Bat Mitzvah Night, and Open Thread: Cubs vs. Diamondbacks, Sunday 8/26, 3:40 CT
by Al Yellon on Aug 26, 2007 7:50 AM CDT
in Recap/Game Thread
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PrintLongtime readers of this blog will remember my daughter Rachel's friend Jenna, of whom I have written twice in the last year as she prepared for her Bat Mitzvah, which took place yesterday. She is, as I noted before, as big a Cubs fan as any of us here, and managed, in her speech, to mention Sandy Koufax, Ken Holtzman, Shawn Green (who she actually went up to when the Mets were in town and invited to the Bat Mitzvah. He laughed and politely declined, as the Mets had some important business in New York this weekend), and Jason Marquis. The rabbi, in the spirit of things, said he didn't know whether to say "Shabbat Shalom" ("Sabbath greetings", loosely, in Hebrew) or "Play ball!" Later, after the service was completed, he continued this humorous vein by saying, "I didn't know whether to say 'Mazel tov' (Hebrew, loosely, for 'Congratulations') or 'Holy Cow'!"
It was an enjoyable event; too bad her favorite team (and ours) didn't cooperate in making it a perfect day. Instead, the Cubs lost to the Diamondbacks 3-1, and what more can you say? Sometimes you just get beat. It turned on one bad pitch -- an inside fastball that Conor Jackson turned on and crushed for a two-run HR -- and the Cubs could do little with Doug Davis. Lou called him "a crafty lefthander", but Davis said:
Other than the HR, I thought Ted Lilly threw a really nice game. The Cubs have allowed the second-fewest runs in the NL (only the Padres have allowed fewer; and among AL teams, only the Red Sox have allowed fewer than the Cubs' total of 538), have a run differential of +51 and a Pythagorean projected record of 69-59. Sooner or later, the actual record ought to catch up to that. Win today and this road trip will be a success.
I was pleased to see Jason Kendall hitting second and Jacque Jones hitting eighth last night. This lineup will score some runs if Lou will just leave it alone for a few days.
Thankfully, the Brewers also lost last night again, 6-2 to the Giants, so the Cubs maintain their 1.5 game lead. The Cardinals moved to within 3 games by defeating the Braves 5-4. From the AP recap, another quote from Doug Davis:
| Today's Starting Pitchers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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This afternoon's contest is cable-only on CSN Chicago; if you are in Arizona (and I know quite a few of you are) it should be available statewide via 3TV Phoenix and its repeater network. Here is today's MLB Mediacenter link.
MLB.com Gameday (2007 version)
MLB.com Gameday (2006 version)
MLB.com Gameday for today's Braves/Cardinals game (1:15 pm CT start time)
MLB.com Gameday for today's Brewers/Giants game (3:05 pm CT start time)
Discuss amongst yourselves.
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Comments
Need to win to keep momentum...
Why is a guy in CA the first
Now I want to hope the good Jason shows up today and kicks the D'Backs butts. I agree that a series win and no less than a 1.5 game lead going into the Brewer series is critical. Let's come home with mighty Mo on our side!
Go Cubs Go!!
Same from me
by No Southern Belle on Aug 26, 2007 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions
kiss of death
Good comment on Doug Davis
Didn't want to make a whole diary on this but what a laugh I got last night listening to Santo interview Craig Monroe. Monroe was saying he grew up watching WGN in Texas.....watched Sammy hit all those home runs.....he knew all about he Bricks and IVORY!!!
I heard it replayed so it confirmed it to me. No wonder he went hitless last night. Does someone want to let him know we don't put Ivory soap on our walls?
Is this money ball Sunday?
Win one game get a second absolutley free!!!
Marquis 10-7.
by Big Red on Aug 26, 2007 11:08 AM CDT reply actions
Mazeltov Jenna!
Win today
FYI
They have won 5 in a row, and 7 of their last 10.
...they've pulled to 4 and a half games...of the Cardinals! At 59-70, going into today's action -- they've gained 9 games in the standings, as the Pirates and Astros have fallen to 5th and 6th place. They were once 20 games below .500.
Just some notes for the future...
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Aug 26, 2007 12:26 PM CDT reply actions
And they're leading the Marlins 6-0 today
Maybe they've found it. Or maybe they've decided their best option is to outslug everybody else.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 26, 2007 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions
The Reds are freakin' scary
I agree
by bennyha on Aug 26, 2007 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Hey - I beat you to the Chai reference!!
by sanantonecub on Aug 26, 2007 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Technically,
Besides the references to all the "18s" from that, I hope he puts a lot of bagels "0" up when the D'backs are batting.
Go Cubs...we need this one today! I think Hank White is going to contrbute something important today.
the Reds
Question: Any guesses as to the Reds play well against us? The only thing I can think of -- and don't lampoon me if this doesn't check out, because I haven't researched it -- is that the Reds weakness is their bullpen, and the Cubs in the past few years have not been a good comeback team.
Thoughts?
I don't think that's it
I don't think their bullpen has stymied the Cubs more than usual.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 26, 2007 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions
Into the lions', er, bears' den
But anyway. Whenever I go somewhere else, I always respect my surroundings. That can be another country, another city, or simply somebody else's house. I try to remember like a guest, and behave in the way I'd like visitors to my country/city/house to behave if they came to see me. I respect the locals, their traditions, culture and property. Unfortunately, there are a minority - but not a negligible number - of Cubs fans, who do not seem to share this approach, and believe that "supporting their team" consists as much of turning their back to the park and taunting the opposing fans with every hit, or generally behaving like an invading barbarian horde. It's only a baseball game, - and not even a playoff game at that, just 0.6% of the regular season. Behave like you've won a game before.
To draw a parallel, when Al was over at my house, it was among the best baseball evenings I've had. that didn't involve an actual game. However, Friday night's game was more like having your party invaded by two hundred people, some of whom took it upon themselves to berate the hosts, get obnoxiously drunk and pee on the carpets. Not so much fun. Now, I would not seek to tar all Cubs fans with that brush. And it may simply have been a bad night, because Saturday's game was almost perfect. The atmosphere in and around Chase was the best I've ever seen outside of the playoffs, and the Cubs fans played a very important part in that. [Though I noticed they were much less vocal, and basically fell silent after Jackson's home-run. I find that harder to respect: easy to cheer for a winning team, but doesn't your team needs more support when they're losing?] Maybe all the bad Cubs fans from Friday were still hungover!
By all means, cheer for your team: much as I hate hearing "Let's go, Cubbies," that's probably largely because hearing it is never a good sign for an AZ fan - I can't really justify my dislike beyond that. All I ask is that people remember they are, effectively, a guest in someone else's house, and behave appropriately. Thanks for reading. Got my bullet-proof underwear on, so fire away, though you should check out yesterday's Gameday Thread comments - I think you'll be much happier! Oh, and as for "crappy franchise pizza", should I mention that Pizzeria Blanco - just across Jefferson from the ballpark - has been rated the best pizza in the US? :-)
Thanks again,
Jim, AZ SnakePit
Technically...
It's annoying when opposing fans cheer and are obnoxious at road games. But it's not in the least oncommon, nor is it uncommon for home fans to be obnoxious back to the road fans. That's an unfortunate reality of sports fandom as a whole.
Your comments seemed to imply that Cubs fans are worse than others. I highly doubt that to be the case. I'm pretty sure you can find unsavory fans of nearly any team, especially those with a long history.
On the other hand
2) It may be a reality, but it's not a necessity. I've been to a number of AZ road-games, and have always been treated well. Of course, I always try to behave well too. You get the respect you deserve, basically.
3) Here's my theory on this. No, Cubs fans are no "worse" than any others. However, the large number of them greatly emboldens the jackass element. If you're on your own in a crowd of thirty thousand, you're not going to do anything. But when you feel your homies have got your back, that (and a few beers plus the Arizona heat, I strongly suspect) leads to the issues I've experienced.
Don't need to convince me...
My theory is different. My theory is that what you're experiencing is twofold:
- there are more Cubs fans than fans of most other (non D-Back) teams in Arizona, thus you're more likely to be exposed to a bad Cubs fan (i.e., if the ratio of crappy fan to good fan is generally the same for all teams, then a team with more fans is more likely to also have crappy fans), and
- since there are more Cubs fans in Arizona, and thus there are likely more crappy Cubs fans in Arizona (see #1), you are probably sensitive to the obnoxious Cubs fans moreso than other teams.
A few thoughts on this
If any fan of any team is truly disruptive, then call the attention of security and deal with it that way.
But please, do not confuse not liking what you hear, and being disappointed at the percentage of road fans compared to the home crowd, with actually being disrupted.
As for the comments about needing to cheer the team when they are down, may I say, with all due respect, to look to your own.
I was in Phoenix recently, and attended the Aug 12 game between the Nats and the D'Backs. I'm sure you remember the game.
(By the way, I didn't have to prove loyalty to either team before the D'Backs so graciously took my money. So, I don't know if I was host or guest or maybe just the guy who delivers pizza to the party. I'll leave that for you to decide.)
Stephen Drew hits a sac fly in the bottom of the 8th to go ahead 6-5, but then Valverde gives up a tying homer and a go-ahead sac fly in the top of the ninth.
At least 30 percent of the stadium left before the D'Backs even came up in the bottom of the ninth.
By the way, I wore my Cubs hat to the right field bleachers, and four rows behind me, three of your brethren chose to update me everytime Colorado scored again, and then chose to make fun of Kerry Wood's arm trouble.
Perhaps they go into other people's houses and make fun of previous injuries the owners have suffered. Perhaps that is just the way things are done in Phoenix.
See how much fun extrapolation is?
On the other hand, I loved Alice Cooper's place just down the road...
by lancaster99 on Aug 26, 2007 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Not the Colors, the Attitude
As an out of towner, even though I have Cubs season tickets I probably see just as many Cub games on the road as I do at Wrigley. There are obviously lots of Cub fans, and by and large I think the overwhelming majority represents itself fairly well, and I don't think you dispute that.
But at the same time, a very small handful of people apparently want to use their teams (Cubs, Phillies, Mets, Yankees, whatever) as an excuse to get completely liquored up and anti-social. At one extreme, this type will come into an opposing park not really to watch the game, but instead looking to instigate fights with people. There's no excuse for that, and anybody who tells you that none of these people wear Cubbie blue is deluding themselves.
It's got nothing to do with being a better "fan" of either of the teams on the field - it's just dumb behavior from stupid people who need either better manners or social skills. But as a fan of the game, I fully agree that these people should take it elsewhere.
FWIW
Given the location, it seemed like an awful high percentage of fans in the vicinity were wearing blue. I have to say that virtually all behaved appropriately and cheered for their team without resorting to profanity and/boorish behavior.
Having said that, there were two notable exceptions to this, and they happened to be sitting next to me (we had the two seats on the aisle).
These were two bozos from Chicago, who made sure everyone knew they had paid exhorbitant scalpers prices for these seats, knew nothing about baseball (they spent an inning and a half loudly debating whether the Cubs has tried a squeeze play or not, when it was obvious they did), and who were roaring drunk by the 3rd inning.
Unlike a good percentage of Cubs fans at the ballpark who are actually Valley residents, these guys yelled, cursed and complained the whole game. They also spilled one of their beers on the woman in front of them (who was wearing a Cubs visor) and then laughed, rather than apologized.
They had a friend who was sitting in the 2nd row behind the Cubs dugout and they kept sneaking down to slip into empty seats next to him, and then got booted out when the occupants of those seats arrived. My mom and I kept praying they were gone for good...to no avail.
They climbed over us at LEAST 20 times during the game (either to get a beer, recycle one in the men's room or go visit their friend), and almost EVERY time it was during a key pitch of an at bat. I doubt they actually SAW more than a half dozen at bats during the entire game.
I emphasize that these were only two bozos out of thousands of good, sincere Cubs fans at Chase Field last night. But, I certainly can understand what Jim is describing based on my own experience.
I think it is hilarious when people try to debate which teams have the more obnoxious, ignorant, or annoying fans. It is a pointless argument, because any team that has a following of any size will have a certain percentage of fans that are that way. I don't care who the team is.
Around these parts the popular debate is over Arizona State fans versus University of Arizona fans. I personally have witnessed sub-human behavior on the part of Sun Devil fans (such as the chant "Where's your daddy?" aimed at Steve Kerr when he played against ASU the day after his father had been killed in Beirut.)
But, at the same time, as a grad of the UofA, I have on occaision been ashamed at the behavior and antics of some Wildcat fans at games.
It just goes with the territory, I guess, especially at rivalry games. But, I think it is too bad you can't have a good competitive rivalry without being exposed to behavior that makes you wish you were somewhere else.
by jazzman56 on Aug 26, 2007 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Clarified.
I notice you could not help but slip in a few taunts in your "clarification". But I guess you think that is ok. After all this is a forum for discussion about baseball, and a ball park is a ... library, I guess.
by californiachicagoan on Aug 26, 2007 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't see why
Please explain to me why you think that is okay.
I'm not expecting a library atmosphere, just that I don't have to feel like I am going to a zoo and will have to fend off the baboons.
by jazzman56 on Aug 26, 2007 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Reread original post
The actions you mention from another poster (the Cubs fans) were reprehensible, and they should have been kicked out of the park.
by californiachicagoan on Aug 26, 2007 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions
NO WAY
Pizza is as good as THE REAL Uno's & Geno's. I know a lot
of people on this blog think both have deteriated but not me. I dream of the stuff and don't touch any pizza here in New York.
by jessica on Aug 26, 2007 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions
"turning their backs on the ballpark"
JJ
by californiachicagoan on Aug 26, 2007 2:13 PM CDT reply actions
Is it just me....
me too
by bennyha on Aug 26, 2007 2:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Me three...
I agree. Lots of trouble.
just press the stop loading page
Didn't work for me...
Yeah, I was having some trouble too.
Firefox + AdBlock
by sanantonecub on Aug 26, 2007 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Hey Al, your preview...
Just sayin...
Duh!
I only WISH he could get two wins in one day!!
lol, that'd be awesome
lineup
jones
lee
aram
floyd
monroe
fontenot
blanco
marquis
Interesting...
or
I'll give him a chance..
Hopefully, he'll perform well for us. But if he does, it will certainly be out of character for him based on his career.
Not at all the same...
In other words, what Kendall is doing is not out of line with his career norms. If Monroe does well, it WOULD be out of line with his career norms.
Um, no.
by californiachicagoan on Aug 26, 2007 3:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Better? Yes. Good? No.
Kendall, on the other hand, was always a high OBP guy before this year. So him becoming a high OBP guy again with the Cubs is not out of character.
If Monroe hits .255/.300/.450 for the rest of the season, that'd be in line with his career norms. That would be much better than what he's done this year, but it wouldn't be good. For him to be good, that would be surprising. Make sense now?
or
Pie v Monroe
Monroe's is .555
As for giving a guy a chance, how about giving your young top prospect a chance? We know what Monroe's ceiling is, what about Pie's?
So, better hitter vs righties right now. Better D. Better future. Why are we not starting Pie vs the righty?
by californiachicagoan on Aug 26, 2007 3:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Monroe's role?
by californiachicagoan on Aug 26, 2007 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions
DeRo Injured?
cardinals beating the braves 4-1
been gone for a week
HEY AL -
Since the Big Ten banner showed up at the top of the webpage, I cannont reply to a comment, refresh the page, go into any of the diaries or even email you to tell you the problem.
Refreshing only gets the banner and no content.
Coral,
I emailed Al to see if anyone else was having the same problem but didn't hear from him.
I'm having ...
--t.
by Littlerock Rynofan on Aug 26, 2007 3:30 PM CDT up reply actions
I was off my computer till just now.
Just to tell you
Lou just said
fist four pitches from dave bush
1-0 Giants
And without a hit.
The Schlitzes
Meanwhile, the Little Red Rats with Wings are still ahead 4-1.
This could be a bad day...
by lancaster99 on Aug 26, 2007 3:32 PM CDT reply actions
Baseball is very closely bunched
Hard to get on really good long streaks except with truly outstanding pitching as Cubs have had (at times), St L recently...that's the only way to distinguish yourself.
For next year I see more of same Cubs need to make bold moves to bolster offense to become more a force in the NL.
by writerinwrigley on Aug 26, 2007 3:34 PM CDT reply actions
Sue369 and Al,
Let's get some runs !!!!
Lets take advantage of this guy
Same loading problems here, too
At gaslampball, I was criticized for not 'assimilating' into San Diego -- and for not becoming a Padres fan. Even though I've been alive longer than 99% of the posters there, I gave up.
"How could you live here 20+ years and not care about the Padres?? was the question.
Easy, I said. I grew up in Chicago. I'm a Cubs fan. What if you moved to -- wherever? Wouldn't you be a Padres fan? One person said "I'd root for the team in the city I lived in." I said --
"You'd give up rooting for the Padres??" No answer. Of course, the main blogger no longer lives in SD. He didn't enter the discussion.
After getting sick of the childish behavior -- I withdrew my ability to post. It was a waste of time.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Aug 26, 2007 3:47 PM CDT reply actions
We will not be Borg
and I hate the Mets and Yankees more than ever. Not as much pressure here. Lots of Bosox , Cubs. Indian etc fans. My office has one Red Sox fan, one Braves fan, one Indians fan, one
each Met & Yankee fan and another half Cub fan ( her boyfriend
is converting her).
FYI took me 2 minutes of waiting to get into post this. Glad to read this was not just me. Hopefully they have scored some more runs by now.
by jessica on Aug 26, 2007 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions
"Drew" that single into a
AZ D-backs/Colo Rockies
And, unreadable names on these beauties. Hopefully, the Suns won't change their colors to "Sedona Red." 2 Teams with "Sedona Red" and 1 with "Cardinal Red" are more than enough.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Aug 26, 2007 3:49 PM CDT reply actions
Why does Lee hit in front of Ramirez?
You want high OBP guys...
Pour it on boys
by lancaster99 on Aug 26, 2007 3:51 PM CDT reply actions
Alright Cliffy!!!!!!
Hopefully he can build off that...
Maybe his
Hopefully...
Wonder if our local contingent of fans...
by lancaster99 on Aug 26, 2007 3:54 PM CDT reply actions
anyone watching
On the warning track
by sanantonecub on Aug 26, 2007 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes... it was extremely close to a home run.
With all the Cubs fans in attendence
D-Lee isn't anywhere
Theriot
Kendall
Ramirez
Soriano
Lee
DeRosa
Floyd/Monroe
Jones
I like Lee batting 3rd
He gets on base and runs the bases well, he belongs near the top of the order. You could argue second.
Brewers up 4-1
Marmol, Howry and Dempster all had the night off yesterday, right? Should help late.
in my ealier post
don't be negative.
If you really wanted to punish me
by lancaster99 on Aug 26, 2007 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions
we'll make you listen
Marquis, didn't you get the memo
:(
Total Number of runs today
I think I'll take over.
yeah, they've killed us this year.
by buckmulligan on Aug 26, 2007 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Brilliance from Rosenbloom
It's Bad Jason Day
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Aug 26, 2007 4:21 PM CDT reply actions
I think Young has Marquis' number...
There was a funny story today in the Tribune
He's got a place.
We can pay Prior a lot less to do what Marquis is doing.
I'm seeing why he was left off the playoff roster.
When your team gives you a 3-0 lead, you're supposed to win. Ted Lilly and Rich Hill would be fighting over the Cy Young right now if they got the run support this clown gets.
by lancaster99 on Aug 26, 2007 4:25 PM CDT reply actions
You are forgetting one thing
I seemingly have to point this out daily -- this team should never rely on The Employee or his skinny Buddy, currently the last man in the pen - one who should never be in the game when it's on the line.
Thunderthighs vanished, as was evident in 'before' and 'after' pictures Al posted in March, watching T.E. at Fitch Park. Where did the rest of #22 go?
I'll let you speculate on that.
Personally, I hope he never throws another pitch in a Cub uniform. He's a bad memory.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Aug 26, 2007 4:56 PM CDT up reply actions
OMG!!!!
Sparkles:This is YOUR fault
SHOULD have benched him today.
by jessica on Aug 26, 2007 4:32 PM CDT reply actions
Don't get too excited
Rosenbloom is an idiot.
by lancaster99 on Aug 26, 2007 4:33 PM CDT reply actions
Apparently, he said
I guess the state-of-the-art facilities in Wrigley and that perfect Chicago healing weather cures Lee at home.
Rosenbloom makes Mariotti look like a Rhodes Scholar. I've hated him ever since he had that smarmy mug shot in the Trib, years ago.
Bayless, Lincicome, Rosenbloom, and now Morrissey. How is it the Tribune gets writers that 90 percent of the fans and 99 percent of the athletes want to punch?
by lancaster99 on Aug 26, 2007 4:37 PM CDT up reply actions
hah pat and ron
classic marquis game.
i can't believe that stayed up.
Hmmm....I ask myself,
:-)
I do hope...
After all, those seats you paid good money for only entitle you to be a GUEST in someone else's house.
by lancaster99 on Aug 26, 2007 4:41 PM CDT reply actions
Good JJ today.
Was JJ disrespecting
I'm not qualified to answer
by lancaster99 on Aug 26, 2007 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Was JJ disrespecting D'backs fans?
I mean, that guy from the AZ snakepot disrespected ALL OF CHICAGO by claiming that, excuse me, friggin' AZ? has the best rated PIZZA in the USA...??
Pizza was INVENTED in Chicago...in fact I heard one time that the word "pizza" was slang for "Chicago".... :-)
...(Thinks of the Aurelios pie I just ordered)...
by TheRamZamDLEE on Aug 26, 2007 5:04 PM CDT up reply actions
I remember reading the story
A different category of Pizza. Doesn't count.
I don't want goat cheese or portobello mushrooms on my pizza, unless the 28-year-old brunette sitting across from me does......
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Aug 26, 2007 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't want goat cheese or portobello mushrooms
we need to put up a crooked number.
Great to see Jacque
yes. monroe.
come on hank.
otherwise, we could quickly be out of the inning.
damn.
i know it's early.
Marquis was hitting like .250 at one point...
If your pitcher is hitting .333
by IllinoisCubs on Aug 26, 2007 4:54 PM CDT up reply actions
GIants 4-Brewers 4
BlueLou
No worries girl.... :-)
Everything's working fine on my end now....
should've bunted with blanco
that was a big spot, chance to square the game and wipe the marquis junk away. not good.
meanwhile, the giants have tied it up in sanfran.
you can't keep sending
alright.
let's get some runs and take control of this game.
it must be living in 110 degree
Daron Sutton
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Aug 26, 2007 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions
whew
anyone else have the feeling that the offense
This entire...
The Grace thing is brutal.....
SF just took the lead 5-4
Top of the 9th now too....
Ohhhh, BABY!
Soriano back on Tuesday
So Eric Byrnes
SF won 5-4! Very nice indeed seeing them
BTW - Weeks got the final out with a K... :-)
Go Cubs!!!
Maybe we were fortunate in SF
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Aug 26, 2007 5:26 PM CDT reply actions
Dang it...I gotta leave and can't watch the rest
Here's to the Cubs socring a few and taking this rubber game back to Chicago.
Go Cubs!!
Walkoff HR in extra innings to win the LLWS.
by MiniAndretti on Aug 26, 2007 5:28 PM CDT reply actions
damn it. i hate how the offense just dries up
i'd love to see a late inning rally, as this is an especially big game.
With another pitcher, maybe
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 26, 2007 5:34 PM CDT up reply actions
then, he still should have bunted blanco.
by buckmulligan on Aug 26, 2007 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions
this reminds me of the game in SF.
Valverde
Valverde
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 26, 2007 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Check out what
my point
And my point is
Too bad the Cubs
There is this guy, DeRosa that platoons with Fonty
by MiniAndretti on Aug 26, 2007 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Gotta give Marquis
Milwaukee has a .500 record after the sweep
this is a replay of Brewers 2006...
come on d. i think this is it.
what a punch in the gut that catch was on jj.
They got
Oh, come on "lucky"
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Aug 26, 2007 5:51 PM CDT reply actions
They were both great catches.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 26, 2007 5:53 PM CDT up reply actions
The ball
Also, Jones's ball was crushed. The ball Jones caught was a bloop. So yes, the Cubs got a bit unlucky that a ball that was crushed happened to be hit right at the guy.
Dlee is just pathetic lately
Yup, he can't crush it
:yawn:
by sanantonecub on Aug 26, 2007 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions
I almost spit the contents
Hey, at least they're hitting homers today. That should make some people happy.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 26, 2007 5:56 PM CDT up reply actions
You would think so
by sanantonecub on Aug 26, 2007 5:57 PM CDT up reply actions
that was a pitch on the outer 1/3
15 homers for the year is not enough
and yes he did go with the
Is it just me or does DLee look
He stands where he always has but
by MiniAndretti on Aug 26, 2007 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Hudson thought he was out on the 4th pitch--
Wow, guess they want to get
Valverde ain't gonna blow this save, folks.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Aug 26, 2007 6:06 PM CDT reply actions
no doubt. i will be shocked if we get a ball out
by buckmulligan on Aug 26, 2007 6:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Let's put a theoretical $10 on it
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 26, 2007 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions
i hope i'm wrong.
by buckmulligan on Aug 26, 2007 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions
you heard brenly say
i guess they're due.
by buckmulligan on Aug 26, 2007 6:14 PM CDT up reply actions
meanwhile, the cardinals are going to pick up
now, the cardinals get to watch the cubs and brewers beat up on each other while they sweep the astros. i've got a bad feeling that the cardinals are going to move into a tie for first this week.
realyl to bad
We historically suck against the D-Backs
by sanantonecub on Aug 26, 2007 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Patience at the plate
Seven frickin pitches? Can't wait to get on the plane home!!!!!
Now, that's getting
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Aug 26, 2007 6:11 PM CDT reply actions
it's possible.
by buckmulligan on Aug 26, 2007 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Uh-huh.
If anything has been shown this season, it's that grand pronouncements are foolhardy.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 26, 2007 6:19 PM CDT up reply actions
damn it. i knew that 4th inning was the key.
now, saying that. i'm hoping for a bloop and a blast in the ninth.
I hope to heck the Cubs come back
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 26, 2007 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Cubs lack killer instinct
Guess this is the diff. between a good team that takes advantage and a slightly above avg. team that barely hangs above .500 in weak division...feel like we're sinking to level of Comedy Central competition when could easily have 4-5 game lead in division if played decent this month.
by writerinwrigley on Aug 26, 2007 6:13 PM CDT reply actions
How about the Cubs are what they are?
by MiniAndretti on Aug 26, 2007 6:15 PM CDT up reply actions
And I hardly believe
Furthermore if a team does go into a game with some sort of killer instinct I don't it lets them will themselves to a win.
They play the game, they win some they lose some. IF they lose they still split the roadtrip and have a 1.5 lead on the Brewers
GO CUBBIES!
If it is a loss
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Aug 26, 2007 6:14 PM CDT reply actions
And 8-13 w/o Soriano? (if a loss today)
Can that be a positive sign?
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Aug 26, 2007 6:18 PM CDT reply actions
It certainly can be interpreted that way.
We'll see what happens with Soriano back in the lineup.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 26, 2007 6:23 PM CDT up reply actions
allright
I can't believe this Howry drama...enough!!!!!!!!
by FortLauderdaleCubs on Aug 26, 2007 6:22 PM CDT reply actions
come on fonty
Small or large ball...just get some runs!!!!
by FortLauderdaleCubs on Aug 26, 2007 6:26 PM CDT up reply actions
I win, Buck
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 26, 2007 6:25 PM CDT reply actions
gladly.
by buckmulligan on Aug 26, 2007 6:27 PM CDT up reply actions
derosa has to bat here
Oooohh
I would've opted to have somebody to sacrifice him over to 2nd.
Hopefully ward proves me wrong
You have just been proven wrong.
by sanantonecub on Aug 26, 2007 6:27 PM CDT up reply actions
eating my words
just make it a good one jason.
move the runners kendall
how about a walk
really like
nice lou.
Cubs have Valverde
gosh why did we send the runners
That's rough.
ouch.
need the riot to be a hero.
come on riot
Crap...
by carmenfanzone on Aug 26, 2007 6:36 PM CDT reply actions
DOn't think he was running full speed...
man, this is just not the cubs day. or weekend.
Too bad that went foul
In defense of Lou
come on Jacque!!!
by carmenfanzone on Aug 26, 2007 6:38 PM CDT reply actions
come on JJ
C'Mon guys!
Dammit riot
Dude
Jones is a K or groundout guy..need PH!!!!
by FortLauderdaleCubs on Aug 26, 2007 6:39 PM CDT reply actions
JJ
Thasks JJ
yea! crap!
oh man. nowhere near it.
find a hole
by carmenfanzone on Aug 26, 2007 6:40 PM CDT reply actions
i think i dislike valverde more than any player in
valverde is just so annoying on the mound,
by buckmulligan on Aug 26, 2007 6:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Holy crap. You'd think from that reaction
He always does that crap.
Didn't they?
Jackson doesn't get that ball
by carmenfanzone on Aug 26, 2007 6:42 PM CDT reply actions
The Cubs had better
Huh?
by I65 on Aug 26, 2007 6:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Marquis the starter and Jones the ender...
by FortLauderdaleCubs on Aug 26, 2007 6:43 PM CDT reply actions
what the hell does it matter
I agree...f*ck pressure..what's with this
by FortLauderdaleCubs on Aug 26, 2007 6:45 PM CDT up reply actions
How many homers for Young this year?
I fed the troll so you don't have to.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 26, 2007 6:48 PM CDT up reply actions
i think he's had 4 against the cubs,
by buckmulligan on Aug 26, 2007 6:48 PM CDT up reply actions
3 against
It's been either homer or nothing
Think Kenny Williams is regretting that trade a little bit?
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 26, 2007 6:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Kenny Williams is a pure idiot as a GM
by FortLauderdaleCubs on Aug 26, 2007 6:52 PM CDT up reply actions
What has your GM done for you...
99 wins
161 days in first place
11-1 in the post-season
Sweep of the World Series.
The next season, 90 wins. So this year they will probably finish in last place and get their first top ten draft pick in about 15 years. Yeah, clearly the Sox GM is lousy.
So, what does that mean for your favorite teams GM? How do you rate him?
'Great job Jim on that 6th place finish last season in the worst division in MLB. And terrific job spending like a drunk sailor on a team on pace to win 83 games this season...'
I've never
I don't understand why you come here. I don't care what you or anyone else posts on the Sux site about the Cubs. Why do you care what we say about the Sux?
So very clever...
Kenny Williams is frequently attacked by Cubbie fans. In fact one great example is after the trade of Carlos Lee for Pods. Kenny was called an idiot and the Cubbie scribe said that the Sox would be lucky to win 70 games. Interestingly, at the same time the Cubbie scribe was defending Dusty and praising Hendry.
Why are many Cubbie fans who are able and eager to bitterly criticize the Sox yet become pollyannas about the Cubbies?
Where are the Cubbie fans who've said time and time again that if the Cubbies were in contention they wouldn't give the Sox a passing thought?
You
Why do you come here? You have a home with the rest of the loser fans. Why not stay there. Weak record/division or not, Cubs have first place now (hopefully for longer) and you are a thorn in our side. Why not pick your self up a big bag of dicks, sit down, and eat the whole thing?
A pre-emptive apology to Al or anyone else who will have a problem with my language. I can already say that I will not do it again....
by Kinky Reggae on Aug 27, 2007 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions
Again
The Cubs are what they are. I'm happy with improvement this year. If they don't make the playoffs they still made improvement over last year. I have faith they will continue to get better each year. I know there are others who have the "win now" mentality and that's fine but they will be disappointed if the Cubs don't make the playoffs.
Wecome matt...
This is a discussion board, right? Obviously, it's a Cubbies blog but why do you and others get so upset when a fan of another team (in my case the Sox) challenges their opinions?
I participate in other baseball discussion sites where fans from other teams participate and they are able to challenge, question and generally participate without the ugly personal attacks that you've seen here.
I really do try and keep away from the "Cubs suck" stuff. And I mostly have responded to comments here about the Sox. However, even my Cubbie baseball related comments here have engendered hateful remarks merely because I'm a Sox fan.
In the end, Al has stated in the past, that I'm welcome here. So long as that's the case, that's all I need. Although, a bit of tolerance would be welcome and a lot less of the ugly personal attacks.
If some can't deal with my comments, because I'm a Sox fan, please feel free to ignore them. That's wholly better than what you've seen here, which was uncalled for and ugly.
Faith w/o works...
Wouldn't it have been difficult NOT to have improved over last season?
Still here huh?
by Kinky Reggae on Aug 28, 2007 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Are you....
Or...are you one of those people down clark street...about Belmont...who scream at the "outsiders" to "GO HOME" and GTF out of my neighborhood....(which will NOT HELP YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD)
I don't hate the Sox at all, but KW is just
by FortLauderdaleCubs on Aug 26, 2007 11:01 PM CDT up reply actions
point by point
"The problem with the Sox is that they have a boss who can't admit he is wrong"
I don't know that to be true. Reinsdorf is not perfect, who is? But he seems to me to be a decent, honorable guy who gets a lot of loyalty from many of the people who work for him.
I don't love some of the things Reinsdorf has done as an owner of my favorite team, but that would be true of any other owner.
"can't plan for the future, and can't spend the bucks to get the job done."
IMO Reinsdorf trusts in the people he hires, perhaps to a fault.
The Bulls won 6 championships, the Sox 1. So clearly Reinsdorf has "got the job done."
The Sox payroll is very high this season, and it has been in the past as well. As you should know too, just spending money is no guarantee of great success in baseball.
"KW screwed the pooch last year at the trade deadline and Reinsdorf et. al. decided to re-sign a bunch of overachieving pitchers and washed-up veterans. Brilliant."
Garland, Vazquez, Buehrle & Contreras were signed of the starters after the '05 World Championship. Other than Contreras, who are the "bunch of overachieving pitchers and washed up veterans?"
Vazquez, whom got the initial slam in this discussion, is having a very good season for the Sox.
BTW contrary to one of your claims, Reinsdorf recently admitted that it was a mistake to have signed Contreras (I wonder if Cubbie management will be as candid in the future with Zambrano's signing and/or Soriano who while not a pitcher is signed to a very long contract?)
Where is the Sox farm system ranked and by whom?
Clearly it was depleted in the run-up to the '05 World Championship, as KW has admitted as much. If that's true, then having done so in the pursuit of a World Championship was well worth it.
The Sox do though have some bright spots with at least some potential in their system:
Josh Fields
Jerry Owens
Jon Danks
Danny Richar
Brian Anderson (he still has a shot)
Ryan Sweeney
Gio Gonzalez
Adam Russell
Jack Egbert
Fautino De Los Santos
Ray Liotta
Brian Omogrosso
Ha! You're so dumb!
Before you get on that ever so high horse you love to ride big guy...that was a joke to lighten the mood left after once again, you venture where you do not belong.
by Kinky Reggae on Aug 27, 2007 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions
That's all such nonsense.
I have also followed the team as they finished second behind the Indians and Twins for over a decade. That ain't getting the job done. A MLB team based in in a big market like Chicago should do better than that. I will say that the Cubs should do better as well.
Reinsdorf could have easily won more than six championships if he had control of his team and could have kept Jordan in tow (i.e., not let him continually quit and return).
Please understand I am not a hater of the Sox. I dislike Reinsdorf and his current GM. They have a belief that they can do no wrong, love to take credit for all fortune, and refuse to lay out a cogent and successful long-term plan to get the Sox to a successful level. Hence their product on the field now is pure crap.
by FortLauderdaleCubs on Aug 27, 2007 8:01 PM CDT up reply actions
By the way...
by FortLauderdaleCubs on Aug 27, 2007 8:16 PM CDT up reply actions
So what was the nonsense?
No. If only you knew what you were talking about.
Josh Fields AAA/MLB
Jerry Owens AAA/MLB
Jon Danks MLB
Danny Richar AAA/MLB
Brian Anderson (he still has a shot) AAA
Ryan Sweeney AAA
Gio Gonzalez AA
Adam Russell AA
Jack Egbert AA
Fautino De Los Santos A
Ray Liotta A
Brian Omogrosso A
So, you're point? Nonsense.
"If you don't know anything about your farm system, then I suggest doing a bit of reading and research about the current state of the Sox."
I don't claim to be an expert on the Sox ML system, but I do follow it to an extent.
You're slam is half baked as half of the guys I listed are from AA and/or A ball.
"I have also followed the team as they finished second behind the Indians and Twins for over a decade. That ain't getting the job done."
Glossing over the World Series Championship, something neither the Twins nor Indians have done in decades.
"I will say that the Cubs should do better as well."
UNDERSTATEMENT! Jeez, if the Sox have underperformed the Cubbies have done worse, much worse.
Dude, for the umpteenth time
by FortLauderdaleCubs on Aug 28, 2007 7:10 PM CDT up reply actions
Bullpen
Here's a question: if we make the playoffs, do you put Marquis on the active roster for a best of five series?
no. i don't think so.
by buckmulligan on Aug 26, 2007 6:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Marquis
With some good chances to get even
Arrggh ... baseball is a funny game.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 26, 2007 6:51 PM CDT up reply actions
marquis sure got rid of his cushion in hurry.
by buckmulligan on Aug 26, 2007 6:52 PM CDT up reply actions
If only Cubs pitchers
it's gonna be over 48 hours...
Well, still in first
With Soriano back, there should be no excuses.
I think they were 8-11 without him, which isn't awful.
This is fun, isn't it?
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 26, 2007 6:45 PM CDT reply actions
well...it's a hell of a lot better than being ten
maybe soriano will come in smoking the ball. i know he'll come in swinging anyway.
by buckmulligan on Aug 26, 2007 6:51 PM CDT up reply actions
The Cubs are playing about average
It's nice to have some meaningful games in August and September.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 26, 2007 6:53 PM CDT up reply actions
pretty small sample size.
by buckmulligan on Aug 26, 2007 6:53 PM CDT up reply actions
In the largest sample size
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 26, 2007 6:56 PM CDT up reply actions
quick survey
me
Nope
Team has a losing record with Theriot leading off.
That's enough for me.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Aug 26, 2007 6:59 PM CDT up reply actions
true
by bennyha on Aug 26, 2007 7:12 PM CDT up reply actions
No for Soriano as a lead-off hitter and
by FortLauderdaleCubs on Aug 26, 2007 6:58 PM CDT up reply actions
well...at least soriano's return means jones
by buckmulligan on Aug 26, 2007 7:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Agreed. I don't see why such a streaky hitter
by FortLauderdaleCubs on Aug 26, 2007 7:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Stats
67 AB's
Thanks for the RBI clarification...
by FortLauderdaleCubs on Aug 26, 2007 7:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Whatever you say buddy
Look, I'm only trying to start a converstaion here
by FortLauderdaleCubs on Aug 26, 2007 7:36 PM CDT up reply actions
RBI comment?
Your original comment was that it was dumb to put Jones in the number 2 slot. So I pointed out that his performance has been excellent hitting number 2. I don't think he's gonna continue hitting number 2 now that Soriano's coming back so, frankly, there's really no point in talking about what to do going forward. But the fact remains that Jones did great over the last few weeks when he was asked to hit in the number 2 spot. And based on his excellent performance, it obviously wasn't "dumb" to put him there.
And to the extent
Thanks, no problem. I've must be conditioned
by FortLauderdaleCubs on Aug 26, 2007 8:12 PM CDT up reply actions
I hear ya
wow.
by buckmulligan on Aug 26, 2007 7:05 PM CDT up reply actions
theriot
by bennyha on Aug 26, 2007 7:02 PM CDT up reply actions
It doesn't matter
What, you mean Valverde wasover over celebrating?
by lancaster99 on Aug 26, 2007 6:53 PM CDT reply actions
Chase Field =
New bad memories for a new generation.
Valverde has a horrible outing, still get a save. That's when things are really going your way.
He was well out of his game....Lou had a good idea, but with 2 strikes, I think it was time to take the movement off -- the earlier attempts were -- successful, in the fact that the basepath movement seemed to really fluster Valverde. His body language was awful. (Perhaps he's just not used to baserunners anymore) It did seem that Kendall didn't swing at a ball -- just a bad break for the Cubs, good break for a team whose fans were in slumber-land most of the game.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Aug 26, 2007 6:55 PM CDT reply actions
Astute observation
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 26, 2007 6:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Bring it on!
Remember, a whole new generation has experienced what it is like to have the Cubbies implode on the way to or during the post season.
I would love to play the Cubs again in the post season. Talk about a love hate relationship!
by az ice cold mo on Aug 26, 2007 10:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Kendall = Goat
This one's a little more aggravating than others
Kendall usually would be the perfect guy at bat in that situation, too.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 26, 2007 7:03 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't want to make excuses
It was still a great effort by the Cubs and I really hope we get another shot at that big V-whale again. Time after time today, the Cubs just didn't get a bounce. Let's save the bounces for the Brewers series.
once again,
Oh, Buck,
I was at Suppan's start against Z in Milwaukee, and the Cubs were extremely patient that day.
Let's wait until, oh, the second inning Tuesday before we ledge-jump, OK?
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 26, 2007 7:13 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes Buck
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