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Open Thread: Cubs vs. Phillies, Saturday 4/12, 6:05 CT

Yelloncard_tiny by Al on in Game Threads Comment 304 comments

Chicago Cubs @ Philadelphia Phillies


Knowing this will probably start a firestorm of discussion, MLB and the MLBPA reached an agreement on more stringent drug testing yesterday; as a result, no one named in the Mitchell Report will be subject to any penalties (i.e., suspensions). Further:

Friday's agreement also ensures there will never be another Mitchell report, as both sides agreed to keep players' names private until discipline is imposed in any future probe. The sides also agreed a player would be given any allegations and evidence against him before any investigatory interview.

Will this do any good? Only time will tell.

Also today, Maury Brown wrote at Baseball Prospectus on the TV blackout rules, which I just wrote about last Monday. The BP article is behind their pay wall, but I thought this part of it was important:

Extra Innings had approximately 750,000 subscribers last season, according to the Sports Business Journal. That will be a small fraction of the subscriber base for the MLB Network which will see a staggering 47 million viewers--the largest cable channel launch in history. So, when Selig said a couple of years ago, "I hear more about people who can't get the game, and, yes, I've already told our people we have to do something about it," addressing the blackout policy is a case of self-preservation. Congress hasn't stuck their nose into the blackout policy (yet), but if the noise coming from fans is loud now, it will be earsplitting with the MLB Network coming online.

Here's the deal, though. The national exclusivities will still be in place, and even if the "local" territorial issue is tweaked, it's not going to be enough based on MLB's need for local broadcast deals and the number of games in play. In other words, MLB can't get to the NFL's level, and therefore, the best MLB can do is try and lessen the blow. There will still be arcane blackouts that cause you to scratch your head. There will still be fumbling around to try and figure on who is, or isn't blacked out that day. There will still be that massive national blackout, and when we all get MLB Network (well, everyone that has cable and satellite television), we're going to be seeing some form of blackout policy there as well. Only in baseball would there be a collective head nod to the idea that it's good business practice to restrict consumers' access to your product.

I added the emphasis in the last paragraph. Get your heads out of your collective butts, MLB owners. If someone wants to pay to watch your product, why won't you let them???

Today's Starting Pitchers
Ted Lilly
T. Lilly
Cubs		 vs. Cole Hamels
C. Hamels
Phillies
0-1 W-L 1-1
9.72 ERA 1.20
5 SO 10
2 BB 5
1 HR 1
vs. Phi -- vs. Cubs

Small sample size on those numbers; Lilly isn't that bad, and Hamels isn't that good. Well, maybe Hamels is -- he's been the Phillies' top young pitcher for a while, and they need him to step up and become an ace. He hasn't faced that many current Cubs, but Alfonso Soriano has homered three times (in 20 AB) off him; Ryan Theriot (5-for-10, a double, a HR) and Aramis Ramirez (4-for-8, a HR) have also hit Hamels well. Expect to see Reed Johnson starting tonight vs. the lefty Hamels.

Today's game is on WGN; for more info see the MLB.com Mediacenter.

MLB.com Gameday (2007 version)

MLB.com Gameday (2008 version)

Baseball-reference.com game preview

As usual, an overflow comment thread will post at 7:30 pm CT.

Discuss amongst yourselves.

0 recs | Comment 304 comments

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wow - am I the first?

Gee, I've never been first at anything...

well, except for winning that [begin GEEK ALERT!] Rubik's Cube contest back in college [end GEEK ALERT!]

I didn't even realize the Cubs were playing today - I thought whenever the Yankees played the Red Sox, the rest of the teams took the day off.

btw - Manny just went Monster. yeah, he stood and admired it for a few... Just Manny being Manny. Maybe we should just start saying "yeah, just Rammy being Rammy" and accept it?

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Apr 12, 2008 3:56 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

as long as it goes over the fence.... ;)

..and he doesnt risk injuring a hamstring becuase he has to sprint full tilt to make up for the admiration time when it doesnt go out of the yard...

Okay, I will let this go now and focus on tonight..

Felix Pie must play everyday!

by JB 23 on Apr 12, 2008 4:01 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's easy to accept

when the ball actually goes out!

"Confidence is what you have before you understand the problem." Woody Allen

by BlueSox on Apr 12, 2008 4:01 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Loud, sustained applause

I didn't even realize the Cubs were playing today - I thought whenever the Yankees played the Red Sox, the rest of the teams took the day off.

