Pie's Debut Provides Electricity Despite Loss
The Cubs have outscored their opponents 58-50 this season, but are only 5-8. That is because, after yesterday's 4-3, 14 inning loss to the San Diego Padres, the Cubs are 0-5 in games decided by 1 or 2 runs.
What really made yesterday's game exciting was a glimpse of the future, Felix Pie. Though just 1-for-6 (and though he saw just 20 pitches in those 6 at-bats), the one hit was a line drive into the left-center gap for a run scoring double. The electricity came in the top of the 10th, though, when he threw a no-hop rope to cut down Russell Branyan at the plate, keeping the game tied. I originally heard the play on the radio. Pat and Ron were resolved that the hit was going to lead to a run. Then Pat's voice level rose. Then the crowd erupted. That jolt of energy obviated any need for some additional afternoon coffee. After seeing the replay on MLB.TV later last night, it was impressive to note how quickly Pie closed on the ball before he picked it up.
With Alfonso Soriano out a week, Pie is going to get a short chance. It may be all he needs.
By the way, did anyone else think that a better defensive leftfielder than Jacque Jones would have caught Geoff Blum's double down the leftfield line in the top of the 14th?
And on Wade Miller and the possibility of Angel Guzman eventually taking his spot in the rotation: Is this going to turn into this year's version of the Shawn Estes / Juan Cruz debate from 2003? Though I don't think Miller is as bad as Estes was that season.
Elsewhere regarding Pie's debut:
Phil Bencomo at Cub Town notes a word of caution regarding Pie's supposedly improved plate discipline.
Al at Bleed Cubbie Blue, who has seen his fair share of Cubs' games: "I don't think this is being too hyperbolic to say that I haven't seen a throw like that, at least not at Wrigley Field, in many, many years. Maybe, among current players, Ichiro Suzuki or Vladimir Guerrero could make a throw like that and make it count. But a Cub? And a rookie playing his first major league game?"
Agony & Ivy: "Let’s not make a mountain out of a molehill. But let’s also not make a molehill out of a mountain. Listening to Pat call that one over the internet stream while in the law library working on a legal memo has easily been the highlight of my week. Much better than the highlight of last weekend, which was an awesome parallel parking job I accomplished in front of the law library."
Wrigleyville23 thinks Pie has the chance to capture the hearts of Cubdom a la Mark Grace.
- cubsnet's blog
- Login or register to post comments
You can't hide Jones
Yes after watching the replay on MLB.TV, I think Jones should have at the very least stopped the ball by getting by him. I think he may have took a peek at the runner, taking his eye off of the ball.
I completely agree w/ Pinella's switch of Jones to left and Murton to right, and hopefully extrapolating Pie's performance yesterday, I'm thinking a Soriano-Pie-Murton OF. Maybe we could get a minor leaguer for Jones in a trade. :)
Pie
I was listening to Pat and Ron during that throw, too. I still haven't seen the replay, but I could tell it was a great throw because they seemed so resigned to seeing the run score. Their subsequent amazement was a great radio moment.
As for Jones ... I didn't see the play, but if there's ever been a guy that needed a "change of scenery", it's him. I actually feel bad for him, because I doubt he's giving less than 100% effort - it would take a lot for me to make that assumption about a pro athlete - but for some reason he often looks like he is. He's a lot like Fred McGriff during his Cub days in that regard, and like McGriff, he'll probably never be able to get on the fans' good side.
Jones
Man, saw the Jones replay at lunch today. Yeah, I definitely think another outfielder could have caught it. And Jones himself should have at least scooped it up and possibly had a play at the plate.
Also saw the Pie throw, finally. Great play. I was impressed that he got himself in such good position to make the throw in the first place. The ball was a little bit to his left, but he took a great angle to the ball that allowed him to pick it up with his right (glove) hand and gun it without compromising his balance. Very heads-up, as well as obviously physically impressive.
Re: Jones
I just watched the replay again, and am even more convinced that Jones should have caught the ball. He slowed down considerably to play the hop, and the slowing down didn't even help, as the ball got by him anyway.
Re: change of scenery
You're right regarding Jones. It's hard to see this turning around for him.
Add LaTroy Hawkins and Todd Hundley to the list of recent players who were never able to get on the fans' good side.
Hawkins
Ah yes, forgot about him. Perfect analogy, too, because like Jones, he had moderate success but was in the middle of a number of Cubs losses that seemed disproportionate to the success he had. And, of course, he came from the Twins.
forgetting about Hawkins
It's interesting how easy it is to forget about Hawkins. He's been unable to replicate his 2002-04 success and, after his trade to the Giants, disappeared into middle relief on the coasts.
Having just checked his 2007 line, I'm sure Rockies fans wish they could forget him, too. In 5.1 innings this year, he's been charged with 6 runs allowed and 3 losses.
Interestingly, the Rockies also have Byung-Hyun Kim on their staff.
Pie's arm
I have not seen an outfield arm like this in Wrigley Field since Hal Jeffcoat.