Open Thread: Cubs vs. Pirates, Monday 4/30, 6:05 CT

by Al on Apr 30, 2007 4:03 PM CDT in Game Threads Comment 278 comments

The season resumes -- and doesn't that sound odd? but that's the way it feels, doesn't it, after yesterday's postponement? -- tonight in Pittsburgh.

Among the weird stats of the year so far: the Cubs have used 18 different lineups in the 23 games, including having a different one from the day before, in each of the last 13 contests. This isn't likely to change, what with the three-headed monster in right field.

Stat note: Derrek Lee, coming into the last game of April hitting .391 (second in the NL to Matt Holliday, .394), has the second-highest April batting average of any Cub in the last fifty years.

Guess who had the highest? That's right, the very same Derrek Lee, .419 in April 2005. I think we'd all be very happy if he came close to his 2005 production.

Today's Starting Pitchers


R. Hill Cubs	vs.	Z. Duke Pirates


3-1	W-L	1-2
1.57	ERA	6.92
23	SO	6
10	BB	5
1	HR	3
vs. Pit	--	vs. Cubs

Duke has a better record vs. the Cubs than against any other ML team -- 4-1 in six starts, with a 1.40 ERA, and his only major league shutout, last May 2 at Wrigley Field. But this year, Duke has made five starts -- good in his first two, and in his latest one, but in between he got absolutely pounded by the Giants and Brewers, resulting in that unsightly ERA. He struck out five in his second start of the year vs. the Reds -- but has had only one other K in his other four outings combined. That has to be cause for worry for the Pirates.

Rich Hill came down to Earth a bit in his last start, but didn't pitch too badly (4 ER in 6.2 IP). He has faced the Pirates twice in his career, defeating them last August 6 at Wrigley Field, his only decision vs. them so far.

Time to get a real winning streak going.

People make fun of those who wear tinfoil hats, but maybe if you wore one today you could pick up a signal from WCIU for the telecast. Just a thought -- or try the Mediacenter instead.

MLB.com Gameday

UPDATE [2007-4-30 17:57:29 by Al]: I am remiss in not mentioning this. For the Pirates fan point of view, please check out our SBNation Pirates site, Bucs Dugout.

Discuss amongst yourselves.

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Comments

I'm going to this game!!!!

"Winning is the greatest marketing idea of all time." --Cubs President John McDonough

by cubbieblue on Apr 30, 2007 4:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Cool!

Post a diary when you get home.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Apr 30, 2007 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You'd better!

This is one of those rare EI dates -- no Pittsburgh TV, therefore those of us in the hinterlands outside of WCIU-land have no chance to view this game.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Apr 30, 2007 4:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Would MLB.TV carry the WCIU feed?

n/t

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Apr 30, 2007 4:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It does

And people outside of the local markets can watch it.

by JohnM on Apr 30, 2007 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

note

this does not mean "out of the wciu market" but the cubs market in general. still blacked out. i learned that the hard way.

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Should be a good game

Zach Duke is a heckuva good young pitcher. Just like the rest of those young Pittsburgh starters. But I still like the chances of Rich Hill in this game.

The Cub offense - "I'll never be your feast or famine..."

by BlueMike on Apr 30, 2007 4:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

yepp....

I will be adjusting my antenna trying to get the best possible signal (no foil, but I do try to rest my antenna on some metal). I'm even having people over to watch since I don't have comcast and only get three or so games per week.

I was at that May 2 game last year...my last one before heading home for the summer, and it left a bad taste in my mouth. here's hoping the cubs come out and pound Zach Duke for more than a couple runs.

2007....the year, like every other, that our hopes are dashed or finally come true.

by coopergillan on Apr 30, 2007 4:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Any Idea of the Line up?

in addition, Id love to see Soriano get that first home run monkey off his back. Why not 2 or 3?

The only thing worse then the White Sox, is White Sox Fans. Thank God im a CUBS FAN!

by Galvan316 on Apr 30, 2007 4:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

No kidding

Soriano has done diddly squat in April. Time to flash that wondrous run production talent.

The Cub offense - "I'll never be your feast or famine..."

by BlueMike on Apr 30, 2007 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I just wanted to point out...

because I'm very proud of this, that the only loss Duke has against the Cubs was when I went and sat in the bleachers with Al. Mark Prior won that day.

"I don't talk. I just let what I do talk for myself." -Johan Santana

by sparkles721 on Apr 30, 2007 5:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Mark Who?

by MrDurden on Apr 30, 2007 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey,

I remember that game...

by moose97 on Apr 30, 2007 7:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lineup

Name AVG HR RBI SB

A Soriano, LF .261 0 1 2
R Theriot, SS .308 0 7 5
D Lee, 1B .391 1 16 2
A Ramirez, 3B .299 5 16 0
M Murton, RF .275 0 2 0
M Barrett, C .278 4 17 0
M DeRosa, 2B .282 4 15 0
F Pie, CF .231 1 3 0
R Hill, P .000 0 0 0

I survived VWR 2007

by akcubfan on Apr 30, 2007 5:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

awesome

...I love this line-up against lefties and jj or floyd in murton's spot vs. righties

by cubswin14 on Apr 30, 2007 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Please say you are 14 years old

That way I can excuse the ridiculous statements you make.

by MrDurden on Apr 30, 2007 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Please say you aren't a Cub fan

so we don't have to put up with your childish comments which add nothing to the community and are merely an attempt to resurrect your obviously deflated sense of worth.

Players win awards but teams win championships.

by tharr on Apr 30, 2007 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm a Cubs Fan

and I'm rubber and you're glue!

by MrDurden on Apr 30, 2007 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

AGREED!

This is my dream lineup, honestly(for the Cubs, at least).

I hope this turns out to be a great game =)

"You can say what you want about [Prior], but when he got on the mound, he was a bulldog. A bulldog." - Paul Bako

by NittanyCub on Apr 30, 2007 6:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

lineup

lf. soriano
ss. theriot
1b. lee
3b. rameriez
rf. murton
c. barrett
2b. derosa
cf. pie
p. hill

by seanlovescubs on Apr 30, 2007 5:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Prediction:

Rich Hill pitches a hell of a game into the 7th inning when the pie-rats get two Texas leaguers and an error from JJ where he knocks a guy out 16 row in with an errant throw and the pie-rats score.

This is the only run of the night because, as usual, the Cubs' bats play down the competition and they miss 25 fast balls down the plate and lost 1-0.

This drives their 1 run games record to 0-6.

by MrDurden on Apr 30, 2007 5:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Prediction

You'll still be the same idiot tomorrow that you are today.

Players win awards but teams win championships.

by tharr on Apr 30, 2007 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Prediction:

You will be very depressed tomorrow when your mother takes away your x-box because you didn't take the trash out.

by MrDurden on Apr 30, 2007 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Knock it off, NOW.

tharr is one of the most respected posters on this site, and I can assure you that he's not some "kid", as you imply.

On the other hand, your posts have been snarky and hateful.

If I were you, I'd stop. Now.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Apr 30, 2007 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He Started It!

by MrDurden on Apr 30, 2007 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Doesn't matter.

It ends, NOW.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Apr 30, 2007 5:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But you lash out at me and not at him?

He called me an idiot...what did you expect?

by MrDurden on Apr 30, 2007 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh sheeze

The bigger man always stops first.

"You can say what you want about [Prior], but when he got on the mound, he was a bulldog. A bulldog." - Paul Bako

by NittanyCub on Apr 30, 2007 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Correct.

I'm thinking this part of the thread should end.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Apr 30, 2007 6:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Prediction

Cubs win 5-0 and extend the streak to 4 in a row. Soriano hits his first bomb of the year. Also they play a sound defensive game with 0 errors.

"It's a great day for a ball game; let's play two!" -Ernie Banks

by Superman on Apr 30, 2007 5:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

WTF????

lf. soriano
ss. theriot
1b. lee
3b. rameriez
rf. murton
c. barrett
2b. derosa
cf. pie
p. hill

How can you have a guy who has no homers and 2 RBIs hitting in the fifth spot?

WTF???

If Lou was a real leader he would Tell Alfo that he is too damn slow to hit first and make the line up:
lf. theriot
ss. murton
1b. lee
3b. rameriez
rf. soriano
c. barrett
2b. derosa
cf. pie
p. hill

But Lou has no balls so we have a crap line-up.

Another reason why the cubs will not finish above .500

by MrDurden on Apr 30, 2007 5:20 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Murton can't bat 5th because

he has 0 HRs and 2 RBI.

But you want Soriano to bat 5th when he has 0 HRs and 1 RBI?

I survived VWR 2007

by akcubfan on Apr 30, 2007 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good Point:

But who has more pop in there bat?

Alfo or Matt?

by MrDurden on Apr 30, 2007 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not 100% on this

but I'm pretty sure that Murton has had many more opportunities to drive in runs this year compared to Alfo.

by MrDurden on Apr 30, 2007 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Actually Soriano has had more chances.

by frustratedfan on Apr 30, 2007 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

you're right

It would take balls to play Murton at SS.

by Romero on Apr 30, 2007 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

oops,

yeah...I guess matt should play left and The riot ss.

by MrDurden on Apr 30, 2007 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Stat Note: Derrek Lee..

..for Hee Seop Choi may go down as one of the greatest Cub trades ever. The guy can flat out mash when he's healthy and is the heart and soul of this team.

Chicks dig the long ball

by Will23 on Apr 30, 2007 5:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Hee Seop

was the reason we didnt get Thome the prior offseason. Thome made it real clear he wanted to play here but we had Hee Seop. Thome really could've changed what happened in 2003. We are still doing good with Lee and that was a great trade. for us

Everybody on the count of three kick karma in the ass, maybe that will wake her up.

by Me and Lou WS 07 on Apr 30, 2007 7:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Zack Duke!!

On short list of Cub killers who pitch way better against us than other teams...Capuano on here also, but does pretty well vs. other teams, too....but this is another year with different results, right?

by writerinwrigley on Apr 30, 2007 5:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Hee Seop!

Boy, how I do not miss that guy.

by ReySanchez3 on Apr 30, 2007 5:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

This stinks

No game yesterday, no TV today and no TV on Saturday. I've got Extra Innings and I haven't seen a Cub game since Friday.

by Josh77 on Apr 30, 2007 5:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

So you are not endorsing

the purchase of E.I.?

"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will

by eswan9 on Apr 30, 2007 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh no

I'm heartily endorsing it. This has just been a fluke because of the Pirates aren't televising and the Cubs are on WCIU, the Fox TV blackout on Saturday (which costs us about 6-8 games a year) and the Josh Hancock tragedy.

It's a fluke. Still unhappy about it though.

by Josh77 on Apr 30, 2007 6:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah,

It has been a fluky season so far...is that even a word??

"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will

by eswan9 on Apr 30, 2007 6:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Confused

Why doesn't WCIU feed EI?

I thought they could do stuff like that with all their fancy gizmos and satellites and stuff.

Even more curious, no local Pirates broadcast either?

by JFCubFan on Apr 30, 2007 6:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

For some reason

Over-the-air broadcasts are not carried on Extra Innings.

The only exceptions are when a team like the Twins or the Royals broadcasts their game over-the-air in the primary market (Twin Cities or KC) and on cable in a secondary market (Duluth or Omaha).

I'm sure there's a technical or legal reason for it. I just don't know what it is.

by Josh77 on Apr 30, 2007 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You should get...

... the next five games, as three of them are on CSN (and should be on EI) and two on WGN.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Apr 30, 2007 5:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Please

don't consider me a traitor, but because I can't watch the Cubs, I'm going to watch the Cards-Brewers tonight.

And I'm going to cheer for the Cardinals.

Why?

The Josh Hancock tragedy.
The Brewers, not the Cardinals, look like the team to beat in the NL Central,
Growing up in Wisconsin, I had a bigger hatred of the Brewers than the Cardinals as a child. (I'll admit that's changed somewhat since I left the state.)

There. I'm cheering for the Cardinals tonight. Want to make something of it?

by Josh77 on Apr 30, 2007 6:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm with you dude, go Cards

Not because of the handcock thing (but I do think it would be touching if they won for him) but rather the Brewers are up 4.5 on the us right now.

by MrDurden on Apr 30, 2007 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

man, i thought it was gone...

how close?

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 6:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Why no game start?

by MrDurden on Apr 30, 2007 6:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Nice start D-Lee and A-Ram!

by vegascubsfan on Apr 30, 2007 6:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Derek

Playing really good.
1-0

by gocubs40 on Apr 30, 2007 6:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

nice start, on the board.

picket fence, boys.

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 6:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Picket fence, boys?

by MrDurden on Apr 30, 2007 6:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

2 out rally

That's a sign of a good team. Keep it up.