That my friend is the quote of the day. Probably of the month, too.

There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!

by sanantonecub on Apr 12, 2008 5:36 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well,

the owners bitch about the salaries but make sure that they bid the highest for the services of that one free agent superstar, not even realizing that they (the owners) are the ones cutting their (the owners) throats. So the restricting of access to their product does not surprise me at all. They remind me of the cartoon of a man holding a gun to his temple and warning "one move and I'll shoot!" Idiots one and all. It won't be long until they have 0 consumers of their product.

by crazymountain on Apr 12, 2008 4:10 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

OT: Red Sox T-shirt buried in new Yankee Stadium by construction worker

http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5h_x7aHsAnGwHSGqdh7tJF3H0MPZA

not sure if its true or not but makes for a good story. good for the yankees, let someone else hear about curses for a change.

"Relax, all right? Don't try to strike everybody out. Strikeouts are boring! Besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls - it's more democratic" Crash Davis - Bull Durham

by hoppy91 on Apr 12, 2008 4:10 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That's funny

I heard that on the news here (in Ireland) yesterday, and we never get baseball news unless there's a brawl involving a 75 year old coach, or someone breaks the all time career HR record. My son laughed and said "it's been done before". When the new stadium for Arsenal FC was being built in London, some of the construction workers buried gear from arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur, BCB's own gary varsho's favorite soccer team.

"Is there anything he can't do?" ~Len Kasper, 4/5/08, on Kosuke Fukudome

by JohnM on Apr 12, 2008 4:21 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I can't wait until the first bosox series

in the new park. just imagine if the sox sweep the yankees.

"Relax, all right? Don't try to strike everybody out. Strikeouts are boring! Besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls - it's more democratic" Crash Davis - Bull Durham

by hoppy91 on Apr 12, 2008 4:31 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ha!

I hadn't heard that! COYS! Up the Lilywhites! Down the scummers!

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Apr 13, 2008 7:39 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

before the season they were going to award him both the NL and AL Cy Young awards...

...too bad he couldnt beat the Brewers though

Felix Pie must play everyday!

by JB 23 on Apr 12, 2008 4:36 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nobody's perfect

Not even the best of the best are perfect. And that's more true in baseball than anywhere else.

"Is there anything he can't do?" ~Len Kasper, 4/5/08, on Kosuke Fukudome

by JohnM on Apr 12, 2008 4:38 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Poor ESPN

a New York team losing to a team from "the worst division in baseball". They will all be in shock on air, holding back their tears as they go through the scores.....

by crazymountain on Apr 12, 2008 4:40 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Seriously, what good is Santana...

...if he can't even beat the Brewers for us?

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Apr 12, 2008 5:07 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nonsense!

ESPN told me that Santana would never lose!

"The one that invent the light tried 2,000 times and finally he did it, we have light...I don't want to spend 2,000 times to win Opening Day" Carlos Zambrano

by CubsBullsBears on Apr 12, 2008 5:09 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Is moving Hill to the pen

gonna make him rediscover the strike zone?

by crazymountain on Apr 12, 2008 4:48 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i doubt it,

but i sure would like to see what lieber can do as a starter since he's looked pretty good up to this point.

by gocubsgoradio720 on Apr 12, 2008 4:50 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cubs lineup

A. Soriano lf
R. Johnson cf
D. Lee 1b
A. Ramirez 3b
G. Soto c
M. DeRosa rf
R. Cedeno 2b
R. Theriot ss
T. Lilly p

"Is there anything he can't do?" ~Len Kasper, 4/5/08, on Kosuke Fukudome

by JohnM on Apr 12, 2008 4:50 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No Fukudome tonight

Interesting.

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

by Al on Apr 12, 2008 5:04 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Lou mentioned it in the pre-game

yesterday. Day off is all.

"Is there anything he can't do?" ~Len Kasper, 4/5/08, on Kosuke Fukudome

by JohnM on Apr 12, 2008 5:09 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

DeRo didn't play a single inning of OF in ST

I'm not sure it's fair to throw him out there now.

I think Lou is going overboard with this "resting guys" bit. They had a day off last Tuesday and they have one next Monday. How tired can Dome be??? He'd have to be dead tired (emphasis on the dead) to be worse than Cedeno.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Apr 12, 2008 5:59 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I dont disagree....he seems to over doing the resting thing..

...and the all RH lineup vs. LHP right now.

Dome is your best hitter right now and certainly is your best OF, why take those risks?

Felix Pie must play everyday!

by JB 23 on Apr 12, 2008 6:07 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Phillies

S. Victorino cf
J. Werth rf
C. Utley 2b
R. Howard 1b
P. Burrell lf
P. Feliz 3b
C. Ruiz c
E. Bruntlett ss
C. Hamels p

"Is there anything he can't do?" ~Len Kasper, 4/5/08, on Kosuke Fukudome

by JohnM on Apr 12, 2008 4:51 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

As many of us are obsessed...

...with Burrell's freakish numbers against the Cubs, let it be known that he's 1 for 5 against Lilly in six PAs -- that one hit being a single. Ryan Howard is 1 for 3, also with a single. Pedro Feliz has faced Lilly eight times; he has three hits, one of those a home run, and five RBI. I'm hoping Lilly finally has that strong start that we're all waiting for.

(I'm really diggin' that baseball-reference.com game preview. Thanks for posting, Al!)

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Apr 12, 2008 5:17 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Kosuke's 1st day off?

Hope he's not hurting at all from that outfield bump.

by californiachicagoan on Apr 12, 2008 4:52 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

From what I heard

They were planning to give him a day off today anyway

by berselius on Apr 12, 2008 4:52 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I guess it makes sense...

... that gives them an all-RH lineup (except for Lilly) against Hamels.

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

by Al on Apr 12, 2008 5:05 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ugh,

I like Cedeno, but Fontenot should get the nod today, he had a nice game thursday...

"I can accept failure, but I can't accept not trying" - Michael Jordan, the one and only...

by LPLancer23 on Apr 12, 2008 5:19 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Lefties

I guess Lou is saving the lefties for Gordon and Lidge.

by californiachicagoan on Apr 12, 2008 5:24 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Right-handed pinch hitter

Any chance if the need calls for it, Lou uses Marquis or Z to pinch hit?

by Donbedouin on Apr 12, 2008 5:38 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Anyone watching the Cardinals game?

According to Yahoo, Ankiel 'homered to catcher'. Is that an inside the park home run?

by berselius on Apr 12, 2008 5:33 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That's the first time I've seen that scoring.

n/t

This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again.

by HectorVillanueva on Apr 12, 2008 5:48 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Izzy blows a save

Woo...nice to see the Cards blowing leads to a AA team

by berselius on Apr 12, 2008 6:02 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

WGN radio interview w/R. Johnson

"Where are you from, Reed?"

Nice to see Ronnie is still doing his homework.

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 12, 2008 5:54 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Chicago Cubs Baseball is on the air!

And we are at Citizens Bank Park here in Philadelphia.....

There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!

by sanantonecub on Apr 12, 2008 6:00 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Still no Gameday Audio

Did Lou have anything interesting to say about the lineup?

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Apr 12, 2008 6:01 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Isringhausen --> blown save

and Albert P. lets a ball go past him for the tying run.

by zevkalman on Apr 12, 2008 6:02 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If Cedeno is the "utility guy"

why not play him in RF? Why mess with the DP combo?

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Apr 12, 2008 6:06 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Tinkers to Evers to Cedeno!

There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!

by sanantonecub on Apr 12, 2008 6:09 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Interesting

Who the squat leader in MLB was last year:

by grifdog on Apr 12, 2008 6:09 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Randy Marsh?

"Clogging up the bases isn't that great to me." -Dusty Baker on OBP

by vtcub on Apr 12, 2008 6:10 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I just love the fact that they have the same name

"Clogging up the bases isn't that great to me." -Dusty Baker on OBP

by vtcub on Apr 12, 2008 6:11 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

"I just can't do it. I'm sorry I let you down."

"Clogging up the bases isn't that great to me." -Dusty Baker on OBP

by vtcub on Apr 12, 2008 6:15 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

"What do you wanna do? What do yew wanna dew?"

"I think Hendry still has a few years to serve on his 'grand larceny' sentence before he can shop in Pittsburgh again" - ballhawk

by NittanyCub on Apr 12, 2008 6:22 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

NO CHANCE!!!

;)

"Confidence is what you have before you understand the problem." Woody Allen

by BlueSox on Apr 12, 2008 6:10 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That was supposed to be a reply to sanantonecub

"Confidence is what you have before you understand the problem." Woody Allen

by BlueSox on Apr 12, 2008 6:10 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

CEDENO!!!

aaaaaaaaaaargh!!!

