Open Thread: Cubs vs. Mariners at Peoria, Monday 3/5, 2:05 CT
The Cubs' first four exhibition games have been, and I'm being charitable here, forgettable at best.
Today carries more significance, as three pitchers who will have to be, if the Cubs are to be any sort of contender in 2007, key contributors to the pitching staff, will all pitch against the Mariners: Mark Prior will start, followed by Ted Lilly, and later on in the festivities, Kerry Wood.
Bruce Miles writes that Prior is ho-humming today's start, not putting any special meaning to it:
"Go out, get my work in and hope it goes well," he said. "For me, everything’s kind of over and done with. I can’t really dwell on it. I know it’s good storylines and fills pages, but what’s done is done and over with, and I’m moving on and just worrying about what’s going to happen tomorrow.
"Everybody’s been kind of writing me off anyway. It seems a lot of you are still at my locker every day. I know if I go out there and pitch and keep pitching every fifth day, there’s no story. It really doesn’t affect me. It doesn’t bother me. I’m just doing everything I can to pitch. Until my body tells me otherwise, I just keep going about my business."
Today's game can be heard on MLB Audio with the Seattle broadcasting crew.
MLB.com Gameday (link will probably become active about 30 minutes before gametime)
Update [2007-3-5 13:18:59 by Al]: Lineups, courtesy again of Bruce Miles:
Update [2007-3-5 13:49:58 by Al]: Just got another note from Bruce. The lineup's been changed again:
Pie, CF
Pagan, RF
Murton, LF
Ward, DH
Barrett, C
DeRosa, 2B
Cedeno, SS
Kinkade, 1B
Perez, 3B
Prior, P
I like this one better.
Ryan Theriot was supposed to start at 3B and lead off, but he's sick.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
414 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
The game's on..
spoke too soon
by miltowncubbie on Mar 5, 2007 2:17 PM CST up reply actions
Weird??
Somehow I think this game is going to be a very accurate omen of our season; you are correct, Al, that this game displays the major crux of our team this 2007 season - Wood, Prior, and Lilly's performances. God bless. Or goat curses.
Dan
re: Weird??
Is this game more significant than other spring training games? Heck, yeah -- Prior and Wood are pitching. From a historical standpoint alone it's signficant. But I, for one, am going in with very moderate expectations. As long as Prior and Wood get in their work (i.e., don't get pulled early for giving up a multitude of runs), don't get hurt (!!!) and throw mostly strikes, I'll be more than satisfied.
We still have a long month ahead of us, though, so I don't think much will be decided re: Prior and Wood by this one game. Unless something bad happens. And that's not going to be the case. (Right, Baseball Gods?!)
I am excited, though. Did I mention that?
Clarify...
Dan
I really don't want to be psyched for this
Same here
by vegascubsfan on Mar 5, 2007 11:59 AM CST up reply actions
what time does the game start?
never mind I just read the title of
Wood
He couldn't believe how positive he was and in good spirits.. He said he looked the best he has since 1998. They also chatted about Wood's baby and my soon-to-be 2nd child. Kinda cool that Kerry Wood knows i'm having a baby next week!
by Thos on Mar 5, 2007 12:00 PM CST reply actions
Sorry
by hawkeyenation on Mar 5, 2007 1:14 PM CST up reply actions
Thank you!
DmL
I agree that
I wonder
by hawkeyenation on Mar 5, 2007 2:14 PM CST up reply actions
One can
I love Ferentz and it doesn't bother me what he makes.
Doesn't bother me either
by hawkeyenation on Mar 5, 2007 2:48 PM CST up reply actions
Alford
by frustratedfan on Mar 5, 2007 2:56 PM CST up reply actions
st
The one run, it might as well be ten hopelessness. Usually caused by runners left on the basepath after no out hits.
The 7th inning cringer. I practice following the game with no sound on after whoever c-list celeb comes in for an interview after limping their way for "take me out"
Closer shuffle: When three runs isn't safe, I feel a growing subsuming terror. Dusty would usually respond to this by subbing for Novoa.
Any tips much appreciated.
Yesterday's game was great !
by 1969cubs on Mar 5, 2007 12:03 PM CST reply actions
About Prior....
He has contributed very little over the last couple of years, and yet he felt compelled to request more salary. I am somewhat disappointed by that. Oh well, I sure hope he gives us some productivity this year. It will interesting to see how he fares today.
Prior
Prior...
Prior's agent asked for basically an inflationary raise. Think about this though, if an agent ASKS for a paycut for their client, what do you think happens then? He'd be fired immediately and probably would have a hard time keeping/acquiring clients if they found out.
Harbinger, or icing?
Hey, greatness by Prior and Wood would go a long ways towards "icing" this season as a potential drought-breaker....if Prior becomes Cy Mark again, and Kerry steps in as Gagne-reincarnated at closer, we're gonna look REALLY good.
But I'm cautious (though optimistic) on both those counts....thankfully, though, thanks to Jim Hendry's crazy spending ways, I'm not depending on those things to happen for the Cubs to be contenders, which is a FANTASTIC relief...
"STICK TO THE BASICS...
Ah, nothing like a good Coach Bud Kilmer quote. Oh, Varsity Blues, how I love you.
Dan
LOL (laughing over lineup)
THE RIOT: Get well soon.
Agreed....
by PriorandAramisfan23 on Mar 5, 2007 1:33 PM CST up reply actions
re: Agreed....
It would be nice to get a win......
by PriorandAramisfan23 on Mar 5, 2007 1:46 PM CST up reply actions
The least
by LilLPLancer23 on Mar 5, 2007 1:42 PM CST reply actions
Lineup
That's correct.
Is Prior still going
Jose Macias...
by bleedhawkeyegold on Mar 5, 2007 2:02 PM CST reply actions
I did notice that.
If he makes the team, they're in serious trouble. Or, expecting to name Dusty Baker manager soon.
A chance to
For all the hype surrounding him...
Dont get me wrong they would have been great plays, just with the way they talk about him, I expect great plays.
by FullyKraeusened on Mar 5, 2007 2:13 PM CST up reply actions
whoo coats!
Talk about emotional whiplash...
you have to have
re: control...
Gameday is awful
by PriorandAramisfan23 on Mar 5, 2007 2:18 PM CST reply actions
re: Gameday is awful
I think...
Prior didn't have a very good first inning, but he got away with it.
You guys are going to have to give updates for us.
by PriorandAramisfan23 on Mar 5, 2007 2:22 PM CST reply actions
Hmpf...
got out of the inning
2 down
walked
ronny walks
Why do I have the feeling...
pop up to 2nd to end the inning
Herr Prof...
THANKS!
by TheEman on Mar 5, 2007 2:32 PM CST reply actions
prior almost gave one up to jojima
jojima line drive to center
eww gapper
thatll clear the bases
Ugh.
This isn't good.
Prior is toast
ben howard?
re: ben howard?
Easy.....
It is his first outing in a while.
It is really sad that I am the voice of optimism. At least his arm has not fallen off (yet).....
by timeforachange on Mar 5, 2007 2:43 PM CST reply actions
There is some cause for concern......
by PriorandAramisfan23 on Mar 5, 2007 2:47 PM CST up reply actions
I stand....
Back to the program.....
by timeforachange on Mar 5, 2007 2:50 PM CST up reply actions
ST is pretty much a disaster
What the F?
The positives are very, very few after a week.
by TheEman on Mar 5, 2007 2:43 PM CST reply actions
just stole third
Note
I'm glad. He's got some work to do. Good call from Lou/Larry.
He'll be fine. The frist one is out of the way.
Lets get Woody going.
You had me....
Sosa = tool
by timeforachange on Mar 5, 2007 2:45 PM CST up reply actions
prior pitches
suppose to build up to your velocity though, yes?
"He'll be fine"
by TheEman on Mar 5, 2007 2:45 PM CST reply actions
Seattle announcer re Prior's radar gun results
"You can close the book on Prior, who was hitting 83, 84 maybe 85 miles per hour"
Yikes
If he's topping out at 83 or 84.......
by PriorandAramisfan23 on Mar 5, 2007 2:48 PM CST up reply actions
We can't score,
Today's starters were 25-man roster guys, folks.
by TheEman on Mar 5, 2007 2:47 PM CST reply actions
re: We can't score,
well, there's alot of starters that aren't playing
god, i still cant believe prior was topping at 84
If......
by timeforachange on Mar 5, 2007 2:49 PM CST reply actions
re: If......
who knows if the gun is right?
What probably makes the most sense is that......
by PriorandAramisfan23 on Mar 5, 2007 2:51 PM CST up reply actions
The reason...
by timeforachange on Mar 5, 2007 2:54 PM CST up reply actions
If it was 2 or 3 MPH.......
by PriorandAramisfan23 on Mar 5, 2007 2:57 PM CST up reply actions
i agree
when he came up, he threw consistently around 96-97 (according to the wrigley gun).
then, post injuries, he never came close to that again. his ceiling was more in the 91-92 range. which meant he threw a lot of stuff in the 86-87 range.
he's just not the kind of pitcher that can get away with that. his fast ball doesn't move much, it doesn't sink...his curveball isn't good enough to throw on it's own.
he was always a hard fastball thrower, whose off-speed stuff was only effective coming off the fastball.
i guess it's possible this is just spring training tightness. but this isn't just an isolated incident. it's an ongoing trend.
Even last year
3rd inning
yuck
Why is it...
and B., we can't hit either starters or non-rosters from the other teams?
Is anyone concerned here?
by TheEman on Mar 5, 2007 2:54 PM CST reply actions
Kind of.
If this sort of thing is still going on a week from now, I'll be worried. Otherwise I think I'll give it at least a second time around the rotation.
Not concerned.....
Curious: How long does it take to erase the bad karma/ habits left from the previous manager? Many of the same suspects are back. Personally, I think it is going to take a little while for Lou to change the attitude of this team.
by timeforachange on Mar 5, 2007 2:57 PM CST up reply actions
Or perhaps..
Ding,Ding,Ding.......
by PriorandAramisfan23 on Mar 5, 2007 5:32 PM CST up reply actions
re: Why is it...
You really must be ready for that.
runners at first and second
Are you ready
by TheEman on Mar 5, 2007 2:57 PM CST reply actions
line drive to beltre
1st and 2nd
LMAO
by JimmyJ31 on Mar 5, 2007 3:27 PM CST up reply actions
no speed said yet
you just repeated his question
This is NOT the Bears
Those fears, to a point, were dispelled when the team went 14-2 or whatever.
This is NOT the Bears, and based on the TRACK RECORD, I do NOT like what is happening, regardless if it "ST" or not.
I guess Lou doesn't either.
Heads should roll.
by TheEman on Mar 5, 2007 3:06 PM CST reply actions
I think we get the point
Yeah,
by TheEman on Mar 5, 2007 3:09 PM CST up reply actions
Deep breath....
I believe he will change it for the better (it can only get better, right?) and this team will be competitive.
Jim Hendry allowing Dusty to continue as manager last year delayed the healing process. It will get better. It has to.
by timeforachange on Mar 5, 2007 3:10 PM CST up reply actions
dude
Now that's more like it...
or, kinkade? kincade? kincaid? kool-ade?
by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 5, 2007 3:13 PM CST up reply actions
YES!
Save your "mojo" moves...
Try to work on the best ones in the office: men's room visits, kitchen, parking lot, vending machine, collegial visit, etc.
by TheEman on Mar 5, 2007 3:14 PM CST up reply actions
re: Save your "mojo" moves...
Oh, wait...you said collegial visits.
Nevermind.
re: conjugal visits?
Just don't get hurt
fo at 2nd
Pie
reed bunts for a base hit
about Prior
by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 5, 2007 3:20 PM CST reply actions
granted
the only talk around camp
by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 5, 2007 3:30 PM CST up reply actions
This is what pisses me off........
by PriorandAramisfan23 on Mar 5, 2007 3:34 PM CST up reply actions
Stealing from Al....
by timeforachange on Mar 5, 2007 3:35 PM CST up reply actions
well, the team was terrible
I beg to differ.....
I am not saying this team can't win, but without prior I think it will be much more difficult.
by timeforachange on Mar 5, 2007 3:26 PM CST up reply actions
i don't expect them to win
A healthy Prior.....
Without him, I think the Cubs will be no better than a .500 club.
by timeforachange on Mar 5, 2007 3:31 PM CST up reply actions
but what is healthy?
Personally,,,,,
The man is either weak (which I do not believe) or something is wrong physically.
by timeforachange on Mar 5, 2007 3:35 PM CST up reply actions
If he's throwing the fastball.....
by PriorandAramisfan23 on Mar 5, 2007 3:35 PM CST up reply actions
couldn't be that his mechanics are a bit off?
not at all
The consensus around other sectors of cubdom is that prior is done--this is how I feel, and I've felt this way since last year.
There is something very wrong with his shoulder.
and
it's dire in my world
I'm not really that upset right now, because I accepted the fact that Prior is done months ago.
Like I said to someone else......
by PriorandAramisfan23 on Mar 5, 2007 3:46 PM CST up reply actions
so,
no
If you're still struggling to accept the reality of this situation, then I can't help you.
i'm not struggling at all.
Not nnecessarily
When he.......
by timeforachange on Mar 5, 2007 4:09 PM CST up reply actions
Even if he hits 90 and has control......
by PriorandAramisfan23 on Mar 5, 2007 4:17 PM CST up reply actions
Yea,
I like Mark Prior, I want him to come back and be an ace again for this team and I'd love for nothing more than for him put all the injuries behind him and lead this team to greatness......but if he's throwing that softly, you should be concerned. Make no mistake, this is bad.
by PriorandAramisfan23 on Mar 5, 2007 4:01 PM CST up reply actions
it's not that they are trying to mislead
In the game thread over at......
by PriorandAramisfan23 on Mar 5, 2007 4:06 PM CST up reply actions
A presidential outing...
I think no one expects
Sweet...
by LilLPLancer23 on Mar 5, 2007 3:23 PM CST reply actions
re: murton walks
yeah,
ground ball up the middle
It's exciting...
I tried clicking on Murton for his stats...
by HanOfTheBluegrass on Mar 5, 2007 3:30 PM CST up reply actions
eww double play
Ronnie looks
by 26.2cubfan on Mar 5, 2007 3:31 PM CST reply actions
I wonder what that will do for his bobblehead
here comes wood!
91mph
is it just me,
Can you say...
I wish Theriot was available.
by TheEman on Mar 5, 2007 3:33 PM CST reply actions
Hey!
struck him out
walks the leadoff
re: We are tied 4-4
Uh...
All just looking for that...
by FullyKraeusened on Mar 5, 2007 3:47 PM CST up reply actions
3-1 for the pagan
pagan gets one past the 1st baseman
deep right field.. sac fly for pie
go murton!
ummmm
by LilLPLancer23 on Mar 5, 2007 3:48 PM CST reply actions
Not only that...
by audiospeedwagon on Mar 5, 2007 3:49 PM CST up reply actions
woudlnt
I would pad the lead a lil more if i was lying
in field hit
fo out at 2nd
bucks coats gets the out
Phew...
It sounded like
at least he didnt toss it in the dugout.
ps: why are there so many cellphones at this game?
re: It sounded like
cmon mike bear
stupid interview
TheBeerBaron's Mark Prior worried meter is
ah, beerbaron, you amuse me
I know.....
I am still going to be at least semi-optimistic regarding Prior. At least he made his 2nd Cactus League start in 4 years!
That's so bad.
Oh, Prior. You make me worry so much.
oh sparkles
Or maybe he can't hear me...
I'm really scared now. Stop saying that stuff about tears. I'm sure I will get to hear enough of it at some point.
Oh this sucks.
Don't cry.......
by PriorandAramisfan23 on Mar 5, 2007 4:35 PM CST up reply actions
I'm only crying...
I totally didn't see him losing that much velocity. I thought he would have a fastball in the 90s. I really did.
It's so sad. I'm so blind.
If its any consolation......
by PriorandAramisfan23 on Mar 5, 2007 4:40 PM CST up reply actions
Me too.
Latest on prior
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/spring2007/news/story?id=2788793
"Prior was scheduled to go two innings but left after 40 pitches -- 16 of which were chest-high or higher."
hmm...
derosa basehit to rf
note to seattle
wtf is happening?
re: note to seattle
Yes
by LilLPLancer23 on Mar 5, 2007 4:07 PM CST reply actions
who are they interviewing?
by LilLPLancer23 on Mar 5, 2007 4:08 PM CST reply actions
double play to end the inning
neal cotts still in
I thought Ordonez was out of BB
by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 5, 2007 4:18 PM CST up reply actions
double on an error
actually its a triple.
great play by kincade!
If Cotts can get outta this...
Sounds like Kinkade just made a great catch.
you spend a few years announcing the mariners
hit on the ground to cedeno
dam it
by LilLPLancer23 on Mar 5, 2007 4:16 PM CST reply actions
Prior is the story
Dustbag's use of him in past was questionable they had to ride him pretty hard through the '03 playoffs...tho that one laugher where they had the big lead, he clearly shoulda been pulled sooner, that didn't wear and tear his arm as much as some other outings might have.
Of course we'll never know but hasn't it been intimated Prior disliked Baker??
by writerinwrigley on Mar 5, 2007 4:17 PM CST reply actions
I would bank on the fact that Prior doesn't like..
by PriorandAramisfan23 on Mar 5, 2007 4:21 PM CST up reply actions
Prior's never had surgery
by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 5, 2007 4:21 PM CST up reply actions
blooped in rt field for a hit
great,
by LilLPLancer23 on Mar 5, 2007 4:18 PM CST reply actions
well...
by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 5, 2007 4:22 PM CST up reply actions
fielders choice
pop up to center field to end the inning
Will Lou bring on Dempster?
re: it's never necessary
lol i was gonna add 'smart'
by Faith plus 1 on Mar 5, 2007 4:27 PM CST up reply actions
Will Lou bring on Dempster?
by tucsoncubsfan on Mar 5, 2007 4:24 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah he did...
It's the 9th already?
here omes another interview
I'm not even listening...
omg, theese
by LilLPLancer23 on Mar 5, 2007 4:25 PM CST reply actions
omg, theese
by LilLPLancer23 on Mar 5, 2007 4:26 PM CST reply actions
I dont know
re: what happened
ice cream,
by LilLPLancer23 on Mar 5, 2007 4:28 PM CST reply actions
its white cold and creamy
buck coats (murton)
Im not sure cause he keeps switching the names
re: buck coats (murton)
Oh, Pat and Ron, where are you?!
Step away
1-2 for ward
damn!
and they are asking the umpire super to stick around
randy wells into pitch
typing run 90 feet away
re: typing run 90 feet away
typing run 90 feet away
by tucsoncubsfan on Mar 5, 2007 4:39 PM CST up reply actions
"Typing run"
3-2 pitch
WAITING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
im used to this from fox sports, but a radio play
did he say the bases where loaded?
re: im used to this from fox sports, but a radio p
and lou is going to get a pitcher
re: lou is going to get a pitcher
by 26.2cubfan on Mar 5, 2007 4:42 PM CST up reply actions
Wow...
wow
by tucsoncubsfan on Mar 5, 2007 4:44 PM CST up reply actions
re: wow
Too bad about Prior. I fear the worst.
Catch y'all tomorrow.
btw instead of calling the game
they were asking the umpire
no
by LilLPLancer23 on Mar 5, 2007 4:49 PM CST up reply actions
Usually...
I actually like rocky cherry somewhat
He should...
I'd much rather...
They did it!
you have a funny measure of success
Wood's performance
Now lets see if Wood can go back-to-back....
cedeno is out 2outs..
who cares
by Faith plus 1 on Mar 5, 2007 4:51 PM CST up reply actions
LOL!
He has shown absolutely ZERO.
by TheEman on Mar 5, 2007 4:52 PM CST reply actions
cotts was decent
If the Cubs lose today
centerfield basehit
Who would get the W? TV/radio cov'g??
by writerinwrigley on Mar 5, 2007 4:57 PM CST reply actions
If Wood gets the win...
by audiospeedwagon on Mar 5, 2007 4:59 PM CST up reply actions
Did he?
He did get the win.
the runner at first
by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 5, 2007 4:58 PM CST reply actions
cubs win!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 5, 2007 4:59 PM CST reply actions
CUBS WIN
Wood with the win.
CUBS WIN
by tucsoncubsfan on Mar 5, 2007 5:00 PM CST up reply actions
glad it was slow enough
Hooray!
Hooray......
by timeforachange on Mar 5, 2007 5:01 PM CST up reply actions
Given that depressing start, yes
Pie sounded like he was on fire today at plate...good to hear he's the spark we may need not too far down the road (replacing JJones).
by writerinwrigley on Mar 5, 2007 5:07 PM CST reply actions

by 



