Murton is pressing. Swinging at everything.

"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 30, 2007 6:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

For those who can't watch...

DLee doubled high off the wall in right-center, ARam singled him home. Good point by Bob/Len, having a 3 hitter who can run as well as DLee is a nice plus, that would have been tough to score from second for most 3 hitters in the league.

2007 Badger Football - 1-0 every week...

by Schwa on Apr 30, 2007 6:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Hey

It's a Matt Murton siting.

Len Kasper Sucks!

by TheRamZamDLEE on Apr 30, 2007 6:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

What the hell

No WGN, No national broadcast, No Broadcast on even PCN = No Happy Nittany Lion =(

"You can say what you want about [Prior], but when he got on the mound, he was a bulldog. A bulldog." - Paul Bako

by NittanyCub on Apr 30, 2007 6:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

yeah, it's a drag

stupid wciu.

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 6:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

This bums me out

I might have to buy E.I., because this is really crappy

"You can say what you want about [Prior], but when he got on the mound, he was a bulldog. A bulldog." - Paul Bako

by NittanyCub on Apr 30, 2007 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Or you could be stuck at work with gameday

by vegascubsfan on Apr 30, 2007 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Theriot

is being too cautious it seems

Los Cachorros!

by Laven on Apr 30, 2007 6:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'll take cautious....

over the Izturis error fest/automatic-out-fest. With Hill pitching the way he has so far this year, I'm all too happy to just expect the defense to make the routine plays...and nothing more.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 30, 2007 6:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good first inning from Hill

Though if Gameday's weather report is right (13 mph wind out to center), I'll hope Rich doesn't try and get all 27 outs on fly balls.

by Ayralin on Apr 30, 2007 6:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

man, i'd like to see a few walks

work the count, etc.

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 6:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Anyone have any idea why Cedeno is still...

earning a MLB paycheck with this team? We have to have someone in the minors worth looking at as a defensive sub. Maybe even another Theriot lurking. I can't stand Ronny. He looks lost even leaning on the rail in the dugout.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 30, 2007 6:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Just hope the Riot can field well enough

to send Ronny to the corn state

by MrDurden on Apr 30, 2007 6:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That argument has been over for awhile...

look at the production (offensively) and the trade-off is painfully obvious in Ryan's favor.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 30, 2007 6:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pie is getting hot.

Was he trying to hit that to the left side?

by MrDurden on Apr 30, 2007 6:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

MMMM....

hot pie.....

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 30, 2007 6:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

"You can say what you want about [Prior], but when he got on the mound, he was a bulldog. A bulldog." - Paul Bako

by NittanyCub on Apr 30, 2007 6:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL...pirates defense....

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 30, 2007 6:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Rich Hill

is on second base, Pie scores.

looking good...

Len Kasper Sucks!

by TheRamZamDLEE on Apr 30, 2007 6:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

We should have gotten more...

but I'll take it.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 30, 2007 6:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

picket fence.

did hill get hurt?

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

hill hurting? description.

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 6:30 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

no

he got worn out running to second base.

I survived VWR 2007

by akcubfan on Apr 30, 2007 6:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I for one...

enjoy Hill's "old school" rare-back and throw delivery.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 30, 2007 6:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

not good, had him 0-2

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 6:35 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The Biggio school of swing INTO a pitch...

I hate Biggio and his - HBP crap.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 30, 2007 6:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

i love pie,

he's already one of my favorite players.

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 6:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

He looks so smooth

playing CF

I survived VWR 2007

by akcubfan on Apr 30, 2007 6:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is Pie starting to look like a MLB hitter?

by MrDurden on Apr 30, 2007 6:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

direcTV

i cant find this game on MLB EXTRA INNINGS on directv. Is anyone watching it? what channel?

cubscast.com chicagosportscasts.com

by cubscast on Apr 30, 2007 6:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

It's Not on EI

MLB.TV, Gameday Audio, or XM.

Otherwise, all you've got is MLB Gameday -

¡BLANCO!

by 08Cubs on Apr 30, 2007 6:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

thanks

blah. sorry i was too stupid to realize what E.I. stood for in all the previous posts, but thanks for the tip.

guess i'll go for my 2nd free MLB TV trial ;)

cubscast.com chicagosportscasts.com

by cubscast on Apr 30, 2007 7:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not on EI

If you check upthread, I already complained about this and the reason was discussed.

by Josh77 on Apr 30, 2007 7:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

got it

thanks.. im trying to watch from LA, too. ever go to tin horn flats for the bears games?

MLB.TV video works like crap on a mac. and audio has the unbearable dave otto today :(

cubscast.com chicagosportscasts.com

by cubscast on Apr 30, 2007 7:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No

Two reasons

I don't live in LA anymore. I've moved to Rancho Cucamonga.
I'm a Packer fan. I keep that quiet around here.

by Josh77 on Apr 30, 2007 7:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i see

ha- fair enough. FWIW there's also a packer bar in burbank, not that it matters since you moved to the RC.

cubscast.com chicagosportscasts.com

by cubscast on Apr 30, 2007 7:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Blue is squeezing us.....

just a little.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 30, 2007 6:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

He's giving the high strike

but definately isn't budging on the corners or down low.

I survived VWR 2007

by akcubfan on Apr 30, 2007 6:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It appeared Hill

Struck Out LaRoche 3 times in 1 AB

Len Kasper Sucks!

by TheRamZamDLEE on Apr 30, 2007 6:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

WGN

Oy... Dave Otto apparently missed the trade of Mike Gonzalez for Adam LaRoche, commenting that the Pirates went out and signed him to a big contract.

by Ayralin on Apr 30, 2007 6:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Rich needs...

to spot his fastball a little better tonight. He's missing with it a bit too much. The curve is finally falling for some strikes. Hopefully he can work a few changes in there to keep them completely off-balanced.

2007 Badger Football - 1-0 every week...

by Schwa on Apr 30, 2007 6:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Of course one

of the few games Matt gets to start I don't get the game. Sucks!!

TheEman is jealous of my sigs.

by sue369 on Apr 30, 2007 6:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

ARAM

Ground-Rule Double

Len Kasper Sucks!

by TheRamZamDLEE on Apr 30, 2007 6:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

rami has been hot since day one

what's the story on the wrist? no worries?

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 6:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

wrist....

