Open Thread: Cubs vs. Astros, Wednesday 5/21, 7:05 CT
Chicago @ Houston
Afternoon notes:
- Barry Rozner says that not only will the Cubs win the NL Central, they ought to win by at least 10 games.
- Bruce Miles talks stats with Ryan Theriot, and reminds us:
Theriot made some changes to his swing over the winter and came to spring training in good shape, proving that perhaps you can work and "grit" your way to better numbers.
- Sean Gallagher went on the Kerry Wood diet over the winter and lost 30 pounds. If you're interested in the company that provides Wood, Gallagher and others with the diet plan and meals, Sunfare, here's their website, although as of now they only operate in the Phoenix and Los Angeles areas. (It ain't cheap, either.)
- For the Astros fan point of view, check out the SBN Astros site The Crawfish Boxes. (You see lineups posted there because they wait longer to post their game threads, only an hour before game time. I don't think you guys want to wait that long. Right?)
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Shawn Chacon has set an unusual record this year: his first nine starts all ended with a no-decision. He's actually pitched fairly well in most of them, including 8 shutout innings against the Phillies on April 15. The Astros are 4-5 in Chacon's starts. He is 1-3, 8.31 in 5 career starts vs. the Cubs, and Aramis Ramirez eats him for breakfast, lunch and dinner (.588/.600/1.706, yes, that's one-point-seven-zero-six, 10-for-17, 4 doubles, 5 HR, 13 RBI).
Sean Gallagher threw OK in his first start, better in his next one, and now is the time for him to continue what appears to be a developing consistency. He pitched one scoreless inning in relief against Houston last August 8, and the only hit he has allowed to a current member of the Astros is a single to Kaz Matsui, last year when Matsui was with the Rockies.
Today's game is on cable in Chicago and Houston and at 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 8:30 pm CT.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
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Comments
1st post - GO CUBS!
Wait a minute... who am I here?
by malicedoom on May 21, 2008 4:17 PM CDT 0 recs
1st?
Before Edmonds: 24-16, (.600); With Edmonds: 4-2 (.667), DRS: 1
by joeschmitt on May 21, 2008 4:17 PM CDT 0 recs
CHACON
LIGHT EM UP
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
by Hammer on May 21, 2008 4:18 PM CDT 0 recs
I hope - I wonder if Rich Hill will be watching nervously if Gallagher is awesome tonight
Wait a minute... who am I here?
by malicedoom on
May 21, 2008 4:18 PM CDT
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He isn't in the minors because of how others are pitching
by californiachicagoan on
May 21, 2008 6:16 PM CDT
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Well said...
If Rich Hill figures out his control/command issues, there’ll be a spot for him in the rotation.
by SouthernCub on
May 21, 2008 6:26 PM CDT
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Just checked into my hotel in Houston
Here on business tomorrow – flew in early to see the game. Got dugout box seats – row 38 just to the 1st base side behind the plate. Leaving for the park in about an hour…..I am so excited!! First MLB game this year.
Look for me – green Cubs hat, deep blue Fukadome shirt….dark headed chick grinning ear to ear. That’ll be me! Is the game even televised??
"ROUS's? Rodents of Unusual Size. Don't worry, they don't exist."
http://margaritagirl11.spaces.live.com/
by iluvryno on May 21, 2008 4:23 PM CDT 0 recs
We'll be looking for you!
Awesome first game, now you have to get the Wrigley!! Hopefully, you are the good luck charm Gallagher needs.
by Tangled Up In Blue on
May 21, 2008 4:26 PM CDT
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it's on Comcast Sports Net.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on
May 21, 2008 4:42 PM CDT
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What we all want to know but won't ask
Are you single? j/k enjoy the game! Go Cubs!
Go ahead, Z me.
by tony412 on
May 21, 2008 4:45 PM CDT
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I still can't get over how goofy Gallagher looks in that pic

It's fun to be a Cub right now. -- Mark DeRosa
by Emelie on May 21, 2008 4:26 PM CDT 0 recs
I love that pic.
That pic says “I LOVE BASEBALL!”
Do we have a nickname for him? Goofy Gallagher?
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on
May 21, 2008 4:42 PM CDT
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I believe "Sledgehammer" was the consensus the other day.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
by dat cubfan daver on
May 21, 2008 4:46 PM CDT
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I have a feeling....
...this is going to be a slug fest tonight.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on May 21, 2008 4:26 PM CDT 0 recs
Chacon and Gallagher
With these two on the hill one and the wacky field dimensions, I am going to agree with you. I know Chacon has been throwing well, but I have a feeling Dome gets hot tonight, while DLee (if he plays) and ARam keep hitting.
by Tangled Up In Blue on
May 21, 2008 4:28 PM CDT
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For our side! Most definitely!

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on
May 21, 2008 4:38 PM CDT
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Well done sir...well done.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on
May 21, 2008 6:17 PM CDT
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eeew
reminds me of dreadful times trying to swim in the pond as a young child. Picking off the slugs afterward always took half the fun out of it.
In any case, Go Cubs!
It's fun to be a Cub right now. -- Mark DeRosa
by Emelie on
May 21, 2008 4:47 PM CDT
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You mean leeches don't you?
Like the scene in Stand By Me?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on
May 21, 2008 4:49 PM CDT
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I was thinking the same
thing. Almost posted “Uh, those weren’t slugs.”
by N Oakley on
May 21, 2008 4:51 PM CDT
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right you are
leeches and exactly Stand By Me. My bad.
It's fun to be a Cub right now. -- Mark DeRosa
by Emelie on
May 21, 2008 5:03 PM CDT
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Any word or rumblings on DLee and if he's sitting tonight?
I guess we will know soon enough…
Go Cubs!
by Tangled Up In Blue on May 21, 2008 4:27 PM CDT 0 recs
Wheres Bruce Miles with the LINEUPS
Bruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuccccccccccceeeeeeeeeeee
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
by Hammer on
May 21, 2008 4:28 PM CDT
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LOL! Maybe if we all start the cheer. BRUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCEEEEEEEE!!
n/t
by Tangled Up In Blue on
May 21, 2008 4:29 PM CDT
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Where's...
...Deep Goat?
Yo, Deeeeeeeeeeeeep Goooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaatttttttttttttttt
Jacque Jones is gone, and I doubt Ivan DeJesus would mind this!
by initram on
May 21, 2008 4:31 PM CDT
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Heard he's sitting from another blog. No source, yet.
ivyandbricks.blogspot.com
by sitrick2 on
May 21, 2008 6:31 PM CDT
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And I just found out I'm wrong. Whoo!
ivyandbricks.blogspot.com
by sitrick2 on
May 21, 2008 6:35 PM CDT
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I'm worried
about Gallagher tonight. I don’t have alot of confidence of him doing well against this tough Astros line-up in that park. If he’s gonna do well he needs to pitch better then he did in his first two starts. So I think if were gonna win tonight, were gonna have to bomb Chacon, but for the most part he has pitched well this year. Thats why I thought yesturday was the game we needed to win to take the series. To bad once again we couldn’t hit Chris Sampson. I hope I’m wrong about Gallagher tonight and hope the Cubs can pull this one out.
by cubsfan25 on May 21, 2008 4:38 PM CDT 0 recs
I have the same worries. Then again, I AM a Cub fan, sooooo...
Wait a minute... who am I here?
by malicedoom on
May 21, 2008 4:40 PM CDT
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getting no decisions through nine games
isn’t exactly gonna win the Cy Young.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on
May 21, 2008 4:43 PM CDT
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Me too.
If Sledgehammer can get through Tejada, Berkman, Lee, Blum and Punter Hence (yes, that’s what I’m calling him from now on) a few times with minimal damage, it’ll be another step forward—and a pretty big one at that.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
by dat cubfan daver on
May 21, 2008 4:49 PM CDT
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Good Opportunity For Gallagher
Well, we didn’t figure on his being in the starting rotation. Maybe, he can solidify a permanent spot in the rotation with a good performance tonight.
"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray
by memphiscub on May 21, 2008 4:40 PM CDT 0 recs
I hope he does well
but in his last start the Pirates they were hitting the ball hard but right to Cubs fielders. If he does that tonight against these hitters in this park were in trouble. His stuff was probably better in his first start, but he only had it for 4 innings really. He needs to have that kinda stuff tonight, but keep it going for 5-6 innings if he’s gonna have a chance.
by cubsfan25 on
May 21, 2008 4:43 PM CDT
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In his first start
he was pretty clearly gassed by the 5th. He had pitched on 3 days rest and had been in the BP since being called up.
What does not kill you makes you stronger.
by Pa on
May 21, 2008 6:07 PM CDT
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Just got the Cubs Forever book in the mail today
The pictures are absolutely amazing! The DVD is the same footage from the TV show minus the real game footage.
Bleeding Cubbie Blue since 1985.
by Bricks and Ivy on May 21, 2008 4:43 PM CDT 0 recs
LOL, check out this post...
...over at the Crawfish Boxes. Is that supposed to be abstract art?
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
by dat cubfan daver on May 21, 2008 4:51 PM CDT 0 recs
I don't see anything...
it looks like a blank fanpost.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on
May 21, 2008 4:52 PM CDT
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Precisely.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
by dat cubfan daver on
May 21, 2008 7:02 PM CDT
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Precisely.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
by dat cubfan daver on
May 21, 2008 7:02 PM CDT
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You sure?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
May 21, 2008 7:08 PM CDT
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Shawn Chacon is Exhibit A...
...for why the Houston Astros will fall back down to earth very soon.
