The Official thread of the 2016 Chicago Cubs

AnotherAlias · 04-05-2016, 12:47 AM

Opening night and Jake Arrieta is picking up right where he left off last year.

I hate the hype, but the Cubs actually had the best record in baseball from July 29th until the end of last season.

So, to quote Jouaqin Andujar's favorite word in English: "Youneverknow."

The Game · 04-05-2016, 06:04 AM

Cubs Suck!
Ok now that I got that out of my system for the day i think you guys will make it to the Series this year but i am really hoping you dont unless my team is opposing you then let the best side win. We will see a Red Line World Series sometimes in our lifetime. I am not sold on my Sox this year.
It's really hard not to like what you guys have going on on the North Side.Joe Maddon is unofficially my favorite MGR. can't help but like a guy that rides his bike daily. He reminds me a lot of Phil Jackson. Bryant, Russell, Schwerber & Heywood are all very likable and you have a ton of prospects on the way. Not sold on the pitching staff or defense yet.

For now i am gonna be nice. I can not guarantee i will be later on. Since their is no Sox thread i will have to take my frustrations out here like i used to do in the Tigers & A's threads.

Mat · 04-05-2016, 07:43 AM

Hating the hype as well. I dont think we will make it this year but im liking what we are building.

Im looking forward to the ride though.

AnotherAlias · 04-05-2016, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Game

Cubs Suck!
Ok now that I got that out of my system for the day i think you guys will make it to the Series this year but i am really hoping you dont unless my team is opposing you then let the best side win. We will see a Red Line World Series sometimes in our lifetime. I am not sold on my Sox this year.
It's really hard not to like what you guys have going on on the North Side.Joe Maddon is unofficially my favorite MGR. can't help but like a guy that rides his bike daily. He reminds me a lot of Phil Jackson. Bryant, Russell, Schwerber & Heywood are all very likable and you have a ton of prospects on the way. Not sold on the pitching staff or defense yet.

For now i am gonna be nice. I can not guarantee i will be later on. Since their is no Sox thread i will have to take my frustrations out here like i used to do in the Tigers & A's threads.

You should be nice. This is a family-oriented forum!

Their defense could be sketchy in a couple spots (LF and 3B). true. But if last night was an indicator of the year Arrieta will have, it's a nice cornerstone. Lester should be better than last year because he's been in the NL for a year and hopefully, has gotten to know NL hitters a little better.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mat

Hating the hype as well. I dont think we will make it this year but im liking what we are building.

Im looking forward to the ride though.

Yeah, I would love it if the went "all the way," but being a Cub fan since the 1960s has left me skeptical. Although, it's a new pilot flying the team, and the young players have great potential, there's always that BleedingCubbieBlue part that frightens me.

CubzFan73 · 04-05-2016, 12:44 PM

I remain cautiously optimistic. I can't forget my parents attended games during the 1969 season and witnessed their collapse first-hand. I do however think the Cubbies are in for a long run in which the post season is possible for the next several seasons. I'm also not sold completely on the pitching, but I think the offense may bail them out at times. That said, I think this should be a fun Cubs season.

Leroy

ihatenames · 04-06-2016, 12:00 AM

This is the best Cubs roster top to bottom on paper I think I've ever witnessed (I'm in my 30s). It's hard to not be excited by the teams chances this year and the next several. I'm not expecting a World Series win but I think anything less than a good run would be a disappointment this year. With the teams youth that might be a bit unfair but they set the bar high last year.

The Game · 04-06-2016, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ihatenames

This is the best Cubs roster top to bottom on paper I think I've ever witnessed (I'm in my 30s). It's hard to not be excited by the teams chances this year and the next several. I'm not expecting a World Series win but I think anything less than a good run would be a disappointment this year. With the teams youth that might be a bit unfair but they set the bar high last year.

While they have more overall power then 2007-09, 98,89 & 84 i dont think the pitching is as good as any of those seasons. Also dont have the defense that some of those teams had. I will concede that 3 of those teams were one year wonders and these guys may not be. 2003 i left out because they should have been great and on paper are better then any of the other teams.

ihatenames · 04-06-2016, 02:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Game

While they have more overall power then 2007-09, 98,89 & 84 i dont think the pitching is as good as any of those seasons. Also dont have the defense that some of those teams had. I will concede that 3 of those teams were one year wonders and these guys may not be. 2003 i left out because they should have been great and on paper are better then any of the other teams.

i'll concede that pitching isn't as good as a few of those seasons. However when you factor in depth and top to bottom talent I don't think there is a team that beats it on paper on the years you listed. 2002-2004 were good teams on paper as well but relied on injury prone and aging players.

2007-2009 was more hyped than actually talented. Tribune was posturing their sales position. If you look at that roster 1-25 how many guys on those teams would you take over their counterparts on today's team. Not many.

I don't think the defense on this team is any worse than most of those teams you mentioned either. None of those teams played spectacular defense.

What excites me about this team is their ability to frustrate pitchers. Richards threw 41 pitches one inning last night. The power is nice but the patience is what sets this team apart from previous teams. This team lead the league in pitches per plate appearance last year and look like they'll challenge again this year. Lots of good things can come from that.

But like 2002-2004 showed us games are not played on paper. The kids set the bar high last year and I'm excited to see if they can repeat the performance.

AnotherAlias · 04-06-2016, 08:23 AM

Not sure why people here are down on Cubs pitching. They were 3rd in the NL in ERA last year, 3rd in ERA+, 3rd in HRs against, 4th in walks given up, 1st in WHIP, 1st in the Majors in FIP, led the Majors in H9, tied for 2nd in the Majors for HR9, led the Majors in strikeouts, gave up the fewest amount of hits in the NL (second only to the Indians)...

Need I add more?

Their pitching staff was excellent last year. With the additions of John Lackey and Adam Warren, they might get even better.

Where's the love?

ihatenames · 04-06-2016, 09:12 AM

For me, there is several guys on the staff I don't think will have repeat performances. I'm not expecting massive regression but definitely regression. Hammel and Hendricks are not going to scare anyone. I'm hoping they add another quality starter at the deadline. I have a lot of concerns over the bullpen as well. I suspect they'll boost both spots if they team performs at the deadline.

AnotherAlias · 04-06-2016, 11:55 AM

They have started out 2-0. First time since 1995 that the Cubs were 2-0 to begin the season!

Even in 1998, 2003, 2007 and 2008...playoff years...they didn't start 2-0. Go figure.

Arrieta and Lester looked damn good. The bullpen didn't look too shabby either.

Would be nice to see them pick up a quality starter. David Price would have looked good in Cubby Blue.

stl jason · 04-06-2016, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnotherAlias

They have started out 2-0. First time since 1995 that the Cubs were 2-0 to begin the season!

Even in 1998, 2003, 2007 and 2008...playoff years...they didn't start 2-0. Go figure.

Arrieta and Lester looked damn good. The bullpen didn't look too shabby either.

Would be nice to see them pick up a quality starter. David Price would have looked good in Cubby Blue.

of course, in 1995 they ended up in 3rd place in the division at 73-71

(just tryin' to keep the pessimism alive

)

The Game · 04-06-2016, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnotherAlias

They have started out 2-0. First time since 1995 that the Cubs were 2-0 to begin the season!

Even in 1998, 2003, 2007 and 2008...playoff years...they didn't start 2-0. Go figure.

Arrieta and Lester looked damn good. The bullpen didn't look too shabby either.

Would be nice to see them pick up a quality starter. David Price would have looked good in Cubby Blue.

So that means they wont make the playoffs, thats what you're saying right? '95 Cubs were 4-1 in April, 16-10 In May, 9-10 in June. i will be more then happy if you guys start out that hot just to collapse and finish around 73 wins.

AnotherAlias · 04-06-2016, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stl jason

of course, in 1995 they ended up in 3rd place in the division at 73-71

(just tryin' to keep the pessimism alive

)

Keep up the good work!

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnotherAlias

Not sure why people here are down on Cubs pitching. They were 3rd in the NL in ERA last year, 3rd in ERA+, 3rd in HRs against, 4th in walks given up, 1st in WHIP, 1st in the Majors in FIP, led the Majors in H9, tied for 2nd in the Majors for HR9, led the Majors in strikeouts, gave up the fewest amount of hits in the NL (second only to the Indians)...

Need I add more?

Their pitching staff was excellent last year. With the additions of John Lackey and Adam Warren, they might get even better.

Where's the love?

Clearly, The Game ignored this post.

It spells out exactly why the Cubs pitching isn't as bad as you think it is.

AnotherAlias · 04-08-2016, 08:01 AM

Schwarber goes all out for a fly ball and leaves the game after a horrific looking collision.

This morning I read he has a sprained ankle. MRI today on the knee. Hopefully, just an ankle injury. Not sure if the guy should even be in the OF.

Cubs won anyway, 14-6. Rizzo nets 6 RBIs and hits a 3-run homer in the ninth. He missed the cycle by a double.

Lackey looked shaky.

Green & Gold Heart · 04-08-2016, 08:11 AM

So much for my catcher and outfield eligible player on my fantasy team.

I know, no one cares about my fantasy team. I'll show myself out.

AnotherAlias · 04-08-2016, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Green & Gold Heart

So much for my catcher and outfield eligible player on my fantasy team.

I know, no one cares about my fantasy team. I'll show myself out.

Don't kid yourself. I care. Hope he comes back and puts up great numbers for you.

I love that guy...in a manly way, of course. Watching that play last night had me cringing.

Mat · 04-08-2016, 11:46 AM

I hope its only for a few days. I was really looking forward to seeing Schwarber catching again. See how much he has developed from last year.

AnotherAlias · 04-08-2016, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mat

I hope its only for a few days. I was really looking forward to seeing Schwarber catching again. See how much he has developed from last year.

I would rather see him behind the plate than recklessly chasing fly balls.

stl jason · 04-08-2016, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mat

I hope its only for a few days. I was really looking forward to seeing Schwarber catching again. See how much he has developed from last year.

