[Unofficial] Astros @ Cubs

Picked up a game on the Cardinals (who suddenly only have ONE reliable starter)... within 5 now.

Season's over.

 

I LOVE IT!

 

I think Willy did as good as Burke could have last year. Teams have just adjusted to him so far.

Also, about my question, it's a given that we can't prove it one way or the other. I tend to think that with Ensberg's range he would have snagged it.

 

Thank god Everett finally lost his starting job to Bruntlett like you said.

 

I actually disagree... Willy had a good batting average last year, and he stole some bases at the beginning of the year, but that's about it. Few XBH, HR's, terrible OBP, few walks... and he was the leadoff or #2 guy for all of the season. Thus, the only adjustment teams had to make was to eliminate the bunt-single... that's not a "tremendous" adjustment, and if that's all it took to solve Willy, he's gotta huge mountain to climb to be a regular player again.

Burke has come into his own starting with the playoffs last year, and continuing on into this year. I just think that with more regular playing time last season, we could have discovered this EARLIER into last year.

And, the Burke that started playing well in the playoffs, and the one playing well this year, is FAR better than Willy has ever been at any point during his major (and minor) league career.

 

Yes. Burke had over 300 at bats in the regular season last year and was terrible - and he didn't really show any signs of improvement until the playoffs. He had a little surge in August and then returned to his previous crappy self in September.

Certainly moving Burke to CF would have allowed Lamb to play 1st, but that would have made the LF defense a disaster with Berkman out there everyday on a gimpy knee, and defense at 1st would have been worse with Lamb. Plus, the pinch hitting off the bench would have been worse. While Willy had a lot of problems in CF last year, he still covered more range than Burke ever will, so defense would have been worse out there too (and Burke was struggling even in left for a while last year, as it was hit first time in the outfield).

 

All valid points... but, it wasn't as simple as Burke just "sucking" last year, and allofasudden, becoming reliable this year.

Burke never had the job security that was guaranteed Willy... and he was constantly moved around the lineup, demoted to AAA at one point, and his role was never set. His confidence sucked simply because he knew he had to play out of his mind just to keep a regular spot in the lineup... especially with Berkman getting more time in the OF as his knee improved, and Bagwell coming back late in the year (the "return to his crappy self" in September).

Obviously, he had to TAKE the job for himself in the playoffs... nothing was ever handed to him. I admire him more for that... having the ability to show up when it counted, continuing to improve his game and learn a new position, and just approach the game with competitiveness, tenacity, and fire that definitely does resemble a younger Biggio.

Confidence is a scary thing... clearly, Burke no longer feels like he's playing for a job day-in and day-out. Now that he's relaxed, and knows he belongs, he's become the third best hitter in this lineup.

 

Take advantage of Pujols injured, only 6 games behind...

 

Just one scary question - how long can he 'shoulder' playing?

 

As long as it takes... it could pop out at any minute. And, he could then come back within 2 games.

Maybe it will be his own way of getting a "day off", and giving Willy a chance to tune up his skills. In the end, however, he will need to have the ligaments tightened in the off-season (which is what the procedure will involve).

 

Starting to come around, looks like Burke is finally an every day player.

DD

 

A shame he can't use that to his advantage... like Martin Riggs

 

guys, i'm happy with this

and i needed it tonight, too! Tough softball loss with a huge comeback only to give up the lead in the last inning =P

 

Thats is exactly how I feel.

 

Them be fighting words.

 

actually we're only 5 games behind. st. louis lost again last night.

and it's not just pujols now. isringhausen has been real shaky. edmonds is on and off the DL. their starting pitching has struggled of late, too.

 

Oops, wrong one...Once again, Hell Freakin' Yeah...

 

yeah, amazing that izzie is leading the league in saves. i'd still take this season's brad lidge with all his problems over him. never thought the guy was good.

scott rolen is a beast though. hasn't been getting much pub this year, but is absolutely carrying that team. they are the royals without him and pujols.

 

i have no idea why the Braves thread is still stickied. mods must be on vacation.