Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Feb 9, 2012, 1:01 am
I was asked this week for my early (very early) regular season projections on the 2012 final standings.
Granted the most influential offseason moves are over and done with at this juncture (Pujols, Fielder, Reyes..etc.), spring training is still more than a week away!
Considering the Cuban dynamo ... Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Feb 7, 2012, 11:01 am
Adrian Cardenas
Adrian Cardenas reminds me of Mike Fontenot. Utility infielder, left-handed bat and a nice complementary piece on the 25-man roster.
Even his minor league numbers mirror Fontenot’s, who made his Chicago debut in 2005 before rejoining the club for the 2007 division title run.
And... Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Feb 6, 2012, 12:01 am
Congratulations to Therese M. on winning Brian’s Super Bowl Bash XII!
And pat on the back for all who tabbed the Giants as Super Bowl champions.
A big thank you to everyone who participated. It’s always a pleasure catching up with old friends and meeting new ones.
Let’s do it again next ye... Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Feb 3, 2012, 1:01 am
It recently occurred to me that all my favorite Cubs players are now former Cubs players.
Aramis moved north to Milwaukee. Pena returned south to the Rays. Ted Lilly is still with L.A.. Derrek Lee is straddling the line of retirement, Jim Edmonds is already there. Not to mention, no more ... Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Feb 2, 2012, 1:01 am
Are you still confused by a player’s ‘slashline’, left wondering what the heck it stands for, or how to read one? If so, have no fear!
Below is a simple breakdown of how to digest the numbers, what those numbers mean and why it’s become inevitable when discussing a player’s offensive con... Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Feb 1, 2012, 1:01 am
Here’s how I see it…
Team
Name
Saves
BS
K
ERA
1.
Mil
Axford
46
2
127
2.10
2.
Pit
Hanrahan
40
4
61
1.83
3.
Cin
Madson
32
2
62
2.37
4.
Cubs
Marmol
34
10
99
4.01
5.
St. Lou
Motte
9
4
63
2.25
6.
Hou
Lyon
4
4
6
2.40
1.) MILWAUKEE
John Axford blew his first save opportunity last season on Ope... Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Jan 31, 2012, 1:00 am
Submit your Super Bowl winner, the final score, and most importantly, the MVP choice for any tiebreakers.
All entries must be submitted before the opening kickoff. Please send entries to bullpen_brian@yahoo.com
I’ll post the winner here on Monday. Bragging rights only!
Good luck!
MY PICK:
New... Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Jan 27, 2012, 11:01 am
Take Our Poll
Tagged: Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Cubs, Detroit Tigers, Miami Marlins, St. Louis Cardinals, White Sox, Wrigley Field Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Jan 26, 2012, 1:25 am
Alfonso Soriano an Atlanta Brave?
It’s not that far fetched if the Cubs can somehow package Soriano in a deal with Marlon Byrd, who the Braves have been interested in acquiring over the last 10 months.
Soriano’s insistence on being dealt to a contender makes Atlanta an ideal destination consid... Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Jan 25, 2012, 1:01 am
The NL Central has long held the distinction of hosting some of the game’s greatest sluggers.
Ken Griffey Jr., Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire held court before the arrivals of Adam Dunn, Carlos Lee and Derrek Lee.
But with the decisions of Albert Pujols & Prince Fielder to sign lucrative free agen... Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Jan 23, 2012, 1:01 am
The reality of the Cubs’ rebuilding process this offseason is the lack of quality depth on the big league roster for 2012.
Depth, of course, is of critical importance over the course of a 162 game season. Players get injured, others need rest, and still there are various other reasons in which ba... Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Jan 19, 2012, 1:01 am
When Carlos Marmol beaned Derrek Lee on August 3 last season, fracturing his left wrist, I began wondering if it was the beginning of the end of Lee’s career?
Age was already taking its toll on the then 35-year-old who was hitting .246 for Baltimore before the Pirates came calling on July 30.
Ho... Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Jan 18, 2012, 1:01 am
QUESTION: “I want to hear your thoughts on Fukudome. The Reds are looking for a 3rd/4th outfielder, and I don’t know why this guy isn’t signed yet?
It seems like he still gets on-base, is a above-average fielder, and can play all 3 OF spots, right?
Considering they are also dabbling in the ... Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Jan 17, 2012, 1:01 am
Trade rumors for the Cubs have been relatively quite since early last week.
Not even the Cubs Convention stirred the pot, with the excessive fanfare coming and going with barely a peep about possible trades including Matt Garza, Alfonso Soriano or others. But that doesn’t mean I’m without suspi... Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Jan 12, 2012, 11:02 pm
Take Our Poll
Tagged: Chicago Cubs, Cubs, MLB, Wild Card, Wrigley Field Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Jan 12, 2012, 1:01 am
Now that it appears the Cubs will sign Kerry Wood before Friday’s Cubs Convention, I’ll repeat what I’ve said many times before: it’s time to put Wood back where he belongs–in the closer’s role.
Although dominating at times, Carlos Marmol regularly struggled last season to find his comm... Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Jan 11, 2012, 12:01 am
Tagged: Chicago Cubs, Cubs, Kerry Wood, MLB, Theo Epstein, Wrigley Field Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Jan 10, 2012, 1:01 am
The Cubs have been wise to stock pile starting pitching this offseason.
It only makes sense–winning baseball survives on good starting pitching–and the Cubs are clearly thin throughout its rotation.
What Epstein & Co. are playing this winter is a numbers game through free agent signings and tr... Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Jan 9, 2012, 11:01 pm
A ‘Group Patio’ in right field and a new 75-foot LED scoreboard? This is what Cubs fans want at Wrigley Field? According to Cubs chairman, Tom Ricketts, the answer is yes.
C’mon, Tom.
Since when did Cubs fans decide the charm of the ol’ ballyard wasn’t up to snuff, that a giant video bo... Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Jan 9, 2012, 1:01 am
Born – Sept. 23, 1986 (Age 25)
From – Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Big Fella – 6’8, 225lbs – Throws: Right, Bats: Right
Drafted – 2005, Out of H.S. by FLA 1st Round (16th overall)
High Praise – Named the Marlins’ No.1 prospect by Baseball America in 2006
Games Started – 102
Overall Re... Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Jan 6, 2012, 1:01 am
Take Our Poll
Tagged: Carlos Zambrano, Chicago Cubs, Cubs, Miami Marlins, MLB, Ozzie Guillen, Wrigley Field Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Nov 2, 2011, 2:01 am
It’s clear the Cubs didn’t get their moneys worth from the 5-yr, $10M contract Jim Hendry gave Jeff Samardzija in 2007, which is why the Cubs new brass has declined his $3M option for 2012.
That doesn’t spell the end of Samardzija’s tenure with Chicago. Instead, it’s likely they’ll cut ... Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Nov 1, 2011, 1:01 am
... icing on the cake.
What’s most unfortunate, however, is the unlikelihood St.Louis hires a manager as polarizing as La Russa. He was great theatre ... offseason for the NL Central.
Who knows if Pujols will remain in St. Louis without Tony, or if Prince Fielder is heading to New York, or ... Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Oct 31, 2011, 2:01 am
Jim Hendry and Mike Quade were joined at the hip the minute Hendry announced Quade as Lou’s replacement. If one went down, so would the other.
Hendry, of course, fell first being relieved of his duties in July by Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts, which put the writing on the wall for Quade’s future ... Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Oct 29, 2011, 1:01 am
When Scott Feldman walked Yadier Molina with the bases loaded in the fifth inning I switched the TV off.
At that point St. Louis led 4-2 and a gut feeling told me this wasn’t the Rangers night. They wouldn’t come back, not even with four innings left to play, and despite all the hysterics from ... Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Oct 28, 2011, 2:01 am
This wasn’t the best game ever played in World Series history, but it’s certainly in the conversation…and near the top of the list.
And as thrilling as David Freese’s walkoff HR was, it’s not the best walkoff HR in World Series history, either. Sorry, Cards fans.
I still give the nod to ... Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Oct 27, 2011, 2:01 am
Adrian Beltre has become this October’s version of Edgar Renteria–an accomplished veteran making the most of the postseason.
Last year, Renteria, 33, rose to the occasion winning the WS MVP Award.
Granted, Edgar’s WS performance came as more of a surprise considering he suffered through an ... Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Oct 26, 2011, 2:01 am
There’s a striking similarity to the Cubs approach for turning its franchise around to what the Blackhawks have done to right the ship in just a few short years on the city’s West Side.
I was reminded of this Tuesday night at the United Center, watching the Hawks win another thriller in front o... Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Oct 25, 2011, 2:01 am
With all due respect to Ian Kinsler, who I tabbed as the early favorite to win the World Series MVP Award, Mike Napoli has earned top honors should Texas go on to win it all.
The bearded slugger remains a surprise thorn in the Cardinals side delivering clutch hits throughout the series, including h... Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Oct 24, 2011, 1:50 am
If there’s a downside to Derek Holland’s brilliant outing in game 4, (besides his pitiful cookie duster!) it’s that he likely won’t be available to start a potential Game 7 scheduled Thursday night in St. Louis.
Bad for the Rangers, but certainly relieving for the Cards who went a combined ... Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Oct 21, 2011, 2:01 am
“It wasn’t a Series-saving rally, but it was huge.” -Ian Kinsler
Sorry Charlie, but I couldn’t disagree more!
Of the 50 World Series that began 2-0, the team having won the first two games has gone on to win the series 40 times. That’s good for 80-percent.
So it’s hard to believe Texa... Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Oct 20, 2011, 2:01 pm
At some point I’ll have to give St. Louis credit for winning games this postseason.
I’m not ready to do just yet, even though they’ve ventured deep into October winning the NLDS, the NLCS and taking a 1-0 lead in the World Series.
Game after game, round after round…the Cards lull to sleep ... Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Oct 19, 2011, 1:01 am
Two reasons I’m picking the Rangers to win the World Series.
First of all, I made the awful mistake of choosing hitting over pitching in last year’s Fall Classic. Not smart.
Any good baseball fan knows good pitching beats good hitting, especially in the postseason, and that was more than evide... Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Oct 18, 2011, 2:01 am
Here’s my voting for the Cubs’ 2011 Cy Young Award.
1. Sean Marshall: Set the Cubs’ single-season ‘Holds’ record with 34. Allowed just 19 earned runs in 75.2 IP, arguably the Cubs’ 2011 MVP as well.
2. Matt Garza: His 10 wins are a poor reflection of his overall performance, nearly rea... Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Oct 17, 2011, 1:22 pm
Here’s my voting for the BBA’s Walter Johnson Award, given to the best pitcher in each league.
-NATIONAL LEAGUE
1. Clayton Kershaw, LAD: Made 33 starts, 233.1 IP, 2.28 ERA and won 21 games for a Dodgers team that struggled to score runs. He led the NL in strikeouts with 248 and notched 2 shuto... Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Oct 14, 2011, 12:55 am
Here’s my voting for the BBA’s Goose Gossage Award given to the top closer in each league.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
1. Craig Kimbrel, Atl: Set rookie saves record (46) and held opponents to a .178 avg.
2. John Axford, Mil: Went 46/48 in save opportunities. Has a great closer’s stache to boot!
3. Jo... Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Oct 14, 2011, 12:45 am
... be reserved for power-arms. But Randy Wolf, a soft-tossing lefty, dominated St. ... hopes alive.
Honestly, I didn’t think Wolf had seven innings of two-run ... allowing two early solo home runs, Wolf settled down to retire 13 of ... , the Brewers staff better find another Wolf-like perfo... Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Oct 13, 2011, 2:30 pm
Get ready for a St. Louis-Texas World Series.
I’m speaking ‘unofficially,’ of course, but that’s where the LCS’s are headed.
Texas has the all too commanding 3-1 lead over Detroit. And even with the Tigers throwing Justin Verlander in Game 5…at best they’ll need him to come back on t... Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Oct 12, 2011, 12:42 am
There’s no better proof Cubs ownership is trying to win than Tom Ricketts’ aggressive attempt to land Theo Epstein as his new GM. And for that, I give the Cubs mad props.
Ricketts has plenty of leverage to pry Epstein away from his hometown of Boston: An exciting change of scenery, more executi... Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Oct 11, 2011, 1:50 am
The Milwaukee Brewers are in big-time trouble.
Despite the major’s best home record during the regular season (57 wins), Milwaukee hasn’t figured out how to beat St. Louis at Miller Park, especially when it counts.
The Cards’ dominating 12-3 win in Game 2 is crucial not only because it ties ... Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Oct 10, 2011, 1:01 am
View This Poll
Tagged: Milwaukee Brewers, MLB, NLCS, playoffs, St. Louis Cardinals Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Oct 8, 2011, 1:01 am
Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images
1.) Kirk Gibson, Arizona
No way Arizona wins the West without Gibson at the helm. Having inherited a 65-win team that used 48 different players in 2010, Gibby led a charge to unseat the defending world champs and advance to the postseason as a division winner. ... Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Oct 7, 2011, 2:01 am
Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Here’s a quick thumbnail sketch of Friday’s decisive Game 5 between Arizona-Milwaukee. Fist pitch is scheduled for 4:07 CT on TBS.
Simply said, we’re looking at a rematch of Game 1, a 4-1 win for Milwaukee, between starters Yovani Gallardo & Ian Kenne... Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Oct 6, 2011, 3:01 pm
We knew the MLB Postseason would have a hard time surpassing, let alone matching, the high drama of last Wednesday’s playoff push.
However, for just the second time since 1995 three of the four Division Series are headed to a decisive Game 5, the first of which begins tonight at Yankee Stadium.
... Comment - Like
Bullpen B. posted an article on
Bullpen Brian
-
Oct 5, 2011, 1:01 am
Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images
Despite an 8-1 drubbing against Arizona in Game 3 of the NLDS, odds are the Milwaukee Brewers, holding a 2-1 series lead, will advance to play either the Phillies or Cardinals in the NLCS, at least according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
Including this postseaso... Comment - Like
Recent Discussions