I just got an alert on my phone sports app that he's out for the season.... ouch.

edit: here it is.... torn ACL

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/15...eason-torn-acl

04-05-2016, 12:47 AM	#1
AnotherAlias Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: We gone....buh bye Posts: 4,190	The Official thread of the 2016 Chicago Cubs Opening night and Jake Arrieta is picking up right where he left off last year. I hate the hype, but the Cubs actually had the best record in baseball from July 29th until the end of last season. So, to quote Jouaqin Andujar's favorite word in English: "Youneverknow."

04-05-2016, 06:04 AM	#2
The Game Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Inside The Game Posts: 30,807	Cubs Suck! Ok now that I got that out of my system for the day i think you guys will make it to the Series this year but i am really hoping you dont unless my team is opposing you then let the best side win. We will see a Red Line World Series sometimes in our lifetime. I am not sold on my Sox this year. It's really hard not to like what you guys have going on on the North Side.Joe Maddon is unofficially my favorite MGR. can't help but like a guy that rides his bike daily. He reminds me a lot of Phil Jackson. Bryant, Russell, Schwerber & Heywood are all very likable and you have a ton of prospects on the way. Not sold on the pitching staff or defense yet. For now i am gonna be nice. I can not guarantee i will be later on. Since their is no Sox thread i will have to take my frustrations out here like i used to do in the Tigers & A's threads. __________________ Go today don't wait for tomorrow It isn't promised, all the time you get borrowed Don't live your life for other people Don't bottle your emotions till they crack and fill a couple just sorrows Take your mind and refocus go get a paper write your goals out Throw your middle fingers to all your haters "Stay Strong"

04-06-2016, 12:00 AM	#6
ihatenames Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Rockford Posts: 2,535	This is the best Cubs roster top to bottom on paper I think I've ever witnessed (I'm in my 30s). It's hard to not be excited by the teams chances this year and the next several. I'm not expecting a World Series win but I think anything less than a good run would be a disappointment this year. With the teams youth that might be a bit unfair but they set the bar high last year. __________________ New Album coming soon!

04-06-2016, 09:12 AM	#10
ihatenames Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Rockford Posts: 2,535	For me, there is several guys on the staff I don't think will have repeat performances. I'm not expecting massive regression but definitely regression. Hammel and Hendricks are not going to scare anyone. I'm hoping they add another quality starter at the deadline. I have a lot of concerns over the bullpen as well. I suspect they'll boost both spots if they team performs at the deadline. __________________ New Album coming soon! Last edited by ihatenames; 04-06-2016 at 02:52 PM.

04-05-2016, 07:43 AM	#3
Mat All Star Reserve Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Australia Posts: 651	Hating the hype as well. I dont think we will make it this year but im liking what we are building. Im looking forward to the ride though.

04-05-2016, 12:44 PM	#5
CubzFan73 Minors (Single A) Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Orygun Posts: 92	I remain cautiously optimistic. I can't forget my parents attended games during the 1969 season and witnessed their collapse first-hand. I do however think the Cubbies are in for a long run in which the post season is possible for the next several seasons. I'm also not sold completely on the pitching, but I think the offense may bail them out at times. That said, I think this should be a fun Cubs season. Leroy

04-06-2016, 08:23 AM	#9
AnotherAlias Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: We gone....buh bye Posts: 4,190	Not sure why people here are down on Cubs pitching. They were 3rd in the NL in ERA last year, 3rd in ERA+, 3rd in HRs against, 4th in walks given up, 1st in WHIP, 1st in the Majors in FIP, led the Majors in H9, tied for 2nd in the Majors for HR9, led the Majors in strikeouts, gave up the fewest amount of hits in the NL (second only to the Indians)... Need I add more? Their pitching staff was excellent last year. With the additions of John Lackey and Adam Warren, they might get even better. Where's the love?

04-06-2016, 11:55 AM	#11
AnotherAlias Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: We gone....buh bye Posts: 4,190	They have started out 2-0. First time since 1995 that the Cubs were 2-0 to begin the season! Even in 1998, 2003, 2007 and 2008...playoff years...they didn't start 2-0. Go figure. Arrieta and Lester looked damn good. The bullpen didn't look too shabby either. Would be nice to see them pick up a quality starter. David Price would have looked good in Cubby Blue.

04-08-2016, 08:01 AM	#15
AnotherAlias Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: We gone....buh bye Posts: 4,190	Schwarber goes all out for a fly ball and leaves the game after a horrific looking collision. This morning I read he has a sprained ankle. MRI today on the knee. Hopefully, just an ankle injury. Not sure if the guy should even be in the OF. Cubs won anyway, 14-6. Rizzo nets 6 RBIs and hits a 3-run homer in the ninth. He missed the cycle by a double. Lackey looked shaky.

04-08-2016, 08:11 AM	#16
Green & Gold Heart Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 5,242	So much for my catcher and outfield eligible player on my fantasy team. I know, no one cares about my fantasy team. I'll show myself out.

04-08-2016, 11:46 AM	#18
Mat All Star Reserve Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Australia Posts: 651	I hope its only for a few days. I was really looking forward to seeing Schwarber catching again. See how much he has developed from last year.