Here our my top ten outfielders, third baseman, and first baseman. With a bounus from MLB 2K9's top 20 Pitchers (it's a little shocking.)
Outfielders
Ryan Braun 1
Manny 2
Josh Hamilton 3
Grady Sizemore 4
Carlos Lee 5
Carlos Quentin 6
Matt Holliday 7
Alfonso Soriano 8
Ichrio Suzuki 9
Vladimir Guerrero 10
Honorable mention
Jason Bay 11
Carlos Beltran 12
1B
Albert Pujols 1
Mark Teixeira 2
Miguel Cabrera 3
Lance Berkman 4
Prince Fielder 5
Justin Morneau 6
Adrian Gonzalez 7
Ryan Howard 8
Kevin Youkilis 9
Joey Votto 10
3B
Alex Rodriguez 1
David Wright 2
Aramis Ramirez 3
Evan Longoria 4
Chipper Jones 5
Garrett Atkins 6
Adrian Beltre 7
Ryan Zimmerman 8
Micheal Young 9
Alex Gordon 10
MLB 2K9's top 20 Pitchers
1. Francisco Rodriguez New York Mets
2. Johan Santana New York Mets
3. Tim Lincecum San Francisco Giants
4. Brandon Webb Arizona Diamondbacks
5. Johnathan Papelbon Boston Red Sox
6. CC Sabathia New York Yankees
7. Joe Nathan Minnesota Twins
8. Daisuke Matsuzaka Boston Red Sox
9. Joakim Soria Kansas City Royals
10. John Lackey Los Angeles Angels
11. Mariano Rivera New York Yankees
12. Cole Hamels Philadelphia Phillies
13. Brad Lidge Philadelphia Phillies
14. Scott Kazmir Tampa Bay Rays
15. Roy Halladay Toronto Blue Jays
16. Josh Beckett Boston Red Sox
17. Carlos Zambrano Chicago Cubs
18. Jake Peavy San Diego Padres
19. Felix Hernandez Seattle Mariners
20. Dan Haren Arizona Diamondbacks
Don't Forget, every Saturday @ Noon, I will have a Chat on this very website.
This story was approved by Chicago Cubs Blog-Phil Wilson
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Peavy Talks
This is comments of What Peavy said abour being a Padre.
MLB.com's Corey Brock passes along comments Jake Peavy made on XX Sports Radio in San Diego. Peavy said he's "dang glad" to be a Padre after an off season of trade talks. Peavy said he understands that business decisions led to a "crazy winter."
Brock adds that GM Kevin Towers "has not had active discussions with any team regarding Peavy" since the Winter Meetings.
Why would Peavy come out and say that, this off season he said he was mad About being a Padre and wanted to play for the Chicago Cubs. On the last night at the winter meetings he was singing Go Cubs Go at the bar.
MLB.com's Corey Brock passes along comments Jake Peavy made on XX Sports Radio in San Diego. Peavy said he's "dang glad" to be a Padre after an off season of trade talks. Peavy said he understands that business decisions led to a "crazy winter."
Brock adds that GM Kevin Towers "has not had active discussions with any team regarding Peavy" since the Winter Meetings.
Why would Peavy come out and say that, this off season he said he was mad About being a Padre and wanted to play for the Chicago Cubs. On the last night at the winter meetings he was singing Go Cubs Go at the bar.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Who Will Be The Cubs 5th Starter...Other News..Peavy TALKS
In this post, I will examine Marshall, Heilman, Gaudin, Guzman, and Samardzija as the possible 5th man in the rotation. I will not examine Jake Peavy, because as of now he's not a member of the Cubs and if he were, we'd wouldn't be having this conversation. (Winner in BOLD)
2008 ERA
Sean Marshall-3.86
Aaron Heilman-5.21
Chad Gaudin-4.40
Angel Guzman-3.56 (2007)
Jeff Samardzija-2.28
2008 Strikeouts/Walks and innings Pitched
Sean Marshall-58/23 65.1IP
Aaron Heilman-80/46 76IP
Chad Gaudin-71/27 90IP
Angel Guzman-26/9 30.1IP (2007)
Jeff Samardzija-25/15 27.2IP
2008 Hits/ER aloud (needs to be factored against IP)
Sean Marshall-60/28
Aaron Heilman-75/44
Chad Gaudin-92/44
Angel Guzman-32/12
Jeff Samardzija-24/7
2008 Starting Statistics
Sean Marshall-1-4 4.15ERA
Aaron Heilman-2-3 4.71ERA (2005, last time he actually started)
Chad Gaudin-3-2 3.75ERA
Angel Guzman-0-0 3.53ERA (2007, I know he started the last game of the year, but it was 2IP)
Jeff Samardzija-Hasn't in Majors
With the following stats, it looks like Chad Gaudin did better in 2008 then the rest. Before doing these numbers break down, I had Sean Marshall pencilled in as the 5th starter. But I just erased his name, and I've selected Chad Gaudin as my 5th starter for the Chicago Cubs. Yes I know Chad had back problems at the end of the 08' season, but all of a sudden he's my favorite of the bunch.
Disagree? Discuss about it in the comments!
As I started to write this post, Jake Peavy was on XX Sports Radio in San Diego; Peavy said he's "dang glad" to be a Padre after an offseason of trade talks. Peavy said he understands that business decisions led to a "crazy winter."
It looks to me like GM Kevin Towers "pressured" Peavy to calm the air.
NOTES: Within the next few weeks I'll have example custom made Chicago Cubs T-shirts on the blog.
Don't Forget, every Saturday @ Noon, I will have a Chat on this very website.
This story was approved by Chicago Cubs Blog-Phil Wilson
2008 ERA
Sean Marshall-3.86
Aaron Heilman-5.21
Chad Gaudin-4.40
Angel Guzman-3.56 (2007)
Jeff Samardzija-2.28
2008 Strikeouts/Walks and innings Pitched
Sean Marshall-58/23 65.1IP
Aaron Heilman-80/46 76IP
Chad Gaudin-71/27 90IP
Angel Guzman-26/9 30.1IP (2007)
Jeff Samardzija-25/15 27.2IP
2008 Hits/ER aloud (needs to be factored against IP)
Sean Marshall-60/28
Aaron Heilman-75/44
Chad Gaudin-92/44
Angel Guzman-32/12
Jeff Samardzija-24/7
2008 Starting Statistics
Sean Marshall-1-4 4.15ERA
Aaron Heilman-2-3 4.71ERA (2005, last time he actually started)
Chad Gaudin-3-2 3.75ERA
Angel Guzman-0-0 3.53ERA (2007, I know he started the last game of the year, but it was 2IP)
Jeff Samardzija-Hasn't in Majors
With the following stats, it looks like Chad Gaudin did better in 2008 then the rest. Before doing these numbers break down, I had Sean Marshall pencilled in as the 5th starter. But I just erased his name, and I've selected Chad Gaudin as my 5th starter for the Chicago Cubs. Yes I know Chad had back problems at the end of the 08' season, but all of a sudden he's my favorite of the bunch.
Disagree? Discuss about it in the comments!
As I started to write this post, Jake Peavy was on XX Sports Radio in San Diego; Peavy said he's "dang glad" to be a Padre after an offseason of trade talks. Peavy said he understands that business decisions led to a "crazy winter."
It looks to me like GM Kevin Towers "pressured" Peavy to calm the air.
NOTES: Within the next few weeks I'll have example custom made Chicago Cubs T-shirts on the blog.
Don't Forget, every Saturday @ Noon, I will have a Chat on this very website.
This story was approved by Chicago Cubs Blog-Phil Wilson
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
10 Reasons to Love the Cubs in 09'....Interesting Notes
Here are my Top 10 reason to love the Cubs in 2009:
TEN: They Play at one of the best if not the best Ballpark in the world in "Wrigley Field."
NINE: They spoil us, by giving us extraordinary games!
EIGHT: They give us the best rivalries in sports (Cubs Vs Cards, Cubs Vs White Sox, Cubs Vs Tigers, Etc.)
SEVEN: They have a great offense which is now balanced, and they have stars in the making (Soto, Marmol, Fontenot, Theriot, and others.)
SIX: Fortunately the Cubs should play the wildcard (now since it wont come out of the Central,) the wildcard should be someone out of east (Phillies, Mets, or Braves) who we match up better with.
FIVE: We have one of the best 8th and 9th inning tandems in baseball.
FOUR: Our starting pitchers are excellent in every way, shape, or form.
THREE: Our offense should rake homeruns with Bradley, Ramirez, Lee, Soriano, and Soto.
TWO: Don't worry about the hitting in the playoffs, because Bradley has 42ABs, .310BA, 4HRs, .383OBP, .667SLG, and only 5Ks (WOW) in his career in the postseason.
ONE: We are lead by the one and only Lou Pinella.
That's what I think? What do you think?
