|
|
Post by okeecub on Aug 28, 2024 14:10:27 GMT -5
quite a buzz kill there Steve LOL. Seriously though I get what you’re saying we can’t let some success the last month or two of the season convince management that we will be okay to stand pat and run the same group out again next season without some meaningful additions ( or in some cases subtractions ) to improve the team. Could this team do somewhat better next year, probably but could they do good enough to make a serious run in October, probably not The problem is the majority of the team for next year is likely set. If Bellinger opts out I can see the Cubs targeting someone like Santander or trying to fill in with some form of prospects. Possible 40 man add ons on the position side (to start and through out the year) include Aliendo, Caissie, Cowles, Fat Man, Shaw, and Triantos. Possible FA targets: Jansen, Santander Possible trades: Hoerner Not many changes at all if Bellinger opts in. Likely C to pair with Amaya and maybe offensive upgrade to Hoerner. The offensive side is locked in for the most part. Pitching, who replaces Hendricks? A MOR FA or maybe Birdsell. The rest of the SP likely remains the same at the beginning. Steele, Imanaga, Taillon, Assad. I know they have good ERA collectively but not very confident in Taillon and Assad for next year and years. Think Imanaga will have a step back next year after league adjustments. Pen will be pieced together as always, it is just Hoyer's way of doing things. The good news is Counsell will have a full year in the org and may be able to replace coaches and have a bigger imprint within the org. The team we see now is likely the super majority to start next year. Is it good enough? Maybe. The Cubs should not be relying on maybe in year 5 of not winning. yeah not many positions open, maybe Parades is expendable if he doesn’t pick it up some, would hate to say we just whiffed on that trade and gave away Morel and Bigge for nothing. There’s still time so maybe he can get it together. Brown could find a rotation spot and maybe we get luckier with pen arms. We got a few doing pretty good now but with the uncertainty of bullpen arms one year to the next who knows, look at Meriwether this year. A full year of PCA could be exciting |
|
|
|
Post by Returnofstevefitz on Aug 28, 2024 14:32:46 GMT -5
Some players have made strides, the team not so much. The wins are nice and all, but they're also coming against the Sox, Blue Jays, Tigers, Marlins and now Pirates. They got swept by the Indians in between. There were nice wins in July, but still finished 13-12. They were also 10-18 in June, it wasn't just may. This team is Mid. Maybe you've convinced yourself this same team can come back next year and play .609 ball for a full season. No chance IMO, it's a flawed team. Cubs are 18-26 vs all the NL Division leaders (PHI, MIL, LAD) and teams ahead of the in the WC (AZ, SD, ATL, Mets). Cubs are 2-1 vs LA, 3-3 vs AZ and a losing record against the rest. Don't let these wins fool you. quite a buzz kill there Steve LOL. Seriously though I get what you’re saying we can’t let some success the last month or two of the season convince management that we will be okay to stand pat and run the same group out again next season without some meaningful additions ( or in some cases subtractions ) to improve the team. Could this team do somewhat better next year, probably but could they do good enough to make a serious run in October, probably not The loss today will be a buzz kill, not over until it's over. They can win yet another series and lose ground if the Braves and Giants win. I think what the last month or so can show is there are guys on this roster who need to be here and there are also guys you can't bring back. That's up to Jed though. |
|
|
|
Post by Returnofstevefitz on Aug 28, 2024 14:36:35 GMT -5
The key for me will continue to be the trajectory the big league club takes over the course of the season. This is the third year in a row where the first half blew chunks followed by a second half that inspires hope. 2022 First half: 30-46 Second half: 44-42 2023 First half: 38-42 Second half: 45-37 2024 First half: 39-46 Second half: 28-20 If we can continue with this stronger showing down the stretch, can they carry into 2025 and build on it? What changes need to happen in order for that positive change to take effect? It’s easy to be all giddy when they are playing well. The first three months of this season still happened and this franchise has displayed some frustrating consistency in this regard. How do we make sure it doesn’t happen again in 2025 and we create yet another scenario of nigh insurmountable odds in the second half? Is it poor preparation during the offseason and spring training that keeps setting us up this way? The question should be why? Are the Cubs winning more in the 2nd half because the non-postseason teams are dumping all their players? Or those teams just flat out quit? Maybe and I think we can find some correlation in that. In the first half EVERYONE is trying. This is why I kind of dislike (not hate) that the Cubs are winning right now. They're fooling us in to thinking the Cubs don't need to add anything significantly, "look, we played great in the 2nd half. This team can do it, we have *blank" best record in August and September".... while completely ignoring the Cubs are 18-26 vs postseason teams. |
