Open Thread: Cubs vs. Brewers, Thursday 4/3, 1:20 CT
by Al
on Apr 3, 2008 9:11 AM CDT
in Game Threads
Milwaukee @ Chicago
It's his first day as Official BCB Photographer, so David sent me several excellent photos taken yesterday.
The Ernie Banks Statue
"Let's Play Two!" (complete with apostrophe)
David's dad, Chihiro "Joe" Sameshima, holds up a sign for Dome, reading "WELCOME TO CHICAGO'S WRIGLEY FIELD, KOSUKE FUKUDOME"
L to R: Dome's interpreter Ryuji Araki, Dome, and Z in RF during BP
Dome greets bleacher fans before Wednesday's game. All photos by David Sameshima.
| Today's Starting Pitchers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Stats are 2007 season stats
Ryan Dempster's last start was, oddly enough, against the Brewers on May 4, 2005, and he went 6.2 innings, allowing 3 earned runs. Only one current Brewer has more than 10 career AB vs. Dempster -- Jason Kendall, who's 12-for-26 against him, all singles, no RBI.
The Cubs are 5-1 vs. Bush in his career, and he had a 7.00 ERA in three starts vs. the Cubs last year (the Cubs won all three). Aramis Ramirez is .316/.381/.632 lifetime vs. Bush with 3 doubles, a HR and 7 RBI.
This Japanese-language article, loosely translated, says that the Cubs have already sold out of Fukudome T-shirts in large and XL sizes.
Finally, Bruce Miles writes that the Cubs are after Carlos Zambrano to improve his diet and fluid intake, particularly during games. Here's an interesting note from that article:
The team also is working with the Gatorade Sports Science Institute, which will go as far as analyzing Zambrano's sweat to help determine his nutritional needs.
Did you know that Gatorade had a "Sports Science Institute"? Me either.
Today's game is on WGN and FSN Wisconsin, on the usual radio stations and at the MLB.com Mediacenter.
MLB.com Gameday (2007 version)
MLB.com Gameday (2008 version - this link has pitcher stats and splits up)
Also, once again today, an overflow comment thread will automatically post at 2:45 CT.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
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Envision two things today
1. A slugfest
2. A beanball war ... Ned Yost has intimated he is none to pleased by the hit by pitches in the first two games ... David Bush pitches aggressively inside to begin with
by MDBNIU on Apr 3, 2008 9:15 AM CDT 0 recs
If Prince charges the mound...
just toss a carrot, maybe he'll run and fetch it!
by Great Odin's Raven on
Apr 3, 2008 9:32 AM CDT
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If Prince charges the mound
he might gas out forty feet from the rubber.
You don't snipe in Carrington!
by neverAcquiesce on
Apr 3, 2008 9:37 AM CDT
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Humpty Dumpty got hit by a ball
Humpty Dumpty had a big fall
All of Yost's starters and all of Yost's pen
Couldn't get Humpty standing again
by Great Odin's Raven on
Apr 3, 2008 9:47 AM CDT
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It'll take more than a carrot
I'd suggest a cheeseburger.
Cubs 2008
Home (0-2) | Road (0-0) | 1-Run Games (0-1) | Extra Innings (0-1)
Updated on April 2, 2008
by SackMan on
Apr 3, 2008 9:39 AM CDT
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Nope, he's a vegetarian, remember???
Maybe a Boca burger with sprouts.
by Great Odin's Raven on
Apr 3, 2008 9:44 AM CDT
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Smothered with...
cheese sauce.
Or is he vegan too?
Haiku-a-Day for Fukudome, helping Fuku understand the American game, 17 syllables at a time. Visit cubshaikus.blogspot.com!
by Bildo1805 on
Apr 3, 2008 10:17 AM CDT
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Quite honestly...
...I don't blame him for being a little pissed, and I am a little surprised they didn't toss at someone when they were up big yesterday.
At some point, they are going to have to send a message back, whether it is today or another day.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on
Apr 3, 2008 9:40 AM CDT
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Yep
Cubs plunked Rickie Weeks and Prince Fielder, two of the young cornerstones of the Brewers. Ned Yost is old school in the same manner that Sweet Lou is. Rest assured Milwaukee will send a return message to the Cubs and members of the lineup. It might be today given that this is getaway day. The other fuel to the fire is that I think Milwaukee is sick and tired of hearing how the Cubs are superior, and how they crashed and burned the second half of 2007.
by MDBNIU on
Apr 3, 2008 10:05 AM CDT
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There is no question...
...the Brewers were mentally ready for this series and they are playing like it. They have motivation to show everyone they are a good team, and last year was a fluke.
Coming off winning the division, the Cubs simply don't have that same motivation as of yet. I don't use that as an excuse, but the veterans are not mentally sharp right now and they know its a long season.
One thing I will say, it will not behoove the Cubs to fall behind the Brewers by a wide margin again this year. If the Brewers can keep Sheets healthy and get any kind of pitching from their other starters and their pen, they will win their share of games. I am very impressed with their hitters, and they will score runs in bunches this year. Braun is a guy who is really turning into a monster and he has a great approach at the plate.
As always, it will be an interesting year.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on
Apr 3, 2008 10:19 AM CDT
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True.
In response to the "plunking" comment above, does anyone think Weeks and Fielder were hit on purpose?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Apr 3, 2008 10:20 AM CDT
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I really don't think so...
Weeks simply leans over the plate and it's going to happen. Wood had a lot more things to worry about than to hit Weeks in the 9th inning of a tie game. As for Prince? That's possible, but I see no real hard evidence to support why it would happen...
by bap on
Apr 3, 2008 10:23 AM CDT
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not yesterday, but...
I think Wood hit Weeks on purpose Opening Day to return the favor on DeRosa.
Not that there's anything wrong with that...
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on
Apr 3, 2008 10:24 AM CDT
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I disagree.
You're going to hit someone on purpose leading off the 9th in a 0-0 game? Not likely. The ball was wet and conditions were awful. It just got away from Kerry.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Apr 3, 2008 10:29 AM CDT
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Yes...
Add on top of that my memory of Wood coming into games earlier in his career and struggling with control/hitting people way too often. It's one thing if Howry comes in and that happens but Woody is especially wild sometimes on the first batter.
by bap on
Apr 3, 2008 10:30 AM CDT
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disagree though.....
After he hit Weeks Monday he had pretty damn good control from what I remember.....I honestly think it was to deliver a message and just let the inning get away from him from there....
All things great in 2008!!
by By Santo's Grace on
Apr 3, 2008 11:13 AM CDT
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IF and that's a big if....
what you're saying is true, though I don't think it is. If Wood is throwing at batters in a 0-0 game in the 9th inning, he is doing it on his own accord and should not be tolerated from your closer.
by Great Odin's Raven on
Apr 3, 2008 11:56 AM CDT
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I dont see
why Wood would want to hit Weeks who can steal a base in a 0-0 tie in the 9th.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on
Apr 3, 2008 11:59 AM CDT
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maybe he didn't....
Just seems fishy that he didn't have any problems hitting his spots after that first pitch...
Remember he's oid school boys....probably thought he could work his way around it without any problems...
All things great in 2008!!
by By Santo's Grace on
Apr 3, 2008 12:06 PM CDT
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He shows excellent control all spring
- Our second baseman got hit earlier
- Their second baseman is at the plate
- Ball was NOT thrown up and in, it was just in
- Wood is a warrior + Brewers are top rival for the division = opportunity to send message
- Wood is definitely warming up to the closer mentality, he's always been intimidating
The only person that knows for sure is Wood and of course he'd never say he did if he did. I'm just saying my assessment of the circumstantial evidence is that he did do it on purpose. And more importantly, if you're the type of fan that feels there is a place in baseball for throwing inside and the occasional HBP, he did it the right way.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on
Apr 3, 2008 1:09 PM CDT
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They weren't hit on purpose
But, that's irrelevant. I am sure that Lou and the Cub hitters recognize that they stand excellent chance of seeing payback. The fairness of the retailation doesn't enter into these things.
