Cubs on ESPN

by LPLancer23 on Mar 27, 2008 7:07 PM CDT Comment 8 comments

Ive seen alot of stuff on ESPN lately about the Cubs. Theres also some things to look for through the weekend and in onto Monday from the Eastern Seaboard Programming Network...

Today, they had an interview with Lou, and Lou was talking about the rotation. Ironically, aside from what all of us think, Lou is excited about our pitching staff the most. And like reports have been all spring, Kerry Wood has been the most impressive pitcher in all of Mesa, so thats something to be excited about. I think it was Buster Olney who today said that Kerry Wood's performane in the bullpen will be the Cubs key this year, followed by Lee, Ramirez, and Soriano's health. He also mentioned Fukudome's transition breifly. Nothing on Zambrano though.

Apparently on Friday (tommorrow), ESPN.com is supposed to come out with a pretty sizable article, giving reasons why the Cubs didnt make the World Series for the last 99 years. From what I understand, they will go over every year. Kinda interested to see that, to be honest.

One last thing is coming up sunday, a feature thats been running on ESPN for as long as I can remember. The Sunday Conversation. This week Lou Pinella is featured, so tune in for a good, exclusive interview.

Actually, one more. Monday, March 31st, 2008. 1:20 PM CST, Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers, ESPN2. Also on WGN.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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Finally some respect

I've always felt ESPN analysts (except for Sutcliffe) talked about the Cubs as if we were the never-ending underdog. Instead of one key piece of the pie away from being dominant in the NL, to them we're always one injury away from being cellar dwellers. Perhaps not winning the WS for this long has that effect, but we are a major market team getting none of the respect the other major markets get. I've been to Cubs games all over the country and Cub Nation is bigger and more prevalent than any of the other major market teams aside for the Yankees, who play in a diff league anyway. Perhaps we should run off a nice 3 peat like the Bulls did and EARN the RESPECT we DESERVE. Ok, thanks for listening to my rant.
BTW did anyone get a tape measure out on Cedeno's jack this afternoon? On TV Len said that was the furthest HR he's seen this entire spring training.

I'm kind of a big deal

by chi-townbleacherbum on Mar 27, 2008 7:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm excited about our pitching staff

as well. I just wish Lieber was in there instead of Marquis or Dempster. But Zambrano, Lilly, Hill and Lieber are quality big pitchers. Both Dempster or Marquis are decent bottom of the rotation guys as well. I think our rotation is very strong compared to most teams.

We have a good offense, that could be very good depending on guys like Pie, Soto and how good Fukudome ends up being. The bullpen and defense should be very good this season in IMO.

by cubsfan25 on Mar 27, 2008 7:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

What he said.

I want Lieber in the rotation too. If Pie has even a ~decent~ rookie season, and Soto produces, watch out. - TL

"Why shouldn't we believe that we're going to win the World Series?" - Ted Lilly, 1/19/2008, Daily Herald interview w/Barry Rozner

by timlacy on Mar 28, 2008 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Note...

... ESPN2's coverage of the game on Monday will be blacked out in the Chicago area (Chicago viewers will get it on WGN).

The rest of the country will see Brent Musburger (!) and Orel Hershiser call the game via ESPN2.

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

by Al on Mar 28, 2008 9:41 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Contributor picks

Every ESPN baseball contributor picked the Cubs to win the NL Central.

Stark: 91-71
Kurkjian: 90-72
Olney: 92-70
Law: 91-71
Phillips: 90-72

by Kornchex on Mar 28, 2008 9:44 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Did they cheat off each others paper?

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Mar 28, 2008 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah someone should take them back

and retest in separate rooms!

Calm down.

by Kinky Reggae on Mar 28, 2008 10:09 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Sportswriters and the world of unrelated ironies and coincidences

Sportswriters (and broadcasters) are not sports fanatics or former players they are educated writers who view the world through a different prism...they like stories....they like the ironies and coincidences of the world.

Now I will grant you there is something that is real about the Cubs not winning the WS since 1908, but one has to divide the analysis as pre and post WWII and then pre and post expansion.

Between the WWars the AL was the stronger league...Babe Ruth era was it although the Cubs were one of the dominant teams in the NL during that period. After WWII there were many changes....desegregation, night baseball, travel, the draft et cetera. Cubs were not innovative and I truly believe not having lights hurt them in the '50's and '60's. Money and management continued to hurt him in the 70's coupled with the lights and increase travel that would wear out a team.

Now things are coming around but I think the Cubs need to look at constructing their team differently. They need to have a better bench than any other team, players wear down with the travel, different game times and part time lights....DeRosa is a start, but now I would like Freel or Figgins....and a manager who uses his full bench smartly.

Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."

by Ivy Walls on Mar 28, 2008 11:01 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs