All A-Loney: Cubs Lose Game 1 To Dodgers 7-2

by Al on Oct 2, 2008 8:20 AM CDT in Recaps Comment 759 comments

Here's the very first thing I want all of you to remember this morning, as fans: do NOT give in to the temptation to think, "Here we go again!"

There are two things that truly bothered me about the Cubs' truly awful 7-2 loss to the Dodgers last night.

First, it didn't feel like a playoff game -- not in the least. There wasn't the usual electricity you feel in the stands even before the game. Now, maybe you could chalk this up to the odd starting time, but that's not really an excuse; the park was filled at the first pitch, but there seemed no excitement, no buzz, no anticipation, no sense that this wasn't just another game on, say, May 1 instead of October 1. Even after Mark DeRosa's windblown homer that gave the Cubs a 2-0 lead, there wasn't the hiked-up level of excitement you'd expect. The scoreboard operators must have figured it was a regular-season game, too, because they kept adjusting everyone's batting average each at-bat as if their previous AB in the game had been just another regular-season AB. There also wasn't any real buzz on the street, although the city set up barricades on Waveland and Sheffield, expecting people to be sitting outside -- there weren't many more than the usual crowd on Waveland during the game. One guy spent several innings writing "GO CUBS GO" in huge letters in chalk on the street, but that was about it for anything unusual.

Second, this one's on Lou. Seriously -- if you have two pitchers (Sean Marshall and Jason Marquis) who are starters or pitchers used to going extended periods, on the roster for the specific purpose of using them in long relief, why wouldn't you use them that way on a night when it was clear that your starter had absolutely no command? This is something Lou did all year during the time when he had Jon Lieber in the bullpen -- refusing to use Lieber in the very long-relief situations that he was specifically on the roster to fill.

Ryan Dempster, who is a standup guy (and ditch the full beard, Ryan -- it looks awful), would probably be the first to tell you that he sucked last night. Part of the problem was home plate umpire Dale Scott's bizarre strike zone -- pitches that appeared right down the middle were called balls, while breaking stuff in the dirt got called as strikes -- which might have made Dempster try to adjust, getting him out of his normal rhythm and as the night went on, generating more and more pitches out of the zone (57 balls out of 109 pitches).

But Lou stuck with him. And as it turned out, probably two batters too long. After Dempster walked Manny Ramirez, his fifth free pass of the game, even though the Cubs still had a 2-0 lead at the time, Lou should have yanked him, especially with the lefthanded hitting Andre Ethier and James Loney coming up next. Marshall was ready to go and there were two out; we figured maybe Lou had fallen asleep in the cold. Even giving Lou the benefit of the doubt because of his decades of experience, once Ethier walked, loading the bases, Marshall should have been in there.

So this one's on you, Lou. You've done great things for this franchise -- but not last night. It didn't help that Marshall, Jeff Samardzija and Marquis all allowed single runs in their relief work; this turned a possibly workable 4-2 deficit into a 7-2 blowout, the exclamation point of which was Greg Maddux' appearance in the 9th inning. Maddux, the only Dodger who got cheers on pregame introduction (loud boos were reserved for LA's other ex-Cubs, Nomar Garciaparra and Juan Pierre), received only tepid applause when introduced to begin the 9th, possibly the last time Cub fans will see him pitch in Wrigley Field.

The other culprits are the highly-paid Alfonso Soriano and Aramis Ramirez, who vanished in last year's division series and who went a combined 1-for-9 last night. Frankly, I was surprised any balls went out of the yard last night with the wind blowing in the way it was; DeRosa's blast was actually blown out because the wind was sort of blowing across from center to right field; the other homers cut through the teeth of the wind, including Manny's... and that one's on Lou, too, because none of us could believe he left Marshall in to pitch to Manny, among the biggest mismatches I've ever seen in a playoff game. Incidentally, perhaps only funny moment last night was provided by Manny; he threw the warmup ball into the LF bleachers just below us going into the bottom of the 9th. It was promptly flung back on the field; Manny ducked (the ball wasn't really that close to him). If you're going to the game and thinking about doing this -- don't. The thrower was promptly ejected, because throwing anything but a HR ball back isn't allowed.

So. What have the Cubs lost here? Not the series -- there's still time, although it's at a premium in a short series. The Dodgers swiped home-field advantage, essentially; the Cubs can steal it back by winning the next two games. I note that the best team in baseball, the Angels, also lost their first game at home to the Red Sox. Carlos Zambrano -- you've got to be on your game tonight. No histrionics, no stomping around, no bat-breaking, just your best stuff, like you had on September 14 in Milwaukee.

Finally, a word about the game threads. I have heard from a few people telling me how nasty it got in there. I do understand frustration and wanting to "get it out". All I ask is that you keep the profanity down and most importantly, don't attack others.

This isn't 2003 or 2007 or any of the other years where the Cubs failed. Remember what all of us have been saying, almost all year? This feels different; this team is different. They've come back from crushing defeats before. There is a lot of baseball still to be played by the Chicago Cubs in 2008. Onward, because the best IS yet to come.

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Comments

First!

Cubs are going to wine the next 3.

by bergs55 on Oct 2, 2008 8:24 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

wow! aren't WE optimistic today...

by CubFaninNY on Oct 2, 2008 8:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Do you think these are the Pirates

they’re playing?

Maybe they will “wine” or “whine” in the next three…

by The E-Man on Oct 2, 2008 8:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Might I recommend

a bold Merlot?

"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella

by Lou In Blue on Oct 2, 2008 8:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I prefer Pinot Grigio, myself.

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

by Al on Oct 2, 2008 9:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If she orders a merlot, I am out of here

by gocubsgo22 on Oct 2, 2008 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Haha.

Sideways?

The Missouri Tigers (4-0) begin defense of their 2007 Big 12 Conference North Division title Saturday on the road, as they take on the Nebraska Cornhuskers (3-1) in Lincoln, Neb.

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Oct 2, 2008 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Whoops :)

If they don’t win, I’ll be hitting the wine hard…

by bergs55 on Oct 2, 2008 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

MD 20/20?

You ARE freaking out MAN!

by crw89 on Oct 2, 2008 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Boone's Farm Strawberry Hill

"Every team will win 60 games, every team will lose 60 games, it's what the team does in the other 42 games that decides the season."

by flachimesa on Oct 2, 2008 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wild Irish Rose

by rambler19 on Oct 2, 2008 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What's the word??

THUNDERBIRD

by GoCubbies34 on Oct 2, 2008 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Night Train

"Can that be used in a sentence now as a swear word? as in "That was the most White Sox White Soxing call I’ve ever White Sox seen in all my years of watching this White Sox game. White Sox it all to hell!" Weeghman Park

by derv on Oct 2, 2008 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That Night Train's a mean wine

"Years of academy training, wasted"--Buzz Lightyear (not a flying toy)

by spoiledcubbage on Oct 2, 2008 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOVE THAT STUFF!

AND I CAN NEVER GET ENOUGH!

The Chicago Cubs: 2008 Central Division Champions

by dat cubfan daver on Oct 2, 2008 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What's the price?

50 THRICE!

"We are not equations with hats." -Dean Young

by Kegler on Oct 2, 2008 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

also known as panty removers...

You ARE freaking out MAN!

by crw89 on Oct 2, 2008 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Do you just pour it on and they dissolve?

Disposable dixie cup drinkin... I'm hiding out in the big city blinking...

by N Oakley on Oct 2, 2008 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I've never heard of Merlot

Is it new?

by daeviant on Oct 2, 2008 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Think the Germans invented it

"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella

by Lou In Blue on Oct 2, 2008 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Let's win the SECOND game!!

"Remember each day this year, where you were, what you were doing, who you were with, how you felt as the Cubs win their way through it. Because if this does turn out to be the promised land we have all been waiting for, you will want to remember, savor, cherish every moment..."

by CubsBullsBears on Oct 2, 2008 8:25 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

+1

You ARE freaking out MAN!

by crw89 on Oct 2, 2008 8:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+2

Season’s on the line, hate that I have to type that so early in the playoffs.

by southloop on Oct 2, 2008 8:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

not yet

the boston red sox lost the first two games of a five-game series against oakland in 2003, came back and swept the back 3 to win the series.

Not something you want to try to do, but there is precedent.

The season will be on the line when and if the Cubs face an elimination game. Not before.

by SuperContext on Oct 2, 2008 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I believe they lost the first 2 in Oakland

and then went back to Boston and won the next 2 games.

With the Cubs starting out at home, it’s imperative, they win tonight.

Hopefully, the Cubs will win tonight so we won’t be talking about going down 0-2.

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Oct 2, 2008 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I sure hope youre right

I just cant help but shake the "here we go again " feeling b/c last nites performance was so different from the regular season, it just seemed they were rushing in all aspects of the game…..I suspect that feeling was echoing throughout the stadium, leading to the libray-esque atmosphere

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on Oct 2, 2008 8:26 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Al, you are spot on...

My 2 gripes was the crowd and Lou… and you covered them both. Seems like Lou forgets how to manage in these 5 game series.

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark

by Fishbone2 on Oct 2, 2008 8:27 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Al,

reading your post made me feel a whole lot better this morning. I think Z is going to be on a mission tonight. Here is to a Cub win tonight!!

by 23Ryno on Oct 2, 2008 8:28 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Al--your recap is very heartening

and I agree with much of it, but sometimes it hurts so much to love this team that I wish I didn’t. But it’s a codpendant dysfunctional relationship and I can’t stop it. Doggone this stuff is painful sometimes

Z has said this is his team. tonight he gets to rpove it—one way or the other.

"Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like to him."
Solomon

by cubfever7 on Oct 2, 2008 8:28 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Al

For stopping by last night, good to finally meet you. A very kind gesture on your part

Let’s go out and get them tonight and even this thing up, 1-1 with Harden on the mound for Game 3 doesn’t sound so bad does it?

by DartmouthCubsFan on Oct 2, 2008 8:29 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Nice to meet you and your dad, too.

Sorry you had to sit through such an awful game. We’ll get ’em tonight.

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

by Al on Oct 2, 2008 8:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Harden

Isn’t Harden our most consistent SP? I wondered that when the rotation was set — he will be limited to one start in this series. Wouldn’t he be a more reliable start tonight than Z?

by SETX Cub on Oct 2, 2008 8:30 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

he's limited to one start

because of his arm, not the schedule.

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Oct 2, 2008 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He can't even pitch on five days' rest?

I understand he’s been iffy on normal rest, which is four days off in between starts, but if he went last night he could have pitched game 5 on five days’ rest. I thought he did well with that extra day.

This kind of bugs me, unless he’s taking more time to receover now than in July.

I know the previous poster was talking about Harden going tonight, not last night. Just frustrated because Harden was my original pick for Game 1 due to the team’s winning percentage when he starts.

My next sig line quote will also be from Lou Piniella, and the first word will be either "Look", or "Listen", followed by a comma.

by JohnM on Oct 2, 2008 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If he pitched game 1

I suppose he could pitch game 5. Other than that, tho, he’s not available twice in a five game series.

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Oct 2, 2008 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have faith in Z...

But the offense is what worries me. Lou kept bringng up the starting pitching and relief work during his press conference last night, did he even mention the offense?

by CubsBullsBears on Oct 2, 2008 8:32 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Sigh...

I felt lifeless last night after that Grand Slam… once I saw Dempster’s pitch count was about 99 going into the 5th I had a feeling that we were in trouble, unfortunately it was right. Unfortunately this feeling is carrying into the morning, although by gametime it will turn into excitement and anticipation. Losing Game 1 of a 5 game series sucks though.

by GoCubbies34 on Oct 2, 2008 8:33 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Game was borderline tragic...

I have never been more deeply disappointed and saddened by a one game performance. The Cubs failed on all cylinders last night. Alfonso Soriano continued with the disapperance act of last year’s playoffs against Arizona. The offense overall reverted to it’s dysfunctional and inept way. Ryan Dempster puckered up big time. The achilles heel of this team, middle relief, reared it’s ugly head.

Give credit to Joe Torre and the Dodgers. They executed and played a smart ballgame even though, like Arizona, they are allegedly “inferior” on paper.

Very worried about today’s game. Carlos Zambrano has become an unstable wildcard. And you just know that Torre and the Dodger hitters are going to try and get inside his head. I wish Rich Harden or Ted Lilly were going today. Soriano MUST show up because it has been proven that he is the catalyst that makes everything go on this offense.

Oh please let this dubious bullpen be good enough in the playoffs...

by MDBNIU on Oct 2, 2008 8:34 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Stat of the day

the winner of game 1 in the NLDS has won 23 of 26 series. This ain’t over, but if history is any guide, then the Cubs are down to about a 5% shot in this.

/runs to corner and puts arms over head.

*Synth intro to "Jump"*

by SouthsideCub on Oct 2, 2008 8:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought it was 24 of 28...

One of those four teams who pulled it off was none other than the 2003 Marlins.

by CubsBullsBears on Oct 2, 2008 8:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Either way

it ain’t good. But it makes little difference now. If they don’t win tonight, then it’s over.

*Synth intro to "Jump"*

by SouthsideCub on Oct 2, 2008 8:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

OTOH...

… AL teams split (12-14) after winning the first game. These numbers scream out “small sample size”.

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

by Al on Oct 2, 2008 8:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That actually is the best news I've heard yet

And gives some confidence to me. The Dodgers are not a better team than the Cubs and as someone said above, 1-1 with Harden in that massive stadium in Chavez ravine, and I like our chances.

*Synth intro to "Jump"*

by SouthsideCub on Oct 2, 2008 8:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The whole 24 of 28 stat is not that frightening (to me).

we can add it to the list of amazing accomplishments for this year’s club when they win this series.
That being said, we really need the good Z tonight.

The other sports are just sports. Baseball is a love. ~Bryant Gumbel

by Blue W on Oct 2, 2008 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nope, the not winning the WS for 100 years is much more daunting.

All we have to do is win 3 games, they’ve done that LOTS of times all year long.

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Oct 2, 2008 9:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

True...

More pressure, that’s all this team needs. sigh

by CubsBullsBears on Oct 2, 2008 8:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The playoffs are all about pressure and what team can handle it best.

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

by Al on Oct 2, 2008 9:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Al- your feeling about tonight's game?

Feeling positive, negative, someplace in between?

(By the way, I read your post game 7 2003 nlcs post yesterday before the game. I have to admit, there was almost tears; I had forgotten how terrible I felt for about three days)

*Synth intro to "Jump"*

by SouthsideCub on Oct 2, 2008 9:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm always positive, as you know.

But Z had better pitch the game of his life tonight.

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

by Al on Oct 2, 2008 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I feel strongly that Z is going to pitch well tonight.

Hopefull, the offense will be able to get going.

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Oct 2, 2008 9:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If he doesnt there needs to be a quick hook!

Just because I don't care doesn't mean I don't understand. - Homer J Simpson

by MikeOxbyg on Oct 2, 2008 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

True stat, but....

As someone on another blog pointed out, frequently this is because the team losing the first game pitched their ace in that game and then it was downhill from there. I would argue that Z (if he is on), Harden and Lilly are, on a given night, going to give you as good an opportunity to win the game as Demp.

Yeah, it sucks to lose the home field advantage but I am not sure how much of an advantage the Dodger’s park is for them.

Come back in off the ledge folks.

by jking79 on Oct 2, 2008 8:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dodgers play in a pitcher's park

and I still think our pitchers are better.
Advantage = Cubs.

The other sports are just sports. Baseball is a love. ~Bryant Gumbel

by Blue W on Oct 2, 2008 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

if we're going to win this thing

we’re going to have to defy a whole lot of history along the way. Adding another stat to the mix isn’t a big deal

The Red Sox busted things up by coming back from down 0-3

by DartmouthCubsFan on Oct 2, 2008 8:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+100

trends are gonna have to not mean anything for this team.

"Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like to him."
Solomon

by cubfever7 on Oct 2, 2008 8:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well

If it’s stats you want, over the last 99 years, the Cubs have won exactly zero World Series championships, which translates into 0. So, if the Cubs chances are really at 5 as you suggest, I kind of like those odds.

History isn’t necessarily a guide to anything. Remember that.

Who needs a stinkin' tag line? What are they for anyway?

by krummy12 on Oct 2, 2008 9:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If that's the most disappointed you've ever been,

you must not have been a Cub fan for very long.

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Oct 2, 2008 8:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with you on Soriano... He needs to get it going.

he definitely sets the tone… and Lou, PLEASE, if you’re going to play Dome, bat him 8th.

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark

by Fishbone2 on Oct 2, 2008 8:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Batters 1 through 5

cannot go 2-19 with two walks. Simple as that.

by TC Cubby on Oct 2, 2008 8:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Question:

Would you even have visited the site this morning had we won?

make*art

by neverAcquiesce on Oct 2, 2008 9:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe Felix Pie

will come through with a big clutch hit.

He’s on the post-season roster, you know.

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Oct 2, 2008 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I told you Hoff shoulda made the roster!

Pie didn’t do anything last night!

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Oct 2, 2008 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

guess sitting

bench warmer!

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Oct 2, 2008 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If the Cubs can win the next 2 games

they will be fine. If not, I fear this will be the end of the line. If Z can win tonight (and let’s face it, if he doesn’t this is over anyway), then I think Harden will mow them down on Saturday and we can take this thing.

Al is exactly right, there was no reason to leave Dempster out there last night. Period. Not with a fully rested bullpen.

*Synth intro to "Jump"*

by SouthsideCub on Oct 2, 2008 8:34 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Piniella has little faith in his middle relief

Can’t say that I blame him.

Oh please let this dubious bullpen be good enough in the playoffs...

by MDBNIU on Oct 2, 2008 8:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

don't disagree

but when a guy has walked SEVEN, you might not need to lose some faith in him…

by DartmouthCubsFan on Oct 2, 2008 8:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, this ballgame was lost by failure on all cylinders, not just Ryan Dempster

The offense was horrificly bad. I will criticize Lou Piniella harshly on a few things, and that is the presence of Kosuke in the lineup and Ryan Theriot buried in the # 8 hole. Theriot is the one Cub who works the count and has been the ignitor. Also, I don’t care if DeRosa’s ankle is troublesome…Mike Fontenot MUST be inserted into the lineup with DeRosa moving to right.

Oh please let this dubious bullpen be good enough in the playoffs...

by MDBNIU on Oct 2, 2008 8:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

the majority of the games we won

against the Dodgers this year we scored less than 4 runs. Not saying 2 was going to be enough to win it by any means, and the offense certainly did let us down. But Dempster’s the main culprit for last night

His inability to throw strikes led to 4 big runs and then led to the middle relief having to be used. If Dempster throws strikes its a different story

by DartmouthCubsFan on Oct 2, 2008 8:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, the only solution to poor starting pitching in this series is going to Carlos Marmol ridiculously early in a ballgame...

Is that the right thing to do? Probably not. Do you burn through Marmol in hopes that you can mount a comeback offensively? Marmol can’t pitch multiple innings every game of the series. But it sure seems like that is going to be needed.

Oh please let this dubious bullpen be good enough in the playoffs...

by MDBNIU on Oct 2, 2008 8:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i dont think you do either

but Marshall only allowed 1 ER in 2 1/3 innings and it was a monster shot by Manny. He struck out 4. He was actually fine in his role

the problem was Dempster

by DartmouthCubsFan on Oct 2, 2008 8:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

Go Big Green

by leothelip on Oct 2, 2008 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Manny

also hit that ball off his shoe tops. No one else in the league gets that ball in the air, IMO.

When you're eight games behind, it's like eight miles; when you're eight games in front, it's like eight inches. ~ Ron Santo

by gwood on Oct 2, 2008 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I couldnt believe he connected on that pitch

by derv on Oct 2, 2008 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought about that too.

Bring Marmol in the game in the 5th get Loney, you still have a 2 run lead and who knows what happens.

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark

by Fishbone2 on Oct 2, 2008 8:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

there was nothing wrong with Marshall's performance

a great hitter reached out for a low and away pitch and did something that very few can do. I don’t fault Sean or Lou for that matchup.

"Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like to him."
Solomon

by cubfever7 on Oct 2, 2008 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought it was a pretty good pitch.

It didn’t look like a mistake, but if it was a mistake, you usually don’t mind it being in the dirt. Manny just reached down and grabbed a hold of it.
From what I have heard, he’s a pretty alright hitter.

The other sports are just sports. Baseball is a love. ~Bryant Gumbel

by Blue W on Oct 2, 2008 9:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Crap I agree with Blue Mike

I don’t think anyone thinks less of Lou as in game manager then me but no I don’t think Dempster should have been pulled and certainly NOT for Marmol. Dempster was struggling BADLY but I don’t see how you pull a starting pitcher in the 5th inning BEFORE he has given up a run. Suppose Lou had pulled him and put in Marquis or Marshall or even Marmol who then gave up 2 or 3 hits resulting in the same 4 runs ? I am sure folks would claim Dempster should not have been pulled. It is easy to say we should have pulled him cause he gave up the grannie but he could easily have gotten out of that inning.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry

by Doggie Stalker on Oct 2, 2008 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

what kills me about the Slam

Was that he had Loney 1-2- he had struck Ethier an inning or two before in an other tough situation.

The crowd was weird where I was sitting- one group in front of me admitted to stealing a sign from an old lady in the bathroom (WTF?) and some starched shirt tried to kick me out of my season seats ~~because they were his ‘season tickets’. He was threatening to call an usher but wouldn’t talk directly to me~~ only to the fans around me.

My take was a lot of season ticket holders sold their seats to finance the playoff ticket outlay.

The crowd was pretty loud throughout the game- but not ‘electric’ as in the past. I’ll blame the early start for part of it- and the slam took a lot of the crowd out of the game.

Of all the walks given up last night- the most egregious offense was walking Derek Lowe twice – this really elevated his pitch count having to face some good hitters with runners on.

Also (Silver lining) Furcal looked like he can be taken advantage of at SS- real stiff out there.

Cubs Karma: Don't take anything for granted.....

by Andre Fonseca on Oct 2, 2008 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I gotta agree.

Demp looked awful, no doubt. But he’s had a knack for getting out of those situations. If it’s the seventh and we have a guy like marmol warming then absolutely yank him. But the guys suited for middle relief has been horrid the past month, and last night was no exception.

by shoemile on Oct 2, 2008 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Isn't pitching king?

So shouldnt it then be a starting pitcher who gives up 7 walks be a major part of the failure?

"A catchers biggest concern behind the plate is to make his pitcher pitch a little better than he can" Roy Campanella

by Madison Cub Fan on Oct 2, 2008 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah, because

those critical catches Dome made didn’t matter a damn bit.

Sheesh.

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Oct 2, 2008 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dempster was looking into the dugout after he walked Manny then again after Either

almost as if to say, “hey Lou, I ain’t got it tonight.”

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark

by Fishbone2 on Oct 2, 2008 8:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I saw that

and thought to myself “where is the Lou from earlier in the year who yanked Cotts after walking ONE batter?” Dempster wanted out, and it looked like he would get out of it after getting Loney to 0-2.

*Synth intro to "Jump"*

by SouthsideCub on Oct 2, 2008 8:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought so too.

But Dempster was gassed and you could tell by the pitch Loney hit out of the park. Left it FAT in the zone.

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark

by Fishbone2 on Oct 2, 2008 8:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'll say this again....

Lou Piniella has very little faith in his bullpen beyond Carlos Marmol and Kerry Wood. I don’t think you bring in Marmol in the 5th inning. Maybe today you do because it is literally do or die time.

Oh please let this dubious bullpen be good enough in the playoffs...

by MDBNIU on Oct 2, 2008 8:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I just think he manages these 5 gamers like they are 7 games.

I bet some manager would have brought him in. Hell, he brought him into the 7th last year when Z was rolling.

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark

by Fishbone2 on Oct 2, 2008 8:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought Lilly was available for relief the 1st game...

I would have liked to see him in the 5th…

I haz blurg: hotbeans.wordpress.com

by digitalbenjamin on Oct 2, 2008 9:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That wouldn't have been a bad idea.

Even just to pitch to one lefthanded hitter.

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

by Al on Oct 2, 2008 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Al. I knew I wanted to read your post before we leave for the drive down

from MN to Wrigley for tonite’s game……..

GO CUBS GO……….

GoCubsGo

by MinnesotaFan on Oct 2, 2008 8:35 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The person who threw the ball at Manny was arrested for doing so...

http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2008/10/fan-arrested-for-throwing-ball-at-manny-ramirez.html

Most certainly a bad idea.

"When I got to Chicago, fans came to Wrigley Field just to have fun, now they come to see us win. The expectations have changed, for the players and for the fans. It’s about winning." Kerry Wood, 7/14/08

by JB 23 on Oct 2, 2008 8:35 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Was there last night, too

and re the crowd, Al: the reason is simple:
The team has to prove once and for all that it is not going to fail once again. Walking away after watching that terrible performance, I completely understand the sentiment. Yes, the REGULAR season was great, but once again the high hopes in the opening game of the NLDS that we’ve all ben waiting for was an utter flop. IF the team makes it to the NLCS, you will see the “elecricity”, imo. Or even Game 5 in the NLDS.

This however, was the key in your open:
“if you have two pitchers (Sean Marshall and Jason Marquis) who are starters or pitchers used to going extended periods, on the roster for the specific purpose of using them in long relief, why wouldn’t you use them that way on a night when it was clear that your starter had absolutely no command?”

One batter too long, maybe two. Bring in another pitcher, get out of the inning with a run or two – we’re still in it. These are the instances when in my mind – Lou=Dusty.

However, as I have posted several times, Derek Lowe kills us, and he did it again last night.

And Soriano is nothing but a sham in the Post Season. An overpaid, hopping, disappointment.

by The E-Man on Oct 2, 2008 8:36 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

No excuse on the crowd...

The White Sox fans put us to shame in their one game play off against the Twins. I was expecting that type of energy. The grand slam put us down by 2 and we were still in the game yet you could hear a pin drop in there last night.

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark

by Fishbone2 on Oct 2, 2008 8:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

At home I was puzzled by lack of crowd excitement too

as I was bouncing off the walls and screaming at the TV. I think it could have been Dempster’s obvious & early lack of control that caused a nervousness, which added to a general unease about the game that shut people down. I expect with more on the line today with an emotional Z on the mound that the Wrigley partisans will be a little more active & vocal today.

by JFCubFan on Oct 2, 2008 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Very odd

One of the quietest games I have ever been to. And I go a lot. Before the game, when we were winning and when we were losing. VERY odd.

by gocubsgo22 on Oct 2, 2008 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

One of the announcers said...

“It’s like the crowd is expecting something bad to happen…”

That’s exactly what it seemed like. I’m not saying it’s the crowd’s fault, however it certainly does help to have that home field advantage.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Oct 2, 2008 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Honestly, it bothered me.

Seemed very Un-Wrigley like.

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark

by Fishbone2 on Oct 2, 2008 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

he made

two or three really good catches. We hit the ball well, few of them had eyes.

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Oct 2, 2008 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lou

For a hot minute there, I thought Johnny B. Baker was back in the dugout.

by thermal54 on Oct 2, 2008 8:38 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Still worth going

This was my first playoff game ever at Wrigley Field. It was a disappointment, and it was COLD (in Section 512). The crowd was definitely older than what I’ve usually seen. No fatcats up in that section, just some longtime Cub fans. They got excited at the right times, there just weren’t enough of those last night.

Two stories:
The last game I attended alone, I was seated behind a group of women slightly older than me, on a “girl’s day out”. When they found out I was there by myself, they asked to take a picture with me to “make their husbands think they had been fooling around.” Last night, a younger woman a few seats down suddenly said, “Can I get a picture with you?” And I thought, huh? Then she said, “You look like Mayor Daley, but you’re wearing a Cubs cap. It’s hilarious.” The guy next to me said, “I think that’s a slam.” How the mighty have fallen.

From our back-row seats, we had a birds-eye view of the Chicago schools demonstration by the McDonald’s at Clark and Addison. In fact, the loudspeaker was often louder than the public address system in the ballpark. At one point, they began a chant. We weren’t quite sure if it was something about “Save schools now!” or “No Bob How-ry”. Not to downplay the seriousness of the crisis in the public schools, but it was also fun to listen to the preachers as if they were critiquing the game on the field.

Fontenot (fon-te-no): Cajun for "scrappy"

by zambranofan on Oct 2, 2008 8:42 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Great post as always, Al.

I couldn’t agree more about the crowd. What would you attribute that to? Well-heeled jerks driving out the true fans? I don’t know if it was just TBS’s ambient mike or what, but it almost sounded like the crowd was booing throughout the entire early part of the game (even with the Cubs up).

I almost feel like it would benefit this team to get on the road. Win one tonight and get away from the pressure cooker and the psuedo fans.

"What's the score?" "Nothing-nothing." "Who's winning?" "The Bears."

by ScottieG33 on Oct 2, 2008 8:43 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Al, I disagree with your critique of the fans...

Most good and long-standing Cub fans have an impending fear of dread and therefore are rightfully cautious and reserved. In all honesty how can you blame them. There is no way you can deflect the puckering up and ineptitude of the product on the field to the crowd in the stands.

Oh please let this dubious bullpen be good enough in the playoffs...

by MDBNIU on Oct 2, 2008 8:44 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Thank you.

Agreed. Having experienced and attended in 69, 84, 89, 2003, 2007 and this year – I have experienced enough disappointment. I cheered and stood up waiting for the crucial Loney strike 3. It was a grand slam instead.It reminded me of the balloon busting with one Rich Hill as well.

by The E-Man on Oct 2, 2008 8:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"There is no way you can deflect the puckering up and ineptitude of the product on the field to the crowd in the stands."

I don’t think Al is trying to ‘deflect’ yesterday’s ineptitude onto the crowd but I agree that given our history there is no reason to find anything wrong with the crowd. These god darn high priced players have to produce when it matters.

by cubsnlinux on Oct 2, 2008 8:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

STOP BLAMING THE FREAKING CROWD!!!!!

Dempster sucked the life right out of the stadium.

Pluto will always be a planet to me!

by DaBard on Oct 2, 2008 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The point is...

… there was no life in the crowd BEFORE Dempster started walking everyone in sight.

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

by Al on Oct 2, 2008 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

by gocubsgo22 on Oct 2, 2008 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The point is

The crowd pays to see the game and does not have a direct effect on said game.

The players get PAID to play the game and should have put forth a much better effort.

"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella

by Lou In Blue on Oct 2, 2008 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

of course the crowd has a direct effect on the game.

players talk about how the crowd effects them all the time.

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Oct 2, 2008 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I knew I was going to get it when I posted that

I understand they do have an effect, but speaking of this game specifically it’s hard to blame fans who come to the stadium for the poor performance on the field.

Hope that clarifies a bit :)

"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella

by Lou In Blue on Oct 2, 2008 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh, absolutely.

but I do agree with Al. The crowd seemed… off… in general.

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Oct 2, 2008 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was sitting on my couch

yelling at the crowd to get into the game last night. they seemed very un-Wrigley like. They weren’t standing and cheering on all the 2-strike counts like the crowds usually do.

When you're eight games behind, it's like eight miles; when you're eight games in front, it's like eight inches. ~ Ron Santo

by gwood on Oct 2, 2008 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was sitting on my couch

Yelling at Dempster to figure it out.