There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!

by sanantonecub on Apr 12, 2008 6:16 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

CEDENO!!!!

"Confidence is what you have before you understand the problem." Woody Allen

by BlueSox on Apr 12, 2008 6:16 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Good God

I won't be able to take much of that kind of crap tonight.

by sue369 on Apr 12, 2008 6:17 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah, I need a beer for this one.

"Confidence is what you have before you understand the problem." Woody Allen

by BlueSox on Apr 12, 2008 6:18 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Mmmmm, beer.

I may have a Chill here in a minute.

by sue369 on Apr 12, 2008 6:19 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Have an extra?

I'll take it off your hands :)

There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!

by sanantonecub on Apr 12, 2008 6:23 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

CEDENO!

"The one that invent the light tried 2,000 times and finally he did it, we have light...I don't want to spend 2,000 times to win Opening Day" Carlos Zambrano

by CubsBullsBears on Apr 12, 2008 6:16 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Our starting catcher...

...has fewer days off so far than our starting shortstop, center fielder or right fielder.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Apr 12, 2008 6:16 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cedeno - Bad D

DeRosa - GREAT D!

There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!

by sanantonecub on Apr 12, 2008 6:17 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

wow....

DeRosa shows him how to catch the ball!!!!!

by KC in OK on Apr 12, 2008 6:17 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

NICE!

DeRosa shows Ronny how to play some D

"The one that invent the light tried 2,000 times and finally he did it, we have light...I don't want to spend 2,000 times to win Opening Day" Carlos Zambrano

by CubsBullsBears on Apr 12, 2008 6:17 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If DeRo had been at 2B

Dome wouldn't have had to bail him out.

Lou, are you watching?

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Apr 12, 2008 6:19 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Lilly is such a fly ball pitcher

this is a tough park. It's worse when popups don't get caught and when your best OF is on the bench.

Still, he looks good so far.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Apr 12, 2008 6:24 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nice inning

for Lilly. Hope he can keep that up for the night.

by sue369 on Apr 12, 2008 6:23 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I thought this was a batters park?

Ball isn't carrying for us tonight

There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!

by sanantonecub on Apr 12, 2008 6:26 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They need to

get a little more umph in those swings to get that ball out tonight.

by sue369 on Apr 12, 2008 6:26 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That's a webgem!

DAMN!

There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!

by sanantonecub on Apr 12, 2008 6:27 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

4 Pitch inning

"When you have a fat friend there are no see-saws, only catapults." --Demetri Martin

by Reddevil on Apr 12, 2008 6:27 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

what the hell

1.5 innings in and we already can't catch any breaks

by grifdog on Apr 12, 2008 6:27 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Good wood,

just didn't pull it enough. Some of the guys look like they are comfortable against Hamels.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Apr 12, 2008 6:28 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I would of preferred a walk over that.

I thought balls weren't carrying tonight? Friggin !!!!!!!!

There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!

by sanantonecub on Apr 12, 2008 6:31 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

of course

ours die at the track, theirs go out. god I run bad

by grifdog on Apr 12, 2008 6:31 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well...

Looks like the ball just started carrying.

"The one that invent the light tried 2,000 times and finally he did it, we have light...I don't want to spend 2,000 times to win Opening Day" Carlos Zambrano

by CubsBullsBears on Apr 12, 2008 6:31 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ball is carrying for the Phillies

Maybe they have giant fans in their ballpark that only work when the Phillies are at bat.

Santoswoodenlegs, do you have a picture of those giant fans that blow?

by zevkalman on Apr 12, 2008 6:32 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Photobucket

"When you have a fat friend there are no see-saws, only catapults." --Demetri Martin

by Reddevil on Apr 12, 2008 6:36 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

My beer can't chill quickly enough.

There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!

by sanantonecub on Apr 12, 2008 6:34 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

After this inning

I'm heading upstairs for a beer....maybe two.

by sue369 on Apr 12, 2008 6:35 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Lilly making a strong case

To get the Rich Hill treatment for his next scheduled start

by grifdog on Apr 12, 2008 6:35 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Did I mention that Lilly is a fly ball pitcher?

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Apr 12, 2008 6:36 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It looked to me like a better SS would have gotten to that.

I'm not dissing Theriot -- I like him. Just stating an opinion.

by zevkalman on Apr 12, 2008 6:36 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This is why I've started calling him...

..."Pasta Diving Theriot." It helps numb the pain.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Apr 12, 2008 6:37 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cute.

