Bleed Cubbie Blue: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:



Sports blogs for fans, by fans.
Around SBN: NHL Free Agency Coverage: NHL Rumors, NHL Signings & Trades


10K

"It was a tough first 10,000 wins," [Ryan] Theriot said with a chuckle. "I hope the next 10,000 are easier."

We are in uncharted territory.

Not just for the 10,000th win in franchise history -- a 7-6, come-from-behind, extra-inning thriller over the Rockies -- but for the 15-6 start which is now tied with the Diamondbacks for the best record in baseball.

Here are all the Cub teams since 1900 that have started the season better than 15-6:

1907: 17-4.

That's it. Four other post-1900 Cub teams (1906, 1932, 1969 and 1975) also started 15-6, and a number of 19th Century teams were 15-6 or better (the best, the 1879 club, went 18-2 with one tie), but the 2008 Cubs are now in the upper echelon of great starts by this 132-year-old franchise. The 1975 team is the outlier in that group -- they were playing over their heads and wound up 75-87 in fifth place in the old NL East -- but the rest of them were all either pennant winners, World Series winners... and we won't talk about the 1969 team, as you all know how that wound up.

The Cubs also won their fourth extra-inning game on the road last night (and haven't lost any -- the only extra-inning loss this year was on Opening Day at home). The last time the Cubs won four extra-inning games on the road was 2004 -- but that year, it took them till August to do that.

Winning anything on the road, particularly at Coors Field where it rarely seems to matter how big a lead you get, is always gratifying. I want to give thanks right here and right now to the thousands of Cubs fans who made the "Let's Go Cubbies!" and "Fukudome!" chants audible -- loudly -- on the CSN telecast (although at least on my cable system, Comcast in Chicago, there was no audio at all on the HD feed for the first few minutes; later they did fix this problem). I know some of that came from BCB readers who posted here that they were attending last night's game.

Rich Hill pitched -- well, okay, considering that his career ERA coming into this game at Coors Field was somewhere orbiting Mars. He walked four, but got out of most jams mostly unscathed; his boxscore line shows he allowed two runs, but only one of those -- a Clint Barmes HR -- scored while he was in the game. Four Cub relievers contributed to the rest of the Rockies' five-run sixth inning, giving Colorado a 5-3 lead.

Then the Cubs clawed back, scoring one run and executing a double steal (when's the last time you saw that happen?) in the 7th, making it 5-4, then taking the lead 6-5 with two strikes and two out in the 9th on Aramis Ramirez' long home run 3/4 of the way up into the LF seats.

Just as Manny Corpas blew a save with two out in the 9th, so did Kerry Wood, allowing a single to Scott Podsednik (Len & Bob noted how much Pods looked exactly like he did as a White Sox, with the Rockies' very similar sleeveless uniforms) and a triple to Ryan Spilborghs, after retiring the first two Rockies in the 9th on strikeouts.

But the Cubs would not quit, and manufactured a run in good style in the 10th, the winning run being driven in by Ryan Theriot in the 2008 "Have A Different Hero Every Day" Cub style. Carlos Marmol finished it out uneventfully -- isn't it nice to know that after your closer comes out of the game for a pinch-hitter, there's someone else right behind him who can also close?

Finally this morning, apologies from me and SBN for the massive outage last night which was caused, ironically, by a server upgrade which was done the night before (if you recall, I'd made this post Tuesday night alerting you to what was supposed to be a short planned outage). Trei and the tech team are hoping we're past the issues, which were caused, we are told, by "bad RAM"... however, they are going to monitor traffic later today when more game threads get going. Apologies from me and know that they're doing everything they can to make sure this doesn't happen again.

Uncharted territory. This is also the first time in Cub history that they have had two separate winning streaks of five games or longer in April. Keep it going. I'll have a game thread up later this morning for the 2:05 CDT start.

0 recs | Comment 129 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Display:

Big Win!!!

Just shows you how much character this team has. I’m getting really excited about this team.

So nobody has to see the scroll bar on my posts!!!!

by McRipper on Apr 24, 2008 8:17 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It was good to see them fight back

and pick up Wood after he blew the save.

The team is definitely playing with a bit of confidence right now, which is good to see.

---AC 00 00 00 - Believe

by mjk83 on Apr 24, 2008 8:21 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What a game. WOW. And thank god we have two closers!

Cubs 2008 (15-6)
Home (10-4) | Road (5-2) | 1-Run Games (4-2) | Extra Innings (4-1)
Updated on April 24, 2008

by SackMan on Apr 24, 2008 8:21 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Excellent!

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on Apr 24, 2008 8:43 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wouldn't he be best spread...

...over a piece of toast with butter?

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

by IowaCubs- on Apr 24, 2008 9:18 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Most impressive stat from last night . . .

all eight starters with OBP above .400!!!

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

by gwood on Apr 24, 2008 8:21 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Rockies Broadcasters

I must give credit where credit is due. I flat out enjoyed listening to them. they were very knowlegable about the opposing team and were extremely complimentary of players like d. lee. they clearly do their homework and for that i commend them. i usaully hate other teams commentators. great TEAM win last night. this team has chemistry like no other ive ever seen before.

Go Cubbies Go!!!!!!

by cubsluver22 on Apr 24, 2008 8:23 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I listened on XM

where you get the home team feed and I would agree with you

by sdurst on Apr 24, 2008 8:25 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They didnt go on rants about our fans?

:)

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

by HIGGY on Apr 24, 2008 8:58 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

LMAO

Maybe we can send a tape to Marty Brennaman.

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

by Al on Apr 24, 2008 9:00 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Just don't send him this one

Cubs’ Elia’s rant about fans (April 29, 1983)

WARNING: Turn the volume down if at work or in a library.

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

by flachimesa on Apr 24, 2008 10:40 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I have to agree

For some reason, we received both the Cubs and Rockies broadcasts on EI in HD last night. I mostly watched the Rockies guys, at first because the HD audio was out on the comcast feed. Those Rockies guys were good – far batter than average. Very knowledgeable.

Cubs Win!! Cubs Win!

by Ihatethecards on Apr 24, 2008 9:24 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Do you have cable or satellite?

I haven’t been able to find any HD broadcasts on EI on digital cable. Anyone know where they are?

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

by Al on Apr 24, 2008 9:40 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Comcast...

...has said they won’t be carrying them. DirecTV OTOH is carrying ~40 games/week in HD>

by jolietconvict on Apr 24, 2008 10:29 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yes my EI

is from Direct TV

Cubs Win!! Cubs Win!

by Ihatethecards on Apr 24, 2008 10:49 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i live in denver

so i watch the rockies broadcaster quite a bit. they don’t pretend to be neutral – they root for their team (which is fine to me, but is often labeled “homerism”). the thing that i really like about them comapred to most broadcasters that i’ve seen/heard is that the rockies guys talk baseball for the whole game. strangely enough, it is rare to watch a baseball game anymore where they actually talk about baseball the whole time.

"I'd rather win ugly than lose pretty," -- Lou Pinella

by anormal on Apr 24, 2008 11:04 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

A fantastic start

This season is off to a fntastic start and there is defeintely a new found confidence on the team. Games are not being gievn away as they have in prior years – this squad keeps fighting back and never count themselves out. There’s still a lot of baseball to be played but nothing like getting this season off on the right foot.

by sdurst on Apr 24, 2008 8:24 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The last double steal

I remember was near the beginning of Juan Pierre’s time here. Pierre and DLee had one, I believe at wrigley

Los Cachorros!

by Laven on Apr 24, 2008 8:26 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

April 19, 2008 vs. the Pirates

Not sure if this counts as a double steal, I don’t remember if a good throw would have caught DeRosa – but …
“As Fukudome and DeRosa took off on a double steal attempt, catcher Ryan Doumit threw the ball into left field for an error that let a run score. DeRosa took third on the play and trotted home on Gorzelanny’s wild pitch.”

by gp1966 on Apr 24, 2008 8:54 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wasn't the Cubs...

...but did anyone see when BJ Upton stole home against the Mariners this year on the backside of a double steal? Haven’t seen the first and third double steal in a LONG time…Successfully, at least…

Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Apr 24, 2008 8:56 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I didn't see it..

but honestly, I’m surprised that you don’t see that more often. Considering the postioning of the middle infielder at second, you’d imagine any baserunner with above-average speed should have a decent shot at home.

by Damen Jackson on Apr 24, 2008 9:07 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yes it does.

n/t

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

by HIGGY on Apr 24, 2008 8:59 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Good question.

The club record for wins in a row is 21—set in 1935 during the pennant race in September. They swept the Phillies, Dodgers, Braves, Giants and Pirates… and the first four of those series were FOUR-game series. The Pirates series was a two-game series; that made 18 straight. Then they won the first three in St. Louis before losing the last two of a five-game series.

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

by Al on Apr 24, 2008 8:51 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

5 game series??

... wouldn’t that be something to see an entire 5 man rotation go against eachother?

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

by IowaCubs- on Apr 24, 2008 9:21 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

There was a doubleheader in that series.

There aren’t very many of those these days; the Cubs played one vs. the Cardinals in 2003 (a memorable series). If you get one now, it’s probably because of a rainout makeup game.

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

by Al on Apr 24, 2008 9:22 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wow, I remember that series.

Didn’t we win 4 out of 5?

"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 24, 2008 9:43 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yep.

All five games were memorable.

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

by Al on Apr 24, 2008 9:48 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Do or die for both teams IIRC.

My dad (Cards fan) and I were so invested. Fun, fun time.

Okay, "Wendy: hot and juicy redhead."

by neverAcquiesce on Apr 24, 2008 10:52 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Last night was special...

This team has a new identity, a swagger and a confidence that I haven’t seen in a while.
I am usually cynical and would normally get down after Kerry blew that save, but last night, I was like “that’s okay… we’ll get ‘em in the 10th.”

This is going to be a fun year…

''As long as he doesn't talk World Series, I'm happy.'' Lou Piniella on Ronny Cedeno.

by CubsBullsBears on Apr 24, 2008 8:27 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

To that end...

Wood did a nice job of buckling down and getting that last out in the 9th and thereby stranding the runner on third. It would have been easy to let down after giving up the lead, however he finished it off and gave Soto/Theriot a chance to win it baby!

by bap on Apr 24, 2008 9:24 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wood looked great

Woods slider last night was better than Marmols by far. If you look at the batting avg against Wood on the season its clear he has run into a little bad luck IE the hits came a bit in bunches.

Even after the triple to tie the game I was rewinding back to the first strikeout which was absolutely sick.

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

by Hammer on Apr 24, 2008 9:26 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Agreed.

It was really frustrating b/c Woody looked absolutely sick on the first 2 batters, but credit to Pods and Spielborghs for just sittin’ on Kerry’s fastball. Then Marmol comes in the 10th and I believe falls behind the first 3 batters but stuck w/ his stuff and and came through. Ironic, but oh so Beautiful. Go Cubs.

"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 24, 2008 9:47 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Going into this game...

...I knew - just knew - that Scott Pods would use his evil White Sox mojo to hurt the Cubs. And so he did. Man, I can’t stand that spindly legged mofo.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Apr 24, 2008 10:39 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Great Win!

This team’s signature will be that they pick each other up. Go Cubbies!

by Just Mike on Apr 24, 2008 8:29 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cubs Not Digging Big Hole for Themselves

Barring a slew of injuries, especially to pitchers, (yeah, I remember 1985), I don’t see the Cubs having to make up an 8.5 game deficit this season as they did last season. They should be in first place or close to it the rest of the season. 2 games up with 141 to go is not a bad place to be.

by memphiscub on Apr 24, 2008 8:37 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I had friends at Coors Field last night... (Cubs fans of course)

They called me right after A-Ram’s blast in the 9th… I couldn’t hear a word my friend said because the Cubs fans there were too loud. Then when Dome got up with runners on 2nd and 3rd…. they called again just so I could hear the Fuk-u-dome-A chant. If the Cubs keep up their current pace…. I think we are going to see a lot of Cubs fans crawling out from under rocks in every city we play at - something that is going to make every team we play feel a wee bit uncomfortable in their own stadium. (See Brewers, Cardinals, White Sox, D-Backs, Rockies, Padres, Pirates, Reds, Nationals, Dodgers and Marlins) I don’t know about the Blue Jays and Orioles in inter-league yet, but if we keep on playing good, I would have to say even at those stadiums Cubs Nation will make its presence felt. What a great feeling for both the fans and the players!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Like McDonald’s…. I”M LOVING IT!

I'm kind of a big deal

by chi-townbleacherbum on Apr 24, 2008 8:38 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Orioles games

Unfortunately (for us in VA) are in Wrigley

Dome-san!!

by Goat Whisperer on Apr 24, 2008 10:06 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cub fans

have made their way to opposing stadiums for a while now. Last year there were some venues that had more Cub fans than the home teams did.

by sue369 on Apr 24, 2008 10:31 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yuppers.

As “Cubs Forever” pointed out that’s due in great part to WGN. Cubs fans have packed a whole hell of a lotta stadiums for years, with Colorado ranking high. Obviously St Louis too, but that one goes both ways cos of the rivalry.

And let’s not forget that Miller Park is essentially Wrigley Deux. I still remember Sosa’s three three-run homer game where he curtain called in Milwaukee. Surreal.

Okay, "Wendy: hot and juicy redhead."

by neverAcquiesce on Apr 24, 2008 11:03 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What a win...

...was without MLBTV coverage, so I was clinging to GameDay…Can’t wait until this afternoon for some WGN love!

Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Apr 24, 2008 8:40 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Keep them coming!

Great Game! Wish I hadn’t fallen asleep during the exciting parts! I managed to keep my eyes open long enough to see Marmol get the last three outs!

Can we keep this up? The obp for this team is amazing! I know it has been beaten like the proverbial dead horse, but damn was Dusty wrong! Get ‘em on, get ‘em in!

"Cubs Win!!"

by northofwrigley on Apr 24, 2008 8:41 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Agreed.

I also love the fact that we are seeing something that I am not used to as a Cubs fan- if an erratic pitcher is not hitting the strike zone, we have no problem taking until the first strike…No use helping them out any, especially late in tight games.

Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Apr 24, 2008 8:43 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

"bad RAM", I can live with...

...as long as good ARAM keeps hitting 9th inning homers!

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

by ballhawk on Apr 24, 2008 8:48 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

LSA!

n/t

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

by Al on Apr 24, 2008 8:51 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He was also hustling out the box earlier in the game...

on his deep fly that became a double… It’s good to see.

by bap on Apr 24, 2008 9:27 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think he

may have gotten his butt chewed out after his “admiring” shot earlier. Nice to see him hustle out of the box.

by sue369 on Apr 24, 2008 10:33 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Three things about last night's game

1. Great to see Howry throw so well. He is locating his fastball which he has to do since it is essentially his only pitch. If he continues this bullpen will carry us.

2. We are VERY lucky that pinch running DLee in the 9th did not come back to haunt us. That was not a smart move (IMO).

3. Lou: Please give Marmol a day off. He pitched a perfect 10th, but his velocity and location were not as sharp as normal.

I drank the Cubs Kool-Aid last night.

by gocubsgo22 on Apr 24, 2008 8:52 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Agreed

I thought the same thing when Pie pinch ran for Lee. Very curious.

With Howry starting to look better, Marmol should be able to have a day off sometime soon. But with Wuertz continuing to struggle, maybe not.

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

by gwood on Apr 24, 2008 8:54 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

PR for Lee

I had stepped away from the game to take a phone call and came back to see Pie PR and almost had a heart attack thinking Lee had gotten hurt.

We are all waiting for that glorious October night when we finally win it all. Until then we will continue to cheer, never do the wave and hope.

by cubstoseriesby100 on Apr 24, 2008 9:00 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Agreed

He was gassed last night.

Also, Matt Holliday has the biggest fricken arms, that at bat he had in the 10th was awesome. Bad result but awesome.

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

by Hammer on Apr 24, 2008 9:04 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Holliday is huge

I noticed that last night as well. The amazing thing is he is fast too!

Has anyone else noticed that Derrek Lee’s lower half looks bigger this year?

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

by HIGGY on Apr 24, 2008 9:11 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The breaks

We sure have made the most of our opportunities and found a way to win so far.

We see if every year, (Tigers ‘06, White Sox ‘05, Marlins ‘03 after McKeon arrived) that the teams that find a way to win spread that confidence around the clubhouse and into the seats.

This has been a great start, despite some mediocre SP performances.

Keep it up Cubbies! On to the next 10,00!

"I got a PBS mind in an MTV world"...Jimmy Buffett

by The Ryno and I Know on Apr 24, 2008 8:55 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I am...

beside myself with the way this team is playing right now. The way that EVERYONE is contributing and picking eachother up. This quote from Wood couldn’t be any farther from the truth:

“We’ve been picking each other up all year,” Wood said. “That’s why we are in the position we’re in. It’s somebody different every night. ... I don’t think we could predict the way we were going to be swinging the bats right now. I don’t think we have more than one guy in the lineup hitting under .300.”

I couldn’t watch the game, but followed it via cell phone (mlb gameday), ugh! Onward and upward…go Cubs!

You ARE freaking out MAN!

by crw89 on Apr 24, 2008 8:57 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

mlb audio

do you constantly lose the feed via your cell phone? it drives me crazy and it seems worse this year. And the audio is choppier this year than last… just curious.

by cubbiefanTN on Apr 24, 2008 9:56 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Working on a song

I’m working on a song a takeoff on Willie Mickey and Duke called “Fukudome, Ramirez and D Lee” It’s going to be a combination of the original song and Baseball and the Cubs.

I want the third line to be who is ….... anyway and trying to decide between Mark Prior and Brian Roberts

The opening lines will be

After 100 years waiting for our chance
The North sides ready for a victory dance
Who is ….... anyway?
A new era is being born
The Cardinals and Brewers we will scorn
and down on the corner america’s team
is finally getting on track

It still needs a lot of work. I’m leaning towards Prior for the who is anyway in case we get Roberts at some point in the season.

We are all waiting for that glorious October night when we finally win it all. Until then we will continue to cheer, never do the wave and hope.

by cubstoseriesby100 on Apr 24, 2008 8:59 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I like to think I know a thing or two about popular music...

...and I have no idea who “Willie Mickey and Duke” are.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Apr 24, 2008 10:27 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm going to assume your joking...

you are joking….right?

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 24, 2008 10:54 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

For once, I'm dead serious.

Are they mainstream country artists? I’m not particularly familiar with that genre.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Apr 24, 2008 11:08 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Willie….Mays
Mickey….Mantle
Duke….Snider

Read this.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 24, 2008 11:13 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What a great start.

Obviously there is a lot of baseball left to play, but this is a great place to be in. Not only is the team winning, but the way they are doing it is what is so great IMO. Manufacturing runs when needed, coming from behind, HR, great defense and offense, could go on and on here…

It’s a great time to be a Cubs fan that is for sure!
OT instantly thought of Cwyers when, instead of BA, they posted the OBP of the lineup on Comcast last night. I would venture to guess THAT has never happened with a Cubs team!!!

by Tangled Up In Blue on Apr 24, 2008 9:00 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I believe Arams homer

was with 1 out, not 2.

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

by Hammer on Apr 24, 2008 9:02 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Shhh.

It’s for dramatic effect. I’m buying it.

"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 24, 2008 9:55 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Me too.

n/t

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

by Al on Apr 24, 2008 10:13 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Okay it's early

But I thought besides the end result being our ultimate dream it would be really really cool to have the baseball equivalent of the 1985 Bears season. Just dominant. Kicking butt and taking names.

I want other teams fans to look at the schedule and say “Dang doogle the Cubs are coming.”

We are all waiting for that glorious October night when we finally win it all. Until then we will continue to cheer, never do the wave and hope.

by cubstoseriesby100 on Apr 24, 2008 9:03 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Haha. Agreed.

But don’t worry, hopefully it’s just a phase.

"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 24, 2008 10:29 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Dang Doogle?

Hawk is that you?

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

by Hammer on Apr 24, 2008 10:33 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

speaking of things

that should never, ever be said…

Linus: Life is rarely all one way, Charlie Brown. You win some, you lose some. Charlie Brown: Really? Gee, that'd be neat.

by CyberCyclist on Apr 24, 2008 10:44 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I actually had that thought last night.

Never in my lifetime have I followed a Cubs team where, looking weeks ahead at a time, I don’t find myself worrying about any particular opponent. Finally, we’re the ones to fear.

Okay, "Wendy: hot and juicy redhead."

by neverAcquiesce on Apr 24, 2008 11:09 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I particvulary

Am not worried about who is pitching for us, because like Woody said, theres a new hero every night

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

by Hammer on Apr 24, 2008 11:12 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Soto, Lee and Mediacom

Let’s not forget two 4 for 5 nights by Lee and Soto. That Soto guy is exactly the same guy I kept screaming about last year after watching him in Des Moines. Also it’s nice to see his old coach when he was with Iowa, Mike Quade, working with him on his defense.

Oh, and Mediacom in Des Moines is absolutely Cardinals crazy. They played yesterday’s Cardinals blow up loss back to back yesterday on FSN Midwest. They even played the Brewers/Phillies game on the “Mediacom Connection” channel last night for some reason for the 5 Brewers fans here in Des Moines… But still, they refuse to pick up CSN in Des Moines.

Oh well, I feel good even on a rainy day today because our guys won last night even if I had to listen on the radio. This is something special we have here.

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

by IowaCubs- on Apr 24, 2008 9:16 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Simulate your own Rockies late-inning Collapse!

I found this on Purple Row, thought it was too good especially after last night.

The Rockies have taken a lead into the 8th or 9th inning in each of the last three games, only to find a way to suffer a heartbreaking loss. Well, now you too can simulate the feeling at home without the aid of the Colorado Rockies! And here’s how:

http://www.9news.com/sports/columnist/blogs/ontherox/article.aspx?storyid=90454

There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!

by sanantonecub on Apr 24, 2008 9:30 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh yes, this was actually posted

BEFORE last nights game, so just change that to read “in each of the last four games.” :)

There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!

by sanantonecub on Apr 24, 2008 9:31 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They are playing like Al Davis is running the team

“Just Win, Baby!” Doesn’t matter how or who, they are getting it done!

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse

by BigJohnAZ on Apr 24, 2008 9:33 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Add this to the list...

of things that shouldn’t be said…

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 24, 2008 10:55 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Can we start to believe yet?

Last night in the top of the eighth I turned off the light and fell asleep thinking “well, 5 in a row is pretty good.” This morning I read the alert e-mail and found the Cubs had won. At work this morning I listened to the game on MLB.com and read the recaps. I have found myself organizing my day around the Cub games (Have to hurry and get the lawn finished – the game starts in 15 minutes. Honey, let’s order in – the game is on.)

In the past few years (decades?) this organization has found ways to lose. Whether that was a black cat or a fan “interfering” or a goat or a wrecked back while sneezing or a corked bat, there was always something. Now, there is a confidence, a swagger, a sense of completeness, a chemistry. This team is carrying the attitude of “why not us?”

George Will said, "Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue." Is this the year we cut away some of that scar tissue? Can we start to believe yet?

Football and basketball are just things to do between baseball seasons.

by MetsSuck on Apr 24, 2008 9:44 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wow.

It’s early… awfully early. But this team has done things, as I have noted, that are almost unique in Cub history. There are still five months to go. But this is an awfully nice ride we’re on so far.

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

by Al on Apr 24, 2008 9:49 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I agree. And I'd respectfully remind everyone...

...how we scoffed at the overexuberance of Brewers fans last season. Don’t get me wrong—we should celebrate every great victory. And we should feel good about this team. But it’s still the opening month.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Apr 24, 2008 10:33 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

But... ned Yost doesn't manage our team!

Cubs 2008 (15-6)
Home (10-4) | Road (5-2) | 1-Run Games (4-2) | Extra Innings (4-1)
Updated on April 24, 2008

by SackMan on Apr 24, 2008 10:54 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ha, well the game starts at 2 today

Go to bed in the 5th innings, WHATEVER WORKS.

BTW, the only thing that is 90% scar tissue is Mark Priors shoulder.

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

by Hammer on Apr 24, 2008 9:49 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I believe the Chili Peppers wrote that song just for him.

"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 24, 2008 9:52 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Al beat me to it...

... but I was going to say basically the same thing. It’s too soon to be talking about going all the way, but the team playing as well as they have this month just goes to show you that it’s very possible if the continue playing this caliper of baseball. I’d personally like to see how we fare against some other teams still.

by McCarron on Apr 24, 2008 9:53 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Drinking kool-aide

Last night when Kerry gave up that run, I was in my car and hit the off button my radio. Thought Cubbies are getting back to their old ways… got home a few minutes later turned the radio on to hear them win.

Im going to believe!

by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 24, 2008 10:02 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I still trust Kerry...

...will figure things out. This isn’t exactly his 5th season as closer or anything, but he’s starting to make me nervous like Dempster did last year. Let’s hope he works out whatever problems he has soon.

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

by IowaCubs- on Apr 24, 2008 10:31 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm really still not...

...very sure about this team. It’s going to take a lot more of what we’ve been seeing over the past three-and-a-half weeks for me to erase that end-of-the-world 0-2 start we had against the Brewers.

Ok, that’s not really true…I just REALLY MISS those miserable sobs that came out of the woodwork during that first series…

Ok, that’s not really true, either.

by Shawon O Meter on Apr 24, 2008 10:13 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

OT: How about this line score?

Nebraska played its in-state rival Creighton last night in Omaha at Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium (which some will recognize as the home of the CWS). Trailing 4-3 after four innings, the Huskers (30-7-1) sent 17 men to the plate en route to scoring 13 runs off of five Creighton pitchers, the most runs Nebraska has scored in an inning since also plating 13 against Chicago State on March 16, 1999.

Here’s to the Cubs doing the same thing this afternoon :)

There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!

by sanantonecub on Apr 24, 2008 9:51 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Huskers

are taking it all the way this year Woohoo!

"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue" - George F. Will

by tizzle on Apr 24, 2008 10:17 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Question.

Was anyone else confused as to why Theriot played SS and Cedeno 2B last night?

"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 24, 2008 9:57 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I believe

Lou is more likely to move Cedeno around so he just keeps Theriot at SS.

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

by Hammer on Apr 24, 2008 10:04 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Probably so.

It would make more sense to switch them, though.

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

by Al on Apr 24, 2008 10:14 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I agree

Cedeno has better range and a better arm.

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

by gwood on Apr 24, 2008 10:22 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That's true, though, in Theriot's defense...

...he did make that spectacular stop in the late innings.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Apr 24, 2008 10:40 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

True, he did

but it probably wouldn’t have been as close with Cedeno’s arm (assuming he made the same play of course).

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

by gwood on Apr 24, 2008 10:43 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You're right.... wouldn't have been close at all cause

Cedeno would’ve thrown it into the seats.

Cubs 2008 (15-6)
Home (10-4) | Road (5-2) | 1-Run Games (4-2) | Extra Innings (4-1)
Updated on April 24, 2008

by SackMan on Apr 24, 2008 10:52 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He does

need to dial it down a bit.

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

by gwood on Apr 24, 2008 10:58 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Magic Number

is 140 :)

Linus: Life is rarely all one way, Charlie Brown. You win some, you lose some. Charlie Brown: Really? Gee, that'd be neat.

by CyberCyclist on Apr 24, 2008 10:01 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

LOL!

It might be a little early….

by Tangled Up In Blue on Apr 24, 2008 10:05 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Soto..

IMO definately the key to this being a really good lineup. If he keeps hitting…wow. How refreshing to see a catcher who can hit AND play defense.

Shortstop wanted.

by wicubfan on Apr 24, 2008 10:06 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I >really< liked...

...Santo’s pre-game radio interview with first base coach Matt Sinatro, who’s been working with Soto on his throws. He mentioned that Geo was pretty much just winging it down there with all-arm throws at the beginning of the season, which was giving him all sorts of trouble. Apparently they’ve been working on Geo creating a good foundation with his feet to start the throw, and getting his whole body behind the ball during the release. Sinatro likened it to a boxer’s punch, which I thought was a pretty good analogy that most fans could relate to.

I find a lot of Santo’s interviews to be heavy-on-the-cheese, but I thought he did a great job with this one – a good look behind the scenes that we don’t always hear about.

by Shawon O Meter on Apr 24, 2008 10:20 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I know it early . . .

but at this point we probably have the top two candidates for rookie of the year on our team in Soto and Dome

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

by gwood on Apr 24, 2008 10:23 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

agreed....

yet, Cedeno is also turning some heads early on.

by Gucci on Apr 24, 2008 10:57 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cedeno isn't a rookie.

He had over 500 AB as the more or less regular SS in 2006.

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

by Al on Apr 24, 2008 6:56 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I've heard mention of how weak the division the Cubs play in is,

but a quick look at the standings shows that only the AL east and the NL east, along with our division, have more than 2 teams with winning records. What the Cubs are doing now has to be seen as more than just beating scrubs. Not that they haven’t had trouble beating scrubs in the past. I’m going to enjoy the ride and hope for a long season. Last year when I heard it was early, it was to reassure fans there was time to catch up. Now, it’s to keep us from being too cocky. I prefer cocky. Go Cubs!

by teacher tom on Apr 24, 2008 10:13 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

To really judge a division's strength

You have to look at how those teams fare outside of the division.

Cubs 2008 (15-6)
Home (10-4) | Road (5-2) | 1-Run Games (4-2) | Extra Innings (4-1)
Updated on April 24, 2008

by SackMan on Apr 24, 2008 10:24 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And unfortunately

The NL Central teams have probably played the easiest schedules thus far, with a majority of their games against the Reds, Pirates, Astros, and Giants.

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

by gwood on Apr 24, 2008 10:38 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

How do we email Al?

Got a couple pics from yesterdays game I want to send him. I’ll post some in the FanShots section too. Thanks! Oh, and what a game! Rammy in the ninth, are you kidding me??

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

by Lou In Blue on Apr 24, 2008 10:20 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

n/m

got it

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

by Lou In Blue on Apr 24, 2008 10:32 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Preparing...

I found myself last night preparing myself for a loss or (gasp) a losing streak. Winning is fun, but this team has obviously proven they have the talent to win the NL. The question to me is how will they respond to a loss or two. I was also wondering how many losses it would take for folks to start jumping off of buildings again like when they were 0-2 (doesn’t that seem like a whole season ago).

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

by TXCub on Apr 24, 2008 10:29 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

View from our seats

A bit blurry, but we had seats in row one overlooking the cubs bullpen. Wood about to come in right after Rammy hit the go ahead shot in the ninth.

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

by Lou In Blue on Apr 24, 2008 10:38 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Dont worry everyone

“AROD may play tomorrow” that is of course, per ESPN, more important than a teams 10,000 victory.

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

by Hammer on Apr 24, 2008 10:39 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Maybe its just cause the Cubs are playing well this year

but it seems like the east coast bias is getting worse this year. Watching ESPN News this morning, the first three highlights they showed were the Yankees, Red Sox and then the Celtics. Nothing on the 10,000 wins. I think the Phillies got more coverage for their 10,000th loss last year.

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

by gwood on Apr 24, 2008 10:45 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I watched

ESPN last night and they did have a segment on the 10,000 wins. It was later in the show.

by sue369 on Apr 24, 2008 10:47 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah, just saw it.

It was as long as it needed to be. No big deal, let’s just keep racking up wins and keep pulling for the Cards and Crew to lose more often.

"Anything under 5 pitches is a bad at-bat."

by Fukumania on Apr 24, 2008 10:48 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I love this

team and the way they are playing right now. Confidence is at an all time high. Can’t wait for the game today.

by sue369 on Apr 24, 2008 10:51 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Agreed

I also love how Lou is managing this team right now. The double steal last night was excellent. Lou is being aggressive and it is a joy to watch.

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

by gwood on Apr 24, 2008 10:59 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

double stolen bases

actually the cubs tried double steals a couple times in 2006 with derek lee and juan pierre. Vs. Mil on April 12th and April 17-18th vs the dodgers. It is nice to be finally running on people instead of being run on (having barrett, bowen, and kendall will have that effect).

by cubshoyt on Apr 24, 2008 10:53 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

A statement game

That was a huge win by the Cubs. Colorado is an explosive and talented ballclub. To come back on them twice at Coors Field was huge. The Cubs are becoming one of the elite teams in baseball. The only legitimate concern is starting pitching….do we have enough to make it to the World Series? I don’t think we do, but I’m not going to worry about that right now.

by MDBNIU on Apr 24, 2008 10:55 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Of the 4,

2 didn’t make the playoffs. But of the rest of them, half of those won the World Series!

Great start from the Cubs, even if a lot as been luck so far. Similar to how last year they stopped losing all the close games, at some point this year they’ll stop winning them all.

Still, the offense is a joy to watch. Much more satisfying than the homer-happy but run-deficient squads in recent memory. If the starting pitching takes it up a notch or two, look out National League…

by Gator Cub on Apr 24, 2008 10:59 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

OBP machines...
homer-happy but run-deficient squads

It’s great to see the “Fukudome” effect on the Cub’s lineup!

by Gucci on Apr 24, 2008 11:04 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Schedule

I know that the Cubs have to go 2 time zones after today’s game to Washington DC for a game tomorrow night, but did you see that Baltimore has to go from a late game (9:00 CDT start) in Seattle back to Chicago to play the Sox tomorrow night. What will be a tough plane ride.

Cubs Win!! Cubs Win!

by Ihatethecards on Apr 24, 2008 11:09 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Welcome to Bleed Cubbie Blue, the Chicago Cubs blog for the SB Nation, created on February 9, 2005 by Al Yellon
Start posting about the Cubs »

Join SB Nation and dive into communities focused on all your favorite teams.

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recommended FanPosts

Images_small
Creative Writing: July 1, the Day that Changed Everything
Pitching3_small
OT: The Next Generation: The Playoffs
Small
Cubs need to make a trade
Sexy_chicago_cubs_002_small
My Own Personal Forgetting DeRosa Pictures....Sure to make you smile.
Small
Top Prospects part 1

Recent FanPosts

Cutler_small
Mike Fontenot demotion?
Capt_5375a8d00e0742c0864cdb642c18eb1f_pirates_cubs_zambrano_ejected_baseball_cxc109_small
What to do with the bench
Small
Booing or not booing and why
L_bb30e2f156464d9a95bd9408091eb725_small
The Cubs need to go 7-4 the next 11 games.
Fukudome_bleachers_small
The Top 5 Cubs Games of June
Untitled-1_copy_small
Biggest Cub Killer?
Img_1535_small
Time To Give Randy Wells His Due
Small
Pinella voted least desired manager to play for in SI players poll

Post_icon New FanPost All FanPosts Carrot-mini

FanShots

Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.

Recommended FanShots

via ESPN

Ronald Reagan
AP Photo/Charles Tasnadi

President Ronald Reagan throws out the ceremonial first pitch Sept. 30, 1988, at Wrigley Field before the Chicago Cubs played host to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Reagan later went to the broadcast booth and helped announce the first part of the game.
Cubs deal for Rockies' Jeff Baker
Bart Given on Gameboard vs. Lou
Cubs calling up outfielder Sam Fuld
Len Kasper's Lunch With Ernie Harwell

Recent FanShots

Aramis Ramirez and Reed Johnson during warm ups at their rehab assignment with the Peoria Chiefs at Kane County.  Aramis Ramirez missed a home run by about 2 feet at his first at bat and ended up with a stand up double.  He later took a base-on-balls and scored twice. Reed Johnson also had a hit and scored.  Here are the rest of the photos.
Sam Fuld to lead off Saturday
Cubs sign Casey Fossum to a Minor League Deal
7/3:Cubs vs. Brewers

It's more walk-off magic for the Cubs, when a bases-leaded walk to Jake Fox gives them the 2-1, extra-innings win.

Damen Jackson (Cubbie Nation)
7/3:Cubs vs. Brewers

It's yet another episode of "Outfield Adventures", starring Milton Bradley, as he'd lose this Jason Kendall-hit ball in the sun Friday against the Brewers.


Damen Jackson (Cubbie Nation)
7/3:Cubs vs Brewers

Jeff Suppan is thrown out by Kosuke Fukudome in the seventh inning of the Cubs 2-1 win.

Or as Kenny Powers would put it, "You're %@$@#!! out!!"

Damen Jackson (Cubbie Nation)
"Sources tell me Soriano will bat 6 in tomorrows lineup vs....
Buster Olney said a few days ago that the Braves would entertain offers for their 26 year old shortstop (who makes 450k) Yunel Escobar. He is a plus bat, a solid defender, and would move Theriot to his more appropriate position at second.

They are looking for a bat in return. Apparently Cox doesn't like the guy. 

I couldn't even speculate what we'd have to send them in return, but I think he would be a good fit given his low salary, his productive bat, his position, and his age.  I don't care if he's a jerk if he makes the team win more.

What would it take?
Help Create The Fan Cost Experience

Post_icon New FanShot All FanShots Carrot-mini

Cubs By The Numbers

Cubs By The Numbers is a history of the ballclub by uniform number, but the biographies help trace the history of our beloved team in a new way. For everyone who's a Cubs fan, anyone who ever wore the uniform is like family. Cubs By The Numbers reintroduces readers to some of their long-lost ancestors, even ones they think they already know.

Click here to order your copy, available now!

Recent Stories in News

Yelloncard_small
Overflow Thread 3: Cubs vs. Brewers, Friday 7/3, 1:20 CT
Yelloncard_small
Overflow Thread 2: Cubs vs. Brewers, Friday 7/3, 1:20 CT
Yelloncard_small
Overflow Thread 1: Cubs vs. Brewers, Friday 7/3, 1:20 CT

Recent Stories in News

Yelloncard_small
Ticket Exchanges: July 24-30 Homestand
Yelloncard_small
Ticket Exchanges: General 2009 Ticket Exchange
Yelloncard_small
Ticket Exchanges: July 2-12 Homestand

SPONSORS


Editor-in-Chief

Yelloncard_small Al

Editorial Cartoonist

Toonmike_small toonmike

Contributors

Dsc_0139_small holy mackerel

100px-boisehawkscaplogo_small Josh77

Official Partner of Yahoo! Sports