Bleed Cubbie Blue: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:



Sports blogs for fans, by fans.
Around SBN: June USA Today / SB Nation Consensus MMA Rankings Released


Suddenly Summer

Yesterday, I sat watching a taut pitcher's duel, huddled up in sweatshirt and balaclava over my head.

Today, in the sunshine, with the wind blowing out to RF and the temperature in the 70's (officially 67 at game time, but when I got back to my car the thermometer inside said it was 77), we saw six home runs leave the yard, four of them by the Cubs, and they hung on for a 7-4 win over the Pirates, despite an implosion by Bob Howry that allowed the Bucs a three-run eighth and made an appearance by Kerry Wood necessary for his ninth save of the season. More on that in a moment.

During the 2006 football season, then-Arizona Cardinals coach Dennis Green said in a memorable postgame news conference, regarding the Bears' comeback against his team, "They are what we thought they were!", and then angrily left the podium. We don't have to be angry, but the fact is -- Alfonso Soriano is what we thought he was. He's a maddening player. There are times when he doesn't even look like he should be in a major league uniform... and other times when he gets hot and can carry a team. He appears to be in the latter mode this week; in this homestand he is now 15-for-32 (.469) with 5 HR and 12 RBI in the eight games so far on the stand. He's got 22 RBI for the season despite missing two weeks; after 42 team games in 2007, during which he missed a similar amount of time, he had 9 RBI.

So we have to take the bad with the good. The Cubs wouldn't have won the NL Central last year without Soriano's hot September; it'd have been nice if he carried that over into last October, but that's Soriano. Maddening. Let's hope his hot streak continues for the... well, for a while, anyway.

Sean Gallagher picked up his first major league win today. He struck out only three and during his appearance at the postgame news conference, that I heard on the radio driving home, said that after he got the big lead he could concentrate on throwing strikes and putting the ball in play and letting his fielders catch the ball, which they did. The Pirates did hit Gallagher pretty hard, but virtually everything was right at somebody -- kudos to Mark DeRosa for a tumbling catch on the warning track in right field to end the fifth inning. It won't be the last win for Gallagher, either. I like the way he approaches the game. He'll need to develop a good changeup to go with the good curveball, though.

Bob Howry was... bad. He slogged his way through a mediocre 7th inning and then the Pirates teed off on him in the 8th, hitting two home runs, including one by Doug Mientkiewicz, who had come into the game hitting .237 with no homers at all this year. Howry threw an alarmingly large number of pitches -- 39 -- and this made the score 7-4 and necessitated a save-situation appearance by Kerry Wood.

Wood, like Gallagher, realized that he didn't have to blow hitters away, especially since the first two hitters he was facing were light-hitting PH Luis Rivas and Jason Michaels, and he got Rivas to fly to right and Michaels to pop up, and then Freddy Sanchez lined right to Aramis Ramirez to end the game -- Kerry threw only ten pitches, so he should be available tomorrow if needed for the third day in a row.

Say, I've been complaining about the schedule-makers a lot, but could they arrange it so the Cubs could play the Pirates every day? Now 7-0 for the season against Pittsburgh, the Cubs have Carlos Zambrano ready to go tomorrow, to make it a good shot at 8-0. Z got a chance to pinch-hit today, and as I predicted to our group when he was announced, to a loud ovation, he'd probably try to hit a 900-foot home run. He did just that on the first two pitches, then hit a comebacker to Tom Gorzelanny to end the sixth inning.

Gorzelanny -- who can explain it? He has now thrown three times against the Cubs this year, 11 total innings, 21 earned runs allowed for an ERA of 17.18 against them. His ERA in his other five starts is 2.73.

In any case, revel in this. The Cubs are 18-7 at home, at this moment the majors' best home record (Arizona is 17-7 pending their game tonight at home vs. Detroit). They're two games in first place, pending Houston's game vs. Texas -- yes, the Astros muscled their way into second place yesterday ahead of the Cardinals... and St. Louis lost Jason Isringhausen today when he suffered a cut on his hand when he hit a TV in Tony LaRussa's office. I'll be keeping an eye on their series with Tampa Bay this weekend, because that ought to give us a good idea about the futures of both those teams (and remember, the Cubs have to play the suddenly-hot Rays in Tampa next month).

We were joined today by BCB reader sparkles721 -- who hasn't posted much here lately because she's been busy with school, but is now home for the summer. And Crane Kenney, who spent the day in the bleachers talking to people, stopped by to say hi and explained a little more about the fan lunches that will begin next month. He told me that they'll select 30 people at random from season ticket holders for each session, and that he feels really strongly about listening to fans, particularly season ticket holders, who are the Cubs' best customers. Incidentally, today's attendance of 40,537 pushed the season total to 1,000,892, an average of 40,036 and the earliest ever that the Cubs have passed the million mark in attendance (25 dates).

This franchise is turning around before your very eyes. Can you see it? Can you feel it? Until tomorrow.

0 recs | Comment 206 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Around SB Nation

Cubs 2, Brewers 1 (10 innings)

Jul 2009 from Brew Crew Ball - 119 comments

Cubs 9, Brewers 5

Jul 2009 from Brew Crew Ball - 28 comments

Thursday's Frosty Mug

Jul 2009 from Brew Crew Ball - 29 comments

Comments

Display:

First!!!

"Please move away from this vector and get into another coordinate pronto. There's no access for you in this quadrant." Mike Donnelly

by McRipper on May 16, 2008 4:58 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

So what?

What’s the point of posting first if your post is completely worthless?

(Yes, I do see the irony of my post)

by kanderber on May 16, 2008 7:38 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Its WORTHFUL

because you make it worth something when you reply to him.

My 08 Cubs record 4-0
My 08 W.Sox record 0-2 (I havent seen a sox win in 3 years)
Updated April 26th

by Rudey on May 16, 2008 7:44 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Being First

Noting First is tradition. It does not have to make sense. It’s like throwing the ball back, it’s like not doing the wave at Wrigley, it’s like standing with 2 outs in the 9th with your team ahead.

Favorite Game - 'The Sandberg game" June 23, 1984

by Cub Fan Mike on May 16, 2008 9:09 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Feel better?

It was actually an ongoing joke from the last thread.

"Please move away from this vector and get into another coordinate pronto. There's no access for you in this quadrant." Mike Donnelly

by McRipper on May 16, 2008 9:52 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Stat of the Day

Cubs LOB: 3

"Please move away from this vector and get into another coordinate pronto. There's no access for you in this quadrant." Mike Donnelly

by McRipper on May 16, 2008 5:06 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Thanks mostly to the four Cub HR.

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

by Al on May 16, 2008 5:07 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Thanks for getting this stuck in my head Al...

See Me
Feel Me
Touch Me
Heal Me….

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

by santoswoodenlegs on May 16, 2008 5:11 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You're welcome.

(Not sure how I did it, but you’re welcome anyway.)

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

by Al on May 16, 2008 5:18 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The last line of your recap.
“This franchise is turning around before your very eyes. Can you see it? Can you feel it? Until tomorrow.”

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

by santoswoodenlegs on May 16, 2008 5:21 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh!

Happy to help!

:)

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

by Al on May 16, 2008 5:32 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That sounds amazingly suspicious.

From the P-D last night:

Isringhausen will be examined this morning by team orthopedist Dr. George Paletta. Isringhausen and team officials have denied a physical ailment is the reason for his recent struggles; however, club sources indicated Thursday he has been receiving treatment on his arthritic left hip.

“I don’t know what we’re going to do,” Isringhausen said. “I wish I could say I was hurt, my arm was falling off, or I couldn’t land. I can’t do that. People (hitters) standing at home plate tell you what the end result should be. I’m not getting any swings and misses, so that says something about my stuff. I feel healthy. But maybe my ‘healthy’ just isn’t good enough.”

The club is expected to put Isringhausen on the disabled list today or broach the possibility of designating him for assignment, a procedural move that would place him on waivers before reassigning him to a minor-league affiliate. Either way, a roster move is considered likely.

That sounds like an injury to save face to me. I dunno.

by cwyers on May 16, 2008 5:11 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hmmmm....

I can’t imagine Tony La-ruse-a would ever do something like that…..nope, not a chance.

"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 May 16, 2008 5:26 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This is true.

I don’t think this about roster moves, though. I think this is about Larussa not wanting Izzy to look bad by being DFA’d….and I don’t see too much wrong with that, I just like to take my shots a Larussa whenever possible.

"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 May 16, 2008 5:33 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yes

because no team has ever done this before. Especially not the Cubs. :-)

It's a girl! Born 1-18-08. 2246 PST. 8 lbs. 1 oz.

by Josh77 on May 16, 2008 5:55 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The TV would go 2-3 with a HR, a double, and a walk.

"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 May 16, 2008 6:00 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Very well done!

n/t

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on May 16, 2008 6:03 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Perfect!

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

by Al on May 16, 2008 6:40 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

roflcopter!

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 16, 2008 7:02 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Literally LOL here -

well played, sir.

"Eighty-five percent of the world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here." - Lee Elia, 1983

"The only thing that bothers me is that I would never want to destroy the love and what the fans of Chicago are to the Chicago Cubs. I mean, God knows. If there's one pure thing in baseball, it is the fans of Chicago." - Lee Elia, 2008

by CaughtInTheVines on May 16, 2008 7:03 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

To be fair

Jason would probably get a single of the TV and come in to pinch run for the DVD player.
There are some things he does well at.

by Doggie Stalker on May 16, 2008 11:45 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Lock him in a room

with nothing but a TV, a radiator and a shower head and say “You know what to do, Jason.”

It's a girl! Born 1-18-08. 2246 PST. 8 lbs. 1 oz.

by Josh77 on May 16, 2008 6:07 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Maybe Izzy..

Was trying to hit LaRussa but his stuff is so bad now he hit the tv? I’m sure it’s the just a made up “injury” so they can keep him shelved for awhile..

"I realize very well that I could regress to the mean."
-Brian Bannister on his BABIP

by Bump Bailey on May 16, 2008 7:50 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Update.

From the P-D:

Mozeliak conceded the club would have made some sort of move with Isringhausen even if unable to find a medical reason. "Something had to be done," Mozeliak said. "This is the course that was available to us and we took it."

I don’t know that I’ve ever seen a GM so brazen about it before. I’m just wowed here.

by cwyers on May 17, 2008 1:33 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Especially

in reference to a player that has been with the club for a very long time and performed pretty well for that team for an extended period of time. You’d figure they would treat him a little better and allow him to save a little face.

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

by gwood on May 17, 2008 9:06 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

About Gallagher,

I agree Al, he “pitched”. We all know he can strike batters out. His velocity was mixed well, and I really think he projects to at least #3, and a slight possibly as a #2. The fact that he can touch 95 on the gun (with the weight loss) and if he could add a change he could be in the rotation for a long time in the Cubs organization.

by Unique on May 16, 2008 5:12 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He was skimming on 97 in his last start against Arizona

I have to admit, I have a serious mancrush on Gallagher since that display five days ago. I can’t wait to see his next start, hopefully he’ll get better.

"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 May 16, 2008 5:19 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Lou said...

... in the postgame conference, that Gallagher will start on Wednesday, but wouldn’t commit to him starting after that.

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

by Al on May 16, 2008 5:19 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Who would be the 5th starter besides Gallagher?

Chad Fox(again)?

"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 May 16, 2008 5:22 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

My guess would be

Rich Hill. But the biggest solution is to trade Marquis, IMO.

by Unique on May 16, 2008 5:25 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I Doubt It...

... Hill, Marshall and Hart are all getting stretched. I doubt any of the three will be ready for the next #5 starter start after Wed.

Jacque Jones is gone, and I doubt Ivan DeJesus would mind this!

by initram on May 16, 2008 11:05 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Especially with Hill getting hurt...

and only going 2+ innings in his last start.

by SouthernCub on May 17, 2008 9:51 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

that's the way that Lou should

handle it. Let Gallagher earn it. He’s still 22. It’s amazing on how young he is. I thought he was 23 when he came up in 2007. He won’t be 23 til’ December.

But anyways, I haven’t been this excited about a Cubs pitching farm hand since…. a guy named Prior.

And you know what, Rotoworld said that Gallagher is basically holding down Rich Hill’s job. Remember 2 years ago when Hill struggled and struggled and we completely thought he was garbage? I was never overwhelmed by his “stuff” besides that curve. I’m more fasinated with Gallagher’s stuff.

by Unique on May 16, 2008 5:24 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Lou said before the game

that he wants another lefty in the rotation (what’s with his lefty fascination, BTW?). IMO, this next start is Marquis’ job interview; if lays another egg, he’s dunski and, assuming Hill performs well in his next start, Rich will come back up, Marquis will go to the bullpen and/or be moved and Sean will have Jason’s spot in the rotation.

"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 May 16, 2008 5:32 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I suspect you're right...

I think Piniella would love the following rotation:

Zambrano
Lilly
Dempster
Hill
Gallagher

With Lieber as the long man and Marquis on some other team.

by SouthernCub on May 16, 2008 5:40 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Agreed..

I’d love it too. Especially if Hill pitched like last year and Gallagher pitches like he did today.

"I realize very well that I could regress to the mean."
-Brian Bannister on his BABIP

by Bump Bailey on May 16, 2008 7:54 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I never thought I'd say this but....

...the way Hill is pitching right now I’d rather have Marquis.

Bleeding Cubbie Blue since 1985.

by Bricks and Ivy on May 16, 2008 9:05 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hill may be hurt.

Got pulled from his start in Iowa after 2 2/3rs innings. Apparently the trainer went out to see him. More discussion at bottom of thread.

by cwyers on May 16, 2008 9:06 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

well with

the off day coming up next Thursday they can afford to switch things up. It makes no sense to take Gallagher out if he pitches well against Houston.

by Unique on May 16, 2008 5:40 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Who would take Marquis, though?

They’d have to eat an awful lot of salary. And with him in the bullpen, would he be a malcontent?

If they can’t trade him, I’d love for them to release him—that’d make a strong statement.

by Shanghai Badger on May 16, 2008 5:42 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If they're going to have to eat salary

in a trade, they might as well just release him, but I don’t know how the Player’s Association and any future free agents might view that act. You might be able to move him to a team that’s had some injury problems in their rotation, like Anaheim, or a team that is just looking for someone to eat up innings down the stretch.

As far as the malcontent thing, I don’t know, and really don’t care. Lou’s shown a remarkable ability to smooth frazzled feelings not belonging to Carlos and Barrett, so maybe he could ease Marquis’ transition to the ‘pen. Truthfully, that’s what I’d rather see happen, because pitching depth is a huge asset down the stretch.

"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 May 16, 2008 5:47 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He'd still get paid if released

Not sure that would be an issue; I doubt they’d make it a habit.

by Shanghai Badger on May 16, 2008 5:51 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Some teams,

such as the Brewers, Braves, and maybe the Mets. We would have to eat majority of the contract though.

by Unique on May 16, 2008 5:49 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You Wait Until 7/31...

... pay only half of his remaining salary would be a steal.

Jacque Jones is gone, and I doubt Ivan DeJesus would mind this!

by initram on May 16, 2008 11:06 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Remember, however...

... he’s still under contract for NEXT year. I don’t think the Cubs want to eat that, too.

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

by Al on May 17, 2008 4:27 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

His Fascination With A Lefty Starting Rotation...

...is because the bullpen is predominantly right handed.

Jacque Jones is gone, and I doubt Ivan DeJesus would mind this!

by initram on May 16, 2008 11:06 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bullpen Depth

Howry could turn things around in the bullpen, as Lilly has in the starting rotation. Eyre hasn’t pitched much this season. He could be a quality LHP in the pen, as he has been in the past. To this point, I am bit concerned that Marmol and Wood have been the only effective relievers. Bullpen depth doesn’t much matter, when your starters are doing well. However, a team can’t always depend on its starters to do well. I’m not panicked, but this is an issue the Cubs will have to address, if Howry and other relievers don’t begin to perform better.

by memphiscub on May 16, 2008 5:24 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

True.

The Cubs have extra bodies… Fox hasn’t pitched much either. Use the guys you have, otherwise cut back to 11 pitchers and get an extra bench guy.

However, methinks we complain too much at times. They’re winning, so something must be going right.

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

by Al on May 16, 2008 5:33 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If Cub fans aren't complaining,

they probably aren’t talking. ;-)

"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 May 16, 2008 5:34 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bring back up Hart or give Ascanio a try

At least that’s what I’m hoping.

"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 May 16, 2008 5:38 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ascanio

should get a shot. But there is really a slim to none chance that Lou will ask for him.

by Unique on May 16, 2008 5:44 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And Hart is being stretched out to start.

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

by Al on May 16, 2008 6:41 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's pretty ridiculous

That we’ve got Chad “Broken” Fox in the pen, and a kid like Ascanio can’t get a look yet.

by AceCubbie on May 17, 2008 8:48 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Either Neal Cotts and Jose Ascanio

should be in the majors rather than Chad Fox. Or “disable” Howry and bring them both up.

It's a girl! Born 1-18-08. 2246 PST. 8 lbs. 1 oz.

by Josh77 on May 16, 2008 5:56 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What happened to Wuertz?

I thought he was starting to turn in around.

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

by gwood on May 17, 2008 9:10 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Fun

Looked like yet another well-played game by the Cubs today. It’s such fun to see a Cubs team playing with this sort of confidence. Scoring runs in bunches, making the key plays (like DeRosa’s tumbling catch in right) and generally pouncing on opposition mistakes instead of vice versa.

Shaping into a very good home stand. I’m hoping this form continues into the next home stand when I’ll be in town. Glad to hear of the arrival of the summer weather too:)

by simonuk on May 16, 2008 5:29 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You hit the nail on the head.

“Pouncing on opposition mistakes”. That’s what winning teams do. Ain’t it nice to be on that side for once?

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

by Al on May 16, 2008 5:34 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It is.

It feels good to watch these media outlets give us some respect and to be at the top of the standings.

by Unique on May 16, 2008 5:46 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I am really enjoying this ride..

...this is a good team and this is a lot of fun right now!

Felix Pie must play everyday!

by JB 23 on May 16, 2008 5:35 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Slight Kerry correction Al

Kerry Wood pitched 3 days in a row. I’m pretty sure that Wednesday he pitched the non-save opportunity against Padres.

by ak123 on May 16, 2008 5:45 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He did

And turned it into a save opportunity had someone else needed to follow.

by Shanghai Badger on May 16, 2008 5:50 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yes...

Wood should NOT be available tomorrow. Pitching the healthiest and most durable of pitchers four days in a row is frowned upon. Wood would not qualify as among the healthiest, most durable of pitchers. He should not pitch tomorrow

by SouthernCub on May 16, 2008 6:13 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You guys are right.

So I guess it’ll be Marmol in the 9th if needed tomorrow. Marmol was warming up in the 8th today.

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

by Al on May 16, 2008 6:42 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

There is an easy way to prevent either one of them from pitching..

.....who’s up for a blowout? For the Cubs of course…..

Felix Pie must play everyday!

by JB 23 on May 16, 2008 6:45 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah, that would be the best approach...

Then we could either use Wuertz or (gasp) Fox!

by SouthernCub on May 16, 2008 6:56 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Since when has that stopped Lou from using his best relievers?

He generally saves Fox for a tight spot in the sixth inning because he has veteran presence – he can throw BP in any situation without feeling the pressure.

by cwyers on May 16, 2008 7:46 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think it would be Howry

He would still use Marmol like he has been. I might be wrong but it seems Howry pitches better when he’s used a lot.

"I realize very well that I could regress to the mean."
-Brian Bannister on his BABIP

by Bump Bailey on May 16, 2008 7:59 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well...

... if it’s Howry, he’d better be better than he was today.

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

by Al on May 16, 2008 8:43 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I hear ya..

The wind didn’t do him any favors, but he didn’t look too sharp, that’s for sure…

"I realize very well that I could regress to the mean."
-Brian Bannister on his BABIP

by Bump Bailey on May 16, 2008 8:45 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

SOR-I-ANO SOR-I-ANO

great game today. pittsburgh has just played awful against us this year.

by columbusOHcubsfan on May 16, 2008 6:05 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Best team in baseball

The Cubs are the best team in baseball right now. When was the last time anyone make that argument? Not the hottest team, but the flat out best team in baseball. Certainly not last year or in 2004. In 1989, Oakland was the best team from wire to wire. In 1984 the Cubs were clearly the best team in the NL, but Detroit was maybe the best team of the 1980s from beginning to end. The 1977 team got red-hot for a month and a half (in honor of my name) but they were just flukey.

You could make an argument that the 1985 Cubs were the best team in baseball before all five starters hit the DL. The 1969 team was clearly the best team in the NL for the first two-thirds of the season, although Baltimore had a hell of a team in the AL. It would be close between those two. All the Cub pennant-winning teams of the 1920s and 1930s paled next to the Ruth-Gehrig-DiMaggio Yankee dynasty.

I’d say you have to go back to the first part of 1969, but otherwise, the last time the Cubs were the best team in baseball was the Tinkers-to-Evers-to-Chance days.

It's a girl! Born 1-18-08. 2246 PST. 8 lbs. 1 oz.

by Josh77 on May 16, 2008 6:06 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Irregardless how good they are...

they’re all ours!

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

by santoswoodenlegs on May 16, 2008 6:08 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Irregardless Isn't a Word...

... I know, I am picky. The word is regardless. I hope you don’t take it the wrong way—I respect you, man.

Jacque Jones is gone, and I doubt Ivan DeJesus would mind this!

by initram on May 16, 2008 11:08 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

From your link on "irregardless"

“Its reputation has not risen over the years, and it is still a long way from general acceptance. Use regardless instead.”

by AceCubbie on May 17, 2008 8:50 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I checked a bit

and clearly the Cubs were the best team in baseball throughout most of 1945. So if you want to count a year where the only reason we were the best team in baseball was because our players were so beaten up that the military considered them 4-F, then that may be the last time we were the best team in baseball if you think the Orioles were in 1969.

It's a girl! Born 1-18-08. 2246 PST. 8 lbs. 1 oz.

by Josh77 on May 16, 2008 6:20 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The 1935 Cubs were the best team in baseball...

... at least during their 21-game winning streak which won them the pennant. That’s the last Cub team to win 100 games.

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

by Al on May 16, 2008 6:43 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

pretty impressive too

since they had about 20 games less than we do now

2008 Cubs: Why Beat A Team in Regulation, when you can beat them in extras?

by Chanman25 on May 16, 2008 6:46 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

8, actually

100-54

Impressive, nonetheless

by Shanghai Badger on May 16, 2008 6:50 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

wow..its been 73 years since the franchise has won 100 games....

..and they did it with fewer games!

Felix Pie must play everyday!

by JB 23 on May 16, 2008 7:01 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'd consider that

more of a “hot-streak” than a true indicator of the team’s ability. Still, I’m splitting hairs here and you could make a case that the 1935 Cubs were the best team in baseball, although the Cochrane/Greenberg/Gehringer/Goslin Tigers may have been better despite a worse record. The American League of the 1930s was (and still is) considered far superior to the National League at the time.

I checked and there is no way the 1969 Cubs were ever, at any point in the season, “the best team in baseball.” The Orioles were playing at or above .700 baseball most of the first two-thirds of the season. They ended up winning 109 games and the only reason they didn’t win 115 was because Weaver took his foot off the pedal when they got an 18 game lead. Even with the NL being the superior league in the late 60’s (and it was) i’ve got to give that one to the Orioles.

I really wouldn’t consider the 1935 Cubs “the best team in baseball” just because of how much better the AL of that period was than the NL. (A much greater disparity than the last few years.) But I couldn’t prove it one way or the other. But certainly the 1945 Cubs were “the best team in baseball.” And honestly, the 1985 Cubs at this point in the season were probably “the best team in baseball.” Unfortunately, we all know how that turned out.

It's a girl! Born 1-18-08. 2246 PST. 8 lbs. 1 oz.

by Josh77 on May 16, 2008 7:18 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That's so right..

Looking back, with a little luck the ‘84-’85 teams could have won back to back WS.

"I realize very well that I could regress to the mean."
-Brian Bannister on his BABIP

by Bump Bailey on May 16, 2008 8:02 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What A Relief

It sure is a fantastic change of pace to play spectator to clubhouse blowups instead of having to watch them in the Cubs clubhouse. Things are not well in St. Louis with Isringhausen and Billy Wagner seems to have dug himself quite a hole with his teammates after this tirade. I know it’s still very early into a long season but if the Cubs continue to keep their heads down with the solid crew they have, it could be a great summer.

by cubbot on May 16, 2008 6:08 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'd take him....

trade Hill and Howry for him.

j/k

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

by santoswoodenlegs on May 16, 2008 6:11 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Billy Wagner is an angry little man.

"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 May 16, 2008 6:11 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Rawr!

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

by santoswoodenlegs on May 16, 2008 6:16 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

*Billy Wagner shown actual size

"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 May 16, 2008 6:31 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

LMAO!

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

by Al on May 16, 2008 6:43 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

+1

That may be the funniest one you’ve posted to date, SWL, IMO.

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

by gwood on May 17, 2008 9:27 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

There's a whole cadre

that seems to vanish into the interwebz when this club is winning.

"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 May 16, 2008 6:31 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

We can only hope so.

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

by Al on May 16, 2008 6:43 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

they the

Bleed Cubbie Oceanic Dozen!

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 16, 2008 7:07 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm so through with that show.

The shark has been jumped about 5 times already….and yet I still watch. I am such a sheep.

"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 May 16, 2008 7:14 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

it's the only TV

my wife watches. Every week.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 16, 2008 7:39 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm defiantely feeling it!

or maybe its that Chinese food…...........ugh, I think it is….......brb

2008 Cubs: Why Beat A Team in Regulation, when you can beat them in extras?

by Chanman25 on May 16, 2008 6:43 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Jealous

So hungry

My 08 Cubs record 4-0
My 08 W.Sox record 0-2 (I havent seen a sox win in 3 years)
Updated April 26th

by Rudey on May 16, 2008 6:44 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

All-star Game

I could honestly see 6 players going to the game:

Zambrano
Dempster
Soto
Lee
Fukudome
Soriano

With players outside looking in including:
Wood
Ramirez
Marmol

2008 Cubs: Why Beat A Team in Regulation, when you can beat them in extras?

by Chanman25 on May 16, 2008 7:04 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hmmmmmm

I see Zambrano, Demp will have to keep this up, Soto for sure, maybe on Lee, as Berkman and Pujols are stiff comp, Dome likely not, unless he gets a big push from overseas, Marmol will prob make it, if not on the vote, by manager’s choice…Soriano, Rammy and Wood are toss-ups…I see3 for sure: Zambrano, Soto, and Marmol

"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 May 16, 2008 7:17 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If Marmol doesnt make the All Star team

...there should be an investigation by Congress

Felix Pie must play everyday!

by JB 23 on May 16, 2008 7:17 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Since Arlen Spector has so little to do,

that’s actually a possibility.

"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 May 16, 2008 7:19 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Be realistic

How many middle relievers make the All-Star game?

by rlpete on May 16, 2008 8:11 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Not many...

... but Marmol may do enough to get the attention of Clint Hurdle, who’ll be managing the team.

It’s possible that Lou Piniella might be named a coach for the AS team, too.

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

by Al on May 16, 2008 8:44 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Willie Randolph and Bud Black

have been added, but I guess he could still invite Lou if he wants…I sure hope they pick Marmol. I’d almost bet Joba gets picked.

"I realize very well that I could regress to the mean."
-Brian Bannister on his BABIP

by Bump Bailey on May 16, 2008 8:53 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Why the crap do those two managers deserve to be coaches on the AS team?

Their teams basically imploded down the stretch last year, and are playing like crap this year. Granted the Padres don’t have real actual major league players (for the most part), but still.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on May 16, 2008 10:24 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I could be wrong...

...but at this stage of Lou’s career, I’ll bet he would want to take the days off to go home and chill out.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on May 17, 2008 9:30 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think you might be right...

Piniella’s been to two All-Star games. Going as an assistant coach probably isn’t too high on his priorities at this point.

by SouthernCub on May 17, 2008 10:00 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Agreed

That is no way Marmol doesn’t make the All Star Game

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

by gwood on May 17, 2008 9:30 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Man

all the Cubs need is CF. Let’s face it, Johnson and Edmonds are stop gaps at best. I mean, look at all the positions. I don’t think other than CF there is a weak link.

"You can't take life to seriously, you don't get out of it alive"

by wild bill on May 16, 2008 7:14 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This will start a war, but so be it.

They already have a CF: Felix Pie. Flame away. I am done.

"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 May 16, 2008 7:18 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Not if

Lance Johnson is still available.

It's a girl! Born 1-18-08. 2246 PST. 8 lbs. 1 oz.

by Josh77 on May 16, 2008 7:20 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

LOL

Perfect. Well played.

"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 May 16, 2008 7:22 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Seriously, what do they have to lose letting Pie play regularly at least through June?

Take away ABs from Edmonds and Johnson? NO! ANYTHING BUT THAT!

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on May 16, 2008 7:24 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I don't think it's a big thing that Pie was set down right now...

...the team is playing well and he isn’t contributing. The team has some cushion right now where they could have carried a struggling Pie and instead they are going to carry a struggling veteran or take a no risk gamble on one. In the meantime Pie can possibly get some confidence playing everyday in AAA. It is up to Pie right now, his baseball life is in his own hands. If you can’t beat out a crumbling apart Edmonds and a sinking Reed Johnson, then maybe it’s never going to happen for him.

But I have hope that Pie will play well at AAA and get recalled and make a strong contribution in CF. Seriously, Edmonds has one foot in the grave and Johnson is not an MLB starter, solid utility but not a starter.

The main reason I like the Edmonds move, maybe the only one, is that it reveals a sense of urgency to win. I don’t think the current manager will give Corey Patterson 300 Abs at leadoff nor will he let Pie hit himself into black hole.

by DudeVf11 on May 16, 2008 8:43 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I agree

and you make some good points. The only thing i will disagree with was he was not contributing. The role he was filling, I thought was perfect for this point of the season. Late inning defensive replacement, speed off the bench.

Let him work his way into the starting position while on the ML roster. Maybe he will build some confidence at AAA. But he certainly does have nothing else to prove at that level. I would have hoped with a spot start here or there at the ML lever, with some success this would have build some confidence.

Let me say as well, Reed Johnson is Matt Murton who plays CF.

"You can't take life to seriously, you don't get out of it alive"

by wild bill on May 17, 2008 7:32 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He's not even that good.

Johnson plays good defense, but doesn’t draw walks the way Murton can.

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

by Al on May 17, 2008 7:44 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Johnson is not the hitter...

...Murton is, and that is obvious. But, his glove is far superior to Murton as well as his baserunning skills.

Either way, neither one of these guys are legit starters on a pennant contending team.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on May 17, 2008 9:34 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Gloves off buddy

I agree. I posted prior that I was not so much upset with the siging of Edmonds, but the demotion of Pie. I like watching him play CF. I am not sure why they did not let him get out there for a number of starts in a row. Plenty of bats in the line up to carry him.

"You can't take life to seriously, you don't get out of it alive"

by wild bill on May 17, 2008 7:23 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Agreed.

"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 May 17, 2008 8:18 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I have been watching Astros - Rangers

and the Rangers have a Left Handed hitting CF named Hamilton who was a rule 5 pick a couple years ago by SOME team…......was 3 for 3 with 2HR’s, 4RBI when I turned the game off…..Ring a bell?

by crazymountain on May 16, 2008 8:42 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Let's not start this again.

Hamilton was never on the Cubs’ radar. He was picked by the Cubs as a courtesy to the Reds, who wanted him. Teams do this all the time in the Rule 5 draft.

I don’t think anyone figured that Hamilton would do this well.

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

by Al on May 16, 2008 8:45 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's real easy in retrospect to say that a guy who had only played 49 games...

...above A ball was going to be a major-league success. The Reds took one hell of a gamble and it paid off. The Cubs were not in a position to gamble that offseason.

by cwyers on May 16, 2008 8:48 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

DINGDINGDING!

We have a winner.

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

by Al on May 16, 2008 8:49 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well...

we just “took a flyer” on a washed up LH CF…..Just making the point that we could have done it then also…

by crazymountain on May 16, 2008 8:52 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No, we couldn't have.

The handshake agreement with the Reds had already taken place. Hamilton was never the property of the Cubs except in the most techincal sense. Asking Hendry to keep him would have been asking Jim to do something incredibly unethical.

"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 May 16, 2008 8:54 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

We took Hamilton because the Reds asked us to take someone for them.

They probably didn’t even tell us who they wanted until after the deal was agreed to.

We had Tampa Bay do the same for us with Lahey – they drafted him out of the Twins organization for us for cash considerations.

by cwyers on May 16, 2008 8:57 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Where do you find this stuff???

I find the snoozepapers lacking in information and filled with smart assed columnists who just amaze me with their writings. Funny, watching the Padres broadcast the other night, they called the Chicago papers the “Cubs propaganda machine”!! IF they only read them….

by crazymountain on May 16, 2008 9:02 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I honestly don't remember.

May have been one of the Chicago beatwriters, may have been the Baseball America website. Probably the Baseball America website – they have a real nice blog during the Rule 5 draft that steps you through everything.

Apparently even ESPN (via the AP) had that news at the time.

by cwyers on May 16, 2008 9:04 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And let's be honest

he’s only one bad night off-the-field from throwing his whole career away.

The Reds knew that and that’s why they traded him for Edinson Volquez. This guy’s health status is “day-to-day” for the rest of his life.

Yeah, it would be great to have Hamilton. But like you say, the Cubs were not in the position to take that gamble last season. The Reds were—and mostly because of Jerry Narron.

It's a girl! Born 1-18-08. 2246 PST. 8 lbs. 1 oz.

by Josh77 on May 16, 2008 11:51 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He does, however...

... appear to have defeated the demons, for now, anyway. He’s not around Narron any more and is still producing and from all accounts, staying clean.

Good for him, I say. There are so many like him that fail.

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

by Al on May 17, 2008 4:29 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You never defeat your demons

but yeah, he’s done a great job of keeping them away, and should be praised. Apparently he’s not allowed to go anywhere with more than ten bucks in his pocket. All of his per diem money goes straight to his wife.

But we couldn’t have known that when the Rule V draft came around.

It's a girl! Born 1-18-08. 2246 PST. 8 lbs. 1 oz.

by Josh77 on May 17, 2008 12:16 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Can we beat this dead horse any more?

The Cubs expected to be contenders last season. It was Piniella’s first season. They were not going to take a chance on a former drug addict who had proven very little and would have to remain on the roster all season.

The Reds sucked last year, they had nothing to lose. It was apples and oranges.

If you want to keep harping on this one. Why not go through all the drafts and start picking out the players that the Cubs should have drafted and ask why? Brandon Webb was chosen in the 8th round. Boy the Cubs messed up there. We could go on for days.

by rlpete on May 17, 2008 8:52 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

do we know why?

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 16, 2008 8:42 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

My feeling is...

... that Hill’s had “physical problems” since spring training, and that’s one of the biggest reasons he has thrown so poorly this year.

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

by Al on May 16, 2008 8:46 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It almost has to be so.

He was solid all year long. You don’t regress that quickly unless you’re hurt.

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

by Al on May 16, 2008 8:49 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No you don't

I was just stunned at the turnaround this year. Is there some reason it was missed? I gotta think someone thought something was very wrong…

by crazymountain on May 16, 2008 8:54 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I just don't understand

why Hill wouldn’t have said something. I know these players want to be seen as tough and able to play through nagging injuries, but there comes a time when you (as a player) need to just fess up to the fact that your hurt. It does the team no good to try and play through injuries that have the effect (used the right word this time) that this injury was having on Hill.

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

by gwood on May 17, 2008 9:43 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hold on, let me put on my "surprise face"

I really think Prior has the worst luck of any player. To be honest, its a damn shame a guy with his talent gets injured easily and often.

by NOLA_Cub_Fan on May 16, 2008 8:42 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What a wimp.

Real men sit around at home listening to talk radio and talking about how other people should pitch through tremendous physical pain.

by cwyers on May 16, 2008 8:43 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Right.

I doubt Prior will pitch this year and he might be done.

Again, I think the injury in 2005, when Brad Hawpe hit him in the elbow, has a lot to do with this. Prior came back way too quickly (four weeks) and likely subtly altered his delivery, which likely caused the shoulder problems (or maybe made worse an existing problem). It IS a shame, because I think he did have tremendous talent.

Past tense above intentional. “Did have” talent. Doesn’t any more.

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

by Al on May 16, 2008 8:48 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

FWIW, Will Carroll of BP has said that the damage to the shoulder...

...was probably caused by a combination of overuse and a change in mechanics to compensate for the discomfort of that overuse.

by cwyers on May 16, 2008 8:50 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That's interesting...

...but Will Carrol wouldn’t be my first choice to analyze a pitcher’s mechanics.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on May 16, 2008 9:08 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He's not mine either...

...but his opinion was based upon what they found in Prior’s shoulder, not based upon his mechanics. I don’t pretend to be any sort of a medical expert so I can’t really comment beyond that.

I don’t think anyone is ever going to know for certain, and to be quite frank I’m not sure how much I care at this point. I’ve still got my Prior jersey and my Prior autographed pitching rubber and God knows what else – he was my favorite Cub even well after his sell-by date. But right now, I’m a lot more worried about Rich Hill’s injuries than Mark Prior’s. I just get very annoyed when people try to make Prior’s injuries into a character issue.

by cwyers on May 16, 2008 9:11 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I hear ya...

...and we will never know what held Prior back the most, his mind, or physical limitations.

He is old news to me, and I would not be surprised if he is done.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on May 16, 2008 9:17 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think it's a combination of both...

... the physical problems, and his mental approach to the problems when they occurred. He was “Golden Boy”. This wasn’t supposed to happen to him, and he was unprepared mentally to handle it.

What the Cubs should have done with him after the Hawpe incident was shut him down for the rest of 2005 and bring him back slowly in 2006. And barring that, he should have had shoulder surgery in mid-2006 after he came back and was horrid.

But like you say, old news, and now someone else’s problem.

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

by Al on May 17, 2008 4:31 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

IMO...

...Prior is one of those guys who is like a Ferrari. When everything is perfectly in tune, he hums along effortlessly and looks beautiful doing it. But, when there is a problem, the whole machine is shut down.

The problem with this is pitchers can’t be like Ferrari’s, the nature of the profession means they are going to be dealing with discomfort for a good part of their career.

I have said this before, if you thoroughly examined all major league pitchers with any mileage, you would find tears and other goofy things going on in their shoulder. I can’t tell you why some guys are able to pitch many years with issues and others can’t, but it is a reality in the baseball world.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on May 17, 2008 9:44 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I agree, cwyers....

as a man who has had shoulder problems for the last 30 years and now need a replacement (I never stopped either!!) and the medical community for years was, in my experience, absolutely clueless about shoulders. EVERYONE reads an MRI differently, specialists included.

by crazymountain on May 16, 2008 9:20 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Carroll did

Write a book on it.

It's a girl! Born 1-18-08. 2246 PST. 8 lbs. 1 oz.

by Josh77 on May 17, 2008 12:03 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What a sad story.

Prior is not an easy person to like, but he was a hell of a pitcher and it’s simply a shame to see his body breaking down on him like this….just too sad.

"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 May 16, 2008 8:52 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

true, I still hold a grudge against him leaving

but I really respected him as a pitcher and he was probably my favorite player for awhile. It’s truly remarkable what he is gone through.

2008 Cubs: Why Beat A Team in Regulation, when you can beat them in extras?

by Chanman25 on May 16, 2008 8:54 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Tear? Capsule? Isn't this what put him on the Forever Disabled List LAST year--?

I am no longer a Prior fan, but I can understand some of his issues. It has taken me three months to finally realise that I must go on disability (temporarily, hopefully!) ... it’s a hard decision to reach, and the word “loser” continuosly rings in the head. There’s that point where dragging along an ill “employee” becomes a negative for a given company … and it also is a negative for the given individual-it’s hard to change what has become routine. But eventually and sadly, reality must rule the day, despite one’s ego. It’s very, very difficult to admit one can’t continue as one once did and to try and not whine about the hand one has been dealt sucks-but it’s a part of growing up. Ick!

But Prior is lucky. He has his degree, a certain amount of fame, a wife, and a kid. There’s no reason he cannot find success outside the baseball stadium … it’ll be a measure of his maturity to see how long it takes for him to … accept and move on.

Just a thought. I still don’t like Prior, though I do feel a little more empathy towards him.

GEAUX FONTENOT!

by Little Rock Ryno Fan on May 16, 2008 10:35 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Any updates on Hill?

"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 May 16, 2008 9:27 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nope.

Any one of our Des Moines contingent want to turn on a radio and help out us poor souls?

by cwyers on May 16, 2008 9:55 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Josh77? IowaCub? If you guys are out there,

we’re in the dark here!

"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 May 16, 2008 9:58 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Josh77 lives in California...

...and so I don’t know if he’d know any more than the rest of us.

by cwyers on May 16, 2008 9:59 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I know, but he seems to be really wired into the minors....

"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 May 16, 2008 10:00 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He does listen

to minor league games on the internet though. That’s one of the reasons he’s “tuned in.”

But not tonight. I know nothing.

It's a girl! Born 1-18-08. 2246 PST. 8 lbs. 1 oz.

by Josh77 on May 17, 2008 12:06 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nobody seems to know anything.

I’m hoping that Mike Wellman of TCR was there and provides some input, but we may have to wait until morning, if there’s even anything then.

by cwyers on May 17, 2008 12:12 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The write up of the game

in the Austin-American Statesman didn’t even mention it.

It's a girl! Born 1-18-08. 2246 PST. 8 lbs. 1 oz.

by Josh77 on May 17, 2008 1:06 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Over at Cubsf/x,

Harry says the announcers hoped to have an update before the game was over, so maybe something will be out soon.

"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 May 16, 2008 10:02 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I saw that over at ACB.

Now I have something to worry about other than my writing. All is right with the world.

"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 May 16, 2008 10:24 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hill

its just back stiffness

by china423 on May 17, 2008 9:01 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Where'd you get that from?

"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 May 17, 2008 9:02 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I just found that!

Thanks, though. Your link got cut off, so everyone can get it here.

"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 May 17, 2008 9:06 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's strange how "It's just Manny being Manny" doesn't seem so annoying to moi....

Yet the saying “It’s just Fonzie being Fonzie” irks the living daylights out of me. Maybe if I lived in Boston, I’d understand it all. Still, it’s nice to see Soriano playing great baseball, now that he’s decided to come off his mountain and rejoin the major leagues (a.k.a., the Planet Earth).

Interesting game … though Howry kind of-well-sucked.

GEAUX FONTENOT!

by Little Rock Ryno Fan on May 16, 2008 10:10 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Tssssss....

that’s the sound you would hear if you licked your finger and touched Soriano right now. The guy is sizzling hot. Very nice ot see him turn things around. I heard him say after the game the hitting coaches have been working with him.

It’s great to see this team play like they have been. Hope it continues for a long time.

by sue369 on May 16, 2008 11:03 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Another good win today

Sure hope Gallagher can continue to throw well, what a lft he would be for the rotation.
Interesting to see what is up with Hill, can Howry be hurt also? I know it takes awhile for him to get going, but his velocity is down it appears.Damn if he ever gets going the end of the game gets that much stronger.
All those Soriano bashers are no where to be found. I am sure he will get into another minor funk, and then snap out of it again. Just be burnin in September and October Sori.
Game at a time fellas, lets have a great summer.

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

by Grockcubs on May 16, 2008 11:14 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

OT I know

But I thought people might get a kick out of this.

Pete LaCock is now the batting coach for the Lincoln Saltdogs and Felix Jose is their DH.

Dustin Yount is playing for them too.

Odd.

by phat on May 16, 2008 11:20 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Felix Jose?

Really? Geez. He turned 43 a couple of weeks ago. Does he still think he has a chance to get back to the majors? His last ML game was in 2003.

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

by Al on May 17, 2008 4:33 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Today in the bleachers

First of all so many people came by to say hello to Al that I think he is officially
the Mayor the Bleachers. By the 8th I was not even paying attention when I guy in
business shirt and slacks came by to talk. I was too busy reading the paper while
Howry was giving up too many runs. After he leaves Al says that was Crain Kenney.
Damn I missed my chance to lobby for my favorite issues , getting Wrigley to switch from
horrid Pepsl to Coke ( some of us are old enough to remember when they did sell Coke) and dumping Edmonds. Alas I can’t take Mr. Kenney up on the lunch invite to season ticket holders as I would have to fly in if I was one the chosen few and with NYC- Chicago fares hitting $400 that is just a bit too much of my budget.

My game highlight was when I was returning to the bleachers after visiting
friends in the main park and one of the security guards said he remembered me
from the Conventions. ” You ask a lot of questions” he said. I do indeed.

by Doggie Stalker on May 17, 2008 12:02 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sportscenter, really!!

So it’s 8:39am EST and they’ve yet to show highlights of the NL Central leading Cubs, despite showing almost every other “non-important” interleague game….. just ridiculous in my opinion. I don’t get a chance to watch a lot of sportscenter, is this normal treatment for the cubbies or am i overeacting?

by cubbiefanTN on May 17, 2008 7:38 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's normal treatment.

The ESPN guys must have been very upset last night, since both the Yankees and Red Sox were rained out.

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

by Al on May 17, 2008 7:45 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ESPN is usually

Kind to the Cubs in terms of coverage. Nowhere near the Yank/Sox level, but usually solid.

by AceCubbie on May 17, 2008 8:51 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Right now, the Cubs have a better winning percentage...

...than ANY team in the AL. And they’re second in the NL only to the D’backs. Sometimes I want to throw a brick through my TV when I turn on ESPN. Of course, then I’d have to buy a new TV.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.

by dat cubfan daver on May 17, 2008 8:53 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

One reason why I rarely watch it

unless there is a game on that I want to see

by Shanghai Badger on May 17, 2008 9:14 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I suppose

it would be cost prohibitive for anyone to try and start up a competitor to ESPN doing national sports with a less bias approach. But it would certainly be nice!

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

by gwood on May 17, 2008 9:50 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Don't forget

the Cubs game was a day game and was one of the lead stories in the late afternoon Sportscenter. By the time of the overnight Sportscenter, the Cubs game is old news.

That’s the way that works. The Cubs were old news by this morning.

It's a girl! Born 1-18-08. 2246 PST. 8 lbs. 1 oz.

by Josh77 on May 17, 2008 12:20 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

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

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

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recommended FanPosts

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

Recent FanPosts

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

Post_icon New FanPost All FanPosts Carrot-mini

FanShots

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

Recommended FanShots

via ESPN

Ronald Reagan
AP Photo/Charles Tasnadi

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

Recent FanShots

Peoria Chiefs @ Kane County Cougars 7/3/09
Coincidence or not, Soto has hit .315 with five home runs and 10 RBIs in...
Aramis Ramirez and Reed Johnson during warm ups at their rehab assignment with the Peoria Chiefs at Kane County.  Aramis Ramirez missed a home run by about 2 feet at his first at bat and ended up with a stand up double.  He later took a base-on-balls and scored twice. Reed Johnson also had a hit and scored.  Here are the rest of the photos.
Sam Fuld to lead off Saturday
Cubs sign Casey Fossum to a Minor League Deal
7/3:Cubs vs. Brewers

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

What would it take?

Post_icon New FanShot All FanShots Carrot-mini

Cubs By The Numbers

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

Click here to order your copy, available now!

Recent Stories in Interviews

Yelloncard_small
Luckiest Man: Cubs vs. Brewers Preview, Saturday 7/4, 12:05 CT
Yelloncard_small
Overflow Thread 3: Cubs vs. Brewers, Friday 7/3, 1:20 CT
Yelloncard_small
Overflow Thread 2: Cubs vs. Brewers, Friday 7/3, 1:20 CT

Recent Stories in Ticket Exchanges

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

SPONSORS


Editor-in-Chief

Yelloncard_small Al

Editorial Cartoonist

Toonmike_small toonmike

Contributors

Dsc_0139_small holy mackerel

100px-boisehawkscaplogo_small Josh77

Official Partner of Yahoo! Sports