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YOUR BALANCE
Commentary: Russell vs. Baez - If it don't stink, don't stir it
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Commentary: Russell vs. Baez - If it don't stink, don't stir it


May 1, 2019, 4:44 PM
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Commentary: Russell vs. Baez - If it don't stink, don't stir it

While I won’t dispute Russell’s ability to field, his lackluster skills at the plate have left the Cubs in the lurch on many an occasion, and that is not something the Cubs need or want at this point. Full Story »


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Love it! Couldn’t have said it better myself.***


May 1, 2019, 5:27 PM
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Re: Love it! Couldn’t have said it better myself.***


May 2, 2019, 8:09 AM
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Thanks.

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Re: Commentary: Russell vs. Baez - If it don't stink, don't stir it


May 1, 2019, 5:45 PM
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In the immortal words of Dan Aykroyd, Ken, you ignorant slut!

As always, I appreciate your point of view in this story. Unfortunately it has nothing to do with what I wrote. My position was based on the assumption that the Cubs were going to eventually bring Russell up to the big club.

I never said it would be this week for sure. I said it could be next week or the week after that. Furthermore, when they do, the story goes on to lay out, what the best defensive combination would be for the team. Baez at second base makes his defensive metrics increase versus Baez at shortstop. There is no denying this.

Sometimes a writer has to take their fan hat off and look at the situation through the eyes of the team management to understand what and why they are doing something. I also pointed out that it was hard for me to write that story because my personal feelings on the topic were in conflict with what I wrote.

I miss our constant fighting and hope we can get back to being passionately aggressive towards each other once again. XOXO Dan

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Re: Commentary: Russell vs. Baez - If it don't stink, don't stir it


May 1, 2019, 6:33 PM
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I can see it both ways on Russell's position. I think with the surplus of quality veterans that can play second, I would probably work him in at 2B and SS as a backup.

I wouldn't hand his job back as a starter. I think it would be good for him to be a backup in 2019 and not get handed the SS or 2B job anytime soon. I would rotate him at both spots if they decide to keep him. Just not sold on him getting starts while the team is doing so well. Maybe if they were on a 2-11 streak, I would say give it a shot. The team is doing well, and he can be a role player and cheer on the team and win back the trust of everyone through his actions handling being benched.

I do understand that with Baez's hands, range, and tags, he is an elite 2B. He has some work to do on his long throws to first base at the SS position.

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Re: Commentary: Russell vs. Baez - If it don't stink, don't stir it


May 2, 2019, 8:27 AM
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Tony- I was somewhat impressed with Russell this spring, but I agree he should be shelved (and/or traded).

1) I don't think you deserve to be handed your old job back after you screwed up to the degree that Russell did. (2) Russell coming back is bound to disrupt the flow that this offense and defense have been enjoying. (3) There isn't a ton of room on that diamond for him- Descalso isn't going anywhere and neither is Zo. Despite a couple of errors and a hitting slump lately, Bote has cemented himself into the 25-man as well. (4) The team has stood behind him publicly, but I can't believe all is forgiven (and certainly not forgotten) by guys like Zobrist, Rizzo, Hamels, etc.

I think with Hoerner progressing as he is, and an infield full of talent, you give him limited starts and trade him by the All-Star break (if you can find a decent deal).

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Re: Commentary: Russell vs. Baez - If it don't stink, don't stir it


May 2, 2019, 8:15 AM [ in reply to Re: Commentary: Russell vs. Baez - If it don't stink, don't stir it ]
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Oh Dan, Dan, Dan...

I recall at least a few times last year that we debated (passionately argued) about Javy playing short- it may have been pre-trade deadline, but we DID have that argument. I also seem to remember a little jousting between us when I said Bryant would spend nearly as much time in the outfield as he did at third this year. Thus far, he has 19 starts at third and 10 starts in the OF. I'm gonna have to start screen-shotting our debates... In the mean time, I hear the Cubs PA announcer... "Now batting... the shortstop... Javieeeeeeer Baezzzzz.

(hugs)

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Re: Commentary: Russell vs. Baez - If it don't stink, don't stir it


May 2, 2019, 11:10 AM
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Ken.

Marianne needs to get you a new calculator.

