While perusing the 'net,came across this post by a Cubs fan who brings up some pretty good points about various Cub's.


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http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/20 ... ent-174307
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Doug on November 7, 2009 3:55 PM
First off, let's stop pretending that all the Cubs need to do is bring back Mark DeRosa and all will be well in Wrigleyville. DeRosa had just about the same number of plate appearances in 2009 as he did in 2008, and the only category he improved in was homers (23-21). He had 7 fewer doubles, 9 fewer RBI, 22 fewer walks, 15 more strike outs, and his BA dropped from .285 in 2008 to .250 in 2009. Plus he'll be 35 on opening day and he's going to have wrist surgery this off season. I liked DeRosa when he was here and I was stunned by the trade last off season, but we have to face the fact that DeRosa 2010 is not the same player as DeRosa 2008.

As for a few other things I saw on here...Aaron Miles was only signed for two years at 4.9 mil, not three for 9 mil. He could have been the worst offensive player in MLB in 2009, but he was just a backup so his suckiness only had a minimal effect on the 2009 Cubs season. Let's hope this year they either release him or just stick him in AAA and let Andres Blanco be the backup SS.

To the guy who suggested we get rid of everyone and start over, are you the GM of the Pittsburgh Pirates? That's what they've been doing for the past 17 seasons. How's that strategy working out for them?

To the guy who said Cubs pitchers and players don't improve on the Cubs, have you been paying any attention the past few years? Ryan Dempster sure did improve in 2008 (17 wins 2.96 ERA) and he improved in the 2nd half of this season over his not so great first half. Ted Lilly is a much better pitcher now than he was in Toronto. Jason Marquis stunk in his final year in St. Louis, but improved in his first season as a Cub in 2007. And Randy Wells sure looked pretty good coming out of nowhere in 2009 to be a main part of the Cubs rotation. We don't have a Tim Lincecum type pitcher, but our rotation is pretty solid, second only to the Cardinals in our division last season.

As for position players, Aramis Ramirez was an inconsistent hitter who couldn't field when we got him from the Pirates. Now he's an average fielder who is one of the best run producers among third basemen in all of baseball. And D-Lee has had his two best seasons in 2005 and 2009. I'd say both of those players have improved their game since joining the Cubs.

And finally, let's forget this notion that Joe Girardi should have been hired in 2007 to manage the Cubs. He had one season of MLB managerial experience in which he had a losing record. It was in small-market, no-pressure, play in front of less than 10,000 a night Florida. He was named Manager of the Year only because that Marlins team was expected to lose 100 games that year. They had Hanley Ramirez, Miguel Cabrera, and Dan Uggla, so we know now they couldn't have been that bad. And if Manager of the Year awards impress you, then keep in mind that Jerry Manuel has won a Manger of the Year and Dusty has won 3 of them! Girardi's qualifications were questionable at best and I don't recall him being favored over Lou. But if it makes you feel better to rewire history, then who am I to stop you?

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favrefan said:"Chris Coghlan isn't gonna pay your rent, Jimmy."

terrible, because the pirates never invest in the team. the pirates have had enough young talent in the last 20 years that if the ownership had been able to open up the pocketbook a little and sign some key guys along the way instead of throwing everyone away, they could have fielded a competitive team. when i suggest blowing it up, i mean dismantling a group of players that obviously dont have what it takes to win collectively, try to get some talented young players in return, and the slowly and WISELY sign needed components to get get competitive. by selling off, that doesnt have to condemn you to 25 terrible years if you wisely build the payroll back up. the pirates have no desire to build the payroll, so therefore they are doomed to suck every year.

Hey Man,
I agree,The Bucs have had a lot of home grown talent that if kept,they could have competed. I agree with Dan Bernstein on this. If the ownership can't afford it,they
should have theses teams disbanded. Every year,the same stuff. It must be tough to be a Pirates fan. I remember when they had some great teams with Stargell,Clemente,Parker,etc.

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favrefan said:"Chris Coghlan isn't gonna pay your rent, Jimmy."

i really pity pittsburgh. i am a cubs fan, and i dont hate any other team any more than any other, but i have a soft spot for pirates fans. that park looks awesome, pittsburgh is a great city, and they deserve more than what they are getting. it is a hopeless situation, HOPELESS. that team will NEVER win with the situation the way it is. how do you root for that? at least with the cubs, they have had a payroll to at least buy a lineup that gives you a CHANCE to win. but to go at it year after year after year and know it is hopeless - that is just cruel to the baseball fans in that town.