By Paul Sullivan and Dave van Dyck
Lou Piniella came to the ballpark Friday clean-shaven and ready to rumble, taking on White Sox broadcaster Steve Stone for criticism of his handling of rookie Tyler Colvin.
"It's a tough situation," he said. "I know I get criticized for it. We've got a lot of people here that haven't managed and won any games in the big leagues, but they know everything. You know? They really do.
"I think they should try to put the uniform on and try this job and see how they like it when they get criticized unjustly. That's all I've got to say about that issue. But you get tired of it. I'm trying to do the best job I possibly can and the only people I need to listen to are the people in my organization, that's it.
"But I get tired of being nitpicked and tired of being criticized unjustly. Why don't they talk to me first before they do it, OK, and get my viewpoints and my feelings and then make a determination? The same way that I get called ridiculous, they're ridiculous in the same way they report things, too."
The subject changed to Jake Peavy, but Piniella wasn't finished by a long shot.
"And another thing I'm going to say: I won over 1,800 games as a manager and I'm not a damn dummy, that I can tell you. There are only 13 other (managers) that have won more games than me. I guess I think I know what the hell I'm doing."
Asked which critics he was referring to, Piniella said: "Look, the media here in this town for the most part are really, really good, and I enjoy working with them. Especially the people that work with me on a day-to-day basis. But why should I be ... talk to me. Get my feelings, get my viewpoints, and then if you don't agree with me, say what you want. But at least give me the courtesy of defending myself and giving my explanations on why things are done or not done. That's all I ask. And that's only fair."
Did Piniella plan on talking to Stone, who is working today's game?
"I don't care about talking to him," he said. "I'm talking to you for them. But I'm tired of it.
"And Steve Stone? He's got enough problems doing what he does with the White Sox. What job has he had in baseball besides talking on television or radio? What has he done?
"Why isn't he a farm director and bring some kids around? Why isn't he a general manager, and put the uniform on and been a pitching coach? Why hasn't he been a field manager. There's 30 teams out there that could use a guy's expertise like that. I'm tired of some of these guys, I really am. Now that's it. Let's go to baseball."
Stone was surprised that Piniella chose today to react to his remarks about Colvin.
"I''ve been talking about Tyler Colvin for well over a month, that he should be playing every day," Stone said. "I felt if you broke camp with this guy, you've got to play him. Or let him hit in Triple-A. Just let him swing the bat. I haven't seen one guy that gets better on the bench. Not one."
Asked whether he had spoken with Piniella about the matter, Stone said, "I've talked to Lou a lot. I haven't talked to him today. But, no, he's entitled to his opinion and I've always respected Lou. My respect for Lou has nothing to do with what I said. Before he got the job, he was a guy I had championed for the job, because I thought he was the best man for the job at that point.
"I've probably said about 5,000 nice things about Lou Piniella. And now I say something and he doesn't particularly like. . . well, he didn't come up to me and say thanks a lot for saying those nice things. But now he decides, when I say something he doesn't like, he's going to go into my past. My past is pretty good. I've seen a lot of games in both leagues, done a lot of things.
"Lou was a terrific ballplayer, won a lot of world championships and he's been a great manager. I'm not going to criticize anything he's done.
"It was an observance and when you need to have a front-office job to make an observance about baseball, there's going to be nobody working in baseball. None of you media guys are going to be working in baseball because then you can't say anything because you've never been in the front office. That might be one of the dumber things he's said."
There's been so much made about Steve Stone's comments about Colvin, but if you can step outside of your Chicago allegiances and just look at this one line from Stone's attack: "I've never seen anyone get better on the bench. No one."
I don't know if Colvin's better than Fukudome or Nady, although he seems to give a better return than either of the other two when he does get ABs, but I think the real issue is that it's not serving Colvin or the Cubs to have him on the bench. He should be getting ABs every day, whether they come in MLB or AAA. He's a young promising player whose talent and development is being wasted riding the pine. That's a fair criticism, whether you're a Cub fan or Sox fan. It shouldn't matter who said the comments so long as they are fair, and I don't think any of the 13 managers with more wins than Lou would have an issue with that. Steve Stone got paid to play the game at one time, and now he gets paid to talk about the game. I don't think what Lou said in return fire to Stone is fair -- yeah, Stone has never managed a game, but it's not like he's Len Casper, who has never played the game at that level. Steve Stone has earned the right to make his honest analysis of a topic he knows better than anyone on this comment board.