|
|
|
Post by Returnofstevefitz on Aug 28, 2024 15:07:34 GMT -5
quite a buzz kill there Steve LOL. Seriously though I get what you’re saying we can’t let some success the last month or two of the season convince management that we will be okay to stand pat and run the same group out again next season without some meaningful additions ( or in some cases subtractions ) to improve the team. Could this team do somewhat better next year, probably but could they do good enough to make a serious run in October, probably not The loss today will be a buzz kill, not over until it's over. They can win yet another series and lose ground if the Braves and Giants win. I think what the last month or so can show is there are guys on this roster who need to be here and there are also guys you can't bring back. That's up to Jed though. It's not over til it's over!!! |
|
|
|
Post by Returnofstevefitz on Aug 28, 2024 15:46:20 GMT -5
Cubs can be 4.5 back after tonight.... Go Twins and Go DBacks (vs Mets)
|
|
|
|
Post by batman66 on Aug 28, 2024 15:50:33 GMT -5
quite a buzz kill there Steve LOL. Seriously though I get what you’re saying we can’t let some success the last month or two of the season convince management that we will be okay to stand pat and run the same group out again next season without some meaningful additions ( or in some cases subtractions ) to improve the team. Could this team do somewhat better next year, probably but could they do good enough to make a serious run in October, probably not The loss today will be a buzz kill, not over until it's over. They can win yet another series and lose ground if the Braves and Giants win. I think what the last month or so can show is there are guys on this roster who need to be here and there are also guys you can't bring back. That's up to Jed though. what loss ? |
|
|
|
Post by batman66 on Aug 28, 2024 15:54:04 GMT -5
The key for me will continue to be the trajectory the big league club takes over the course of the season. This is the third year in a row where the first half blew chunks followed by a second half that inspires hope. 2022 First half: 30-46 Second half: 44-42 2023 First half: 38-42 Second half: 45-37 2024 First half: 39-46 Second half: 28-20 If we can continue with this stronger showing down the stretch, can they carry into 2025 and build on it? What changes need to happen in order for that positive change to take effect? It’s easy to be all giddy when they are playing well. The first three months of this season still happened and this franchise has displayed some frustrating consistency in this regard. How do we make sure it doesn’t happen again in 2025 and we create yet another scenario of nigh insurmountable odds in the second half? Is it poor preparation during the offseason and spring training that keeps setting us up this way? The question should be why? Are the Cubs winning more in the 2nd half because the non-postseason teams are dumping all their players? Or those teams just flat out quit? Maybe and I think we can find some correlation in that. In the first half EVERYONE is trying. This is why I kind of dislike (not hate) that the Cubs are winning right now. They're fooling us in to thinking the Cubs don't need to add anything significantly, "look, we played great in the 2nd half. This team can do it, we have *blank" best record in August and September".... while completely ignoring the Cubs are 18-26 vs postseason teams. Uh, I think the answer to why they are winning more the 2nd half is pretty simple , they are mainly healthy , they finally figured out the bullpen which has the best ERA in baseball the second half which totally sucked ass the first half and they are FINALLY getting production from the bottom of the order and Happ , all who gave them nothing the first couple months. |
|
|
|
Post by Returnofstevefitz on Aug 28, 2024 15:56:14 GMT -5
They're also playing shit teams and clearly i said it wasn't over until it's over.
|
|
|
|
Post by batman66 on Aug 28, 2024 16:06:19 GMT -5
They're also playing shit teams and clearly i said it wasn't over until it's over. <The loss today will be a buzz kill, not over until it's over. They can win yet another series and lose ground if the Braves and Giants win> By saying "the loss today" means you had it chalked up already , and the not over until it's over no doubt was regarding the playoff chances and not the game because you followed it up with "They can win yet another series and lose ground if the Braves and Giants win" So don't try to play it off like you meant this game, that's ok , I made the comment as a light hearted joke , no need to try to say you were not wrong about the outcome of this game, it wasn't needed and makes you look bad now. |
|
|
|
Post by batman66 on Aug 28, 2024 21:08:22 GMT -5
Fucking Braves won't lose though , so this may be a no rewards chase.
Up 5-1 on the Twins going into the 9th
Giants losing the the Brewers 5-1 in the 7th
STL up 3-2 on the Padres in the 8th
Mets scoreless in the 2nd
|
|
|
|
Post by skokiejoe on Aug 28, 2024 21:36:12 GMT -5
Wild Card #3 Standings
Braves 73-60 …. WON 4 in a row
Mets 69-63 Tied
Cubs 68-66 5.5GB WON 3 in a row
Giants 67-67 6.5GB LOST 1 in a row
|
|
|
|
Post by 2mileshighillini on Aug 29, 2024 1:31:10 GMT -5
Cubs move +1.0 in front of the Giants & 1.5 in front of the Cardinals.
Mets up next. (Mets 1.5 in front of the Cubs).
These teams must not be trying.
|
|
|
|
Post by 2mileshighillini on Aug 29, 2024 3:26:24 GMT -5
They're also playing shit teams Currently? They sure are.  We're doing exactly what we're supposed to be doing, against the weaker opponents. It just took us 4-5 Months to play them. That said -- Current Streak29-18 (.617) 47 Games.  It's no sweat off my balls if that doesn't please you. Cubs started the season 17-9 (.654)
And that's after an (0-2) Start. Opponents included Rangers (1-2) -- The World Champions Dodgers (2-1) -- Dodgers were (7-2) and had the most Wins in Baseball. Padres (1-2) -- That horrible Loss Mariners (2-1) -- Another winning team DBacks (2-1) -- The NL Champs and currently, the best team in Baseball. Astros (3-0) -- The previous World Champs Red Sox (1-0) -- It all got fucked up after this game. That's 12-7 (.632) in those games - Against VERY good competition. 5-2 in the Streak's other games. The Current Streak's opponents includePhillies (1-0) -- Phillies had the best record in Baseball. Orioles (3-0) -- Orioles had the best record in the AL. Cardinals (2-2) -- Cardinals were the hottest team in Baseball. DBacks (1-2) -- DBacks begin their insane run. Brewers (1-2) -- 9th Inning loss - Game 3 Royals (2-1) -- When they were the most improved team in Baseball. Cardinals (3-1) -- Cardinals were 5 up on the Cubs. LOLTwins (2-1) -- When the Twins were 11 games over & #4-AL Tigers (2-1) -- Tigers were 3 Under / Cubs were 3 Under. Indians (0-3) -- The ONLY time the Cubs have been swept this Season. That's 17-13 (.567) in those games -- 30 Games against the best of the Teams. 12-5 in the Streak's other games. (15 Games) When the Cubs played well (2 Distinct Streaks), they are 46-27 (.630) 73 Games - 19 OverAnd that record includes ALL the "winning-type" teams listed above - during the Streaks. Shitty Teams? Currently, yes. But check out those names. Check out those records. I can help you. It's 29-20 →(.592)← Against the Best of the Teams, during those Streaks (49 Games). 17-7 (.708) vs the others (24 Games).
So... Fact is... The Cubs gaudy record during this Current Streak AND during the Season Opening Streak BOTH include twice as many games against good teams, as they do vs bad teams... "Both" ... "TWICE as many"In between the Season Opening Streak & the Current Streak:The Cubs went 22-39 (.361) 61 Games - 17 UnderSo you gotta ask yourself...73 Games or 61 Games? Guys like Steve say 61 Games are ALL that matters. Guys like 2Miles & Batman say 73 Games mean just as much, if not more, than 61. |
|
|
|
Post by 2mileshighillini on Aug 29, 2024 4:01:09 GMT -5
Speaking of shitty teams.
The Cubs scored more Runs (42) in 3 Pittsburgh Games than they ever have, in the history of the Chicago Cubs.
More than Tinker-Evers-Chance
More than Pafko-Cavaretta-Hack
More than Banks-William-Santo
More than Sandburg-Durham-Davis
More than Sosa-Alou-Ramirez
More than Soriano-Lee-Ramirez
More than Schwarber-Bryant-Rizzo
And what shitty Pitchers did the Cubs do this against?
Keller - Jones - Skenes - Chapman - Bednar
|
|
|
|
Post by thisbuds4u on Aug 29, 2024 5:12:10 GMT -5
They're also playing shit teams Currently? They sure are. We're doing exactly what we're supposed to be doing, against the weaker opponents. It just took us 4-5 Months to play them. That said -- Current Streak29-18 (.617) 47 Games. It's no sweat off my balls if that doesn't please you. Cubs started the season 17-9 (.654)
And that's after an (0-2) Start. Opponents included Rangers (1-2) -- The World Champions Dodgers (2-1) -- Dodgers were (7-2) and had the most Wins in Baseball. Padres (1-2) -- That horrible Loss Mariners (2-1) -- Another winning team DBacks (2-1) -- The NL Champs and currently, the best team in Baseball. Astros (3-0) -- The previous World Champs Red Sox (1-0) -- It all got fucked up after this game. That's 12-7 (.632) in those games - Against VERY good competition. 5-2 in the Streak's other games. The Current Streak's opponents includePhillies (1-0) -- Phillies had the best record in Baseball. Orioles (3-0) -- Orioles had the best record in the AL. Cardinals (2-2) -- Cardinals were the hottest team in Baseball. DBacks (1-2) -- DBacks begin their insane run. Brewers (1-2) -- 9th Inning loss - Game 3 Royals (2-1) -- When they were the most improved team in Baseball. Cardinals (3-1) -- Cardinals were 5 up on the Cubs. LOLTwins (2-1) -- When the Twins were 11 games over & #4-AL Tigers (2-1) -- Tigers were 3 Under / Cubs were 3 Under. Indians (0-3) -- The ONLY time the Cubs have been swept this Season. That's 17-13 (.567) in those games -- 30 Games against the best of the Teams. 12-5 in the Streak's other games. (15 Games) When the Cubs played well (2 Distinct Streaks), they are 46-27 (.630) 73 Games - 19 OverAnd that record includes ALL the "winning-type" teams listed above - during the Streaks. Shitty Teams? Currently, yes. But check out those names. Check out those records. I can help you. It's 29-20 →(.592)← Against the Best of the Teams, during those Streaks (49 Games). 17-7 (.708) vs the others (24 Games).
So... Fact is... The Cubs gaudy record during this Current Streak AND during the Season Opening Streak BOTH include twice as many games against good teams, as they do vs bad teams... "Both" ... "TWICE as many"In between the Season Opening Streak & the Current Streak:The Cubs went 22-39 (.361) 61 Games - 17 UnderSo you gotta ask youself...73 Games or 61 Games? Guys like Steve say 61 Games are ALL that matters. Guy like 2Miles & Batman say 73 Games mean just as much, if not more, than 61. I'm of the opinion that all the games matter. When you consider 40% of the teams in the NL will make the playoffs it's hard to consider the season being a success if they don't make it in. Especially with the financial advantage they have compared to other teams and having one of the top rated farm systems in baseball. The truth is, Cubs management was slow to react when they were in that losing stretch. They hung onto unproductive players far to long at the expense of their top prospects. |
|
|
|
Post by 2mileshighillini on Aug 29, 2024 7:01:45 GMT -5
17-9 (.654) 26 Games - to open the Season29-18 (.617) 47 Games - to close the Season Guys like Steve say 61 Games are ALL that matter. Guy like 2Miles & Batman say 73 Games mean just as much, if not more, than 61. I'm of the opinion that all the games matter. When you consider 40% of the teams in the NL will make the playoffs it's hard to consider the season being a success if they don't make it in. Especially with the financial advantage they have compared to other teams and having one of the top rated farm systems in baseball. The truth is, Cubs management was slow to react when they were in that losing stretch. They hung onto unproductive players far to long at the expense of their top prospects. I can't argue with you there. We always do that. I've always pointed out that the Cubs play their contracts, before they play their talent. Take the bullpen. They sign a bunch of guys. They give a bunch of guys some rope. A bunch of guys hang themselves. They straighten it out. It would have worked this year too, if they were chasing an 84 Win team. But that's not how this year is turning out. |
|
|
|
Post by batman66 on Aug 29, 2024 7:48:59 GMT -5
Currently? They sure are. We're doing exactly what we're supposed to be doing, against the weaker opponents. It just took us 4-5 Months to play them. That said -- Current Streak29-18 (.617) 47 Games. It's no sweat off my balls if that doesn't please you. Cubs started the season 17-9 (.654)
And that's after an (0-2) Start. Opponents included Rangers (1-2) -- The World Champions Dodgers (2-1) -- Dodgers were (7-2) and had the most Wins in Baseball. Padres (1-2) -- That horrible Loss Mariners (2-1) -- Another winning team DBacks (2-1) -- The NL Champs and currently, the best team in Baseball. Astros (3-0) -- The previous World Champs Red Sox (1-0) -- It all got fucked up after this game. That's 12-7 (.632) in those games - Against VERY good competition. 5-2 in the Streak's other games. The Current Streak's opponents includePhillies (1-0) -- Phillies had the best record in Baseball. Orioles (3-0) -- Orioles had the best record in the AL. Cardinals (2-2) -- Cardinals were the hottest team in Baseball. DBacks (1-2) -- DBacks begin their insane run. Brewers (1-2) -- 9th Inning loss - Game 3 Royals (2-1) -- When they were the most improved team in Baseball. Cardinals (3-1) -- Cardinals were 5 up on the Cubs. LOLTwins (2-1) -- When the Twins were 11 games over & #4-AL Tigers (2-1) -- Tigers were 3 Under / Cubs were 3 Under. Indians (0-3) -- The ONLY time the Cubs have been swept this Season. That's 17-13 (.567) in those games -- 30 Games against the best of the Teams. 12-5 in the Streak's other games. (15 Games) When the Cubs played well (2 Distinct Streaks), they are 46-27 (.630) 73 Games - 19 OverAnd that record includes ALL the "winning-type" teams listed above - during the Streaks. Shitty Teams? Currently, yes. But check out those names. Check out those records. I can help you. It's 29-20 →(.592)← Against the Best of the Teams, during those Streaks (49 Games). 17-7 (.708) vs the others (24 Games).
So... Fact is... The Cubs gaudy record during this Current Streak AND during the Season Opening Streak BOTH include twice as many games against good teams, as they do vs bad teams... "Both" ... "TWICE as many"In between the Season Opening Streak & the Current Streak:The Cubs went 22-39 (.361) 61 Games - 17 UnderSo you gotta ask youself...73 Games or 61 Games? Guys like Steve say 61 Games are ALL that matters. Guy like 2Miles & Batman say 73 Games mean just as much, if not more, than 61. I'm of the opinion that all the games matter. When you consider 40% of the teams in the NL will make the playoffs it's hard to consider the season being a success if they don't make it in. Especially with the financial advantage they have compared to other teams and having one of the top rated farm systems in baseball. The truth is, Cubs management was slow to react when they were in that losing stretch. They hung onto unproductive players far to long at the expense of their top prospects. Right , ALL games matter . And no the season won't be a success if they don't make the playoffs, especially with teams hovering barely above .500 being in the mix this late in the season. BUT there are a lot of positives starting to develop which SHOULD give the doubters some hope for 2025. Despite numerous injuries to both the rotation and the pen , the Cubs pitching staff has been one of the better ones in the league and moving forward they should be set up well for 2025. The pen is now full of young and young-ish power arms with more on the way and the rotation also has some candidates on the way. PCA and Amaya seemed to have turned the corner and are becoming what we had hoped they'd be and both are putting up video game numbers this month. I know we can't expect production like that from them all the time but it's encouraging to see they've made changes that are not only working , it's making them into standout players. And at some point in 2025 we should see two additions from within, Caissie and Shaw who both could play big parts. 2024 was supposed to be a year when we thought they had a legit shot at not just the playoffs but the division title and that's not happening , but since the season began , a lot of the issues they were having have been straightened out. And they should have ample payroll room to fill some needs, hopefully some how , some way they can get a middle of the order slugger and if they do , with the way other things have developed I'm encouraged about the future. I know most people will look at it as they took a step backwards this season because of the record , and that's fair , but despite that I think there was also a lot of progress too. |
|
|
|
Post by lu13cubbie on Aug 29, 2024 8:13:52 GMT -5
They're also playing shit teams Currently? They sure are. We're doing exactly what we're supposed to be doing, against the weaker opponents. It just took us 4-5 Months to play them. That said -- Current Streak29-18 (.617) 47 Games. It's no sweat off my balls if that doesn't please you. Cubs started the season 17-9 (.654)
And that's after an (0-2) Start. Opponents included Rangers (1-2) -- The World Champions Dodgers (2-1) -- Dodgers were (7-2) and had the most Wins in Baseball. Padres (1-2) -- That horrible Loss Mariners (2-1) -- Another winning team DBacks (2-1) -- The NL Champs and currently, the best team in Baseball. Astros (3-0) -- The previous World Champs Red Sox (1-0) -- It all got fucked up after this game. That's 12-7 (.632) in those games - Against VERY good competition. 5-2 in the Streak's other games. The Current Streak's opponents includePhillies (1-0) -- Phillies had the best record in Baseball. Orioles (3-0) -- Orioles had the best record in the AL. Cardinals (2-2) -- Cardinals were the hottest team in Baseball. DBacks (1-2) -- DBacks begin their insane run. Brewers (1-2) -- 9th Inning loss - Game 3 Royals (2-1) -- When they were the most improved team in Baseball. Cardinals (3-1) -- Cardinals were 5 up on the Cubs. LOLTwins (2-1) -- When the Twins were 11 games over & #4-AL Tigers (2-1) -- Tigers were 3 Under / Cubs were 3 Under. Indians (0-3) -- The ONLY time the Cubs have been swept this Season. That's 17-13 (.567) in those games -- 30 Games against the best of the Teams. 12-5 in the Streak's other games. (15 Games) When the Cubs played well (2 Distinct Streaks), they are 46-27 (.630) 73 Games - 19 OverAnd that record includes ALL the "winning-type" teams listed above - during the Streaks. Shitty Teams? Currently, yes. But check out those names. Check out those records. I can help you. It's 29-20 →(.592)← Against the Best of the Teams, during those Streaks (49 Games). 17-7 (.708) vs the others (24 Games).
So... Fact is... The Cubs gaudy record during this Current Streak AND during the Season Opening Streak BOTH include twice as many games against good teams, as they do vs bad teams... "Both" ... "TWICE as many"In between the Season Opening Streak & the Current Streak:The Cubs went 22-39 (.361) 61 Games - 17 UnderSo you gotta ask yourself...73 Games or 61 Games? Guys like Steve say 61 Games are ALL that matters. Guys like 2Miles & Batman say 73 Games mean just as much, if not more, than 61. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him quit hating on the Cubs |
|
|
|
Post by skokiejoe on Aug 29, 2024 8:50:36 GMT -5
Wild Card #3 Standings
Braves 73-60 …. WON 4 in a row
Mets 69-64 4.0GB LOST 1 in a row
Cubs 68-66 5.5GB WON 3 in a row
Giants 67-67 6.5GB LOST 1 in a row
|
|
|
|
Post by TheChico on Aug 29, 2024 9:05:35 GMT -5
Wild Card #3 Standings Braves 73-60 …. WON 4 in a row Mets 69-64 4.0GB LOST 1 in a row Cubs 68-66 5.5GB WON 3 in a row Giants 67-67 6.5GB LOST 1 in a row The other thing the Cubs really needed to happen besides play .700+ baseball the rest of the way is hopefully the Braves don't get hot and sadly they are starting to really heat up. |
|
