

I heard that he worked mainly on his mechanics to start with then towards the end he tried to let it go more. They said the ball looked good coming out of his hand. All of this is good but I will only believe whence I see it.

CubsFan23

Mar 14th 2007, 6:17 pm

We'll see more on Friday! Hope it is good news.