Adventures In Flight

by Al Yellon on Jun 8, 2007 9:01 AM CDT in Chicago Cubs Recaps

ATLANTA -- I'm here, but not until slogging through a very long day of travel, thus missing almost all of last night's most impressive 2-1 Cubs win over the Braves.

When I got to O'Hare my flight was delayed an hour and 45 minutes on the departure board -- not because of the weather in Chicago, which was clear, though quite windy, in the late afternoon, but because the plane had not been allowed to leave Newark to arrive at O'Hare due to the dreaded "flow control".

And that got later. And later. And later. By the time I boarded the plane it was already two hours after the scheduled departure time. And then the pilot announced that a bird had "glanced" off the right wing (no, that's not a political statement, just the location of the bird hit) and that it had to be "inspected".

"Inspection" consisted of a maintenance worker with a jar of cleaning fluid, presumably cleaning some bird blood off the wing. I know this because I was seated right next to the wing and got to watch this being done.

Oh, but that's not all. Then some "FAA-required paperwork" had to be done. And then as a result of this, some more inspections had to be done. And then some more FAA-required paperwork.

So by the time the plane hit the air, we were three and a half hours after the scheduled departure time. Fortunately, as the pilots told us, they pedaled as fast as they could and picked up thirty minutes en route, so the flight arrived only three hours late.

After picking up the rental car I had about a 45-minute drive to the home of my friends where I'm staying -- somewhere east of downtown Atlanta -- and so didn't arrive till midnight.

I did get to follow the first half of the game on my phone -- if you have cellphone internet access, MLB.com's mobile pitch-by-pitch accounts are not only timely, but they even have a little batter and batter's box diagram -- and so "saw" Alfonso Soriano's leadoff triple and Felix Pie drive him in, and also the three-single rally in the second inning, and Andruw Jones' HR for the Braves, which was absolutely the only mistake Rich Hill made in an outstanding, 3-hit, 11-strikeout performance; Ryan Dempster's efficient 9 pitch (8 strikes) save, his twelfth, finished it up.

And so, the Cubs have now won four of their last five, have matched the Pirates (of all people) as the only teams in the NL Central without losing records on the road (both the Cubs and Bucs are now 15-15 on the road), and not only that, but have looked pretty good in winning those four games.

I'm looking forward to seeing the Ted for the first time tonight. I've heard from a couple of BCB readers who will be there -- looking forward to meeting you, too, and if anyone else who hasn't contacted me yet will be at any of the rest of the series, let me know, and we'll get together this weekend.

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Well... I missed the whole game

And looks like I missed an absolute gem from Rich Hill. It wasn't even worth it, as my softball team took a tough loss.

1-RUN GAMES = 2-12 | EXTRA INNINGS = 1-5

by SackMan on Jun 8, 2007 8:58 AM CDT reply actions

Hey Al

Verizon Wireless also has an application on some of their phones called "MLB Gameday Audio" which is live streaming audio of any MLB game you want. It also allows you to choose between home and away broadcasters. I use it when I'm at work and the quality is really good. It's definitely worth it!

by giddyup on Jun 8, 2007 7:53 PM CDT up reply actions

Some rumblings from ESPN's Jayson Stark

And excuse me for posting the whole damn thing... some people frown about that sort of thing.

Cubs Rumblings

People in Chicago would be amazed how many scouts following the NL Central report that they either think (a) the Cubs are a better, more talented team than the Brewers, or (b) the Cubs will end up winning the division. "I know they've played spotty, to say the least," one scout said of the Cubs. "But I think they have a chance to rip off about 14 [wins] out of 15 one of these days." The scout's theory is that the Cubs have played tight, in great part because they haven't adjusted to Lou Piniella's personality and he hasn't adjusted to them. "I think they're at a real turning point," the scout said. "If Lou can use that [suspension] time to watch from afar for a few days and then come back and make some adjustments, I think that team could take off. And knowing Lou, I think he can and he will."
In that vein, we've heard from a variety of sources that a number of Cubs players told their friends they were much more relaxed on the bench this week during the four games Piniella was serving his suspension. But one baseball man who has seen a lot of the Cubs flatly rejects the suggestion that Piniella's demeanor has somehow affected the way this team has played, saying: "The one thing I've never seen is negative body language. These guys have played hard. They've come back. They've gotten key hits late. If they're pressing, there's one cure for that: win."

Carlos Zambrano

If there's a Cub who's a topic of even greater fascination than Piniella around the sport, it's Carlos Zambrano. "There's a guy," one front-office man said, "who's costing himself a lot of money right now. And beating the crap out of one of his teammates doesn't help." Zambrano still has plenty of time to restore his free-agent value. But clubs have watched his ground ball/fly ball rate shrink from a high of 2.28 in 2003 to just 1.26 this year. He also had never allowed an opponent slugging percentage over .351 in any season of his career -- but this year it's nearly .500. And left-handed hitters have an ominous .355 AVG/.430 OBP/.579 SLG line against him -- compared to .231/.337/.355 over the previous three years. "I don't know why," one scout said. "But his stuff is very, very flat early in games. Then he gets into his last inning or two, and he gets back in his normal arm slot, and he blows guys away. He's a real mystery."
The Cubs had lots of reasons to recall Felix Pie last weekend. But one of them was the effect Pie seems to have had on his buddy, Alfonso Soriano. With Pie on the roster, Soriano was hitting .413, with five homers, and slugging .755 going into Wednesday. With Pie in the minor leagues, Soriano was batting .259 and slugging .396.

1-RUN GAMES = 2-12 | EXTRA INNINGS = 1-5

by SackMan on Jun 8, 2007 8:59 AM CDT reply actions

Very cogent analysis.

I think the stuff about Lou is right on. Maybe the time away will indeed help both the team and him.

They sure played like it last night.

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

by Al Yellon on Jun 8, 2007 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions

Lou definitely looked

Zen during his vacation. Maybe it's the uniform. Maybe a new tailor would help.

If the law of averages are to be believed this is our year....or not.

by tharr on Jun 8, 2007 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions

I still can't get over...

... those shirts he was wearing in the press box. Someone needs to get Lou a wardrobe consultant.

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

by Al Yellon on Jun 8, 2007 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions

Not that it means much

But I thought it was interesting that there is such a huge difference in Soriano's hitting with Pie on the roster. For no other reason, Pie should stay as long as it keeps Soriano on track.

"Don't think; it can only hurt the ball club."

by Jesse Guam on Jun 8, 2007 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions

SACK MAN!!!

Update your one run game stats!
How dare you! (wait, those aren't updated are they?)

"You're fired." - Dallas Green to Billy Connors while Billy was staying in the hospital.

by jdoolsiu on Jun 8, 2007 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions

Oh Yeah!!! Thanks.

1-RUN GAMES = 2-12 | EXTRA INNINGS = 1-5

by SackMan on Jun 8, 2007 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions

Al, travel sucks

Glad it was you and not me sitting in the airport. That pisses me off. You missed a domination by Hill. I think this team is on the verge of breaking out, we just need Aram back.

Another note to all of you. Theriot is turning into a real stud on this team with daily play. He needs to be in the lineup (along with Pie). We have something going with these two energy guys. Let's make 5 of 6 tonight!

This is Harry Carray, goodbye from Wrigley Field and So Long Everybody.

by mrcubsfan on Jun 8, 2007 9:07 AM CDT reply actions

Attitude

I really like the way the team looks now. I agree, they have played hard all year, just made some bad mistakes that cost a lot of games. Pie and Theriot seem to be adding a bit of spark to a lot of fuel. Let's hope the cubs keep this up. Here's a picture I thought was particularly great from last night's win.

by Mr Snrub on Jun 8, 2007 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions

Why was Murton at clean-up?

Really. I was wondering this every time he stepped into the batter's box.

"Some people have a way with words. Other people, er ... I don't know, not have way, I guess."

by BlueinNC on Jun 8, 2007 9:29 AM CDT reply actions

Given last night's lineup...

... without Ramirez, who would you have hit cleanup? Barrett? He's hitting .240.

It worked, anyway. Hopefully Ramirez will be back tonight or tomorrow.

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

by Al Yellon on Jun 8, 2007 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions

True, I guess it worked

But I'd rather see Lee in that spot with Barrett or Murton hitting 3rd.

Regardless, a W is a W

"Some people have a way with words. Other people, er ... I don't know, not have way, I guess."

by BlueinNC on Jun 8, 2007 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions

Unfortunately...

...it looks like we'll be without him all weekend.

by seang03 on Jun 8, 2007 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions

i just read that 2

that sucks. And he is on my fantasy team and i have no back up 3b man. God WHY!!!!!!!

by Kchance on Jun 8, 2007 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions

assuming hes been picked up but

if not, grab ryan braun

DON'T TRADE PIE!

by kylejo on Jun 8, 2007 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions

is he

starting everyday now?

by Kchance on Jun 8, 2007 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions

"severe patellar tendinitis''

I've had that injury more than once. I don't play baseball, but it was brutal to push through as a runner. Just a lot of limping when not running and icing constantly. Sometimes it'll suddenly go away an hour in to a run. Other times it'll linger and linger. Here's hoping for the best, Aram.

by Mr Snrub on Jun 8, 2007 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions

AL - Re Mechanical Issues

There is a little known NTS rule that allows for a request by a passenger to get re-booked on the next available flight on ANY carrier, due to mechanical issues - not weather related.

Its sort of at the discretion of the agent, but I have yet to be refused unless everything is overbooked on the other carriers.

Try it next time...

Is it too early to be out of it, or too early to be this far behind?

by TheEman on Jun 8, 2007 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions

My best guess is because..

...Murton's replacements (Jones and Floyd) are best suited for the cleanup spot with ARam out. Instead of changing the entire order Lou just decided to change one spot.

by seang03 on Jun 8, 2007 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions

So BlueMike

would sit up and take notice!

Who cares what they think? When they go after me, they ain't goin' after no maiden"- Leo Durocher

by tommy veryzer on Jun 8, 2007 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions

Bad Travel

I recently returned from an overseas vacation. I was delayed twice on my return flights, one causing me to miss a connecting flight. The end result was spending 25 hours on a plane, bus, taxi, train, or in an airport. Not fun.

"Harlem Furniture......You'll like our style!"

by Imtrejo on Jun 8, 2007 9:41 AM CDT reply actions

Does last night's game...

...just about put Hill in the All-Star game? He's had some fantastic one hit/run games, and that 12-6 curve is so Barry Zito-esque, when he was good, you know. :)

Dan

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Jun 8, 2007 9:48 AM CDT reply actions

I don't think so...

...he doesn't have the name recognition. However, he's 6th right now in ERA and Ks in the NL and has a very impressive 0.98 WHIP which is 1st in the NL. If he can add a few more wins before they select the pitchers and keep the low ERA then I think he has a decent chance.

by seang03 on Jun 8, 2007 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions

Agreed...

he's gonna have to keep it up straight through selections, but there are a number of "name" starters having strong years (Penny, Webb, Peavy, Smoltz, Glavine, Oswalt), and some young pitchers like Hamels (8 wins, 96 Ks) and Chris Young (6 wins, ERA of 2.19) probably ahead of him. And of course they'll add a bunch of closers. He's in a group along with Perez, Gorzelanny, and Morris who could get in, though).

by SouthernCub on Jun 8, 2007 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions

I think he should...

the pitchers usually have more fair selections because they aren't picked by the fans.

I love the All-Star game I just wish the right people got picked. I mean I know that if it's for the fans they should pick who they want to watch, but I'm a fan too and I want to watch the players that deserve it.

I mean I love players like David Wright, but Miguel and even Aramis are doing better.

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

by sparkles721 on Jun 8, 2007 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions

A bigger problem than

the fan vote is the notion that each team has to send one player. That screws things up more than anything.

Sure, every now and then the fans overlook a more deserving player, but usually the player the fans pick deserves to be on the team anyway (they maybe just don't deserve to start). It's rare the fans select a guy who doesn't belong at all. And in my mind it's an acceptable trade-off for drumming up fan interest in the game.

But when guys like Ron Coomer start making all-star teams just because a terrible Twins team need a representative (to cite just one example) it devalues the entire process. That rule needs to go.

by cubsbak on Jun 8, 2007 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions

I think it's borderline...

as I listed above, there are several pitchers who have very similar resumes this year, and some "name" pitchers having comparable (or better) years. That's going to squeeze the newbies a bit. That's why I think guys like Hill, Gorzelanny, and Snell are all competing for a spot.

Hill's having a terrific year, but he's far from alone in that regard. There are probably going to be Allstar-worthy pitchers left home, and Hill could be one of them.

If he keeps his ERA under 3, WHIP around 1, keeps getting Ks, and gets a good win total (unfortunately that's relevant even though his win total isn't his fault), he's got a good shot. But he's in a tight race right now, in my opinion.

by SouthernCub on Jun 8, 2007 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions

I personally

would like to see NONE of our pitchers make it to the all-star game. It gives them a few days off and gives their arms a little rest which should be a nice thing during the middle of the season.

by HIGGY on Jun 8, 2007 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions

Flying

My flight back from Vegas at the end of March was delayed three hours. About an hour and a half of that was spent on the plane. Not cool at all.

AC 00 00 00 - BELIEVE

by mike @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Jun 8, 2007 9:50 AM CDT reply actions

I was at the game last night

and it was a pretty site (in many ways) for multiple reasons. First, Rich Hill was dominant. At one point I finagled my way down to the very front row and the ball was just rocketing from his left hand and it was poppin' with authorithy into Barrett's glove. Unfortunatley my stay in the prime seat (where I was literally 1 foot away from Cubbie hitter on deck) was immediately cut-off when I was asked to show my ticket and that I was apparently in the GM's seat. Whoops. If they knew I was in the GM's seat, why on God's green earth would they not just say something like, "move...now".

The squad finally won a 1-run ballgame, a game which they controlled from the beginning. They especially controlled the limited (and quiet) Braves fans. Fans, to which I may say are not especially knowledgable about the game. I had to move from my original seat cause the donkey behind me kept talking about how 'Renteria is the best short-stop in the game'. Are you kidding me?

All in all I had a great experience, looked like the game would be a shoot-out to begin but I very much appreciated the Pitcher's Duel on a night I had to work the next morning (I showed almost two hour late still). With his dominant curveball and a flawless defense behind him, it was very nice to see the squad win a game when they weren't scoring 10 runs. And yes, I mean flawless, Murton went 110% at that ball and I didn't think there was any way he could catch it, good kick-save (and a beaut) to keep it in front of him.

Here's to another W tonight...

by lilkimmer77 on Jun 8, 2007 10:10 AM CDT reply actions

Sun-Times Article

Nice write-up today in the Sun-times on how teams become winners for the most part by building from within their own farm system:

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/418937,CST-SPT-gordo08.article

"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse

by ronsanto10 on Jun 8, 2007 10:11 AM CDT reply actions

Trip

I flew to Baltimore and had a layover in Cincinnati. Well I left Orlando at about 7:00 AM and didn't get to Baltimore until 4:00 PM. Our plane was delayed about an hour in Cincy and then we got on the plane started taking off and they hit the brakes really hard and there was a problem with the deicying. Was very scary and I didn't get my luggage until 11:00 PM that night so it sucked.

by FLCubsFan on Jun 8, 2007 10:12 AM CDT reply actions

OK... BIG, BIG stretch coming up to June 17

After Atlanta, we come home for 7 games: Houston (1) Seattle (3) and San Diego (3).

Milwaukee's on the road for 9 straight @ Texas, Detroit, Minnesota. DET and MIN will be tough as hell.

St Louis has the LA Angels at home for 3 this weekend... then onto Kansas City and Oakland. I hope the AL West pounds them!!!

We ABSOLUTELY MUST gain some sizable ground on this stretch.

1-RUN GAMES = 2-12 | EXTRA INNINGS = 1-5

by SackMan on Jun 8, 2007 10:20 AM CDT reply actions

Right on brother!

Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.

by eamuscatuli1881 on Jun 8, 2007 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions

Agreed.....

This is a huge weekend too. We need to keep the Brewers at bay this weekend, hopefully gain a game, maybe two....

The importance of the upcoming stretch is huge. This is going to be a fun time of the year for this team that has underachieved so far.

Lets get back to .500 and move onward and upward.

GO CUBS!!!

"The game is always healthier when the Cubs are good, and in a week they have made themselves a whole lot better."

by BillHoldenFan on Jun 8, 2007 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions

Until the Cubs get to

.500 I'm not even gonna think about what other teams are doing. It would be nice if they could get there by the all-star break.

by cubsbak on Jun 8, 2007 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions

I meant to post this after Pie's

3 run homer against Milwaukee, but you can actually see the difference in energy from having him on the team. After he crossed the plate, all the players involved (who was it, Izzy, Z and DLee was up there because he was on deck?) were at home giving normal high fives. But whenever one of them would give Pie a high five, they would get a huge smile on their face, and they would slap hands with him really hard. You can just tell that everytime he does something good (which is becoming more frequent), the whole team gets excited. I love it, and it gives this team the shot in the ass that it needed.

Oh yeah, I drafted Rich Hill in my fantasy draft, one word: stud!

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

by Schwa on Jun 8, 2007 10:56 AM CDT reply actions

I just

feel good when I see Pie in the lineup, because I have confidence that he is a genuine "ballhawk" in center field. Balls hit to CF don't make me cringe with perceived impending doom when he is out there.

I like that he is coming around at the plate, too. I suspect that we will get better at pretty much the rate that Pie gets comfortable at the ML level.

"I lof to hit de home ron."

by Tekboy on Jun 8, 2007 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions

Agreed

"Hello again, everybody. Harry Caray from Wrigley Field on a beautiful day for baseball."

by danimal15 on Jun 8, 2007 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions

Well my last flight...

got cancelled and I'm dumb and didn't realize it until it was too late. However, I'm never going to be that dumb again.

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

by sparkles721 on Jun 8, 2007 11:06 AM CDT reply actions

Going to Hotlanta

We're driving up to Atlanta tomorrow morning from Charleston, SC to catch tomorrow nights game. I hope Marquis has his stuff, and our offense lights it up! If Lee and Barrett can get their bats going, the Cubs can blow the NL central wide open.

"Luis Salazar's name backwards is Suil Razalas" - Harry Caray

by JohnnyRiptide on Jun 8, 2007 11:36 AM CDT reply actions

Will Carroll...

...weighs in on A-Ram. (Subscribers only.) Short version: It should take as much time to heal as it takes for the inflamation to go down. (Bob Brenly said pretty much the same thing last night: it's something that responds very well to cortisone and iceing, in his personal experience.) There is some concern in Carroll's mind that a tear occurred, meaning the problem could be recurring.

by cwyers on Jun 8, 2007 11:50 AM CDT reply actions

Bruce Levine mentioned yesterday.......

around 5:30 on ESPN 1000 that there was a slight tear.

RAMIREZ!! PRIOR!!

by PriorandAramisfan23 on Jun 8, 2007 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions

...just another reason...

...I'm tempted to errect a 100-ft radio tower in the back yard so I can get ESPN 1000. Seriously. You Chicago folks get WGN and CSN in HD, WCIU in Static-Vision, and ESPN 1000. I get a staticy WGN 720, local radio station simulcasts that are 4-5 seconds behind, no WCIU at all, and standard definition. It's just not fair.

by cwyers on Jun 8, 2007 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions

I believe it's

streamed over the internet.

http://sports.espn.go.com/stations/espnradio1000/

by cubsbak on Jun 8, 2007 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions

Life is good.

Bookmarked. affirmed.

by cwyers on Jun 8, 2007 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions

I can get WGN in the car, but nowhere else.

It's pretty clear until I get near power lines and then there's a lot of static. So most of the time I drive down the middle of the road, flipping the middle finger to every power line I see.

Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.

by eamuscatuli1881 on Jun 8, 2007 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions

I heard that too...

...but I haven't heard anything since and can't find anything online or in the papers. He went on to say he would probably have to have surgery at the end of the year and it's the same injury that ended Bill Mueller's career.

by seang03 on Jun 8, 2007 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions

Except Mueller...

Had three surgeries on his knee, and had no cartilage left in his knee. Not the same.

"Not true at all. Vaseline is manufactured right here in the United States." - Don Sutton, about the rumors that he uses a foreign substance on the ball

by Orangeman94 on Jun 8, 2007 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions

Sounds

Like everyone's opinion has changed a little. About a week ago you couldn't find a positive thing comment and now there is nothing put positive comments. I like it but it should always be positive. It's a long season and the Cubs are bound to win a lot. They look good. They look like a different team out there. I think it has a large part due to Pie. They guys is a ball player and brings a lot of excitment to the ballpark. If they send him down again it will be sick. Soriano is coming around. Izturis even had a hit or two. They look loose and are having fun, playing well. The talent and chemistry is there, it's putting it together. If we get Ramirez back and D-Lee starts to hit some more like he can, our pitchers keeping us in the game (what a gem for Hill lastnight). I think we will see the Cubs moving up in the division.

GO CUBS!

by IOWACUBSFAN on Jun 8, 2007 12:14 PM CDT reply actions

I agree with you

but I don't think people were as upset about the Cubs losing as they were about HOW the Cubs were losing. The last few years have been riddled with fundamental-less Cubs teams that look like the Bad News Bears. In a team we know sucks, it's frustrating but not nearly as frustrating as watching a team that SHOULDN'T suck, like this year's squad. When a team with this much potential plays as stupid as they were, it's quite a bit more irritating than a team with lesser talent getting beat every night because they're just not the better team. I'm with you though, hopefully this is the start of something special. With plenty of time left and crappy teams to catch, let's hope 2007 becomes a season to remember.

Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.

by eamuscatuli1881 on Jun 8, 2007 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions

Kind of what happens

when your team is playing good baseball. And good does not necessarily mean winning streaks, etc. Gotta love Cubbies fans.

A few random notes from last night's game. I was right next to the on deck circle for a few innings and I've noticed Murton's swing is looking a lot more 'upper-cuttish'. That's not him, we all know he's at his best when he's driving the ball the other way. That said, I don't mind him in the 4-slot, hopefully he'll get some more AB's and get in his groove like last year.

It'd be great to get another W tonight before facing Husdson and Smoltz this weekend. I'm feelin good about this squad right now, I agree that having a guy like Pie in the lineup is 'rejuvenating' the old-folk for lack of better wording. Even Izzy is playing good ball (respectable with the bat and automatic in the field). He made a nice play to his left in the 9th last night, I'll take the mediocre bat with the glove we all know he has.

Also, DLee seems to be in a minor slump, but honestly, is anyone worried about him? We all know he'll be crushing the ball again soon enough.

Here's to Fonz and the Cubbies staying hot.

by lilkimmer77 on Jun 8, 2007 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions

sorry about your flight Al

Wish I could be there. I was SO close to coming last week because I have friends with connections to the Braves who have for YEARS offered me great ( and free seats) and I was gonna do it this year but I got so frustrated by the losing streak I decided I did not want to use my "Cub" miles and a pay for a hotel.
Anyway as you and Sparkles know I instead decided to come in for BCB day and to watch Maddux pitch against the Cubs next Sunday ( no fun). Oh well that is what I have been saving all my miles for. Alas if my plane is late next week, I won't make the game as I am on a tight schedule.

Hope to see some of you next Saturday.

Now that you made it Al , get us some wins

"It's the Cubbies. There's always a vibe. It's the greatest vibe in baseball." Greg Maddux on Cub fan's optimism even after the 06 debacle.

by jessica on Jun 8, 2007 12:15 PM CDT reply actions

Interesting.

Here are the NL Central standings using MLB's "expected W-L record" formula calculated by Runs Scored and Runs Allowed. (For those who talk about the "Pythagorean" records, I'm not sure how that works so I don't know if this is different or not.)

Chicago 31-27 ---
Milwaukee 30-30 2
Cincinnati 27-34 5.5
Houston 26-33 5.5
Pittsburgh 26-34 6
St. Louis 23-34 7.5

The only semi-tangible thing I take out of this, however, is that the Cardinals have been very, very lucky. I know they're the Cardinals, but I don't see how they can remain towards the top of the division.

Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.

by eamuscatuli1881 on Jun 8, 2007 12:36 PM CDT reply actions

Unfortunately...

...the only thing relevant is the real standings.

by seang03 on Jun 8, 2007 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions

MLB's XW-L...

...is, in fact, the team's Pythagorean record. There are different ways of computing it, and since MLB.com rounds it off so much I have no way of figuring out which they use, but I can't see how it's that much worse than the more sophisticated Pythagenport/Pythagenpat methods.

by cwyers on Jun 8, 2007 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions

Cards not THAT lucky...

I don't read this is as the Cards getting necessarily extremely lucky. They're only 3 games above their expected record. The Cubs are 5 games below our expected record. So I'd say the Cubs have been more "unlucky" than the Cards have been "lucky."

But what I think this really illustrates is the Cubs' bullpen/late-inning hitting woes. That causes close losses, which cause a team to deviate from expected record. There've been several changes in the pen in recent weeks, so hopefully that helps turn things around back there.

by SouthernCub on Jun 8, 2007 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions

I don't really

care why the Cubs have played so well the last few games but I just want it to continue.

Rich Hill was awesome last night. Very happy for him.

Sorry about your travel woes Al. Hope the Cubs reward you with a a few more wins this weekend.

It's hard being a Cubs fan day in and day out.

by sue369 on Jun 8, 2007 12:41 PM CDT reply actions

Al about The Ted, I have two words: Garlic Fries

nfm

by MiniAndretti on Jun 8, 2007 12:44 PM CDT reply actions

Thanks!

I'll have to try those.

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

by Al Yellon on Jun 8, 2007 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions

Re: Turner Field

Does anyone have any experience with driving to the ballpark/parking issues? I'm going in a couple of weeks for the first time and would like to have a better idea of how early I need to get there.

by false cognate on Jun 8, 2007 1:03 PM CDT reply actions

The old Fulton County Stadium...

...is now the parking lot.

Given the horrible attendance at most games if you arrive within an hour of the start you should have no trouble parking their. Also, they do have a cool monument set up in the lot commemorating Hank Aaron's 715th.

Atlanta traffic stinks like Chicago's during Rush hour. If attending a weekday night game, plan according.

by MiniAndretti on Jun 8, 2007 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions

Pie

good to see him get a clutch hit against a good lefty. Being the no.#2 hitter, he should he good pitches to hit all year. Having The Riot as a 7 or 8 hitter is perfect. No.#8 hitters see all kinds of different pitches because of the pitcher batting after them. I think his patience is great for that spot and if he gets on, just bunt him over. I am really starting to feel this is going to work. I haven't felt that way all year yet. Let's just get a healthy ARam back ASAP.

by cubfaninSTL on Jun 8, 2007 1:14 PM CDT reply actions

Agreed regarding Theriot at #8...

Nowhere near the automatic out that other teams have to put there, and he will waste a lot of pitches. He's a great #8.

"Not true at all. Vaseline is manufactured right here in the United States." - Don Sutton, about the rumors that he uses a foreign substance on the ball

by Orangeman94 on Jun 8, 2007 3:02 PM CDT up reply actions

In other baseball news,

Terry Francona needs to shut up:

The Sox manager said that rules eliminating the designated hitter in National League ballparks put American League teams at a significant disadvantage because one of the most potent bats in his lineup will be on the bench in each game.

...

"We're not playing our team," he said prior to last night's 2-0 loss to the Oakland Athletics at McAfee Coliseum. "These games are important and that makes it harder to win."

...

"At some point, somebody in baseball will stand up and go, `You know, this isn't right,' " he said. "Hopefully, it will be before I'm an old man getting my pension, because it's just not right."

Okay, Terry.

by cwyers on Jun 8, 2007 1:26 PM CDT reply actions

he's correct,

it's not right. they should eliminate the designated hitter in all mlb games.

by anormal on Jun 8, 2007 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions

To add...

to Terry's dumbass point..arnt we at a Disadvantage come World Series time when we play in the AL stadium???

Look at the White Sox - if they were in the NL there is no way they could have Thome and Konerko on their team. Same goes for Boston with Youkilis and Ortiz. Cant have both guys out there in the NL.

He should have thought before he spoke...if he is going to say do away with interleague play then we should probably scrap the WS because that is interleague as well and poor Boston doesnt get a fair shake.

by HIGGY on Jun 8, 2007 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions

What's the famous Steve Stone quote?

I think it goes "The first sentence in the Rules of Baseball is 'Baseball is a game played by 9 players,' so I have no idea what game they're playing over in the American League."

So true.

That being said, there is an argument that we come to games to watch pitchers pitch and hitters hit, and not to see pitchers hit.

I guess my view is we should have one rule for everyone. I personally prefer the pitchers hitting, but regardless, this stupid "AL Rules" v. "NL Rules" idea is absurd.

And I'm sure the Players Association would be VERY happy with a rule imposing the DH on the NL....plenty of "all hit, no field" position players out there could keep taking a paycheck.

by Chadnudj on Jun 8, 2007 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions

The DH

really lessens the impact a managers decisions can have on a game. To me, that's a critical part of baseball, and some of the managers in the AL have to get real bored when they go from the NL to the AL.

"I'm not looking for the best players, I'm looking for the right ones" Herb Brooks - 1980 USA Hockey Team

by MPH73 on Jun 8, 2007 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions

Right

Then basically your bench is only good for days off for regulars and injuries.

But in the NL decisions start to come up when the 7th inning roles around.

by HIGGY on Jun 8, 2007 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions

Really those decisions start

in the 1st inning. If you get a guy on and the pitcher is in the hole, you are much more likely to try and steal or hit and run to try and make something happen. In the AL, managers never have to think about a sure out coming up, which would cause them to take some risks on the basepaths.

"I'm not looking for the best players, I'm looking for the right ones" Herb Brooks - 1980 USA Hockey Team

by MPH73 on Jun 8, 2007 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions

oh yea...

right-on wasnt thinking about that - was just thinking about offensively and having to pull a pitcher...

by HIGGY on Jun 8, 2007 2:30 PM CDT up reply actions

I wouldn't like that...

I can't really remember the non-DH AL, but I like having a difference between the two leagues. It gives the opportunity for some players who can't field to play, but the NL still stays the way it has always been.

I love David Ortiz and Travis Hafner, and that's probably one big reason I stick up for the DH. I like the DH players, and I think they are good enough hitters to have been on the field anyway. It's just something different between the leagues.

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

by sparkles721 on Jun 8, 2007 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions

I remember well..

... the pre-DH era. Yes, it was a lower-hitting era, and that's the primary reason the DH was invented.

The two DH's you mention, Ortiz and Hafner, would absolutely be playing 1B today if there were no DH, because they hit so well.

I'm surprised you like the DH, considering your love for Z, and how well he hits. I like pitchers who have a complete view of the game and can hit, like Z and Jason Marquis.

The DH, as you likely know, is used in EVERY professional league EXCEPT the National League. Personally, I'd rather not have it. But it appears to be here to stay.

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

by Al Yellon on Jun 8, 2007 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions

i just hope

they can keep the streak alive. even the loss this week had a different feel.

i have tickets for 2 or the games in texas in a couple weeks and hope the cubs are riding in a solid groove by then. the last time i checked, the rangers had the worst record in mlb. i keep wondering if sammy is waiting to hit #600 when the cubs come to town.

by anormal on Jun 8, 2007 1:27 PM CDT reply actions

Comments on Pie -- "RPA"

Here is an interesting stat -- not sure if it hasaname but I will call it "Run Production Average" (runs scored/games played) (RPA):

RPA:

Pie: .521 (12/23)
Soriano: .692 (36/52)
Lee: .584 (31/53)
Aramiz: .528 (28/53)
Barrett: .367 (18/49)
Theriot: .547 (29/53)
J Jones: .380 (19/50)
DeRosa: .358 (19/53)
Izturis: .250 (11/44)
Murton: .348 (16/46)
Floyd: .333 (14/42)

Keep in mind that pinch hitters are hurt in the analysis. I can tell Pie makes a difference in games so I decided to look into it. Runs scored is good because it doesn't differentiate on how you get on base (even by error). I think it most accurately calculates the "excitement factor" that we are talking about here.

Obviously, piss poor baserunners fair poorly, as do people with low OBP. But, I think it is interesting to see Pie's numbers because he walks so rarely. (It would be interesting to cross-analyze this with walks).

In other words, Soriano, Pie, Theriot, Lee, and Aramiz score in more than half the games they play in.

Discuss amongst yourselves. I am going to work on another stat next: TB Percentage ("TBA").

"60% of the time, it works EVERY time."

by utcubby on Jun 8, 2007 2:39 PM CDT reply actions

Total Base Percentage ("TBA")

I divided TBs by games played to get an idea of how much movement on the paths the players do on average, per game: (TB/G)

TBA:
Soriano: 2.2 TBP
Aramiz: 2.15
D Lee: 2.05
DeRosa: 1.38
Barrett: 1.47
Theriot: 1.19 (lots of pinch hitting)
J Jones: 1.16 (no excuse -- no movement on pads)
C Floyd: 1.12
Izturis: .93
Murton: .87
Pie: 1.48
Pagan: 1.14

Of course, this builds steals into the math so it is interesting to see the movement/energy factor. Consider that J Reyes has a TBA of 1.95 and a RPA of 1.36.

"60% of the time, it works EVERY time."

by utcubby on Jun 8, 2007 2:47 PM CDT reply actions

Aren't total bases...

just bases that come on a hit ball, one for a single, two for a double, etc.?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Total_bases

That's why they're used to figure slugging percentages, right?

I don't understand how that tells you how good of a base runner someone is, whether or not he advances well on hits, steals bases, etc. What that stat does tell me is that if I go to a game, I can expect to see Derrek Lee get a couple of singles or a double, which seems to be about right.

by STLCubFan on Jun 8, 2007 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions

J Reyes RPA

That was a typo -- his RPA is .737.

"60% of the time, it works EVERY time."

by utcubby on Jun 8, 2007 2:48 PM CDT reply actions

Barrett

For all those that claim he can't call a good game, last night proved the point.

If the law of averages are to be believed this is our year....or not.

by tharr on Jun 8, 2007 2:55 PM CDT reply actions

I'm still not convinced...

this team is very good. I know the..."but we've won 4 of the last 5 games!" argument is surely to be voiced by at least one Pollyanna. But hear me out.

The pitching has been more than adequate (aside from Lilly's start). The Bullpen has looked like they actually give a damn, and some of the players in our lineup have started doing what they should have been doing in May(Fonzi). These are all GOOD things, but we all know what all good things must come to eventually.

I'm not doom and gloom just for fun boys, but aside from Hill, the rest of this rotation gives me pause from start to start. Hill's only bad outings seemed to stem from the "holding runners" clinic Larry was putting him through. That topic has been discussed at length and we may never know why they didn't decide to broach that subject until he was in the rotation at the ML level.

The rest of our staff is like flipping a coin. Will the real Carlos Zambrano please stand up...please stand up...please stand up?(That's the extent of my Hip-Hop knowledge) Marquis is getting the job done, but I have this nagging suspicion were eventually going to see the reason he's not much more than a career .500 pitcher. Lilly...hmmm...see my previous comments on Marquis. Marshall...I can't say I don't like what I've seem so far, so I won't say anything good or bad. Ok, something good. He's given us 3 quality starts and has only walked 5 while striking out 22.

Hitting - the art of putting a pitched ball into play in such as way that is difficult for the defense to field it or get the said batter out.
We only have 3 guys who are good at this on the team. One is hurt, one is in a slump, and one of them is platooning in right(Floyd). This is not good.

Pie is a sight for sore eyes, I think he's going to make that number of guys in my comment above increase to 4. I don't know why he was demoted in the first place. Oh yes I do, Fonize had to have his big bad baby way and stay in CF long enough to make Lou OD on Tums.

That was a rant for sure, and you can disagree. I don't agree with everyone all the time, so feel free to let me have it. Just my 4 cents.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 8, 2007 3:18 PM CDT reply actions

DH

Something that I could never figure out was why there were not any really good hitting pitchers. Sure the Cubs have Z and Marquis but why are there not more guys that can at least hit .250? I know there is the excuse that pitchers don't hit enough and all they do is practice their pitching. Well, why in the hell don't they practice hitting? Could you imagine the value of a pitcher who could win you 15 games while hitting .250? This never made sense to me.

by drodd on Jun 8, 2007 4:21 PM CDT reply actions

I suspect it's the same reason behind...

tolerating bad defense from outfielders that cannot throw effectively (cutoffs and accuracy). Major league players should be able to execute the basic baseball plays - bunting, hitting the cut-off man, catching a fly ball to your throwing side while moving forward, catcher's footwork on blocking balls and throwing out runners, hitting a fly ball with a man on 3rd and less than 2 out. Those things are "boring" to the "casual fan", so as long as the guy can swing the bat and make the routine play, most teams are willing to look the other way.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 8, 2007 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions