Gunny G
Apr 27th 2007, 10:17 am
What has been missing with our Cubbies? Honestly, nothing. We have all the pieces to the puzzle, and we have the man to put that puzzle together most effectively. What we as a body of fans lack is patience. Lou Piniella is a leader through and through. He mentors, he encourages, and he stirs up a drive to perform with such moves as proposing Ryan Theriot as an every day player. Theriot's athleticism and enthusiasm do seem to inspire the team, as does Pie's. It is new blood combined with the experience of Lee, Floyd, Soriano, Ramirez, and Barrett.
Some have criticized Piniella for the many lineup changes, defensive experiments, and unique treatment of the media. These elements are what set him apart from other conservative managers. As a Marine Drill Instructor for 3 years and as a Marine for over 17, I know that leading sometimes means making the group hate you so much that they have no time to worry about little things, personality differences, or egos. Was it embarrassing for the players to hear him tell the media, "You tell me what's wrong! You've seen the games?" Absolutely. According to the latest stories, it was keeping Floyd up nights. And the result? 4 for 5.
But Wednesday, the hunger returned. The look in the Cubs' eyes at the plate. They were formidable, daunting, and to an opposing pitcher, that look is unsettling. Regardless of the configuration, the fielders have been getting it done. Three of the pitchers have been getting it done. The bats, the Ace, and the number 5 pitcher are the remaining fixes.
What is critically necessary is a change in attitude for some key players. Carlos Zambrano, while having an incredible gift, needs to learn humility in a big way. He was so busy talking about World Series contention and Cy Young awards in the pre-season that he forgot about his responsibility as the Ace. He's talked about money, awards, contracts... everything but shutting his mouth and proving his worth by his actions. He does NOT need to become the Terrell Owens of the baseball world. Rich Hill has been letting his pitching do his talking. So has Lilly. And Jason Marquis obviously didn't get what he needed in the way of leadership in St. Louis--yet he looks right at home with the Cubs.
Similarly, Jacque Jones still seems to have a chip on his shoulder, as does Matt Murton. They better move those chips quickly so they can see Felix Pie and Cliff Floyd standing there, because they both want to play ball, and are more than capable of filling center and right field. They have the right attitude on and off the field.
What we witnessed Wednesday is, I believe, a recipe for success. With a bit more plate discipline instilled by Gerald Perry, the strikeouts come down, the walks go up, and the lineup becomes as feared as it should be. Theriot, Soriano, Lee, Ramirez, Floyd, Barrett, DeRosa, Pitcher, Pie--if this lineup were established, even the goat would run the other way! What we saw Wednesday was a group of men loving a game that they all possess rare talents for. The enthusiasm of Pie, Theriot, and Hill are infectious. Aramis Ramirez almost seems a player reborn, taking walks and playing small ball just as well as he drills the long ball.
The Cubs have all that they need, short of 4 more Rich Hills. Piniella knows how to arrive at the destination--we all need to quit second-guessing him and let him work! He's sure to entertain us along the way! How long has it been since you've looked forward to the Manager's press conference, just to say, "I wonder what he'll say next?"
Some have criticized Piniella for the many lineup changes, defensive experiments, and unique treatment of the media. These elements are what set him apart from other conservative managers. As a Marine Drill Instructor for 3 years and as a Marine for over 17, I know that leading sometimes means making the group hate you so much that they have no time to worry about little things, personality differences, or egos. Was it embarrassing for the players to hear him tell the media, "You tell me what's wrong! You've seen the games?" Absolutely. According to the latest stories, it was keeping Floyd up nights. And the result? 4 for 5.
But Wednesday, the hunger returned. The look in the Cubs' eyes at the plate. They were formidable, daunting, and to an opposing pitcher, that look is unsettling. Regardless of the configuration, the fielders have been getting it done. Three of the pitchers have been getting it done. The bats, the Ace, and the number 5 pitcher are the remaining fixes.
What is critically necessary is a change in attitude for some key players. Carlos Zambrano, while having an incredible gift, needs to learn humility in a big way. He was so busy talking about World Series contention and Cy Young awards in the pre-season that he forgot about his responsibility as the Ace. He's talked about money, awards, contracts... everything but shutting his mouth and proving his worth by his actions. He does NOT need to become the Terrell Owens of the baseball world. Rich Hill has been letting his pitching do his talking. So has Lilly. And Jason Marquis obviously didn't get what he needed in the way of leadership in St. Louis--yet he looks right at home with the Cubs.
Similarly, Jacque Jones still seems to have a chip on his shoulder, as does Matt Murton. They better move those chips quickly so they can see Felix Pie and Cliff Floyd standing there, because they both want to play ball, and are more than capable of filling center and right field. They have the right attitude on and off the field.
What we witnessed Wednesday is, I believe, a recipe for success. With a bit more plate discipline instilled by Gerald Perry, the strikeouts come down, the walks go up, and the lineup becomes as feared as it should be. Theriot, Soriano, Lee, Ramirez, Floyd, Barrett, DeRosa, Pitcher, Pie--if this lineup were established, even the goat would run the other way! What we saw Wednesday was a group of men loving a game that they all possess rare talents for. The enthusiasm of Pie, Theriot, and Hill are infectious. Aramis Ramirez almost seems a player reborn, taking walks and playing small ball just as well as he drills the long ball.
The Cubs have all that they need, short of 4 more Rich Hills. Piniella knows how to arrive at the destination--we all need to quit second-guessing him and let him work! He's sure to entertain us along the way! How long has it been since you've looked forward to the Manager's press conference, just to say, "I wonder what he'll say next?"