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Open Thread: Cubs vs. Pirates, Saturday 9/8, 6:05 CT

Alyellontoppscard_tiny by Al Yellon on in Chicago Cubs Game Threads

There isn't a whole lot that I can say about tonight's game, except this:

JUST WIN, Z. JUST WIN.

 Today's Starting Pitchers
Carlos Zambrano
 C. Zambrano
Cubs		 vs. Ian Snell
 I. Snell
Pirates
14-12 W-L 9-11
4.35 ERA 4.01
155 SO 155
87 BB 56
21 HR 21
vs. Pit -- vs. Cubs
Maybe reverse psychology will work today. Z hasn't beaten the Pirates since September 3, 2005; since then he is 0-4, 6.26 in five starts against them. Jason Bay absolutely kills Z -- 12-for-33 (.364/.447/.939, four doubles, five HR, 16 RBI). Jack Wilson, who homered last night, is hitting .700 (yes, that's right, SEVEN HUNDRED, 14-for-20) in his last five games.

We are doomed, particularly because not only does Ian Snell have a great smile in that photo, but he has recently invented a wireless device that's 100 times cooler than the iPhone, whips up seven-course gourmet meals for the entire Pirates team on days that he starts, and has just finished delivering the entire press run of Sunday's Tribune containing the article about me and BCB.

They'll play the game anyway tonight, but as you can see, we're done for. (Think that's enough?)

The only TV coverage today is on WGN; no Pittsburgh channel is carrying the game, so it won't be on EI. Thus if you don't have WGN, check today's Mediacenter link.

MLB.com Gameday (2007 version)

MLB.com Gameday (2006 version)

MLB.com Gameday for the Brewers/Reds game (6:10 CT start)

MLB.com Gameday for the Cardinals/Diamondbacks game (8:40 CT start)

Discuss amongst yourselves.

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Z - please keep
A level head and focus...

The team will relax if you relax and they will score you some runs...

Above all else, just remember, its the Pirates!!

GO CUBS!

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 Sep 8, 2007 3:18 PM CDT reply actions  

the sloppy play must end.
the base running blunders have to end, and i mean right NOW. these men are in the majors, and should know what to do on base. there is no excuse for lee getting caught last night and the turtle fast d-ward getting picked off of base twice. and lets not forget our favorite knucklehead Z running past the stop sign and having a meltdown. maybe it's time for some in game yelling by uncle lou. the nice uncle lou is letting this team slide backwards. maybe its time for a little bobby cox like jumping on their asses when needed. the season is on the brink, and i dont think these players understand that.
wheatfield mike down here in god's country

by wheatfield mike on Sep 8, 2007 3:28 PM CDT reply actions  

z
please be careful with jason bay.

he's batting .264 with 5 bombs against you.

much appreciated,

stressed cubs fan.

by cubs2234 on Sep 8, 2007 3:46 PM CDT reply actions  

Did anyone mention the mosquito
that helped screw the Brewers. Sorry if I can't go through all
1,000 posts the next day but this is the only thing that I got a laugh of me last night.  This is DEFINATELY something that would have happened to the Cubs in past years. Between that and the Brewers bullpen meltdowns I am starting to think they got some of our bad karma.

Here is the mosquito story
Hang on, Cubs fans. A mosquito just might have helped out Chicago in the NL Central race. The Brewers gave up six runs in the first inning of their 11-4 loss to Cincinnati on Friday night, missing a chance to take over the division lead.

"It all started with a mosquito bite," Milwaukee manager Ned Yost said.

Yost had been bitten earlier. In the first inning, Milwaukee third-base coach Nick Leyva saw Yost's scratching and thought the manager wanted Gabe Gross to steal third. Gross, who had doubled, was thrown out trying to steal third as Ryan Braun struck out.

"It set the tone for the night. I looked up and saw Gabe coming and thought, 'What the heck is going on?'"

"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 Sep 8, 2007 3:47 PM CDT reply actions  

I sincerely hope...
that Yost doesn't get the West Nile Virus from tht mosquito bite. We need him in the dugout to keep screwing up every night.

by Fraggin Judge on Sep 8, 2007 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions  

ZAMBRANO
To what can we attribute Big Z's horrible performance as of late?  Ideas:

--Contract gone to head

--Lack of controlling emotions

--Walks

It seems to me there is always something going on with Zambrano that can be used as an excuse or "justification" for this lackadaisical performance.  I'm just as much a Z fan as the next guy or gal, but this is just bullshit.  Maddux doesn't go in cyclic pattens like this, Lilly does not, most ACE PITCHERS do not put themselves in wavelengths of up-down, up-down, up-down performance!  Consistency!  Quality starts!  Every year, aren't we discussing Zambrano's hot streak...or his cold streak?!  It feels like it.  Sometimes I think a new pitching coach would help; and as much as I sometimes loathe Rothschild, he has (assumingly) helped Lilly and Marquis this year.

I welcome your thoughts!

Dan

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

by dtpollitt on Sep 8, 2007 4:35 PM CDT reply actions  

I will cut Z some slack in that
he was going through the contract negotiations of his life with what we all know is the most inept organization in baseball (last year owning Cubs...yes!), for over 2-3 weeks. Once the contract was done, it was clear he felt like he had to become Superman. He is not the first player to put a ton of pressure on himself after getting a major contract signed. I do think his melt-down in the last game made it pretty clear that "putting the team on his shoulders" is not going to work. I continue to say that the success of the Cubs is 100% correlated to the June/July Z showing up. So here's to the relaxed and confident June/July Z showing up tonight and having tonight be the beginning of the "glass being full" through the end of the season. GO CUBS!!
Prince Fielder...he is neither.

by LAcarl519 on Sep 8, 2007 5:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

Good question
I went back and looked at Z's performance this year versus the past 3 years. There was 1 glaring difference and that was his performance after the first few innings.

In 2004-2006 the 3rd time through the order hitters had a BA of.223. This year the number is .307. In those prior years he's given up a BA of .220 after 75 pitches. This year it's up to .301.

Add to that his higher pitch counts this year and you see the disaster that has been unfolding.

So what's the answer. I'd suggest a better diet and weight and conditioning program beginning next year. It's time he looked like an athlete with a low body fat content than a bull in a china shop.

Right now every pitch and every play must be the most important of your career. Act like it or sit down.

by tharr on Sep 8, 2007 5:06 PM CDT up reply actions  

Maybe...
...he can get together with stick-man Wood?  

If my memory serves me right, hasn't Zambrano said each of the last two years he is working to REDUCE his walks?!

Dan

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

by dtpollitt on Sep 8, 2007 5:48 PM CDT up reply actions  

Thank you for checking into this.
I've been advocating in my posts that Zambrano is out of shape. His last meltdown, I think, was attributable to him losing his energy early running the bases. Your numbers appear to back me up. I think Cubs management need to impress Zambrano with these numbers and encourage him to take better care of his body.

by Fraggin Judge on Sep 8, 2007 10:16 PM CDT up reply actions  

Big Z it's up
to you to right this ship. Show us you can do it.

I won't be in here for the game since the Hawks are on the BTN tonight also.

Cheer the Cubs to a victory tonight.

Shawn Johnson, Des Moines, IA, worlds greatest gymnast. 2007 All Around World Champ. GO SHAWN!!!!

by sue369 on Sep 8, 2007 4:53 PM CDT reply actions  

mediacom
i hate it, i cant watch the hawks tonght . .. im switching to direct tv on monday... im sick of mediacom, no comcast no BTN . . . go hawks (lol at michigan down by 32 at home to oregon)

by CZ38 on Sep 8, 2007 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions  

mediacom
What doesn't make sense is that I can go sit in my front lawn and hear the cheering from Kinnick Stadium, but I can't go inside and watch the game because of Mediacom.

by mkacer on Sep 8, 2007 10:52 PM CDT up reply actions  

Hawks did ok
tonight. Jake looked better and Moeaki was awesome.

We switched from Dish to Direct-TV for the BTN and then of course yesterday Dish gets the deal with the BTN done. Grrrr.

Shawn Johnson, Des Moines, IA, worlds greatest gymnast. 2007 All Around World Champ. GO SHAWN!!!!

by sue369 on Sep 8, 2007 10:59 PM CDT up reply actions  

Wow! Al is SCREAMING!
We must be desperate for a win. :-)

by Fraggin Judge on Sep 8, 2007 5:03 PM CDT reply actions  

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

by Al Yellon on Sep 8, 2007 5:09 PM CDT up reply actions  

Steve Stone keeps claiming
there's something wrong with Z's shoulder. Arm fatigue maybe. That's why they haven't fixed yet. So, they're doomed. Bay will light him up. Wilson (who looks like Seinfeld) will do a comedy routine on him, and a mosquito will land on Piniella and Zambrano will try to take home on a bunt.

by teacher tom on Sep 8, 2007 5:07 PM CDT reply actions  

for some reason
I got a good feeling about tonight..
Now that he is back, play Matt Murton!!

by Chanman25 on Sep 8, 2007 5:10 PM CDT reply actions  

Me too
I wasn't having a good feeling about yesterday's game before and even from the get go. We will definitely take the next two from the Bucs and here's to our long awaited winning streak!
Go Cubs!

by cubsnlinux on Sep 8, 2007 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions  

Stone was right about Pryor ...
when everyone on the Cubs said he was OK.  Maybe Stone knows something about Z.
What am I going to do when the season ends???

by Saratoga on Sep 8, 2007 5:14 PM CDT reply actions  

Lineups
Cubs

Soriano, LF
Theriot, SS
Lee, 1B
Ramirez, 3B
Floyd, RF
DeRosa, 2B
Kendall, C
Jones, CF
Zambrano, P

Pirates
Morgan, CF
McLouth, RF
Sanchez, 2B
Bay, LF
LaRoche, 1B
Bautista, 3B
Paulino, C
Wilson, SS
Snell, P

by Bruce Miles on Sep 8, 2007 5:32 PM CDT reply actions  

Well some things never change.
I guess we have to live with Soriano leading off for this season at the least.

Lets start a winning streak starting tonight!

by cubsnlinux on Sep 8, 2007 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions  

that McLouth
plays a great RF.  He kept the Cubs out of a number of hits/innings last night with the way he got to the ball. Very impressive.
Prince Fielder...he is neither.

by LAcarl519 on Sep 8, 2007 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions  

outside of Bay and Wilson
This is a AAA lineup...

Pulling out the "Must Win" tag here...

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 Sep 8, 2007 5:56 PM CDT up reply actions  

Lineup
Alfonso Soriano LF     Season    .296    22    49
 vs. pitcher    .667    1    2
 Ryan Theriot SS     Season    .281    3    42
 vs. pitcher    .500    0    2
 Derrek Lee 1B     Season    .313    17    72
 vs. pitcher    .333    0    1
 Aramis Ramirez 3B     Season    .316    20    84
 vs. pitcher    .167    0    0
 Cliff Floyd RF     Season    .287    5    39
 vs. pitcher    .200    0    1
 Mark DeRosa 2B     Season    .290    8    65
 vs. pitcher    ---    0    0
 Jason Kendall C     Season    .287    1    15
 vs. pitcher    ---    0    0
 Jacque Jones CF     Season    .265    5    52
 vs. pitcher    .000    0    0
 Carlos Zambrano P     Season    .265    2    5
 vs. pitcher    ---    0    0
Right now every pitch and every play must be the most important of your career. Act like it or sit down.

by tharr on Sep 8, 2007 5:32 PM CDT reply actions  

Wow looks like you and Bruce had a photo finish
but Bruce beat you to it by seconds/milli seconds

by cubsnlinux on Sep 8, 2007 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

Another conspiracy
from the MSM.
Right now every pitch and every play must be the most important of your career. Act like it or sit down.

by tharr on Sep 8, 2007 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions  

Looking at the stats
and even though folks have remarked about Snell not being very good, his stats ,other than winning percentage, are better than Zambrano's this season. Better ERA, equal in strikeouts, fewer walks and his whip is ever so slightly better. I hope Z breaks out of it tonight, but I really don't look forward to his starts anymore.

by qccub on Sep 8, 2007 5:41 PM CDT reply actions  

On the other hand..
I am looking forward to see our offense break out of its slump and if Z gets his stuff together that would be awesome.

by cubsnlinux on Sep 8, 2007 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions  

I don't
believe the offense has been helpful to Zambrano as he has "Rich Hill-like" support during this Aug-Sep funk.  It might help Z if the offense could FINALLY put a few runs up early.  

I think everyone (on the team) would relax if they would finally score 3-5 runs early.  Does anyone remember the last time that happened??

Prince Fielder...he is neither.

by LAcarl519 on Sep 8, 2007 5:57 PM CDT reply actions  

Let's go Cubs!
Here's to the Cubs hitting early and often, as well as Z looking sharp and keeping cool.

by GoCubsGo! on Sep 8, 2007 6:02 PM CDT reply actions  

Good job TheRiot!
It's going to be the young guys that gets this team going again.

by GoCubsGo! on Sep 8, 2007 6:08 PM CDT reply actions  

Here's where we've been having trouble
Cmon Derrick get Ryan in!
What am I going to do when the season ends???

by Saratoga on Sep 8, 2007 6:08 PM CDT reply actions  

let me be the first to say:
they have to get this run in or i don't like their chances.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie

by buckmulligan on Sep 8, 2007 6:09 PM CDT reply actions  

Yes! A good sign!
What am I going to do when the season ends???

by Saratoga on Sep 8, 2007 6:09 PM CDT reply actions  

alright.
nice job lee.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie

by buckmulligan on Sep 8, 2007 6:09 PM CDT reply actions  

reason 483 on why TheRiot
Should lead off...
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 Sep 8, 2007 6:11 PM CDT reply actions  

I agree JB!
You don't want a lead off man who strikes out a lot!
What am I going to do when the season ends???

by Saratoga on Sep 8, 2007 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions  

I gues my complement of McLouth
went to his head.  :-)
Prince Fielder...he is neither.

by LAcarl519 on Sep 8, 2007 6:11 PM CDT reply actions  

Soriano needs to take lessons...
from Aram on how to hit the breaking ball.

by GoCubsGo! on Sep 8, 2007 6:12 PM CDT reply actions  

Figures
My internet just freaked out.

What did I miss?

phat

by phatass on Sep 8, 2007 6:13 PM CDT reply actions  

Hey, Cliff.
Nice bunt.
Why can this guy not hit lately (wait, all season).

by GoCubsGo! on Sep 8, 2007 6:13 PM CDT reply actions  

you know how hard it
is to execute the full swing bunt?  ;-)
Prince Fielder...he is neither.

by LAcarl519 on Sep 8, 2007 6:15 PM CDT up reply actions  

This is the key at bat already.
This could set the tone for the rest of the year.
What am I going to do when the season ends???

by Saratoga on Sep 8, 2007 6:15 PM CDT reply actions  

Geez!
What am I going to do when the season ends???

by Saratoga on Sep 8, 2007 6:16 PM CDT reply actions  

Get the damn bat off your shoulder.
Pathetic.
Two in scoring position.
You can not let a close pitch like that go.

by GoCubsGo! on Sep 8, 2007 6:16 PM CDT reply actions  

does zambrano always wear
his pant legs rolled up like that?
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie

by buckmulligan on Sep 8, 2007 6:16 PM CDT reply actions  

I would agree.
He looks uncomfortable at the plate.

by GoCubsGo! on Sep 8, 2007 6:17 PM CDT up reply actions  

defending DeRosa
that called strike three was a bad call...
Now that he is back, play Matt Murton!!

by Chanman25 on Sep 8, 2007 6:18 PM CDT up reply actions  

Listening
to Lou Piniella talk about Onstar really makes me want to buy a Chevy.

phat

by phatass on Sep 8, 2007 6:18 PM CDT reply actions  

I ask this again tonight.....
because I didn't get an answer last night.

What kind of name is Nyjer???

by GoCubsGo! on Sep 8, 2007 6:18 PM CDT reply actions  

Sounds Swedish or Norwejian?
What am I going to do when the season ends???

by Saratoga on Sep 8, 2007 6:22 PM CDT up reply actions  

Eerily quiet
gives a strange sensation watching this

by coral on Sep 8, 2007 6:20 PM CDT reply actions  

This is important to get this guy out or we
could be in trouble!
What am I going to do when the season ends???

by Saratoga on Sep 8, 2007 6:24 PM CDT reply actions  

Nice pitch by Z.
Looked like a great splitfinger. He needs to throw that pitch more in two strike counts.

by GoCubsGo! on Sep 8, 2007 6:26 PM CDT reply actions  

hahah get this!
 Jon Leicester is starting for Baltimore tonight!
Now that he is back, play Matt Murton!!

by Chanman25 on Sep 8, 2007 6:30 PM CDT reply actions  

they should
start rocky cherry tomorrow

by CZ38 on Sep 8, 2007 6:34 PM CDT up reply actions  

Good job Z.
It's nice to get Soriano's AB out of the way.

by GoCubsGo! on Sep 8, 2007 6:31 PM CDT reply actions  

lol
zing!
big leaguers all look down on us because of all that goat curse fuss maybe we should end that silly curse today. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KMuC-JUlEY

by joeschmitt on Sep 8, 2007 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions  

Good job
dodging that crow.
"I took an IQ test and it came back negative." -- Woody Paige

by BlueSox on Sep 8, 2007 6:35 PM CDT up reply actions  

I would have been fine with eating crow on that
but it's sad that it's better to get Theriot to start the inning than Soriano

by GoCubsGo! on Sep 8, 2007 6:37 PM CDT up reply actions  

I would love to see
Sori be ABLE to hit anywhere else but leadoff.  
"I took an IQ test and it came back negative." -- Woody Paige

by BlueSox on Sep 8, 2007 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions  

shite!
soriano almost with a homerun..
Now that he is back, play Matt Murton!!

by Chanman25 on Sep 8, 2007 6:33 PM CDT reply actions  

A double would have been fun
Z could have rounded 3B again!
Prince Fielder...he is neither.

by LAcarl519 on Sep 8, 2007 6:34 PM CDT up reply actions  

That's the first thing Len said...
... after Z's hit, that Z needs to pay close attention to Mike Quade.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Sep 8, 2007 6:35 PM CDT up reply actions  

And he also
touched on how Carlos' claim that he didn't see the sign was total BS.
"I took an IQ test and it came back negative." -- Woody Paige

by BlueSox on Sep 8, 2007 6:38 PM CDT up reply actions  

I don't think anyone on BCB
bought that line/lie from Big Z...though I did believe him in the press conference when he said, "the dog ate my homework." I'm just not sure what that had to do with anything in the Dodger blow up.
Prince Fielder...he is neither.

by LAcarl519 on Sep 8, 2007 6:43 PM CDT up reply actions  

I must have missed something.
"The dog ate my homework?"
"I took an IQ test and it came back negative." -- Woody Paige

by BlueSox on Sep 8, 2007 6:44 PM CDT up reply actions  

Just kidding. :-)
All of Z's denial and child-like attitude that he did nothing wrong in the 3rd inning.  Just trying to bring a little humor to a tough situation.
Prince Fielder...he is neither.

by LAcarl519 on Sep 8, 2007 6:56 PM CDT up reply actions  

Oh, OK
I get it.
"I took an IQ test and it came back negative." -- Woody Paige

by BlueSox on Sep 8, 2007 7:02 PM CDT up reply actions  

Z is looking much better tonight.
Maybe he should only start road games the rest of the way. I don't know his splits, but I think he is better there anyway.

by GoCubsGo! on Sep 8, 2007 6:39 PM CDT reply actions  

I was correct.
5-8 at home with 5.18 ERA.
9-4 on the road with 3.56 ERA.

by GoCubsGo! on Sep 8, 2007 6:41 PM CDT up reply actions  

3-0 Reds by some guy named Votto
lol yay
Now that he is back, play Matt Murton!!

by Chanman25 on Sep 8, 2007 6:40 PM CDT reply actions  

damnit!!
almost another friggin homerun!!
Now that he is back, play Matt Murton!!

by Chanman25 on Sep 8, 2007 6:45 PM CDT reply actions  

that was pretty much to
the deepest part of PNC.  It looks like we are getting good swings against I Smell.  If Z can hold them down for a couple of more innings, maybe a crooked number will be put up by our boys.  It is long overdue.
Prince Fielder...he is neither.

by LAcarl519 on Sep 8, 2007 6:48 PM CDT up reply actions  

Sooner or later....
... one of those fly balls to CF is going to go out.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Sep 8, 2007 6:46 PM CDT reply actions  

once they pull it.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie

by buckmulligan on Sep 8, 2007 6:53 PM CDT up reply actions  

More warning track power.
Maybe the cubs can steal some of Ankiel's HGH when they come to town Monday.

by GoCubsGo! on Sep 8, 2007 6:46 PM CDT reply actions  

Len said, "Regina"
Prince Fielder...he is neither.

by LAcarl519 on Sep 8, 2007 6:49 PM CDT reply actions  

Jason Bay is out.
That could make it a little easier on Z tonight.

by GoCubsGo! on Sep 8, 2007 6:54 PM CDT reply actions  

Good!
Hope Bay is out tomorrow, too.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Sep 8, 2007 6:57 PM CDT up reply actions  

base hit by Dero
come on, lets get this guy outta here!
Now that he is back, play Matt Murton!!

by Chanman25 on Sep 8, 2007 6:59 PM CDT reply actions  

Has anyone else picked up how
Calm and relax Z looks in general?....

His overall demeanor is 180 degrees from the other night in Chicago.

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 Sep 8, 2007 7:07 PM CDT reply actions  

All I know is he's getting out

left-handed batters! Too many 2 out walks for my taste though.

by teacher tom on Sep 8, 2007 7:10 PM CDT reply actions  

What a great job
Z did of freezing Paulina and Bautista on that 0-1 pitch by holding the ball so long.  

I just wish Rich Hill would learn a little of this talent from Z.  I hope he is paying attention tonight.  Z is on his game tonight!

Let's hope he stays focused!

Prince Fielder...he is neither.

by LAcarl519 on Sep 8, 2007 7:11 PM CDT reply actions  

maybe the crowd at home
is too much for Z. I bet if he played for the marlins he'd be johan santana like.
Eamus Catuli!

by sackings108 on Sep 8, 2007 7:13 PM CDT reply actions  

Watching this team
try to score runs is painful.  Like pulling teeth.

by cubsbak on Sep 8, 2007 7:13 PM CDT reply actions  

which tooth would
you like extracted?  :-}
Prince Fielder...he is neither.

by LAcarl519 on Sep 8, 2007 7:15 PM CDT up reply actions  

After watching this team
over the last few weeks it feels like I've already had them all pulled.

by cubsbak on Sep 8, 2007 7:17 PM CDT up reply actions  

z
is pretty fast for a big dude  . ..

by CZ38 on Sep 8, 2007 7:14 PM CDT reply actions  

soriano!!
what a hot dog though. oh well, go cubbies!!
Eamus Catuli!

by sackings108 on Sep 8, 2007 7:16 PM CDT reply actions  

Boy that was
so close to being caught! Deserve it though, after those two close ones earlier!

by AndHart120 on Sep 8, 2007 7:19 PM CDT reply actions  

there ya go
finally we get a big hit!
Now that he is back, play Matt Murton!!

by Chanman25 on Sep 8, 2007 7:23 PM CDT reply actions  

Carry this team
Sori!
SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Sep 8, 2007 7:25 PM CDT reply actions  

hart start??
is he any good???
Now that he is back, play Matt Murton!!

by Chanman25 on Sep 8, 2007 7:28 PM CDT reply actions  

Big Z
cruisin!
Now that he is back, play Matt Murton!!

by Chanman25 on Sep 8, 2007 7:34 PM CDT reply actions  

Are we being overtly quiet tonight?
Or are we all so nervous about this game, we're forced into a frightened silence?

Uhh, Go Z.  Let's end your months of zzzzzzzzzzz ...

LRRF

Coming soon: "The Russian Diplomat's Daughter: A Novel About George Armstrong Custer"

by Littlerock Rynofan on Sep 8, 2007 7:35 PM CDT reply actions  

one hit through six
not too shabby, that's the z i remember and love.

by dogcatratcheese on Sep 8, 2007 7:35 PM CDT reply actions  

Cross those fingers!
n/t
Coming soon: "The Russian Diplomat's Daughter: A Novel About George Armstrong Custer"

by Littlerock Rynofan on Sep 8, 2007 7:36 PM CDT up reply actions  

Kendall to Third base
yay!
Now that he is back, play Matt Murton!!

by Chanman25 on Sep 8, 2007 7:36 PM CDT reply actions  

3-1 Reds in the 6th.
Brew crew get on the board against Harrang.

by GoCubsGo! on Sep 8, 2007 7:37 PM CDT reply actions  

4-0!
hurray!!
Now that he is back, play Matt Murton!!

by Chanman25 on Sep 8, 2007 7:37 PM CDT reply actions  

Z home run!
you heard it here first!
Now that he is back, play Matt Murton!!

by Chanman25 on Sep 8, 2007 7:38 PM CDT reply actions  

or
a strike out..
Now that he is back, play Matt Murton!!

by Chanman25 on Sep 8, 2007 7:39 PM CDT up reply actions  

Nice!
That's kind of funny, though.

phat

by phatass on Sep 8, 2007 7:38 PM CDT reply actions  

Although
I think it was scored double with an error.

phat

by phatass on Sep 8, 2007 7:42 PM CDT up reply actions  

3-2 Reds still lead.
But the prince HR makes it a one run lead.

by GoCubsGo! on Sep 8, 2007 7:41 PM CDT reply actions  

meh Baconater
hits a homerun in Cincy
Now that he is back, play Matt Murton!!

by Chanman25 on Sep 8, 2007 7:41 PM CDT reply actions  

Did ...
He die running the bases?  One can only hope.  Somebody put us out of our misery!
Coming soon: "The Russian Diplomat's Daughter: A Novel About George Armstrong Custer"

by Littlerock Rynofan on Sep 8, 2007 7:44 PM CDT up reply actions  

A-rod with TWO homeruns again!!
wow...more money we have to pay him next year lol...
Now that he is back, play Matt Murton!!

by Chanman25 on Sep 8, 2007 7:44 PM CDT reply actions  

woooah
that was close...
Now that he is back, play Matt Murton!!

by Chanman25 on Sep 8, 2007 7:48 PM CDT reply actions  

don't push it lou.
if he doesn't get this guy, pull him.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie

by buckmulligan on Sep 8, 2007 7:49 PM CDT reply actions  

ball looked right down the middle.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie

by buckmulligan on Sep 8, 2007 7:51 PM CDT reply actions  

getting squeezed, not good.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie

by buckmulligan on Sep 8, 2007 7:51 PM CDT reply actions  

hey ump..
why don't you give the strike calls to Z that you have given him all night??
Now that he is back, play Matt Murton!!

by Chanman25 on Sep 8, 2007 7:51 PM CDT reply actions  

hey ump
eff you...
Now that he is back, play Matt Murton!!

by Chanman25 on Sep 8, 2007 7:52 PM CDT reply actions  

According to Gameday
Z got totally screwed on that 4th pitch.  Knee high over the heart of the plate.
Prince Fielder...he is neither.

by LAcarl519 on Sep 8, 2007 7:52 PM CDT reply actions  

yeahh
z was saying something to the ump . . .he is angry

by CZ38 on Sep 8, 2007 7:53 PM CDT up reply actions  

That 2-2 pitch was in there
Z got robbed
"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Sep 8, 2007 7:53 PM CDT reply actions  

Agreed...
sometimes I wish Len would quit being so damned politically correct.  Just say it was a bullshit call.
Good Season, Riverhawks. See you next year.

by Neifi Puppy on Sep 8, 2007 7:54 PM CDT up reply actions  

Marmol in
come on...
Now that he is back, play Matt Murton!!

by Chanman25 on Sep 8, 2007 7:53 PM CDT reply actions  

Mr. Nasty ...
Has got to be absolutely filthy!  Pull this out for the Cubbies!  
Coming soon: "The Russian Diplomat's Daughter: A Novel About George Armstrong Custer"

by Littlerock Rynofan on Sep 8, 2007 7:54 PM CDT up reply actions  

Our "ace"
is a 6-inning pitcher.

by cubsbak on Sep 8, 2007 7:53 PM CDT reply actions  

will you shut up??
he got squeezed!
Now that he is back, play Matt Murton!!

by Chanman25 on Sep 8, 2007 7:53 PM CDT up reply actions  

and he had a shut out going
so be quiet
Now that he is back, play Matt Murton!!

by Chanman25 on Sep 8, 2007 7:54 PM CDT up reply actions  

i am tired of your negativity
 
Now that he is back, play Matt Murton!!

by Chanman25 on Sep 8, 2007 7:55 PM CDT up reply actions  

all of your posts tonight
are negative. its just annoying that all you do is bash this team even when they are winning...
Now that he is back, play Matt Murton!!

by Chanman25 on Sep 8, 2007 8:01 PM CDT up reply actions  

Huh?
All of my posts?  I think that was my first or second post.  You don't know what you're talking about.

by cubsbak on Sep 8, 2007 8:04 PM CDT up reply actions  

yeahh seriously
shut up, he did fine tonight

by CZ38 on Sep 8, 2007 7:55 PM CDT up reply actions  

you're not satsified with his performance tonight?
i am.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie

by buckmulligan on Sep 8, 2007 7:54 PM CDT up reply actions  

Better than
last time.  You'd like your ace to take you through the 7th.  Z almost never does that.  At least not this year.

by cubsbak on Sep 8, 2007 7:57 PM CDT up reply actions  

Here we go
Should have pulled him earlier. Is it Marmol in now? I hope so.

phat

by phatass on Sep 8, 2007 7:53 PM CDT reply actions  

that sucks.
a ball right down the middle, then another one that should have been called. that's bullshit.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie

by buckmulligan on Sep 8, 2007 7:53 PM CDT reply actions  

Right now is why I'm glad Marmol
is not the closer.

We need him to clamp this down NOW.

by El Borto on Sep 8, 2007 7:54 PM CDT reply actions  

How does Ronnie freaking Paulino
Get those calls?????

Umps love to be part of the game instead of just being umpires.

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 Sep 8, 2007 7:54 PM CDT reply actions  

Go, Mr. Nasty!
We need a big dose of filth ...
Coming soon: "The Russian Diplomat's Daughter: A Novel About George Armstrong Custer"

by Littlerock Rynofan on Sep 8, 2007 7:55 PM CDT reply actions  

pheww that was close
 
Now that he is back, play Matt Murton!!

by Chanman25 on Sep 8, 2007 7:56 PM CDT reply actions  

WOW!
I thought that was gone off the bat.

by GoCubsGo! on Sep 8, 2007 7:56 PM CDT reply actions  

lou
needs to shave, or maybe not . .  

by CZ38 on Sep 8, 2007 7:57 PM CDT reply actions  

I think Carlos Marmol should change his
name to Karlos, with a K.
Great job getting out of that mess.

by GoCubsGo! on Sep 8, 2007 7:58 PM CDT reply actions  

OK
that could have been awful. Thank-you Marmol!

phat

by phatass on Sep 8, 2007 7:59 PM CDT reply actions  

yeah. marmol's a stud.
win one for z. he did a great job tonight, and he even checked himself in the dugout. he was about to go crazy on the water cooler but stopped himself.

good signs.

"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie

by buckmulligan on Sep 8, 2007 7:59 PM CDT reply actions  

That's good to hear
about the cooler.

phat

by phatass on Sep 8, 2007 8:03 PM CDT up reply actions  

that was huge for so many reasons
Not sure Z would recover mentally if those runs scored...
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 Sep 8, 2007 7:59 PM CDT reply actions  

Z's emotions
I was amazed that Z was able to go to the dugout without letting the ump have it.  

by californiachicagoan on Sep 8, 2007 8:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

Marmol
talk about MVPs (theriot, aram, sori, etc). If it wasnt for Marmol we would be 10 games below 500.

by CZ38 on Sep 8, 2007 7:59 PM CDT reply actions  

C'mon Fellas
Lets get some insurance runs in

by Aussie Cub on Sep 8, 2007 8:01 PM CDT reply actions  

hopefully,
the rest of this game moves that fast, and the score stays put.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie

by buckmulligan on Sep 8, 2007 8:06 PM CDT up reply actions  

Howry to close?
Presuming the Cubs get out of 8th still ahead...worried Pitt just the kinda team to play spoiler to perfection.

No more walks from bullpen please!!

by writerinwrigley on Sep 8, 2007 8:12 PM CDT reply actions  

well the marmol two inning experiment
is over....
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 Sep 8, 2007 8:13 PM CDT reply actions  

Geeez
We make it difficult for ourselves!

by Aussie Cub on Sep 8, 2007 8:16 PM CDT reply actions  

come on big bob...get it done
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 Sep 8, 2007 8:16 PM CDT reply actions  

hah scott moore
had a grandslam tonight for the orioles

by cubs ftw on Sep 8, 2007 8:17 PM CDT reply actions  

I can breathe!
Prince Fielder...he is neither.

by LAcarl519 on Sep 8, 2007 8:17 PM CDT reply actions  

but I would sure love some insurance!
please...add on!
Prince Fielder...he is neither.

by LAcarl519 on Sep 8, 2007 8:20 PM CDT up reply actions  

Demp in 9th??
3-run lead not ideal for him..I'd stick with Howry for a four-out save why not?

Will Wood ever get a chance in 9th?

by writerinwrigley on Sep 8, 2007 8:23 PM CDT reply actions  

A 9th inning with a lead
It may be too much for me to watch! I can see Howry since this is not really a save opportunity.
Aug 15 - Ted Lilly walked by the lineup card and said to nobody in particular "I can't believe I'm batting 9th again".

by mweil on Sep 8, 2007 8:25 PM CDT reply actions  

JJ
Yes, nice RBI!!
Aug 15 - Ted Lilly walked by the lineup card and said to nobody in particular "I can't believe I'm batting 9th again".

by mweil on Sep 8, 2007 8:27 PM CDT reply actions  

Milwaukee threatening in the 8th
2 in scoring position only 1 out. They are down by 1.
Aug 15 - Ted Lilly walked by the lineup card and said to nobody in particular "I can't believe I'm batting 9th again".

by mweil on Sep 8, 2007 8:30 PM CDT reply actions  

He sure is fun to watch
in the outfield.  Even that fall the other day was spectacular.  :-)

I just hope he gets his hitting figured out with the Big Boyz.  We sure could use his defense, arm and speed

Prince Fielder...he is neither.

by LAcarl519 on Sep 8, 2007 8:36 PM CDT up reply actions  

Felix Pie
he is the only guy that would have caught that ball
Aug 15 - Ted Lilly walked by the lineup card and said to nobody in particular "I can't believe I'm batting 9th again".

by mweil on Sep 8, 2007 8:34 PM CDT reply actions  

pie
thats y we love u . . .now, just work on ur hitting and we'll love u even more

by CZ38 on Sep 8, 2007 8:34 PM CDT reply actions  

nice catch
Pie.  Way to go!  

by cubbie71 on Sep 8, 2007 8:35 PM CDT reply actions  

Cubs Win!!!!!!
Now we need Cincy to come through
Aug 15 - Ted Lilly walked by the lineup card and said to nobody in particular "I can't believe I'm batting 9th again".

by mweil on Sep 8, 2007 8:36 PM CDT reply actions  

he made
it look easy as pie
Pie,Soto,Gallagher, Samardzija... its gonna be a bright future

by easyaspie on Sep 8, 2007 8:37 PM CDT reply actions  

Fly it
it seems like forever since its flown

by Aussie Cub on Sep 8, 2007 8:37 PM CDT reply actions  

No kidding!
Let's keep it going tomorrow!

by Itchy on Sep 8, 2007 8:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

Dempster Ave holds a non-save game
Big step forward for Demp.  And for Z too.  

Let's hope this is a July mulligan for the whole team!!

Prince Fielder...he is neither.

by LAcarl519 on Sep 8, 2007 8:38 PM CDT reply actions  

Now need to burn out the Brewers bullpen
Maybe it will go 15 innings and the Reds win.
Aug 15 - Ted Lilly walked by the lineup card and said to nobody in particular "I can't believe I'm batting 9th again".

by mweil on Sep 8, 2007 8:39 PM CDT reply actions  

Demp is the best closer everrrrrrrrrrr
Wonder what will happen tomorrow if we have a save situation and an early start (12:35). Well, Cubs win... Lets do it again tomorrow.

by LT on Sep 8, 2007 8:39 PM CDT reply actions  

Flag duty?
Who is going to fly it?
Aug 15 - Ted Lilly walked by the lineup card and said to nobody in particular "I can't believe I'm batting 9th again".

by mweil on Sep 8, 2007 8:39 PM CDT reply actions  

Love
the flag....

GO CUBS

by Aussie Cub on Sep 8, 2007 8:44 PM CDT reply actions  

Brewers just
scored in the top of the 9th...DANGIT!

by JakeH on Sep 8, 2007 8:47 PM CDT reply actions  

i hate the brewers
meh..
Now that he is back, play Matt Murton!!

by Chanman25 on Sep 8, 2007 8:53 PM CDT reply actions  

phillips and Dunn due up
maybe they can take out Cordero..
Now that he is back, play Matt Murton!!

by Chanman25 on Sep 8, 2007 8:55 PM CDT reply actions  

What a relief
that win was. Nice game. Now we need to win it tomorrow too.

by qccub on Sep 8, 2007 9:00 PM CDT reply actions  

CRAP!
Brewers win.

by JakeH on Sep 8, 2007 9:01 PM CDT reply actions  

boo
lets go dbacks i guess

by cubs ftw on Sep 8, 2007 9:02 PM CDT reply actions  

Just got to catch
a few minutes of the game tonight. Did get to see Z load the bases and give the ump the evil eye all the way to the dugout. Great win for the Cubs. Hope they can get another tomorrow.
Shawn Johnson, Des Moines, IA, worlds greatest gymnast. 2007 All Around World Champ. GO SHAWN!!!!

by sue369 on Sep 8, 2007 11:14 PM CDT reply actions  

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