One For The Ages: Cubs 10, Rockies 9
HAMILTON, New York -- I had just arrived at my 30-year college reunion, set up the computer to watch a bit of the game via MLB.TV before heading out to check out campus, and the score was 7-0 Rockies. And then it was 8-0, and I figured, "Hey, we'll get 'em tomorrow."
I came back an hour later to find out that the Cubs and Lou had likely conceded the game, too, by pulling Geovany Soto and Derrek Lee -- and wouldn't you know, their replacements, Micah Hoffpauir and Henry Blanco, helped key a come-from-behind win that hasn't been seen, perhaps, since this game on August 29, 1989, a comeback from a 9-0 deficit against the Astros for a win by the same score as today's 10-9 comeback win over the Rockies.
That 1989 win was a key to that year's division title. It was in August; this one's in May. But the way the Cubs have been winning, you can see the confidence growing in this team every single day, with every single win.
Since I wasn't there, I'll let you all revel in this victory, provided in part by Jim Edmonds' best day as a Cub -- a HR, his first in the blue pinstripes, and three RBI; this, after he dropped a fly ball in the third inning which helped the Rockies to three unearned runs. Kosuke Fukudome also homered, as did Mark DeRosa and Henry Blanco. Blanco's usually a slow starter, but he's currently hitting .353. Incidentally, you can forget about the Hoffpauir-in-RF idea; Lou says Fukudome's staying where he is:
"Fukudome is playing so well in right field that I'm thinking let's just not even mess with that unless you have to," Piniella said Thursday. "He's the best defensive right fielder in this league."
Fukudome has a knack for limiting potential extra-base hits to singles, a rocket right arm and a comfort level manning right at Wrigley Field uncommon for a rookie. Then again, Fukudome isn't like other rookies.
"He charges the ball well," Piniella said. "Right field is a tough field to play here. It's not a picnic here. He goes to the line well. He gets a good jump on the ball. I've been of the thought that the less you disturb that, the better."
So, maybe Hoffpauir will get a start occasionally backing up Derrek Lee. I still don't think he's much more than a cuppa-coffee type of player, but he's still hitting the way he was in spring training. Ride that horse as long as you can, Lou.
Lou also said that Carlos Marmol, who threw absolutely filthy sliders today, won't be getting a Joba Chamberlain-like change to the rotation. Good, I say. Marmol's too valuable in the role he has, and he's already failed at starting, two years ago. I don't think he has the stamina for starting.
The question was raised on one of the SABR email lists I subscribe to, "When was the last time, before now, that the Cubs had the best record in baseball this late in the season?" I believe -- and have not confirmed, if anyone else has other info please post it -- that the answer is June 28, 1977, when they beat the Expos in Montreal to go 47-22. In those days not all games were televised, and that one wasn't; I will never forget Lou Boudreau saying on the radio, "They're 25 games over .500 -- they can kiss the .500 mark goodbye!" Of course, that team collapsed and finished exactly at .500 -- and had to lose their last 5 games to do that.
That '77 team wasn't that good and I think we knew it even at that late June date. This team is far better constructed and more solid, so, revel in this, everyone. I'll celebrate with my old college classmates tonight (even if a lot of them are from the northeast and are Mets fans). I feel like a college student again already: the rental car I got has 1970's style manual windows and door locks. Until tomorrow.
Here are a couple of photos from Thursday night, that I got late this morning from David:
Alfonso Soriano catches Garrett Atkins' fly ball in the 3rd inning Thursday night, complete with bunny hop
Micah Hoffpauir scores an insurance run in the 8th inning Thursday night
Click on photos to open a larger version in a new browser window. All photos by David Sameshima
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Anyone remember the last time it was Cubs 10, Rockies 9
Another game for the ages for sure.
Question, which game was better?
I vote today!
by IllinoisCubs on May 30, 2008 4:38 PM CDT 0 recs
definitely today
mainly cause last time we had to blow a big lead to get to this point.
---AC 00 00 00 - Believe
by mjk83 on
May 30, 2008 4:39 PM CDT
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that's tough
They’re pretty close. I’d have to actually nod the ‘89 game, simply b/c, if I remember correctly, that game the helpful-wind-blown-HRs werent a part of that game and it was a gradual regrind to get back into and take that game…
Todays game, I was in my office with the GAMEDAY on, seeing the score as 9-1, thinking it was over, only to return and find it 9-8 before the next “IN PLAY, RUN SCORING” flashed across to show DeRosa’s homerun.
truthfully, I’d only pick the 89 game b/c I still remember watching that one and remember it very vividlly (what a boost it was for that team), whereas today, I only saw the replays.
BOTH AWESOME GAMES
by LuisSalazar on
May 30, 2008 11:37 PM CDT
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Also...
.. the ‘89 game was later in the year (late August) and seemed more critical to the pennant race at the time.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
May 31, 2008 8:27 AM CDT
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An incredible game.
"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 30, 2008 4:39 PM CDT 0 recs
SECOND!
And yes, that was totally appropriate.
Help me Obi-ONEDEC. You're our only hope.
by IowaCubs- on May 30, 2008 4:39 PM CDT 0 recs
oh well... there's always tomorrow...
WHAT A GAME!!! I LOVE THIS TEAM!!!
Help me Obi-ONEDEC. You're our only hope.
by IowaCubs- on
May 30, 2008 4:40 PM CDT
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listening to the recap
it’s… amazing. Wow. The whole freakin second half of the game…
WHAT a comeback!
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on May 30, 2008 4:41 PM CDT 0 recs
Incredible
Posted in an overflow thread that when Edmonds was up and it was 9-6, I knew they were going to score. Not necessarily take the lead, but at least tie it.
I can’t explain it; it reminded me of a game against the Cardinals in late 2003 (during a 5-game series) when, after they chipped away, I just knew they were going to win the way the game was going.
It’s still May, but we’re seeing something special.
by Shanghai Badger on May 30, 2008 4:42 PM CDT 0 recs
I’m going home!

"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on May 30, 2008 4:42 PM CDT 0 recs
I think I would tag this game:
Why play for tomorrow when you can play for today!
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on May 30, 2008 4:44 PM CDT 0 recs
the beautiful thing is
even when playing for tomorrow, they still won today!
by Shanghai Badger on
May 30, 2008 4:44 PM CDT
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Party in Wrigleyville!!
I’ll do my small little part here in England – what a fantastic way to end my pretty horrible day! My brothers and dad were in Section 512 today and I was cussing them out halfway through the game…. and look what happens. I wish I wasn’t relegated to checking gameday.
I checked and tomorrow’s game will be on live television here in Europe on the American Forces Network at 6pm… I’m gonna plan my day around it!
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!
by sanantonecub on May 30, 2008 4:47 PM CDT 0 recs
I hope they win for everyone every day. : )
Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager
by northsider on
May 30, 2008 8:08 PM CDT
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10 eastern i believe
so 9 pm in chicago, but i would advise checking you local listings ;)
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on
May 30, 2008 4:49 PM CDT
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little too late to go to the gym and watch it.
i’ll be way too tired to peddle
by Madison Cub Fan on
May 30, 2008 4:56 PM CDT
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11pm
ALREADY CHECKED IT TO RECORD, im using a lot of capital letters
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
by Hammer on
May 30, 2008 4:52 PM CDT
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It's on ESPN2 though
make sure to record the right channel
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on
May 30, 2008 4:53 PM CDT
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I checked ESPN first
Got the 2 ready to record. I love baseball. Today especially. Somewhere BlueMike is kicking a small child
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
by Hammer on
May 30, 2008 4:56 PM CDT
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Whoa!...
hey now…let’s be a little civil…I know MDBNIU is annoying and a nonsensical, repetitive blow-hard…but he’s still a Cubs Fan, it think. I sure he’s happy we came back and won. But he’s probably smirking about Lilly looking bad, and Edmonds hitting a HR.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on
May 30, 2008 5:10 PM CDT
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Ha
I might even consider a high five
Touche my friend
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
by Hammer on
May 30, 2008 5:14 PM CDT
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I don't know how to check this sort of the thing
but I thought that the Cubs had the best record, at least in the National League, in June or July of 2001…which I remember mostly because of Julio Zuleta’s epic grand slam against the Cardinals. I could be wrong, but again…my baseball stat researching skills are somewhat lacking.
by MisterWinter on May 30, 2008 4:48 PM CDT 0 recs
YEAH!