19 infield starts and 10 outfield is roughly 2 times more infield starts, hardly "About the same"

As for Javy playing short argument, we did have it and you're still going to be wrong.

I miss you already.

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Re: Commentary: Russell vs. Baez - If it don't stink, don't stir it


May 3, 2019, 12:18 AM
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Dan... if we want to split hairs (and remember, I own a drawer full of calculators...) Bryant has started exactly 34.45% of the games in the outfield. So not quite a half, but certainly a fraction more than 1/3. As I recall, you said he'd get the occasional start in the OF. If the Cubs bring Russell back, he'll be out there even more often.

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Re: Commentary: Russell vs. Baez - If it don't stink, don't stir it


May 3, 2019, 7:58 AM
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You really need to get a solar calculator one day... all these AAA batteries you are wasting on your drawer of calculators.

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Re: Commentary: Russell vs. Baez - If it don't stink, don't stir it


May 3, 2019, 10:48 AM
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I have a solar calculator, and plenty of light in this office!

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Re: Commentary: Russell vs. Baez - If it don't stink, don't stir it


May 3, 2019, 11:57 AM
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Absolutely, Ken Allison! What we have is working; I pray the Cubs do NOT take Javy from SS!

I’m not worried what happens to. Russell as he made his bed and has to lie in it. And, if he comes around as a great substitute, that is fine, as he has paid his debt, so we must move on.

But we are no longer indebted to Ruseel’s future, but we are to our Cubbies overall success—and we are proud of the type of guys on this team. Those who cannot measure up in talent, character, and yes, even charisma need not apply.

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Re: Commentary: Russell vs. Baez - If it don't stink, don't stir it


May 3, 2019, 12:11 PM
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I agree with Andre. Don't rock the boat. The team is doing just fine without him. Russell needs to prove his worth by coming off the bench.

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Re: Commentary: Russell vs. Baez - If it don't stink, don't stir it


May 3, 2019, 12:34 PM
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I have a question for all you Cubs fans that want to keep things as they are.

Are you more supportive of the morally correct thing to do or do you want the Cubs to win another world series? Part two is this, Why was there not moral outrage when they signed Chapman in 2016 when he had the exact same issue surrounding him?

I'll hang up and listen to your answers.

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Re: Commentary: Russell vs. Baez - If it don't stink, don't stir it


May 5, 2019, 10:25 AM
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For me, it's more of a baseball issue. Even if we were to say Russell is fantastic, there's still no getting around the fact that Baez has been better. Make no mistake, I can't stand a guy who abuses women, but my issues with Russell in that regard fall as much, or more, on the Cubs and MLB than Russell. He screwed up, but the sanctioning body and the team are who made the decisions to continue letting him play.

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Re: Commentary: Russell vs. Baez - If it don't stink, don't stir it


May 5, 2019, 11:19 AM
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Not sure what team you're watching but there is no way that Baez is a better shortstop than Russell. He may be a better hitter, but his defense is way behind Russell at short. Baez excels at 2nd base.

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Re: Commentary: Russell vs. Baez - If it don't stink, don't stir it


May 7, 2019, 12:37 AM
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Baez himself said he wanted to remain at short. I'm no insider, but I'm pretty certain if Javy wants short, than Russell either get good at second or enjoy eating bench.

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Re: Commentary: Russell vs. Baez - If it don't stink, don't stir it


May 7, 2019, 6:43 AM
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Well if Baez says so then he must be right.

The next athlete that knows what is best for the team will be the first athlete that knows what's best for the team. Everybody thinks they are the best at something and most people are usually wrong.

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Re: Commentary: Russell vs. Baez - If it don't stink, don't stir it


May 9, 2019, 10:04 AM
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Russell look good at second last night (good thing), but unfortunately he still isn't doing squat at the plate.

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Re: Commentary: Russell vs. Baez - If it don't stink, don't stir it


May 5, 2019, 10:17 AM [ in reply to Re: Commentary: Russell vs. Baez - If it don't stink, don't stir it ]
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Good morning Andre- sorry for the delayed response, but between writing, the ball games and remodeling my house, I have fallen behind on our message boards...

I couldn't agree with your reply more. you really put that into perspective with "indebted to him." I guess we'll see what happens, but Maddon says Russell will be in Chicago soon.

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