Maybe I'll adopt it, too :-)

by zevkalman on Apr 12, 2008 6:43 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

maybe a taller ss?

"I'm like the tide baby: I come and go as I please." --Johnny Drama

by cubs2234 on Apr 12, 2008 6:37 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I like that Akon/Gwen Stefani song they play

"In all the categories that you pay the most attention to, except the loss column, we're doing very well" - Jim Hendry

by Jayo525 on Apr 12, 2008 6:36 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Okay, so far tonight...

...I've seen Theriot dive at two balls as they went past him in the infield. Not saying that he sucks, but... he sucks.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Apr 12, 2008 6:37 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cedeno

might have gotten those two balls....but he might have thrown them into the seats too....

"I lost it in the sun"

by Bump Bailey on Apr 12, 2008 6:38 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Those are not, in fact, the only two players capable of playing short.

They're simply the only ones that shortsighted Cubs management has seen fit to provide the team.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Apr 12, 2008 6:39 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Now that SBN is cooperating, here's my original comment.

Yes, let's get Bocock.

I think he meant, which one did the Cubs have a legitimate chance at acquiring instead of Theriot or Cedeno? I don't recall. I agree that Theriot and Cedeno are not very good.

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on Apr 12, 2008 6:46 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I concur..TheRiot and Cedeno suck real bad..and it sucks that

we have to pick one or the other evil. If Hendry *could have upgraded the SS in the off-season, he should have done so.

by cubsnlinux on Apr 12, 2008 6:48 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Assuming he would be available for a reasonable "price",

would you take Adam Everett over Riot? Everett is a much better glove than Riot, but the Cubs don't have any pronounced ground ball pitchers other than Marquis. Everett might be the only guy who has a worse OPS, too.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Apr 12, 2008 6:46 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I would take Adam Everett in a heartbeat.

And I don't think I've been particularly shy about saying that, either.

Zambrano and Dempster (and Lieber, if it comes to that) are ground ball pitchers, as well. Hill, Lilly and Marshall are all fly ball pitchers, but at this rate they'll all be in the pen by the end of the week.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Apr 12, 2008 6:50 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Can DWard play SS? ;-)

"Confidence is what you have before you understand the problem." Woody Allen

by BlueSox on Apr 12, 2008 6:38 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

stop sucking Lilly

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."

by DC Cubbie on Apr 12, 2008 6:39 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Is that Hart

Warming in the bullpen?

"When you have a fat friend there are no see-saws, only catapults." --Demetri Martin

by Reddevil on Apr 12, 2008 6:39 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yep

and Marshall

A ugly win is better than a pretty loss-Lou

by NIUcubbie on Apr 12, 2008 6:40 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Thank God

Ronny caught it this time

by dlee25 on Apr 12, 2008 6:41 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

brought to you by Norelco

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on Apr 12, 2008 6:41 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yes, let's get Bocock.

I think he meant, who should the Cubs have acquired or had a legitimate chance to acquire?

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on Apr 12, 2008 6:43 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

this should have posted above.

SBN 2.0 is being screwy

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on Apr 12, 2008 6:44 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Phew...

I thought he'd drop it

"The one that invent the light tried 2,000 times and finally he did it, we have light...I don't want to spend 2,000 times to win Opening Day" Carlos Zambrano

by CubsBullsBears on Apr 12, 2008 6:41 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

CEDENO!!!!!

(we would've yelled that)

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on Apr 12, 2008 6:42 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

CEDENO!!!!!

I'm not sure how that posted here, it's supposed to be up there underneath the SS convo. SBN2.0 is weird.

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on Apr 12, 2008 6:44 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And this

should have posted above where I said it should have posted above.

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on Apr 12, 2008 6:45 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yessssssss

cedeno caught it!!!!

by KC in OK on Apr 12, 2008 6:41 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Okay Lilly.

Lets gets some runs...

by sonics250 on Apr 12, 2008 6:42 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

knew Lilly would regress this year,

but never thought it would be this bad

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."

by DC Cubbie on Apr 12, 2008 6:43 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Lilly looks like he is throwing BP...

...just like his last start.

Felix Pie must play everyday!

by JB 23 on Apr 12, 2008 6:43 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cedeno

Taking more pitches than the Cubs did all last inning....

There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!

by sanantonecub on Apr 12, 2008 6:45 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cedeno!

He actually didn't look that bad during that AB.

by zevkalman on Apr 12, 2008 6:45 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

PastadivingTheriot is smart.

Knows his talent level. Knows he needs to get on through having a good eye, stealing, and helping the team.

by zevkalman on Apr 12, 2008 6:47 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

CEDENO!

a wasted inning

There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!

by sanantonecub on Apr 12, 2008 6:51 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

At least

my beer is refreshing. :-)

by sue369 on Apr 12, 2008 6:52 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I threw a Leiney's Honey Weiss

In the freezer for a few minutes and am enjoying it now :)

There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!

by sanantonecub on Apr 12, 2008 6:56 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Soriano's swing is god awful..

I am beating a dead horse..but this guy doesn't have any sort of _approach_ at the plate ..down 2 ..down 1 ...makes no damn difference

by cubsnlinux on Apr 12, 2008 6:52 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

except

he usually forgets to rip it

by grifdog on Apr 12, 2008 6:54 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Kind of

depressing actually.

by sue369 on Apr 12, 2008 6:53 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i seriously think that soriano

is capable of batting .200 with 40 hrs and 50 rbi's

"Relax, all right? Don't try to strike everybody out. Strikeouts are boring! Besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls - it's more democratic" Crash Davis - Bull Durham

by hoppy91 on Apr 12, 2008 6:54 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Capable and probably fully content.

He's got a pimped out Blue Hummer, I mean what else could you want?

"In all the categories that you pay the most attention to, except the loss column, we're doing very well" - Jim Hendry

by Jayo525 on Apr 12, 2008 6:55 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The fact is...

He doesn't. He usually hits around .300, so we need to relax.... for now.

"The one that invent the light tried 2,000 times and finally he did it, we have light...I don't want to spend 2,000 times to win Opening Day" Carlos Zambrano

by CubsBullsBears on Apr 12, 2008 6:55 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I can't relax by drooling at the stats..I have said before and I know very well that

he will get his Home Runs at the end of the season..but he is paid to *perform in 162 games.

by cubsnlinux on Apr 12, 2008 6:58 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hitting .300

Is more than just swinging for the fences

"The one that invent the light tried 2,000 times and finally he did it, we have light...I don't want to spend 2,000 times to win Opening Day" Carlos Zambrano

by CubsBullsBears on Apr 12, 2008 7:05 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Dont care

I dont like how his swing looks either, but he gets the job done. And having a sweet looking swing is not as important as getting the job done.

by californiachicagoan on Apr 12, 2008 7:07 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

way to go with the pitch Sori

what a frickin selfish player

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."

by DC Cubbie on Apr 12, 2008 6:53 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

BS

When Derrek Lee slums, is he a selfish player? How about Theriot? Give me a break.

by californiachicagoan on Apr 12, 2008 7:08 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Obviously!

Of course he is!

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on Apr 12, 2008 7:11 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Pastaswingin' Soriano?

"In all the categories that you pay the most attention to, except the loss column, we're doing very well" - Jim Hendry

by Jayo525 on Apr 12, 2008 6:54 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

for 136 million

it would be nice to get to see an all around ball player. But I guess 136 million doesn't get you what it used to!

by chipdowski on Apr 12, 2008 6:54 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No cedeno!

"When you have a fat friend there are no see-saws, only catapults." --Demetri Martin

by Reddevil on Apr 12, 2008 6:55 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

do you think

Soriano even thought about going with the pitch and trying to hit to the opposite field?

by chipdowski on Apr 12, 2008 6:55 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It doesn't seem

like thinking plays a large role in his game.

"When you have a fat friend there are no see-saws, only catapults." --Demetri Martin

by Reddevil on Apr 12, 2008 6:57 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Soriano just called me

He read your post and he wanted me to post his reply for him:

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!"

by grifdog on Apr 12, 2008 6:57 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Dear Cubs,

We were wondering if you guys could get a hit against a decent pitcher.

Thanks,

Everyone

"I'm like the tide baby: I come and go as I please." --Johnny Drama

by cubs2234 on Apr 12, 2008 6:58 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And how about a win

against an decent team! Astros and Pirates don't count!

by chipdowski on Apr 12, 2008 7:00 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What about the Brewers?

There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!

by sanantonecub on Apr 12, 2008 7:01 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Dear Everyone,

We were wondering if you guys could relax because it's April and despite sucking it up for like two months we still made the playoffs last year. If we still suck in June, then you can rip us.

Thanks,
The Cubs

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on Apr 12, 2008 7:03 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

dear cubs front office

With our history of continual suckitude and our payroll the minimum we can do is to win this shitty division. If you feel like you have done a great favor to us fans by finally putting together a decent team then no we are not going to be fooled and not everyone drinks koolade.

P.S: Do you guys even watch the games?

by cubsnlinux on Apr 12, 2008 7:07 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

P.S. Do you even glance at a calendar? The season is a marathon, not a sprint. I'm not going to argue this any further, but seriously. It's April 12th. Cut them some slack. It's not the easiest game to play in the world, even for professionals.

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on Apr 12, 2008 7:09 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Plus, I think we all realize

this can be a VERY streaky team.

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on Apr 12, 2008 7:09 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Or at the very least,

we have some very streaky players.

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on Apr 12, 2008 7:10 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

agreed its not a sprint..know that very well

All I care is that how we are loosing..I still see the same crappy offensive approach that we saw last season.

by cubsnlinux on Apr 12, 2008 7:12 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Me too.

It's frustrating. But it's too early for me to assume they're doomed to it all season. For the love of Harry I hope not.

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on Apr 12, 2008 7:13 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

when did I say that they are doomed? I will be the last person to predict

the future. All I am saying is that I just don't like the way they are playing right now and it is not excusable at the very least.

by cubsnlinux on Apr 12, 2008 7:15 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Didn't know Len was a standup comic

And what's the deal with John Adams?

by grifdog on Apr 12, 2008 7:00 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Dear God Len

is the epitome of corny.

"In all the categories that you pay the most attention to, except the loss column, we're doing very well" - Jim Hendry

by Jayo525 on Apr 12, 2008 7:03 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

NO MORE NO-NO!!!!

There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!

by sanantonecub on Apr 12, 2008 7:01 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

AYAYAYAYAYAYYAYAYAYA

let's get it done

"I'm like the tide baby: I come and go as I please." --Johnny Drama

by cubs2234 on Apr 12, 2008 7:02 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

horrible swing..ARam..horrible

can we not swing for the fences..every darn time

by cubsnlinux on Apr 12, 2008 7:03 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ugh

"When you have a fat friend there are no see-saws, only catapults." --Demetri Martin

by Reddevil on Apr 12, 2008 7:04 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Kinda wish Dome was batting 5th tonight.

But a game on the bench to contemplate is good for the soul.

by zevkalman on Apr 12, 2008 7:04 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

don't worry guys

Marquis is pitching tomorrow!

by chipdowski on Apr 12, 2008 7:04 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i hate you right now

"I'm like the tide baby: I come and go as I please." --Johnny Drama

by cubs2234 on Apr 12, 2008 7:05 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on Apr 12, 2008 7:05 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I just

threw up a little in my mouth.

by sue369 on Apr 12, 2008 7:07 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

same.

really happy, actually.

"I'm like the tide baby: I come and go as I please." --Johnny Drama

by cubs2234 on Apr 12, 2008 7:07 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

cwyers

What is your opinion of Clint Barmes? Better than Riot? What would you be willing to trade for him?

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Apr 12, 2008 7:08 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yes.

Once or twice in person, many times on TV. Excellent range and a great arm -- far superior to Riot. Also, I think he is faster. But... he has an alarming, Riot-like tendency to swing at the first pitch and make a lot of 6-3 and 4-3 outs. I think he has more extra base power, though he won't find the fences very often.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Apr 12, 2008 7:12 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

R. Johnson!!!!

There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!

by sanantonecub on Apr 12, 2008 7:08 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Is it really unfair Len?

"In all the categories that you pay the most attention to, except the loss column, we're doing very well" - Jim Hendry

by Jayo525 on Apr 12, 2008 7:09 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Or at least another beer.

"Confidence is what you have before you understand the problem." Woody Allen

by BlueSox on Apr 12, 2008 7:11 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The famous

beer run. Be right back.

by sue369 on Apr 12, 2008 7:17 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If last night was any indication...

Whoever scores 2 first loses.... so cheer up!

"The one that invent the light tried 2,000 times and finally he did it, we have light...I don't want to spend 2,000 times to win Opening Day" Carlos Zambrano

by CubsBullsBears on Apr 12, 2008 7:11 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I absolutely hate the Free Credit Report

commercials...

There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!

by sanantonecub on Apr 12, 2008 7:11 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

mlb.tv doesn't have commercials

yet

"I'm like the tide baby: I come and go as I please." --Johnny Drama

by cubs2234 on Apr 12, 2008 7:14 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

But it does have...

a 60-second delay.

"When you have a fat friend there are no see-saws, only catapults." --Demetri Martin

by Reddevil on Apr 12, 2008 7:20 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Some batting averages

Soriano .163
Theriot .229
Rammy .238
Cedeno .300

by zevkalman on Apr 12, 2008 7:12 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Means nothing this early...

Miguel Cabrera: .182
David Ortiz: .072
Gary Sheffield: .190
Ryan Braun: .227

"The one that invent the light tried 2,000 times and finally he did it, we have light...I don't want to spend 2,000 times to win Opening Day" Carlos Zambrano

by CubsBullsBears on Apr 12, 2008 7:15 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Some more

Jason Kendall .483
Nate McClouth .396
Angel Pagan .387

and

Andruw Jones .114
Russell Martin .156
Troy Tulowitzki .175
Mark Teixera .179
Freddy Sanchez .194
Ryan Howard .195
Jose Reyes .205

by californiachicagoan on Apr 12, 2008 7:18 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I've seen Andruw Jones a few times this year..

....he looks like he has lost it, completely. Struck out the other night on a wild pitch. Seriously.

Felix Pie must play everyday!

by JB 23 on Apr 12, 2008 7:23 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

"running where you need to be to make the play"

wtf is are you talking about Brenly?

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."

by DC Cubbie on Apr 12, 2008 7:15 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Better spread...

than I would've expected.

"When you have a fat friend there are no see-saws, only catapults." --Demetri Martin

by Reddevil on Apr 12, 2008 7:16 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Pull

He goes the opposite way when he is late on a fastball, or is caught on his front foot on an off speed pitch. What he fails to do is shorten up his swing in 2 strike counts, which is why he has so many strikeouts. 130 in 135 games last year. 160 in 159 games the year before. Wow.

by californiachicagoan on Apr 12, 2008 7:24 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Brian Roberts came up as a shortstop with the O's...

just saying...

"I'm like the tide baby: I come and go as I please." --Johnny Drama

by cubs2234 on Apr 12, 2008 7:15 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

My Kingdom

for that name or TTTSNBN not mentioned for a 48 hour period on this site.

There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!

by sanantonecub on Apr 12, 2008 7:18 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

DeRo came up as a SS with the Braves...

and he's played 138 ML games there.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Apr 12, 2008 7:19 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think

the cubs must teach their hitters to swing at balls out of the zone

by chipdowski on Apr 12, 2008 7:17 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

do you think Hammels chuckles when

..he sees Cedano on the on deck circle?

Ugh...

Felix Pie must play everyday!

by JB 23 on Apr 12, 2008 7:18 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i think every pitcher does

"I'm like the tide baby: I come and go as I please." --Johnny Drama

by cubs2234 on Apr 12, 2008 7:18 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think Theriot hit that with everything he's got

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."

by DC Cubbie on Apr 12, 2008 7:19 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It would have been nice to play the Phillies

with our A team on the field.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Apr 12, 2008 7:20 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They're missing

Rollings as well.

"When you have a fat friend there are no see-saws, only catapults." --Demetri Martin

by Reddevil on Apr 12, 2008 7:21 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Rollins

"When you have a fat friend there are no see-saws, only catapults." --Demetri Martin

by Reddevil on Apr 12, 2008 7:21 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

you could call him Rawlings

he's MORE than decent with a glove

"I'm like the tide baby: I come and go as I please." --Johnny Drama

by cubs2234 on Apr 12, 2008 7:22 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Somebody wake up cwyers

"Confidence is what you have before you understand the problem." Woody Allen

by BlueSox on Apr 12, 2008 7:22 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

A nasty Theriot dive

"The one that invent the light tried 2,000 times and finally he did it, we have light...I don't want to spend 2,000 times to win Opening Day" Carlos Zambrano

by CubsBullsBears on Apr 12, 2008 7:23 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Theriot displaying his awesome range at SS

"Confidence is what you have before you understand the problem." Woody Allen

by BlueSox on Apr 12, 2008 7:24 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

sick theriot dive

but he missed the ball. tryuy an awesome dive.

"I'm like the tide baby: I come and go as I please." --Johnny Drama

by cubs2234 on Apr 12, 2008 7:24 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Rewound the Tivo...

...saw him dive and fail to come up with the ball. At least he made it to the ball this time - he's 0-for-3 on diving attempts so far tonight. I fail to see what's awesome here.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Apr 12, 2008 7:25 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs