Open Thread: Cubs vs. Astros, Monday 5/19, 6:05 CT
by Al Yellon on May 19, 2008 3:45 PM CDT
in Game Threads
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PrintChicago Cubs at Houston Astros, May 19, 2008 6:05 PM CDT
For ESPN purposes, today's game starts an hour earlier than it usually would in Houston, 6:05 Central time. The preview box above says it'll be 95 degrees in Houston at game time (pretty hot for this time of year), and with temps that high, the roof is likely to be closed at the Juice Box.
The Cubs stand this morning one game behind Arizona for the best record in baseball. Now, you could say that the Cubs are 27-17, but that includes an 8-1 record against the Pirates, so they're "only" 19-16 against everyone else. But the Diamondbacks have piled up wins against the three bad teams in their own division; vs. the Giants, Padres and Rockies, who are a combined 50-84 so far, the D'backs are 16-4, so against "everyone else", Arizona is 12-12. This is, of course, one way to win a championship: beat the heck out of the bad teams and play .500 against everyone else. Works for me.
You probably won't be surprised to learn that Alfonso Soriano was named NL Player of the Week for his monster hitting last week.
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Brought back from the scrap heap and put into Houston's rotation, Brian Moehler wasn't that good even ten and eleven years ago, when he was a kid pitcher trying to make it with the Tigers. One of his "last five starts vs. the Cubs", as listed on the baseball-reference.com preview page linked below, was ten years ago in Tiger Stadium, a 6-4 Detroit win. His opponent that night? Kerry Wood. Maybe Kerry can get payback tonight by saving the game. Expect to see Jim Edmonds starting tonight; he is .344/.417/.938 vs. Moehler (11-for-32, 4 doubles, 5 HR).
Ted Lilly, now ranking 11th in the NL with 50 strikeouts, is 4-1, 3.09 in his last five starts and 1-1, 3.60 in three career starts vs. Houston.
Today's game is on the usual cable outlets in the Chicago and Houston areas, and also nationally on ESPN. Most of the time, the Monday ESPN feeds are not blacked out in the usual blackout areas. For more see the MLB.com Mediacenter.
MLB.com Gameday (2007 version)
MLB.com Gameday (2008 version)
Baseball-reference.com game preview
Today's overflow comment thread will post at 7:30 pm CT -- this time for sure!
Discuss amongst yourselves.
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Comments
hey we swept the diamondbacks and mets
i’d say thats not by luck
2008 Cubs: Why Beat A Team in Regulation, when you can beat them in extras?
Hey, Hammer
I saw you post that you were following the Cubs on your phone… how do you do that?
"My body is a temple.... a temple of doom." -source unknown
not hammer
but i pay $5/month to listen to pat and ron through mlb mobile. it’s a little choppy and drains the heck out of the battery but i don’t get a chance to see the games on tv, being from TN. you should be able to get a link if you have the web on your phone… i use a palm treo
You can also...
... use the link wap.mlb.com on any phone that has a web browser—you can get pitch by pitch accounts there.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
The Cubs should beat Moehler like
a rented mule. Just don’t let Berkman beat you. Other than CLee, I don’t see a lot of firepower in that lineup.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on May 19, 2008 3:57 PM CDT reply actions
Tejada
Can still hit
''As long as he doesn't talk World Series, I'm happy.'' Lou Piniella on Ronny Cedeno.
by CubsBullsBears on May 19, 2008 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions
that's what was being said
when we faced Estes last week.
I think you’re right, by the way. It just gave me deja vu (all over again).
"I don't want to be a product of my environment. I want my environment to be a product of me." Frank Costello
by kalamazoo_cubs_fan on May 19, 2008 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd like to see
Lilly attack Berkman when the bases are empty, or if we get a sizable lead. With RISP? Be vewy careful.
Okay, "Wendy: hot and juicy redhead." Give this a try.
by neverAcquiesce on May 19, 2008 4:20 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm still working through the Jim Edmonds thing...
...but starting to feel a little better about it. (Or, should I say, a little more hopeful about it.) Maybe he can do some good tonight away from the harsh glare of 40,000+ eyes demanding he prove there’s at least a drop or two of Cubbie blue running through his veins.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
Centerfield
in Minute Maid is huge, right? Hopefully the step that Edmunds has lost won’t be on display tonight.
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
Nice save.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
not positive of dimensions
but it has a big “f-ing” hill in center
"I don't want to be a product of my environment. I want my environment to be a product of me." Frank Costello
by kalamazoo_cubs_fan on May 19, 2008 4:24 PM CDT up reply actions
It is a metric "ass-load" deep in center...
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 19, 2008 4:25 PM CDT up reply actions
315 in left
326 in right and FOUR THIRTY SIX straight away?
Were they HIGH when they made this???
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 19, 2008 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Sometimes I wonder
What the heck people are thinking. My highschool was 325 down the lines.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
they were thinking
these dimensions should get Bag-pipes into the HoF.
"I don't want to be a product of my environment. I want my environment to be a product of me." Frank Costello
by kalamazoo_cubs_fan on May 19, 2008 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions
There's a reason Biggio
hit all those leadoff dongs….
That park was built for he and Bagwell.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
Put Kosuke in center
I can not see Edmonds covering all that ground.
by californiachicagoan on May 19, 2008 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Well, Edmonds should at least be familiar with it.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
Yeah.
He that over-the-shoulder catch on the hill one year.
Okay, "Wendy: hot and juicy redhead." Give this a try.
by neverAcquiesce on May 19, 2008 4:34 PM CDT up reply actions
True.
I don’t want to take a chance on Dome getting hurt on that stupid hill.
I hate that damn hill, and everyone else should, too.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
stupid
flagpole
"I don't want to be a product of my environment. I want my environment to be a product of me." Frank Costello
by kalamazoo_cubs_fan on May 19, 2008 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions
AAAAAUUUGGGHHHH!!!!!!!!!
It’s so stupid. I mean, really, a flagpole, on a hill, inside the park? Really? It’s just. so. f-n. stupid.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
just one more
thing we can blame on Enron
"I don't want to be a product of my environment. I want my environment to be a product of me." Frank Costello
by kalamazoo_cubs_fan on May 19, 2008 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Just one more thing
they screwed up that other people bear the burden of….
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
hill?
it’s a HILL? it’s not flat?
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 19, 2008 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes, it's a hill.
it actually sits higher than the rest of the playing surface.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
Like you might have experienced
during your days playing sandlot ball. Cute, as Al says.
"Is there anything he can't do?" ~Len Kasper, 4/5/08, on Kosuke Fukudome
Hill:
a landform that extends above the surrounding terrain, in a limited area. Hills often have a distinct summit, although in areas with scarp/dip topography a hill may refer to a particular section of scarp slope without a well-defined summit
"I don't want to be a product of my environment. I want my environment to be a product of me." Frank Costello
by kalamazoo_cubs_fan on May 19, 2008 4:40 PM CDT up reply actions
the hell.
didn’t we just spend a bunch of money on Wrigley so it DOESN’T have a hill?
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 19, 2008 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions
Hahaha
We took the hill out from under “the hill”
by californiachicagoan on May 19, 2008 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions
no
that was just a crown
"I don't want to be a product of my environment. I want my environment to be a product of me." Frank Costello
by kalamazoo_cubs_fan on May 19, 2008 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions
It's not a hill
It’s a mountain!
It's a girl! Born 1-18-08. 2246 PST. 8 lbs. 1 oz.
by Josh Timmers on May 19, 2008 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions
face-palm
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 19, 2008 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Nonsensical.
Something that makes no sense.
Used in a sentence: “A hill? In a baseball park? That’s nonsensical.”
Okay, "Wendy: hot and juicy redhead." Give this a try.
by neverAcquiesce on May 19, 2008 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions
There's other parks with short distances down the line
Like 315, etc.
However, they tend to have power alleys more like 385. That’s why Wrigley isn’t as extremely small as some think. The distances down the line to the corners make up for the short power alleys a little bit.
"Is there anything he can't do?" ~Len Kasper, 4/5/08, on Kosuke Fukudome
Thats photoshop right?
That cant be right.
by californiachicagoan on May 19, 2008 4:28 PM CDT up reply actions
No, that's right.
The Juice Box appears to have been designed by a committee who met and, by a 7-4 vote, said, “Let’s put every single cute little ballpark quirk we can find in here!”
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
It's like they had a "Design the New Ballpark" contest
at area grade schools and this was the idea the winning ten-year-old came up with.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
Oh, that's right. Scary thought considering Jimbo Ballgame's cranky leg(s).
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
It'll be fun (sarcasm)
watching Jimmy going back on the ball. It’ll be like the scene in the Holy Grail where Galahad is storming the castle to save the “princess” .. . he keeps running, and running, and running . . .
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
That's when Lancelot
is running to save the “princess,” but I digress.
And that’s exactly what it will look like, but with more stumbling.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
Thank you
for the correction, I could picture John Cleese, but couldn’t remember his Knight’s name
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
Cleese plays 4 or 5 roles in that movie.
He’s:
Lancelot
Snooty French Knight
Tim the Sorcerer
Villager in the Witch-Burning scene
and I think one more that I can’t recall
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
His Name is Lancelot
So just say thanks a lot
And try romance, it’s hot!
Let’s find out who’s really you.
His name is Lancelot
He visits France a lot
He likes to dance a lot and dream
No one would ever know
That this outrageous pro
Bats for the other team.
It's fun to be a Cub right now. -- Mark DeRosa
NOT CANON!
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 19, 2008 4:45 PM CDT up reply actions
His other character is
one of the guards talking about the swallows at the beginning of the movie
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
Ah, right. Good catch.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
We'll See What Edmonds Can Do
Well, if Edmonds wants to prove he still play CF, here is his chance. Shut up the naysayers, Jim. Make some nice catches tonight! Get a couple of hits, while you’re at it. Prove to us that you’re a better player now than Pie is. Mind you, I’m not a real Pie fan, but I’m not convinced that Edmonds is an improvement.
"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray
Well that was an awkward wording of Player of the Week...
“Alfonso Soriano of the Chicago Cubs named Bank of America presents the National League Player of the Week”
Calm down.
Sounds like BofA
has really paid a lot for the advertising.
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Stupid
Why can’t they call it the Bank of America National League Player of the Week. I guess reasonable English can’t get in the way of a buck.
and perhaps our star first baseman?
Calm down.
by Kinky Reggae on May 19, 2008 3:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Hoffpauier?
''As long as he doesn't talk World Series, I'm happy.'' Lou Piniella on Ronny Cedeno.
by CubsBullsBears on May 19, 2008 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Gesundheit!
Okay, "Wendy: hot and juicy redhead." Give this a try.
by neverAcquiesce on May 19, 2008 4:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Well, the bad news is...
...in his career, Aramis has hit only .235/.275/.466 (.741 OPS) at Minute Maid Park. Versus Moehler he’s 3 for 11 with a double and a triple. But, hey, that doesn’t mean he can’t improve those numbers tonight.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
However
He has hit more home runs there than any stadium besides Wrigley Field and his old workplace, PNC Park.
"Is there anything he can't do?" ~Len Kasper, 4/5/08, on Kosuke Fukudome
Sweet! Didn't notice that. He's definitely due for one.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
1-5 with a 3-run HR
is fine with me.
"Is there anything he can't do?" ~Len Kasper, 4/5/08, on Kosuke Fukudome
Can you imagine
if they all get going at the same time? Pitchers beware!
I say the Astros pitching staff should...
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 19, 2008 4:08 PM CDT reply actions
ESPN Curse?
I just hope that what happened to Lilly last time I saw him on ESPN doesn’t happen tonight…
Remember the game against Atlanta when he got ejected for doing NOTHING after about an inning?
"Winning is the greatest marketing idea of all time." --Cubs President John McDonough
Wolf will always be on my badside
for that stupid call
2008 Cubs: Why Beat A Team in Regulation, when you can beat them in extras?
Ah, yes. Jim Wolf
the great mindreader.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
I saw that live...
as an avid cub fan i made the trip down to atlanta from knoxville the day after soriano went nuts on the braves only to see lilly get ejected for one bad pitch. it was in the first inning if memory serves, right… all my friends were routing for the braves, i was so pissed.
Cubs on the road
we gotta start playing better on the road. At home we lost two series all year, and one of them was due to Wood blowing the game. We even showed we can beat the best teams in the Mets and D-backs at home. But on the road we lost 4 of 5 series, and tied one. The only reason we’re 8 and 9 on the road is because we swept the one series we won. We just don’t hit the same on the road in most series, and we don’t play with the some confidence. So hopefully we start playing better on the road soon, because if were gonna win 90 plus games were gonna need to win more series on the road. A 4-2 week against the Astros and Pirates on the road would be very nice IMO.
Kosuke Fukudome being an extreme example
.209 .289 .299 – yikes
"Is there anything he can't do?" ~Len Kasper, 4/5/08, on Kosuke Fukudome
Ouch
DeRo is even worse. I can’t bear to copy and paste it.
"Is there anything he can't do?" ~Len Kasper, 4/5/08, on Kosuke Fukudome
Yeah
I just saw thiose numbers too. I understand Kosuke, but whats up with Dero? I guess he really does love Chicago
by californiachicagoan on May 19, 2008 4:45 PM CDT up reply actions
But his home numbers are amazing
.402 .491 .586 1.077
compare that to
.132 .266 .226 .492
Wow.
by californiachicagoan on May 19, 2008 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Is Pittsburgh a Bad Team
Does everyone realize that Pittsburgh is 20-15 against any opponents it has played beside the Chicago National League Ballclub? Maybe they aren’t as bad as their 1-8 record against the Cubs would indicate.
it just shows
how much we’re going to dominate this division. :D
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 19, 2008 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions
The Pirates
are 21-23, so they’re 20-15 against everyone else…makes the cubs 8-1 against them look pretty good.
My buddy at work is a Bucs fan ...
Needless to say, he doesn’t want to see his team play the Cubs anymore
"My body is a temple.... a temple of doom." -source unknown
and the pirates
are what AL calls “one of the really bad teams”.... interesting when you break down the #’s. i loved that they took 2 of 3 from the braves. I HATE THE BRAVES!!
Over/Under
Since only Boston is playing tonight, how many times will ESPN cut into the game and give “updates” on Boston or the New York teams? I am going 5.
Thanks for the wap.mlb.com. I just loaded it on my Palm as a favorite and get around filters.
4-2 this week will be a great week.
A Cub fan in Cardinal territory.
New York
need not actually play for other games to be interrupted about their “news.” Aren’t you interested in what Jeter’s eating for dinner tonight?
BTW, your sig line is all too true for me as well.
Okay, "Wendy: hot and juicy redhead." Give this a try.
by neverAcquiesce on May 19, 2008 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions
To add fuel to the fire
A-Rod to come off the DL tommorow
A ugly win is better than a pretty loss-Lou
I'll go with the over.
Your sig line rings true for me as well. I live in Belleville, IL, just across the river from St. Louis. I get a lot of crap from the Cardinal fans.
Belleville, IL
Home of the Uncle Tupelo/Sun Volt/Wilco boys, correct?
Had to ask, getting antsy before the game : )
by Tangled Up In Blue on May 19, 2008 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Cubs lineup
A. Soriano lf
R. Theriot ss
D. Lee 1b
A. Ramirez 3b
K. Fukudome rf
G. Soto c
J. Edmonds cf
M. DeRosa 2b
T. Lilly p
"Is there anything he can't do?" ~Len Kasper, 4/5/08, on Kosuke Fukudome
Ronny is quite obviously now on the Pie Prospect Development Plan.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
Yesterday was clearly
a spot start to give Ry Ontario a breather. It wasn’t because of the riot’s weak throw on Saturday, or Ronny’s freakish RBI numbers.
"Is there anything he can't do?" ~Len Kasper, 4/5/08, on Kosuke Fukudome
I recognize that,
but I won’t be surprised when we don’t see Ronny not get a start for the next 2 1/2 weeks.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
You won't if we don't see him not?
Color me confused.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 19, 2008 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions
I won't be surprised when we don't see him get another start for 2 1/2 weeks.
Sorry for that previous piece of Orwellian doublespeak.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
double-plus bad.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 19, 2008 6:40 PM CDT up reply actions
God help him then.
Okay, "Wendy: hot and juicy redhead." Give this a try.
by neverAcquiesce on May 19, 2008 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions
DeRosa in the 8 hole.
Wow. That is quite a lineup when DeRosa is your 8 hitter.
Theriot is messing up Lou’s lefty plan. He can’t pull the trigger and put Dome 2, while The Riot is hitting .340 and getting on base at a better clip than Dome this month.
by californiachicagoan on May 19, 2008 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions
This lineup could be frightening if Edmonds could actually still hit
"This is why Major League Baseball does not need instant replay, because then every single play will then be reviewed." -- Joe Morgan, 5/18/08, referring to an umpire ruling a Carlos Delgado homerun foul when replays showed it hit the foul pole.
by CubsBall2202 on May 19, 2008 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Astros
M. Bourn cf
K. Matsui 2b
M. Tejada ss
L. Berkman 1b
C. Lee lf
H. Pence rf
T. Wigginton 3b
B. Ausmus c
B. Moehler p
"Is there anything he can't do?" ~Len Kasper, 4/5/08, on Kosuke Fukudome
The middle of that lineup is just frightening.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
But the top and bottom
are Neifilicious.
"Is there anything he can't do?" ~Len Kasper, 4/5/08, on Kosuke Fukudome
True.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
*cough*
BCB dictionary
cough
Okay, "Wendy: hot and juicy redhead." Give this a try.
by neverAcquiesce on May 19, 2008 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions
I like ours better.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 19, 2008 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Watch out for Pence.
He has had a .900+ OPS in May, and has hit lefties well overall. It is probably human nature to relax once you get past Tejada/Berkman/Lee and then Pence bites ya.
by californiachicagoan on May 19, 2008 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Absolutely.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
the middle of that lineup
is only frightening if it’s still 2003.
Disagree..
4, 5, and 6 are really good. 3 is not frightening, but still productive.
i was just kind of kidding
berkman’s a stud this year. but it really does amuse me that the lineup looks like it was put together by someone who’s been in a coma for the last 5 years.
Micah Hoffpauir
“the fine first baseman/outfielder of the Chicago Cubs,” is pretty nervous, getting interviewed by Ron Santo right now.
"Is there anything he can't do?" ~Len Kasper, 4/5/08, on Kosuke Fukudome
listening cubs pregame
Lou was talking to Ron Santo and commented that he realizes that marmol and wood are ahead of the number of innings he would like. that he is going to try and get lieber and fox .
He said that he was nervous yesterday
by Madison Cub Fan on May 19, 2008 5:53 PM CDT reply actions
He'd better plan on building more 6-run leads
if he plans on using Chad Fox more often.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
probably why we got edmonds.
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
Can't say I blame him...
I bet this is overwhelming for him.
A little info from The Cub Reporter about Guzman, for those interested:
Facing five EXST Cubs who were not in the starting lineup on Field #3 (Junior Lake, George Matheus, Nelson Perez, Kevin Soto, and Josh Vitters), the 26-year old Guzman once again had good velocity (consistently throwing his fastball 92-94 MPH, same as last Thursday), but also once again struggled with his control, (throwing ten balls and ten strikes in his one inning of work). But at least nobody hit the ball hard off him.
Also, is Kevin Soto related to Geovany Soto? I tried to look if there was any relation, and couldn’t find anything refuting or validating this claim.
"I think Hendry still has a few years to serve on his 'grand larceny' sentence before he can shop in Pittsburgh again" - ballhawk
Steve Phillips just called Arizona the best team in the NL
Not sure how I feel about it.
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
Well, he did say we're second best...
it’s a fair argument. They have the better top-end starting pitching, we have the better offense and probably the better pen. It remains to be seen who’ll wind up best.
In any case, you could make a strong case for either team.
I cannot stand Steve Phillips
Just a complete idiot on the air and there’s no doubt in my mind he has a huge bias against the Cubs. Last year went for the Brewers the entire year and this year calls the dbacks better despite the cubs sweeping them, ESPN’s baseball analysts are all terrible.
"This why Major League Baseball does not need instant replay, because then every single play will then be reviewed." -- Joe Morgan, 5/18/08, referring to an umpire ruling a Carlos Delgado homerun foul when replays showed it hit the foul pole.
by CubsBall2202 on May 19, 2008 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm waiting for Pat Hughes to say
“Chicago Cubs baseball is on the air!” before I switch over to the TV feed.
"Is there anything he can't do?" ~Len Kasper, 4/5/08, on Kosuke Fukudome
I love hearing Pat say that before each game
Perfect broadcasting voice
"This is why Major League Baseball does not need instant replay, because then every single play will then be reviewed." -- Joe Morgan, 5/18/08, referring to an umpire ruling a Carlos Delgado homerun foul when replays showed it hit the foul pole.
by CubsBall2202 on May 19, 2008 6:04 PM CDT up reply actions
Plus the consistency
in addition to the style and technique. It’s reassuring.
"Is there anything he can't do?" ~Len Kasper, 4/5/08, on Kosuke Fukudome
Lee breaks out of his slump tonight
2008 Cubs: Why Beat A Team in Regulation, when you can beat them in extras?
According to the Bulldog,
Pretty much everything about Soriano is “notorious”.
Seriously, guys, there’s nothing to react to. You CAN write the pregame.
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
Sori's ready to hack at that first pitch, looks so anxious
"This is why Major League Baseball does not need instant replay, because then every single play will then be reviewed." -- Joe Morgan, 5/18/08, referring to an umpire ruling a Carlos Delgado homerun foul when replays showed it hit the foul pole.
Watching ESPN live feed
... as it said Fukudome vs Kaz Matsui…. nop, it’s Cubs vs Astros.
They were teammate at Olympic Japan team, and friends.
I'm bleeding Dragons Blue.
Didn't you know?
They’re both Japanese, so their games are similar.
Get ready to see plenty of Ichiro and Matsui, and hear how Fukudome is a mix of both. If by mix they mean “nothing like either player,” they’d be correct.
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
Right
They’re all very different players. It’s a bit ridiculous to hear media says such as “Ichiro with power” or “Matsui the Second”..... Dome is Dome, Kaz is Kaz.
I'm bleeding Dragons Blue.
by dragonsfanatic on May 19, 2008 6:15 PM CDT up reply actions
Agreed!
And, shame on US broadcasters for painting all the Japanese hitters with the same brush. They’re different, as many North American hitters are different.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Bothers us too.
FWIW
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
Kaz is Theriot
Look at his numbers, they are really similar this year.
by californiachicagoan on May 19, 2008 7:05 PM CDT up reply actions
First pitch flyout to right
"This is why Major League Baseball does not need instant replay, because then every single play will then be reviewed." -- Joe Morgan, 5/18/08, referring to an umpire ruling a Carlos Delgado homerun foul when replays showed it hit the foul pole.
Quick Chicagoland viewer poll....
are you watching Len and Bob or ESPN?
I will be 80/20 Len and Bob, but its always interesting to hear what the national guys say about your team….
Felix Pie must play everyday!
Len and Bob
"This is why Major League Baseball does not need instant replay, because then every single play will then be reviewed." -- Joe Morgan, 5/18/08, referring to an umpire ruling a Carlos Delgado homerun foul when replays showed it hit the foul pole.
by CubsBall2202 on May 19, 2008 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions
Because outside of Chicago...
... you’re probably forced to watch ESPN.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
CSN for now.
But I’ll probably switch to ESPN for a while.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
theriot groundout 3-1
"This is why Major League Baseball does not need instant replay, because then every single play will then be reviewed." -- Joe Morgan, 5/18/08, referring to an umpire ruling a Carlos Delgado homerun foul when replays showed it hit the foul pole.
Not minding Gary Thorne.
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
I benched DLee today in fantasy
Trying to get his mojo going, I think him being in my lineup every day has hurt him.
Lee strikeout to end the inning
"This is why Major League Baseball does not need instant replay, because then every single play will then be reviewed." -- Joe Morgan, 5/18/08, referring to an umpire ruling a Carlos Delgado homerun foul when replays showed it hit the foul pole.
Please let's have some patience and get to this guy Moehler.
Get him out before the 5th inning. He’s not Randy Johnson
Yeah...
Randy Johnson plays for “the best team in baseball”...the one we swept just a few days ago.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 19, 2008 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions
man
how come Soriano, Lee, and Ramirez never have it going at the same time?
2008 Cubs: Why Beat A Team in Regulation, when you can beat them in extras?
actually, it's probably better that way
because if they all have it going at the same time, logic would dictate there’d be times when they all have it NOT going. I don’t want to see those times at all…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Yeah...
game over. What time is the game tomorrow?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 19, 2008 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions
why bother?
Moehler is so good, Houston already won tomorrow’s game.
It's just one inning.
Patience.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Whered that one miss
"This is why Major League Baseball does not need instant replay, because then every single play will then be reviewed." -- Joe Morgan, 5/18/08, referring to an umpire ruling a Carlos Delgado homerun foul when replays showed it hit the foul pole.
can't remember where it was
maybe on here but apparently lilly has been great the first 3 innings, but gets worse in the 4th and gets shelled bigtime in the 5th
"I'll play any day. I don't care if I'm 0-for-30, playing baseball is my PASSION. I'll go out and play." - Geo Soto
Your thinking of Gallagher...
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 19, 2008 6:16 PM CDT up reply actions
And that didn't happen to Gallagher either.
Lilly has been very good his last five starts.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
no it was about lilly
it was talking overall, but yes he has been much better lately
"I'll play any day. I don't care if I'm 0-for-30, playing baseball is my PASSION. I'll go out and play." - Geo Soto
If it makes anyone feel better...I hear DeRo on ESPN 1000
this afternoon and he said DLee and ARam were at the juicebox early taking extra BP….I think they are aware they are in mini-slumps
Felix Pie must play everyday!
Bourn groundout, 4-3
"This is why Major League Baseball does not need instant replay, because then every single play will then be reviewed." -- Joe Morgan, 5/18/08, referring to an umpire ruling a Carlos Delgado homerun foul when replays showed it hit the foul pole.
Where is the strike zone?
"This is why Major League Baseball does not need instant replay, because then every single play will then be reviewed." -- Joe Morgan, 5/18/08, referring to an umpire ruling a Carlos Delgado homerun foul when replays showed it hit the foul pole.
Doesn't Iowa have a game tonight?
Rich must be off today, he’s posting.
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
Really, no love on this joke?
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
Tough crowd.
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
Is it me, or does the FSN Houston feed on MLB.TV...
look like they’ve turned the contrast all the way up on the camera?...It’s like watching a CGI movie.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 19, 2008 6:17 PM CDT reply actions
matsui walks
"This is why Major League Baseball does not need instant replay, because then every single play will then be reviewed." -- Joe Morgan, 5/18/08, referring to an umpire ruling a Carlos Delgado homerun foul when replays showed it hit the foul pole.
Anal fissure mention counter
1
Fukudometer: Created 3/31/08 Wrigley Debut 4/5/08 WGN and Japan TV Debut 4/6/08 Sun Times Debut: 4/20/08
Counting is your favorite.
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
Should I make a sign?
Anal fissure thermometer?
Fukudometer: Created 3/31/08 Wrigley Debut 4/5/08 WGN and Japan TV Debut 4/6/08 Sun Times Debut: 4/20/08
How much wood can a woodchuck chuck?
More importantly, how many warts can a warthog hog?
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
Oh, way too much information.
And too gross to think about.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
The Hell?....Where does the ump want Ted to throw it?
Besides right down the middle.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 19, 2008 6:18 PM CDT reply actions
Tejada pop out to derosa
"This is why Major League Baseball does not need instant replay, because then every single play will then be reviewed." -- Joe Morgan, 5/18/08, referring to an umpire ruling a Carlos Delgado homerun foul when replays showed it hit the foul pole.
Wow, that sun on the field is really weird.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
yeah, I thought the roof was closed too
2008 Cubs: Why Beat A Team in Regulation, when you can beat them in extras?
It is closed.
There are windows near the top that let light in.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Its the cameras
In person the sun doesnt affect the sight as much as on tv. The sun comes in through the glass.
BANANAS BANANAS BANANAS!!!!!
by Zy Toro Young on May 19, 2008 6:23 PM CDT up reply actions
ESPN picture looks too shiney
Be careful for Kaz’s stolen base…. he learns lot from Fukumoto, SB king of Japan who beat Lou Brock….....
I'm bleeding Dragons Blue.
Yeah, I think it's actually a true picture
It’s weird in that park.
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
It'll get better when the sun goes down.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Cute sign.
“We love Lance, a lot”
Yechhhh
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
How does Lance walk?
with ESPN up his ass like that?
I'd say it's about 65% Astros fans...
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 19, 2008 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Methinks that the ESPN team is in love with Houston's batting order
and are in deep, deep affection with the “ferocious” middle of the lineup. Fie upon’t!
ESPN is in love with anything anti-cubs
"This is why Major League Baseball does not need instant replay, because then every single play will then be reviewed." -- Joe Morgan, 5/18/08, referring to an umpire ruling a Carlos Delgado homerun foul when replays showed it hit the foul pole.
by CubsBall2202 on May 19, 2008 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Just wait until that blessed day in the future.
You think the Boston love was bad…ESPN will set up a satellite office in Chicago. Yup, we’ll be that team.
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
ohhh...they are besides themselves with the Yankees in last place
...they still get first billing everyday
Felix Pie must play everyday!
Theodore isn't following through very well.
Having trouble keeping the ball down.
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
He should eat some dry crackers and have a ginger ale
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 19, 2008 6:23 PM CDT up reply actions
easy play
I thought Berkman was the next Mickey Mantle??
?
Best hitter on the planet berkman groundouts to theriot
"This is why Major League Baseball does not need instant replay, because then every single play will then be reviewed." -- Joe Morgan, 5/18/08, referring to an umpire ruling a Carlos Delgado homerun foul when replays showed it hit the foul pole.
Lilly is almost looking like Cy Young
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 19, 2008 6:22 PM CDT reply actions
Game over.
What time is tomorrow’s game?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Must have been.
This thing on ESPN must be a tape of a previous game.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Well, according to the first posts of the game
That makes it Cy Young versus Cy Young
Apparently we haven’t halted all cloning.
.... Edit #6: We're gonna go 156 and 6 this year, I can feel it!!!
actually, since Lilly is left-handed...
we should probably be referencing Warren Spahn.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Berkman
Looks like Matthew Perry that season of friends where he stopped doing drugs and got real fat
Fukudometer: Created 3/31/08 Wrigley Debut 4/5/08 WGN and Japan TV Debut 4/6/08 Sun Times Debut: 4/20/08
I think the Astros should release Berkman
Clearly he’s in a slump
.... Edit #6: We're gonna go 156 and 6 this year, I can feel it!!!
"Air-a-miss" ramirez...
WEAK
"I'll play any day. I don't care if I'm 0-for-30, playing baseball is my PASSION. I'll go out and play." - Geo Soto
Yeah, I heard that.
Yech. Don’t they know how to pronounce the names of players they will have to talk about?
Oh cool!
On ESPN, they just showed that you can go to the Juice Box, eat a big salad for dinner, and sit with your back to the field!
Fun!
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
Thorne just called A-Ram...
.... “Air-A-Miss” Ramirez.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
he just pronounced kosuke's name
fukudomie
2008 Cubs: Why Beat A Team in Regulation, when you can beat them in extras?
but he got a hit yay! take that espn mispronouncing guy!
"I'll play any day. I don't care if I'm 0-for-30, playing baseball is my PASSION. I'll go out and play." - Geo Soto
In a word...
yes.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 19, 2008 6:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Something wrong with Lilly
And ESPN all over with the coverage
Fukudometer: Created 3/31/08 Wrigley Debut 4/5/08 WGN and Japan TV Debut 4/6/08 Sun Times Debut: 4/20/08
in the eye
looked like there was something in his eye.
by louisiana lumberman on May 19, 2008 6:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Bulldog:
Lilly is hurt.
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
K, all, I'm off to a final for English
I better come back to a lead, especially with Cy Young pitching for our team
.... Edit #6: We're gonna go 156 and 6 this year, I can feel it!!!
Lilly
Eyeball fissure?
Fukudometer: Created 3/31/08 Wrigley Debut 4/5/08 WGN and Japan TV Debut 4/6/08 Sun Times Debut: 4/20/08
I'm sorry
but both of these pitchers are getting squeezed
"I'm like the tide baby: I come and go as I please." --Johnny Drama
Curious
Did Dome have any kind of nic name in Japan? Or was it straight Fukudome.
by louisiana lumberman on May 19, 2008 6:29 PM CDT reply actions
Barkeep!
Bring me a straight Fukudome!
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
Nah, I like my Fukudome neat.
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
Dome was his nickname.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
We've been over this time and again...
and I guess nobody like the new search feature.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 19, 2008 6:31 PM CDT up reply actions
soto grounds out, two out
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
meh....
two not great innings, but the savior of this team is up!
2008 Cubs: Why Beat A Team in Regulation, when you can beat them in extras?
ok edmonds
prove your possibly nonexistent worth
"I'll play any day. I don't care if I'm 0-for-30, playing baseball is my PASSION. I'll go out and play." - Geo Soto
I think that the ESPN commentators have reserved a hotel in Houston
tonight and have a “liason” with Berkman. They’re that much in love with him.
Too much information.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Channelling Tina Turner...
What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
is there a bus waiting?
all but dome are hacking away at everything, I almost expect a Dusty run-in
what the heck?
that was not a strike called for Lilly that was just called on Edmonds!
2008 Cubs: Why Beat A Team in Regulation, when you can beat them in extras?
Who is the plate umpire?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Question:
The person responsible for terrible strike zone judgement.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 19, 2008 6:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Ed Hickox
never heard of him
2008 Cubs: Why Beat A Team in Regulation, when you can beat them in extras?
Don't know much about him.
But he has 8 innings to get it right.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Just realized
That I saw Fukudome play in Atlanta olympics. US hit 5 HR in a row vs Japan. I believe Jacque Jones was on the US team
Fukudometer: Created 3/31/08 Wrigley Debut 4/5/08 WGN and Japan TV Debut 4/6/08 Sun Times Debut: 4/20/08
wow lilly gets squeezed and yet moehler getting the calls
"I'll play any day. I don't care if I'm 0-for-30, playing baseball is my PASSION. I'll go out and play." - Geo Soto
Steve Phillips just ripped the "hill".
Good for him.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Maybe the first intelligent thing he has ever said
"This is why Major League Baseball does not need instant replay, because then every single play will then be reviewed." -- Joe Morgan, 5/18/08, referring to an umpire ruling a Carlos Delgado homerun foul when replays showed it hit the foul pole.
by CubsBall2202 on May 19, 2008 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Rich and Dick?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 19, 2008 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions
I still think that Dick Pole is asleep in the Cubs dugout....no one told him he was fired.
Felix Pie must play everyday!
No, now he's asleep in the Reds dugout next to Dusty.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Wild pitch. Aram to third.
"In all the categories that you pay the most attention to, except the loss column, we're doing very well" - Jim Hendry
damn it edmonds!
guys…its the curse of JIM EDMONDS!!!
"I'll play any day. I don't care if I'm 0-for-30, playing baseball is my PASSION. I'll go out and play." - Geo Soto
If the curse of Jim Edmonds makes us take 8 of 10 on a road trip,
I’d love to be cursed.
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
yeah but
when i traded for edmonds to make my season team roster more accurate on my video game, i immediately lost 4 straight in excruciating fashion…ominous
"I'll play any day. I don't care if I'm 0-for-30, playing baseball is my PASSION. I'll go out and play." - Geo Soto
Enough ESPN.
Back to Len & Bob.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
i wish mlb.tv was using the CSN Chicago feed
these houston announcers are horrendous.
"I'm like the tide baby: I come and go as I please." --Johnny Drama