Monday, September 20, 2010

Press release from Tyler Colvin: He's "ok"

Tyler today released the following statement:

"I want to thank Cubs fans for their support all season, especially right now, and let everyone know that I'm doing OK," said Colvin. "I also want to thank everyone who has helped take care of me here in Miami - the Cubs and Marlins training and medical staffs, the EMTs at the ballpark and everyone here at the hospital.

"You never want to have a season end early, and I'm disappointed that I'm not going to be able to make it through the finish line with the rest of my teammates. That being said, I couldn't be more thankful for the Cubs organization, my teammates and the opportunity to play for Cubs fans my rookie season. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Tyler Colvin impaled by broken bat/stable in hospital

My heart broke as Tyler Colvin nearly got stabbed in his.

Scary times yesterday during the Cubs/Marlins game. Unless you've been living under a rock, I'm sure you've heard by now that the Cubs Tyler Colvin was stabbed in the chest by a broken bat yesterday. Colvin, on 3rd, was heading home on Welington Castillo's ground rule double, when Castillo's bat broke, sending the sharp piece flying....straight into Colvin's chest. The link to the video of it is below. And how bout Tyler? He still managed to cross home plate and score for his team. Surviving stab wounds to help lead his team to victory? Clearly Tyler Colvin is the new Ted Lilly. Think about it-What Would Ted Do?


While it initially didn't look all that bad, it apparently kinda was as he was sent to the hospital. Air apparently got between the chest wall and Tyler's lungs, which apparently can cause one's lung to collapse. Yikes. So now, Tyler is in the hospital with a tube in his chest, sutures to close the wound and, unfortunately, will be in the hospital for observation for at least the next 2-3 days. And......his season is over. One of the few bright spots in an otherwise dismal season, Tyler Colvin is the kind of player you want on your team. The kid works hard, does what he's told and plays for what, I think, is solely the love of the game. That, and he's smokin hot. Fellow Jailbait lovers, do we think young Tyler might need some nursemaids to tend to him in his time of need? Next flight to Florida leaves in an hour......

I know poor little Welington Castillo (great name, huh?) feels like a POS right now. I mean, here he is,having the game of his life (first homer in the majors-holla!) when he unknowingly impales his team mate with his broken bat. The good news is, Tyler Colvin is one tough kid. If anyone will come back better and stronger than ever, it's him.

http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/news/story?id=5592592

Here's another story on it:
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/2727078,CST-SPT-cub20.article

Friday, September 17, 2010

The Killer C's?


As previously stated, I am considering turning this blog into a Cubs Youngster's Blog. Why? Because the children are our future, that's why. So, the below was borrowed ever so lovingly from Paul Sullivan at the Trib:


It's no secret the Cubs are banking on stardom for rookies Starlin Castro, Tyler Colvin and Andrew Cashner, a threesome that may have helped general manager Jim Hendry get one more year to turn the team around.

All three have shown signs of being future All-Stars, and Castro has a chance to win the National League Rookie of the Year award if he finishes strong offensively.

But all three also have gone through the usual growing pains that accompany young players, and how they adjust in 2011 could have a large say in the future of the franchise.

Here's a progress report on "C-cubed" heading into the final 16 games of the season:

Castro: A recent two-game benching for a mental error and a hip injury that sidelined him for the Cardinals series has dropped Castro out of the batting race because he doesn't have enough at-bats to qualify. He is hitting .312 and could finish among the top five if he can stay healthy enough to play the rest of the way.

Castro has the biggest upside of the three and his .353 average since July 10 ranks sixth in baseball. But he's also second among NL shortstops with 25 errors and continues to have concentration lapses on routine plays. Manager Mike Quade said the Cubs would like Castro to play some winter ball in the Dominican Republic, even if he doesn't pick up a bat.

Castro has the range and arm to become a top-notch shortstop, so the Cubs believe his defense will catch up to his offense in time.

Colvin: Though he has hit only two home runs since Aug. 14, including the go-ahead, three-run shot Wednesday night against Chris Carpenter, Colvin remains the Cubs' only left-handed power hitter with one home run every 17.8 at-bats. If he had enough at-bats to qualify, that would rank Colvin ninth in the league in home run frequency.

Colvin is tied with the Marlins' Mike Stanton for most home runs by a rookie (20), but he doesn't consider himself a home run hitter, like Stanton.

"It'll be exciting to get there and watch him hit," Colvin said of the upcoming series. "I think I'm going to go watch him take BP."

Colvin needs to improve his .202 average with runners in scoring position but looks more comfortable batting fifth or sixth than leadoff.

Cashner: The flame-throwing relief pitcher perhaps has progressed more than any other player since Quade took over. Cashner has a 1.54 ERA in 11 appearances under Quade and seems to have regained his Texas swagger.

"Quade has a lot of confidence in me," he said. "So did Lou (Piniella), but I have been more relaxed and just challenge guys."

Sean Marshall has mentored Cashner, much like Greg Maddux mentored Marshall, and it's paying off. On Monday, Cashner struck out Albert Pujols on a slider, a pitch he needs to be excellent to complement his 98 mph fastball.

"It was a great feeling," he said. "He's one of the best hitters in the game. Last time I got him out, he flew out to the warning track."

It was but one moment in a relatively meaningless game but a big step for Cashner.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Congrats to Tyler Colvin!

According to Muskrat's blog:

"Cubs outfielder Tyler Colvin Wednesday was presented the "Heart and Hustle Award," presented by the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association. Former Cubs catcher Randy HUndley made the presentation. The award is given to players "who demonstrate a passion for the game of baseball and best embody the values, spirit, and tradition of the game." The final winner will be announced Nov. 5. Previous overall winners include David Eckstein (2005), Craig Biggio (2006, 2007), Grady Sizemore (2008), and Albert Pujols (2009)".


I'd say this award is deserving. All you ever hear about Tyler is how hard he works, how hard he's always worked and how dedicated he is to this great game. Congrats Tyler!

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Cubs lose, Colvin has great game

Yea, so at this point in the season, do we really care that the Cubs are 19 games under .500? Well, we care, but it's not like it matters anymore.

At least Tyler had a good game last night, he went 2-3, including a walk, a single and....an RBI triple! Nice work, Mr. Colvin!

Here's hoping his fellow "C", Mr. Castro, makes it back in the lineup tonight.

As always, GO CUBS!

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

No move to first base.....for now

According to Cubs.com:

Tyler Colvin isn't ready to play first base. Yet.
But the Cubs still want Colvin to work out there, and infield coach Alan Trammell is pleased with the rookie's progress, Cubs manager Mike Quade said Wednesday.


"It's something new, we're not in [Double-A] Tennessee, we're not even in [Triple-A] Des Moines," Quade said, citing the Cubs' Minor League affiliates. "It's a big jump for a person to be comfortable at a new position at this level. It can be tough at any level, but at this level in particular."

Colvin hasn't played first base in a game since his sophomore year of college but has been working out there with the Cubs since Derrek Lee was traded to the Braves on Aug. 18.
So far, Colvin has shown he can handle all three outfield positions. Being able to play first would make him more valuable, Quade said.

"The more the better," Quade said.




I've been thinking, this may turn into a blog about the future Cubbies.....including Colvin, Castro, Cashner, Barney, and any other one I deem important enough to blog about. Like Whitney Houston said, the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way......

We're gonna need a new blog name. Ideas?