With the final spring training game in the books for the Cubs, let take a look back at this spring and see what we learned about the Cubs.
The Cubs really aren't that good
I know its spring training and the games don't mean a lot, but the Cubs ended the spring with a 14-19 record. Doesn't really inspire confidence, especially coming off a 75-87 record in 2010. In addition, the Cubs committed the 4th most errors in the NL (38) and had the 3rd worst team ERA (5.70) this spring.
It would have been nice to have a good spring and use that as a springboard to a good season, but it looks like that is not happening.
The Cubs don't have a lot of confidence in Blake DeWitt
Sure he hit only .186/.197/.305 this spring, but Mike Quade is smart enough to know that you do not judge a player by spring stats alone. Quade proved this point by making Kosuke Fukudome his leadoff man, despite his .173/.333/.192 line this spring.
The fact is, the Cubs probably don't have a lot of confidence in Blake DeWitt's ability to hit and that is why Darwin Barney beat him out. DeWitt could still win back the second base job, if he starts hitting during the regular season or if Barney struggles. But it will be an uphill battle from here.
If you are a hothead (and cannot pitch), you will be released
Carlos Silva dug his own grave this spring, fighting with Aramis Ramirez, pitching poorly and lashing out at the Cubs management after failing to secure a roster spot. He effectively destroyed any value he might have had and forced the Cubs to release him.
Truth is, the Cubs already have a resident headcase in Carlos Zambrano. But at least he can back it up with strong pitching. The Cubs have no need for a headcase who cannot get anybody out.
Maybe the Cubs really are committed to getting younger
With the announcements that Andrew Cashner had won the 5th starter spot and that Marcos Mateo earned a spot in the pen, the Cubs showed that they are committed to developing their players and building from within.
This takes some of the sting out of the Matt Garza trade, which gutted the Cubs farm system. But, at least now I get the impression that when players like Trey McNutt and Brett Jackson are ready, the Cubs will find a spot for them.
And finally,
Now I've heard everything
Matt Garza, when talking about his struggles in Arizona, blamed the dry air, claiming it was difficult for him to grip the ball. So, when you struggle in Chicago, what are you going to blame then? Poor resin bags?
Good pitchers don't make excuses, they just get the job done. With the season starting, now is the time for you to produce and make us understand why Jim Hendry thought you were worth 5 prospects.
I'm sorry, I can't read this without saying something. So Quade is smart enough to know one can't judge a player by his spring training stats alone, but you're not smart enough to know you can't judge a TEAM based on its spring training stats? Puh-lease, give me a f***ing break. You, of all people, should know that much of the poor play came from players who will never sniff a major league roster, and by the end of ST, all the players on the 25 man roster (with the exception of one, DeWitt) look ready to begin the season. I fully expect the Cubs to compete in this injury-weakened division this year.
ReplyDeleteYes, I know that and I even say so above. But I'm still concerned by the number of errors and the poor pitching, especially by Matt Garza who is suppose to be our future ace.
ReplyDeleteDo you really think Garza looked ready to begin the season?
ReplyDeleteI watched all of his starts that were televised, and I think he will pitch like an ace this year. At times he showed fantastic offspeed pitches and good command of his fastball. I don't really buy into the Arizona air stuff either, but the whole point of spring training is to get the kinks out and get ready for the season. He's a tremendous competitor and rough start or not, I believe he'll have a great year for us.
ReplyDeleteYou said, quote "It would have been nice to have a good spring and use that as a springboard to a good season, but it looks like that is not happening."
The main problem I have with this is that how your team performs during spring training has no effect at all on the season. As Len and Bob say, "it's all about getting your work in". Yes the Cubs still have old, slow, overpaid bums on the team but the young talent has me incredibly excited about the season. I can't wait to see what Castro, Cashner, Barney, and Colvin will do this year, and I think we're going to surprise a lot of people.
I hope you're right. I'm just not as optimistic as you.
ReplyDeleteI see a .500 record as a best case scenario.
I agree with u Mark Garza Is a retard he cant pitch to save his life and I believe that his ERA will be above 4.50. And anonymous above me your retarded Garza sucks dumb ass I acauly have researched his stats and found out hes not good he gives up a TON of hits, a TON of homeruns, and he hits and throws way to many wild pitches. Garza sucks the only reason he did good with tampa is becasue they got a great defense and the cubs got the worst defense in baseball. im pretty sure that Garza wil not a good year. Also Garza does have some postives he has good stamina and dosent walk that much thats it. And also u can't judge a team by spring training cause most of the time spring training stats dont prove anything. Mark i disagree with u. hahah the cubs finishing that low. I commented on your NL central Preview about the cubs and I thought i made myself clear. TEAMS CAN'T PRoDUCE RUNS WITHOUT THIER 3RD AND 4RD HITER PRODUCEING RUNS. D LEE had a terrible year and so did Ramirez. Also we had a crap bullpen and i think cashner is a piece of shit. I hate Cashner i believe he is good be a shit pitcher. I believe casey Colemen should have got the starter position. Also i believe that Blake dewitt should be bagging groceries. Darwin barney stepped it up in spriung and last year he was doing great then he went through a slump. Dewitt sucked the whole year and he has nothing. he cant hit for power steak bases he cant field, he cant bat for contact HE CANT PLAY BASEBALL P.S anonymous YOUR FUCKING RETARDED. GARZA SUCKS AND IS NOT AN ACE
ReplyDeleteI'm not one to usually rip into people about grammer and punctuation, but holy shit, that last post was virtually unreadable.
ReplyDeleteI think in order to settle this argument on Garza, I would like to challenge jeff to a spelling bee - winner take all!
ReplyDeleteI have been impressed with Quade so far this year. He hasn't made the choices based on salary or status quo. Barney fairly beat out DeWitt, and has bought into Rudy's philosophy of hitting, not to mention attending Colvin Camp this offseason. I am hoping for a long run of Castro / Barney up the middle.
ReplyDeleteI also believe that we have a lot of starting pitching depth, and if Garza continually fails, he will be replaced. I am hoping that won't be the case though, since losing Archer would sting that much more!
I am not expecting to be too impressed with Carlos Pena. If he hits .225 with 30 homeruns, I will be surprised and almost happy. His career numbers point at a below .250 average, but maybe his OBP will make up for that.
My hopes are that Colvin will find a way to get at least 400 ABS, Ramirez stays healthy, Koyie Hill will stay out of the lineup consistently, Castro / Byrd / Barney all hit near the .300 mark, and Big Z doesn't self implode!
GO CUBS!
This is why I usually don't read blogs. Any hack with a 4th grade education can slap together a post with no regard to intelligence.
ReplyDeleteBut, if you don't read blogs, as you say, then why are you commenting on this one?
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I'm ready to compare my education with yours anytime you like.
I agree that Garza did not look good this spring. However, "cannot pitch to save his life"??? As a Sox fan, I have not forgotten the 2008 playoffs! After the Sox comeback in game 5 (down 7 runs in the 7th) and their handy victory in game 6 (one of those 4-2 game that never felt close), I (and most Sox fans) thought that it was another trip to the World Series. And then Garza just demolished them.
ReplyDeleteGarza has stuck it to Boston a lot in the regular season, too. Yes, he looked bad in the spring: but when he's pitched against the best teams in baseball (Sox and Yanks), he's looked mighty good over the last 3 years.
Well of course i suck at grammer im only 16 u fucking losers. Garza sucks so much im exicted to watch tomorrows game because then we will see if he sucks or not
ReplyDeleteHold on a minute. The anonymous posters here are NOT the same person. And, Mark, I would love to compare my education with yours. Even though the spelling bee poster and 4th grade typing poster aren't me.
ReplyDelete