Novel Idea Of The Day: Cubs Come From Behind To Win
by Al on Apr 5, 2008 4:40 PM CDT
in Recaps
137 comments
Hey, Soriano bashers: hang on a second, I have something for you.
In the meantime, for the rest of you, the Cubs spotted the Astros a 2-0 lead, tied it, gave them the lead back, and then, with a spectacular five-run seventh inning, put the game away, insured it with a run in the 8th, and beat the Astros 9-7 in a game that had as much bad as good.
Since I did the good news/bad news thing yesterday, a little more conventional analysis today. First of all, "spectacular" doesn't apply just to the Cubs' 7th-inning rally. It also describes today's weather, a gorgeous, not-a-cloud-in-the-sky, mid-60's day of the sort that we rarely have in Chicago this early in April. (We're getting another one tomorrow, not quite as nice, but still better than 90% of early-April days.) The wind was blowing out -- to different fields at different times. When Derrek Lee slammed his second HR of the year to right-center, it did have a little help from the wind out that way. At other times it was blowing straight at us in left field., although Carlos Lee's HR to left in the 4th, which gave the Astros a 3-2 lead at the time, didn't need any assistance to leave the premises.
Jason Marquis was... well, OK. He allowed a run in the first, on a single that just got up the middle, a stolen base (Hey, Geovany Soto! What happened to that arm you showed us last September?), another infield single that Aramis Ramirez couldn't field, and a 1-6-3 DP (the first of two such DP's -- Marquis fielded his position well today). Marquis slogged into the 6th inning, trailing 3-2 and having gotten 11 outs on ground balls. But after back-to-back doubles followed an error given to D-Lee (couldn't figure that one out, it looked like a throwing error to me), and a hard line drive by Miguel Tejada at Kosuke Fukudome, Lou had had enough. Marquis did OK at the plate today, hitting a double and driving in a run in the 2nd, and then reaching on a throw that Ty Wigginton bounced off the tarp into the stands. (Last year that ball would NOT have made the seats, as the tarp was not there; the ball would have bounced off the bricks and back to the first baseman.) Marquis wound up at second, and ill-advisedly took off to third on a fly ball by Soriano, and was thrown out.
I can't say enough good things about Kevin Hart. He took over, striking out Wigginton and Mark Loretta, and despite giving up a triple in the next inning, escaped unscored-upon. For that he got his first major league win when the Cubs put up their five-spot in the 7th.
The five-run inning was a beauty to behold. Never mind the poor at-bat by Soriano in that inning, the rest of the inning was well-done by everyone. Ryan Theriot worked a walk. Pinch-hitter Mike Fontenot singled. Even Soriano's out resulted in two bases advanced, and then Reed Johnson's deep grounder to short scored a run. D-Lee singled in the tying run, and then, to me, the key at-bat of the inning occurred. With two out Cecil Cooper replaced Roy Oswalt with Oscar Villareal and Aramis Ramirez worked him for a walk. Now, you'll say of course that was key, because if he makes an out, the inning's over, and you'd be right, but the walk brought Fukudome to bat -- again, it's only five days, but I do not think I've seen Fukudome have a bad at-bat yet -- and he doubled in two runs. (Dome had also bunted for a hit in the sixth, on his own according to Lou's postgame press conference, and that advanced Lee, who had doubled, to third, where he scored on a wild pitch.) Mark DeRosa's double completed the scoring; even though Geovany Soto struck out to end the inning, it was one of the best long-sequence offensive explosions I've seen from this team in a long time.
So stop worrying about the offense so much! 14 hits, two walks, nine runs. Works for me. (Roy Oswalt didn't strike out anyone today and is 0-2 so far this year with a 6.00 ERA. And if he's not "on", the Astros staff is in big trouble.)
Bob Howry -- will someone tell him to pretend it's August? His fastball was flat today, and he gave up three hits and two runs before Carlos Marmol bailed him out, and Kerry Wood finished up with an uneventful (but no-strikeout) ninth, again hitting 96 on the ballpark speed pitch meter.
Now, about Mr. Soriano. Dave, who thinks Soriano is overrated and "not a team player", said that tomorrow would be a good day to give Soriano a day off. We all know he's a streak hitter, and he had a bad start like this last year, too. A day off, just to keep him from pressing, is, I think, an excellent idea. Give Daryle Ward the start in LF against Brandon Backe.
Win tomorrow, with Z on the mound, and you have a 3-3 homestand -- not ideal, but far better than we might have guessed a couple of days ago.
Finally, Fukudome got a standing ovation, as you might imagine, after his two-run double in the 7th. When he returned to RF, he bowed politely to everyone in the bleachers. Five days and he's already a fan favorite. He's exactly as advertised. I can't think of a better signing that Jim Hendry could have made this offseason.
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Good analysis
I know Lou said that Reed is starting but did he say where? Maybe he starts for Soriano in lF
by fischisgod on Apr 5, 2008 4:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
actually, that could be good
because it still lets Pie play, and he needs more at-bats, not fewer.
Probably, tho, Lou is thinking that the more chances Sori gets, the better.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on Apr 5, 2008 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that sure was a fun one to watch. i only hope the offense can keep firing like this! lou also mentioned that he's going to start blanco tomorrow....
on a personal note, i'll be there tomorrow sitting behind home plate. my first game at wrigley since 05 and i am so stoked!
by anormal on Apr 5, 2008 4:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Fukudometer
The Fukudometer was out in full force in section 529 today. Dropped to a low of 429, but raised back up to .500. About 10 picture ops including one from a pair of Japanese girls who confirmed the correct Japanese numbers for the batting average.
by Fuk-U-Meter on Apr 5, 2008 4:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Post photos, please!
n/t
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 5, 2008 4:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seconded!
Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager
by northsider on Apr 5, 2008 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
photos
I'll bring the digicam tomorrow. Photos by tomorrow night.
by Fuk-U-Meter on Apr 5, 2008 7:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think
...they just wanted pictures of the japanese girls. :)
by carmen_fanzone on Apr 5, 2008 9:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thom Brennaman is an idiot.
Watching the Sox/Tigers game on Fox. He just said Jacque Jones had a good second half last year "for the Sox".
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 5, 2008 4:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
you know, it's amazing the amount of errors that come out of the mouths of the national broadcasters. you would think there would be some accountability... i do realize that people make mistakes, but it's the fact that they rarely correct the errors that bothers me the most.
by anormal on Apr 5, 2008 5:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ya, I just caught that too. Oh well still better than Joe Buck and McCarver
by CubsBall2202 on Apr 5, 2008 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe Brennaman
plays baseball on his PlayStation and Jones got traded to the White Sox last year.
(That's all I've got.)
Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager
by northsider on Apr 5, 2008 5:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think Little Thommy...
... is smart enough to play baseball on PlayStation.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 5, 2008 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
The problem with the national broadcasters, for the most part, is that they are incapable of following all of the major league teams as closely as they should in order to provide decent analysis. That task is certainly more difficult than following a specific team all year, but that is what they chose to do and their continual errors are unacceptable. Brennaman is an idiot either way, but the errors do come out of his mouth much more regularly than others. Quite frankly, I don't think he knows baseball despite being "around it" his entire life.
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 5, 2008 5:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep.
Brennaman takes little things and makes them sound like they're the most important thing in baseball history -- like he's never heard of them before.
Which, maybe he hasn't.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 5, 2008 5:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ESPN
is especially bad....they will talk Yankees and Red Sox through the game they are broadcasting..All east coast, all the time
by crazymountain on Apr 5, 2008 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The HR Derrek Lee hit today
was his second of the year, not his first.
by Neifi Puppy on Apr 5, 2008 5:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
You are, of course, correct.
I'll fix it. Thanks.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 5, 2008 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Excellent Win Today!
Fuke is clutch and so glad he's on the Cubs.. Soriano is going to hit and that's for sure.. Tomorrow would be a nice time.. Hint, hint... Anyhoo, they won without him so when he does come around they'll really be in good shape.. Really looked nice out there at the game and all I can say is about time... Let's get the series tomorrow and Go Cubs!
"I'm not normally a religious man, but... if you're up there, save me, Superman!"
Homer Simpson
by blueivy on Apr 5, 2008 5:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
i think that is a key part of this team - theoretically we can be fine if one or two of our sluggers is slumping cause we've got enough really good guys to take up the slack....
by anormal on Apr 5, 2008 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you're right and just have to avoid everyone at the same time slumping..
"I'm not normally a religious man, but... if you're up there, save me, Superman!"
Homer Simpson
by blueivy on Apr 5, 2008 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
we've already seen that a couple of times this week and it's not pretty.
it's been a bit of a rough start, but i do think we'll be fine...
by anormal on Apr 5, 2008 5:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was at
the MN Twins game (also a good game btw) so didn't get to listen to this one. I am exstatic to hear that the game went so well.
Maybe Marquis doesn't pitch too well all the time, but it seems we like to win the games that he pitches. I think we won 20 games that he started last year.
by gwood on Apr 5, 2008 5:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Fukudome Love
The thing I love about Dome is his intelligence. Coupled with his zen approach at bat and in the field, my admiration knows no bounds. He's the complete package -- he clearly knows the game almost on a synaptic level, he analyzes each situation with clarity and confidence and then he delivers. Calm, cool, collected, confident. I'm in alliterative heaven.
by AcroEmelie on Apr 5, 2008 5:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Couldn't agree more.
As I said, it may be only five games, but I don't think I've seen him have a bad at-bat or make a bad fielding play (the error he was charged with the other day was a tough one).
I hope some of this rubs off on his teammates.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 5, 2008 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
if only there was a way to rub some of it on soriano...
by anormal on Apr 5, 2008 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You know, it's interesting...
I'm coming at this with nearly a blank slate. I've been a casual Cubs/Cub fan for 15 years or so and this year I decided to take it to the next level. Started seriously watching this season without any preconceptions and my first impressions of Soriano are unfavorable. I don't know from squat his history with the team, but his performance on the field is almost arrogant. It seems he doesn't enjoy or even care much for defense. He loses concentration at odd pivotal moments. When he goes up to bat, however, it's Jeckle/Hyde. Even there, even when I cheer, I sense he's playing for himself and not the team. No amount of dome pixie dust is going to mask or overcome that.
by AcroEmelie on Apr 5, 2008 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think you have it scoped out pretty well.
There are times when Soriano's talent will help carry the team for a few weeks. But other times -- like now -- he looks exactly as you describe.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 5, 2008 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He is so humble too
He wanted to smile after that 5th inning double today, but just could do it. He's got a little dimple that starts to show when he wants to smile.....
by coral on Apr 5, 2008 8:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thats
The best thing we can hope for. If soriano/Pie could get some of the magic Fuko dust we would be in great shape with some great speed on the bases.
The cubs have grown up so much to the point where names like Soriano/Ramirez can play bad and we can come up with 9 runs. When did the cubs start having such a balanced team?
by Rudey on Apr 5, 2008 5:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is there anything he can't do?
(that's what Len said after his bunt single...)
"Is there anything he can't do?" ~Len Kasper, 4/5/08, on Kosuke Fukudome
by JohnM on Apr 5, 2008 6:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh there are things he can't do
he is incapable of being fundamentally UNsound.......
by crazymountain on Apr 5, 2008 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dome
I must agree. Nothing against all the former Cubs, but it is a real pleasure watching a hitter as disciplined as Dome essentially have his way with the pitchers he is facing. The announcers always talk about how a hitting needs to make a pitcher throw the pitch the hitter wants. With Dome, I feel like I am finally watching that in action.
by gwood on Apr 6, 2008 8:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol.
magic fuko dust! - yet to be banned by mlb!
by anormal on Apr 5, 2008 5:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
It would be nice
if Rami, Soriano and Pie would find their strokes...this lineup could be absolutely devastating!
by crazymountain on Apr 5, 2008 5:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Rami will find his stroke...
he starts slow-but once he heats it up-usually around mid-late May-he's pretty consistent for the rest of the year and wil put up his 100 rbi and .300 average.
Soriano is streaky-those kinds of players drive me nuts because you can't really count on them-but we're going to have to live with it and hope that the team is as balanced as it's starting to look.
like everybody, I'm completely stoked about Fukodome (mvp and roy?) but the guy who also is starting to get me excited is D. Lee-if he has his power stroke back (and it's starting to look that way)-this team could start to become really fun to watch.
All in all, I'm off the cliff (for now) and looking forward to Big Z keeping it going tomorrow.
by bluekoolaide on Apr 5, 2008 6:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
As you see from the last post
I have been practicing up on my typonese....could should be would.......
by crazymountain on Apr 5, 2008 5:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Missed the game today
Between little league baseball and spring soccer, hated to be gone. Looks like Fuku keeps putting together great at bats. Also, nice to hear that Theriot is taking walks. He needs to add that component because he is not that good of a major league hitter. Also, it is nice for the number 2 hitter to take some pitches in the even the lead off guy gets on (opportunity to steal).
by SETX Cub on Apr 5, 2008 5:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Glad to hear of the weather in Chicago
We had a chilly morning in SETX (it was 60) until the clear blue day got to 75. My kids really did wear undershirts in that cool 60 degrees. I have to work with them on getting a little tougher.
by SETX Cub on Apr 5, 2008 5:46 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Good to see...
..Dome shows same Dragons' play style and spirit out there in Chicago...
Next game I can watch on my satellite channel is against PIT on my Friday morning....
by dragonsfanatic on Apr 5, 2008 5:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Is that live?
Would that be the Thursday night game? Or the Wednesday night game?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 5, 2008 5:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
it's your Thu night game, live
n/t
by dragonsfanatic on Apr 5, 2008 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cool!
Maybe you can join in on the game thread.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 5, 2008 6:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully
And maybe we wont have to see a one man carry crew.
Fuko must think "this is my first year do I have to carry this team already?"
We will come around Fuko we will come around.
by Rudey on Apr 5, 2008 6:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he didn't carry it alone today.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on Apr 5, 2008 7:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Big win, couldn't watch it here due ot
the MLB Extra Innings blackout on saturday afternoon, but its nice to read about the offense coming up big like this. Just bought my tickets for the three game set here in couple weeks, I'm hoping Marquis doesn't make a start here, I think he is just awful. I think we have three better starting options in Lieber, Marshall, and Hart (though Kevin also has great value in the BP as he showed today).
Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living."
by DC Cubbie on Apr 5, 2008 5:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I am very puzzled
at Lieber in the pen and not starting in Marquis place...
by crazymountain on Apr 5, 2008 5:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The MLB Extra Innings package.....
Here in New Mexico, MLB has decided that the Rockies AND the Diamondbacks are our home teams. We are really lucky that they are in a different division, or Cubs games would never be seen here. Also, when watching the Cubs' Comcast games on the package, they end the game at the last out....no postgame shows at all......
by crazymountain on Apr 5, 2008 6:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think people are a little rough on Soriano.
Not being a team player? He moved from CF to LF last year. Didn't he also report to Spring Training early to take more ABs, or something like that, last year?
I'm probably just trying to convince myself, but I like to think that Soriano is an integral part of this Cubs team.
"We are going to light up the SB Nation server farm like a Christmas tree." - cwyers
by NittanyCub on Apr 5, 2008 5:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I have to agree with you
Soriano has done everything asked of him and has made it very clear that Lou is the manager and he will do whatever Lou asks....
by crazymountain on Apr 5, 2008 5:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He is a frustrating player at times..but he is critical to thier success
...remember how well they played when he came back last September and caught fire?
That was the difference between playing in the postseason and watching the postseason. He is streaky and that is part of the package.
Let me get back to you, will ya, Charlie? I got a guy on the other line asking about some white walls.
by JB 23 on Apr 5, 2008 6:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is it possible....
that Soriano has had tough times at the start of the season because he can't play winter ball? I get the impression that he's got A.D.D and starts to get bored out there.....
by coral on Apr 5, 2008 8:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Everyone goes through slumps throughout a season.
That's how it is - even the best, or even the most "consistant" ballplayers, tend to do things in bunches.
There's no reason that a slump to start the season is any more meaningful than a slump in the middle of July. It's just that in July you've got all that other baseball in the seasonal line to remind you of what a player's true talent level is. (Although even that can be decieving.) In the first week of April, things seem a lot more meaningful than they are, simply because they're all we have.
by cwyers on Apr 5, 2008 8:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree, what is up with Soriano dogging
Hey the guy is going through a real rough stretch. He will get it going, look at his track record, the numbers will be there.
Funny people forget last September when he carried the club.
Relax, he will hit.
"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"
by Grockcubs on Apr 5, 2008 10:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are the other team's runners stealing at Cubs' pitchers or the catcher?
Al mentioned the stealing "streak" in the main post. What do you all think?
by Fraggin Judge on Apr 5, 2008 6:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
As for Sori...
I get as frustrated with him as anybody and I really think, in retrospect, it wasn't a good signing-still, I don't doubt his desire and attitude-I just don't think he has a lot of "baseball sense"-he's kind of like the mirror opposite of 'Dome in that way.
He's just very raw and undisiplined and I don't see that going away unfortunately.
I thought I noticed him getting some boos today and I actually found myself feeling sorry for him (or as close to sorry as I could be for a guy making 18m).
by bluekoolaide on Apr 5, 2008 7:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Didn't Kerry say...
that he didn't want to come into any music? Cuz he came in to "TNT" Thursday, and then "Welcome to the Jungle" today. If they're not going to respect his wishes, couldn't they at least settle on one song? And I've heard that some people don't want a heavy metal song, so why not "Next Contestant" by Nickelback?
by WartburgCub on Apr 5, 2008 7:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I love that Wood's old school
about that kind of stuff-unfortunately he has to go up against the Cubs marketing department who want to appeal to the kids in the audience
by bluekoolaide on Apr 5, 2008 7:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, "Thunderstruck" and everyone knows that's the song a closer has to have playing ; )
"Thunderstruck" by AC/DC must be played when closer comes into the game and I think it's the law in some cities ; )
"I'm not normally a religious man, but... if you're up there, save me, Superman!"
Homer Simpson
by blueivy on Apr 5, 2008 7:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sigh.
I wish they'd defer to Kerry's wishes.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 5, 2008 7:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wish they'd play...
scarry halloween music on the organ....a requiem or something like that
by coral on Apr 5, 2008 8:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You think the organ
could do a version of the Darth Vader March from Star Wars?
by gwood on Apr 6, 2008 8:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Speaking of music...
I noticed they played Thin LIzzy's "The Boys are Back in Town" as the Cubs took the field today. Has this been the song all week?
I thought this was a good choice when I first read about the contest on cubs.com, but now that I've heard it again, especially in the Wrigley setting, I have to say it sounds pretty lame. Kinda reminds me of when a well-meaning but clueless parent trys to prove to their teenage kids that he/she can be 'cool'...
Given the Cubs' inconsistent play so far, I think they could use a constant reminder of what they need to be successful this year. With that in mind, my nomination for best song in the "motivational t-shirt" category is... U2's "Desire". I think it's one damn scrappy song! ;-)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Apr 5, 2008 7:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hate hate hate hate hate
"The Boys are Back in Town" for the Cubs taking the field. Bring back "Jump" and never change it! EVER!
Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager
by northsider on Apr 5, 2008 10:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Len said
"Kerry says he doesn't care". So there it is.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on Apr 5, 2008 7:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
please no..
thunderstruck.......................the team from the Cell plays that
by plenz on Apr 5, 2008 7:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
do they? Okay, no Thunderstruck then... Kerry needs no music. .
"I'm not normally a religious man, but... if you're up there, save me, Superman!"
Homer Simpson
by blueivy on Apr 5, 2008 7:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm a musician
but the playing of rock music isn't appropriate for a baseball game....I am a baseball purist and the organ is the background sound for baseball.....especially at Wrigley!
by crazymountain on Apr 5, 2008 7:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Can anyone help?
I purchased tickets from TicketsNow for tomorrow's game...the confirmation email simply says to pick up the tickets "by Wrigley"...do they have a booth at the stadium? Do I pick them up at the Wrigley will-call booth? Their help line is closed on the weekend, so it's no help to me. Any help I can get is much appreciated.
Thanks...
"You must try to generate happiness within yourself. If you aren't happy in one place, chances are you won't be happy anyplace." -- Ernie Banks
by MississippiMalaise on Apr 5, 2008 7:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
They're usually in the will call booth
when ya order em online. gl
"The Cubs can't be stopped" -- Me
by lilkimmer77 on Apr 5, 2008 8:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks!
"You must try to generate happiness within yourself. If you aren't happy in one place, chances are you won't be happy anyplace." -- Ernie Banks
by MississippiMalaise on Apr 5, 2008 8:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
np
"The Cubs can't be stopped" -- Me
by lilkimmer77 on Apr 5, 2008 8:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, they won't be at will-call.
These were NOT ordered through the Cubs, if I understand correctly, they were ordered through a broker (TicketsNow).
Sorry , but I don't have an answer.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 5, 2008 8:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Stunning
Sorry.
"The Cubs can't be stopped" -- Me
by lilkimmer77 on Apr 5, 2008 8:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know there are offices for more than a few ticket brokers...
...in the vicinity of Wrigley. As for which (if any) of them is TicketsNow, I have no idea.
by cwyers on Apr 5, 2008 8:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There's nothing on your receipt or confirmation or anything? No phone number?
Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager
by northsider on Apr 5, 2008 10:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There is a phone number for their "help" line...
but it's closed....and they're not open on Sundays, so they aren't much "help" at all!
"You must try to generate happiness within yourself. If you aren't happy in one place, chances are you won't be happy anyplace." -- Ernie Banks
by MississippiMalaise on Apr 5, 2008 10:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yikes.
Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager
by northsider on Apr 5, 2008 10:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
mississippi- working on getting you an answer
please check in to this thread in the morning....
Let me get back to you, will ya, Charlie? I got a guy on the other line asking about some white walls.
by JB 23 on Apr 6, 2008 1:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
MIssissippi - I emailed someone I know who works there...
Here is the response;
The call center will be open in at 10am
They can call 800-927-2770
If they just placed the order last night they would be receiving a follow up phone call with instructions Sunday morning.
I hope this helps.
Let me get back to you, will ya, Charlie? I got a guy on the other line asking about some white walls.
by JB 23 on Apr 6, 2008 9:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm going to take this opportunity to point out...
...that the Great Destroyer is hitting .500 on the season so far. It's utterly meaningless, but there it is. (Then again, his ISO is .000, which he could stand to improve upon, or I might have to stop calling him the Great Destroyer.)
by cwyers on Apr 5, 2008 8:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Haiku for Fukudome
Cubs losing, by two
Leaping Catch, line drive to right
Fukudome ROCKS!
by GoTwins on Apr 5, 2008 8:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I would really like to know what Fukudome thinks of this haiku.
haha
Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager
by northsider on Apr 5, 2008 10:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
In Geo's Defense Al
One of the throws he had to pick from the dirt and I dont think too many people will be throwing out Bourn this year. Guy can fly
"The Cubs can't be stopped" -- Me
by lilkimmer77 on Apr 5, 2008 8:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
True.
But one of Soto's throws wasn't even close. The Brewers also ran like crazy on him. Soto was supposed to be better than this.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 5, 2008 8:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreeed
Both pitchers and Geo need to do a little better job. Freakin love Geo though. Kid can whack the ball
"The Cubs can't be stopped" -- Me
by lilkimmer77 on Apr 5, 2008 8:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fuku's RC/G
27.25
"The Cubs can't be stopped" -- Me
by lilkimmer77 on Apr 5, 2008 8:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Depending on which version of RC you're using...
...that presumes a lineup of nine hitters all hitting like Fukudome. It's for this (and a few others) that Runs Created tends to break at the extremes. Runs Created is based on a model of team run scoring, and so it tends to not work very well when applied to individuals. (If you're in need of a dynamic run estimator, BaseRuns is probably better than RC; if you need to estimate an individual's contribution to run scoring, linear weights is going to work better.)
by cwyers on Apr 5, 2008 8:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ummmm
OK. How bout, Fukudome = Nasty.
"The Cubs can't be stopped" -- Me
by lilkimmer77 on Apr 5, 2008 8:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that works just as well too..haha
"I'm not normally a religious man, but... if you're up there, save me, Superman!"
Homer Simpson
by blueivy on Apr 5, 2008 8:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are you my highschool math teacher?
:)
"The Cubs can't be stopped" -- Me
by lilkimmer77 on Apr 5, 2008 8:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, just your friendly neighborhood sabermetrician.
Whenever there's a statistical baseball emergency, simply shine the Sabermetrician Symbol into the sky and I'll rush out of my basement... well, no, I'll stay in my basement, but I'll answer the question.
by cwyers on Apr 5, 2008 8:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol
"The Cubs can't be stopped" -- Me
by lilkimmer77 on Apr 5, 2008 8:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Question for FNS
Which would be the better lineup:
1. A lineup ordered by OPS (best OPS #1, worst OPS #8 without regard to OBP)
2. A lineup ordered by OBP (best OBP #1, worst OBP #8 without regard to OPS)
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Apr 5, 2008 9:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lineup construction, at some point, ends up being a fight over table scraps.
You put eight good hitters up against eight poor hitters, and you bet on the good hitters.
As far as the relative merits of OBP versus OPS in ordering a lineup - I really don't know the answer to that hypothetical, because the issue is a bit more complex than that. Either method would lead you to put 2007 Barry Bonds as your leadoff hitter, which isn't the correct answer by a long shot.
Realistically, the correct way to put together a lineup (ignoring things like L/R and baserunning, for simplicities's sake) you put your best hitters in the heart of the order, and then you put your best OBP guys that are left up top and then you put your best SLG guys that are left behind the heart of the order. Guys that suck at everything are put in the 7 and 8 spots.
You can vary things up a bit from there - I don't know that I would ever bat a guy who runs like Soto leadoff, no matter what his OBP was. And Bill James once suggested that you instead build two four-man lineups along those lines, which is something worth looking into. And there are other things you can consider - handedness is one that comes up rather often; I'd say GB/GIDP tendencies is another.
As for the current Cubs lineup, the only two big issues I have are:
Other than that, the debate is mostly an academic one. Outside of serious blunders (see: Theriot hitting second) it's hard to do a lot of damage with the way you constuct your lineup. And I shouldn't hesitate to point out that the larger issue is Theriot hitting at all.
by cwyers on Apr 5, 2008 9:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks
BTW, what is your fee per hour? :-)
I am just seeing a trend of managers putting guys with a good speed power combination (not necessarily .350 OBP guys) in the leadoff spot to give them speed at the top of the order (as opposed to base-cloggers like Soto) and maximize the PAs of their best players. There are enough of them that it would be hard to say "manager A is just crazy".
Pretty impressive list, talent-wise:
Jose Reyes
Jimmy Rollins
Grady Sizemore
Curtis Granderson
Ian Kinsler
Chris Young
Rickie Weeks
Hanley Ramirez
Sori
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Apr 5, 2008 9:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
On Theriot
Lou's supposed reason for batting Riot #2 is that he doesn't want a Riot-Pie-P bottom of the order -- he is trying to spread out his sucky hitters. I just cringe at the thought of giving more PAs to a bad hitter like Riot than a better hitter like Dome or DeRo, but Lou didn't ask for my opinion. So the question (assuming that Cedeno and Fontenot have been super-glued to the bench so that Riot is your only SS option) becomes: which is worse: black holes batting #2 and #8, or black holes batting #7 and #8?
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Apr 5, 2008 9:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The way I look at it, run scoring is a collaborative process.
And the way to maximize your returns is to put as many of your good hitters in close proximity of each other in the lineup as possible. By spreading out your offense like Lou is trying to do, what you end up doing is reducing the interaction of your best hitters in the lineup.
If you look at run scoring, runs tend to cluster - you score runs in bunches. It's a matter of probabilities. I've never really had the counterarguement convincingly argued to me, so I have no idea what the supposed benefit is of stretching out your lineup.
by cwyers on Apr 5, 2008 9:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and it worked today
but part of that was Theriot walking at the beginning of that one inning.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on Apr 5, 2008 10:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I ask this only partly tongue in cheek...
Given Soriano's home run potential is most likely larger than most (if not all) lead off hitters, would it make more sense to bat the pitcher 7th, thus doubling (8th and 9th instead of just 9th) the chances of runners being on for Soriano?
At what point does the overcompensation for Soriano being in the leadoff spot become counterproductive? Can you establish the optimal point? e.g. the pitcher should bat in the 7.82th position or something like that?
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Apr 5, 2008 9:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sure.
Although if you'll excuse me for dealing with this a bit abstractly, rather than answering the specific question, I think I can spec out the answer reasonably well for you.
The "pitcher batting eighth" fad isn't particularly about Soriano, and more about the general idea of not batting the pitcher in front of a good batter, thus putting the good batter (in this case, whoever your leadoff hitter is) in a better position to help the team. What you are trading off is giving more at-bats over a season to inferior batters, i.e., pitchers. Also, at the point at which you're batting the pitcher in front of a hitter that has a higher run advancement value (i.e., slugging percentage) than the leadoff hitter, you're probably costing yourself runs as well.
The optimal point is where the runs you're gaining from giving your leadoff hitter better opportunities outweigh the runs you're losing by giving more at-bats to your pitchers. The issue is further complicated by pinch-hitting; ideally if you were batting your pitcher eighth you would become more agressive in pinch-hitting for your worse starters as well.
But to take a stab at answering your question (I'd have to do more research to be positive of an answer), I'd say you reach a point of severely diminishing returns moving the pitcher up one more lineup spot to seventh, and unless Lou was willing to use Marquis and Lieber as a pitching tandem as the fifth starter, it's probably not worth it.
by cwyers on Apr 5, 2008 9:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I should also add...
...that (as with a lot of managerial decisions), a lot relies on the ability of the manager to sell the players on the virtues of his decisions. It helps a lot if the player you're suggesting bat ninth has faith in the manager's decisions.
by cwyers on Apr 5, 2008 10:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You forgot...
to mention it's your PARENTS' basement. Stat nerd!!!!!!!!!!
Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager
by northsider on Apr 5, 2008 10:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have my own basement.
It makes me the envy of my fellow sabermetricians.
by cwyers on Apr 5, 2008 10:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
hahaha
Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager
by northsider on Apr 5, 2008 10:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't want to know
what the costume looks like...
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on Apr 5, 2008 10:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm pretty sure it would have to involve a pocket protector...
...and a slide rule.
by cwyers on Apr 5, 2008 10:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
please say
it's MORE than the pocket protector and the slide rule!
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on Apr 5, 2008 10:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
All I had was Gameday
Still no Gameday Audio, so I need some help...
1. Did Ramy throw any better today? If his shoulder is sore, I'd rather have him sit a few games now (and get a cortisone shot, if necessary) while his bat is cold than to have him on the DL later.
2. It's a good sign that we handled Oswalt -- especially since we face the 'Stros so often.
3. Great sign: it seems like one guy per day is finding his stroke. Dome started it off, then Soto, then DeRo, now DLee. That takes some pressure off of Sori and Ramy.
4. I'd like to see Cedeno at SS tomorrow. Riot's bat is in the Arctic zone and Ronny had a hit today.
Assuming that TTTSNBN is truly dead, I wonder if Lou has started lobbying Hendry for a CF. Since we are in "win now" mode, I agree with Lou putting RJ in there over Pie while he's hot. And RJ has a good ML track record. However, it does nothing for giving Pie a chance to prove himself, and it lowers his trade value. Lou would probably rather just go with RJ (or someone for whom Hendry trades), but Hendry would probably rather see Pie play against all RHP through mid-May, at least. It will be interesting so see how it plays out. The nice consequence is that Riot can be put in the #8 spot where he belongs if he's on the field at all.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Apr 5, 2008 8:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
He threw well enough
"The Cubs can't be stopped" -- Me
by lilkimmer77 on Apr 5, 2008 9:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Al, I'm not going to argue with you about it...
...because you saw the game and i listened to it....but. Marquis sounded less than OK. I understand trying to boost his trade value but when does it become not worth it anymore and time to put in Lieber? It was a completely different game without him in there.
I like the idea on Soriano. I defended him all game on here. Although, that's hard to do when he goes 0-5. I think a day off would be great.
Bleeding Cubbie Blue since 1985.
by Bricks and Ivy on Apr 5, 2008 9:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
From what I saw on TV...
...and admittedly, I was caught up in my daughter's birthday party for most of the innings Marquis was in, he looked awful. Not just the results - his stuff didn't look very good, and he was locating very poorly.
That said, he did everything he possible could - and more than you could fairly expect - to get the team to hit while he was in the game. It's not his fault the team waited until he was chased from the game to start hitting.
That's not a defense; I still think he's an awful pitcher. But there's no reason to blame him for things beyond his control.
by cwyers on Apr 5, 2008 9:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know he had nothing to do with the hitting.
I'd imagine its disheartening to know that you can go out and put up some runs and make it a ballgame again, just to have your pitcher go out and give them right back up. I realize these guys are professionals and should be able to play through that, but when the atmosphere in the game and I'd imagine the dugout changes when your pitcher leaves the game is a ref flag to me.
Bleeding Cubbie Blue since 1985.
by Bricks and Ivy on Apr 5, 2008 9:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he didn't look in control.
He got out of some jams by getting the ball hit back to him twice resulting in double-plays. And he did RBI in one run, thus helping himself. But he looked... well, like you said, he was less than ok. IMO, anyway, but admittedly, I don't like him.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on Apr 5, 2008 10:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dunno.
Yes, he kept getting himself into trouble. Yes, it could have been a lot worse if he hadn't gotten those two double plays, and the other ground ball outs. But he DID get them.
We've seen a lot worse, and this week.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 6, 2008 4:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That;'s true.
But he didn't seem nearly in control as Demp did, or Z, of course. I don't think he looked better than Hill. Uncle Ted wasn't steady from the beginning, so I guess Marquis was better than that.
I guess I call his getting out of those jams luck, rather than skill, just felt that way.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on Apr 6, 2008 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
On Soriano
I've probably seen a bit more of Soriano than most of you. I live in New york and followed him a lot when he was with the Yankees. Soriano is a streaky player, and it is bugging me no end that he looks so lacksadiscial out there. Disinterested. I believe someone even said he looked arrogant. I won't go that far. However, every player is different. Every player gets hot for different reasons. And they get cold for different reasons. Fukudome is bound to come down to earth at some point. He is not going to bat .500 all season and we all know that.
One might say Sorianno is to Z as Fukudome is to John Liber (wait, I'm getting to it). Dome and Lieber are calm finely oiled machines. They know their job and get it done. They know they game particularly well and most importantly they know their talent levels very well. Fukudome did not try to hit a home run in the seventh. Just tried to go the other way. Lieber doesn't try to throw 95, just get guys out the best way he can.
Soriano and Z are excitable. They are fun. And they need confidence. They live off of adrenaline. One reason I think Soriano despite the best judgment of anyone who has ever seen a game of baseball, thinks the best place for him is leadoff. Maybe it is because that is where he gets his confidence, his moxie. Z and Soriano are guys who need to constantly prove themselves, they need confidence and most importantly they need the fans to be behind them.
And all those Soriano haters out there, in two months when he is smashing them on to Waveland and Dome is mired in a 1-20 slump, remember that individual slumps do not matter, team slumps do. When one guy slumps his teammates have to pick them up. Hence the concept of a Team.
Which is something we have. Go Cubbies. I feel it.
They call me MISTER Fukudome!
by brokenland on Apr 5, 2008 9:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Well said
Sori will hit. And he might just end up carrying the team for 3 weeks while Ramy is on the DL and Dome is in a slump.
Sori is what he is, and we need to learn to live with that. Otherwise, our psychiatric bills will get out of hand. :-)
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Apr 5, 2008 9:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thank-you for both of the comments
Could not of said it better. The signing of Soriano probably was what, 90% to the positive, now the hate is about 80 to 20.
I like the guy, hell if we were hitting .030 we all would like crap. He will go off, and carry this team for a 2 week stretch easy.
Now all we need is Lieber in the rotation.
"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"
by Grockcubs on Apr 5, 2008 10:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I believe Lieber
will be starting over Marquis by the end of May.
by qccub on Apr 5, 2008 11:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
IAWTC COMPLETELY.
Amen.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on Apr 5, 2008 10:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think anyone is "hating" him
but I agree that he runs on adrenaline.
by coral on Apr 5, 2008 11:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
read some of the game logs
Soriano (and the pitching) is taking the brunt of the negativeness, especially yesterday.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on Apr 6, 2008 9:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
if there is such a thing as the post of the day...
...this is it. Well said.
Let me get back to you, will ya, Charlie? I got a guy on the other line asking about some white walls.
by JB 23 on Apr 6, 2008 1:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anyone have tickets
in section 129 or thereabouts? I'm attending my first Cubs game of the season tomorrow...
Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager
by northsider on Apr 5, 2008 10:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
So far
Love Fukudome (who doesn't?). He is just fun to watch.
Soriano is frustrating, but he was the same way last season. He is just really streaky and while he can carry a team at times, he seems absolutely worthless at others. He'll contribute eventually.
I think Wood is going to have a great season. I will admit, I have said on here in the past that he would never pitch for the Cubs again. Glad I was wrong. Did you see that first swing Pence had against him today?
I feel a win tomorrow with Z going. I like this team.
by qccub on Apr 5, 2008 11:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
YES!!!!!!!!!
I had to be at work at 2:00 today, and left the house during the fifth inning kicking dirt, sulking, and basically cursing my very existence. Mostly just hoping the other teams in the division would lose today, so that our 1-4 start wouldn't hurt us too much.
Imagine my surprise when I checked up on the score this evening to see how badly we had gotten beat. Talk about making someone's night. Now I'm off tomorrow and Monday, and ready to see Big Z set 'em down.
"Don't complain to me about the stormy weather, boys. Just bring the ship into port." --Steve Stone, September 2004
by ctcoff99 on Apr 6, 2008 12:40 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't know what happened to Soto's defense, but
I've gotta tell you... if you haven't been able to see the games, he has been absolutely hammering the ball this whole week. I mean, even when he flies out... he crushes the ball into the wind, and it gets pushed down at the warning track or at the wall. The sound off his bat is absolutely thunderous.
Cubs 2008
Home (1-2) | Road (0-0) | 1-Run Games (0-1) | Extra Innings (0-1)
Updated on April 3, 2008
by SackMan on Apr 6, 2008 2:42 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I think things
are going to start to break for him in a very good way soon. It's just a feeling.
It's a BEAUTIFUL day. I wish I could go to the game. Anyone want to give me and my fiancee an early wedding present? :P
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on Apr 6, 2008 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Marquis
was not...well...OK. He gave up 5 runs in 5.1 innings. 8 hits and 1 BB says to me...bad. It seems to me that we need to set our standards higher, particularly since we have numerous alternatives.
If you like Selig's handling of the steroid issue, you'll love his choice for next Cub owner.
by tharr on Apr 6, 2008 11:51 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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