Morrissey calls out the lemmings

[Fredsox]

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune....s-home-utility

I thought this was interesting the way Morrissey lambastes the Flubs for taking several steps backwards from last year. He's pretty hard on them actually:

"In an off-season in which the Cubs were supposed to acquire a quality closer, get rid of Sosa and aggressively pursue Beltran, the team is spinning Beltran's move from the Astros to the Mets as a major accomplishment."

"What exactly have the Cubs done this off-season to make you feel you have a World Series-quality team? I believe the correct answer would be: Nothing. Well, they did part ways with two TV announcers, and nothing gets the playoff juices flowing like a change in the broadcast booth."

I had to smile a bit. The lemmings at the convention are all worried about if Sosa will come back into the fold or who was to blame for the collapse last year. There is little focus on how the team will address deficiencies and gaps. Even with that wonderful starting staff, they appear to be one injury away from being sub-500.

[SOXintheBURGH]

Wow.. in the Cubune no less.

[hsnterprize]

And how interesting this commentary is...considering just about all the Chicago media was gushing over the prospect of the Cubs going to and/or winning the World Series last year. Heck...I saw reporters in this town say last FEBRUARY the Cubs were going to the World Series last year...just after Greg Maddux came back to the team.

I almost can't help but laugh at all of this. Of course, we have our own team to be concerned with, but to see the mighty north-siders fall from grace like they have is nothing short of bliss. It might be somewhat cruel to laugh at another team's folly, but when it comes to the Cubs, cruelty comes with the territory.

The 2004 Chicago Cubs...no World Series action speaks louder than tons of hype.

[Fredsox]

Originally Posted by hsnterprize

And how interesting this commentary is...considering just about all the Chicago media was gushing over the prospect of the Cubs going to and/or winning the World Series last year. Heck...I saw reporters in this town say last FEBRUARY the Cubs were going to the World Series last year...just after Greg Maddux came back to the team.

I almost can't help but laugh at all of this. Of course, we have our own team to be concerned with, but to see the mighty north-siders fall from grace like they have is nothing short of bliss. It might be somewhat cruel to laugh at another team's folly, but when it comes to the Cubs, cruelty comes with the territory.

The 2004 Chicago Cubs...no World Series action speaks louder than tons of hype.

You are absolutely correct that we need to stay focused on the Sox winning, not the Flubs losing,

BUT......................................

it's so much fun to watch them cry when their team goes down the crapper. The raving denials about Sosa cheating with his corked bat or his steroid use, the belief that signing Maddux was the "last piece to the puzzle",and all that other stuff.

The most unkind cut of all would be the White Sox winning in the playoffs and advancing to the World Series. I cannot wait for the season to begin.

[HomeFish]

Don't laugh so soon. The accursed ones still have the best starting staff in the NL, and every team in their division has weakened. They can still win it all this year, and that's a threat that needs to be taken seriously.

[StillMissOzzie]

Originally Posted by HomeFish

Don't laugh so soon. The accursed ones still have the best starting staff in the NL, and every team in their division has weakened. They can still win it all this year, and that's a threat that needs to be taken seriously.

They do still have 3 quality starters, but they've lost Clement. sCrUB inactivity this off season has made last year's White Sox off season's lack of moves neglible in comparison, when you cosider the big names they've allowed to move on. Moisty Alou and Matt Clement were higher profile guys than anbody the Sox let walk last year. Add to that the still-missing closer, and I am not ready to hand the sCrUBS a pass to the WS just yet.

SMO

[Palehose13]

Originally Posted by HomeFish

Don't laugh so soon. The accursed ones still have the best starting staff in the NL, and every team in their division has weakened. They can still win it all this year, and that's a threat that needs to be taken seriously.

I don't think St. Louis has weakened.

[HomeFish]

Originally Posted by Palehose13

I don't think St. Louis has weakened.

St. Louis had a lot of career years on their pitching staff last year. Anytime you have a guy with a career year and the season ends, the team is weakened, because he won't put up those numbers again.

[HomeFish]

Originally Posted by StillMissOzzie

Add to that the still-missing closer, and I am not ready to hand the sCrUBS a pass to the WS just yet.

I wouldn't be so confident. They got themselves one of those converted starters in the closer role. Those tend to do well.

[RKMeibalane]

Originally Posted by HomeFish

I wouldn't be so confident. They got themselves one of those converted starters in the closer role. Those tend to do well.

Oh, please.

[LauraJ14]

Originally Posted by HomeFish

St. Louis had a lot of career years on their pitching staff last year. Anytime you have a guy with a career year and the season ends, the team is weakened, because he won't put up those numbers again.

The Cardinals also gained an All-Star pitcher in Mark Mulder and with the offense that St Louis has, their starting pitchers don't need to be perfect.

[Fake Chet Lemon]

And don't forget the Cardinals have Larry Walker for the entire season now. I can't wait to see the bombs he'll hit at the Shrine.

[Chisox003]

Originally Posted by HomeFish

St. Louis had a lot of career years on their pitching staff last year. Anytime you have a guy with a career year and the season ends, the team is weakened, because he won't put up those numbers again.

*ahem* Loaiza

Its true, they had Carpenter and Marquis have outstanding years...

They also lost their SS and 2B, but added Mulder...Any team with Edmonds, Pujols, and Rolen in the middle of the lineup, though, has to be considered a threat

Edit: Forgot about Larry Walker: Walker, Edmonds, Pujols, Rolen--Not Bad

[Lip Man 1]

Ozzie:

In my opinion Bartolo Colon and Tom Gordon were bigger losses then Alou and Clement.

All three teams in the N.L. Central have suffered losses. Right now I'd still have to say the Cards are the favorites because they got Kennedy and Grudzilanic to replace their middle infield losses. Those two will do solid jobs. I've got the Cubs pegged for second and the Astros for third. But that's right now...a lot can still happen before opening day.

Lip

[MRKARNO]

Originally Posted by HomeFish

I wouldn't be so confident. They got themselves one of those converted starters in the closer role. Those tend to do well.

Dont kid yourself, their bullpen is very liable to be a large problem in 2005.