It obviously wasnt a ST injury more like a "tripped over the dog" injury on those two days off prior to him sitting down since we havent heard about it since then....classic cub injury cover-up

Let me get back to you, will ya, Charlie? I got a guy on the other line asking about some white walls.

by JB 23 on Apr 30, 2007 6:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

3-1

to Murton..

Len Kasper Sucks!

by TheRamZamDLEE on Apr 30, 2007 6:46 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

At least he advanced the runner

"You can say what you want about [Prior], but when he got on the mound, he was a bulldog. A bulldog." - Paul Bako

by NittanyCub on Apr 30, 2007 6:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah

with 2 outs now. yay matt

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Apr 30, 2007 6:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

play-by-play (ehh almost)

Murton..trying too hard...ground out..moves up the runner to 3rd

by cubsnlinux on Apr 30, 2007 6:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

man, that sounded like a smash on the radio

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 6:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

what did?

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Apr 30, 2007 6:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

barrett's foul ball.

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 6:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

play-by-play (ehh almost)

Mike ..FO..inning over..Cubs lead 2-0

by cubsnlinux on Apr 30, 2007 6:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Three-year trends

One of the stats Peter Gammons will reference from time to time is the "three-year trend", thinking that you can consider a player's improvement or regression with more certainty if it has occurred over an extended period of time.

I realize 2007 is a nearly insignificant sample size at this point, but look at the way some of Zach Duke's numbers have trended since he entered the league.

Zach Duke (2005-07)
K/9: 6.17, 4.89, 2.08
WHIP: 1.21, 1.50, 1.65
ERA: 1.81, 4.47, 6.92

by Ayralin on Apr 30, 2007 6:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

i wonder what the stats are against the cubs.

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 6:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

vs Cubs

0.56 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 10 K (16 IP)
1.86 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 12 K (29 IP)
4.50 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 1 K (4 IP)

The trends preserve!

by Ayralin on Apr 30, 2007 7:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

derosa was a quality signing.

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 6:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree

It was (by far) the best signing of the off-season.

I still can't believe Marquis is getting paid 8 mill a year and Lilly has a 4 year contract which will kill the Cubs in the long term.

by MrDurden on Apr 30, 2007 6:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If they win this year or next...

... I don't care.

And I doubt you will either.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Apr 30, 2007 7:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You don't really mean that right?

So you would be willing to scrifice the next 5-7 years of the cubs future for just a chance to win a world series?

Come on dude...the worst team wins all the time in the play offs.

Best chance the Cubs have is building a strong organization which give them multiple shots at a ring.

One and done crap only works for the Marlins.

by MrDurden on Apr 30, 2007 7:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow Dude

"One and done crap only works for the Marlins."

LMFAO

Len Kasper Sucks!

by TheRamZamDLEE on Apr 30, 2007 7:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Unpredictability

The Yankees have spent $200 million a year for nearly the last decade and haven't won a World Series since 2000. You can't guarantee winning by spending ridiculous amounts of money on Jason Giambi, Mike Mussina, et al, so I don't think the Cubs are sacrificing their future competitiveness with 4y/40m and 3y/24m deals.

by Ayralin on Apr 30, 2007 7:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly.

The Cubs haven't won in 99 years. Yes, I'll take one championship. I think all of us would.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Apr 30, 2007 7:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i'll take a trip to the post season

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 7:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Glad to see ...

You remembered to take your mean pill today.

LRRF

"No ballplayer's here because of the Mariners!" ~ Sam Malone

by Littlerock Rynofan on Apr 30, 2007 7:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Right Now

Rich Hill has a better BA than Ronny :)

by MrDurden on Apr 30, 2007 7:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Well, sure.

Who doesn't? For cryin' out loud, TED LILLY is hitting .083, only .014 lower than Ronny.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Apr 30, 2007 7:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Leaderboards

Seeing as ARod is only ahead of two teams and tied with one in HRs now, tracking the number of pitchers with better BAs than our backup infielders could become the new passtime.

by Ayralin on Apr 30, 2007 7:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

4-1 Milwaukee

bot 3rd Card starter no mystery...not surprising St Louis might still be in shock from weekend death in the family.

I think Milw is setting itself up for a nice Cub-style collapse in June or July...they aren't this good.

by writerinwrigley on Apr 30, 2007 7:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Apparently

Scott Spiezio was supposed to start but asked out because he was too distraught.

by Josh77 on Apr 30, 2007 7:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

wells also balked in a run...

after allowing a guy to reach on a dribbler, move to second on a throwing error, and then steal third without a throw. understandably, he doesn't seem focused.

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 7:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The brewers

will do what the Reds did a couple years ago. They will fade out in August but stay near the top with the rest of the divison not looking so good. I'm thinking we win the Central by 3-5 games. Thats not enough to clinch on the last home game but we can still celebrate anyway.
I don't know about you but wouldnt those wins(clinching a playoff spot or winning a series) be sweeter if they happened at Wrigley? Maybe thats just asking for too much.

Everybody on the count of three kick karma in the ass, maybe that will wake her up.

by Me and Lou WS 07 on Apr 30, 2007 7:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

It's happened before...

... and in recent years. The Cubs won the 1998 wild card playoff game at home, and clinched the 2003 NL Central at home.

They finish this year with six road games, so that seems less likely if they do make the postseason this year.

I'll take it no matter where it happens.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Apr 30, 2007 7:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

murton, quick out.

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 7:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

barrett, quick out.

i don't like when they do this.

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 7:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

boy, that was a bad inning....

had a chance to end the guy's night, and he breezed right through those three.

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 7:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

We need to get some more runs

by FLCubsFan on Apr 30, 2007 7:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

ive heard...

the brew crews gm will go out and spend the money this year if necessary. i gotta bad feeling they are for real. they have built a winner the right way it seems to me.

Here comes the nasty leftie to shut it down in the 9th......Clay Rapada!!!!

by cubsluver22 on Apr 30, 2007 7:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The Brewers

still have a negative run differential. That doesn't bode well for prolonged success. Either they're going to have to play better, or they're going to stay around .500. They can't continue at their current pace with that kind of run differential.

by SouthernCub on Apr 30, 2007 7:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

not good.

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 7:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

come on, double play ball.

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 7:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

alright!!!!!!

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 7:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

7th this game will be over before we know it

Everybody on the count of three kick karma in the ass, maybe that will wake her up.

by Me and Lou WS 07 on Apr 30, 2007 7:35 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

AmRam Time

Fox 3! Launch one buddy.

