10-05-2009, 02:51 PM
<!--quoteo(post=65352:date=Oct 5 2009, 12:55 PM:name=1060Ivy)-->QUOTE (1060Ivy @ Oct 5 2009, 12:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><b>Overall, what the Cubs sorely lacked in 2009 was a consistent RBI producer. The team scored almost less a run a game less in 2009 than 2008. Cubs scored 707 runs in 2009 vs 855 in 2008. The OBP decreased from 354 to 332 from 2009 to 2008 which tells me that the team could still get on base at a near acceptable level - same as the White Sox and Phillies in 2008 both of which scored at or near 800 runs - but scoring 148 runs less than the previous year is appalling. </b>
You can bitch about Gregg and the bullpen blowing saves but when it came down to it, the Cubs just couldn't score runs in 2009.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Ivy, I liked many of those moves.
But I do have to point out a huge Logic Fail in your closing paragraph.
When your team OBP drops 22 points, that is a GIGANTIC drop. THAT is the reason we scored 148 runs less. That is the reason. There is no such thing as "an RBI producer." Guys who do produce RBI's are simply guys who can hit well, and come up to bat <b>with men on base.</b>
In 2005, Derrek Lee had one of the greatest seasons of all-time. Check out his numbers against Pujols' numbers that year (Pujols was MVP): they're equal or better in every category EXCEPT RBI. Batting before Lee for most of that year? The pitcher, Corey Patterson, and Neifi Perez. And there is your explanation.
The White Sox and Phillies play their games in the #1 HR parks (or near #1 every season) in their respective leagues, so they get a ton of runs from cheap, warning track-calibre homers.
The Cubs need guys who can get on base. .332 is NOT an acceptable OBP.
End of rant.
You can bitch about Gregg and the bullpen blowing saves but when it came down to it, the Cubs just couldn't score runs in 2009.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Ivy, I liked many of those moves.
But I do have to point out a huge Logic Fail in your closing paragraph.
When your team OBP drops 22 points, that is a GIGANTIC drop. THAT is the reason we scored 148 runs less. That is the reason. There is no such thing as "an RBI producer." Guys who do produce RBI's are simply guys who can hit well, and come up to bat <b>with men on base.</b>
In 2005, Derrek Lee had one of the greatest seasons of all-time. Check out his numbers against Pujols' numbers that year (Pujols was MVP): they're equal or better in every category EXCEPT RBI. Batting before Lee for most of that year? The pitcher, Corey Patterson, and Neifi Perez. And there is your explanation.
The White Sox and Phillies play their games in the #1 HR parks (or near #1 every season) in their respective leagues, so they get a ton of runs from cheap, warning track-calibre homers.
The Cubs need guys who can get on base. .332 is NOT an acceptable OBP.
End of rant.
There's nothing better than to realize that the good things about youth don't end with youth itself. It's a matter of realizing that life can be renewed every day you get out of bed without baggage. It's tough to get there, but it's better than the dark thoughts. -Lance