Comments on: How Does David Ross Fit on the 2016 Chicago Cubs?

By: The CHI Sports Fan (@TheCHISportsFan)

The CHI Sports Fan (@TheCHISportsFan) — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 18:43:26 +0000

It’s great rereading this today. Like you, I so now reason why he would go from a wRC+ of 85 to 71 to 34 (2015) to anything meaningful let alone a 110.

Your last line is prescient – whether you knew it or not!

By: theguz

theguz — Wed, 03 Feb 2016 20:59:38 +0000

Likin that, Vic, and maybe bring Herb Washington in to run for him on those rare days he leaks into the lineup.

By: victor19nyc

victor19nyc — Wed, 03 Feb 2016 15:16:28 +0000

With the idea of the NL adopting the DH being kicked around, what better time than while Ross is still an active player? Bat the pitcher and use Schwarber in the DH spot to bat for Ross.

By: Rob

Rob — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 22:45:21 +0000

The other issue that arises is if the Cubs keep an 8-man bullpen, which the writers here seem to agree is a certainty. Particularly if starting pitchers are limited to shorter outings intentionally in the first month of the season, are we going to see a repeat of last year in which Travis Wood becomes a de facto member of the offensive bench?

Dare I comment that Wood’s offensive numbers took a precipitous tumble last year

By: theguz7

theguz7 — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 18:13:52 +0000

Here is more fodder for your argument which, if you’re like me in my circles, will be met with much gnashing of the teeth and violent defense of Ross– along the lines of his excellent D and his clubhouse presence–while being completely devoid of any acknowledgment of the anemia.

You said Ross finished 10th-worst in TA; how ’bout DEAD LAST in OPS (.518) among those with 175+ PA?

You also said Ross was a “great” defender; I’ll go “good”: 12th-best framer and a CS of 26% (I know, Lester mostly at fault) is good, not great.

Bottom line is the end came one day for Berra, Bench, Piazza, and Fisk– the last most painfully, forcibly, and humorously, as he OPS’d .473 in his selfish pursuit of the G caught record (wow.). When the Sox graciously let him get it– gasp– he WOULDN’T LEAVE. So he was evicted, cut, and actually barred from the clubhouse later that same yr when he tried to wish his mates luck on the eve of the playoffs.

Does the Ross contingent think he’s somehow immune to what happened to every player, including HOF catchers, before him?

Roll with Montero and Schwarbs, have Contreras and Davis ready as backups in case of injury, and let this team be all it can be. (Thanks also for finally putting in an acknowledging word for Davis; simply cannot understand the deafening silence when his offensive AND defensive numbers are better than Contreras right now.)

By: theguz

theguz — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 17:17:00 +0000

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, Matt. You are the 1st journalist I’ve seen call it like it is, and believe me, I’ve stalked the papers, airwaves, and web since the disastrous move was made. You have lived up to your name honorably. Well done.