There's always next year.

by BJ Simpson on Apr 30, 2007 7:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

another hit

for D LEE, Bases loaded for The Ram...

That'll be all for Zach Duke

Len Kasper Sucks!

by TheRamZamDLEE on Apr 30, 2007 7:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Patterson and Pie...numbers

I'm sorry if this has been covered before on this site, but I was wondering if there was any correlation between Corey Patterson and Felix Pie's number changes. In his first few games with the Cubs, Pie wore number 17, and now has switched to 20...Patterson's old number. Patterson, on the other hand, recently changed his number in Baltimore from 20 to 17. Is this just a spooky coincidence?

by CPattMVP2007 on Apr 30, 2007 7:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yes.

Pie wore 17 because at the time he was added to the 40-man roster, 20 was taken.

He had worn 20 throughout his minor league career and changed it for that reason.

Why Patterson changed to 17 is a mystery to me.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Apr 30, 2007 7:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

crap

tied

by vegascubsfan on Apr 30, 2007 7:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Memo to Dave Otto

Please never mention Mark Prior or Kerry Wood when the Cubs are ahead.

That is all..........

by salparadise23 on Apr 30, 2007 7:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

let's get some runs boys.

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 7:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

how bout a nice, patient at bat from murton.

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 7:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

is it natural to feel uncomfortable

with this game tied about our chances of winning?

by CubsBall2202 on Apr 30, 2007 8:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

we're due.

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 8:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

apparently not

by CubsBall2202 on Apr 30, 2007 8:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

murton, 0-4 yuck.

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 8:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

there's a start, basehit barrett.

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 8:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

i'd like to see a hit and run.

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 8:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

nice, there it was. nice lou.

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 8:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He was safe

by gocubs40 on Apr 30, 2007 8:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

come on

Pie earn a starting job..

"Losing is my only fear"

by Unique on Apr 30, 2007 8:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

ugh

by gocubs40 on Apr 30, 2007 8:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

not good, not good.

looks like maybe we regressed a week.

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 8:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Is Hill done or back for the 8th?

Los Cachorros!

by Laven on Apr 30, 2007 8:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Unfortunately

He's done. Nice work Hill.

by vegascubsfan on Apr 30, 2007 8:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Score?

hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 30, 2007 8:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Gameday says deuce-deuce.

n/t

by cwyers on Apr 30, 2007 8:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

3-2 now

by SouthernCub on Apr 30, 2007 8:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

shit

by gocubs40 on Apr 30, 2007 8:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

For those of us WITHOUT WCIU...

...could you try clarifying these comments in the future?

by cwyers on Apr 30, 2007 8:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bay HR

by SouthernCub on Apr 30, 2007 8:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm thinking...

... "shit" summed it up pretty well.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Apr 30, 2007 8:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

almost shit again

by gocubs40 on Apr 30, 2007 8:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Okay

Bay hit a homer we are down 1.
Damn bullpen

by gocubs40 on Apr 30, 2007 8:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Bay HR

Pirates up 3-2

by cubsnlinux on Apr 30, 2007 8:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

This bullpen stinks

How many games have they blown already this season? Ridiculous.

by cubsbak on Apr 30, 2007 8:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

It is...

bad luck. Wuertz has been terrific all year. It's just a bad time for him to get hit hard. Really, only Ohman and Eyre have been bad. Everyone else has been solid.

Unfortunately, poor timing can result in a 1-11 record in close games.

by SouthernCub on Apr 30, 2007 8:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's more than

bad luck. In close games they choke. Every one of them. And they've been doing it for years.

by cubsbak on Apr 30, 2007 8:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm sure that's it...

especially since many of these players haven't been here for "years." It couldn't just be a small sample size influenced by bad luck. Nope, it has to be that they're chokers. You're right...

by SouthernCub on Apr 30, 2007 8:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Almost every

member of the bullpen was on the Cubs last season. (Everyone except Cotts I think.) I'm basing it on this year and last. That's not a small sample size. And I don't appreciate your sarcasm.

by cubsbak on Apr 30, 2007 8:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't care...

whether you appreciate it. You deserved it, because you're wrong. It's a small sample. The guys who have struggled this year (Eyre, Howry) DIDN'T struggle last year. The guys who struggled last year aren't on the team this year (Novoa, rookies) or aren't struggling this year (Dempster).

by SouthernCub on Apr 30, 2007 8:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No

in close games the bullpen struggled last season too. Please read my comment carefully. I'm referring to the bullpen as a whole. They struggled last season and they're struggling again this season. I am not wrong. You are.

by cubsbak on Apr 30, 2007 8:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You're making no sense...

The bullpen "as a whole" doesn't exist as an entity. It is a bunch of individuals. Novoa, Rusch, and Ryu aren't making the team struggle in close games this year. Similarly, Howry and Eyre's great work last year isn't improving this year's team.

To state that there is a relationship between last year's bullpen struggles and this year's struggles is just ridiculous. There is no correlation. The guys who stunk last year aren't here, and the guys who stink this year were good last year.

by SouthernCub on Apr 30, 2007 8:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Your response

is so beside-the-point that it doesn't really merit a response from me. I'll just reiterate:

The Cubs bullpen sucked last year. It has basically sucked pretty much every year I can remember. This year appears to be no different. You can make all the excuses you want about luck and who had a good year and who had a bad year, but those are the facts.

by cubsbak on Apr 30, 2007 8:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

My point...

is it won't likely continue. You seem to be saying that because they wear Cubs uniforms, the bullpen as a whole has to suck. I shouldn't have to tell you how absurd that is.

It's not the same pen. It's not going to be a spectacular bullpen. And luck is probably not the right word. Bad timing is probably better. But there is no reason based on last year's results that the guys who've been bad this year are bad.

by SouthernCub on Apr 30, 2007 8:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No

I'm saying because Jim Hendry doesn't know what he's doing the bullpen (along with a lot of other areas on this team) sucks. This is indisputable based on past performance. If you think things will magically turn around that's fine. I don't.

by cubsbak on Apr 30, 2007 8:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

1 Run Games

Are nearly pure luck. Jason Bay is a very very very good hitter. The Pirates saw that he was a talented young player, didn't block him and let him develop. Right now I would trade any two Cub Outfielders for him. I would swap Derek Lee for him straight up. Or Zambrano. Or any other player on the Cubs.

Loses happen. Get some perspective.

by Frustrated Fan on Apr 30, 2007 10:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Top of the 9th

Jones
Soriano
Theriot

Lee, Ramirez if anyone gets on. We need a comeback :-).