It never occurred to me, not once, to blame some guy in Row 15.

Pluto will always be a planet to me!

by DaBard on Oct 2, 2008 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is there any hint of blame in my comment?

I am not blaming anything on the crowd, just simply stating that it was noticeably how dead they were and it would have been nice for them to get into the game a bit, in the hopes that it would put a charge into our players.

When you're eight games behind, it's like eight miles; when you're eight games in front, it's like eight inches. ~ Ron Santo

by gwood on Oct 2, 2008 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But it's not on them to hype up the players.

In fact, it’s the other way around.

My view was the crowd was hesitant and needed a catalyst in the form of offense. To me it sounded like they were more alive after DeRo’s shot, but Demp’s off pitching brought them right back out of it. After the GS they were done.

make*art

by neverAcquiesce on Oct 2, 2008 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But they shouldn't have been done. It was a 4-2 game in the 6th!

This team has came back from much worse than that. I was disappointed after the GS too but I didn’t think that was going to be the game and i certainly didn’t stop cheering.

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark

by Fishbone2 on Oct 2, 2008 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No, I completely agree.

That’s just how I viewed it. But I wasn’t at Wrigley so I don’t know.

All I know is I was PUMPED an hour before the game and Demp did a whole lot to take me out of it. After the GS I was pretty damn silent.

make*art

by neverAcquiesce on Oct 2, 2008 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Watching Soriano

Strike out what seemed like 5 times on 15 pitches had a lot to do with the lifeless crowd.

I agree the crowd shouldn’t have been so silent.

The crowd should have booed their freaking lungs out.

Pluto will always be a planet to me!

by DaBard on Oct 2, 2008 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agree, in part

It can work both ways.

Dero said earlier in the season that the players got a real charge out of the Wrigley fans because they were into every game and wouldn’t allow the players to take a game off. When I hear that, I infer that the players get charged up by the fans’ energy. There was no energy last night.

When you're eight games behind, it's like eight miles; when you're eight games in front, it's like eight inches. ~ Ron Santo

by gwood on Oct 2, 2008 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here's hoping

Z and the crowd feed each other tonight.

make*art

by neverAcquiesce on Oct 2, 2008 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Plus, IMHO

Loud crowds put pressure on the opposing pitcher. I don’t think they can ignore it.

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark

by Fishbone2 on Oct 2, 2008 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Like I said

I really think it had more to do w/ the type of fans that were there last night. And it’s no way indictment of the true fans that were there, but they just give off that same aura that I usually see from fans at the game, EVEN when we’re losing.

Go All In and Enjoy The Ride.

by Jayo525 on Oct 2, 2008 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree, I have never been at a game of this significance at Wrigley

…where the crowd was so lifeless from the first pitch. I really cant figure out what it was…

by JB 23 on Oct 2, 2008 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well maybe the majority of the fans

were a bunch of suits who bought their tix off StubHub for a huge markup just to say they were there. I swear, at least on TV it looked like a lot of the fans were lifeless from the get go, and that is in no way a knock on the die-hards that were there (i.e. Al any other BCBers). It didn’t help that our so-called owner (Zell) was sitting there front row throughout the game w/ nary a smile on his face. He just looks smug.

Go All In and Enjoy The Ride.

by Jayo525 on Oct 2, 2008 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah i suspect the same thing

i loved seeing the old guy in the crowd with a full suit and tie on, wearing a cubs hat….give me a break

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Oct 2, 2008 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dempster was off yesterday

But the crowd was quiet regardless of how he pitched. It reminded me of 2003. Any game we had a lead in the series the crowd was nuts. When we were tied in the series the crowd was silent.

by gocubsgo22 on Oct 2, 2008 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm sick of the self-hating so-called Cubs Fans

epitomized in this comment.
If you don’t like watching the Cubs then don’t spend money on tickets to come and ruin my otherwise good time at the ballpark.

I hate the ‘i paid to boo’ baloney- thats for White Sox Fans- its the friendly confines and I dont care how much you paid you shouldn’t be booing our team.

I think the crowd was cheering and into the game- but after the slam it sort of sucked the wind out of everyone- plus Lowe came out after that and shut the Cubs offense down completely- not much to get excited about after that.

Cubs Karma: Don't take anything for granted.....

by Andre Fonseca on Oct 2, 2008 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

I kept thinking if I had the privilege to be at Wrigley for a playoff game, my ass wouldn’t hit my seat. I am so pissed at the people who take for granted the opportunity to be there.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Oct 2, 2008 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I disagree completely.

I never understood fans that gt on other fans for booing. Listen, booing, in some odd way, is a way of saying I expect more from the team and therefore am upset that the team is playing like trash. I bet nobody boos the Nats or Pirates because nobody expects any better from them. When a team as good as the Cubs lays an egg like last night, I have no problem with booing, and I probably would have been there booing myself if it wasn’t Rosh Hashanah and at my house.

by dakoose on Oct 2, 2008 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i agree

these players are getting paid MILLIONS!!!!…they can get over it and use the construtive criticism

by Bardusk87 on Oct 2, 2008 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

my point is I came to watch a ballgame

not listen to you boo some player who gets paid whether your criticism is there or not-
same thing goes for unfunny heckling- you know:
Hey you suck- your mom is ugly…heckle, but please heckle with wit

Cubs Karma: Don't take anything for granted.....

by Andre Fonseca on Oct 2, 2008 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

A few thoughts

The article (linked above) about the arrested fan says nothing about the ball having been the one tossed up by Manny. That doesn’t justify the idiocy, but it makes it clear the fan was just reacting, not doing something that overtly hostile.

Al — surprised there was no comment on the roster. Is it common a manager waits until just before Game 1 to announce it?

Al — also surprised you didn’t mention the times the Cubs have done quite well in a Game 1 since 1984, only to lose the series. This has happened more than once, IIRC.

by roricka on Oct 2, 2008 8:44 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I have no idea on the roster.

The only time the Cubs have won a game 1 but lost the series was in 1984. They lost game 1 in 1989, 1998, the NLCS in 2003 and last year.

They did win game 1 in the NLDS vs. Atlanta in 2003 and WON that series.

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

by Al on Oct 2, 2008 9:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Cubs have lost every series since 1906 when they lost the first game.

That’s a mathematical trend they have to reverse to win this year.

by Fraggin Judge on Oct 2, 2008 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That fan...

Should be thrown onto the field and the players should get to pummel him. You do not throw things at the players.

Pluto will always be a planet to me!

by DaBard on Oct 2, 2008 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

really?

from the guy who wants Ted Lilly to throw at everyone’s head???

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Oct 2, 2008 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

please don't encourage bluemike 2.0

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Oct 2, 2008 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That is a deliberate misrepresentation of what I said

Get it right. I said the ribs. You are a liar, sir.

Pluto will always be a planet to me!

by DaBard on Oct 2, 2008 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Black cat

I had to leave home last night for a bit during the game. I left at the end of the 3rd inning and paused my DVR. As I was pulling back into my driveway a black cat (stray I guess) ran across the driveway in front of me. I fought so hard to ignore it and pretend like there are no curses. But as I watched the game unfold, I kept thinking about that damn cat.

"I'm petrified of nipple chafing. Once it starts, it's a vicious circle." Andy Bernard

by TXCub on Oct 2, 2008 8:45 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

There are no curses.

That was actually a chupacabra. So, you know, you got that going for you.

"What's the score?" "Nothing-nothing." "Who's winning?" "The Bears."

by ScottieG33 on Oct 2, 2008 8:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

so when a black cat stares you down

stare back

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Oct 2, 2008 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Al

You’ve officially lost points (for whatever its worth) for putting “pick to click” on the right nav bar! Just saw it this morning and vomited a bit in my mouth….

Lets get them in game two!

"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella

by Lou In Blue on Oct 2, 2008 8:46 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Hmmm.

You didn’t like that poll? Suggest a new one, then.

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

by Al on Oct 2, 2008 9:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

How about: Cub who will club?

—that is sorta lame…

"Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like to him."
Solomon

by cubfever7 on Oct 2, 2008 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not necessarily the poll

It’s the “pick to click” that has me nauseous.

New Poll: Who would win in a hotdog eating contest. Dick Stockton or Tony Gwynn?

"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella

by Lou In Blue on Oct 2, 2008 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gwynn by a landslide.

by gocubsgo22 on Oct 2, 2008 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

OK, point taken on “pick to click”. I’m going to do the same poll tonight with a different name.

(Gwynn wins your poll.)

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

by Al on Oct 2, 2008 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Great to hear!

"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella

by Lou In Blue on Oct 2, 2008 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Did anyone else hear a constant "ooo" from their TV while watching?

I’m not sure if it was the feed or not, but it seemed like there was a silent, monotonous "boo"ing sound throughout the first 6-7 innings. It was weird.

"Looks like Milwaukee got their No Hitter" -ak123

by NittanyCub on Oct 2, 2008 8:46 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yes!

That’s what I said in my post (above.) Weird.

"What's the score?" "Nothing-nothing." "Who's winning?" "The Bears."

by ScottieG33 on Oct 2, 2008 8:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That may have been from the blimp's engines

Whatever it was, it was pretty strange.

"I see great things in baseball. It's our game - the American game." - Walt Whitman

by hip2bsquare on Oct 2, 2008 9:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The blimp

Was pretty loud last night. If they had mics on the roof which they often do that is probably what you heard.

by gocubsgo22 on Oct 2, 2008 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

RIGHT ON AL

Tonights another night ..Big Z will we on and the W flag will be going up,,,,,Still can’t figure out Lou leaving Dempster in ………It was so obvious he was having trouble making his pitches ..Go Figure……..

by cubs north on Oct 2, 2008 8:47 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Ran into our weak spot

Middle relief… We really are relying on our starters to get us into the 7th and if that doesn’t happen it’s going to be a bumpy ride.

"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella

by Lou In Blue on Oct 2, 2008 8:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

think Lou had a hangover from Game 1 last year?

when he got criticism for pulling Z too early?

this game he leaves Demp in too long?

just a thought…

by DartmouthCubsFan on Oct 2, 2008 8:48 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I can forgive Lou for last year

But pulling last Demp last night was a no-brainer.

by southloop on Oct 2, 2008 8:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

This loss is not at Lou's feet...

it’s on the pitchers and inability of the offense to score.

I haz blurg: hotbeans.wordpress.com

by digitalbenjamin on Oct 2, 2008 9:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's on both.

Dempster was out of gas. Marshall should have been brought in two batters earlier. It doesn’t matter that the game was scoreless then. A short series has to be managed with a sense of urgency, not like a regular season game. Having said that, however, I’m not overly critical of Lou because yanking Dempster then was not an obvious move. In the end, it’s up to the players to perform according to their abilities. I think Dempster psyched himself up too much and overthrew his pitches. That’s another reminder that players are human beings.

by Fraggin Judge on Oct 2, 2008 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

absolutely with a doubt

great point

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Oct 2, 2008 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

without*

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Oct 2, 2008 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The crowd was terrible

Maybe it was because its a richer older crowd, but Ive heard more cheering at a Padres game.. sheesh.

One of Us!One Of Us!

by HerrProf on Oct 2, 2008 8:49 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Do you mean a Padres game in San Diego

b/c I have been to 22 games this year, and I would disagree with you strongly.

by The E-Man on Oct 2, 2008 8:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I didn't think it was a "richer, older crowd".

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

by Al on Oct 2, 2008 9:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But can you agree the crowd totally took themselves out of it? Im sick of this woe is me sky is falling pessimism of cubs fans.

One of Us!One Of Us!

by HerrProf on Oct 2, 2008 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, I agree with that.

The crowd could really help the Cubs if they were more into it. Hard to do that after a grand slam against you, but they weren’t into it before that, either.

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

by Al on Oct 2, 2008 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

wtf was with all the booing?

They lost one game and had a couple bad performances and I heard constant booing. That crowd didn’t look like the normal crowd of die-hards that live and die with every game. I’m so sick of seeing people there for the event instead of the game itself. When only 6,000 tickets get released to the general public, and scalpers are charging 300+ for shitty seats, then I hope management understands that they’re not going to get nearly the crowd support they would normally get.

Just my $.02

by dr stabbingworth on Oct 2, 2008 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wonder

how much of this “the crowd sucked” is coming from people that are just upset they didn’t get in.

The crowd was very much into it until the Loney grand slam. We were on the edge of our seats with all the walks, but we were into it. If Demp strikes out Loney, Wrigley explodes.

For your information, the Supreme Court has roundly rejected prior restraint.

by Less is Walrond on Oct 2, 2008 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No.

I was at the game and it was the lamest crowd of the year. Bar NONE.

by gocubsgo22 on Oct 2, 2008 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

no they weren't

watch the game on tv…..this is the playoffs, the crowd needs to take it to a whole new level

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Oct 2, 2008 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hard to watch the game on TV

Because I was there, section 509. The crowd was loud and on their feet during the Loney at bat, and if Demp gets him, the roof blows off that building.

I agree the crowd could have been more into it at 4-2, but let’s face it, the Cubs never made any push whatsoever to give the crowd a reason to stay in.

For your information, the Supreme Court has roundly rejected prior restraint.

by Less is Walrond on Oct 2, 2008 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I meant if you have it Tivo'ed or on a DVR....

I understand the Cubs didn’t give the crowd a reason to cheer, but this is the PLAYOFFS and we are the CUBS. They shouldn’t have needed a reason to “get up,” being there should have been enough.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Oct 2, 2008 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree. The grand slam took the crowd out of the game. That's normal.

by Fraggin Judge on Oct 2, 2008 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And FWIW

I didn’t boo. I find silence much more damning.

Although I did boo Belushi.

For your information, the Supreme Court has roundly rejected prior restraint.

by Less is Walrond on Oct 2, 2008 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I just dont get why Belushi seems to be the first guy they call for this stuff?

…he doesnt live here, hasnt lived here in decades and is a real buffoon in my book.

by JB 23 on Oct 2, 2008 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn't be shocked if Belushi calls them

I’m sorry, but when did Jim Belushi get voted in as “Mr. Chicago Sports” and how long is his term?

If it weren’t for his brother he’d be changing brake pads for a living.

For your information, the Supreme Court has roundly rejected prior restraint.

by Less is Walrond on Oct 2, 2008 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I want Bill Murray

"A catchers biggest concern behind the plate is to make his pitcher pitch a little better than he can" Roy Campanella

by Madison Cub Fan on Oct 2, 2008 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hear he's single. There you go.

Disposable dixie cup drinkin... I'm hiding out in the big city blinking...

by N Oakley on Oct 2, 2008 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

ummm @ the game. LOL

Not for me personally.

"A catchers biggest concern behind the plate is to make his pitcher pitch a little better than he can" Roy Campanella

by Madison Cub Fan on Oct 2, 2008 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

My guess is that he's not the first guy they call

he’s just the first guy they call who’s available on short notice

"I see great things in baseball. It's our game - the American game." - Walt Whitman

by hip2bsquare on Oct 2, 2008 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Probably has no pending acting gigs.

by gocubsgo22 on Oct 2, 2008 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I only really heard one episode of booing

(apart from LAD intros, and Manny intros) that was when Manny slugged that homer- and I thought that was more directed at Manny than the Cubs.

Cubs Karma: Don't take anything for granted.....

by Andre Fonseca on Oct 2, 2008 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought I heard

Soriano get booed after one of his strike-outs.

When you're eight games behind, it's like eight miles; when you're eight games in front, it's like eight inches. ~ Ron Santo

by gwood on Oct 2, 2008 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He did

For your information, the Supreme Court has roundly rejected prior restraint.

by Less is Walrond on Oct 2, 2008 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i must have been at the trough

for that one

Cubs Karma: Don't take anything for granted.....

by Andre Fonseca on Oct 2, 2008 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

A couple things:

1. Marshall’s pitch to Manny was a, dare I say, perfect pitch. How Manny got to it, let alone golfed it out is anyone’s guess. It reminded me of a few of Rami’s shots.

2. I stay out of the majority of game threads and read them later, and have for a while . Granted, the negativity does creep in there when things go bad, but when you say “don’t attack others”, I guess you have to point out that it goes both ways. Better to ignore the ledgejumpers than to attack them, because THAT is when it gets ugly in there.

3. Dick Stockton made about 400 mistakes during that telecast. Truly painful to listen to.

4. Most Important Start by Z EVER tonight. Let’s hope he’s up for it.

Nobody cares about your fantasy league team

by carmen_fanzone on Oct 2, 2008 8:49 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

God he was awful wasnt he?

He should stick to the basketball.

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on Oct 2, 2008 8:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

God, I was thinking THE SAME THING on #1

How did he possibly hit that, much less, hit it 400+? That ball was nowhere near the strike zone. Ramirez has some real power.

"Looks like Milwaukee got their No Hitter" -ak123

by NittanyCub on Oct 2, 2008 8:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Manny's a guess hitter

and he was SITTING on Curveball because he knows Marshall’s not going to try to beat him with a fastball down in the count

by DartmouthCubsFan on Oct 2, 2008 8:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But that curveball almost bounced in front of the plate...

Give Manny credit, but that’s a “out” pitch to any other hitter…

Nobody cares about your fantasy league team

by carmen_fanzone on Oct 2, 2008 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What about the TBS camera angles...

The picture of DeRosa’s homerun looked like it was shot with a zoom lens from planet Saturn. Terrible coverage. Tony Gwynn is awful, Ron Darling has a grating voice and Dick Stockton is 25 years past his prime.

Oh please let this dubious bullpen be good enough in the playoffs...

by MDBNIU on Oct 2, 2008 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I actually enjoyed Darling

Gwynn does NOT have anything near a voice made for TV. He just sounds terrible. Stockton — well, nothing more needs to be said.

What was his line at the beginning of the game? Something where he called the Dodgers understudies when he meant underdogs. Ron Darling gave him a quick look and just smiled.

by kanderber on Oct 2, 2008 8:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dick Stockton was confused and thought he was doing a Celtics vs. Lakers game from 1984

Plus, Stockton has always had a bug up his ass about Chicago. Ever listen to him do a Bears game?

Oh please let this dubious bullpen be good enough in the playoffs...

by MDBNIU on Oct 2, 2008 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

that's what kills me....

no one in the booth with him ever corrects him. He got numerous pitch counts wrong, which drove me nuts.

The Sox game the night before he said “Brian Anderson is coming in to pinch hit for Griffey” after Griffey had just doubled. That’s pinch RUN, Dick.

Nobody cares about your fantasy league team

by carmen_fanzone on Oct 2, 2008 9:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

We could go on and on about his mistakes...

but one more I felt was worth pointing out was when he got confused and was talking about Piniella managing the Dodgers. Then, and I almost thought he was correcting himself… at the end he goes “that would be Piniella, of course, coming up with the Dodgers game plan.”

It’s pathetic and embarrasing that TBS employs this guy. At least we didn’t have to hear the names Adolfo Soriano and Aramis Rodrigo last night.

by kanderber on Oct 2, 2008 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It was right after that particular comment you mention

that I turned the sound off for the rest of the game. The guy is pathetic. He can’t even correct himself correctly. Silence was better last night for a lot of reasons. Why couldn’t we have gotten Chip Caray?

Tommie Agee was out.

by Weeghman Park on Oct 2, 2008 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gywnn

Agree 100% on the voice…good thing he looks great on camera!

by StevenABQ on Oct 2, 2008 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If you get past how it sounds

what he says is worthwhile, in my opinion

by TC Cubby on Oct 2, 2008 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It is worth scalping a $300 ticket

To not hear Stockton.

by gocubsgo22 on Oct 2, 2008 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Completely agree on #1, but

with the mobile strike zone and pitches identical pitches down almost that far being called altertately ball and strike on succeeding pitches, Manny almost has to swing at that. The fact that he can launch the sh*t out of it down there makes it more enticing.

That pitch was perfect. Manny is a beast.

Disposable dixie cup drinkin... I'm hiding out in the big city blinking...

by N Oakley on Oct 2, 2008 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I really missed

listening to Len & Bob. I really appreciate them as announcers.

by sue369 on Oct 2, 2008 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+more than i could ever write

The only plus for the game being so late tonight is that 720 only comes in with anyregularity after 9pm here. Same for Saturday. That should be a good omen.

make*art

by neverAcquiesce on Oct 2, 2008 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

1-1 back to LA

wouldnt be too bad with Harden and a red hot Lilly going in games 3 and 4…..its going to be a suspenseful night

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on Oct 2, 2008 8:50 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Carlos Zambrano is pitching in his most important game of his career today...

And I’ll tell you what, I don’t feel good about it. I’m being very honest in saying that I don’t have a lot of faith in Zambrano for this game. Torre and the Dodger hitters are going to consciously try to get into his fragile skull. Hopefully Piniella is sitting down with Zambrano today and counseling his emotions.

Oh please let this dubious bullpen be good enough in the playoffs...

by MDBNIU on Oct 2, 2008 8:51 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The offense...

Should worry us more than Z.

by CubsBullsBears on Oct 2, 2008 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

There needs to be a barrage of runs tonight to restore some confidence. A 2-1 victory tonight would be better than a loss and say something good about Z, but it wouldn’t feel real good.

"I'm petrified of nipple chafing. Once it starts, it's a vicious circle." Andy Bernard

by TXCub on Oct 2, 2008 8:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, but postseason games are low-scoring games anyway. So, I'm more worried about Zambrano.

by Fraggin Judge on Oct 2, 2008 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’ll tell you what,

You have. Over and over again.

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Oct 2, 2008 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No one has mentioned this

but if there is a hole in Soto’s game, it is holding on to the foul tip strike three.

Would a Molina brother, Martin, or Pudge have held on to that strike three on Loney?

It must be really, really, difficult – but some do it better than others.

by The E-Man on Oct 2, 2008 8:53 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

ive seen soto

grab quite a few foul tips- If he has a hole in his defense, it is blocking the plate on throws from the outfield.

Cubs Karma: Don't take anything for granted.....

by Andre Fonseca on Oct 2, 2008 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed,

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Oct 2, 2008 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Foul tips?

For the most part, catching foul tips is mostly luck. “Lucky timing” is what two lifelong catchers just told me. I had to ask them because your comment made me wonder about this, and I’ve never caught a game in my life. Of course, they said that some are easier to catch than others just because they aren’t deflected as much.

by rambler19 on Oct 2, 2008 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Stick With Cubs in 5

I made that prediction yesterday. The Cubs can split the first two by winning tonight’s game at Wrigley. They can split the next two in LA. Then, they can come back to Chicago to win game 5.

Maybe, the 8:30 PM start time will encourage a more raucous crowd tonight at Wrigley.

"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray

by memphiscub on Oct 2, 2008 8:53 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

2003

We split the first 4 with the Braves in the NLDS, and of course lost game 1 to the Marlins….but we all know how that turned out.

by southloop on Oct 2, 2008 8:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep

And we won the first two in 1984 and we all know how that turned out too. This isn’t insurmountable by any stretch. Even down 2.

Who needs a stinkin' tag line? What are they for anyway?

by krummy12 on Oct 2, 2008 9:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think there could be trouble with rowdiness tonight...

… with the later start. If that translates into being more “raucous”, good.

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

by Al on Oct 2, 2008 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

especially

if the Cubs fall behind- there could be some hostility from disappointed fans.

Cubs Karma: Don't take anything for granted.....

by Andre Fonseca on Oct 2, 2008 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

We were pretty raucous at the local watering hole last night

and I will be pretty raucous in front of the TV. I promise to make it loud.

Disposable dixie cup drinkin... I'm hiding out in the big city blinking...

by N Oakley on Oct 2, 2008 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Right on Al...

yes, this was on Lou…I was literally yelling at him through the TV when he left Marshall in to pitch to Manny. Come on! Demp just didn’t have it, interesting take on the ump…didn’t think of that. Yeah, tonight’s where Z earns his money and needs to show that he is our premier big game pitcher along with our entire offense. I’m still pissed at Soriano’s poor showing last night, Lowe is good, but seriously that was horrible.

You ARE freaking out MAN!

by crw89 on Oct 2, 2008 8:53 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

ALf is a cripple shooter--he kills fast balls

but smart pitchers with good sinkers will eat him alive almost every time.

"Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like to him."
Solomon

by cubfever7 on Oct 2, 2008 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

My furstration on Fonz was the damn sliders.

In, I believe, two successive at bats he let the first go for ball one and swung at the next three identical pitches. 4 in a row.

Disposable dixie cup drinkin... I'm hiding out in the big city blinking...

by N Oakley on Oct 2, 2008 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Strike zone

I did not think the home plate umpire was that bad. Dempster was. The HR Manny hit was impossible. Right off the top of his shoes. The crowd was probably made up of those who cold afford tickets, not average fans. There were a lot of tickets on web sites for sale and a friend who was at the game said scalpers had plenty of tickets for sale. Where do they get all these tickets and who is buying. Good question, but it didn’t seem like a “regular” crowd. The only thing I take comfort in is that we have Z-Harden and Lilly going. That’s the best 2-3-4 we could put on the field. The best thing that could happen tonight is a big win to get our mojo back.

This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).

by mrcubsfan on Oct 2, 2008 8:54 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I disagree

the ump looked like he was anticipating Lowe’s sinker and calling strikes about 6 off the ground. Lowe was hitting the strike zone as called, but it was not a good zone. What I wouldn’t have given for Tim McClelland last night (I never thought I’d say that)

*Synth intro to "Jump"*

by SouthsideCub on Oct 2, 2008 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought Scott's strike zone was low....

…but I thought he was consistent. The umpire was not the problem. Most of Ryan’s ball 4’s weren’t even close. That tells me he had no command.

However, to be fair to Lou, Dempster got into trouble a lot this year and was one of the best I’ve ever seen at consistently getting out of jams. I really believed he would find a way out of the 5th inning.

"I'm petrified of nipple chafing. Once it starts, it's a vicious circle." Andy Bernard

by TXCub on Oct 2, 2008 9:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's a tough call for Lou...

…Dempster did wiggle out of trouble before and he actually did have pretty good stuff when he got it over the plate. Lou was hoping for one more good pitch when Dempster was ahead of Loney and he just ran out of lives.

Lou was probably thinking of showing some confidence in Dempster (for future benefit) and also not torching the pen so early in the series.

I do understand those who argue he should have been pulled, and in hindsight, that is what he should have done.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Oct 2, 2008 9:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

See, I didn't think he was consistant.

The ball over the plate but just below the knee varied on being a ball or strike. I’m not whining because I thought he screwed the Cubs and Dogers equally, but it made it tough for the teams to play the game.

Disposable dixie cup drinkin... I'm hiding out in the big city blinking...

by N Oakley on Oct 2, 2008 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pitchers...

…need to adjust to an umpires strikezone and last night, I don’t think Dempster could have adjusted to anything.

We have seen flashes of this from him before (no command at all) when he was a closer and a little this year as a starter. Let’s call it for what it was – he just didn’t handle the biggest game of his career (so far) very well the first time out.

I say the club responds in a positive way to last night and so does Dempster in his next outing.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Oct 2, 2008 9:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with you 100%

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

by Al on Oct 2, 2008 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What was up w/ the music they played before the game and between innings?

The songs they were playing weren’t exactly going to fire anyone up. The song they came out to was just bad.

I heart the riot. (www.riotshirts.com)

by RIOTSHIRTS.com on Oct 2, 2008 9:00 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

"I Love This Town"?

I guess that’s the “playoff song” for TBS. I’m already sick of it.

Nobody cares about your fantasy league team

by carmen_fanzone on Oct 2, 2008 9:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Me too

Blech

by SuperContext on Oct 2, 2008 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

After the Cubs batted in the 5th

they played “Build Me Up Buttercup”

Why do you build me up buttercup baby, just to let me down

I thought it was some sick joke

For your information, the Supreme Court has roundly rejected prior restraint.

by Less is Walrond on Oct 2, 2008 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

we need more Organ music damnt

Cubs Karma: Don't take anything for granted.....

by Andre Fonseca on Oct 2, 2008 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

I haz blurg: hotbeans.wordpress.com

by digitalbenjamin on Oct 2, 2008 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Alfonso Soriano, "Mr. October"

2007 — 3 games, 14 abs, 2 hits, 1 bb, 4 ks

2008 — 1 game, 5 abs, 2 ks

Oh please let this dubious bullpen be good enough in the playoffs...

by MDBNIU on Oct 2, 2008 9:01 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yep. Agreed.

Look at his career stats Post – shit!

by The E-Man on Oct 2, 2008 9:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Those K's last night were brutal.

Lowe is good, but the pitches Sori swung at screamed “I am so anxious I would swing if you threw the rosin bag at me”

by CubsBullsBears on Oct 2, 2008 9:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He just goes up there with that 32 ton bat hackin....

That won’t work in the playoffs against good pitching and a short series. It’s pathetic that we have to HOPE he is in one of his good streaks. Shorten up your swing and punch the ball the other way.

Oh please let this dubious bullpen be good enough in the playoffs...

by MDBNIU on Oct 2, 2008 9:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

and the circle is complete.

Blue-Mike has been hating on Soriano all freakin year. This is nothing new.

Nice of you, BM, tho, to completely overlook his excellent defense last night.

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Oct 2, 2008 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, he should probably change his swing right now.

Maybe you could go down there during BP and talk to him about this.

The Missouri Tigers (4-0) begin defense of their 2007 Big 12 Conference North Division title Saturday on the road, as they take on the Nebraska Cornhuskers (3-1) in Lincoln, Neb.

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Oct 2, 2008 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He just looked so anxious last night

I few hits and he could bust out of this and carry this team for two series.

*Synth intro to "Jump"*

by SouthsideCub on Oct 2, 2008 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Makes you wonder what happened

Maybe the Yankees are smarter than the Cubs and were able to play his hot streaks. In 2001 he had two walk-off hits in the playoffs, one in the ALCS, one in the WS.

by rambler19 on Oct 2, 2008 9:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

One bad game from Soriano...

… doesn’t mean he won’t suddenly turn it on starting tonight. He’s done that before — looked horrible, then suddenly gone on one of his streaks with no warning.

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

by Al on Oct 2, 2008 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's looked bad for a while now (as he ended the reg season cold)

so I think he’s due for a hot streak.

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Oct 2, 2008 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well

We gotta hope it either starts tonight, or they need to get production from some of their other big sticks.

by rambler19 on Oct 2, 2008 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Honestly, the entire

“umpire” system needs to be revamped. This year has been worse than last. All over baseball, just terrible inconsistent, missed calls, taking the game out of the player’s hands, showboating…The union also protects guys that just shouldn’t be doing it anymore (Joe West).

by The E-Man on Oct 2, 2008 9:02 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Please....

Let’s not look for feeble excuses for the ineptitude of the Cubs in the playoffs. The home plate umpire last night had same strikezone for the Cubs and the Dodgers.

Oh please let this dubious bullpen be good enough in the playoffs...

by MDBNIU on Oct 2, 2008 9:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have to agree

The Cubs losing 7-2 had nothing to do with the umpires. Dempster was all over the place and it cost him. There were a couple pitches I thought could have gone either way (Russell Martin’s attempted bunt where he was on top of the plate being one), but for the most part, the zone wasn’t that terrible.

Oh well, go get em tonight.

by rambler19 on Oct 2, 2008 9:04 AM CDT up reply

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