I've never identified with the folks who were anxious for Piniella to leave town. What more could have been done with this team that Piniella already tried? Lineup changes, sitting certain players for extended periods, etc. Anyway, it's another sad departure of a beloved Cubs icon -- which begs the question: why can't we be watching Big Z, Fukudome, Soriano, etc. take off? More ->
From the category archives:
Lou Piniella
With all the discussion about whether to put Castro on the Cubs' opening day roster, you have to hear Lou's opinion! Most Cubs fans will tell you that with the sudden demise of Corey Patterson, Felix Pie, etc. that there is no such thing as too much seasoning in the minors. However, Sweet Lou doesn't share that philosophy. He claims that "the good ones are always ready." More ->
The most thrilling/inspiring/hopeful part of this interview with Lou Piniella was Piniella recalling a moment from this spring when Carlos Zambrano told him that it is "time to win!" Think about that for a moment. Last year Big Z made the proclamation that he is going to retire at the end of his current contract and (after a subpar season and a long offseason to reflect) he realizes that his time to "win" is quickly coming to a close. Say it IS so! More ->
Add left fielder to the positions that Sean Marshall has played. In an unusually crafty move, Piniella removed Soriano from left (always a great idea) to put Marshall (who had just pitched to a batter) so that he could pitch to the next left-handed hitter. Although it didn't work out quite as planned as LaRussa countered by subbing a righty for the lefty who was supposed to bat. Anyway, it was fun and cool and then Reed Johnson made an awesome catch to make everyone forget about the whole thing. Too bad the Cubs lost, but Wells pitched another good game other than (of course) allowing two home runs to Ryan Ludwick.
I hope Milton Bradley is starting to feel the pressure of yet another Cubs minor leaguer making a quality debut. This time it's Sam Fuld with a couple of hits (including his first major league hit) and an outfield assist as he (when did this last happen) threw a runner out at home!
Lou Piniella checks in for his weekly chat and continues to be surprised by the mood swings of Cub fans. Piniella is thrilled that the Cubs continue to remain three games back with Ramirez on DL, is also delighted with the glove work that Jake Fox is showing at third base, ... AND (say it ain’t so Lou!) that with Reed Johnson and Ramirez coming back next week, Jake Fox might have to go back to the minors(?!?!).
LISTEN OR DOWNLOAD - Lou Piniella.mp3
Well now Randy Wells knows that he better damn well pitch a no-hitter in order to get a major league win. For someone who claims that he doesn't have "Ace stuff," he is sure surprising me. All night long he got ahead in the count and consistently threw strikes. Great performance Randy! Now as for Marmol & Gregg ...
Rothchild & Piniella continue to be (unfortunately) correct with their pre-season diagnosis of Carlos Marmol's pitching mentality. Five hit batters? I've lost count as to how many times he has walked the first batter he has seen with four straight pitches. And Kevin "still can't find the strike zone" Gregg -- what the hell? He was up 1 ball and 2 strikes to Jeff Franceour and then decides to throw one right down the middle. It's June already! Please start pitching like you are a professional!
Lou Piniella, Jim Hendry, and Larry Rothchild
Lou Piniella, Jim Hendry, and Larry Rothchild discuss the 2009 team, Ryan Dempster's evolution and approach as a starter in 2008, who will be the lead-off hitter, Lou's advice to disgruntled fans, and Hendry calms the angry mob by answering why he traded DeRosa.
Jim Hendry
Jim Hendry explains why he let Kerry Wood sign with the Indians, the events that led up to the signing of Milton Bradley, and his take on Fukudome's troubles. Also, Oneri Fleita tells of turning Carlos Marmol from an outfielder into a reliever.
Ted Lilly, Ryan Dempster, Reed Johnson, and Aaron Miles
Ryan Dempster talks about signing his four-year extension, Reed Johnson jokes about his beard and "the catch!", Aaron Miles explains why he signed with the Cubs, and Ted Lilly tells the story of pranking Ryan Dempster. Reed Johnson talks about the signing of Milton Bradley and (wow!) Aaron Miles tells his hostage story.
Pat Hughes, Len Kasper, and Bob Brenly
Pat Hughes talks about what it's like to work with Ron Santo and what he thinks of Carlos Zambrano. Len Kasper puts a positive spin on the playoff meltdown and Bob Brenly gives his thoughts on the 2009 Cubs.
Meet Cubs Management
Jim Hendry, Randy Bush, and Crane Kenney discuss building a team that is strong in the playoffs, how the economy is affecting the business of baseball, hot prospects in the minor leagues, why DeRosa was traded (hint: it's financial), why the Greek Orthodox priest in the playoffs, and why Milton Bradley over Ibanez or Abreu?
The Clubhouse Entertainers
Ryan Dempster lets everyone in on his Moose Horn prank and Lee Smith blames Randy Hundley for a lost fortune after Hundley's decision to turn him into a reliever.
Not For Women Only Session
Ryan Theriot, Jeff Samardzija, Sean Marshall, Reed Johnson, and Aaron Miles talk about what sport they suck at, which celebrity they freaked out over upon meeting, "man crushes," and first kisses.
Game Day Experience
Mike Fontenot, Joey Gathright, Kevin Hart, Koyie Hill, and Ted Lilly talk about superstitions, the support of fans, Fontenot and Hill's unique way to break a slump, and what it's like to play at Wrigley Field.