No, I wasn't joking.

I've always said there are things about baseball that cannot be measured on a stat sheet.

Yes, Dusty Baker makes bizarre lineups, stretches his pitchers out, and can't handle a bullpen.

He did this in 2003, yet somehow got his team to win. They did this without a career year from ANYONE on that ballclub (except maybe Joe Borowski).

I stand by my prediction.
Al | Homepage | 07.13.05 - 4:30 pm | #

Furthermore, Chuck...

I already owe you a beverage of your choice because Mark Prior came back one day later than I said he would (due to a rainout).

I'll bet you another one that my Baker scenario is more likely to happen than yours (fired by August 1).

Deal?
Al | Homepage | 07.13.05 - 5:57 pm | #

Deal, but when does Dusty have to sign his extension by? End of 2006? End of 2005? Before spring training 2006? I won't even hold you to the Cubs performance angle. There's NO WAY Dusty gets an extension.

And my bad on the writing. I meant Alex was the only extension guy from the rest of the crowd.
Chuck | Homepage | 07.13.05 - 8:42 pm | #

Deal. If you claim there's no way Dusty gets an extension (i.e. he's done no later than the end of his current contract), then it's clear -- I say he gets one, you say he doesn't. Doesn't really matter when, does it?

So when are you coming to the bleachers to claim your first beverage?
Al | Homepage | 07.14.05 - 9:18 am | #

Who's the jackass who says he'll get extended through 2012?
Andy | 07.14.05 - 9:35 am | #

Well, it does matter to a point. I don't want to have to remember this bet in October 2006!

Clearly, if he's still on the job on August 2, 2005, I lose. I'd venture that your statement means that Dusty gets an extension prior to opening day 2006?

Ergo, Dusty opens 2006 in a Cub uniform, but no extension, bet is off.

As to my beverage, I will be at Wrigley on the 28th of July. Maybe we can arange a meetup. Hell. I might even buy lunch.
Chuck | Homepage | 07.14.05 - 9:40 am | #

Andy:

I think Cipley was joking.
Chuck | Homepage | 07.14.05 - 9:44 am | #

Here's a quote you don't often hear.
"Yes, Dusty Baker makes bizarre lineups, stretches his pitchers out, and can't handle a bullpen.
He did this in 2003, yet somehow got his team to win. "

So the key is to abuse your pitchers, misuse your relievers, play the wrong players or the right people in the wrong spots. Somehow, you will get your team to win.

Al, are you the tomato stain guy? I used to think that was something my 8 year old daughter would come up with. Now it's only the second most absurd
thing I've heard.

If dusty gets renewed the sale of rifle scopes will go off the charts.
ivy | 07.14.05 - 11:53 am | #