"Losing is my only fear"

by Unique on Apr 30, 2007 8:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

come on Jacque

get us goin here..

Len Kasper Sucks!

by TheRamZamDLEE on Apr 30, 2007 8:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

there goes that

idea

Len Kasper Sucks!

by TheRamZamDLEE on Apr 30, 2007 8:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jones

Due for a homer

by gocubs40 on Apr 30, 2007 8:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Ok...

...now would be a good time for Fonzie's first homer.

"Now up to bat for the Mets...Mackey Sasser. For all you kids out there, that's RASSASS spelled backwords!" Harry Carry

by ilovepie on Apr 30, 2007 8:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Let's get 2 runs!

n/t.

"Losing is my only fear"

by Unique on Apr 30, 2007 8:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Whew, glad I cannot see this one!

n/t

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Apr 30, 2007 8:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Dammit

1 out.

Come on Soriano. Show us why your worth 136 million.

"Losing is my only fear"

by Unique on Apr 30, 2007 8:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

man, mojo gone.

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 8:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Waste Of Money

sigh

by gocubs40 on Apr 30, 2007 8:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Jacque J GO

1 down top 9th

by cubsnlinux on Apr 30, 2007 8:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Come on

Theriot

hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 30, 2007 8:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Dammit

2 outs..

Come on Theriot...

who am i kidding.

"Losing is my only fear"

by Unique on Apr 30, 2007 8:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

However, some of the Buccos

games I've checked out -- they are not pushovers anymore.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Apr 30, 2007 8:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The Riot....

Send me into a riot

by gocubs40 on Apr 30, 2007 8:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

should pinch hit floyd here.

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 8:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

soriano FO

2 down

by cubsnlinux on Apr 30, 2007 8:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm not gonna

get hyped up to be devastated, again.

hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 30, 2007 8:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Good teams

don't blow leads to the Pirates.

by cubsbak on Apr 30, 2007 8:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, that never EVER happens...

I'm not going to go through the effort, but I GUARANTEE you plenty of division winners have blown late leads against the Pirates in the last few years. What a ridiculous statement.

It happens. It sucks, but it happens.

by SouthernCub on Apr 30, 2007 8:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Again with the

sarcasm. The Cubs have lost more than their share of these games. Maybe my statement was a bit of an exaggeration, but I'm a little sick of these come-from-ahead losses to bad teams.

by cubsbak on Apr 30, 2007 8:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah..

it sucks. But you're taking bad luck in a small sample, and overblowing it.

We aren't going to continue to lose every close game. Yes, we're in a bad rut. But it will get better. Hopefully, it gets better soon, but it will not continue like this.

The guys who struggled last year aren't here. The guys who are struggling this year were terrific last year. It's not inherent in the team that we lose close games. It's bad timing for bad games, and just some bad luck.

by SouthernCub on Apr 30, 2007 8:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Cubs

sucked last season and they suck again this season. There's no small sample size. I don't know what you're talking about. If you want to chalk all of this up to bad luck be my guest. I think the Cubs problems go a lot deeper than just bad luck.

by cubsbak on Apr 30, 2007 8:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So you're saying...

it's the uniforms? Because that's the only constant between last year's struggles and this year's. If that's what you're saying, you HAVE to realize how silly that sounds.

Guys who struggled last year:
Novoa (gone)
Rusch (gone)
Ryu (gone)
Dempster (good this year)

Guys who struggled this year:
Ohman (mediocre last year)
Eyre (good last year)
Howry (good last year)

So the only constant is the uniform. And that, I assure you, is NOT why the team has struggled in close games the last two years.

by SouthernCub on Apr 30, 2007 8:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No

actually. I'm saying it's the people who select the people who wear the uniforms.

by cubsbak on Apr 30, 2007 8:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Confusing...

since they got rid of the guys who stunk last year, and replaced them with guys who are doing well.

It's the guys who were solid last year that are struggling this year.

by SouthernCub on Apr 30, 2007 8:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So what?

What're you Hendry's agent? Don't give me excuses give me results. Hendry's job is to identify the guys who can get people out in close games. Thus far he's been a miserable failure. That is indisputable.

by cubsbak on Apr 30, 2007 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hendry's been a failure.......

the entire time he's been employed by the Cubs.

RAMIREZ!! PRIOR!!

by PriorandAramisfan23 on Apr 30, 2007 9:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So then would you

have gotten rid of Eyre and Howry after what they did last year? Its not Hendrys fault that they have struggled this year. Everyone thought the bullpen was going to be the strength of this team, but they havent and its the bullpen's fault. Not Hendrys

Everybody on the count of three kick karma in the ass, maybe that will wake her up.

by Me and Lou WS 07 on Apr 30, 2007 9:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ill blame dusty for eyre and howry this year

he overworked them trying to save his own job last year which is just as much hendrys fault as anyones for not firing baker earlier in the year and going with someone in the organization for the rest of the year, so i belive hendry is still at fault, face it the guys not a good general manager, we need a change at that position

by CubsBall2202 on Apr 30, 2007 9:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nice spin

I guess we will just agree to disagree on the bullpen issue.

Everybody on the count of three kick karma in the ass, maybe that will wake her up.

by Me and Lou WS 07 on Apr 30, 2007 9:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hendry sucks regardless.......

of Eyre and Howry's performances this season.

RAMIREZ!! PRIOR!!

by PriorandAramisfan23 on Apr 30, 2007 9:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

YOU'RE A RIDICULOUS STATEMENT!

by MrDurden on Apr 30, 2007 9:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can anybody explain

what this sentence means? I'm trying to follow what's being written here, then this...

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Apr 30, 2007 9:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well,

that tells you something.

hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 30, 2007 8:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

cmon DLEE!!!

"Now up to bat for the Mets...Mackey Sasser. For all you kids out there, that's RASSASS spelled backwords!" Harry Carry

by ilovepie on Apr 30, 2007 8:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Theriot

takes a walk, D Lee @ the plate...

Len Kasper Sucks!

by TheRamZamDLEE on Apr 30, 2007 8:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

DEREK LEE

HIT ONE HERE!

by gocubs40 on Apr 30, 2007 8:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The riot walks

D-Lee time.

by vegascubsfan on Apr 30, 2007 8:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Let's

go D-Lee.

Oh bah! 0-1

hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 30, 2007 8:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

hurt them d.

