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Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Jan 20, 2008
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Why is Chad Fox taking up a spot on Chicago's roster?
Seriously, is Fox really one of the best twelve or thirteen pitchers the Cubs have available?
I realize Jim Hendry is very fond of Fox. Fine, then give him a Minor League Coordinator or Instructor assignment. He has no business taking a Major League mound.
Jose Ascanio, Randy Wells, and (heck) even Neal Cotts are throwing some real nice late innings relief in Iowa. There's Gregory Reinhard (traded to the Cubs, by the Tampa Bay Rays, for Jae Kuk Ryu) pitching very well in relief for Tennessee.
No offense to Chad Fox, (I was at the game in April 2005 when he blew out his elbow) his attempt to comeback is admirable, but I hope to see his designation and a corresponding roster move made very, very soon. Tomorrow wouldn't be soon enough!
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Reputation:94
Level:All-Star
Since:Aug 26, 2007
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this is like a dusty move... bring up the struggling vet from AA instead of a hot handed youngster from AAA.
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Reputation:94
Level:All-Star
Since:Aug 26, 2007
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big daddy ward is back baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Reputation:94
Level:All-Star
Since:Aug 26, 2007
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oops, thought i was on the game thread 
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Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Sep 12, 2007
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I agree. His comeback would have made a nice after school special... but he was horrible in spring training and he hasn't showed much of anything now up from AAA.
It might be time give someone else a shot.
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Reputation:94
Level:All-Star
Since:Feb 13, 2007
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The guy is a veteran who has made 3 total appearances. I think Lou is willing to give him more of a chance than you guys are. If Wuertz and Howry can be given time to find their groove, why can't he?
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Reputation:98
Level:Superstar
Since:May 17, 2007
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Fox is a situational relief pitcher, just part of how the game is played. He will come in to face one or two hitters, maybe go the whole inning if necessary. He provides some maturity in the clubhouse.
This is not a role you assign to a young prospect.
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Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Aug 17, 2006
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If Wuertz and Howry can be given time to find their groove, why can't he?Chad Fox is a 38 year old journeyman middle reliever coming off major arm problems. I dont see any upside to letting him try to jumpstart a below average career in our bullpen.
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Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Jan 20, 2008
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I respectfully disagree, Jazzman61. I think the non-roster invite Fox received to Spring Training was more than enough chance. Fox didn't earn a spot on the 25-man out of Spring. I don't believe he earned a promotion from AA. Look at the line from his only appearance: 0.2 innings, 3 hits, 4 runs, and a home run allowed. Fox is 37. In 200+ games over his career opponents have batted .337 against him. IMO, he has no place in Chicago's bullpen. There are better options.
And to johnU11, if "maturity" is so desperately needed in the clubhouse, ask Yosh Kawano to come back. At least he won't take the ball to the mound. I think there are enough veterans on this team, clubhouse atmosphere should not be an issue.
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Reputation:98
Level:Superstar
Since:Nov 8, 2006
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Why is Chad Fox taking up a spot on Chicago's roster?
Good call, Bob. I wondered that when they called him up. The only explanation I can come up with is that over his tenure, Jim Hendry has really shown a soft spot for soft-tossing veteran bullpen guys like he has a soft spot for light-hitting veteran middle infielders.
I will also be hoping that the put in someone who can perform well as soon as possible. Remember what happened to Carmen Pignatello after he walked in a couple of runs? Will Chad Fox suffer the same fate?
I don't think so, either.
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Reputation:98
Level:Superstar
Since:Apr 27, 2007
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They are rolling the dice on him because it allows them to have him on the team without burning an option for a young minor leaguer or putting that young player on the 40 man roster.
So, they are trying to get anything out of him they can. If he continues to fail, they'll make a move to change.
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Reputation:96
Level:Superstar
Since:Jul 18, 2007
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Last I checked, this wasn't the movie "The Rookie" and Chad Fox isn't Dennis Quaid. The guy seriously needs to be released. Bring up Neal Cotts since you guys decided to send Sean Marshall back down.
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Reputation:96
Level:Superstar
Since:Jul 18, 2007
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Adambomb,
Want to trade Jason Isringhausen straight up for Chad Fox? We'll take a problem off your hands, and you can have this guy...
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Reputation:92
Level:All-Star
Since:Dec 12, 2007
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Come on... This is so Disney, Dennis Quaid, The Rookiesque... Pitching to some high schoolers, realizing he may still have it... It has nothing but cheesy written all over it! The writing on the wall is bases loaded, 1 out, 2 walks! We can't have that in a middle relief stopper/damage minimizer roll... When is Angel Guzman slated to be healthy?
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Reputation:94
Level:All-Star
Since:Feb 13, 2007
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Look at the line from his only appearance: 0.2 innings, 3 hits, 4 runs, and a home run allowed. Fox is 37.
And, respectfully to you Bob Swerski, Bob Howry will be 35 in August.
My point is this, a lot goes into these decisions over and above who is your best 12. JO74 made an excellent point about one compnent, burning options on your younger players. Aside from Cotts, you also have to consider starting the MLB arbritration clock on the other pitchers you mentioned. I am not intimate with Lou, Hendry, or Rothschild, so I have no idea who they have a soft spot for. I still stand by my point about him being judged on 3 total appearances. I am not defending Chad Fox as much as I am advocating looking at the bigger picture and pointing out there is room in some cases for consistency in how you treat a veteran pitcher. I thought your calling for him to designated for assignment immediately a bit over the top and not necessary in the eyes of Lou and Hendry. Actually, you are expressing disagreement with them rather than me. I offered a POV that, judging by your posts, you have not given consideration. Feel free to call for the reassignment Chad Fox. His fortunes, one way or the other, matter not to me outside of him doing his job when called upon.
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Reputation:96
Level:Superstar
Since:Dec 2, 2007
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Fox is 37. In 200+ games over his career opponents have batted .337 against him. IMO, he has no place in Chicago's bullpen. There are better options.Your numbers are way off. Opponents have hit .230 against him lifetime. He has a career 3.60 ERA and has struck out 262 batters in 227.2 innings pitched. He's had an above average career as a middle reliever, and his stuff has looked pretty good from what I've seen. He probably shouldn't come in with the bases loaded anymore, as he's never been a ground ball pitcher. But I agree with Jazzman. He should probably get at least a couple more outings to prove himself.
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Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Aug 17, 2006
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Jason Isringhausen for Chad Fox? Izzy had a good career, at least, but he is almost as old and broken down as Fox, and way way way more expensive. I think I would have to pass on that.
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