Sweet Poo got his little cookie hurt huh? Love it!!
Die Hard cubbies fan here...but at this point...it doesnt matter if our manager is Lou, Steve or the brady bunch. We cant hit shit. We cant field shit...and we st st st stutter alot
and and and and and and and and and and and and and and ...
Yeah maybe Colvin should be in the line up but thats not going to help them win games. We had a story break about "Z" and Ramirez causing a racial divide in the locker room. Its been obvious for awhile that "Z" is deliberately getting in the way of winning. Some thought it was just to get Lou fired but its more than that. No team can win with "Z"!!!!!!! He's not a winner. And he was never, EVER, AN ACE! Lou does need to go because even if he can manage, HE CANT MANAGE THIS TEAM! Its just the way it is! But more importantly Hendry, Z, Ramirez, Soriano, Lee, and Lou, all need to go. Starting with Hendry! Putting Colvin in the lineup more really isnt going to be a big change.
I never thought the Cubs & Sox would stoop so low.
Our two baseball teams are acting like divas because the Blackhawks are more popular than both Cubs/Sox COMBINED.
Cubs/Sox start major soap operas during Stanley Cup week-Ozzie/Kenny fighting like two old ladies at a garage sale.
And the Cubs think it's funny to get a grumpy old man fired up.
Just to stay in the headlines. Shame on you.
Jealous jerks. Get over it. The Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup & got a huge well deserved party and believe me the way you guys are playing this summer, the Hawks did not steal your spotlight.
Show some respect on both sides of town, how 'bout it?
HEY LOU....GO HAVE A FEW MORE MAR-MAR-MAR-MAR MARTINIS!!!!
That was a real cheap shot at Lou, putting him on the spot like that. LOU is the manager of the Cubs, he doesn't have to answer idiotic questions like THAT.
I'll bet Cubs management set that up in order to deflect the mess they made with the rooftop owners.
Whenever a business is in trouble, start a new scandal...have everybody look the other way.
Sneaks!
Stoney hit it on the head. Colvin needs to play every day. Lou and Hendry both know they will be out at the end of the year(we hope). Stone knows more about baseball than anyone else in the Cub organization. The reason he isn't a GM, is that baseball is run like the good old boys network, constently recycling the same managers and GMs. Also another reason is that he tells the truth and doesn't blow smoke up peoples skirts. I could only hope that Stone would get the Cubs GM job, at last someone since Dallas Green that knows something about evaluating talent.
Stick to the Sox, Stone - we don't want you anywhere near Cubs Nation - keep your commentary to the South Side....
Stone has a right to his opinion. He's a baseball analyst, remember? Wasn't he simply answering a question? Does anyone actually disagree with Colvin starting?
Lou's time has come and gone. He knew when he took the job that the Chicago media, as it would be in New York, Philadelphia or Los Angeles, would be brutal if the Cubs didn't win consistently. He's won 1,800 games but it took well over 20 years. He won one World Series 20 years ago. He's a good guy in a grandfatherly way but that's not going to end the Cubs' century-plus championship drought. It's time for the new ownership to clean house from top to bottom from Jim Hendry, to Piniella, to Larry Rothchild. Nice guys, they tried hard but they aren't getting it done.
The Blackhawks showed how its done. Winning starts with the owner hiring great personnel with championship pedigrees like Scotty and Stan Bowman. People who can make tough, cold-blooded decisions like replacing beloved icons Dale Tallon and Denis Savard. Problem with the Cubs is they make a mint without producing champions. Hard to choose winning over profits unless you're a die-hard sports fan who hates losing. I'm not impressed with Tom Ricketts but I'll what he does this off-season.
The comment by "Little Stevie" is gross, and should be deleted.
cubbyblue on June 11, 2010 5:13 PM
Buehrle/AJ trade to Cardinals a bunch of baloney!
*
*
*
yeah because buehrle is supposed to be pitching tomorrow.
Buehrle/AJ trade to Cardinals a bunch of baloney!
CAN SOMEONE POST A LINK FOR THIS INFO? THX.
At Work on June 11, 2010 4:45 PM
Jim Richards on June 11, 2010 4:37 PM
"I just heard that Buehle got traded to the Cards, any word on who we got? Albert?"
Buehrle has always said he wanted to wear a Cards uniform, if only for 1 inning. I love the guy and I'll miss him a lot, but he does need a change.