MPH73, I agree 100% with your points. Ben Sheets and Yovani Gallardo have the probability of forming one of the best 1-2 punches in baseball. They stay healthy to go along with that lineup and look out National League. The Brewers achilles heel is going to be that bullpen though. They need to hope that Soloman Torres and Dave Riske can give them tons of effective innings or otherwise they have a big problem brewing.
by MDBNIU on
Apr 3, 2008 10:28 AM CDT
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And if such payback were to occur
I'm not sure the Cubs would take too much offense to it, unless said pitches are above the shoulders.
by Great Odin's Raven on
Apr 3, 2008 10:36 AM CDT
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Especially
if we can convert said baserunners into runs.
You don't snipe in Carrington!
by neverAcquiesce on
Apr 3, 2008 10:40 AM CDT
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No...
...but that is besides the point Al. When you have your better players getting hit for any reason, it is really difficult for a manager to sit by and say "that's ok".
It's all about protecting your players, and with how these situations work, it is going to be very difficult for the Brewers to simply chalk it up to circumstance.
Depending on how strongly Yost feels about it, he will either instruct his pitcher to hit a certain Cub player regardless of the score, or he will tell Fielder and Weeks - "we will respond to both of you being hit, but I am not guaranteeing it will be today, depending on the game situation."
I don't know when they play again, but I would lean towards someone getting nailed today.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on
Apr 3, 2008 10:28 AM CDT
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No
Two guys that hang over the plate. If you dont like it, back off the plate.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
by Hammer on
Apr 3, 2008 11:08 AM CDT
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I'm setting the over/under
on plunked Cub batters today at 2.
I say once one team gets a lead, Lee and Dome are going to get plunked.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
by gary varsho on Apr 3, 2008 9:15 AM CDT 0 recs
Why does everyone think there'll be a beanball war?
That seems pretty stupid to start three games into the season.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Apr 3, 2008 9:32 AM CDT
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Because Ned Yost is a hothead.
I personally don't think there will be one, but if anyone would start this crap early in the season, it would be Yost. Him and the Brewers are still pissed about last year, and I could see them "making a statement" by doing something like that.
by Great Odin's Raven on
Apr 3, 2008 9:33 AM CDT
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You're right about Yost.
But I can't believe he'd be that stupid.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Apr 3, 2008 9:37 AM CDT
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I can.
Yost would also rather do this earlier than later when the consequences are higher. - TL
by timlacy on
Apr 3, 2008 10:07 AM CDT
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Why is it fair?
Why is is fair that Cub pitchers can hit Brewers batters all series long, probably unintentionally, but if a brewer pitcher hits a cub, it's a beanball?
Ned Yost is a hothead, but there seems to be some hypocrisy in your statements.
by brewfan2 on
Apr 3, 2008 9:56 AM CDT
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Nobody said it's "fair."
In fact, Al's post questioned why Yost would want to nail any Cubs intentionally.
You don't snipe in Carrington!
by neverAcquiesce on
Apr 3, 2008 10:00 AM CDT
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Didn't they already retaliate?
After Weeks was hit twice on Monday, didn't they hit DeRosa in the back?
"The one that invent the light tried 2,000 times and finally he did it, we have light...I don't want to spend 2,000 times to win Opening Day" Carlos Zambrano
by CubsBullsBears on
Apr 3, 2008 10:11 AM CDT
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Maybe we can have a wild pitch
and bean Yost in the dugout
by miamicanes on Apr 3, 2008 9:19 AM CDT 0 recs
NOOOOO!!!!!!!!
Ned Yost is the Cubs' most valuable asset. The Brewers are 4 games worse with that numbskull in the dugout. Hit Mike Maddux. Dude is waaaaayyyy too good at scouting opposing pitchers.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
by gary varsho on
Apr 3, 2008 9:26 AM CDT
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He has help
Greg and Mike talk frequently and compare notes on oppossing teams Only their own teams are off limits.
by Doggie Stalker on
Apr 3, 2008 11:28 AM CDT
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Soriano..
Can't believe that Piniella gave Soriano only 2 games and 8 at-bats before switching him back to leadoff. For $136 million he should give him at least 10-15 games. Besides it's still vvveeerrryyy early in the season.
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse
by ronsanto10 on Apr 3, 2008 9:24 AM CDT 0 recs
Of course, if Lou had waited any longer
you'd have been bleating about him being stubborn and not making changes soon enough. He recognized a problem and is trying to fix it.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
by gary varsho on
Apr 3, 2008 9:27 AM CDT
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But 2 (TWO) games????
Not long enough trial period. Soriano is a head case.
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse
by ronsanto10 on
Apr 3, 2008 9:41 AM CDT
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I think Lou...
...just likes changing things up when the team is not performing, and let's face it, they played yesterday like they were half asleep.
It's like the hockey coach who may pull the goalie when the team is not going well. It's not always the goalies fault, but it can sometimes wake up the team from a funk.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on
Apr 3, 2008 9:45 AM CDT
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I agree.
Lou's a master motivator. And changing the lineup is one way, among many, to send a message. - TL
by timlacy on
Apr 3, 2008 10:08 AM CDT
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A new man...
I've had an epiphany that I must share with my BCB brethren.
It is April 3rd and two games in to the season and about 18 hours ago, I was on the verge of a complete Cubs-induced breakdown. I was making a complete ass of myself on yesterday's game thread, I'm pretty sure Sue and some others wanted to strangle me! I was even sent home from work for the day because no one wanted to be around me!
I believe a number of factors contributed to this extreme letdown including lack of sleep and personal stress, but I believe I have pin-pointed the exact reason for my problem. Last year got me so hungry for more, my lofty expectations for this season were about to boil over by opening day and anything less than a perfect start would be a letdown.
When the less-then-perfect start came to fruition, as did the onslaught of Brewers fans in my face about winning two in a row, I kinda snapped. The sky was most definitely falling.
But now that I've relaxed myself, I realize the sky is most definitely NOT falling. There's plenty of time left and perhaps I should "ration my passion" instead of placing it all on every pitch.
So, in a nutshell, I apologize to everyone who had to read my venomous tripe yesterday, you'll have one less negative whiner to deal with on gamedays...
Let's go out and get 'em today. I have a good feeling about Dempster.
by Great Odin's Raven on Apr 3, 2008 9:31 AM CDT 0 recs
I thought everyone...
...got over this type of behavior in 2004, after the expectations of the year before and the way the season ended? Sigh. I guess every new generation of Cubs fans have to deal with the taste-of-success phenomenon. Here's to getting over it ~early~ in the season. - TL
by timlacy on
Apr 3, 2008 10:10 AM CDT
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Oh boy I forgot Al has extra tix from time to time
I should try to be less crabby on this board in case I need to call in a favor some day.
by Jerry Mumphrey on Apr 3, 2008 9:36 AM CDT 0 recs
LMAO
Want two for today? I still have them.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Apr 3, 2008 9:37 AM CDT
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I wish, but I live in Madison and I work 9-5. Also just bought a house and am getting married.
But I would welcome the chance when I get a couple days of freedom...
by Jerry Mumphrey on
Apr 3, 2008 10:22 AM CDT
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Gatorade Sports Science Institute
I knew they have one. In college I did a fair bit of physiology researched and entertained the idea of someday working for the Gatorade guys. I think it'd be a pretty sweet job (and yes, I could've said, "sweat" job, but I didn't).
I used to be "Jones," but I got swooped on the redesign.
by Mr Snrub on Apr 3, 2008 9:40 AM CDT 0 recs
Maybe
Gatorade could analyze Fat Fielders Diet of Cheeseburgers and lard (veggie cheeseburgers of course)
by Ga Cub on
Apr 3, 2008 9:43 AM CDT
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does anyone else
hate calling him dome?
he wants to be called kosuke and that is it, just like everyone calls another particular other japanese player ichiro, and thats it
by grathanial on Apr 3, 2008 9:40 AM CDT 0 recs
I actually think he's said he wants to be called...
Dome. I could be mistaken, but I'm pretty sure he likes that nickname.
by bap on
Apr 3, 2008 9:43 AM CDT
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Dome.... that's quicker to type!
Cubs 2008
Home (0-2) | Road (0-0) | 1-Run Games (0-1) | Extra Innings (0-1)
Updated on April 2, 2008
by SackMan on
Apr 3, 2008 9:55 AM CDT
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Correct.
That was his nickname in Japan, and he has said he prefers it. Haven't we discussed this before?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Apr 3, 2008 9:55 AM CDT
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Something tells me...
...we're going to be explaining this all year. grathanial, we have a devout Japanese baseball fan, dragonsfanatic, who's been posting here fairly regularly for several months now, and he has has confirmed that "Dome" is Dome's preferred sobriquet.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on
Apr 3, 2008 9:58 AM CDT
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I think the people...
...who don't like the nickname forget it's pronounced Doh-Mey rather than Dome like the Capitol Dome. Of course the former is better than the latter. - TL
by timlacy on
Apr 3, 2008 10:12 AM CDT
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oh
well i just remember hearing yesterday that in japan the surname comes first, so his name would be fukudome kosuke, which is why ichiro is one the back of his jersey and not suzuki
by grathanial on Apr 3, 2008 9:45 AM CDT 0 recs
That is 100% incorrect.
Fukudome's surname is "Fukudome". His given name is "Kosuke".
Ichiro wears "ICHIRO" for marketing purposes. His surname is "Suzuki".
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Apr 3, 2008 9:56 AM CDT
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funny that's now
t/n
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on
Apr 3, 2008 10:18 AM CDT
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ok thanks
i get burned everytime i say something lol, so i am just going to keep my mouth shut from now on lol
by grathanial on
Apr 3, 2008 10:43 AM CDT
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Don't run away
just because you've been corrected a few times. It bruises the ego, but it's not personal. Just do your best to make the most informed points you can.
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 3, 2008 11:25 AM CDT
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man are you kidding me?
I'm a doormat around here. My opinions are horrible and I'm wrong all the time. I dont take the comebacks as threats or hate, I take them as knowledge. No one here knows everything (maybe Deep Goat) but there is no way in hell everyone here will or should get along. I've stuck to my opinion knowing it's wrong. I'm not going to budge becuase someone tells me to.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on
Apr 3, 2008 11:28 AM CDT
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Yeah granthanial, think on the bright side!
At least you're not Keystone!!!! :) j/k
by Great Odin's Raven on
Apr 3, 2008 11:58 AM CDT
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I'm pretty sure
I am in the same boat as you Keystone. I am here to learn and the best way to do that is throw out what I think from time to time and let those who know more tell me why I am wrong so that I can be right in the future. The future has yet to occur, but I am still hopeful.
by gwood on
Apr 3, 2008 12:00 PM CDT
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Thats what I'm doing here. I've been a Cubs for 20 some years. But I haven't been a knowledgeable Cubs fan for 20 some years.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on
Apr 3, 2008 12:02 PM CDT
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Case in point
I thought spring training mattered for something up until this year
by gwood on
Apr 3, 2008 12:02 PM CDT
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it does
just not on the official record.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on
Apr 3, 2008 12:03 PM CDT
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and yesterday i
toyed with the thought of a balanced line up moving a power hitter to a 6 or 7 spot just to realize that batter would be pitched around every time....duh
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on
Apr 3, 2008 12:04 PM CDT
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