-------------------------------------------------------
A fan sent in an interesting article on "How are WWE superstars and MLB teams similar?" So I checked it out and found a match between a Superstar and the Chicago Cubs.
Jeff Hardy: Chicago Cubs
Check it out, and see other MLB teams and WWE superstar matches!
I thought is was interesting, but not a big fan of the WWE.
Don't Forget, every Saturday @ Noon, I will have a Chat on this very website.
This story was approved by Chicago Cubs Blog-Phil Wilson
TEN: They Play at one of the best if not the best Ballpark in the world in "Wrigley Field."
NINE: They spoil us, by giving us extraordinary games!
EIGHT: They give us the best rivalries in sports (Cubs Vs Cards, Cubs Vs White Sox, Cubs Vs Tigers, Etc.)
SEVEN: They have a great offense which is now balanced, and they have stars in the making (Soto, Marmol, Fontenot, Theriot, and others.)
SIX: Fortunately the Cubs should play the wildcard (now since it wont come out of the Central,) the wildcard should be someone out of east (Phillies, Mets, or Braves) who we match up better with.
FIVE: We have one of the best 8th and 9th inning tandems in baseball.
FOUR: Our starting pitchers are excellent in every way, shape, or form.
THREE: Our offense should rake homeruns with Bradley, Ramirez, Lee, Soriano, and Soto.
TWO: Don't worry about the hitting in the playoffs, because Bradley has 42ABs, .310BA, 4HRs, .383OBP, .667SLG, and only 5Ks (WOW) in his career in the postseason.
ONE: We are lead by the one and only Lou Pinella.
That's what I think? What do you think?
-------------------------------------------------------
A fan sent in an interesting article on "How are WWE superstars and MLB teams similar?" So I checked it out and found a match between a Superstar and the Chicago Cubs.
Jeff Hardy: Chicago Cubs
Ah, the lovable losers. The boys from Chi-town haven't won a World Series since before some of our grandparents were born. Both are tremendously popular no matter how many times they lose chasing the gold. There is always something that eventually stops the momentum whether it's a wellness policy or Steve Bartman.
Both Hardy and Cub fans wait with bated breath for the day they eventually break the "curse" and grab the gold.
Check it out, and see other MLB teams and WWE superstar matches!
I thought is was interesting, but not a big fan of the WWE.
Don't Forget, every Saturday @ Noon, I will have a Chat on this very website.
This story was approved by Chicago Cubs Blog-Phil Wilson
Monday, February 9, 2009
Peavy update, Cubs Sale, Other Notes
Here is some quick news on the Cubs:
Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Suntimes said that the Cubs will go into spring training looking for a veteran starting pitching or Jake Peavy and a leadoff hitter, like Chone Figgins or Brian Roberts. (I think if the Cubs get Peavy they will have to settle for Figgins and I think if they really want both they will be able to get both.)
Also Gordon Wittenyer of the Chicago Suntimes said the deal for the Cubs is nearly complete. This is awesome news, and this is where you'll find rumors on the Cubs.
I will keep you posted.
Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Suntimes said that the Cubs will go into spring training looking for a veteran starting pitching or Jake Peavy and a leadoff hitter, like Chone Figgins or Brian Roberts. (I think if the Cubs get Peavy they will have to settle for Figgins and I think if they really want both they will be able to get both.)
Also Gordon Wittenyer of the Chicago Suntimes said the deal for the Cubs is nearly complete. This is awesome news, and this is where you'll find rumors on the Cubs.
I will keep you posted.
How to Fix the Postseason
I hate how the postseason format is designed, and I have some ideas to fix it. But first lets look at some teams who've gotten screwed over the current format.
I think that the playoff format should be the best 4 teams of each league. What are your ideas? What do you guys think?
Don't Forget, every Saturday @ Noon, I will have a Chat on this very website.
This story was approved by Chicago Cubs Blog-Phil Wilson
1995
Wildcard NL Colorado Rockies 77-67, NL West LA Dodgers 78-66
Teams screwed over by playoff system: California Angels 78-67
1996
NL Central St. Louis Cardinals 88-74, AL Wildcard Baltimore Orioles 88-74
Teams screwed over by playoff system: Montreal Expos 88-74
1997
Cleveland Indians AL Central 86-75, Houston Astros 84-76
Teams screwed over by playoff system: New York Mets 88-74, LA Dodgers 88-74, Anaheim Angels 84-78
1998
Teams screwed over by playoff system: Toronto Blue Jays 88-74, NY Mets 88-74, San Francisco 89-74
1999
AL Wildcard Boston Red Sox 94-68, AL West Texas Rangers 95-67
Teams screwed over by playoff system: Cincinnati Reds 96-67
2000
AL East New York Yankees 87-74
Teams screwed over by playoff system: Cleveland 90-72
2001
Teams screwed over by playoff system: San Francisco Giants 90-72, Chicago Cubs 88-74
2002
Teams screwed over by playoff system: Boston Red Sox 93-69, Seattle 93-69, LAD 92-70
2003
AL Central Minnesota Twins 90-72, NL Central Chicago Cubs 88-74
Teams screwed over by playoff system: Seattle Mariners 93-69
2004
Teams screwed over by playoff system: Oakland Athletics 91-71, San Francisco Giants 91-71
2005
NL East Atlanta Braves 90-72, San Diego Padres 82-80
Teams screwed over by playoff system: Cleveland Indians 93-69, Philadelphia Phillies 88-74, Oakland Athletics 88-74, Minnesota Twins 83-79
2006
NL Central St. Louis Cardinals 83-78, NL West LAD 88-74, NL Wildcrad San Diego Padres 88-74
Teams screwed over by playoff system: Toronto Blue Jays 87-75, Boston Red Sox 86-76, Chicago White Sox 90-72, LA Angels 89-73, Philadelphia Phillies 85-77
2007
NL Cental Chicago Cubs 85-77
Teams screwed over by playoff system:New York Mets 88-74, San Diego Padres 89-74, Seattle Mariners 88-74, Detroit Tigers 88-74
2008
AL Central Chicago White Sox 89-74, NL West LAD 84-78
Teams screwed over by playoff system: New York Yankees 89-73, Toronto Blue Jays 86-76, Minnesota Twins 88-75, New York Mets 89-73, Florida Marlins 84-77, Houston Astros 86-75, St. Louis Cardinals 86-76,
I think that the playoff format should be the best 4 teams of each league. What are your ideas? What do you guys think?
Don't Forget, every Saturday @ Noon, I will have a Chat on this very website.
This story was approved by Chicago Cubs Blog-Phil Wilson
Quick News
The news from around the NL Central. As well as the Cubs have lost out on another player.
According to Ken Rosenthal, the Giants have sign IF Rich Aurillia to a minor league deal. Rosenthal believes that Aurillia pick the the Giants over the Cubs and Phillies which also offer him a minor league deal.
According to Haudricourt, the Brewers have sign P Branden Looper.
According to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, the Astros are not pursuing OF Adam Dunn and OF Bobby Abreu.
According to Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Dispatch, the Cardinals have release IF Adam Kennedy.
That is some news, I should thought I will pass by. I will keep you updated on the Cubs rumors.
According to Ken Rosenthal, the Giants have sign IF Rich Aurillia to a minor league deal. Rosenthal believes that Aurillia pick the the Giants over the Cubs and Phillies which also offer him a minor league deal.
According to Haudricourt, the Brewers have sign P Branden Looper.
According to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, the Astros are not pursuing OF Adam Dunn and OF Bobby Abreu.
According to Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Dispatch, the Cardinals have release IF Adam Kennedy.
That is some news, I should thought I will pass by. I will keep you updated on the Cubs rumors.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Week Ahead
Monday-How to fix the postseason in general.
Tuesday-Ten reasons to love the Cubs.
Wednesday-Who Will be the 5th starter (with a numbers breakdown.)
Thursday-My top Ten outfielders, first baseman, and third baseman with my stat predictions.
Friday-Pitchers and Catchers report, with possible interviews and updates from Mesa.
Saturday- Spring training update and news. Talkin' Baseball recap.
Sunday-News from Mesa, Arizona.
And of course I'll keep your up-to-date on all Cub rumors and news.
Don't Forget, every Saturday @ Noon, I will have a Chat on this very website.
This story was approved by Chicago Cubs Blog-Phil Wilson
Tuesday-Ten reasons to love the Cubs.
Wednesday-Who Will be the 5th starter (with a numbers breakdown.)
Thursday-My top Ten outfielders, first baseman, and third baseman with my stat predictions.
Friday-Pitchers and Catchers report, with possible interviews and updates from Mesa.
Saturday- Spring training update and news. Talkin' Baseball recap.
Sunday-News from Mesa, Arizona.
And of course I'll keep your up-to-date on all Cub rumors and news.
Don't Forget, every Saturday @ Noon, I will have a Chat on this very website.
This story was approved by Chicago Cubs Blog-Phil Wilson
Orlando Hudson to Cubs.....
According to Nick Cafardo; Free agent 2B Orlando Hudson is being targeted by 3 teams in the Dodgers, White Sox, and the Cubs. A few Cubs organizational people really want Hudson, but the pending sale and transfer of the Cubs from the Chicago Tribune to Tom Ricketts may handicap GM Jim Hendry's ability to sign him, until the sale is complete.
With Players such as Adam Dunn and Bobby Abreu who might settle for a one or at best two year deal, with an annual salary of 3-8 million dollars. The Cubs may be able to snatch Orlando Hudson for a 1yr/5million or a 2yr/10million dollars. With the recent trades, the Cubs have saved between one and two million dollars, so this might not be so far-fetched.
Everyone has assumed (including me) that Aaron Miles was going to play exclusively at 2B as a platoon guy and a Back-up for SS, 3B, and some possible OF. But Aaron Miles could potentially platoon at SS with the Theriot and serve as Aramis Ramirez's personal back-up. As much as I want Fonty to be our everyday 2B, Orlando Hudson gives us a great number two batter or an OK lead-off batter. Hudson has never been a stolen base guy but he does have a great OBP in .367, so we could potentially have ourselves a lead-off hitter and finally (and I mean finally) have Soriano down in the line-up.
Where ever Soriano bats, he needs someone to protect him in back of him, so he can still hit the Home runs. Possibly 2nd in-front of Bradley or Lee or 5th in-front of Soto or Lee (with tons of possibilities that could be re-arranged.)
I forget to Mention Orlando Hudson is a Switch Hitter.
The comments are there, so use them.
I will have the post on how I would fix the postseason in general on Monday (tomorrow.)
On another note, I didn't have a recap of Talkin' Baseball because Bruce Levine wasn't there, and it was mildly boring.
Don't Forget, every Saturday @ Noon, I will have a Chat on this very website.
With Players such as Adam Dunn and Bobby Abreu who might settle for a one or at best two year deal, with an annual salary of 3-8 million dollars. The Cubs may be able to snatch Orlando Hudson for a 1yr/5million or a 2yr/10million dollars. With the recent trades, the Cubs have saved between one and two million dollars, so this might not be so far-fetched.
Everyone has assumed (including me) that Aaron Miles was going to play exclusively at 2B as a platoon guy and a Back-up for SS, 3B, and some possible OF. But Aaron Miles could potentially platoon at SS with the Theriot and serve as Aramis Ramirez's personal back-up. As much as I want Fonty to be our everyday 2B, Orlando Hudson gives us a great number two batter or an OK lead-off batter. Hudson has never been a stolen base guy but he does have a great OBP in .367, so we could potentially have ourselves a lead-off hitter and finally (and I mean finally) have Soriano down in the line-up.
Where ever Soriano bats, he needs someone to protect him in back of him, so he can still hit the Home runs. Possibly 2nd in-front of Bradley or Lee or 5th in-front of Soto or Lee (with tons of possibilities that could be re-arranged.)
I forget to Mention Orlando Hudson is a Switch Hitter.
The comments are there, so use them.
I will have the post on how I would fix the postseason in general on Monday (tomorrow.)
On another note, I didn't have a recap of Talkin' Baseball because Bruce Levine wasn't there, and it was mildly boring.
Don't Forget, every Saturday @ Noon, I will have a Chat on this very website.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Counting the Days...
Spring training is almost here, so Cub fans hold your breath.
Pitcher and Catchers meet in 6 days
Sprig Training starts in 18 days
Opening Day is in 58 days
Note: On talking baseball, today Len Kasper said that they will have 9 Cub games from Spring Training on TV. Bruce Levine was off this weekend, but will be there next week.
Note: The Giants have offer Rich Aurillia a minor league deal, ,n which he is considering. (I think if the Cubs offer him a 1 year deal worth 1 million, I think he will accept it).
When a rumor pops, it'll be here first!
Pitcher and Catchers meet in 6 days
Sprig Training starts in 18 days
Opening Day is in 58 days
Note: On talking baseball, today Len Kasper said that they will have 9 Cub games from Spring Training on TV. Bruce Levine was off this weekend, but will be there next week.
Note: The Giants have offer Rich Aurillia a minor league deal, ,n which he is considering. (I think if the Cubs offer him a 1 year deal worth 1 million, I think he will accept it).
When a rumor pops, it'll be here first!
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