Benchwarmers: Grading the Cub's Reserves

With the season beginning in just over a week, there still seem to exist quite a few question marks with your very own Chicago Cubs. It has been rumored that Samardzija was optioned to Triple A where he will begin the 2009 season.

But what about the bench players and utility men on this 2009 Cubs squad? Here I will take a look at the utility players and evaluate the Chicago Cubs in terms of their depth.

Chase Utley: A Throwback to the Way Baseball Should Be Played

When I think of the perfect baseball player, I envision a guy who goes out there every day, plays his best, and most of all, does it just for the love of the game. Names like Willie Mays and Cal Ripken, Jr. come to mind.

These were guys who were icons for the sport during their career. They led their respective teams to World Championships, became a fixture on All-Star teams, and were among the best in the game in both their offense and defense.

Add one more name to that list: Chase Utley.

Utley is just a four-year starter but he has already established himself as one of the team leaders for the Phillies, alongside Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins.

The Top Five Pitching One-Two punches in the MLB are…

5. San Diego Padres-
Sure they were the third worse team in the majors last season but they have a nice top of the rotation in 2007 Cy Young winner Jake Peavy and Chris Young.

Peavy is a true elite ace on one of the worst franchises of the MLB. He has one Cy Young award, led the league in ERA and Strike-outs and has been the heart of many trade rumors across the Major Leagues.

Not to be confused with the rival Arizona Diamondback’s outfielder, Chris Young has been a top starter for years, except for the first half of 2008.

Hints of Greatness

Every time we see a minor league pitcher throw a shutout, fan ten, hit two home runs in one game, or drive in five, we immediately picture them as future major league stars. But as optimistic and enthusiastic as baseball fans and analysts may be, the reality of the situation is far too grim.

In actuality, less than 15% of minor leaguers will become major league players, and out of this slim number, less than 5% will go on to become stars.

Going For The Gold: Five PLAYERS Who Regret Going For The Money

Baseball is essentially a money game these days. Sure, it is possible to win without a huge payroll, but it is tough to come by.

In this article, I looked at the players themselves, not the teams, and their choices to sign with certain teams taking a large contract, instead of signing with more winning teams for a lesser contract.

Essentially, I am naming three players who to me have proved that they care more about the money than winning and the love of the game.

One Bloody Sock Does Not Make a Hall of Famer…or Does It?

Curt Schilling announced his retirement today after a 20 seasons in the Major Leagues spent with the Orioles, Astros, Phillies, Diamondbacks, and Red Sox.

Almost immediately, ESPN and sports-talk radio was flooded with analysis of Schilling’s career. It was a day-long debate about Schilling’s worthiness of future Hall of Fame enshrinement.

My first reaction upon hearing of Schilling’s retirement…Damn that bloody sock.

I remember laying in bed next to my wife watching Game Six of the 2004 ALCS. The pre-game talk was all about Schilling and his torn tendon sheath in his right ankle. It was questionable if Schilling would pitch, but it was win or go home for the Red Sox. Schilling would have the team doctor suture the tendon in place, give him a cortisone shot, and go out to do his best Willis Reed impression.

MLB Divisional Breakdown: AL Central

It’s the middle of March, and spring training games are getting more competitive. Pitchers are pitching more innings, and players are starting to get back into the swing of playing Major League Baseball everyday. The transition from spring training to the regular season is beginning to take place. With that in mind, there have been [...]

MLB Divisional Breakdowns: NL West

It’s the middle of March, and spring training games are getting more competitive. Pitchers are pitching more innings, and players are starting to get back into the swing of playing Major League Baseball everyday. The transition from spring training to the regular season is beginning to take place. With that in mind, there have been [...]

MLB Divisional Breakdowns: AL East

It’s the middle of March, and spring training games are getting more competitive, pitchers are pitching more innings, and players are starting to get back in the swing of playing Major League Baseball everyday. The transition from spring training to the regular season is beginning to take place. With that in mind, there have been [...]

The 10 Most Dangerous Hitters with the Game on the Line

Ninth inning—your team is trying to protect a one-run lead. They have two outs and the bases juiced. Your closer is tiring. Which hitter in baseball would you LEAST like to face? In other words, who are the most dangerous hitters in baseball with the game on the line? 10. Chipper Jones, 3B, Atlanta Braves [...]

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