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 8:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

NOOOOOOOOO

hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 30, 2007 8:20 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Shit

Game Over

by gocubs40 on Apr 30, 2007 8:20 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The Riot Walks

DLee up , 2 down

by cubsnlinux on Apr 30, 2007 8:20 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

DAM

Dammit

hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 30, 2007 8:20 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Shit

shit shit shit shit and shit.

I'd say that's an accurate summary of this game.

hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 30, 2007 8:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

boy, that sucks.

i think this team is going to have to scuffle for a couple weeks to get the momentum back. damn.

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 8:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Too bad

Maybe before the wrist injury that ball would go to the wall. Not tonight. This team just doesn't do the little things necessary to win close games. Even against a team like the Pirates.

by cubsbak on Apr 30, 2007 8:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

no, the offense tends to go into

hibernation for 6 innings at a time, swinging at pitches early in the count. too many easy outs.

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 8:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i was agreeing by the way.

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 8:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

game over

dlee fo

by cubsnlinux on Apr 30, 2007 8:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Cubbie swagger at it again

losing another 1 run game, zach duke sucks i cant believe he shuts us down again hes awful

by CubsBall2202 on Apr 30, 2007 8:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The story appears to be missed...

...opportunities early-on in the game. Still, I want to see how Weurtz bounces back.

by DudeVf11 on Apr 30, 2007 8:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

we just lost to a team whose

#5 hitter is ryan doumit, that should be enough to make anyone puke, what are we like 0-10 now in 1 run games, thats downright horrible, more characteristic of the baker era which i thought for sure was over

by CubsBall2202 on Apr 30, 2007 8:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

just can't win the close ones...

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 8:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

HAVEN'T... not can't

there's a difference. It sucks, but it's bad luck not inherent inability.

by SouthernCub on Apr 30, 2007 8:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

there was no luck involved in this game

just poor play on our part, im never going to give credit to the pirates, there virtually a minor league team, very little talent level compared to us, we should be winning that game 9-10 out of 10 times

by CubsBall2202 on Apr 30, 2007 8:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep

Terrible loss. The Cubs should've put them away early.

by cubsbak on Apr 30, 2007 8:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

9 out of 10

Because you know, teams finish 16-146 all the time....

Try 7 out of 10, and you'd still be wrong. Maybe 13 out of 20.

by Invalid User on May 1, 2007 6:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

all we keep hearing from lou and his staff

is that "we have to start winnin the close ones and doin the little things right" well how much longer do we have to listen to them say it, when does it actually go in effect and we start winnin 1 run games, i mean come on its the pittsburgh pirates, not the new york mets

by CubsBall2202 on Apr 30, 2007 8:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bases loaded with no runs in the early inning

killed us. We should of got at least one from that.

"Losing is my only fear"

by Unique on Apr 30, 2007 8:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

One Man

I hate to put the blame on one guy, but if I had a dollar for every slow roller to short or 3B I have seen Murton hit this season, I could afford to see a game at Wrigley this season. He is not getting enough at bats, true. But if I were Lou, I wouldnt feel comfortable putting him out there, especially in the 8th when a righty was in there. Oh well. He probably is in Iowa when we need to bring Guzman up. Take a look at the box score for Duke's 6th inning. 6 pitches. One of them of course was Murton's first pitch swinging roller to 3b. Right now he isnt seeing the ball very well, and needs everyday at bats.

by louslovechild on Apr 30, 2007 8:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

yeah, he has looked terrible.

now, i'm sure his limited playing time is a big factor, but he has not helped the club much. something has to happen there. i don't know if you trade him or what, but something has to happen.

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 8:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Unfortunately, I agree

Murton looked really awful in all four at bats.

Fouled off first pitch, pulled an outside pitch weakly to Short for a GO.
Worked the count 3-1, and then check-swung at ball four. Grounded out weakly to short on a nice play by Jack Wilson.
Another weak ground ball to short.
Weak ground ball to third.

He was swinging at pitches out of the zone and he was trying to pull everything. I really really really like Matt Murton and I really want him to do well, but he looked awful at the plate tonight.

by Romero on Apr 30, 2007 9:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah, he's stopped doing the things

that made me like him at first. maybe it would be better to try and move him in a month or so.

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 9:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

that scares me

he has such potential. talk about pressing, he has never looked good this year. his double on saturday should have been caught and was a dead pull shot. Not his game at all

by louslovechild on Apr 30, 2007 9:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Soriano's bat is "cold." Cold as ice.

And the Cubbies still can't come up with a come-from-behind victory. On paper, this team is better than this ... Lou, light into them! Light that fire right up!

"No ballplayer's here because of the Mariners!" ~ Sam Malone

by Littlerock Rynofan on Apr 30, 2007 8:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

He went 2-4 today

There were plenty of other guys who didn't get it done, not Soriano. The 1-12 from our 5, 6, and 7 hitters was more glaring, considering that Soriano, Theriot, Lee, and Ramirez each got on base at least twice.

by SouthernCub on Apr 30, 2007 8:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It seems like

everything just lined up perfectly for them to get/steal the win. We were up 2-0 all of a sudden we are down facing our last at bat. We can still win the series which is what our focus should be on. We had a streak but the momentum was stopped after yesterday. Lets just win the series, then win the next one and so on. We'll be fine.

Everybody on the count of three kick karma in the ass, maybe that will wake her up.

by Me and Lou WS 07 on Apr 30, 2007 8:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

lets hope so

because after tonight we are 5.5 games out of first, not very good position after april, but thats not awful considering the fact that we have 1 hr between lee/soriano which has to change or else this losing will the rest of the year

by CubsBall2202 on Apr 30, 2007 8:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

The funny part is that the guy with the best numbers against Duke is RONNY CEDENO! He hits like .600 against him. No where in the line up. Oh well.

by louslovechild on Apr 30, 2007 8:35 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I dont think Lee and Soriano

will average 1 hr a month the rest of the way.
That is a total fluke. 5.5 games back. At this point nevermind the standings, there is just way too much time/games to worry about it. In the first month we have lost a little more than we have won. In the next two months we need to win a little more than we lose. Then make a run in the second half of the season. Last year we topped out in April then played like crap. Our success this season is still to be determined.

