It sounded silly at first but I think he has a great point after reading it. Time zone adjustment is one thing. To have to play day games way more than your opponents can put you at a disadvantage. Makes sense to me. How much of a factor that plays is unknown but it is an interesting theory at the very least.

 

David Ortiz of Boston Red Sox has Chicago Cubs' solution -- Oust day games - ESPN Chicago

It sounded silly at first but I think he has a great point after reading it. Time zone adjustment is one thing. To have to play day games way more than your opponents can put you at a disadvantage. Makes sense to me. How much of a factor that plays is unknown but it is an interesting theory at the very least.

 

David Ortiz of Boston Red Sox has Chicago Cubs' solution -- Oust day games - ESPN Chicago

 

The Cubs problem is a talent, or lack thereof problem.

The Cubs problem is a talent, or lack thereof problem.

 

Talent is a big problem, but I don't disagree with Ortiz. Baseball is very much about routine, and with the travel grind across multiple time zones, I can see where playing so many day games can be disruptive. From my playing days in college, I know several former MLB players, and every single one of them keeps goofy hours. Up most of the night, sleeping til noon most days, they all hated playing day games.

Talent is a big problem, but I don't disagree with Ortiz. Baseball is very much about routine, and with the travel grind across multiple time zones, I can see where playing so many day games can be disruptive. From my playing days in college, I know several former MLB players, and every single one of them keeps goofy hours. Up most of the night, sleeping til noon most days, they all hated playing day games.

 

Why weren't the day games a problem in 84, 89, 2003, 2007 and 2008?

Why weren't the day games a problem in 84, 89, 2003, 2007 and 2008?

 

Team dynamic. Part of what Papi is saying is that no one will consider going to play for the Cubs because of their schedule. Epstein is trying to rebuild the team through youth and Papi said that us fine but you'll still need veterans and quality veterans won't voluntarily go play in Chicago is what he is saying.

...

 

They don't even play that many day games anymore except early in the year because of temps at night. The Reds were there June 23-25 and played 3 night games. Similarly, they go back there on September 15-17 and they play 3 night games. Much ado about nothing.

Team dynamic. Part of what Papi is saying is that no one will consider going to play for the Cubs because of their schedule. Epstein is trying to rebuild the team through youth and Papi said that us fine but you'll still need veterans and quality veterans won't voluntarily go play in Chicago is what he is saying.

 

That part I can buy, but to blame all their years of losing to playing too many day games I don't. If the money is right the veterans will sign to play. Even if they play at the games at 10am.

First, as mentioned they do not play all that many more day games than other teams.

 

Second, why wouldn't it be an advantage for the Cubs? The other teams are less experienced at playing day games and therefore the Cubs should have an advantage.

This year they are playing 38 night games at home...most ever. It used to be in the teens. I think finally broke 30 nights games just a couple of years ago. I've been saying for years that few of night games at home is a disadvantage. To say it's an advantage over visiting teams is silly. The visitors only come to town a few times. The Cubs do it 40-50 times a year at home.

First, as mentioned they do not play all that many more day games than other teams.

 

Second, why wouldn't it be an advantage for the Cubs? The other teams are less experienced at playing day games and therefore the Cubs should have an advantage.

 

It's about fatigue, not who's used to playing during the day.

That part I can buy, but to blame all their years of losing to playing too many day games I don't. If the money is right the veterans will sign to play. Even if they play at the games at 10am.

 

Who was the last great player to go to the Cubs as a free agent?

Why weren't the day games a problem in 84, 89, 2003, 2007 and 2008?

 

Again, not saying it's the only reason, just saying I can see where the schedule can be disruptive to a routine. And that the players I know, hated playing day games....now none of those guys are hall of famers, but at least a couple are highly respected and currently coaching in the bigs or in the minors.

 

And if you look closely at the Cubs record over the years, even in those years you mention, only two (2007 with 97 wins and 1984 with 96) were truly years. The rest were less than 90 win seasons, which is the benchmark for a good season.

 

Is it the only reason? Certainly not....the Pirates and Royals play "normal schedules" and still have largely been terrible for the last two decades. And the Cubs weren't winning any more in the early days of baseball when everyone played day games. But it is an interesting point, and could perhaps point to why free agents don't end up in Chicago.

Who was the last great player to go to the Cubs as a free agent?

 

Soriano, Gsrciaparra, Foukodome.

Talent is the main thing that's caused the Cubs their troubles. I do wish they'd cut down on day games tho. No reason to be playing day games except Sunday's and maybe one or two throughout the week.

Soriano, Gsrciaparra, Foukodome.

 

Soriano was beyond his prime, Garciapara was acquired via trade. Fukodome wasn't "great". He was a Japanese player that didn't last and has been back in Japan for a few years.