Sorry that both our baseball teams suck so bad this year. Their managements over-hyped everything so bad it was ridiculous.
Jim Richards on June 11, 2010 4:37 PM
"I just heard that Buehle got traded to the Cards, any word on who we got? Albert?"
Buehrle has always said he wanted to wear a Cards uniform, if only for 1 inning. I love the guy and I'll miss him a lot, but he does need a change.
Sorry that both our baseball teams suck so bad this year. Their managements over-hyped everything so bad it was ridiculous.
I just heard that Buehle got traded to the Cards, any word on who we got? Albert?
SS on June 11, 2010 4:11 PM
It's being reporting that AJ and Buehrle have been traded to the Cardinals for a couple prospects. It doesn't name the prospects but is saying none are in the top 6 of the Cards system.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
LOL! Exactly what I would expect from GM Kenny Williams. That's all he ever trades for--prospects. Then he gets rid of them immediately.
I think KW should go for Mark Derosa.
Go Sox yeah right.
Decent rant, but Lee Elia's meltdown was the all-time best:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uv23pqH9iG0
It's being reporting that AJ and Buehrle have been traded to the Cardinals for a couple prospects. It doesn't name the prospects but is saying none are in the top 6 of the Cards system.
Ahhhh...wish we had gone after Joe Girardi. As much as I love Sweet Lou, Joe was the man for the Cub managerial job.
Any smart person will stop supporting the Cubs now. Of course, if the earth reverses its spin and the Cubs start winning, and we go back to watching Cubs, Canucks fans will get on here and beat us up over it. HA!!
Oh good lawdy-lawdy.
cubs losing 1st game of crosstown classic. cub fans leaving in droves. say g'dnight lou.
http://www.cubworld.com/category/a_cubworld_cam/
Correction! Correction please! 8th inning, Sox - 8, Cubs - 2.
I think the summer heat and humidity is getting to Uncle Lou even though it has been so cool and rainy in Chicago. I think Uncle Lou had Lee Elia too long as his bench coach in Seattle. Elia obviously has rubbed off on Uncle Lou. What has Uncle Lou done for the Cubs lately? After messing up two playoff series with bonehead pitching moves and lineups, he was crying about the need for left handed hitters in the lineup as the ABSOLUTE ONLY reason for Cubs failure during the playoffs. So rather than signing Bobby Abreu or someone on the cheap, Hendry makes room for Uncle Lou's favorite expensive free agent from Texas and he bombed last season and is now sleepless in Seattle. The Cubs look DEAD on the field and are not playing timely aggressive ball. I hope Uncle Lou quits before the All-Star Break because the new CUBS owners are too cheap to fire him ASAP!
Can we stick with the story, please? Cubs should have fired Lou way before this stupid "controversy" started.
It didn't start today. Steve Stone's been yapping about Lou's ignoring of Colvin for a while now.
This is not news. The only thing that is news is that the reporters stuck a camera in Lou's face and got a "famous" Lou diatribe out of it--and none of it made sense.
This story is scripted to take the heat off of Cub management who are going after the rooftop businesses that the Cubs gladly allowed to be there in the first place.
cubs losing 1st game of crosstown classic. cub fans leaving in droves. say g'dnight lou.
http://www.cubworld.com/category/a_cubworld_cam/
how can anyone say that nobody cared about what the hawks did for the past 6 months, bringing home the Stanley Cup and throw in some Olympic gold medals and millions of people at the rally?
so what if you're not a hawks fan, shut up then and continue to be Disgusted.
Tyler Colvin, 1-1, Double
Steve Stone 1, Lou Pinella 0
Hey that B team is winning 6-2 in the 7th inning.
What makes you think the Cubs would EVER be the A team? LOL!!
Disgusted on June 11, 2010 3:22 PM
-------------
Blackhawks idiot, the season ended and nobody cared when it was still going.
YOU GOT PROOF OF THAT? YEAH MAN COME ON, BACK IT UP.
@Disgusted on June 11, 2010 3:22 PM
"...the season ended and nobody cared when it was still going."
=========================================
According to you, nobody cares about the Blackhawks?
Where were you for the past 2 months? Where were you this morning?
You don't like hockey, we get that. To say that "nobody cared when it was still going"...ever get the feeling that you are wrong?
Loubiquitous you are 100% correct. Only an idiot, such as, say, "Disgusted" would disagree with you.
Steve's got class & Lou's just an ass ~~
Loubiquitous on June 11, 2010 3:18 PM
So they create this b.s. but it will not take our minds off the Blackhawks, the only hot ticket in town.
Nice try.
-------------
There are no tickets for the Blackhawks idiot, the season ended and nobody cared when it was still going.
Common LOU sucks.. He keeps playing guys that dont produce like Lee and Rami . last year it was Sorry ,Soto, Fontenot and Gregg.. Until were are unable to make the playoffs .Then LOu makes changes. How did the Cubs get beat yesterday on a BUNT.. Hey Lou : what game are you playing" .. You nenver bunt , you never squeeze .. Get the team fire dup .. NOt LOU. Just wait for a hit that hardly ever comes. Leave you pitchers in there to bat in the 7th and 8th in a close 1 run game, and the pitcher striles out and the next inning gives up the tying or eventual winning runb .. Twice with Lilly, Once or twice with Dempster .. Cant remember how many 1 run games we lost with a man on 1st and third an 1 out and the opposing team conceding the run for a DP and LOU dont bunt and the batter strikes out or hits into a DP .. They should have named DPs " Les's" instead.
Common Lou sucks --He lost it . Makes bad decisions all the time . And NOT playing Colvin instead of FUKU or Nady is a Moronic move.
ANYBODY the criticizes LOU IM WITH!!!
The [horrifying losers] Cubs/Sox series has been rightfully pushed aside by the Stanley Cup Champions, our Blackhawks.
Naturally, the media jackals have to invent a fracas to remind us that there is a Cubs/Sox (AHEM) faux "trophy" series going on this weekend. As if we care.
So they create this b.s. but it will not take our minds off the Blackhawks, the only hot ticket in town.
Nice try.
Jumpy on June 11, 2010 3:00 PM
Well, the "B" team has two championship rings earned over the last 100 years.
-----------------------------------
Is someone actually bragging about being the 2nd worst team in baseball history? You must be so proud.
Ron Burgundy on June 11, 2010 2:07 PM
There's no way you could know someone is posting under another posters name unless you are the one doing it.
That makes you the idiot on many levels.
__________________________________
Very good point, I bet the guy is so desperate for attention that he is actually arguing with himself. I see him post on here all the time and he only comments on other peoples posts, never the story, he certainly fits the mold.
Well, the "B" team has two championship rings earned over the last 100 years. How many does the "Other" team have? Please help. I haven't been able to find an answer above zero yet.
Lou thinks he's above criticism. Even if it's constructive criticism.
Winning a Cy Young is much more impressive then winning a world series ring. Adam Morrison has an NBA ring, so he must be a better player then LeBron James.
As long as this kind of stuff keeps happening, no one will notice how much I suck at playing baseball and I will keep my job,
Once again someone in the Cubs Organization can't deal with the Truth.
Did Lou shave because of his impending firing?
Who's the real idiot on June 11, 2010 2:04 PM
Who is the real idiot who always posts under another posters name and ALWAYS mentions ice dancing or ice capades.
You're a loser and really really annoying!!!!!!!
_____________________________________
Thanks for sticking up for me, you sound like you're pretty hot too. I like that.
How about you and I get crazy and you come to my Ice Dancing lesson tonight and then we listen to the Adam Lambert library?
Stone is still just pissed that the only job he could get was with the "B" team.
Nothing Stone said was out of line. I've been hollering the same thing all season. That's why the Cubs can never bring up any good young talent, because they don't know how. And as far as talking to him first. From what i see, Pinella is only good for quick smarta## replies to media members, and would never explain anything anyways. Pinella is just a grumpy old coot, who finally had the strength to shave at least, before he had to deal with the higher ups.
Stone, once very good, began slipping into a steady stream of mean-spirited criticism the year before the Cubs fired him. He's become so bitter, he sees only the bad.
Steve Stone has accomplished nothing in a uniform. He was a scrub when he played. Steve Stones only accomplishment in baseball is his mouth.
Damn Dummy 1, Lou 0
Steve Stone 1, Lou 0
Rob Dibble 6, Lou 0
Fluid English 1, Lou 0
. . . an, an, an, an, an, that's a, a, a, a, all I have to sa, sa, sa, sa, say.
on on on on on on on on radio. the the the the the uniform on. Lou, you have become the biggest dummy in baseball.
Disgusted on June 11, 2010 1:57 PM
Keep government out of the marriage business, it's none of their business if I want to marry a boy or a girl.
=========================
Oh disgusted, I knew you were a real man and real men should only be with other real men. We owe it to humanity.
Let's go do a Zima tonight and see who will envy us.
stunt to get the game on the radar of chicago - PLAY SOME DECENT BASEBALL - BOTH SIDE OF TOWN - and then let's start the smack talking...
YEA!!!!!! Tell him steve stone.You don not have to be a baseball manager/gm/exec to be able to talk the game.Or thousands of journalists would be not working right now.Great comeback.Lou's insecurities are on display AGAIN.He gets mad when the media questions him and gets upset with the criticism HE DESERVES.Just like the cubs Need those "lefty bats" huh piniella? Remember? That was your suggestion that led to the disastrous signing of bradley.Pniella is done please get rid of this bumbling old man enough already.
On a day where 2 million show up for the Blackhawk's championship parade this Stone-Pinella debacle is another of long series of many moments symbolic of the Cub's dismal failed ability to just make it to the world series let alone win it, what a joke, laughing stock of the world everyone even those who don't follow baseball know the cub organization is a bunch of loveable losers, well not so loveable lately
I am going to my ice dancing lesson now and I don't want to hear anyone comment on the other peoples comments, that's my job.
Keep government out of the marriage business, it's none of their business if I want to marry a boy or a girl.
GREAT post Brad.My same exact thoughts and sentiments pal.
Lou is right, what has Stone done for us lately? I admit I was bummed at first when Stone left the Cubs, but Brenly is so much better - way, way better - and now I'm glad Stone is gone.
Not good when a Mexican and a Jew is fighting.
Stone had an opinion, just like all you morons do every day. Does that make you as styupid and moronic as the names you are calling him, just because you disagree with him?
It's cute how the dolts stick up for the "expert". He so smart because he tells us what pitch is coming---after looking at the catcher's signs. What a genius.
Lou's dumb, he won a World Series like 20 years ago, that doesn't mean anything, but winning a fluke Cy Young 30 years ago, makes one an expert!!!
And ripping a team that isn't even in the same league as the team you work for, while never saying a bad thing about the joke team that employs you. That's telling it like it is!
The guy has lobbied for management positions for over 25 years now. There's obviously some reasons why he has been turned away. Every single time.
Two Men.
Two Legends.
At least, a legend in two minds.
LOL@These piniella apologists.Everybody forgot when stone said kerry woods mechanics would keep him on the DL because of the way he throws SUPRISE,SUPRISE he was RIGHT
My bad I was wrong about the 2000 mariners.I thought they won 114.
I cosign and fully support steve stone in this situation.Piniella is done just fire him already.6 games under.500 for the 3rd highest payroll is Unacceptable.Bye lou
"It's easy to sit in the booth and talk." Number one, not so easy, you've got to know the intricacies of the game and also have a personality. Number two, that's exactly what he is being paid to do.
With respect to Lou's approach to his job, I say he retired when he took the job in Tampa. The reason he came to Chicago was the big bucks they dangled in front of him, but he's still in retirement.
Finally.
Based on these comments, people are finally beginning to realize what a self-important jerk Steve Stone actually is.
Nobody's done less to merit the constant favorable coverage than that guy.
Sure, Lou Piniella is probably done as a manager, but Steve Stone just needs to go away.
The comment by "lmry" is spam. Block this person already! (She changes her account name frequently, so you'll need to do it by IP address.)
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Len C on June 11, 2010 12:28 PM
Stone used to be a solid annalist but has really slipped the last few years.
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Len C used to be a solid speller, but has slipped the past 101 years. "annalist"?!
Finally!?!? I'm sorry, while Stoney does great in game analysis, his post game analysis is the same as every other reporter. I don't recall any staunch criticism about his mechanics when Prior was doing well. Look, Stoney has been in the broadcast booth for over 25 years and has always been available to go on the other side to general manage a team and yet, no one has come calling. I would think that since he's such a great "baseball mind", some owner would want to bring him in to the be the GM of their team, and yet, no one has. Truth is, Stone is a great "analyst" and he is extremely good at that, but to think he could lead a team and be accountable for decisions, no. This is why you see former coaches be a little more tepid in their reviews, cause they understand what it's like to the job across the lines. In truth, Stoney has only observed, and has never lived it. With that said, Lou, worry about your freaking team and not the reporters. Unlikable teams always deflect the anger...aka 2004 Cubs.
And just because Lou won a world series 20 years ago dosnt mean the guy is the czar of baseball. What, because Stone dosnt manage a roster he dosnt know about baseball? The guy won a CY Young and played many many years and has watched just as many games as Pinella has. You dont need to sit in a dugout drunk off your ass kicking dirt to know about the game. Stone's job is to commentate. He was asked a question, and he answered. What do you want him to do, lie? I love Stone because he is so honest. Lou cant take critisism. He expects to not win a playoff game with a team like that and start off yet another bad year, and have everyone tell him how good he is, and how amazing his decisions are, and how hes a baseball czar, and he wants flowers to grow in the dugout, and beer to be flowing like a rover in the dugout. This is the REAL WORLD Lou. What have you done for me lately?
I love it! Rip that Idiot Stone the know it all!
Lou is a straight joke. The guy hasnt won a damn thing in a VERY long time and he expects knowbody to critique him or say a bad thing about him. Hes living in a world thats not real, the fact is that if you dont perform, your going to get blasted, and with the roster this guy has been handed, he has been BRUTAL. Stone could have had MANY MLB jobs, but not everyone wants those jobs. Stone dosnt strike me as the type who would want to travel and watch young players at minor league fields all year round. Stone is the most intelligant baseball mind I have ever heard talk about the game. The guy knows exactly what pitches are coming every at bat, what pitches will get the guys out, what the hitter is going to do, who has advantages, disadvantages, etc. Pinella hasnt done a damn thing since Seattle, like 10 years ago. His decisions are getting worse and worse, and he expects people to kiss his feet. He a JOKE
If you can't stand the heat Lou, get out of the kitchen. Coaches and managers get criticized - it's part of the game. You'd rather be mananging the Yankees anyway. At least Stoney didn't criticize your scruffy playoff beard. Makes you look like a homeless person.
Stone is no genius. This is the guy that said the Cubs rotation was set for 10 years with Wood and Prior, and the that Prior would never get hurt because he had perfect mechanics. Uhm wrong!
Good job Lou ,deflect the blame for your inept managing , to a tv analyst, wake up Cub fans Lou is clueless.
Bob on June 11, 2010 12:44 PM
Sweet Lou has been phoning it in since he got here. Cub fans are too stupid to figure that out. Stoney telling it like it is. That will get you in trouble every time.
Two division titles in a row. That's really phoning it in. 3 winning seasons in a row. A record for a Cubs manager. Really phoning it in there, Bob. Get a clue. Stone has turned into a bitter commentator since the 2004 Merker incident. Stone hasn't done anything in the front office. Sweet Lou was right. It's easy to sit on the sidelines and make comments without providing results. Bob, get a clue. Lou has been doing everything he can to get his team to play consistently on the offensive side. He had individual meetings with them and, basically, threatened players to start hitting or they're gonna be benched. That's really phoning it in. Dumbest. Comment. Ever.
I see nothing wrong with Stone's comments. He was asked what he thought about Colvin, and he gave his opinion. He may not have a WS ring, but I'm pretty sure he could manage the Cubs better than Lou is right now. Lou's mailing it in this year. Lou from 2007 wouldn't have put up with what he's dealing with now.
And I also agree with Stoney, in that when does someone have to manage a team before they're allowed to voice an opinion? I guess all of sports media must be resign. Ed Farmer - gone. Len Kasper - gone. All of WSCR - gone. That's a pretty stupid thing to say for Lou. I'm sure he answered questions about who should and shouldn't play, when he did the games for Fox.
I wish we had the old Lou back - the one who spent time dealing with his players, rather than complaining about the unfair media. Is he channeling Kent Mercker?
This really is much ado about LESS than nothing. Who cares about these silly sports people?
Lou's right, Stone needs to stay out of the Cubs' business. Stone doesn't rip Ozzie when he does things he disagrees with because Ozzie will blast his ass in the media. I'm glad Lou stood up for himself. Oh yeah, what the hell does a Cy Young award have to do with managing a team? Stone has never been in a real position of power in MLB. It's easy to sit in the booth and talk...
Stone won a Cy Young in 1980 and also threw his arm out in the process, so he's very sensitive about how young players and pitchers are treated. The Cubs have chewed through so many talented pitchers (Wood and Prior two obvious examples), and it seems Stone is seeing the same with Colvin, though he's an outfielder.
Stone is right. Colvin should play. He's the future on a team going nowhere. Loo is over the hill and worries far too much about hurting the high-paid veterans' feelings, just like the last manager, Baker, who, like Loo, worried far too much about what Stone said on TV while his team collapsed in the last week of 2004 season.
Notice that Loo has kind words for the reporters he deals with every day--spineless jellyfish like beat reporters Paul Sullivan and Sun-Times Gordon Witlessmeyer who treat Loo with kid gloves because they're afraid of Angry "what kind of baseball do you play?" Loo. Cubs are playing losing baseball under Loo. 1800 regular season wins and $2.25 gets you a ride on the bus. Win when it counts, Loo--like the Blackhawks.
THANK YOU LOU! Stone is just upset that the Cubs let him go and has been taking shots ever since.
I have always had the utmost respect for Steve Stone and loved to listen to him call a game. He knows the game and can give you an interesting outlook. Sadly, when he signed on with the WhiteSox, some negativity crept into his demeanor and his bickering is uncalled for. He has had a great career, and really should be involved somewhere other than the broadcast booth. He has much to offer, maybe that's why he appears to be so frustrated lately. Maybe the unfortunate handling of his career with the Cubs has left him bitter. Steve, be the bigger man, don't sully your reputation at this point, it's not worth it.
Sweet Lou has been phoning it in since he got here. Cub fans are too stupid to figure that out. Stoney telling it like it is. That will get you in trouble every time.
Point is that Lou's frustration is coming out all over. If the team doesn't turn it around, he's gone by the end of the season (at the latest)
Anyone remember when Stone was criticized for telling the media that Mark Prior will eventually fizzle out bc he has a disastrous throwing motion?? Nobody believed him back then and it came true, JUST like every other observation he made. He's one of the only honest men in baseball...something the cubs could use...not some drooling geriatric grump who can't win a playoff game.
just my 2 cents. sorry lou. the only way you win us back is when you start winning.
GO CUBS!
How come Dave "Corky" Kaplan never asks Bob Brenley his opinions about the White Sox?
I am geussing Brenlyt would be proffesional enough to say it is not what he is concentrating on, or paid to do, but still.
I might pay more attention to this after ONE of the teams figures out how to put together a winning streak of more than two games. Until then, this is just weiner waving.
I love Stone, and I love Lou.
There is a negative chemistry with the team. They play as if they don't have to earn anything, more as if they're entitled to win without grinding it out.
Lee and Ramirez killed the offense by laying eggs out of the 3 and 4 holes. Right now, it's still on them. The bullpen blew their fair share of games, but no pitcher is going to ever be perfect.
What drives me up the wall are the errors and unearned runs and mental mistakes that these guys ALL seem to make at different times. If you get beat, get beat, but don't beat yourselves. Play good ball. Don't walk in runs, commit errors and give other teams extra outs.
If the Cubs played good ball and got beat, I wouldn't get so mad. But with a $146 Million dollar payroll come expectations. What would George Steinbrenner do? At least the Red Sox and Yankees produce winning records even when they don't go all the way. These Cubs are like a bad dream.
I don't expect to wake up from it anytime soon.
What has Steve Stone done? Cy Young in 1980. And, um.... well there was.... hmmm... let's see....
Gee, that's it. No playoffs whatsoever in his playing career. Average pitcher at best with an ERA of nearly 4.00 and 107 wins vs. 93 losses.
Whereas Piniella has played in and managed World Series teams... and won them! Stone needs to STFU.
factchecker -- That guy was half wrong. They only ever won 116 games which was in 2001. They lost in the ALCS to the Yankees. Found it on Wikipedia.
@Vin obviously the manager doesnt go play but he's picks the starters,Lineups,when to bunt,double switch,pinch hit,etc
Highest payroll = Most talent the cubs have had to this point.I wasnt alive in 1969 so I can only speak for the cubs teams I've seen in my life
Stone used to be a solid annalist but has really slipped the last few years. Ever since the David Weathers situation he seems more concerned about defending his manhood than he does about sticking with baseball. It's shame, he used to be really good at is job.
So, according to alan, the guy who makes up stats, being the color commentator of an American League team, and not having worked in the NL for 5 years, some how justifies Stones creepy obsession with the Cubs and rambling nonsenseical answers to Dave Kaplan's drivel.
Because Stone, a spineless lover of cigars (big brown phallic symbols) doesn't work for a shitty team himself. Why doesn't he obsess over and criticize the debacle he works for, he gets paid to watch their games.
alan on June 11, 2010 12:21 PM
Piniella has worked with the highest payrolls in Cub History and has ZERO PLayoff wins
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You may not be aware of this but the coach has absolutely nothing to do with the payroll.
I dont know why everyone is criticizing stone.He said something that was the truth.He is paid to be a color commentator and he was asked a specific question.Piniella reacted like the insecure douchebag.Mentioning irrelevant stats.
Piniella has worked with the highest payrolls in Cub History and has ZERO PLayoff wins.He was brought here to help the cubs get to the world series.Thats why they splurged and he hasnt delivered.He has made very bad decisions and he is worthy of the cricitism
Stone has always been a bitter little man.Nobody want his negative crap except the sox who myst have been desperate
alan, could you please provide some sort of link showing Seattle winning "114 and 116 games". Can't seem to find that info you made up
The truth hurts.Anytime someone is JUSTLY criticized and the person reacts with anger.The truth HURTS.Piniella who cares how many games you have 1800 W's and One World series 20 years ago.You are irrelevant as far as winning meaningful games in the playoffs when it matters most
In seattle you had 2 teams who won 114 and 116 games and FLOPPED in the playoffs.Truth hurts pal
they both are cry babies. stone cause he's not with the Cubs and Lou cause he can't take criticism, from anyone. so even if Stone had talked with Lou, Lou would still have gone off.
Stones way of knocking the Cubs is being called an expert on Kap's show. so his out is saying he was asked about Colvin and answered as the so called expert. speaking of Kap, stone is Kap's so called reliable source.
i also think Colvin should start everyday, Lou should go, he stinks as a manager. that's just my opinion.
My thinking is that there is a reason Stone has never been given a job in sports, and that is that it much easier to talk about what other people are doing than to do it yourself and the people in charge don't see him as being capable of being trusted in any job inside baseball.
You're losing credibility every time you get in the middle of one of these Stone.
Well, he asked what Steve Stone has done. A Cy Young in 1980...that's not entirely nothing. It's about time Stoney put up or shut up though. Maybe the Hendry/Pinella firing is exactly what is he positioning himself for. Rickett's because a Cubs fan in the 1980s, and most people that did became loyal fans of Stoney. This might be his one chance to give it a shot.
Hey Stone, how many World Series rings do you have?
P.J. on June 11, 2010 11:53 AM
Hey Lou, how many Cy Young Awards have you won?
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That has to be the dumbest post in internet history.
WOW.
Hey Lou, how many Cy Young Awards have you won?
That is all Stone does is criticize. He has been begging for a job in baseball but nobody wants that arrogant human.
Hey Stone I heard you got divorced - shocking someone would get sick of you. Go Kiss Hawk Harrelsons butt.
He's managing one of the worst defensive teams in baseball. He was given a $140 million payroll and has lost six more games than he's won. I would think worrying about what a tv commentator said about him would be WAY down on his list of things to be concerned about.
So again we find out why Stone is not a part of the Cubs organization.
Jon- that's a horrible thing to say! So yes, Lou is ranting a bit. Obviously he's sick of the media's crap but to wish someone dead...that's evil!
GO CUBS!!!
He does bring up a good question, Stone has never been offered a job in baseball even though he has been publicly positioning himself for one for over 20 years. There's no question Stone knows baseball, but I don't think it's as much as he thinks he does, or the 30 teams do.
"Boo Hoo" Lou, wow, I remember when this guys was actually a respected manager.
Lou, try directing even 10% of that passion towards the veterans who have underperformed this year while you have trotted then out day after day.
Lou, you're playing right into Stevie's plans.
When Stone craves attention, he starts playing the bitter -ex role, which is about the only thing the hack does well at this point. Stone, who quit on the Cubs--twice, will make up trade rumors, criticize the Cubs front office, finds the time to analyze managerial moves. But, he never seems to be able to find the time to give his "insight" about the the trainwreck that he is paid to watch. Oh wait, that's right, he's a spineless hack.
Lou, there is a reason the guy has lobbied for every front office opening the past 25 years and was laughed at each time. His baseball "knowledge" is stuck in the early '80's with his wardrobe. Sure the dolts think he is some kind an expert because he "predicts" what a pitcher will throw after looking at the catcher's signs. But they're the type who value grittiness and the like, you know, retards.
Stop giving him the attention he so desperately craves
Great article, but it's missing a paragraph detailing what Stone said. Kind of a big deal, I mean the words "Stone's Critique" are in the title....