Bob Brenly was on Waddle and Silvy on Thursday:
- Bob only laughed when he was asked to say some bad things about the Cardinals while broadcasting their playoff games.
- Brenly summarized this Cub season by saying that it was, "A fundamentally unsound ballclub. When they don't slug, they don't when."
- Soto brought a new definition to a "Sophomore Slump" this year.
- Bob says that he's been around some real bad apples over his career, but he thinks Bradley took the trophy for the most negative effect one player has ever made on a clubhouse that Bob's seen.
- The Cubs can change the position they are in. Lou has the players respect and he can go in to Spring Training and tell the players that things are going to be different. Lou needs to make it clear from day 1 that the Cubs will do everything they possibly can next year.
- Bob doesn't think it does any good to run out onto the field to kick dirt on the umpires or anything else to do that as a manger.
- When Lou speaks, Bob thinks the Cubs listen.
Friday, Ryan Theriot joined Waddle and Silvy on ESPN 1000:
- Ryan is enjoying some football so far this offseason. Ryan's LSU Tigers are doing good and the Bears are doing well.
- Ryan is going to go to the LSU game this weekend with White Sox catcher A. J. Pierzynski, whom Theriot has built a friendship with.
- "I haven't talked to Milton (Bradley) in a while."
- Ryan thinks it made it difficult to win with all the injuries to their key players this season.
- He just wants to be out on the field, he doesn't care where he hits in the lineup or where he plays on the field. However, Theriot doesn't like to move around to different position in the lineup throughout the season.
- Losing a few good chemistry and clubhouse guys like Jason Marquis, Mark DeRosa, and Kerry Wood did hurt this team.
- Theriot says he enjoys Chicago and it "kind of get to him a little bit" when guys like Bradley complain about the city and the game of baseball. Ryan feels "lucky" to play for the Cubs.
- He gets the feeling that most of Theriot's teammates feel the same way about Milton as he does.
- Ryan said that Milton Bradley was only happy during the season when he won a hand of cards on the plane.
Todd Hollandsworth on Sports Central with David Kaplan
- Todd finds it hard to believe that it's always everybody else's fault besides Milton Bradley. Todd and Kap made the point that everywhere Bradley goes there's issues.
- Bradley had a track record before he even came to the Cubs, but Ron Washington, the Rangers manager, convinced the Cubs that Milton would be a positive influence on the Cubs. Todd feels bad for Ron for sticking his head out for Milton.
- Kap asked Todd to speak on 2004. There were a lot of crazy things going on that year, but in Todd's 12 years in the big leagues he feels that no matter what, you have to get it done on the field. Hollandsworth says that you still have to do your job, you can't isolate guys, make negative comments, and make it clear that you don't like somebody.
- For the good of the team, you have to find away to co-exist.
- Todd and Kap agree that it doesn't matter if the Cubs get a left handed bat or a right handed bat, you need guys that can hit. Holly thinks you tie your hands more if you try to have a left handed hitter that you run out there everyday. He didn't really feel that the lack of left handed hitting was the problem last year.
- Jason Marquis and Mark DeRosa both traded by the Cubs last year, are in the postseason. Does that say something?
Brenly Talkin' Managerial Jobs
Cubs broadcaster Bob Brenly has had talks with teams about a return to managing according to a report for the Chicago Tribune. Bob says he had informal talks with Washington Nationals GM Mike Rizzo, who worked in the D'back front office when Brenly was the Arizona manager. Other manerial openings include Cleveland and Houston. Bob could wait until the Cubs job comes open next winter, "It's the ballclub I'm most familiar with. It's a lucrative job, and I know there are a lot of people who would like to have a chance. I love what I'm doing."
Cubs Spring Training on the Move?
An Indian tribe in Arizona is making their pitch to be the Cubs next Spring Training site. They want Cub camp moved from Mesa to an area south of Phoenix. Mesa is marketing overall sites near the city's eastern edge, which could allow the Cubs to build a larger stadium and practice facilities there. Two Flordia cities are also interested in the club, including Naples.
No More Bad Contracts
Gordon Wittenmyer has made a few good points about what Jim Hendry should do this offseason:
- Avoid more long-term deals with free agents.
- Don't let Milton Bradley disrupt the offseason, too.
- Try to add some good outfield defense.
- Sign Chone Figgins.
- Listen to offers for Carlos Zambrano.
Rays Interested in Bradley?
There were reports on Thursday that said the Rays and Cubs were talking Milton Bradley. The Cubs were pushing Tampa Bay to make a quick deal according to Chris De Luca, and Pat Burrell was listed as a possible return. However, Buster Olney said yesterday that this deal getting worked out is a long shot. The Blue Jays and Padres are both possible fits for Bradley, however the Padres have yet to name their new GM, and the Jays just got a new GM in Alex Anthopoulos.
Samardzija in Mexico
Last night, Cubs pitcher Jeff Samardzija gave up 1 run on 3 hits in 4 innings of work for Mexicali in the Mexican Winter League. His team lost 13-4. Cubs minor leaguer Matt Camp went 3-4 in the game, hitting leadoff and playing center field. Brad Snyder went 1-4 and Brian Schlitter gave up 4 runs on 3 hits for Mexicali. They are managed by Iowa Cubs skipper Bobby Dickerson. More on the first week of "Winter Ball" later this week!
Cubs Report Cards
Please check out my 2009 Cubs Report Cards and give me your thoughts!
There's been plenty to talk (and blog) about so far this offseason for the Cubs! Our full offseason preview and the 2009 Cubbie Awards are still on the way in the coming week...
That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted!
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