Adding knowledge and challenging the saber-magicians, one post at a time.
by MDBNIU on May 21, 2008 5:03 PM CDT 0 recs
Agreement.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on
May 21, 2008 5:07 PM CDT
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::: fainting :::
SWL and MDBNIU agree? The apocalypse is nigh!
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
May 21, 2008 7:01 PM CDT
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So, after 46 games played, which NLC team behind worries you the most?
I agree I don’t think HOU can keep it up but, past that, I think I have my eye more on STL at this point than MIL.
Wait a minute... who am I here?
by malicedoom on May 21, 2008 5:15 PM CDT 0 recs
I worry about STL right now, but then I realize there is no possible way their rotation can hold up.
by cubfan06 on
May 21, 2008 5:16 PM CDT
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I seriously worry about them acquiring a decent starting pitcher before the deadline...
we may have to get into a bidding war to keep that from happening. Sort of a Yankee like maneuver to insure your opponent can’t improve for the stretch run.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on
May 21, 2008 5:20 PM CDT
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The only thing that doesnt worry me so much about them getting one solid pitcher is he can only help them win ever 5 days, and even then, he won’t get them all.
by cubfan06 on
May 21, 2008 5:21 PM CDT
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And look below.
Ned Yost is holding them back. I’m guessing he gets fired soon.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
May 21, 2008 7:02 PM CDT
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Worries...
The Brewers. Especially if they can Yost.
Dome-san!!
by Goat Whisperer on
May 21, 2008 5:24 PM CDT
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I tried Yosting once...
...but I couldn’t quite pull it off.
by BlueSox on
May 21, 2008 5:30 PM CDT
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Brewers and Cards...
Brewers because of their offense and the possibility that they get a pitcher or two at the deadline. Cardinals because I can’t completely write off the possibility that Carpenter and Mulder come back later in the season.
Realistically, we should win the division. But those are the teams I’d worry about most.
by SouthernCub on
May 21, 2008 6:11 PM CDT
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Matt Clement
Wonder how he’s doing…
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on
May 21, 2008 6:13 PM CDT
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I'm not
I’m worried about getting through the playoffs.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on
May 21, 2008 7:59 PM CDT
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Foreshadowing
I remember the guy last night calling a Soto double and Edmonds HR in the 9th last night, and obviously didn’t happen. So I am calling Back-to-Back-to-Back-to-Back HR’s for the Cubbies in the first. HAHA.
by cubfan06 on May 21, 2008 5:16 PM CDT 0 recs
And I say Theriot's is to dead center off the flagpole.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on
May 21, 2008 5:18 PM CDT
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I predict it hits into the flag so hard he rips it off the pole.
by cubfan06 on
May 21, 2008 5:21 PM CDT
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and the tattered flag flutters down...
lands on Bourne, covering his head, and he runs into the wall knocking himself unconscious.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on
May 21, 2008 5:24 PM CDT
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I was wondering
how Lou was going to justify sitting a player (Lee) who was heating up vs. one that was cooling off (Soriano). Clearly he decided not to justify that move.
I am scared too, but I guess if Hoffpauer is going to play the outfield, might as well stick him in the smallest left field in the national league
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on
May 21, 2008 5:31 PM CDT
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Interesting lineup
Dome finally in the right place, in front of Lee, let’s see what it produces. If Carlos Lee can play left in this park, then the Hoff can as well.
Chacon walks a lot of guys, so the boys should be patient, and he’ll get himself in trouble.
Soriano should hit 5th. Period.
by Canadian Cubs Fan on
May 21, 2008 5:32 PM CDT
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That's an interesting statement.
The difference, though, is that Carlos Lee can outhit his ineptness in the field.
by cwyers on
May 21, 2008 5:33 PM CDT
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Should go ahead and credit...
...the Sun-Times’s Twitter account for this.
It’s not mentioned, but I presume that Edmonds is playing against the righty.
by cwyers on
May 21, 2008 5:35 PM CDT
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Says Hoff's hitting fifth
Wonder if Geo is sitting.
"Is there anything he can't do?" ~Len Kasper, 4/5/08, on Kosuke Fukudome
by JohnM on
May 21, 2008 6:02 PM CDT
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That's Dome's spot in the lineup, and Dome's moving up to second.
I’d bet on Soto-Edmonds-DeRosa filling out six, seven and eight.
by cwyers on
May 21, 2008 6:04 PM CDT
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Doh(me)!
"Is there anything he can't do?" ~Len Kasper, 4/5/08, on Kosuke Fukudome
by JohnM on
May 21, 2008 6:08 PM CDT
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*pptthhh*
Thats your answer to everything :)
by californiachicagoan on
May 21, 2008 6:32 PM CDT
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No,
it’s Lou’s answer. e.g. why’s Fontenot batting with one out left and the game on the line? “Because he’s left handed.”
by DGU on May 21, 2008 6:33 PM CDT