Everybody on the count of three kick karma in the ass, maybe that will wake her up.

by Me and Lou WS 07 on Apr 30, 2007 8:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

soriano has to get out of the leadoff spot

when he's in there, it seems to me that the offense just sputters along. if he stays in the leadoff spot for another month or two, i don't think we will fare well. it seems obvious to me that soriano is not a long term answer at the top of the lineup, so let's get him out of there now.

got to stop giving up so many easy outs. we've had quite a few chances to chase a starter early, say in the 3rd or 4th inning, only to swing away early in the count and rejuvenate a struggling starter. got to get into some pens early, especially in the first game of a set.

i would just like to see the lineup be full of tougher outs. hell, maybe we could even manufacture a run! or two!!

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 9:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You'd have to bat Soriano 6th, or 7th.

Then, Theriot has to stay in the line-up full time and lead off -- there is no one else.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Apr 30, 2007 9:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i think soriano anywhere 5-7 would be good.

theriot should lead off. if he's not in there maybe you let barrett lead off. i don't know, but soriano is not a good fit. if he starts knocking the cover off of the ball maybe i'll change my tune. but, this team is not scoring runs like i thought they would, and we need to have soriano in a place where he can drive in runs.

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 10:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

losing to the pirates

should never be tolerated by this organization, thats why we fail to make the playoffs year after year, we have to go at least 6-2 in these next 8 games vs the pirates and nationals or else we are going to be in serious trouble with a road trip at philiadelphia/new york at home against the sox then back out west to the dogers/padres, it scares me to think where we might be after may if these current trends continue

by CubsBall2202 on Apr 30, 2007 9:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

shit, i'd take being .500 against them

for the past few years, it seems like it's often the bad teams that beat up the cubs.

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 9:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'll say this again

The Pirates are NOT a real bad team. The Cardinals, Nationals, Rockies are much worse.

And, yes, the Cardinals are playing like a really, really bad team right now. Of that, there shouldn't be any question.

Unfortunately, the Bucs are better than the Cubs -- not on paper, but on the field. The line-up isn't terrible. It could be a .500 team.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Apr 30, 2007 9:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Doesn't seem possible that....

.....your top 4 hitters get 6 hits,3 BB's and only 1 RBI.

Frustrating.

"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 30, 2007 9:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

that was a bad month.

incredibly frustrating. they must tear it up this may if they are going to compete. another month like this, and they'll be done.

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 9:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

relax

its one game. We play them 18,19 times, as long as we win every series we will be in good shape. Thats what the good teams do. If we go 12-7, you take that everytime. Losses like this happen through out the course of the season. We will get our wins.

Everybody on the count of three kick karma in the ass, maybe that will wake her up.

by Me and Lou WS 07 on Apr 30, 2007 9:20 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Dr. Phil,

I will just sit here and be happy that the Cubs are now 0-6....yes 0 wins 6 losses in one run games.

The Cubs this year have 0

ZERO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! come from behind wins.

But of course you're right...it's just one game.

Losses like this happen through out the course of the season.

It's not right of me to point out that all F-ing year long the cubs have lost games like this over and over and over.

But you're right "We will get our wins."

Is your new book "BS for Morons to make them think everything is fine when its not" available at Amazon.com?

Thanks again Dr. Phil.

by MrDurden on Apr 30, 2007 9:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Come off it man

You act as if the Cubs just got their asses handed to them. Chill.

Faith Plus One - Contributing Editor -http://www.inaleagueofherown.com

by Faith plus 1 on Apr 30, 2007 9:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You Chill!

by MrDurden on Apr 30, 2007 10:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

uhh...k

Faith Plus One - Contributing Editor -http://www.inaleagueofherown.com

by Faith plus 1 on May 1, 2007 5:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm glad to see ...

All of that so-called "perspective" we gained and/or recognised with the death of Josh Hancock has been blown out the windows by certain members of this board ...

Give it a freakin' rest. We all know what the Cubs must do for the remainder of the season.

LRRF

"No ballplayer's here because of the Mariners!" ~ Sam Malone

by Littlerock Rynofan on Apr 30, 2007 10:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Goodbye, April

and don't let the door hit'cha on the way out.

I'm sick of losing games late, and of losing close games. But there's still time left to change things. Certainly, some stuff must change, like the bullpen's performance, but it ain't over yet. It don't smell too good right now, but this meal ain't done cookin'. I'm willing to endure a bit longer to see what this team can change.

May is a welcome sight.

by helen on Apr 30, 2007 10:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Gentlemanly Wager

Hoped I spelled that right.

I will take a gentlemans wager from anyone out there regarding this teams record on May 6th. That is 5 more games, and we are 10 - 14. I'm taking 15 - 14. It is bold. But then again it is two more against the Pirates, and we just came out of a rough weekend mentally, so I say this evenings game is a wash. Then we come home for the Nationals.

So there you go. My optimistic viewpoint, I feel is still possible, and realistic.

by louslovechild on Apr 30, 2007 10:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

what's the bet?

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 30, 2007 10:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ok......

The loser has to write an ode to the magical, spectacular AJ Pierzinsky. I hate him with a passion that is unhealthy, so the idea of doing it makes me cringe

kansian??? you a ku grad, or just from kansas? either way, so am i

by louslovechild on Apr 30, 2007 10:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Deal.

If the Cubs are 15-14 in five games, i will write an ode to A.J. If not, then you sir, may have that assignment.

I am actually in school at Emporia State University (originally from Wichita and Manhattan) but will possibly be headed to KU for grad school.

MARQUIS! YES, MARQUIS!

by thekansasian on Apr 30, 2007 10:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Deal

I am from Wichita. Did undergrad at KU and grad work at Wichita State.

by louslovechild on Apr 30, 2007 10:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Awesome.

I live in Wichita currently (as far as summers and holidays go)...

MARQUIS! YES, MARQUIS!

by thekansasian on Apr 30, 2007 11:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd like a piece

n/t

MARQUIS! YES, MARQUIS!

by thekansasian on Apr 30, 2007 10:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nationals

The Nationals don't appear to be as bad as first claimed. They have almost the same record as the Cubs so far this year notwithstanding that most of their games have been with NY Mets, Atlanta Braves, The Phillies, the Diamondbacks and the Marlins, all of which were picked to either compete for the division or are currently over .500 or leading their division.

Are the Cubs better than the Nationals? Yes. Are the Cubs MUCH better than the Nationals? Again, Yes. Are the Cubs so much better than the Nationals that a sweep is preordained. No. The Nationals aren't a 120 loss team and the Cubs aren't a 110 win team.

Its more like the Cubs are a 90 win team and the Nationals are a 95 loss team.

by Frustrated Fan on May 1, 2007 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs