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In Tribute

Yelloncard_tiny by Al on in Recaps Comment 285 comments

Tribute to Number 42

On a night when many players and some entire teams -- nine of them -- honored the legacy of Jackie Robinson by wearing his retired number 42, Derrek Lee, who you see above (along with the Reds' Ken Griffey, Jr., also wearing 42), smashed a three-run homer in the fifth inning, bringing the Cubs from behind (they trailed 3-2 at the time), had two other hits, and sparked a 9-5 Cub win over the Reds, their eighth win in their last eleven games after starting the season 0-2.

That one felt good, although the wind howling out at 20+ MPH didn't feel so good once the sun went down. None of the three Cub homers -- by D-Lee, Mark DeRosa and Ryan Theriot -- needed any help from the wind, though. It wasn't just home runs, either -- in addition to the three HR, the Cubs pounded out 11 other hits, drew three walks and in general, had a fine offensive day. I hesitate to say so, but D-Lee's starting to look as he did in his great 2005 season -- and is now tied for the league lead in HR (5), three off the lead with 12 RBI, 2nd in SLG (.737) and 3rd in OPS (1.159).

Also "offensive", in a different sort of way, was an injury to Alfonso Soriano after one of his "bunny hops" on catching a routine fly ball. His former manager at Washington, Frank Robinson, predicted this would happen:

Soriano, an infielder until the Washington Nationals converted him to the outfield in 2006, has done the hop since making the switch, and his manager then, Hall of Fame outfielder Frank Robinson, cringed when he watched it -- but was reluctant to try to break him of it.

"I kept saying one of these days he's going to go up there and it ain't going to be there," Robinson said last fall.

Ryan Theriot helps Alfonso Soriano off the field

Soriano had a MRI last night on the leg and may be headed to the DL. (Which, I suppose, will please those of you who are Soriano bashers. However, please remember the Cubs would likely would not have made the playoffs without his performance last September.) I presume Matt Murton would be recalled from Iowa, though it could also be Eric Patterson (since Patterson can play more positions than Murton can, and hits lefthanded). The Cubs may mix-and-match lineups while Soriano is out, but even what they did last night -- move Mark DeRosa to LF and play Mike Fontenot at 2B -- might work on occasion. They could also play Patterson in LF, or Patterson in CF (if it's really decided that Felix Pie has to go back to Iowa, and he looked pretty bad last night, even as the rest of the team was smacking the ball around the yard) with Murton in LF. I suppose also, that the calls to sign free agent Kenny Lofton may begin again.

There are worse ideas. We'll see. I also hope that if Soriano is out, Lou will entertain the idea of leading off with Kosuke Fukudome, who seems ideally suited for that spot, with his excellent plate discipline. Anyway, once Soriano does return (presuming he does have a DL stint ahead), let's hope someone convinces him to stop hopping.

Ryan Dempster threw a pretty good game, though a defensive lapse by Carlos Marmol cost him a "quality start" -- Marmol inexplicably threw to 2B in an ill-advised attempt to get Corey Patterson (who was booed every time he came up, as was Dusty Baker when he made two pitching changes. That's all I have to say about that). Hey Carlos: when the other team gives you an out, take it! Instead, the bases wound up loaded, and when a run scored on a force play, that left Dempster, who left with nobody out in the seventh, with four earned runs. Marmol, however, recovered to get an inning-ending DP, and then threw a strong eighth, striking out the side and hitting 97 on the ballpark speed meter. Would you have guessed that after 13 games, three pitchers would be tied for the team lead with two wins -- and the three would be Dempster, Jon Lieber and Kevin Hart?

Junior shares a smile

Ken Griffey, Jr. hit his 595th career HR and then (photo above) shared some laughs with bleacher fans in RF who were heckling him. The Reds' Joey Votto finished the five-total-HR barrage last night by homering off Michael Wuertz (hey, what's up with that? Suddenly, Wuertz seems eminently hittable), and when Wuertz followed that with a walk to Paul Bako, Kerry Wood was summoned to finish up, even though it wasn't a save situation. Kerry threw 15 pitches (12 strikes), so ought to be available tonight (even though he was up two separate times to warm up; he'd have come in to start the 9th had Theriot not homered to make a 7-4 lead a 9-4 lead).

Kerry Wood gets the last out

We were joined last night by BCB readers Sarah Hope (who recently moved to the Chicago area from Cincinnati to take a job with the Schaumburg Flyers) and some co-workers, and also BartlettBob (who says he rarely posts, if you haven't seen his name much). They gave out knit caps last night -- they were needed. It's supposed to be warmer, but just as windy, tonight, so expect more balls to leave the yard.

Click on photos to open a larger version in a new browser window. Photos by David Sameshima

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Read More: ken griffey jr., derrek lee, alfonso soriano, mark derosa, jackie robinson, ryan dempster, tribute, Ken Griffey Jr. (DH - SEA), Kerry Wood (P - CLE), Derrek Lee (1B - CHC), Alfonso Soriano (LF - CHC), Mark DeRosa (3B - STL), Ryan Dempster (P - CHC), Carlos Marmol (P - CHC), Michael Wuertz (P - OAK), Corey Patterson (CF - WAS), Ryan Theriot (SS - CHC), Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Cincinnati Reds @ Chicago Cubs

Comments

Display:

Cubs won't miss the $136 million man

Great win last night. Ryan Dempster is pitching like the # 2 starting pitcher everybody insists this team needs. Very impressive.

Once again Mark DeRosa is doing everything well. A consummate professional who can flat out hit and who does all the little things. Oh, and he’s versatile too. Where would this team be without DeRosa? I don’t want to know.

by MDBNIU on Apr 16, 2008 8:50 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

First off...

...just about anytime a starting position player goes on the DL, something suffers. Maybe it opens a door to Murton or Patterson, but they aren’t nearly as proven as Alfonso. And just because Soriano is slow out of the gate doesn’t mean he isn’t valuable. I think we will miss him.

Second, I love that shot of Griffey. One of my favorite players. I really wish he wouldn’t have been injured so much, he’d be shooting for 700 or 800 homers right now, not 600.

Dan

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

by dtpollitt on Apr 16, 2008 9:00 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

There's no doubt...

... Griffey would have at least 100 more HR if not for all the injuries. His career has been marvelous nevertheless.

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

by Al on Apr 16, 2008 9:09 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

amen

If griffey had stayed healthy we would be talking about him breaking the all-time HR record.

---AC 00 00 00 - Believe

by mjk83 on Apr 16, 2008 9:11 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Great baseball player

One of the greatest of all time. And he did it the right way in an era of cheaters.

by MDBNIU on Apr 16, 2008 9:14 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You and I don't often agree.

But we do on this, 100%.

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

by Al on Apr 16, 2008 9:20 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

How do we know?

See your comments below about Soriano.

"Don't think; it can only hurt the ball club."

by Jesse Guam on Apr 16, 2008 9:50 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Agreed...

I like Griffey, and I certainly hope he was/is not a juicer. But in this era, you just can’t confidently say that ANY player was/is clean. Paul Byrd should be living proof of that.

by SouthernCub on Apr 16, 2008 9:52 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Actually

It seems like the list of people caught juicing includes a lot more people who don’t look like they have (Byrd, Jason Grimsley, etc), than players we all assume have been.

"Don't think; it can only hurt the ball club."

by Jesse Guam on Apr 16, 2008 10:10 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

One of the greatest ever to bless baseball

with his talent, grace and class….I think Griffey is the best pure LH hitter since Ted Williams, who was the undisputed best…...

by crazymountain on Apr 16, 2008 9:58 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Griffey's a terrible tipper

I know from experience. A tremendous talent, but not so good when it comes to taking care of the little people.

by mexicubsfan on Apr 16, 2008 1:41 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Elaboration...

During high school, I was working at a minor league baseball stadium when the Mariners came to town for an exhibition. I was the clubhouse manager and Griffey had me running all over the place – he wanted a fountain soda instead of the cans we had in the clubhouse already, etc. He was cordial about it, and I was too startstruck to mind, but I didn’t really have time to help any of the other players.

When the team left, guys like Jay Buhner and Bobby Ayala – neither of whom had requested anything of me – sought me out and gave me $50 a piece, which I hadn’t expected, and just about everyone gave me something. Even Lou pitched in, although I hadn’t made it to the manager’s office.

Griffey was one of the few people who walked right by without giving me a dime. I didn’t think too much of it, but after talking to some of the other people in the organization, the consensus was that this was his m.o. Hopefully he’s changed his ways as he’s grown older.

by mexicubsfan on Apr 16, 2008 2:20 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wow, thanks!

Interesting story—and a fairly surprising one, as Griffey appears to be one of the nicer guys in baseball. I hope he’s gotten a little bit more generous with age as well. Thanks again for sharing.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Apr 16, 2008 2:25 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I agree the Sori injury is not a positive

But out of all the “big name” Cubs players – Dome, Lee, Ramirez, Zambrano – I think his absence will hurt the team the least, especially if Murton can perform well in left.

by SuperContext on Apr 16, 2008 9:20 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Dempster had some control issues last night

But, all around, he pitched a pretty darn good game with the wind blowing out. I think he walked Adam Dunn twice… I don’t know if he was pitching around Dunn, but Dunn’s is a pretty good strikeout candidate.

Cubs 2008 (8-5)
Home (4-3) | Road (4-2) | 1-Run Games (2-2) | Extra Innings (3-1)
Updated on April 16, 2008

by SackMan on Apr 16, 2008 9:14 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Agreed.

I’m gonna eat my share of crow on this one and although it’s only been 2 starts. I really like the way Ryan is throwing the ball. He’s sooo much more relaxed as a starter and has gotten into some pretty nice rythms. I’d like to see him be a little more effective with his pitch count and keep the ball down more, knock on Wood (not too hard) I’ve been impressed with Ryans 2 starts thus far. I hope he can keep it up. That’d be a great story.

Over time, your quickness with a cocky rejoinder must have gotten you many punches in the face - Al Swearengen

by lemon20pie on Apr 16, 2008 10:10 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The only criticism I have...

... is the walks.

One thing I’ve noticed about Dempster now that we can see him for more than an inning at a time—I think he fields his position very well. That’s a real plus for a pitcher.

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

by Al on Apr 16, 2008 10:12 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The walks

I don’t understand how he can go from the first inning he had yesterday (5 pitches) to the second inning (walking the first two batters on 10-12 pitches). Did he lose the strike zone while the Cubs were batting in the bottom of the first? Dempster’s lack of control has always been his achilles heel. Hopefully he can continue to pitch around that wildness.

"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome

by gwood on Apr 16, 2008 10:27 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

absolutely right

He has good range and great composure when a ball is hit towards him.

by PirateDan on Apr 16, 2008 11:04 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Whoa.

Where did you get that?

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

by Al on Apr 16, 2008 1:23 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

can u say?

stalker! J/K DJ

FU-KU-DOH-MEH! clap, clap, clap-clap-clap!!!!

by tony412 on Apr 16, 2008 1:26 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Relax

I splurged on box seats last night behind home plate. I picked you up doing some pan shots.

You didn’t look happy at all about those walks.

by Damen Jackson on Apr 16, 2008 1:31 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I wasn't.

You must have had a pretty good lens on that camera.

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

by Al on Apr 16, 2008 3:35 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Canon S3..

with a 12(48)x zoom. I like it, especially for the movie feature.

by Damen Jackson on Apr 16, 2008 4:19 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

See

I’m not a stalker! Everyone sneaks pics of Al.

SOMEONE SHOOT THAT DAMN PARROT!!!

by Keystone80435 on Apr 16, 2008 2:28 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Maybe

SantosWL can photoshop all of us in there with Al. If so, can you add me some muscles and hot chick by side…preferably a’la Eva Longoria?

FU-KU-DOH-MEH! clap, clap, clap-clap-clap!!!!

by tony412 on Apr 16, 2008 2:34 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That's awesome....

And if you think a man with a 48x zoom is dangerous, wait till my telescopic lenses come in next week.

by Damen Jackson on Apr 16, 2008 2:35 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Watch out David BCB Photo Extraordinaire!

I should start that facial scrub treatment my wifey uses just in case you catch me in one of your shots. I remember when I thought my digital camera was cool cuz it shot at 6.0 MP!!!!

FU-KU-DOH-MEH! clap, clap, clap-clap-clap!!!!

by tony412 on Apr 16, 2008 2:55 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Eva says Hi!

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 16, 2008 2:54 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

hahahaha

a web gem

FU-KU-DOH-MEH! clap, clap, clap-clap-clap!!!!

by tony412 on Apr 16, 2008 2:56 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Is that Eva or Evan Longoria?

If you play Defender I could be your hyper-space.

by IowaCubs- on Apr 16, 2008 3:00 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

do you

want to lose your Man-Card?

FU-KU-DOH-MEH! clap, clap, clap-clap-clap!!!!

by tony412 on Apr 16, 2008 3:02 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Whoa...

Looks like I was on a beer run….

I Believe!!!!

by Sarah Hope on Apr 16, 2008 3:45 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No worries...

The paparazzi is always lurking around Al. Next time.

by Damen Jackson on Apr 16, 2008 4:19 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I give Demp applause for his start last night...tough conditions, he didnt

..have his best stuff and he still got it done.

That’s what good starters due. I am pretty impressed so far.

Felix Pie must play everyday!

by JB 23 on Apr 16, 2008 10:45 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Admittedly

I didn’t see the game last night or read the article above, but it sounds to me like Robinson is saying sometime the hop will result in a missed ball, not a torn leg

by TC Cubby on Apr 16, 2008 9:03 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Read the article

and it still seems to me like Robinson was talking errors, not injuries, especially because the quote was from last fall.

Not a fan of Gordon Wittenmeyer, the writer.

by TC Cubby on Apr 16, 2008 9:05 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I agree.

I believe the “it” in his quote refers to the ball. In any case, I would guess that the hop itself didn’t cause the injury per se - it was just the catalyst. I must admit, I’m pretty worried about Soriano. For his leg to go out again this early in the year could signify a recurring problem that might really affect his confidence and mental focus - for this season and many thereafter.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Apr 16, 2008 9:10 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Soriano

His mental recovery seems to take a lot longer than his physical recovery

by TC Cubby on Apr 16, 2008 9:11 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Maybe.

But it could also lead to an injury, like it (apparently) did last night.

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

by Al on Apr 16, 2008 9:10 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm pretty sure Robinson was talking about errors...

“One of these days he’s going to go up there and it ain’t going to be there” doesn’t even make sense from an injury perspective. Sounds like Robinson was talking about the baseball as the “it.”

Hopefully, Soriano doesn’t miss too much time. And if he does have to go on the DL, hopefully whomever comes up does a solid job. If I had to guess, I’d say Murton would be the guy called up, and he’d platoon with Fontenot (with DeRosa moving from 2B to LF versus RHP).

by SouthernCub on Apr 16, 2008 9:25 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And are we sure...

that the hop was the cause of the injury? Couldn’t it have been an injury waiting to happen on any particular sprint, or sudden stop?

by SouthernCub on Apr 16, 2008 9:29 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well if you watch the replay

he was fine when he went up, but he landed badly (you could see an unnatural bend, which looked more like it would result in an ankle sprain than a calf strain, but it’s all connected I guess).

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

by JohnM on Apr 16, 2008 9:50 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Don't know

I don’t know, maybe the injury was something waiting to happen, something that the hop just aggravated, maybe running the bases, swinging for the fences, just basic everyday stuff would have done it. However, does anyone know yet how bad it is? I haven’t heard about the MRI yet.

They call me MISTER Fukudome!

by brokenland on Apr 16, 2008 11:10 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It looked to me

like it was the step after the landing, where he pushed off to head into the dug out, that caused the injury. Which would indicate it was one of those injuries waiting to happen.

by patron on Apr 16, 2008 11:18 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Last night's game had more subplots...

...than a George Eliot novel. Let’s see here:

  • Dusty’s return (and, to a lesser extent, KPat’s).
  • Soriano’s hop-induced injury.
  • Jackie Robinson Day. (That picture of Lee and Griffey Jr. is awesome!)
  • Pie’s struggles at the plate.
  • Waitaminute, did Ryan Theriot just hit a home run?! (Incidentally, I happened to witness Theriot’s last long ball in person. He hit it during this game last July.)
  • What is wrong with Michael Wuertz?
  • Kerry Wood quietly goes about his business. (Another great picture of Woody sealing another Cubs win!)

    • Did I forget anything?

    Nanika Ga Okoru!

    by dat cubfan daver on Apr 16, 2008 9:04 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Yeah, you missed one thing.

    DLee thinks it’s 2005. And that’s alright by me.

    And I gotta echo the sentiment about the duel 42 pic above. Absolutely brilliant.

    Kinda sorta an oaky afterbirth.

    by neverAcquiesce on Apr 16, 2008 9:08 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Ah, good point.

    I’m a little hesitant to call it too early for fear of jinxing him but, yeah, DLee has been simply amazing so far.

    Nanika Ga Okoru!

    by dat cubfan daver on Apr 16, 2008 9:12 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Ugh.

    Meant “dual 42.” They’re not swordfighting.

    Kinda sorta an oaky afterbirth.

    by neverAcquiesce on Apr 16, 2008 9:15 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    I love your profile picture.

    I’d take Gareth Keenan over Dwight Schrute in a heartbeat.

    If a woman has to choose between catching a fly ball and saving an infant's life, she will choose to save the infant's life without even considering if there are men on base. -- Dave Barry

    by bluebythebook on Apr 16, 2008 9:18 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Gotta love his little bird face.

    “Will there ever be a boy born who can swim faster than a shark?”

    Kinda sorta an oaky afterbirth.

    by neverAcquiesce on Apr 16, 2008 9:25 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Yes but

    “Whenever someone smiles at me, all I see is a chimpanzee begging for its life”

    by berselius on Apr 16, 2008 10:13 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Oh yeah?!?

    "I could catch a monkey. If I was starving I could. I’d make poison darts out of the poison of the deadly frogs. One milligram of that poison can kill a monkey. Or a man. Prick yourself and you’d be dead within a day. Or longer. Different frogs, different times."

    If a woman has to choose between catching a fly ball and saving an infant's life, she will choose to save the infant's life without even considering if there are men on base. -- Dave Barry

    by bluebythebook on Apr 16, 2008 10:55 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Just what are you saying

    about Dwight Schrute? >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

    Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

    by northsider on Apr 16, 2008 10:30 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Not a bad word to be said.

    Where do you think my screenname came from?

    Kinda sorta an oaky afterbirth.

    by neverAcquiesce on Apr 16, 2008 10:34 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Mussolini.

    Kinda sorta an oaky afterbirth.

    by neverAcquiesce on Apr 16, 2008 11:05 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Ah yes...

    Il Duce..:)

    "I lost it in the sun"

    by Bump Bailey on Apr 16, 2008 11:26 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    that I prefer the original is what I'm saying

    Its brand of humor and writing is more appealing to me than the original.

    The American version has grown on me, especially after they stopped lifting story lines and took the plot in their own direction. But I can only bring myself to Like It, while I’m Madly In Love with the original. And Martin Freeman… but that’s another story.

    If a woman has to choose between catching a fly ball and saving an infant's life, she will choose to save the infant's life without even considering if there are men on base. -- Dave Barry

    by bluebythebook on Apr 16, 2008 10:50 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    I meant

    Its brand of humor and writing is more appealing to me than the spin-off.

    Duh.

    If a woman has to choose between catching a fly ball and saving an infant's life, she will choose to save the infant's life without even considering if there are men on base. -- Dave Barry

    by bluebythebook on Apr 16, 2008 11:04 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    I agree.

    Things as seemingly simple as the ungodly loooooooong pause Gareth takes sliding the coffee cup from one side of the computer monitor to the other have me in tears.

    Kinda sorta an oaky afterbirth.

    by neverAcquiesce on Apr 16, 2008 11:07 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    What I think I love the most

    is the way it could seamlessly blend dramatic moments with comedy. Few shows can do that – Freaks & Geeks was one, and sometimes Scrubs is another.

    The scene with Tim and Dawn at the end of series two, when he takes off the microphone and… ugh, my guts get twisted just thinking about it. So well written and acted.

    If a woman has to choose between catching a fly ball and saving an infant's life, she will choose to save the infant's life without even considering if there are men on base. -- Dave Barry

    by bluebythebook on Apr 16, 2008 11:12 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Yup.

    I’ve long argued that it (along with Jim and Pam on the US version) is the most realistic romance I’ve ever seen. That it also happens to be the funniest show ever is just a bonus.

    Kinda sorta an oaky afterbirth.

    by neverAcquiesce on Apr 16, 2008 11:41 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    FREE LOVE ON THE FREE LOVE FREEWAY

    I love the American version and I love how over the course the past 3 + seasons they have been able to really develop the secondary characters.

    The one thing about the British version is that it does a much better job with those moments that are just painfully awkward.

    I’m not sure how they would do it, but I would love for Dwight to meet Gareth…..

    ---AC 00 00 00 - Believe

    by mjk83 on Apr 16, 2008 1:13 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Ahh... YES!

    D-LEE IS BACK!

    Cubs 2008 (8-5)
    Home (4-3) | Road (4-2) | 1-Run Games (2-2) | Extra Innings (3-1)
    Updated on April 16, 2008

    by SackMan on Apr 16, 2008 9:17 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    TheRiot

    He pulled the ball twice today, including his homerun. It looks as if he is seeing the ball better now. Maybe this is a good sign from him too

    "Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome

    by gwood on Apr 16, 2008 9:31 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    the riot

    It does look like The Riot has found his stroke. One observation about him – when he watches the ball come across and he doesn’t swing, he crouches down a bit. Sometimes it seems this works against him, as the borderline pitches are called strikes. Coincidence? Maybe.

    Can't quiet THE RIOT! (www.riotshirts.com)

    by RIOTSHIRTS.com on Apr 16, 2008 10:03 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    The first week and 1/2 of the season

    He was hitting a bunch of shallow fly balls to RF. So, it’s definitely nice to see him pull the ball. And, the HR aside, he needs to focus on just making good contact and putting the ball in play.

    Cubs 2008 (8-5)
    Home (4-3) | Road (4-2) | 1-Run Games (2-2) | Extra Innings (3-1)
    Updated on April 16, 2008

    by SackMan on Apr 16, 2008 11:49 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    santo talked to the riot

    and the riot claimed he was not seeing the ball well. That appears to be over. He wasn’t playing his type of game at all for the first 2 weeks.

    by dr stabbingworth on Apr 16, 2008 11:51 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    his AB's at the beginning of the year

    didn’t seem too good…he was swinging at some bad pitches….now he seems to be working the counts better like he did for a good part of last year and he has started to hit the ball better. sure looks like he’s seeing it better.

    by cubsmania on Apr 16, 2008 1:23 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Conspiracy theory

    MLB adopts steroid policy and Alfonso Soriano proceeds to see his performance downshift (beginning last year) coupled with odd occurring leg injuries (quad, calf).

    I’m not making accusation. It woud be horribly unfair of me to do so without evidence. But I throw this up for debate nonetheless.

    by MDBNIU on Apr 16, 2008 9:08 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    disgusting

    not so much the accusation, as the “I’m not accusing … throw it up for debate.” We’ll throw up, all right.

    by TC Cubby on Apr 16, 2008 9:09 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Then why mention it?

    Dumb.

    Dan

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

    by dtpollitt on Apr 16, 2008 9:10 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Agreed.

    Not accusing, but praising with faint damns. Your tinfoil hat is ready.

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

    by Al on Apr 16, 2008 9:11 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Debate what?

    You’re throwing a rather offensive idea out there without taking a position.

    Nanika Ga Okoru!

    by dat cubfan daver on Apr 16, 2008 9:13 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Exactly.

    You’re just throwing it out there to see the reaction.

    Hey, guys, Soriano could be a murderer. I have no evidence, but let’s discuss.

    Kinda sorta an oaky afterbirth.

    by neverAcquiesce on Apr 16, 2008 9:17 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    I think his blue Hummer

    ...would make for a good killer’s car, just like the truck in Kill Bill.

    Dan

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

    by dtpollitt on Apr 16, 2008 9:21 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Alright, Sori.

    Wiggle your right calf…

    Kinda sorta an oaky afterbirth.

    by neverAcquiesce on Apr 16, 2008 9:23 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Awesome topic!

    I have so many thoughts about this brilliant topic. I wish to debate it in this debate forum all day, every day, until he’s arrested.

    Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

    by northsider on Apr 16, 2008 10:33 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    I thought...

    ...it was a message board. Not a place to start filthy rumors about our 136/8 left fielder.

    Dan

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

    by dtpollitt on Apr 16, 2008 9:13 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    His power numbers certainly didn't decline last year...

    If anything, he was MORE effective in terms of power than usual.

    So I’d say this is a pretty irresponsible and ignorant suggestion.

    by SouthernCub on Apr 16, 2008 9:27 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    What an idiot you are......

    just what do you know about physiology and steroids? My guess is that you parrot what idiot sportswriters say…..

    by crazymountain on Apr 16, 2008 10:05 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    You really

    add nothing to this site.

    by sue369 on Apr 16, 2008 10:18 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Subtraction by addition?

    Just throwing it out there. I have no opinion on it of course.

    Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

    by northsider on Apr 16, 2008 10:34 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    message for Sarah Hope

    what do you do with the Flyers?

    ---AC 00 00 00 - Believe

    by mjk83 on Apr 16, 2008 9:10 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Hey Sarah

    Welcome!

    "I lost it in the sun"

    by Bump Bailey on Apr 16, 2008 10:18 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    I went to a Flyers game last year as part of a corporate outing

    I didn’t expect much going into it, but I had a really good time. Alexian Field is actually a very nice minor league ballpark. The various games and mascot displays between innings were some of the funniest things I’ve seen.

    I will definitely go again this summer, and highly recommend anyone else to also check them out.

    Good luck in your new position, Sarah.

    by Neifi Puppy on Apr 16, 2008 10:32 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Thanks!

    And if you or anyone would like to come out this year, give me a call at the ballpark. I’m the only Sarah. Opening Day is May 15th!

    I Believe!!!!

    by Sarah Hope on Apr 16, 2008 11:13 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    I'm sure...

    I’ll be out there at least once this summer…great place. Hey, maybe I’ll apply for the mascot job opening…j/k, j/k..

    "I lost it in the sun"

    by Bump Bailey on Apr 16, 2008 12:20 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Aaaghh!!

    I just read your bio… Hey “Drew”!!

    I Believe!!!!

    by Sarah Hope on Apr 16, 2008 11:45 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Alfonso, Why Tempt Fate With the Hop?

    Soriano had that terrible injury to his right quad last August. From what I’ve heard, he was only 90% recovered from that. He has to do the unnecessary hop and strains his right calf. That could be related to his right quad still not being quite right. Soriano is not as young as he used to be. When you’re well into your 30’s, sometimes the smallest things (even a little hop) can strain muscles, especially leg muscles.

    by memphiscub on Apr 16, 2008 9:19 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    These are professional athletes...

    If a minor hop causes such a serious injury, then you have to question your conditioning. Obviously his technique is horrible at catching fly balls, my guess is that he didn’t condition his legs properly in the off-season b/c he feared reinjuring his quad.

    "I've never had Red Bull in my life, but I've seen people at a bar order Red Bull and vodka... If I had a couple of those things, I'd be like that malt liquor bull leaving the bar!" Lou Piniella

    by CubsBullsBears on Apr 16, 2008 9:22 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    So why keep hopping, then?

    n/t

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

    by Al on Apr 16, 2008 9:29 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    I hop...

    Off the train every morning, in dress shoes mind you, zero strains. Maybe I’m just lucky?

    "I've never had Red Bull in my life, but I've seen people at a bar order Red Bull and vodka... If I had a couple of those things, I'd be like that malt liquor bull leaving the bar!" Lou Piniella

    by CubsBullsBears on Apr 16, 2008 9:32 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    I hop on the dance floor...

    ... most people laugh at me, but so far no hammy pulls.

    If you play Defender I could be your hyper-space.

    by IowaCubs- on Apr 16, 2008 10:27 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Because

    It’s his way. Every player has their quirks. How they waggle the bat, how they lead off first, how they hold runners on (one guy for the Reds last night looks over his back shoulder, quite unusual), and Soriano has this thing about how he catches the ball. It might simply make him more comfortable. Personally I don’t think that the hop itself caused the injury, probably just aggravated something that was gonna come out anyway.

    They call me MISTER Fukudome!

    by brokenland on Apr 16, 2008 11:13 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Point Taken On Conditioning

    Soriano needs to understand he has to worry more about conditioning now in his 30’s than he did in his 20’s. Lack of conditioning may very well have led to these leg problems in the past year. Hopefully, this calf injury isn’t serious. I don’t know if the hop thing had anything to do with it. You just worry about a guy who has had problems with his right quad. I know Soriano is a second baseman by trade, but I still wish someone would teach Soriano a better way to catch fly balls. He might miss a ball with the hop. Laugh, all you want, he could tweak someone in his right leg doing the hop. Freakish injuries happen!

    by memphiscub on Apr 16, 2008 10:13 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Oops! I'm Laughing At Myself Now

    Soriano could maybe tweak something in his right leg doing the hop, but I don’t think he’ll tweak someone. Error on memphiscub!

    by memphiscub on Apr 16, 2008 2:05 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    I must be amused way too easily this morning….. if hopping off a train caused an audible giggle

    by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 16, 2008 11:11 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    In Soriano's defense...

    ...I’m not sure it’s accurate to call the hop “unnecessary.” It’s obviously a timing/confidence thing he does to feel comfortable. And I would guess that the hop, in and of itself, didn’t cause the injury. He probably would have strained the muscle at some point last night anyway—maybe leaving the batter’s box or running the bases.

    Nanika Ga Okoru!

    by dat cubfan daver on Apr 16, 2008 9:25 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    The problem

    was that he did the hop thing while moving to his left. It seems that when he normally does the hop he is underneath the ball, so when he lands he is coming straight down. In this case he wasn’t coming straight down and this probably put additional stress on his calf, causing the strain. If he needs the hop in order to catch the ball (which he indicated is the case) then he should do it, but just make sure to get underneath the ball first.

    Despite this, I wish he would get rid of the hop.

    "Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome

    by gwood on Apr 16, 2008 9:41 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Loud, sustained applause.

    n/t

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

    by Al on Apr 16, 2008 9:44 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Does he do the hop when he is setting up to throw out a runner in the infield? I don’t think he does, but I could be wrong. Am I wrong to think that if this was really a “necessary” thing, as opposed to a cosmetic one, he would have to do it in those circumstances? I don’t think his outfield hop is any more necessary than say, a hop out of the batters box after a home run.

    by cheshirecub on Apr 16, 2008 10:23 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    No, he doesn't.

    It’s only when he’s making a routine catch. Maybe it’s a “timing/confidence thing”, but it appears to be hotdogging.

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

    by Al on Apr 16, 2008 10:28 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Or, it could be

    timing/confidence AND hotdogging…

    "I lost it in the sun"

    by Bump Bailey on Apr 16, 2008 10:57 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    No

    I don’t think it is hotdogging. I mean, why hotdog a routine play? Ridiculous. I think it is, as I said before, a “quirk” that Soriano has.

    They call me MISTER Fukudome!

    by brokenland on Apr 16, 2008 11:14 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    sorta like Turk Wendell...

    hopping over the basepaths and eating licorice in the dougout.

    If you play Defender I could be your hyper-space.

    by IowaCubs- on Apr 16, 2008 11:34 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Shhhh. Don't let Soriano know about the licorice

    Or, that’ll be next.

    Cubs 2008 (8-5)
    Home (4-3) | Road (4-2) | 1-Run Games (2-2) | Extra Innings (3-1)
    Updated on April 16, 2008

    by SackMan on Apr 16, 2008 11:52 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    he never wore socks either.

    SOMEONE SHOOT THAT DAMN PARROT!!!

    by Keystone80435 on Apr 16, 2008 2:31 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    HAHAHAAH

    I know Wendell pretty good. He played for the Greenville Braves for many years .

    SOMEONE SHOOT THAT DAMN PARROT!!!

    by Keystone80435 on Apr 16, 2008 2:30 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    From what I saw,

    he was coming back to the dugout when the injury happened several steps after the hop. I found it interesting when our announcers related the tale of the hop…..that, as an infielder, he had to keep his feet moving on throws and the hop since he has been in the outfield was a timing device to make sure his throws were good…..With his assists, I think the hop works!

    by crazymountain on Apr 16, 2008 10:10 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Looking at the schedule...

    I seriously hope this injury is minor and only a 15-DL stint and that’s it. May looks to be a tough month where we could really use Soriano’s bat in the lineup. We’ll be facing AZ, SD, LAD, and CO; good ballclubs with great pitching.

    "I've never had Red Bull in my life, but I've seen people at a bar order Red Bull and vodka... If I had a couple of those things, I'd be like that malt liquor bull leaving the bar!" Lou Piniella

    by CubsBullsBears on Apr 16, 2008 9:20 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    IMOP

    He will be out for 4-6 weeks. Ill bet he cant walk this morning.

    "Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
    "Swung on belted!!!"---Chip

    by Hammer on Apr 16, 2008 9:29 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Soriano Assessment

    I think we’re missing the point here with Soriano. It matters little whether his outfield hop had anything to do with his calf injury….after all, he could just as easily have done it walking up or down stairs as innocent as that hop is. The real problem as I see it is that for the second consecutive year, he hasn’t been ready to play in April.

    For the most part, he has looked horrible at the plate…flipping balls to RF, trying to pull most everything and guess hitting to no end. Yes, that is pretty much his appraoch in a nutshell but just like a year ago, he wasn’t ready to hit when the bell rang. Add to it the flukish “non-contact” leg injuries he’s incurred early in both seasons, and the finger points directly at him for not being in proper condition to begin the season.

    Don’t confuse me with a Soriano “basher” because when he’s right, he’s a certain threat in that lineup. My point is that as he has aged, the strong implications are that he hasn’t conditioned himself properly for the beginning of the season and his health and early success have born that out.

    Because of his slender body type, I will admit that it would be very difficult to detect any sort of lack of conditioning in spring training, even more so this year when he was admittedly “taking it easy” on his quad. But he’s got to look in the mirror and recognize that he hasn’t been ready for the bell two seasons in a row. I will predict that spring training 2009 will include the phrases “best shape of his career” for Soriano if the Cubs know what is in their better interests.

    Eighty-five percent of the f*ckin' world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here. -- Lee Constantine Elia, 1983.

    by krummy12 on Apr 16, 2008 9:30 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Agreed the hop had nothing to do with anything

    The issue is Soriano and chronic leg issues for a guy whose game is based on speed. We all knew we would get hung with Soriano’s contract because we were signing a speed guy who was 30 for 8 years but it would be catastrophe if we get hung with it after a year and a half…

    by JonH on Apr 16, 2008 9:48 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Don't forget the finger injury he had in ST

    That actually could have an effect at the plate right now.

    Cubs 2008 (8-5)
    Home (4-3) | Road (4-2) | 1-Run Games (2-2) | Extra Innings (3-1)
    Updated on April 16, 2008

    by SackMan on Apr 16, 2008 11:54 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Cubs have options in the early season

    First: It has not been published what is the injury, calf? tendon? muscle? ligament? quad or hamstring?

    2: Then what is the treatment and the recovery, it could be a few days off it is a muscle strain in the calf….then 3 DL…the 15-day opening in the roster. Do you send down Pie and bring up two players? If DeRosa and Fontenot are going to get the majority of the playing time….my guess since they have earned it in the early season, and then once in a while you play Ward to get him some AB’s resting DeRosa and Fontenot.

    So my guess is Patterson is one of the players recalled because he can play both the OF and 2B if DeRosa and Fontenot are slotted to be used and replacing Pie’s spot in CF.

    In the same light you might want a bat and OF where Murton could be recalled as well but not as a regular. But the Cubs could also recall Fuld for CF and Patterson for LF/2B and leave Murton in AAA.

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

    by Ivy Walls on Apr 16, 2008 9:32 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Sending Pie down and Soriano to the DL...

    might be a consideration. It would allow the team to bring up Patterson AND Murton, providing more versatility (Patterson can play 2B, LF, and CF) and an extra RH bat off the bench (if necessary).

    I’d like to say I’d be surprised if they sent Pie down so quickly, but he’s clearly pressing and at this point nothing Piniella does would surprise me.

    by SouthernCub on Apr 16, 2008 9:36 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Patterson can play 2B, LF, and CF

    just as crappy as Soriano can play 2B, LF, and CF.

    Cubs 2008 (8-5)
    Home (4-3) | Road (4-2) | 1-Run Games (2-2) | Extra Innings (3-1)
    Updated on April 16, 2008

    by SackMan on Apr 16, 2008 11:55 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Calf injury.

    How serious, we won’t know till after the MRI results are in.

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

    by Al on Apr 16, 2008 9:36 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Dont ask Mark Prior about MRI results

    "Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
    "Swung on belted!!!"---Chip

    by Hammer on Apr 16, 2008 9:40 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    If one finds Murton's lack of slugging disturbing...

    ...take a look at Sam Fuld’s numbers. Granted , he’s had only 20 ABs in Iowa so far, but he’s hitting a frightening .100/.217/.250. With Pie, Johnson and Dome all able to play centerfield, I’d leave Fuld right where he is.

    Nanika Ga Okoru!

    by dat cubfan daver on Apr 16, 2008 9:45 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Ditto.

    Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

    by northsider on Apr 16, 2008 10:37 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    I think Murton

    was involved in the Kennedy assassination….not saying, just throwing it out there for discussion…..

    by crazymountain on Apr 16, 2008 10:50 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    And as for D-Lee...

    If you look back on a few of my earlier posts, I expressed some concern over D-Lee. That concern is gone.

    As Al reluctantly stated, D-Lee is back. No reason to tread lightly on this subject as he is driving the ball to left center. That is the D-Lee pre-wrist injury and it is indeed a welcome sight.

    The fact that he is back to full health certainly mitigates the injury to Soriano.

    Eighty-five percent of the f*ckin' world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here. -- Lee Constantine Elia, 1983.

    by krummy12 on Apr 16, 2008 9:36 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Agreed!

    The fact that we have been winning in the early going, despite Soriano’s lack of offense gives great comfort to know that we have a deep team that will be able to survive this injury offensively.

    As for who to call up, Murton seems to be the logical choice since he is a left fielder. However, EPat, as many have already said provides more versatility for Lou to mix and match (Dero, Fontenot, and EPat) depending on who the pitcher is that day.

    "Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome

    by gwood on Apr 16, 2008 9:47 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    I think your analysis is right on....

    Although we know what Soriano WILL do because of his history, his slow start hasn’t hurt us because of our depth. That is why I really think this is the best team we’ve had since the 80’s clubs…...

    by crazymountain on Apr 16, 2008 10:41 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Recovery Time

    Could it be it just took a whole longer than everyone expected for Lee to recover from his wrist injury? And that he’s finally back to his old self?

    Or has that been suggested elsewhere and I’ve just missed it?

    "Don't think; it can only hurt the ball club."

    by Jesse Guam on Apr 16, 2008 9:49 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    I think you may be exactly right.

    n/t

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

    by Al on Apr 16, 2008 10:08 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    That would be a first

    "Don't think; it can only hurt the ball club."

    by Jesse Guam on Apr 16, 2008 10:11 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    I agree...

    wrist injuries are as problimatical as shoulders, if not more…..

    by crazymountain on Apr 16, 2008 10:44 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    All this talk about Murton coming up...

    Is this a certainty? I would have to assume they’d promote EPat b/c he’s left-handed (and we all saw what it could do w/ an added lefty in the lineup) and can play more than one position including the OF positions.

    "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 16, 2008 9:45 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    if there's no room for PIE

    then there certaintly no room for Murton. I agree E Patt is the best option should we have to make a call up.

    FU-KU-DOH-MEH! clap, clap, clap-clap-clap!!!!

    by tony412 on Apr 16, 2008 9:47 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Huh?

    I’m not sure I see the connection with Pie. Murton is a better hitter right now than Pie, and Murton is a LF unlike Pie. And Murton is a RH bat, whereas Pie is a LH bat. There seem to be no similarities.

    by SouthernCub on Apr 16, 2008 9:54 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Al mentioned

    a possibility to send down Pie and platoon Patterson in CF or sign Lofton. The similarity is being an outfielder as right now there are apparently many combinations available for Lou to use. Patterson would be the better option in my opinion simply because of his versatility. Pie may not be the best option for THIS team, RIGHT now.

    FU-KU-DOH-MEH! clap, clap, clap-clap-clap!!!!

    by tony412 on Apr 16, 2008 9:57 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Those two issues are unrelated...

    The reason there’s discussion of sending Pie down is because he’s not hitting at all. It has nothing to do with his lack of versatility. The Cubs could send Pie down and call up Patterson or sign Lofton. That would address CF. The LF situation could then be addressed with Murton.

    by SouthernCub on Apr 16, 2008 10:00 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Do we actually need more LH bats?

    We have Fukudome, Pie, Ward, and Fontenot. I’m not sure we necessarily need to be more RH. I could buy the argument that Patterson is more versatile, and I can see the argument that he’s faster (though I think that’s a poor argument for calling up a player). But Murton is going to outhit Patterson, and Murton can play LF. In fact, Murton might outhit Patterson AGAINST RHP, which is the only reason the LH bat argument holds any water.

    by SouthernCub on Apr 16, 2008 9:49 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    I think having LH bats spread t/o lineup at 1, 5, & 8

    helped last night. But I also see your point.

    "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 16, 2008 9:59 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Ok maybe not at 8

    But maybe that’s where we put EPat.

    "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 16, 2008 9:59 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    They need effective LH bats that can field

    Pie isn’t effective, Ward is a pinch hitter, and Fontenot is a backup (although he will play a lot now I bet)

    by dr stabbingworth on Apr 16, 2008 12:44 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Alfonson Gramatica 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 16, 2008 9:47 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    LOL

    Whatever that means

    by patron on Apr 16, 2008 11:29 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Deion Sanders

    pulled a hamstring highstepping into the endzone once.

    Kinda sorta an oaky afterbirth.

    by neverAcquiesce on Apr 16, 2008 11:58 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Cubs "Closers"

    I picked up on this stat thanks to Len Casper last night…

    From Sunday to Sunday, the Cubs had four different players get saves. That has to be extremely rare. That is all.

    by gocubsgo22 on Apr 16, 2008 9:59 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    I never knew Len was related to the Friendly Ghost.

    "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 16, 2008 10:07 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Ok - i have an honest question:

    Does anyone else think that Adam Dunn grew another foot or so since last season? The guy is a friggin tree!!!

    "I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"

    by HIGGY on Apr 16, 2008 10:03 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    ME ADAM DUNN

    He’s quite the butcher out there in LF.

    Can't quiet THE RIOT! (www.riotshirts.com)

    by RIOTSHIRTS.com on Apr 16, 2008 10:05 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Fun to watch though...

    ...if he plays for the other team.

    Scary, though, when he’s up to bat.

    "Don't think; it can only hurt the ball club."

    by Jesse Guam on Apr 16, 2008 10:07 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    I'm not sure about the height thing...

    ...but, for some reason, Dunn always reminds me of Will Ferrell. Check it:

    Nanika Ga Okoru!

    by dat cubfan daver on Apr 16, 2008 10:10 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Scary.

    Think Ferrell could make a “Talladega Nights” baseball movie, with himself playing a Dunn-like character?

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

    by Al on Apr 16, 2008 10:13 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Well, seeing as how he seems dead set...

    ...on making a movie about every professional sport known to humankind, that’s certainly a possibility!

    By the way, Al, getting back to my maddening e-mail situaton, I received a “delivery delay” message in my in-box here at work. I assume you never got my “test” e-mail? If you get a chance, could you try e-mailing me at daverm_98 at ameritech.net? Thanks.

    Nanika Ga Okoru!

    by dat cubfan daver on Apr 16, 2008 10:19 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Check your email.

    n/t

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

    by Al on Apr 16, 2008 10:21 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Honestly...

    There was talks of Will doing a short series for HBO in regards to a washed up baseball player. Not sure where that went. You can actually find it by searching the web. I didnt see when it was coming out though.

    I think it is a 5-6 series show, and he is a washed up baseball player turned gym teacher. Should be a good one.

    "I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"

    by HIGGY on Apr 16, 2008 10:32 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Jackie Robinson Day...

    This is a very cool tribute, but I sort of wish that the Cubs would have some sort of an Ernie Banks Day to honor the frist African American Cubs player.

    All the players could wear number 14!

    Hector Villanueva's Career Stolen Bases: 1

    by IowaCubs- on Apr 16, 2008 10:14 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    either way...

    ... I don’t know the history very well, but I can’t imagine it was easy for Ernie to break the Cubs color barrier either. It would be cool to see his number come out of retirement for a day.

    If you play Defender I could be your hyper-space.

    by IowaCubs- on Apr 16, 2008 11:17 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Great pic

    of Lee and Griffey..kudos to David..

    "I lost it in the sun"

    by Bump Bailey on Apr 16, 2008 10:24 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Murton/E Pat

    Hard to see this as a close call. If Patterson was ready for prime time, why wouldn’t he already be up here playing second and forcing DeRosa into a utility role?

    Murton is a bona fide big league hitter. He’s in AAA only because this team didn’t have a position for him with Ko Fu in one corner and Soriano in the other. He’s the logical choice after an injury.

    by Orval Overall on Apr 16, 2008 10:49 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Ko Fu

    I like that. I like that a lot:)

    "I lost it in the sun"

    by Bump Bailey on Apr 16, 2008 11:01 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    1. Fuku
    2. Ko Fu

    37. Dome (unless you are referring to his bald spot)

    by patron on Apr 16, 2008 11:33 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Wrong.

    As has been confirmed by a bonafied Japanese baseball fan (dragonsfanatic), Kosuke’s preferred nickname is simply “Dome.” And I hope you don’t think that rhymes with “Rome” (i.e., the city).

    Nanika Ga Okoru!

    by dat cubfan daver on Apr 16, 2008 12:42 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    to minimize confusion,

    we could just use DOMÉ with the accent.

    If you play Defender I could be your hyper-space.

    by IowaCubs- on Apr 16, 2008 1:19 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    There are too many family names starting with "Fuku"

    Fukuda, Fukushima, Fukukawa, Fukumori, Fukuyama, Fukuma, Fukuou, Fukuoka, Fukuchi, Fukuishi, Fukuura, Fukushi, Fukuzaki, Fukusako, Fukuzawa, Fukusako, Fukutani, Fukuhara, Fukunishi….. and many, many more. Actually Fukumori plays in Rangers organization (recently demoted to 3A).

    So “Dome” is identical – he is the only person named Fukudome in Japanese pro baseball, while so many “Fuku**” are playing actively.

    I'm bleeding Dragons Blue.

    by dragonsfanatic on Apr 16, 2008 5:29 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Anyone have links to video

    the Fontenot play and D-Lee Double play yesterday. I trying to describe both slick efforts and would love to see them again.

    by N Oakley on Apr 16, 2008 11:14 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Hmmm.. Giberish. Am hav in co plet thoug...

    I was describing them to a co-worker and would like to see them again. I’ll type that 100 times to see if I can make it coherent next time.

    by N Oakley on Apr 16, 2008 11:16 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Fontenot play

    http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/media/player/mp_tpl_3_1.jsp?f_id=649773&;f=http%3A//mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/2008/04/15/mlbtv_cinchn_139144_400K.flv&w=/2008/open/mlbam/2008/04/15/mlbtv_cinchn_139144_400K.wmv&pid=mlb_tp&gid=2008/04/15/cinmlb-chnmlb-1&vid=7758&mid=200804152532629&cid=mlb&fid=mlb_tp400&v=3&id=649624

    "I lost it in the sun"

    by Bump Bailey on Apr 16, 2008 2:45 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    This link didn't work for me.

    And I don’t see this play anywhere on the Cubs site. Could you try again?

    Nanika Ga Okoru!

    by dat cubfan daver on Apr 16, 2008 3:03 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    cut and paste the whole text

    then click on “keppinger forces bako home”

    by billywan on Apr 16, 2008 3:18 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Oh, right.

    For some reason, it didn’t occur to me to click on that. Here’s a neater link.

    Nanika Ga Okoru!

    by dat cubfan daver on Apr 16, 2008 3:47 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    When will the Cub know the results of Sori's MRI?

    They should just put him on the 15 day DL regardless and call someone up. With 12 pitchers they’re a man short to begin with. I don’t want to see him out for any major length of time but I’m kind of looking forward to see whoever they call up. I personally would send Pie down and bring up both Murton and Patterson but that probably won’t happen.

    Also, Theriot had a very good night last night but, does anyone think Fontenot can play SS every so often? I’d like to see his bat in the lineup more often.

    Over time, your quickness with a cocky rejoinder must have gotten you many punches in the face - Al Swearengen

    by lemon20pie on Apr 16, 2008 11:30 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Sometimes I wonder if Fontenot can play second.

    His defense is suspect at best, and putting him at shortstop on more than an emergency basis is a bad idea.

    I has a blog.

    by cwyers on Apr 16, 2008 12:46 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    I think Fontenot's web gem from last night

    would like to have a word w/ you.

    "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 16, 2008 12:51 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Fontenot's "web gem"

    That was an amazing grab. Saved the game and changed the entire complexion of the game.

    I don’t see Derosa stopping that ball.

    Over time, your quickness with a cocky rejoinder must have gotten you many punches in the face - Al Swearengen

    by lemon20pie on Apr 16, 2008 1:09 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    I agree it would be a less than ideal situation

    Hopefully Theriot produces more like last night and not have to put the Cubs in a situation where they have to consider it, but I’m not so sure that’s likely.

    Over time, your quickness with a cocky rejoinder must have gotten you many punches in the face - Al Swearengen

    by lemon20pie on Apr 16, 2008 1:07 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Love the photos integrated into the wrapup

    if I’m not mistaken, this is the first time you’ve edited David’s photos into the game recap. David’s shots really make the post come alive. I hope you both will be able to keep up this collaboration.

    Or, “Loud, sustained applause.”

    by santo4hof on Apr 16, 2008 11:41 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    So, bored reading about "the Hop" and "the Replacement"...

    Two things that jump out at me…

    1 – Dome, in his three ABs against Harang last night, saw 21 pitches (if I counted correctly). Harang threw 110. Nearly twenty percent of his pitches were to the number 5 hitter. Seems like a good argument for slotting Kosuke up into the one hole.

    2 – With the wind blowing out and Z on the hill, my biggest worry? I hope he doesn’t strain something trying to poke one out of the yard. :)

    by Slim1256 on Apr 16, 2008 11:42 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    NICE PHOTOS

    Al, Nice photos from Wrigley! As the name suggests, I am a Mississippi Cubs fan, so I only get to make a couple of games per year. I love seeing good photos from the field! Field of Dreams should have been filmed from the bleachers of Wrigley!!

    by MSCub on Apr 16, 2008 11:47 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Last night

    It was great riding the bike to the game and I made great time flying pass buses and cars. The ride home in the wind and cold air wasn’t as much fun, I really should have taken that into account, oh well.

    For how hard the wind was blowing out I think both Demp and Harang pitched pretty well. Corey was really getting harassed from the bleachers; I don’t think he misses Chicago.

    I’m looking forward to a solid game from Z tonight and hopefully we can lock up another series win with a chance at a sweep.

    I hate the hop.

    Lets do it Cubbies

    by slocs55 on Apr 16, 2008 11:59 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    We would've been so much better with this guy

    He was cheaper… hits the snot out of the ball in Wrigley… played all 162 games last year, drove in 119 runs, and struck out less than half as much as Soriano did.

    Cubs 2008 (8-5)
    Home (4-3) | Road (4-2) | 1-Run Games (2-2) | Extra Innings (3-1)
    Updated on April 16, 2008

    by SackMan on Apr 16, 2008 12:01 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Wow

    That is the most odd footage I have every seen.

    Lets do it Cubbies

    by slocs55 on Apr 16, 2008 12:16 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    A human Gollum

    lol…

    "I lost it in the sun"

    by Bump Bailey on Apr 16, 2008 12:26 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Yes, if you completely ignore defense and baserunning...

    ...and put too much emphasis on strikeouts as a measure of player value, then sure, we should have gotten Carlos Lee instead.

    I has a blog.

    by cwyers on Apr 16, 2008 12:06 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    I think it's the length of the contract...

    ... and total value over the life of it that concerns me. I guess 8 years from now, $130 million will be chump change for a star outfielder contract (think Upton, Justin).

    Whatever, we have him, can’t trade him, so we might as well keep him, eh?

    If you play Defender I could be your hyper-space.

    by IowaCubs- on Apr 16, 2008 12:11 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Like Soriano plays defense?

    The only thing he can do is throw runners out… and half the time, he only gets that opportunity, because he muffs the ball in the corner and they then proceed to try and take the extra base on him.

    Otherwise… Soriano’s a loafer in the outfield, and completely afraid to go to the wall for anything.

    Cubs 2008 (8-5)
    Home (4-3) | Road (4-2) | 1-Run Games (2-2) | Extra Innings (3-1)
    Updated on April 16, 2008

    by SackMan on Apr 16, 2008 12:25 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    If he can do so... without hurting himself.

    Cubs 2008 (8-5)
    Home (4-3) | Road (4-2) | 1-Run Games (2-2) | Extra Innings (3-1)
    Updated on April 16, 2008

    by SackMan on Apr 16, 2008 12:32 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    I agree on this one

    I personally have yet to see him use his speed to run down any fly balls or bloopers. I’ve certaintly seen him muff a few as you stated.

    FU-KU-DOH-MEH! clap, clap, clap-clap-clap!!!!

    by tony412 on Apr 16, 2008 12:31 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    I agree also

    He is a phobia of Walls and having more than one foot on the ground when catching a ball.

    "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 16, 2008 12:57 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    This is Wrigley's fault...

    It’s time that we put padding on the brick and replant the Ivy to stretch across the padding.

    If you play Defender I could be your hyper-space.

    by IowaCubs- on Apr 16, 2008 1:20 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Good luck with that...

    ... after 70+ years of the ivy growing there.

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

    by Al on Apr 16, 2008 1:25 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    IIRC, Carlos Lee was never a realistic option.

    He wanted to play in Houston so he could be close to his ranch.

    Nanika Ga Okoru!

    by dat cubfan daver on Apr 16, 2008 12:38 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    In addition...

    ... he’s a DH-in-waiting.

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

    by Al on Apr 16, 2008 1:25 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Carlos Beltran

    would have been an ever better acquisition and ended up costing similar amounts of money.

    by dr stabbingworth on Apr 16, 2008 12:48 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    BTW. KUDOS TO PIE!

    For that catch at the wall last night. WOW!

    Cubs 2008 (8-5)
    Home (4-3) | Road (4-2) | 1-Run Games (2-2) | Extra Innings (3-1)
    Updated on April 16, 2008

    by SackMan on Apr 16, 2008 12:44 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    I was really worried

    after that becasue it looked like his hand hit the wall pretty awkwardly. It’d be tought to lose 2 starting OF in one night

    "There are no curses here...Games are won and lost on the baseball field" - Lou Piniella

    by El Borto on Apr 16, 2008 12:59 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Ooops...

    My bad….embarrassed smile ....a friend just called me and told me this and i posted without checking…so sorry..

    "I lost it in the sun"

    by Bump Bailey on Apr 16, 2008 1:08 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    But at least..

    the names were the same..lol..

    "I lost it in the sun"

    by Bump Bailey on Apr 16, 2008 5:10 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    You might just need to change the date and a few details

    and the article actually may turn out to be pretty accurate.

    "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 16, 2008 2:34 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    game tonite

    does anyone know what time the doors to the bleachers open? is it 2 hours before the game? it’s been about a year since i’ve been to wrigley and just wanted to make sure.

    by gocubsgoradio720 on Apr 16, 2008 1:02 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    2 hours early

    for wrigley.

    have fun!!!

    ---AC 00 00 00 - Believe

    by mjk83 on Apr 16, 2008 1:17 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Funny image from last night

    After DLee hit his homerun last night and crossed homeplate he high fived both TheRiot and Fontenot. The height difference between DLee and the other two was extremely entertaining to me. Especially Fontenot, he really does look like a bat boy next to DLee.

    "Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome

    by gwood on Apr 16, 2008 1:15 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    I noticed that too...

    As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

    by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 16, 2008 1:25 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    ???

    As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

    by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 16, 2008 1:39 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Fixed....

    I noticed that too…

    As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

    by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 16, 2008 1:42 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    santos drives one in the air...

    ...deep left-center…(Daver’s voice cracks) HOME RUN!!!

    Nanika Ga Okoru!

    by dat cubfan daver on Apr 16, 2008 2:09 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    I thought it was funny too

    Fontenot looks like Frodo Baggans next to D-Lee. Hilarious.

    by McRipper on Apr 16, 2008 1:30 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Seeing that

    last night made me laugh.

    by sue369 on Apr 16, 2008 1:38 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Cincy's Outfielder

    I also noticed how much smaller Patterson is than Dunn, he is a monster.

    Also Patterson still has that speed, he was burning down 1st base.

    Lets do it Cubbies

    by slocs55 on Apr 16, 2008 1:57 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    The bashing of Soriano

    Amazing, Cubs would not of, I repeat would not of made the playoffs last year without him, and they won’t make it this year without him.
    Pitchers when fielding bunts for the most part take a hop to get better balance ( when I threw in college ) at least what I was taught. SO if a pitcher pulls his calf, we get on him?
    Its funny Soriano has caught what.1000 balls this way and nothing happens, then a freak injury, and we want nothing to do with him. Players all over the league I am sure have quirks, his taking a damn hop when he catches ball
    I don’t know I guess I am tired of the bashing this guy gets. No one was pissed when the Cubs signed this guy.

    "Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"

    by Grockcubs on Apr 16, 2008 1:19 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    Soriano's calf injury... an exercise physiologists perspective

    Granted, I haven’t worked in that field since ‘06, but the education is there nonetheless. First of all, his quad injury from last year wouldn’t affect his calf on this type of play. What a lot of people fail to realize is that landing from a jump (or hop) actually generates just as much as if not more “tension” on the calf muscle than the actual take-off. The hamstring plays a role in the landing of course, as do the glutes, but my guess is that his foot was flexed in a certain position as to send a lot of tension to the lateral side of his calf as opposed to an equal distribution of tension throughout his entire calf. Therefore, he probably strained one of the muscle heads in his calf, not both. Hopefully, it’s the muscle head on the exterior portion of his leg and not the interior, because it will recover faster and require less treatment. We will all know very soon what the “experts” say, so don’t hold me to anything. I’m basing this diagnosis on one slow motion replay, after all. But I think we all agree, a healthy Soriano equals a better Cubs team, no matter which way you slice it.

    I'm kind of a big deal

    by chi-townbleacherbum on Apr 16, 2008 1:30 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

    santoswoodenlegs....OMG u are too quick with the pics...

    what, do you invent Clip Art or Microsoft Publisher or something? My god, you have a picture for everything. Good stuff, keep it up!!

    I'm kind of a big deal

    by chi-townbleacherbum on Apr 16, 2008 1:35 PM CDT to parent up reply reply