The Cubs ARE good enough

[mickeyrom51]

...to keep the games close,but not good enough to win.That is the classic bad team.It looks like a looooooooooooooooooooooooooong season ahead for Cub fans.:(

[CubsFan23]

I would say they are talented enough to win, but are not mentally tough enough. It seems we make much less mental mistakes when we are way ahead. However, in close games it seems we have a mental collapse: forgetting how to properly run bases, sticking to a pitching plan, playing fundamnetally sound defense, how to play small ball etc.

[mickeyrom51]

I would say they are talented enough to win, but are not mentally tough enough. It seems we make much less mental mistakes when we are way ahead. However, in close games it seems we have a mental collapse: forgetting how to properly run bases, sticking to a pitching plan, playing fundamnetally sound defense, how to play small ball etc.
Talent is as talent does.So far Soriano has been a bust,and a very expensive one.Does anyone in our outfield have a Hr yet?
Starting pitching has been good,but not great, just good enough to keep games close.As I said it is a classic bad team.Win the blow outs and lose the close ones.
:(

[Bockstock]

Talent is as talent does.So far Soriano has been a bust,and a very expensive one.Does anyone in our outfield have a Hr yet?
Starting pitching has been good,but not great, just good enough to keep games close.As I said it is a classic bad team.Win the blow outs and lose the close ones.
:(

Floyd has one HR, but his slugging pct still sucks

Give me Sosa, 7 HR, actually hits awesome with RISP (much better than when the bases are empty)




JK

[BarryFoote]

It's one month into the season and you're ready to throw in the towel?

History shows the Cubs start out slow and pick up as it get's warmer. Give them a chance. I seriously doubt Milwaukee will be ontop at the end of the year.

Sosa, come on this is the same guy that walked out on the team at the end of the year. And even with all the home runs, Sammy is about Sammy nothing else.

Give Lou till mid June to get it going and then tell me I'm wrong..

[CubsFan23]

Pie has a HR.

I would not call it a classic bad team when a lot of teams are struggling this early. Only 10 teams have a winning record at home. Four of those are only a game over .500.

I am not giving up on this team yet. Yes I get angry at losses and question some of the strategy moves (leaving Eyre in too long, using Ohman, base running etc.). If this team is still playing sloppy ball by the AS break then my tone my change.

[Bockstock]

Sosa, come on this is the same guy that walked out on the team at the end of the year. And even with all the home runs, Sammy is about Sammy nothing else.
..

Acronyms and sarcasm, my friend

[BarryFoote]

Acronyms and sarcasm, my friend

Whew....relieved..I am so serious about the Cubs that the slightest thing get's me going..

[Bockstock]

Whew....relieved..I am so serious about the Cubs that the slightest thing get's me going..

Sarcasm is a good mask for anger and frustration. When that doesn't work, I work on creating juvenile nicknames for the players based on their performances.

For example, right now Howry and Eyre are "Pooper n' Scooper"

[NeifiPerezMVP2007]

...to keep the games close,but not good enough to win.That is the classic bad team.It looks like a looooooooooooooooooooooooooong season ahead for Cub fans.:(

Well people are off the bandwagon quick I see:confused: . I am frustrated like the rest of us but I still see NO SIGNS of a bad team, the bullpen has hit many bumps and the lineup is really inconsistent. Both can be fixed. However, our offense has done well but unless we hit 5 or 6 home runs a game its a failed experiment I guess. The starters are near the top of the league in quality starts (I thinks its a BS stat but it shows we have bullpen issues and inconsistent run support) and a 3.60 team ERA (Cubs are 7th out of 30 in MLB). We all know its a slower start then we would like but come on, were only 24 games in with 138 to go. This team has not come close to hitting its stride. I disagree, its not a "classic bad team" and its always a long season so you pretty much pointed it out yourself.

[NeifiPerezMVP2007]

Talent is as talent does.So far Soriano has been a bust,and a very expensive one.Does anyone in our outfield have a Hr yet?
Starting pitching has been good,but not great, just good enough to keep games close.As I said it is a classic bad team.Win the blow outs and lose the close ones.
:(

Yes we all know, Cubs lose close games. Home runs are going to come from Lee, Jones and D.Lee pretty soon because players usually play to their carrier average (According to Steve Stone, I agree). So, do you want us to get blown out rather than be in nearly every game? I don't think I need to explain how D.Lee is leading league with a .392 avg as well in doubles (14). Can you find any bright spot or is it just doom & gloom? I'm thinking the latter.

[NeifiPerezMVP2007]

It's one month into the season and you're ready to throw in the towel?

History shows the Cubs start out slow and pick up as it get's warmer. Give them a chance. I seriously doubt Milwaukee will be ontop at the end of the year.

Sosa, come on this is the same guy that walked out on the team at the end of the year. And even with all the home runs, Sammy is about Sammy nothing else.

Give Lou till mid June to get it going and then tell me I'm wrong..

I'm with you. Its too early to be a Monday morning quarterback.

[NeifiPerezMVP2007]

Sarcasm is a good mask for anger and frustration. When that doesn't work, I work on creating juvenile nicknames for the players based on their performances.

For example, right now Howry and Eyre are "Pooper n' Scooper"

Last year Eyre and Howry started slow then did really good. Thinking clearly and rational is a batter remedy (Unless were Yankee fans that need the instant gratification and people to tell us how great we are for nothing :D ).

[mickeyrom51]

Floyd has one HR, but his slugging pct still sucks

Give me Sosa, 7 HR, actually hits awesome with RISP (much better than when the bases are empty)




JKI forgot that Pie has one too.Sorry.

[Bockstock]

Thinking clearly and rational is a batter remedy .

Rational is not involved in anything Cubdom

I'm just not ready for the "Houston was 15-30, so the Cubs can do it" cheerleaders yet.

[Bockstock]

I forgot that Pie has one too.Sorry.

nice job with the HR call, cubs must have been paying attention

[NeifiPerezMVP2007]

Rational is not involved in anything Cubdom

I'm just not ready for the "Houston was 15-30, so the Cubs can do it" cheerleaders yet.

Good because I'm not one of them. I think this years team is way better than the Astros of the past 2 seasons.

[ryno4ever]

Comparitively, the Cubs are doing well, not great, but well.... however, so is the rest of the division. Maybe the exception being Milwaukee, but I said before the season even started that they were going to be contenders this year. The Cubs have NOT taken advantage of key situations in divisional play, thus losing all of the close games they have. The bats are warming up, the starting pitching seems to be consistent thus far, the defense isn't horrible, the bullpen needs some help, but Dempster has even been somewhat impressive this year, given his horrible, terrible, awful year last year. I'm not ready to jump ship because lots can happen in a short period of time. That is the beauty of baseball!

[ChinMusic22]

A few things...

The bandwagon comment I found pretty funny. Funny to the point I almost spit my coffee out laughing. Who the hell would jump on he bandwagon of a team that hasn't won a World Series in 99 years??? The siging of Soriano, or maybe Marquis? Seriously... It's a common misconception that if a fan thinks his team can be doing better, and points out various areas where they can be improving, they're bashing a team, jumping off ship, etc.

It's also not fair to compare us to the Yankees. A) The Yankees have a history of winning, B) The Yankees are riddled with injuries, and C) The Yankees have an owner with the resources to bring someone in to help them (our ownership can't even sign our #1 pitcher to an extension ). Are they playing sloppy baseall, without a doubt. Can they turn it around? Maybe, but their bullpen is a complete trainwreck. We are a team coming off a last place finish, with a new cast of players coming off career years. The potential is there.

Derek Lee's HR's will come, no doubt, but will Izturis continue to make poor fielding errors? Will the range of the oufield suddlenly improve? Will Theriot continue to make baserunning blunders? Will our bullpen fail to hold a lead on a regular basis? Those are my causes for concern, and "playing hard" won't change that. Playing smart will. Power will come as the season progresses, basic fundamentals don't.

The Pirates and Brewers are playing the best baseball in the divison. They only probably have 1 player that the casual baseball player has heard of, but they go out every night, give it their all, play as a team, and do the little things well. When we do that, I'll be less critical.

Baseball isn't just about the home run. It is early, but if the season ends and we miss the playoffs by 1 game April does mean something.

[Bockstock]

Good because I'm not one of them. I think this years team is way better than the Astros of the past 2 seasons.

I wouldn't say "way" better. Certainly the offense has the potential to be score more runs, but the defense and pitching for the Astros were probably better, at least in 2005 when Clemens pitched the full year.

[mickeyrom51]

I'm still waiting forthem to win a single one run ballgame.but todays 2 wins are encouraging.

[BarryFoote]

A few things...

The bandwagon comment I found pretty funny. Funny to the point I almost spit my coffee out laughing. Who the hell would jump on he bandwagon of a team that hasn't won a World Series in 99 years??? The siging of Soriano, or maybe Marquis? Seriously... It's a common misconception that if a fan thinks his team can be doing better, and points out various areas where they can be improving, they're bashing a team, jumping off ship, etc.

It's also not fair to compare us to the Yankees. A) The Yankees have a history of winning, B) The Yankees are riddled with injuries, and C) The Yankees have an owner with the resources to bring someone in to help them (our ownership can't even sign our #1 pitcher to an extension ). Are they playing sloppy baseall, without a doubt. Can they turn it around? Maybe, but their bullpen is a complete trainwreck. We are a team coming off a last place finish, with a new cast of players coming off career years. The potential is there.

Derek Lee's HR's will come, no doubt, but will Izturis continue to make poor fielding errors? Will the range of the oufield suddlenly improve? Will Theriot continue to make baserunning blunders? Will our bullpen fail to hold a lead on a regular basis? Those are my causes for concern, and "playing hard" won't change that. Playing smart will. Power will come as the season progresses, basic fundamentals don't.

The Pirates and Brewers are playing the best baseball in the divison. They only probably have 1 player that the casual baseball player has heard of, but they go out every night, give it their all, play as a team, and do the little things well. When we do that, I'll be less critical.

Baseball isn't just about the home run. It is something.



Interesting points, a couple things in response.

About the bandwagon, mark my words, the Cubs will be in 1st place soon and watch everyone will be a Cub fan that day, until they hit a skid and then it'll be the SOS...

IMHO a real Cub fan sticks with them no matter what. To bad mouth the manager and the top money players before they have a decent chance to prove themselves is just wrong.

Jacque Jones is a perfect example, the guy had a great bat last year. People throwing stuff at him and sending hate mail call themselves Cub fans...NO

The Tribune has spent money this year and the past few years to make the team better. As much as I want "Z" a part of the Cubs forever, I admire Hendry not caving in and signing him just to sign him.

The way the Cubs played both games this afternoon shows there going to be the force in the divison. All of the mental errors you addressed I saw were corrected today.Let's hope it continues.

my two cents

[ChinMusic22]

Interesting points, a couple things in response.

About the bandwagon, mark my words, the Cubs will be in 1st place soon and watch everyone will be a Cub fan that day, until they hit a skid and then it'll be the SOS...

IMHO a real Cub fan sticks with them no matter what. To bad mouth the manager and the top money players before they have a decent chance to prove themselves is just wrong.

Jacque Jones is a perfect example, the guy had a great bat last year. People throwing stuff at him and sending hate mail call themselves Cub fans...NO

The Tribune has spent money this year and the past few years to make the team better. As much as I want "Z" a part of the Cubs forever, I admire Hendry not caving in and signing him just to sign him.

The way the Cubs played both games this afternoon shows there going to be the force in the divison. All of the mental errors you addressed I saw were corrected today.Let's hope it continues.

my two cents
Good post...

I agree withyour bandwagon point, but in saying that, we'd need to be in 1st so people can jump on, before the can jump off.

I think you can stick with a team, but if you're critical, it doesn't mean you're jumping off. You just knows there's room for improvement. Similar to when people say "once the offense comes around, we're going to win some games." The funny thing about this team (I did one of my blogs about it), is the Cubs are 3rd in the league in batting (as well as 5th in pitching). The offense is there on paper, but we still have a losing record. I would agree clutch hitting and some power is what's missing, but there are other intangible involved.

I'm personally not big on booing your own player at home (it's big here in NYC, David Wright's hearing the boos). I think it's disrespectful to the player. Throwing stuff and hate mail just lacks class. People who throw things should be permanently banned from the ballpark.

I like Jones, though he really frustrates me at times. I think sometimes his head isn't in the game, and he must have some kind of rep since we couldn't gieve him away.

I like Hendry, but I do disagree with the Z comment. I think Hendry would have already signed Z to an extension if the Tribune didn't pull his checkbook. Though, the Marquis signing so far looks stellar...

The team did play good yesterday, it was encouraging. Hopefully we can build on the momentum, and get a winning streak going. I'd take a Cubs win any day of the week!

[mickeyrom51]

I'm still trying to figure out exactly what a "bandwagon" fan is.I've been called that,despite the fact that I stayed with bad and worse Cub teams over 50 years.All it takes is a "negative" post,and the epithets come flying.How can one not post negatively when the team looks like they are going to come off the tracks.

[CubsFan23]

I'm still trying to figure out exactly what a "bandwagon" fan is.I've been called that,despite the fact that I stayed with bad and worse Cub teams over 50 years.All it takes is a "negative" post,and the epithets come flying.How can one not post negatively when the team looks like they are going to come off the tracks.

Looks like they are getting back on the tracks now!

I think negative posting is inevitable, especially if you are on here after a tough loss. I know I rant and rave and second guess Lou when a game is going bad. But I am all up and ready for the next game. I think 2003 spoiled us in that it gave us a taste of the promise land, and now we expect nothing less. So when the team does not play well people take it a little harder.

[Bockstock]

I'm still waiting forthem to win a single one run ballgame.

The offense won't allow it

[ChinMusic22]

The offense won't allow it

Neither will the bullpen...

[Bockstock]

The Tribune has spent money this year and the past few years to make the team better. As much as I want "Z" a part of the Cubs forever, I admire Hendry not caving in and signing him just to sign him.

The way the Cubs played both games this afternoon shows there going to be the force in the divison. All of the mental errors you addressed I saw were corrected today.Let's hope it continues.



That's great that the tribune spent money, but I think we all can agree it's how the money is spent that matters most.

So far Hendry's moves have looked pretty good, but it's also his fault there were so many holes in this team the last two offseasons. Performance on the field does not bother me as much as bad decisions by the front office.

The Cubs have an "easy" next two series. They go 5-1 on the homestand, we're back to .500 at home.

[roenick99]

Interesting points, a couple things in response.

About the bandwagon, mark my words, the Cubs will be in 1st place soon and watch everyone will be a Cub fan that day, until they hit a skid and then it'll be the SOS...

IMHO a real Cub fan sticks with them no matter what. To bad mouth the manager and the top money players before they have a decent chance to prove themselves is just wrong.

Jacque Jones is a perfect example, the guy had a great bat last year. People throwing stuff at him and sending hate mail call themselves Cub fans...NO

The Tribune has spent money this year and the past few years to make the team better. As much as I want "Z" a part of the Cubs forever, I admire Hendry not caving in and signing him just to sign him.

The way the Cubs played both games this afternoon shows there going to be the force in the divison. All of the mental errors you addressed I saw were corrected today.Let's hope it continues.

my two cents

Well, here's your two cents back. I don't want it. I guess I am not a "real Cubs fan" then because I question the mediocre and subpar baseball that I have seen for the better part of a month and I don't blindly follow the team and think they are going to improve because a couple of people on the MB say so. Not sure how old you are, but I think you will notice a trend of the majority of the "negativity" coming from people that have seen more than a couple years of Cubs baseball. We aren't convinced because they went out and dropped a bunch of money this year. I have been following the Cubs for about 24 years. I am 33 years old, but you can't really count the first 10 years because I was more interested in GI Joe and Transformers until then. I went to my first game when I was either five or six, but whatever. The point I am trying to make is that I am tired of getting bashed by people like you and NeifiMVP for not being mr. positive and actually expecting more from this team that was built to win. I think NeifiMVP is pretty young and although that shouldn't matter because I think he has a really good knowledge of the game and has really insightful posts (most of the time), I feel I (among others on this board) have been "subjected" to bad baseball far too long to put up with it anymore. The Cubs choked in 1984, were beaten by the better team in 1989 and 1998, and choked again in 2003...BAD!! Every other year in between has been pretty much unmentionable as well. I have refrained from posting on here very much lately because I am tired of being bashed and called a non-fan or a band wagon fan because I state the facts as I see it and I am generally sick of the bad baseball. Argue with me all day about your opinion vs my opinion, but don't be so quick to label people because the share a different view point than you and it isn't all flowers, unicorns, and rainbows!

[roenick99]

I'm still trying to figure out exactly what a "bandwagon" fan is.I've been called that,despite the fact that I stayed with bad and worse Cub teams over 50 years.All it takes is a "negative" post,and the epithets come flying.How can one not post negatively when the team looks like they are going to come off the tracks.

I couldn't agree with you more. Although, I do disagree and don't think that Soriano is a bust just yet. :D

[NeifiPerezMVP2007]

The offense won't allow it

For the best I hope! I want many blow-outs!

[ryno4ever]

Wow, this topic is getting pretty heated! I don't believe anyone here would be considered a bandwagon fan.... EVERYONE on the board has taken the time and effort to put their opinions in (which we all appreciate, whether everyone agrees with yours or not...what would be the point if everyone had the same thoughts and opinions).

There are various degrees of Cub fans, I think. There are the ones who are there for the love of the team...the passion for the game and history of the team. The ones who even if we lose a game big on one day, will turn around and watch/listen to it again the next day. The ones that win or lose, they will still be there to follow the team.

There is the Wrigley fans. The ones there for the sun, the beer, and the good times at the ole' ballpark. Not saying that the first group I mentioned can't fit into this one, but if you walk through the bleachers and question some of them on the history of the team, or even ask them who the closer is, my guess there would be some who asked you what a closer was. (I know there are a few of them out there, as I got stuck sitting next to one of them at the home opener.... with a beer in each hand, a Cubs jersey and ball cap on, looked over at me and asked me who was batting, I told her Soriano, and she asked if he was a good player or not....then got on her cell phone to call all of her friends to let them all know she was at Wrigley Field at a Cubs game and they were playing the Angels .....when it was the Astros!)

There are the fans who follow the team casually, and will pay more attention to them when they are winning. Does that make them a bandwagon fan? Who cares. A fan is a fan, whether it be a season, a decade or a lifetime. I know that I am a fan, and my friends here are fans, and if some have "jumped on the bandwagon", well then, welcome. If some fans want to vent and show their disapproval of things with this team, go for it. If some want to have the champaign bottles on ice for October, great.

Now, as for us, here that take the time to post on fogpog. I feel one of the best features of a board like this is that we have a wide range of ages of fans on here.... some haven't lived through as many of the heartaches and horrible years before now, and some have seen much more that many of us. The bottom line is that if we each have taken the time to spend on the board, the time to post our thoughts and opinions, we are all true fans. Some need to vent and point out the opportunities the team has and things that really need to improve, some need to look at the positive things, and look for hope (especially after last year....), but no matter how we view this team, no matter what our opinions are on the good points, bad points, etc. it all comes down to one thing.... WE ARE ALL CUB FANS WHO HAVE A LOVE FOR THIS TEAM! Will there be bandwagon fans? Yep, but you know what? Some die hards began their love for the team by jumping on the bandwagon. I have read a few posts on here and other boards of fans who have a wonderful knowledge of the team that started following the team in 2003, and some even in 1984. They jumped on the bandwagon, and never fell off.

Everyone has opinions, which is a good thing. However, please keep in mind that opinions are not facts. They can be based on facts and numbers and stats, but the opinions themselves are not facts. Am I going to agreee with everything everyone says on the board? Nope. Is everyone going to agree with what I have to say? Nope, but you know what? That is the beauty of being a fan.

One thing is for sure, we are all wanting to someday, whether it be this year or some year down the road, want the opportunity to go to Chicago, stand in or outside Wrigley Field and celebrate with one another a World series Championship. Now, just how the team will get there, opinions will vary.

[BarryFoote]

Well, here's your two cents back. I don't want it. I guess I am not a "real Cubs fan" then because I question the mediocre and subpar baseball that I have seen for the better part of a month and I don't blindly follow the team and think they are going to improve because a couple of people on the MB say so. Not sure how old you are, but I think you will notice a trend of the majority of the "negativity" coming from people that have seen more than a couple years of Cubs baseball. We aren't convinced because they went out and dropped a bunch of money this year. I have been following the Cubs for about 24 years. I am 33 years old, but you can't really count the first 10 years because I was more interested in GI Joe and Transformers until then. I went to my first game when I was either five or six, but whatever. The point I am trying to make is that I am tired of getting bashed by people like you and NeifiMVP for not being mr. positive and actually expecting more from this team that was built to win. I think NeifiMVP is pretty young and although that shouldn't matter because I think he has a really good knowledge of the game and has really insightful posts (most of the time), I feel I (among others on this board) have been "subjected" to bad baseball far too long to put up with it anymore. The Cubs choked in 1984, were beaten by the better team in 1989 and 1998, and choked again in 2003...BAD!! Every other year in between has been pretty much unmentionable as well. I have refrained from posting on here very much lately because I am tired of being bashed and called a non-fan or a band wagon fan because I state the facts as I see it and I am generally sick of the bad baseball. Argue with me all day about your opinion vs my opinion, but don't be so quick to label people because the share a different view point than you and it isn't all flowers, unicorns, and rainbows!

Wow, I hope you feel better.

In the late 70's early 80's my friends and I would sit in the bleachers for $4.00. You could go the day of the game and pick any seat you wanted. That's how old I am. Barry Foote was the catcher for a time then, couldn't get a hit to save his life, but he played hard everyday. So I have seen both the good and the bad of the Cubs.

The "label" is for those who will decide that in October that they were Cubs fans all along or those who are ready to watch the White Sox because the Cubs are 5 games back after the first month of the season.

If you feel "bashed" that was not my intention and I offer an apology. I bleed the Cubs, stand behind them when they hit a tough spot and take pride when they do well. Do I get po'd when they put Ohman in and he blows yet another game or when a grounder is missed, hell yes, but I'd wouldn't give up on them because of it.

You're right, since 2003 they haven't met expectations. You got everyright to boo till you're throat can't take it anymore. It's a long season, give them a chance to play like they should.

[CubsFan23]

One thing is for sure, we are all wanting to someday, whether it be this year or some year down the road, want the opportunity to go to Chicago, stand in or outside Wrigley Field and celebrate with one another a World series Championship. Now, just how the team will get there, opinions will vary.

I opt for this year. But I will take any year as long as I am still alive to see it!