Open Thread: Cubs vs. Pirates, Wednesday 4/9, 6:05 CT
by Al
on Apr 9, 2008 9:00 AM CDT
in Game Threads
Chicago @ Pittsburgh
It's a travel day. No, not for the Cubs -- for me. I'm going to New York today for a DGA meeting... so I won't see much, if any, of tonight's game. Also, I wanted to get this game thread and discussion going early, because when there's a day game, a day off, then a night game, doesn't it seem like there's been no baseball for a week?
With no game yesterday, there's not a lot of news today. Bruce Miles runs down the season so far.
Ken Rosenthal talks about the problems the Tigers will face overcoming their 0-7 start -- no team has ever made the postseason after starting that badly.
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Zach Duke threw eight innings of six-hit shutout ball against the Cubs in his third major league start on July 16, 2005 -- coincidentally, a day I was in New York for a meeting. Since then, several Cubs, including Derrek Lee (.400/.400/.650), Alfonso Soriano (.455/.538/.818), Aramis Ramirez (.333/.364/.667) and even Ronny Cedeno (.438, 7-for-16) have pounded him pretty good.
Only Jack Wilson (who's on the DL) and Chris Gomez (who's on the Pirates bench, but who may start today, given his .385/.429/.615 career line vs. Dempster) have more than nine career AB vs. Dempster. Ryan threw pretty well in his first start, continuing his progress from spring training. Here's to that continuing tonight.
Today's game is on CSN Chicago Plus... "check local listings". If you're in Chicago, it's on CLTV. Today's XM channel is 184. For more see the MLB.com Mediacenter.
MLB.com Gameday (2007 version)
MLB.com Gameday (2008 version)
Baseball-reference.com game preview
Discuss amongst yourselves.
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Sleeping is for boys
I think the Tigers will make it to the playoffs. I really think it's more probable that they make it out of the Central Division than the Indians or Twins; they just have too much talent in Detroit. I do wonder, however, if people would be making such a big deal out of this if they were 1-6, or 1-7.
"I think Hendry still has a few years to serve on his 'grand larceny' sentence before he can shop in Pittsburgh again" - ballhawk
by NittanyCub on Apr 9, 2008 9:15 AM CDT 0 recs
As if it hasn't been too long since baseball
we have to wait until tonight for a game. Boo!
Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager
by northsider on Apr 9, 2008 1:03 PM CDT 0 recs
Al
You gotta fly JetBlue so you can watch the game!
Who has my 'Club Paradise' dvd?
by Keystone80435 on Apr 9, 2008 1:04 PM CDT 0 recs
Well, if he's flying American, he may get to watch the game anyway...
...though it might be from the airport bar.
More inspection/maintenance issues means lots of planes are grounded again. I heard 500+ flights cancelled nationwide, with over a 100 cancelled here at OHare. Ugh.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on
Apr 9, 2008 1:18 PM CDT
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LOL, true.
I was on United. Arrived on time -- first time since last September that I haven't been delayed going to NYC.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Apr 9, 2008 2:54 PM CDT
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open thread?
OPEN THREAD!
THAT MEANS THERE'S BASEBALL TONIGHT!!!!
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on Apr 9, 2008 1:15 PM CDT 0 recs
and that is indeed a reason to be happy.
---AC 00 00 00 - Believe
by mjk83 on
Apr 9, 2008 1:23 PM CDT
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With...
John Kruk and Peter Gammons!
"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 9, 2008 2:02 PM CDT
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I'm not exactly crying about a night game
Cuz that means I get to watch the game in full and live...
by cubsonWGN4ever on Apr 9, 2008 1:34 PM CDT 0 recs
Finally some ball
This afternoon is going to drag by, I just want to leave work and watch some baseball but I wish the game was at 7.
Hopefully we will see another nice performance from Demp. Probably no Pie tonight?
Lets do it Cubbies
by slocs55 on Apr 9, 2008 1:35 PM CDT 0 recs
Let's Hope "Dempster the Effective Starter"...
isn't just a figment of our collective imaginations, and he can continue to build on the success we've had as of late.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 9, 2008 2:00 PM CDT 0 recs
well, that's different. :D
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on
Apr 9, 2008 2:26 PM CDT
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santoswoodenlegs, I think you should...
...put together a coffee table book featuring images like this of the entire Cubs 25-man roster. You've already got Murton and Dempster covered. I predict it would outsell Wrigley Season Ticket.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on
Apr 9, 2008 3:07 PM CDT
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Talk to me if you do that, I know a publisher :-P
by cubsonWGN4ever on
Apr 9, 2008 3:28 PM CDT
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Only one problem...
well more than one, but anyway, I think the "fantasy" backgrounds I'm using are probably copyrighted and the original artists may not approve of the "creative license" which I've taken with them. Not to mention the pictures of the players...MLBPA? Not gonna happen. We'll just have to enjoy them here on the old internet. But that would be a cool project to do, I just don't think I would have the time/expertise in getting it off the ground or organized.
And no....it's not gonna outsell "Wrigley Season Ticket". Unless there are alot of weirdo cub fans like me.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on
Apr 9, 2008 3:37 PM CDT
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Well, if BCB is any indication...
...there are plenty of weirdo Cubs fans like you. Not me, of course. I'm totally normal.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on
Apr 9, 2008 4:05 PM CDT
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Beautiful.
I bet Ryan would think it hilarious too.
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 9, 2008 4:29 PM CDT
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Dempster will have a fine year
He's a man on a mission. He's also a man vying for a lucrative long-term contract from somebody at the end of the season. I still predict he will scratch out 15 wins in 2008. I'm not a huge fan, but the man knows how to pitch. He might get lit up like a Christmas tree now and again. It's just part of his charm.
by MDBNIU on Apr 9, 2008 2:09 PM CDT 0 recs
Well
Unfortunately I dont get the game at home, although I am taping the replay at 130am. Im pissed, who cares about the Bulls they suck basketballs
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
by Hammer on Apr 9, 2008 2:10 PM CDT 0 recs
Dish Network
does anyone know what channel CSN+ is for Dish Network? Thanks in advance.
by PistolPete on Apr 9, 2008 2:17 PM CDT 0 recs
CSN+
On Comcast is nowhere to be found, not on CLTV NOTHING. Wow, I need to chill.
Good luck with the Dish.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
by Hammer on
Apr 9, 2008 2:21 PM CDT
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I couldn't find it either this morning
But I couldnt find another game a few days ago in the morning but by the time the game came around, it had popped up. Very very bizarre.
by cubsonWGN4ever on
Apr 9, 2008 2:22 PM CDT
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Ughh
I was thinking about DVRing a few stations that it might be on. But what can you do. I wont be home until 930pm anyways.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
by Hammer on
Apr 9, 2008 2:24 PM CDT
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447
"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 9, 2008 2:25 PM CDT
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I was about to ask the same thing...
anyone know the Comcast channel?
I stopped my MLB.TV subscription because I couldn't see the Cubs games during the day, I will have no way to see it otherwise. URGH!!
by Tangled Up In Blue on
Apr 9, 2008 2:29 PM CDT
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Yeah...
I checked the Comcast Sports Net Chicago websight and they gave all the channels for the different providers for tonight's game... here's the link:
http://chicago.comcastsportsnet.com/view_content_0p.asp?ID=64573
"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 9, 2008 2:29 PM CDT
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You literally just made my night. Thank you.
n/t
by Tangled Up In Blue on
Apr 9, 2008 2:34 PM CDT
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Are you sure he LITERALLY made your night?
See the bottom of this thread for my feelings on this.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on
Apr 9, 2008 3:09 PM CDT
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LOL!
Guess he figuratively made my night...
by Tangled Up In Blue on
Apr 9, 2008 3:27 PM CDT
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why no HiDef for Dish?
I freaking paid for the HD feed. I GET the HD channel. mutter.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on
Apr 9, 2008 2:37 PM CDT
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I was wondering...
...the same thing. Was it carried last year, or have I lost my marbles?
by Shawon O Meter on
Apr 9, 2008 2:57 PM CDT
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This is amazing!
You're our hero for posting this list. So I assume since I have RCN here in Chicago that the game SHOULD be on ch. 99
by maryliz983 on
Apr 9, 2008 3:50 PM CDT
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Btw... It's not in HD
"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 9, 2008 2:26 PM CDT
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uh...
422? something like that. 429, maybe?
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on
Apr 9, 2008 2:28 PM CDT
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So...
I'm guess everyone is figuring out the same thing I am....that the game is not going to be on???!?! I have RCN and I've noticed that sometimes they put the game on another random channel.
Anyone know if this will happen tonight? Keeping my fingers crossed!
by maryliz983 on Apr 9, 2008 2:23 PM CDT 0 recs
Can I assume your a pokes fan?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on
Apr 9, 2008 2:33 PM CDT
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I'm a Pokes fan!
GO POKES!
Who has my 'Club Paradise' dvd?
by Keystone80435 on
Apr 9, 2008 3:28 PM CDT
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LEts start off our night game schedule
on the right foot. Go Cubbies!
"I can accept failure, but I can't accept not trying" - Michael Jordan, the one and only...
by LPLancer23 on Apr 9, 2008 2:56 PM CDT 0 recs
Al- where in NYC?
I know you said you'd miss most (if not all) of the game, but there's a good chance I'll be watching it at a bar on the LES. Buying Al a beer - a BCB claim to fame!
I used to be "Jones," but I got swooped on the redesign.
by Mr Snrub on Apr 9, 2008 2:57 PM CDT 0 recs
What bar plays cubs games on the LES?
i'm in williamsburg, and the only time i can see a cubs game at a bar is when they play the mets.
by dogcatratcheese on
Apr 9, 2008 3:13 PM CDT
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Standings
Great baseball bar, good beers. 7th st and 2nd ave.
Some BCBers met there for a game last year.
I used to be "Jones," but I got swooped on the redesign.
by Mr Snrub on
Apr 9, 2008 3:16 PM CDT
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thanks for the info
i'll try that place out soon.
by dogcatratcheese on
Apr 9, 2008 3:27 PM CDT
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I'd be happy to join you.
Unfortunately, my meeting tonight starts at the same time as the game.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Apr 9, 2008 3:27 PM CDT
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At least there is day ball
listening to the Angels just to get my daytime fix
thanks for the channel link!
by chicagodave on Apr 9, 2008 3:00 PM CDT 0 recs
Getting ready to leave for the game!!!!
LET'S GO CUBBIES!!!!!!!!
Bleeding Cubbie Blue since 1985.
by Bricks and Ivy on Apr 9, 2008 3:01 PM CDT 0 recs
So, maybe it's just the Cub fan in me...
Or maybe it's the fact that I was watching the first time Zach Duke took the hill, when he completely shut us down... but I'm always nervous whenever we face a decent lefty.
I hope we can keep the bats going, but shake off the fielding and control issues tonight. And also (while I'm putting together my wish list) - I hope Soriano can get in a groove. Looks like he's had some success against Duke before, so maybe that's not TOO terribly far fetched. :)
by Slim1256 on Apr 9, 2008 3:02 PM CDT 0 recs
That may be true.
But I get nervous every time we face someone I've never heard of before. It always seems like it's the kid on his Major League start that the Cubs just can never hit.
by cublessinmilwaukee on
Apr 9, 2008 3:17 PM CDT
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True!
And, while I'm thinking about it - why is it that our predominantly right handed lineup seems so pathetic against lefties?
It seems like opposing managers should bring in lefties to face our righties in the late innings, doesn't it?
by Slim1256 on
Apr 9, 2008 3:41 PM CDT
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Posting with the enemy.
For those interested in an opposing viewpoint, here's a link to the Bucs Dugout game thread, the SBN Pirates blog. From what I hear, they could use the comments. (Oh, and feel free to be droll, but don't be no troll.)
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 9, 2008 3:14 PM CDT 0 recs
Thanks for posting that link.
I keep forgetting to do that, I really should give a shout out to my fellow SBN bloggers. Will try to start doing that.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Apr 9, 2008 3:27 PM CDT
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No prob.
Yeah, it's really cool to be able jump over and see the opposing team's fans' perspective and perhaps engage in a little discussion with them. I'd post something over there right now, but I have a meeting with my boss, like, right now.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on
Apr 9, 2008 3:29 PM CDT
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uh..
they think Dempster "wasn't a very good reliever".
Sorry, I'll stay here.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on
Apr 9, 2008 4:16 PM CDT
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Marshall up Piggy down
i jsut posted it in fan posts
by fischisgod on Apr 9, 2008 3:34 PM CDT 0 recs
all because of two walks?
I'd think the walks would be written off as nervousness...
by cubsonWGN4ever on
Apr 9, 2008 3:47 PM CDT
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agreed!
I think it is a mistake to send Pig down so quickly after a bad outing.
Should've brought Cotts up instead of Marshall, he needs to be starting.
by gwood on
Apr 9, 2008 3:57 PM CDT
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Agreed.
n/t
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Apr 9, 2008 4:06 PM CDT
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re: Marshall up Piggy down
Wow, that's pretty disappointing. And this can mean only one thing: MBDNIU is Lou Piniella (and BlueMike, of course).
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on
Apr 9, 2008 4:07 PM CDT
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Didn't he give up...
a few hits and a run on the homestand? But I agree w/ bring Cotts up instead of Marshall.
"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 9, 2008 4:36 PM CDT
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Fifth starter
Maybe this has already been discussed, but has Lou mentioned anything about skipping Marquis in the rotation and starting Z on his usual four days of rest to take advantage of the off day? Seems like a good idea the way Marquis pitched last time, and seeing that Z is looking good so far.
"Hey hey, kiss it goodbye! That one's in Milwaukee! Man oh man did he hit it. Isn't that something?" - Lou Boudreau, May 17, 1979
by danimal15 on Apr 9, 2008 4:13 PM CDT 0 recs
Wow I really hope so
I have tickets for Friday nite here in Philly and I would MUCH rather see Zambrano than Marquis
by philadelphiacub on
Apr 9, 2008 5:16 PM CDT
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Skipping Marquis
I would think it's a little too early in the season to consider skipping rotation spots. Besides, a good outing might boost Marquis' trade value, keep your fingers crossed.
by HankWhite23 on
Apr 9, 2008 5:35 PM CDT
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Have a bad ffeling about tonight
Duke always seems to have our number
"Hey Chicago what do you say the Cubs are gonna win today"
by fischisgod on Apr 9, 2008 4:13 PM CDT 0 recs
I don't
The Cubs are not the same team they were two years ago. Take my word for it, they're going to HIT this year. Hendry has been working on finding people that can handle left handed pitching.
Watch for Johnson to start, Ward to pinch hit at some point (I predict a Ward HR) and for Dempster to have a good game.
by cubsonWGN4ever on
Apr 9, 2008 4:26 PM CDT
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Agreed
Couldn't have said it better myself. I think we have some great bats in the lineup that will be able to get to good lefties this year.
by Lou In Blue on
Apr 9, 2008 4:30 PM CDT
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I say we knock out duke
in the 3rd
"The Cubs can't be stopped" -- Me
by lilkimmer77 on
Apr 9, 2008 4:39 PM CDT
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Marshall
Glad he's up as he's on my fantasy team (on my reserve squad). Maybe I'll bring him up, too. But he doesn't help me much if he's relieving. I would like him to get a chance to start again.
"Hey hey, kiss it goodbye! That one's in Milwaukee! Man oh man did he hit it. Isn't that something?" - Lou Boudreau, May 17, 1979
by danimal15 on Apr 9, 2008 4:14 PM CDT 0 recs
Marshall
I agree he needs to be starting - either with the Cubs or in the minors.
"Hey hey, kiss it goodbye! That one's in Milwaukee! Man oh man did he hit it. Isn't that something?" - Lou Boudreau, May 17, 1979
by danimal15 on Apr 9, 2008 4:15 PM CDT 0 recs
Baseball Is
A 'what have you done for me lately' business. Piggy, you have thrown 8 pitches for 8 balls, time to give someone else a shot. I like it, Lou is sending the message that if you don't perform, your not gonna play.
"The Cubs can't be stopped" -- Me
by lilkimmer77 on Apr 9, 2008 4:22 PM CDT 0 recs
Ha
If thats the message hes sending I can name a few players that wont be playing soon.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
by Hammer on
Apr 9, 2008 4:24 PM CDT
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Unless your getting paid
irrational amounts of money. :)
"The Cubs can't be stopped" -- Me
by lilkimmer77 on
Apr 9, 2008 4:25 PM CDT
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I know.
Lou does have a short leash IMO with the young
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
by Hammer on
Apr 9, 2008 4:27 PM CDT
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And Along with an irrational amount of mula...
usually means there's also some stips in the contract that prevent whoever it is from being sent down. Unless he's injured and it's a rehab assign. of course.
"In all the categories that you pay the most attention to, except the loss column, w