Yardbarker: Gary Matthews

2008 Ex-Cub Factor Update

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 21:24:34 -0500

Here is this year's Ex-Cub Factor update:

Philadelphia Phillies: 3 -- Scott Eyre, Jamie Moyer, Matt Stairs
Milwaukee Brewers: 1 -- Jason Kendall

Chicago Cubs: None
Los Angeles Dodgers: 3 -- Nomar Garciaparra, Greg Maddux, Juan Pierre

Chicago White Sox: None
Tampa Bay Rays: 1 -- Cliff Floyd

Boston Red Sox: None
Los Angeles Angels Etc.: 1 -- Gary Matthews Jr.

A quick reminder: the Ex-Cub Factor, as coined by Ron Berler, popularized by Mike Royko, and brought to the Web by yours truly, says that no team with three or more ex-Cubs can win the World Series. Based on the numbers, then, only the Phillies and Dodgers are out of luck this year.

But I've been thinking abut the Factor recently and I wonder if it is as strong (and unfailing) as it used to be. The factor was originally born out of the idea that there is an ineffable "Cubness" (these days some might call it "Cubbery"), a stink of loserdom that works its way into the psyche of any player who toils on the North Side. Even after they leave the Friendly Confines, the theory goes, those players carry this Cubbie essence with them, and if you get a critical mass of ex-Cubs on one team, their combined futility is enough to deny their team the ultimate prize.

The Factor has been pretty strong; only twice (in 1960 and 2001) has it been defeated, and in each case it took walk-off hits in the bottom of the 9th of the 7th game (both times against the Yankees, no less) to overcome it.

The thing is, though, that I wonder if what it means to be a Cub hasn't changed over the last few years. After decades of management that ranged from boneheaded to non-existent, the team's corporate overlords seemed to wake up and realize they owned a baseball team in a major media market. They started increasing payroll to attract free agent talent; they hired some smart people to work on drafting and in the minor leagues; and they started bringing in proven talent at manager: first Dusty (a disaster, but still) and now Uncle Lou.

The net result has been three playoff appearances in the last six years. A casual fan might not think that's a big deal, but any Cub fan knows that's equal to the number of playoffs appearances the team had made in the previous 57 years.

It's more than just the playoff appearances, though. There has been a change in the feeling that surrounds the team. It's not like we're all suddenly, automatically, expecting the Cubs to be winners; it's hard to shake a hundred years of futility. But I think most Cub fans feel differently about the team's general prospects now than they did even a decade ago -- while we still acknowledge the problems of the past, and worry about them out of proportion with reality, we (or at least I) no longer default to the worst possible outcome when I start thinking about what's ahead.

As far as I know, Ron Berler never talked about what it would take to end the reign of the Ex-Cub Factor. I think a World Championship this year would probably do it; a pennant might be even be enough. But even if neither of those things happen, I feel like the Factor is on its way out. Being traded to the Cubs no longer means years of toiling for a second-division team, playing meaningless games in the best park in baseball and hoping for a ticket out of purgatory; I don't think it's a stretch to think that players can leave the employ of the Chicago National League Base Ball Club and no longer be branded losers from there on out.

Maybe the factor will come into play this year (although I hope it doesn't, because that would mean the Cubs aren't in the Series). If it does, it's possible that the Dodgers or Phillies will lose the Series, and the Factor will be said to have claimed another victim. But whether or not that happens, I have a feeling that, as time goes by, we'll hear less and less about the Lovable Losers and the effect playing for them has on the rest of players' careers.

Go Cubs!

Reversed roles for the Sox and Angels in a matter of a year

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:52:31 -0500

It saddens me to read this article, but it is very true. What came of the Angels in 2007, is happening to us now. They were filled with injuries and injuries and injuries... and their roster wasnt that great. Now we are the ones filled with injuries that can (HOPEFULLY PRAY TO GOD) not hurt us in the playoffs and help us defend out WS title. But as much faith as I have in my Sox, this year was filled with too many unlucky situations. So many missed opportunities because of injuries. The Sox though, are 9-0 against these Angels. Maybe that can give us a boost into having faith into getting deeper into the playoffs.. The only thing that continues to baffle me is the obvious switcheroo of these two teams. Vlad, Anderson, Gary Matthews Jr, pitcher Bartolo Colon were the injured. This year, the Sox have Manny gone, Ortiz's wrist??, Mike Lowell, J.D Drew pitcher Josh Beckett... THAT'S A LOT!!! Things change so quickly for a team in a matter of a year. But I guess we'll hafta see tonight's game, (series) 10pm. UGH.. I have college work... :(. But im still going to watch.. hehehe To all Sox fans... U never knoW wat can happen, ('04).. SO though this article may have put ur hopes down, dont let it until we are officially counted out... :)

Angels keep on rolling, even with injuries

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 01:31:33 -0500

While injuries derailed the Angels' postseason a year ago, this year they just keep on winning, even with a lineup filled with backups and minor leaguers. The Angels are 12-6 this month with guys named Sean Rodriguez, Brandon Wood, Kendry Morales, Robb Quinlan and Gary Matthews Jr. all playing regularly. Their win last night clinches home-field advantage [...]

BSG & Gary Matthews Jr.

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 21:15:09 -0500

An ode to gary matthews jr for gary matthews jr.

Game 138 Thread / Astros @ Cubs (1 of 3)

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 19:48:31 -0500

Game Chat | Press Pass | BR Preview

SP	Roy Oswalt	SP	Jason Marquis
	12-9, 4.11, 135 K, 41 BB, 160.2 IP		9-7, 4.52, 74 K, 52 BB, 141.1 IP

2B	#Bill Doran	CF	Bob Dernier
RF	*Terry Puhl	2B	Ryne Sandberg
1B	*Denny Walling	LF	Gary Matthews
LF	*Jose Cruz	1B	Leon Durham
CF	#Jerry Mumphrey	RF	Keith Moreland
3B	Phil Garner	3B	Ron Cey
C	#Mark Bailey	C	Jody Davis
SS	*Craig Reynolds	SS	#Larry Bowa
P	Nolan Ryan	P	Dick Ruthven

Unfortunately I have to take off before the lineups are posted, so Marquis and Oswalt will have to face off against the 1984 lineups.

As for the modern day Cubs, all the warm glowing feelings of a seven game win streak are gone after dropping two straight games and two starting pitchers. Three straight losses looms as well with the red-hot Astros (27-15 since the break) and Oswalt's 2.51 August ERA coming to town.

Go Mets!

Game 138 Thread / Astos @ Cubs (1 of 3)

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 19:59:09 -0500

Game Chat | Press Pass | BR Preview

SP	Roy Oswalt	SP	Jason Marquis
	12-9, 4.11, 135 K, 41 BB, 160.2 IP		9-7, 4.52, 74 K, 52 BB, 141.1 IP

2B	#Bill Doran	CF	Bob Dernier
RF	*Terry Puhl	2B	Ryne Sandberg
1B	*Denny Walling	LF	Gary Matthews
LF	*Jose Cruz	1B	Leon Durham
CF	#Jerry Mumphrey	RF	Keith Moreland
3B	Phil Garner	3B	Ron Cey
C	#Mark Bailey	C	Jody Davis
SS	*Craig Reynolds	SS	#Larry Bowa
P	Nolan Ryan	P	Dick Ruthven

Unfortunately I have to take off before the lineups are posted, so Marquis and Oswalt will have to face off against the 1984 lineups.

Go Mets!

14 Days to Determine a Season: Game 4 — .500 So Far only Hurts Thanks to Pierzynski

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:48:43 -0500

The Twins stormed into Anaheim to take a nail-biter and a rout before dropping a pair of two-run contests that both could have easily gone the other way. This time it wasn't shaky defense so much as a less-than stellar performance from Jesse Crain out of the bullpen. Triples to Vladimir Guerrero and Gary Matthews [...]

Need an outfielder?

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:02:24 -0500

We're getting close to the July 31 trade deadline, with many teams actively seeking players to help their team. There is one name I'm not hearing that should be at the top of everyone's wish list — Gary Matthews Jr. He has established himself as one of the top outfielders in the majors, with a line [...]

MLB Injury Report

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 21:36:25 -0500

Jermaine Dye Dye could miss several days after being hit in the knee with a pitch. Alfonso Soriano It's unclear as to when exactly Soriano will return, but it will be this week. Khalil Greene Greene is day-to-day with a stiff lower back. Carlos Guillen Guillen is out indefinitely as he tends to his wife who is suffering from complications during childbirth. David Ortiz Big Papi has homered in 3 straight games during his rehab stint and is expected the rejoin the Sox on the 25th. Troy Tulowitzki Tools is expected to return to the Rockies lineup on Monday. Frank Thomas Thomas will be out at least 2 more weeks. Ryan Zimmerman Zimmerman will rejoin the Nationals on Tuesday. Gary Matthews Jr. It's possible that Matthews will have season-ending knee surgery.

Alyssa Milano Hangs In The Phillies' Booth

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:24:47 -0500

Attractive women end up in the announcing booth pretty regularly, but rarely just completely shut down all commentating. Alyssa Milano was a guest of the Philadelphia Phillies yesterday and after talking about hugging the Phillie Phanatic, and him smelling good, got hit on a bit by Sarge Matthews....

I'd personally watch out Sarge. Being a former baseball player you're still technically in Alyssa's "line of fire", if you know what I mean. The "Who's the Boss? music was a nice touch, but an old guy talking about tattoos on women kind of skeeves me out. Oh well, good times.

You can check the rest of the appearance out over at the 700 Level....

Alyssa Milano Makes Gary Matthews Very Excited (The 700 Level)

Best Defensive Outfield In Baseball!?!?!?!?!

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:04:35 -0500

When I am bored, whether it be in the office or at home, I am not one to put on WFAN to listen to what people have to say about the Yankees or the Mets. My friend said he was listening to the incomparable Ann Liguori one night on the radio and she made a pretty bold statement that caught my friend's attention. She said that when the Mets outfield consists of Carlos Beltran, Endy Chavez, and Ryan Church, that it is the best defensive outfield in baseball. Upon hearing this, my friend called me to tell of this blasphemous statement and how she couldn't be any more wrong. While I agree with Ms. Liguouri that that is a very good defensive outfield, it is very hard to say that it is the best. Now I am hoping that she did in fact say this, and that I dont sound like an idiot for the next few minutes, but I am going to bring up other outfields in baseball that can match the previously named trio. Los Angeles Angles of Anaheim- Torii Hunter, Gary Matthews Jr., Garret Anderson: Torii, who for some reason spells his name like a pornstar, is possibly one of the greatest center fielders of all-time and will finish with a trillion Gold Gloves. Gary Matthews also plays exceptional defense and basically any fly ball hit to the right side of the outfield is going to be caught someway, somehow. While Anderson doesn't help the defensive side of the outfield, both Matthews and Hunter make up for the negative Anderson brings. In addition, Reggie Willits, the backup left fielder to Anderson, has a ton of range and a pretty strong arm to go along with it. Arizona Diamondbacks- Eric Byrnes, Chris B. Young, Justin Upton: Talk about a speedy outfield, I am surprised any balls drop in that ballpark. While Byrnes is on the DL, when healthy he plays with reckless abandon and no care for his own personal health. Young and Upton both have cannons for arms and cover so much ground their nickname should be UPS. Scary thing about Young and Upton are that they are still learning to play and will get better on both sides of the ball with time. While Upton does has 8 errors his year, he does have 6 assists as well and in time those errors will go away. Colorado Rockies- Matt Holiday, Willy Tavarez, Brad Hawpe: This Outfield is probably one of the more underrated in the game. Coors field has just as much, if not more, room in its outfield than any other ballpark. Hawpe has one of the top 5 strongest arms in the league and guys don't even run on him anymore. He also covers a decent amount of ground, and has help on his left in Willy Tavarez. Tavarez doesn't have the arm but his glove and speed are just as good as anyone else's. Even Holliday is a good defensive outfielder, but he gets overlooked for his offensive contributions. Boston Red Sox- Jacoby Ellsbury, CoCo Crisp, J.D. Drew: As much as i may hate to admit it, this outfield is just as good as that Mets outfield. Ellsbury and Crisp cover a lot of ground and while Crisp can't get the ball back into 2nd base sometimes, he makes so many great catches it's had to ignore his defense. In Right Field, Drew covers a good amount of ground in that spacious right field of Fenway park and has one of the stronger arms in the league. Ellsbury does it all from fielding to throwing and is only going to get better with more experience. As for the Mets outfield, it is a very solid defensive outfield, but i don't think it can be recognized as one of the best in the league. While it may measure up to these other tandems, it has plenty of flaws as well. Church covers a decent amount of ground and has had an impressive arm this season, though doesn't have the reputation of having too strong of an arm. He also has some difficulty going back on well-hit balls. Beltran plays too deep in Center Field and should maybe bring it in a couple steps. Chavez has great legs but an inconsistent arm. While it is one of the top defensive trios in the league, i think it's hard to say its the best.

The Worst Team Money Can Buy

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:49:26 -0500

As we approach the mid-point of the 2008 season, much has been made of the success of small market teams like the Rays and Marlins. Heck, even the Pirates have scraped their way towards mediocrity. While these teams' successes are usually attributed to the talented, young players they have, I think it also has something to do with the expensive, old players they don't have. Here is the worst team money can buy, and no, it's not the Mets roster...

MLB World Series Predictions

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 18:01:07 -0500

So who do you think will be contenders for the World Series this year? I know mine. For the N.L. right now the Cubs are doing awesome with a 47-28 record as of right now and Ryan Dempster with an 8-2 pitching record. Derrek Lee has been doing good with 15 homers also. But that is not my pick. You might not agree but my pick is the Philadelphia Phillies. They might have a lower record from the Cubs (42-33) but there doing fine. They have three very good pitchers. Ace Cole Hamels coming in a 7-4 record same record with Jamie Moyer and Kyle Kendrick 6-3 record. The Phillies are known for there explosive offense. Chase Utley you may say that he is in a 0 for 20 Slump but he'll work his way out of it. Look at the biggining of the year. Utley Blasted 12 Homers for the month of April and has 22 Homers right now. Ryan Howard yes I know he strikes out a lot. But he been hittin homers to with 19 on the year. Pat Burrell is doing remarkable same with Brad Lidge having 18 Saves already. Now on to A.L. Three teams have doing to great Tampa Bay Rays, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles/Anaheim Angels. Out of those three I think the Red Sox will repeat back to the World Series. I'm not an A.L. fan and I watch N.L. more then A.L. so I don't know much about A.L. But that's what I'm predicting because they have the best record in A.L. 46-30. So here is what I think the World Series will be Red Sox Vs. Phillies. I think this will go down to game 7 the last game in the series. But I think the Phillies will take it in the end barely with a 5-3 victory in game 7. That's my prediction. Tell me what's yours in a comment below.

Passan's All-overpaid and All-underpaid Teams

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 17:24:33 -0500

By Jeff Passan, Yahoo! Sports Take a bow, Carl Pavano. Just don't hurt your back. You, sir, are the kind of baseball player that makes the annual All-Overpaid team possible. Since you signed with the New York Yankees four years ago for $39.95 million – remember, you fired your agent because he didn't get you $40 million! – you have made 19 starts, won five games and earned $359,282.51 for every inning you pitched. The Yankees expect you back in August. Yeah, just like they expect $1 gas. Sadly, your contract expires this offseason, which means another lucky soul can be recognized for being grossly overpaid, even by baseball standards. In the interest of fairness, we'll take another shot at the All-Underpaid team, too. The same caveat applies this year as did last: no players who have yet to hit arbitration. Baseball rules artificially depress their salary, and the credit due to teams for signing them doesn't apply. So that means no Josh Hamilton, even though, at $396,830, he is probably baseball's biggest bargain. No Carlos Quentin ($400,000), Ryan Ludwick ($411,000), Nate McLouth ($425,000), Edinson Volquez ($382,000) or Tim Lincecum ($405,000), either.

Time To Cut Your Losses

Sat, 24 May 2008 21:18:54 -0500

Time To Cut Your Losses The Fantasy Sports Forum.com We're almost two months into the season and it's time to evaluate if your draft day investments are paying off or if it's simply time to cut your losses on an investment gone bad.