"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 30, 2008 4:49 PM CDT 0 recs
Never thought
Ren and Stimpy would be so appropriate
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on
May 30, 2008 4:50 PM CDT
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Love it!
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
May 30, 2008 10:25 PM CDT
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Unbelievable!!!
I followed the game via MLB Gameday and just shrugged when it was 8-0, went to a meeting, came back and it was 9-4…drove home and my son was at the door and said it was 10-9 top 9, 2 outs…unreal, truly shaping up as a very special season…
You ARE freaking out MAN!
by crw89 on May 30, 2008 4:49 PM CDT 0 recs
Also, I have a big Argentinos Juniors – Lanus soccer match to attend tonight, but I doubt I will scream as much there as I did this afternoon…and the first thing I thought of was that classic Cubs-Astros game Al mentioned in the post…ah, Dwight Smith
by MisterWinter on May 30, 2008 4:51 PM CDT 0 recs
To paraphrase Ol' Blue Eyes:
When I was twenty-five, it was a very good year. This is gonna be something to look back on, folks. Let’s enjoy it in the moment.
Go Cubs!
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on May 30, 2008 4:51 PM CDT 0 recs
OK quick story
I was listening to the post game on mlb audio and the feed just went dead for a while but then I heard a sheep (baaa!!) and Ron Santo saying “Nice work big boy” and then nothing else. I am still laughing.
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on May 30, 2008 4:52 PM CDT 0 recs
I missed the sheep
but the “big boy” made me laugh too
"Is there anything he can't do?" ~Len Kasper, 4/5/08, on Kosuke Fukudome
by JohnM on
May 30, 2008 4:52 PM CDT
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Great game today!
Lieber and Eyre did a decent job not letting the game get out of hand. But I still can’t believe it. Going into the 6th were down 9-1 with Aaron Cook(who had a subpar 3 era) crusing. Then 3 runs in the 6th, and 6 runs in the 7th to take the lead! Just amazing great game and probably best of the year. My favorite Cubs game in recent years is still Aramis Ramirez game winning HR against the Brewers in late June last year(down 5-0), probably because it was against the Brewers, and we were chasing them.
by cubsfan25 on May 30, 2008 4:56 PM CDT 0 recs
Incredible
Incredible.
Incredible.
This team no doubt is gushing with confidence now.
"I tell you, Steve Blass, you pitch me inside, they never, never find that ball."
-Roberto Clemente
by cubbybear on May 30, 2008 5:02 PM CDT 0 recs
Woot!!
And once more for good measure:
Woot!!
Old Style is the nectar of life.
by Mordecai on May 30, 2008 5:04 PM CDT 0 recs
The mark of a good team...
There is absolutely no reason we should have won this game. Down by eight going into the 6th and with several of the regulars out, and we still managed the win. It’s huge.
Good job by Lieber given the wind blowing out to keep the team remotely in the game. Eyre, Marmol, and Wood shut the door. Hopefully Edmonds forgets that the tank is probably empty and he keeps it going. He had a big game.
I had left work thinking it was a loss, and got home to find a pleasant surprise. Good way to start the weekend.
by SouthernCub on May 30, 2008 5:07 PM CDT 0 recs
LSA
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
by Hammer on
May 30, 2008 5:09 PM CDT
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Al...
I remember that Cubs v. Astros game back in ‘89 vividly. That was the best game I have ever seen, and this is the first win in 19 years that measures up to that win back in ‘89. I haven’t felt this way about our Cubs in 19 years. Everything just came together. I am almost speechless about this. I know I’ll carry this feeling with me the rest of the year, and probably another 19 years!
Jimmyeatworld
by Jimmyeatworld on May 30, 2008 5:10 PM CDT 0 recs
Two things, June of 1977 and today....
I also recall Boudreau’s now infamous remark of the Cubs being 25 games over .500 and then watched the team erode under the fateful August heat. They weren’t actually that good, lacking power but they hit situationally the best in the first half of the season.
This comeback took place in basically 2 innings, which will feed into the team’s belief system that they can come back against all deficits very quickly from any place in the lineup.
Edmonds made the team today, hitting big shots and not little humpback singles. He will have to play with urgency and concentrate as Lou will be looking for him to contribute in a meaningful way. Although going 3/4 (which I said he need to do today) only brought his average up to .186, he will need to put a string together over the next 3 or 4 games and go 10/16 or something.
As for Hoffpauir, I actually think he is on this team for a few pots of coffee as Ward injury traditionally takes time to mend if at all. Look for Hoffpauir to get some DH times when the Cubs play Toronto and Tampa Bay in mid June and then the mighty ChiSox in late June.
Nothing like a big comeback but it is concerning about Lilly, I hope nothing is wrong with him.
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
by Ivy Walls on
May 30, 2008 5:23 PM CDT
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I'll tell you something about that 1989 game from a personal standpoint.
I used to work evenings at ABC-7 and had to leave by about 3:05 to get to work in those days.
That day I left early, said to my friends, “We’ll get ‘em tomorrow”. Missed an amazing comeback.
Missed another one today, but the 1989 Cubs made the playoffs. May this team go farther than that one did.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
May 30, 2008 10:27 PM CDT
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Congrats
I woke up 6AM in lazy Sat morning, by the big noise from Wrigley…. it should be definitely the best comeback game of the year, as of now….
You can win World Series with this team, baby…..
I cannot find Dome’s homer on Gameday, but will watch it on local TV soon…
BTW this means “Cub(s)”...
I'm bleeding Dragons Blue.
by dragonsfanatic on May 30, 2008 5:12 PM CDT 0 recs
theres a room for you
at my house when youre in town
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
by Hammer on
May 30, 2008 5:15 PM CDT
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We'd all love to see dragonsfanatic in Chicago...
... for the playoffs.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
May 30, 2008 10:27 PM CDT
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sounds good to me
after 11 wins he can burn my apt.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
by Hammer on
May 30, 2008 10:36 PM CDT
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For all you Digg fans...
I posted the story here. Let’s make some noise!
I haz show: http://hotbeans.wordpress.com
by digitalbenjamin on May 30, 2008 5:13 PM CDT 0 recs
Incredible to say the least but
this team is both good and very, very lucky. You have to be both to win they way they have lately. Coming from behind and winning in the late innings. Winning one run games, all signs of a lucky team. I, for one, and very happy to see them doing it.
by bubbamike the one and only on May 30, 2008 5:14 PM CDT 0 recs
Amazing game
Especially with Aram, Lee, and Soto sitting out for all or much of it.
I am soooo glad I didn’t leave the guys for dead and stuck around until the end.
7th inning magic…catch it! :)
Dave
by Dave in the basement on May 30, 2008 5:16 PM CDT 0 recs
I like that...
“7th inning magic…catch it”. It has been the inning of magic the last few games.
by sue369 on
May 30, 2008 8:14 PM CDT
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i love magic!
Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager
by northsider on
May 30, 2008 8:24 PM CDT
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He's not kidding
Northsider is actually a very accomplished magician.
"I'm the glue, baby." -- Mark DeRosa, about his role on the team
by bluebythebook on
May 30, 2008 8:27 PM CDT
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Oh you're too kind.
Any loser can pull a rabbit out of a hat now and then.
Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager
by northsider on
May 30, 2008 9:02 PM CDT
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Oh, you're too modest.
Every little thing you do is magic.
"I'm the glue, baby." -- Mark DeRosa, about his role on the team
by bluebythebook on
May 30, 2008 11:36 PM CDT
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magic
magic
maaaagic…
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on
May 31, 2008 11:38 AM CDT
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It's amazingly comforting
being able to watch a game and actually believe that it isn’t over until its over anymore. This team is really doing things to Cubs fans that haven’t been done before. We are a much less stressful bunch than we used to be.
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on
May 31, 2008 8:38 AM CDT
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Did Lou give up on the game
I wonder how Lou will respond when he is asked “Why he took DLee and Soto out when we were behind by 8 runs?
I don’t blame him. But how does he answer that question?
Mike
Favorite Game - 'The Sandberg game" June 23, 1984
by Cub Fan Mike on May 30, 2008 5:16 PM CDT 0 recs
You don't have to answer it.
The Cubs won.
Rest the big boys and let a few bench players have some glory!
by Sugarloaf on
May 30, 2008 5:24 PM CDT
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Like any manager or coach when the bench brings the team back
I have confidence with all the players on the team and when I put them in there I expect them to perform. He will will be happy and giddy and everyone on the team will know that the whole team can contribute.
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
by Ivy Walls on
May 30, 2008 5:25 PM CDT
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And that's the best answer.
That doesn’t always happen, of course, when you take out regulars when you’re way behind.
But how gratifying it is when the bench players key a comeback. Lou must be a VERY happy guy tonight.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
May 30, 2008 10:28 PM CDT
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One for the DVD's
If they do any additions to classic Cubs games on DVD this one has to be put in it!
by ak123 on May 30, 2008 5:16 PM CDT 0 recs
Just watched Dome's homer on NHK
It made a headline, watched as well as Edmonds double and DeRosa homer.
Also I finally found the footage on this mlb.com Gameday wrap page.
I'm bleeding Dragons Blue.
by dragonsfanatic on May 30, 2008 5:18 PM CDT 0 recs
Here is it on NHK
It’s 7AM in the morning… left lower says it’s his 3rd AB
I'm bleeding Dragons Blue.
by dragonsfanatic on
May 30, 2008 5:28 PM CDT
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oops
not left lower but right lower
I'm bleeding Dragons Blue.
by dragonsfanatic on
May 30, 2008 5:28 PM CDT
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CUBS COMEBACK SONG
What should it be what song goes through your head… and no u can’t say GO CUBS GO
by ondro on May 30, 2008 5:21 PM CDT 0 recs
Hey Lou Piniella
You coach in the windy city… our fair Cubbies play today and there is no more north side pity…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KMuC-JUlEY
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!
by sanantonecub on
May 30, 2008 5:28 PM CDT
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If you are suggesting a song
a la the Rally Monkey. I think we already have one given our “7th inning magic” . . . Take Me Out to the Ballgame
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on
May 31, 2008 8:41 AM CDT
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Although I cringe every time I hear "YMCA" away from Wrigley
I love hearing it during a game, because that means we’ve just knocked another pitcher out in the middle of an inning, and that’s almost always a good thing.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on
May 31, 2008 4:19 PM CDT
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34-21 Amazing
Coming from 8-0 down to win is amazing. 34-21 is an incredible start. I set 95 wins as a goal for the team. I won’t complain if they surpass that. I see a division title coming. This team won’t collapse like the 1977 and 1985 teams.
"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray
by memphiscub on May 30, 2008 5:26 PM CDT 0 recs
Anyone think that Edmonds HR and Double in this game
will carry over into future games? Granted his swing still looks pretty bad but is it too much to hope he has rediscovered his former ability?
by Schizo on May 30, 2008 5:27 PM CDT 0 recs
The double, maybe
but that HR was cheap.
It's a girl! Born 1-18-08. 2246 PST. 8 lbs. 1 oz.
by Josh77 on
May 30, 2008 5:52 PM CDT
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agreed.
The ball he hit really well was the double. Maybe he needs an excited crowd to focus?
Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager
by northsider on
May 30, 2008 7:49 PM CDT
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+1
The swing he put on the double was much better that the homerun swing. He got fooled and was way out in front of the home run, but got lucky to get it up in the air and let the wind do the rest
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on
May 31, 2008 8:46 AM CDT
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