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Suddenly Summer: Cubs 10, Braves 5

After enduring a spring that Mike described to me last night as "First cold rain, then hot rain", the sun came out, puffy clouds dotted the sky, a healthy breeze wafted warm air over Chicago and Wrigley Field yesterday, and the Cubs just kept on rolling with a 10-5 win over the Braves, their ninth consecutive home victory dating back to May 18.

The Cubs got solid pitching, timely hitting and outstanding defense. Really, what more can any of us ask for?

It didn't start that way. Ted Lilly had a shaky first inning, walking Yunel Escobar to lead off the game. After a single and two strikeouts, Lilly gave up a three-run homer.

To Greg Norton. Who has been around so long that one of his teammates in his first September callup was Harold Baines. Who was hitting .176 at the time. Uh-oh. This didn't feel very good. But you know what? After Lilly gave up a triple to Omar Infante, the guy who was a Cub for about five minutes last winter, in the second inning, he retired the next 11 Braves in a row and left to a standing ovation in the 7th, after the Cubs had hacked away at Tom Glavine and taken a lead (we wondered why Glavine was yanked after three innings; turns out he's got elbow trouble, which, combined with the loss of John Smoltz, may end any Atlanta playoff hopes). Lilly wound up allowing only four hits, walked three and struck out eight, and lowered his ERA to where you can almost see it (5.13).

A lot of this was thanks to excellent defense -- Lilly ought to buy Reed Johnson drinks or dinner or both after Johnson made several good-to-spectacular catches of balls Braves hitters launched into deep center field (he might have caught Infante's triple, too, had the entire OF not been playing so shallow). Aramis Ramirez made a couple of slick fielding plays, too, including on the DP grounder that, at last, ended the game.

When Lilly got into trouble, Carlos Marmol came in and ended the threat in three pitches, getting Escobar to line right at Ryan Theriot -- and that worried us in the LF corner, because we figured Lou was going to leave Marmol out for another thirty-pitch, inning-plus appearance. It was a pleasant surprise, then, to see Bob Howry trot out for the 8th. Pleasant, that is, until Howry gave up hard line drive after hard line drive, and Scott Eyre had to be summoned with the score 6-5. Eyre's strikeout of Gregor Blanco with the tying run on 2nd was the biggest out of the game.

Geovany Soto then put the game out of reach with a three-run HR into the LF basket to make the score 10-5 after the Cubs had run themselves into a couple of runs with steals off Brian McCann and a D-Lee sac fly (nice to see Lee perhaps coming out of his slump with a long HR and the RBI sac fly). This got Kerry Wood to sit down and Jon Lieber up -- and Lieber was a bit shaky, allowing two baserunners and getting Wood up again just in case, which was when Ramirez started the nicely-done DP.

Last night BCB reader Damen Jackson sat with us, snapping photos for his own website, which I'm going to link on the right sidebar later today, and he also snapped this shot at my request of the upper deck side scoreboard, one for you numerologists:

Maybe you could win the lottery with these!
Click on photo to open a larger version in a new browser window. Photo by Damen Jackson

And that's the kind of fun you can have when you are 17 games over .500 (the last time the Cubs were more than 17 games over was in 2004), and winning games seemingly at will. Ted Lilly perhaps expresses it best:

"You just feel like you’re never out of it. We’re tough and we’ve had a lot of come-from-behind wins this year," Lilly said.

Yes, indeed. If you like, you can also credit my son Mark, who is now out of school and joined us last night. He has yet to see the Cubs lose this season -- 7-0. He'll be back in the bleachers during the White Sox series. I also met BCB reader buckmulligan last night -- thanks for stopping by -- and wanted to let you know that Wrigley Field concessionaires have responded to the tomato/salmonella health scare by removing all tomato pieces from the condiment stands (they were also gone from Murphy's, where I stopped to get a cheeseburger before the game).

Finally, some photos from David from last night:

Reed!
One of Reed Johnson's fine defensive plays, this one on Brian McCann's drive in the 7th

Safe!
Kosuke Fukudome steals 2nd in the 7th

Bunny hop!
Alfonso Soriano catches Mark Teixeira's fly ball in the 8th

Geo!
Geovany Soto's HR swing in the 8th

Another win!
Cubs outfielders celebrating the win

W
W flags in the LF bleachers

Click on photos to open a larger version in a new browser window. Photos by David Sameshima

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Great game and great photos. Keep it up Cubbies!!

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

by gwood on Jun 11, 2008 8:34 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

It is really looking like

a platoon of Reed and Edmonds will work this year (provided of course that Edmonds continues playing the way he has recently). Reed just continues to make great plays in center and is a joy to watch (even though it looked a little like he over ran the first catch he made, but then made a great adjustment to actually catch the ball).

DLee made good contact with every ball he hit today, which is a good sign. He seemed to be trying to hit every ball to right field last night, and I don’t know if that was an attempt by him to get out of the slump, or what, but it is good to see him making better contact again.

Soriano looks like he is running well again, and I enjoyed seeing the Cubs aggressive on the base paths. These guys are just fun to watch.

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

by gwood on Jun 11, 2008 8:45 AM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

Couple of Observations

1. Soriano finally looks healthy. Seemed like he was running good on the base paths and in the outfield… Even though he got picked off in the first, he was aggressive when he got on base. He and Dome literally stole 2 runs last night. Great to see them manufacture runs like that!

2. Lee looked a little more comfortable at the plate last night. Got the homer but his other outs were hit pretty hard and he was going to the opposite field. From watching Lee the past few years this is a good sign.

3. Rami and RJ made some phenomenal plays. The Defense was impressive. There were a couple of breakdowns with Riot and Soriano but overall, good effort.

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark

by Fishbone2 on Jun 11, 2008 8:41 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Agreed.

Soriano’s speed has not been showcased so far this year, but he did move well around the bags last night. To me, this is yet another indication that there is more upside in his offense yet to come.

Theriot needs to think before he acts. He never had a shot a doubling-up the running, and chucking the ball on one hop into the Bravos dugout was really a brainless move. Fortunately there have been very few of these types of gaffes, further contributing to the team’s success.

Great weather and a great win last night.

"Happiness? A good cigar, a good meal, a good cigar and a good woman - or a bad woman; it depends on how much happiness you can handle." ~ George Burns

by tville on Jun 11, 2008 8:46 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The best thing I can say about this team...

is that when they were down early I didn’t worry at all. The thought that ran through my head wasn’t “Are we going to be able to come back?”, it was “Who’s going to do it tonight?”

There is a confidence at Wrigley Field these days. It feels good.

---AC 00 00 00 - Believe

by mjk83 on Jun 11, 2008 8:43 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

LSA

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

by Al on Jun 11, 2008 8:45 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Help me out

What does LSA mean?

by Archie on Jun 11, 2008 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Loud, Sustained Applause.

See the “BCB Dictionary” on the right sidebar for more.

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

by Al on Jun 11, 2008 9:20 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ahhh

Thanks. I’m still really a chat virgin.

by Archie on Jun 11, 2008 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

TWSS

"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derrek Lee, 5/29/08

by drewishdrewid on Jun 11, 2008 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

LMAO

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

by Al on Jun 11, 2008 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

[[COMMENT_CHILDREN_TOKEN]]/

"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derrek Lee, 5/29/08

by drewishdrewid on Jun 11, 2008 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Umm, what is that?

"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."

by californiachicagoan on Jun 11, 2008 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

someone celebrating with their arms up in the air

like a referee signaling touchdown!!

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on Jun 11, 2008 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That was my

take on it too.

by sue369 on Jun 11, 2008 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun

by Bump Bailey on Jun 11, 2008 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I had a similar thought with Eyre pitching

Not, “is he going to get the out?”, but, “this inning is about to end”

by Shanghai Badger on Jun 11, 2008 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What a game

Here my bummer comment of the day. Since its summer and it seems as if everyone is out, I was in line at 730 this morning for tix and there was already 15 people in front. Normally I get there at 755 and am the 3rd or 4th. Either way got my tix. This is nearing my 20th game, should be there by the end of the month (sorry credit card)

Great game, big clutch hits.LOVE IT.

Also, in response to number 3 in the SECOND POST. Rammy made a slick play to end the game which was awesome because he knew he really got lucky on it.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip

by Hammer on Jun 11, 2008 8:44 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Yeah I caught that

They were all laughing and ribbing Ram on the way to the high 5’s.

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark

by Fishbone2 on Jun 11, 2008 8:46 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

We'll take it, right?

I’m sure A-Ram did!

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

by Al on Jun 11, 2008 8:47 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I missed it

how did he get lucky? I was so focused on the fact that they got the double play that I didn’t notice. Thanks in advance.

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

by gwood on Jun 11, 2008 8:48 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

On tv

it looked like he just sort of fell down in the general area of the ball and it went right into his glove. It really was a hot shot, he only had time to lunge at it.

by TC Cubby on Jun 11, 2008 8:53 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Another funny moment last night...

...was the first time Lou came out to visit Lilly on the mound in the seventh. Did anyone else catch Lou making playfully mocking faces at Lilly as he walked out? I think Lilly was mouthing something like, “What? I’m fine!” And Lou was laughing at his rather affected nonchalance.

It was a pretty gutsy move by Lou to leave Ted in to face Chipper Jones. (At the risk of stating the obvious, his stats are RIDICULOUS.) And I was glad Lilly was smart enough not to try to challenge him.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

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

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 11, 2008 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It looked like Lou

either stumbled or purposefully faked crossing the 3rd baseline to come to talk to Lilly and he was laughing about that with Lilly and whoever else was at the mound (the home plate umpire didn’t look to pleased about the whole exchange/mound visit).

I don’ t think Lou had any intention of pitching to Chipper. He just left Lilly in there to unintentionally walk him, so that Marmol wouldn’t have to come into the game a throw four balls before getting down to business.

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

by gwood on Jun 11, 2008 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hm, OK. I didn't notice Lou stumble.

I thought he was just kinda teasing Lilly for acting surprised that he (Lou) came out of the dugout. And, yeah, it probably was an “unintentional intentional” walk, though I still don’t get why pitchers don’t just intentionally walk a guy they don’t want to pitch to.

Why take the chance of hanging one of those breaking balls? Maybe it’s a “face saving” thing? Would Lilly (or any pitcher) find it embarassing to give up an intentional walk and then leave the game?

Nanika Ga Okoru!

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

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 11, 2008 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes...

I saw that. Pretty hilarious.

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark

by Fishbone2 on Jun 11, 2008 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Looked like he was imitating

a chicken. The whole sequence was bizarre, even after he got back to the dugout. I really need to work on my reading lips thing.

Go ahead, Z me.

by tony412 on Jun 11, 2008 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Also looked like the people

in the first row were pretty entertained.

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark

by Fishbone2 on Jun 11, 2008 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's what I thought, too.

Then the camera cut to the ump and I thought maybe he was taking it as an insult to him. Why, I don’t know, but he looked pissed.

"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 11, 2008 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And the most amazing thing of all???

In his post-game comments, Lou mentioned “Scott” Eyre, not once but twice!!! Looks like “Stevie” is finally a thing of the past…

...until he screws up again… ;-)

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Jun 11, 2008 8:48 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Ha! Remember last year...

When Eyre couldn’t find the plate. Lou was priceless…

I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008

by SackMan on Jun 11, 2008 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Actually...

... Eyre was really good in the 2nd half last year.

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

by Al on Jun 11, 2008 9:01 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I believe I heard last night...

...that Eyre has now tied Ryan Dempster’s team record for most consecutive scoreless innings pitched. I’ll try to find a link to back this up, but if anyone has one or can otherwise confirm, please do.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

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

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 11, 2008 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's actually..........

.......consecutive scoreless appearances – not innings.

"Happiness? A good cigar, a good meal, a good cigar and a good woman - or a bad woman; it depends on how much happiness you can handle." ~ George Burns

by tville on Jun 11, 2008 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ah, OK. And it's somewhere around 30, right?

Nanika Ga Okoru!

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

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 11, 2008 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I believe Len said 31 last night

This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again.

by HectorVillanueva on Jun 11, 2008 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Is he going to start calling Bob Howry... Stevie?

I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008

by SackMan on Jun 11, 2008 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Might be a few "Billy Howry" comments coming from Lou

"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 Jun 11, 2008 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Howry's struggles in his last two outings...

...may never have happened had he simply accepted SWL’s “Howry Cow” t-shirt.

For of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these: ‘It might have been.”

Nanika Ga Okoru!

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

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 11, 2008 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ballhawk

Were you hawking wearing a blackhawks shirt yesterday?

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip

by Hammer on Jun 11, 2008 9:14 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

nope - I was in low key fashion mode last night. drab green shirt, beat up Rays hat.

don’t recall any blackhawks shirts yesterday – leastwise not amongst the regulars. there were a lot of people out there so I probably just missed it. There was a guy in a Pippen jersey inside that made a couple of nice catches on the walkway behind the seats. I was camped under both, so if he doesn’t catch them, I might have.

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Jun 11, 2008 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

cool

after I went for a run I stopped by for a while, there were a bunch of people

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip

by Hammer on Jun 11, 2008 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Need A Good LHP in Pen

I don’t care if it’s Eyre or Cotts or both, the Cubs need good southpaw relief work in the pen. That has been my biggest quibble with this team. Normally, I have screaming out loud complaints about the Cubs.about which I could write volumes. It’s nice to be quibbling instead of complaining with this team.

"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray

by memphiscub on Jun 11, 2008 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well, I think both Cotts and Eyre have looked pretty good so far this season.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

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

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 11, 2008 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Eyre and Cotts both.....

have ERA’s of 0.00.

Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. ---Crash Davis

by carmen_fanzone on Jun 11, 2008 2:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Too Small A Sample

Eyre and Cotts have not pitched very many innings. The Cubs need to get a lot of innings of good LHP’s in the pen. I don’t know if these are the right guys. They might be. They might not. Lou needs to use them both more extensively to get an idea of what they can really do.

"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray

by memphiscub on Jun 11, 2008 3:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Any day of the week!

I’d take that!

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark

by Fishbone2 on Jun 11, 2008 8:48 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Felix Pie Update

Here are his stats in Iowa.

G 24
AB 97
BA .186
OBP .233
SLG .361

Does anyone still want Pie back instead of Edmonds? Or would the claim be that the Cubs essentially killed Pie’s confidence, and that is the reason why he is floundering?

by zevkalman on Jun 11, 2008 8:49 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Personally

I think being as young as he is, he is probably being coached everyday and is just thinking WAY too much and pressing a bit.

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark

by Fishbone2 on Jun 11, 2008 8:51 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Don't know.............

..........if they “killed” it, but the move certainly didn’t help his confidence.

"Happiness? A good cigar, a good meal, a good cigar and a good woman - or a bad woman; it depends on how much happiness you can handle." ~ George Burns

by tville on Jun 11, 2008 8:52 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The claim would be...

that Pie is down there making adjustments to his swing. This understandably has resulted in a 3-40 start in AAA. When you consider that fact, the .186 average makes a lot more sense. Since that horrendous start, he’s been hitting around .260 with solid power numbers. It’s not great, but it’s a step in the right direction. When players change their approach, you can expect bumps in the road.

As long as Edmonds is playing the way he’s played the past week or so, there’s no rush to get Pie back. But I wouldn’t be celebrating Pie’s struggles. Edmonds is definitely not a long-term solution, and Pie’s progress is probably going to be very important as of next year.

by SouthernCub on Jun 11, 2008 9:00 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm hoping PIe

continues to improve and can contribute this year. Any of the following are possible:

Pie gets called up in September for defense, pinch running duties and gets a few ABs in extra inning games.

Edmonds returns to his struggles and we need to try something different.

An injury requires his call up and he needs to play a few times a week.

Keep working Felix, we might need you for a pennant run.

by 26.2cubsfan on Jun 11, 2008 9:23 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ugh

I really hope he gets it together

by AlabamaCubFan on Jun 11, 2008 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

those numbers

are tilted because of his terrible start down there - 3-30 or something like that - when he was working on changing his swing. For the past few weeks, he’s been hitting much better.

Yes. I want Felix Pie back on the team.

"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derrek Lee, 5/29/08

by drewishdrewid on Jun 11, 2008 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

3-40...

Yes, people keep referencing the low numbers without taking into account the context:

1. He’s changing his approach at the plate.
2. As a result of (1), he started his AAA stint going 3-40.

As Dartmouth posted in another thread, there are signs of progress. He’s making more contact than he did in previous years, and he’s not seeing any reduction in extra-base hits. The problem has been he’s not getting as many singles.

I’m a big fan of Pie, and I hope he gets it together. But right now, as long as Edmonds and Johnson can provide adequate offense and solid defense, I’m willing to be patient with Pie. But I do hope he’s back with the team as the everyday CF by next year, as that would be a good sign for the organization.

by SouthernCub on Jun 11, 2008 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

LSA.

Remember, the goal in Triple A isn’t necessarily to get “ideal” results. Just as pitchers often work on things there and give up runs, Felix is working on adjustments at the plate that are likely affecting his numbers. I hope he makes it back eventually, too, though I’m not expecting to see him play in the majors again until September.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

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

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 11, 2008 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

K's

15Ks 101ABs which is less than 100Ks a full season, which aint horrendous, but isnt great either.

"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."

by californiachicagoan on Jun 11, 2008 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Minus his 3-40 start

His stats since then would be

BA .276
OBP .300 (3 walks during his cold streak)
SLG .517 (the 3 hits were 2 singles and a homer)
OPS .817

That’s not bad. I would not call that floundering or lack of confidence.

However for June so far, he has been cold. OBP .237 SLG .378 OPS .615 So I would say he is doing ok, but is not threatening to immediately rebound to the bigs.

"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."

by californiachicagoan on Jun 11, 2008 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think all-in-all

it would have been better for this team long-term (and by “long-term” I include this year’s postseason), if Lou had been willing to give Pie the same extended chance he gave Jim Edmonds. Edmonds looked just as bad at the plate as Pie and for a longer stretch of time.

I’ve said all along that trying Edmonds was the best thing to try if we were going to give up on Pie because of Edmonds’ potential compared to his price. I am extremely glad that Edmonds got it together and has kept us from trading valuable pieces for another LH OF.

But the way Pie was handled did not help his development and we may end up missing him quite a bit next year and in the years to come. Hopefully Colvin develops and we never think about what might have been with Pie, because it is doubtful Felix Pie ever starts regularly for the Chicago Cubs again.

by DGU on Jun 11, 2008 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Overly dramatic

Who do you have as our centerfielder next year? Edmonds has lost .060 to .100 points of slugging each year since 2004. He is not coming back next year.

"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."

by californiachicagoan on Jun 11, 2008 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Who do you have as our manager for next year?

Edmonds won’t be back next year, but why do you think Pie will be?

by DGU on Jun 11, 2008 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I do see where I need some clarification here.

I think it is possible that Pie could get another shot in 2009 with the Cubs, especially if they win the WS. What seems most likely at this point, though, is that Pie is part of a trade package for whatever Lou thinks we need most at the trade deadline. I think that when Jim Hendry is confronted with a trade discussion where the other GM says we’d want either Pie or Player B, Hendry’s going to want to trade Pie. Remember, we weren’t the only ones arguing about Pie. Hendry’s just been through an organizational argument, too, and the Pie supporters lost. Getting rid of Pie so the argument doesn’t start over again is much preferrable to trading most of the names that could fill in for “Player B.”

by DGU on Jun 11, 2008 3:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Perhaps

But someone has to play center next year, and the pro-Pie front office guys can rightfully ask who is going to play it if/when a trade proposal involving Pie comes up.

"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."

by californiachicagoan on Jun 11, 2008 3:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Dome on Glavine

On a question of facing 300+ winner:

We don’t play baseball by the name if we actually on the field. I just tried to get my job done.

source – NHK MLB Highlight

I'm bleeding Dragons Blue.

by dragonsfanatic on Jun 11, 2008 8:51 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Nice -- that says a lot about his mindset at the plate.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

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

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 11, 2008 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Forgive me..

if this was already adressed but after a brief search, I couldn’t find anything..

What was the deal with the second advertisement frame along the bricks behind home plate?

The red and white bulls

by Scott 9 on Jun 11, 2008 8:53 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

preping for ESPN tomorrow night?

at least that is my guess

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

by gwood on Jun 11, 2008 8:55 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Probably.

Never even noticed it from the bleachers.

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

by Al on Jun 11, 2008 8:57 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If I recall

for past games this year, ESPN used the existing box. Being a little picky, but I wasn’t a fan. looked sloppy

The red and white bulls

by Scott 9 on Jun 11, 2008 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I asked the same ? last night

and the only guess was ESPN. It looked cheesy. We should get an answer tonight.

I'm a reader not a poster, but I'm also a poster so don't get any ideas.

by cozmotaylor123 on Jun 11, 2008 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Another fine game by the HOME warriors!

Man… our bats are like night and day… home and road.

On a side note, while at the game, my buddy and I concluded that Ted Lilly MUST pitch a simulated 1st inning prior to the game… so he can give up his 3 runs in a simulated game. I don’t care if he’s doing the towel drill for this, or playing baseball on the Nintendo Wii in the clubhouse, but this MUST be protocol from here on out.

I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008

by SackMan on Jun 11, 2008 8:56 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

It's the Homeruns

That continue to haunt Lilly.

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark

by Fishbone2 on Jun 11, 2008 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's the crappy 1st inning pitching

that continue to haunt Pansy… err Lilly.

I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008

by SackMan on Jun 11, 2008 9:00 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I thought the same thing last night

Lilly seems to have trouble in the first and then settles down. I too think they needs to put some batters in the box when Lilly is warming up or something. Lilly’s first innings have been frustrating, mostly because of the way he pitches the rest of the games.

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

by gwood on Jun 11, 2008 9:02 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thing is

If his off-speed stuff isn’t working his fastball isn’t good enough to fool anyone. And if his change up is up in the zone the batters can see it and hammer it. His fastball is effective when his change is good, then he mixes that curve in there. Just takes an inning or 2 to find his groove.

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark

by Fishbone2 on Jun 11, 2008 9:07 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

His off-speed stuff was working

in the first inning though. He got two consecutive strike outs with his change up. Although I suppose those were the third and fourth batters of the inning. Lilly didn’t pitch well to the first two and the homer ball was a big mistake pitch.

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

by gwood on Jun 11, 2008 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The only solution for this...

Score 10 runs!

It’s worked twice for him in the last two weeks.

I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008

by SackMan on Jun 11, 2008 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

True but

The K’s of Francour and Tex were still up. Just got away with it.

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark

by Fishbone2 on Jun 11, 2008 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah. Once Ted has that good straight change going,

he settles in. It’s those night when his change stays up that he gets hammered. After the HR to Norton, It seemed like Lilly really found the grip on that change and he was sailing. Also, his curveball last night was just filthy.

"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 Jun 11, 2008 9:12 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I can't remember

if it was after the first inning or after the second inning, but I heard on the radio that before facing the first batter Lily took a few warm up pitches from behind the pitchers mound. He then got up on the mound and smoked a few past the batter. Anyway, he acknowledged in the post game conference that he’s allowing first inning runs so hopefully he’ll also acknowledge that he has to do something about it.

Go ahead, Z me.

by tony412 on Jun 11, 2008 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Great Game

One question. Does Howry have any other pitch besides a fastball? He was throwing meatballs all night long. I thought for sure someone was going deep. Good thing Eyre came in and got some good calls.

Soto's a beast!!!

"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 Jun 11, 2008 9:03 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I Howry at least has a slider

but he doesn’t use it very often. He may have a change up as well but I am not sure about that. Howry’s pitch has been and always will be his fastball. He is only effective if he is able to locate his fastball and last night he couldn’t do that. He has been getting better, but he did regress a bit last night.

I hope he can keep getting better because it was really nice seeing Marmol only throw three pitches last night, thanks, in part to the confidence Lou has been gaining in Howry and Eyre.

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

by gwood on Jun 11, 2008 9:06 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Argg! Pirate Graybar made the rest of your post walk the plank. Argg!!

Nanika Ga Okoru!

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

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 11, 2008 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

OMG

I am laughing so freakin hard.

by Dome is my home-ay on Jun 11, 2008 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Curse the Pirate Greybar

shiver me timbers!

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

by gwood on Jun 11, 2008 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What I was trying to say before the cursed Pirate Greybar attacked

was that is was nice seeing Marmol only throw to the one batter last night so hopefully Howry can pitch like he was prior to last night. Lou was just gaining more confidence in Howry which likely means fewer appearances for Marmol.

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

by gwood on Jun 11, 2008 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree, which makes it all the sadder that Howry almost coughed up the lead.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

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

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 11, 2008 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Howry

As nice as it is to not see Marmol throwing 40 pitches a day, it’s not too comforting to see Howry pitch like he did. I know it’s just one appearance, and maybe he’s over the hump, but I don’t feel confident when he comes in. Lou seems to have forgotten about Wuertz – or at least he doesn’t seem to want to bring Wuertz in during late innings of tight games. Might be worth another look. Of course I believe we need to keep Marmol fresh so he doesn’t burn out down the stretch, and I like the way Lou used him last night – just to get one key hitter.

I also wondered why Lou didn’t think about bringing Wood in to get us out of the 8th. There’s no iron-clad rule that you can’t bring your closer in during the 8th. It looked touch and go for Eyre there, but luckily he got a good strike call on a questionable pitch to get the count to 2-2 and then delivered the strikeout.

"Hey hey, kiss it goodbye! That one's in Milwaukee! Man oh man did he hit it. Isn't that something?" - Lou Boudreau, May 17, 1979

by danimal15 on Jun 11, 2008 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If Woody had come in there

he wouldn’t have been available for the save.

"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derrek Lee, 5/29/08

by drewishdrewid on Jun 11, 2008 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What?

I think you misunderstand. If Wood comes in with 2 outs in the 8th and gets the key out, and then stays and finishes the game, he gets the save. In fact, the word “save” was made up for just that type of appearance, when a reliever actually “saves” the game. Not for the typical “save” we see now, when the reliever starts the 9th with a 2- or 3-run lead. There should be some different stat made up for an appearance like that.

"Hey hey, kiss it goodbye! That one's in Milwaukee! Man oh man did he hit it. Isn't that something?" - Lou Boudreau, May 17, 1979

by danimal15 on Jun 11, 2008 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think that stat

is called a “Hold”

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

by gwood on Jun 11, 2008 1:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

a Hold

is essentially a save, but the reliever does not finish the game.

For example, if the reliever comes in at the bottom of the 7th with the score 5-3, and gets the three outs without giving up the lead, and then is removed in the 8th, that would be a hold.

If it had happened in the 9th, it would be a save.

by false cognate on Jun 11, 2008 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Right

What I’m saying is, the save should go to the reliever who comes in and “saves” the game (the way Eyre did last night) rather than to the reliever who comes in during a less tense situation (no outs, 3-run lead in the 9th) and finishes the game. This would definitely be complicated, because the official scorer would have to decide which reliever, if any, actually did “save” the game and assign him the save if he didn’t happen to finish the game. But sometimes wins are assigned like that, so it’s not unprecedented.

To make things less complicated, it would be nice if managers would get back to using their best reliever in the key situations (the way Lou used Marmol last night) instead of saving them and pitching less-skilled relievers during important moments of the game (the way Lou did with Eyre last night when he had Wood getting blisters on his butt in the bullpen)- althought luckily Eyre did “save” the inning – thanks to help from the ump, if I may add.

"Hey hey, kiss it goodbye! That one's in Milwaukee! Man oh man did he hit it. Isn't that something?" - Lou Boudreau, May 17, 1979

by danimal15 on Jun 11, 2008 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

again, I don't think Lou wants to use Woody this way

I think Woody is best when he can start an inning, not when he comes on to inherit runners. If he hits the first guy in an inning, he can still get out of it. If he throws a passed ball in that first at bat, it’s no damage. Coming on with runners on is much more stressful, and I don’t think it’s Woody’s thing. I WANT Eyre or Marmol on in that situation, not Woody. Woody’s there to close the store, not put out a fire.

"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derrek Lee, 5/29/08

by drewishdrewid on Jun 11, 2008 3:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't think

Lou wants to use Woody that way.

"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derrek Lee, 5/29/08

by drewishdrewid on Jun 11, 2008 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

TWSS

"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella

by Lou In Blue on Jun 11, 2008 1:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That questionable pitch

was getting called by the home plate umpire all day. I was not happy with those calls most of the game until Eyre got his called.

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

by gwood on Jun 11, 2008 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

BRAVES FUN FACT:

Atlanta is 3-17 in 1 run games… worst in MLB
And of course, they’re now 7-22 on the road… also worst in MLB

I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008

by SackMan on Jun 11, 2008 9:08 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

3-17 in one run games is astonishingly bad luck. They’ll bounce back. Better not be against us!

by HereComesASpecialBoy on Jun 11, 2008 9:17 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And I was born at 7:22am

What this has to do with anything… I am not sure…

Wait a minute... who am I here?

by malicedoom on Jun 11, 2008 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think the Braves road record

is kinda relevant.

"Let's not get too giggly." ~Lou Piniella

by JohnM on Jun 11, 2008 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Um... since we're playing the Braves...

I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008

by SackMan on Jun 11, 2008 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Great game!

When Lilly gave up the three in the first I actually said to my wife, “That’s ok, we’ll come back.” Nice feeling.

On a side note: Am I the only person who looks for AL in the crowd shots? That’s one of the cool things about BCB. I feel like I have a buddy at the game all the time.

by AlabamaCubFan on Jun 11, 2008 9:25 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Not the only one

Ever since there was picture posted on here of a left field crowd shot celebrating a homer and Al pointed himself out, I’ve been looking for him on TV too. Spotting SantosWoodenLegs on TV during the Padres series has added to my need to scan the crowd for BCB shirts and such.

This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again.

by HectorVillanueva on Jun 11, 2008 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Word

I’d love to see AL throw back a (meaningless) opposing home run.

by AlabamaCubFan on Jun 11, 2008 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If I catch one...

... the throwback ball goes onto the field.

You can easily spot me in LF. I’m the one wearing blue. :)

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

by Al on Jun 11, 2008 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

speaking of BCB shirts

any update on the 2008 edition?

by Shanghai Badger on Jun 11, 2008 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not yet.

Haven’t had time. Maybe when I get back from Toronto.

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

by Al on Jun 11, 2008 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I look

all the time. Of course, when I’m sitting in the stands next to him, it’s much easier to find him.

"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derrek Lee, 5/29/08

by drewishdrewid on Jun 11, 2008 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Usually.

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

by Al on Jun 11, 2008 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I gotta admit...I've taken to glancing at the upper left corner of the bleachers when the camera swings that way.

.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

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

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 11, 2008 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

We thought...

... when we moved there when the new bleachers were constructed, that there would be a ton of HR to our section. Not so. Not a single one. Ronny Cedeno hit one near us earlier this year. Michael Barrett’s grand slam vs. the Cardinals in early 2006 went right over our heads.

However, Alfonso Soriano has a penchant to hitting HR to the section right next to ours. Eventually, we figure he’ll hit one to us. We await developments.

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

by Al on Jun 11, 2008 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I still find it amazing that you've caught...

...only one (correct?) home run ball in all of your time in the bleachers. I think Soriano is definitely saving a couple for you. Maybe Dome will go oppo and drop one in your lap, too.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

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

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 11, 2008 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That'd be cool.

Yes, that’s correct. Just one. And it wasn’t at Wrigley, either. Leon Durham hit it in St. Louis.

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

by Al on Jun 11, 2008 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

funny..

I have been to many games and only got 1 foul ball…It was hit by Leon Durham at an Iowa Cubs/Chicago Cubs scrimmage game in Des Moines. I was only going to let him sign it and then he went through all the drug problems. to this day it just sits in a curio unsigned

I'm a reader not a poster, but I'm also a poster so don't get any ideas.

by cozmotaylor123 on Jun 11, 2008 3:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

speaking of catching home runs and foul balls....

check out Lou in Blue’s fanpost. Good stuff.

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on Jun 11, 2008 3:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

I always Tivo the game, then look for friends later on. In addition to Al, I’ve seen ballhawk a couple times and my dentist who sits near first base.

"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun

by Bump Bailey on Jun 11, 2008 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Don't forget Sori

A lot of this was thanks to excellent defense—Lilly ought to buy Reed Johnson drinks or dinner or both after Johnson made several good-to-spectacular catches of balls Braves hitters launched into deep center field (he might have caught Infante’s triple, too, had the entire OF not been playing so shallow). Aramis Ramirez made a couple of slick fielding plays, too, including on the DP grounder that, at last, ended the game.

Soriano had at least two running catches, and also a very important steal during the game. It looks like his legs are back to normal.

"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derrek Lee, 5/29/08

by drewishdrewid on Jun 11, 2008 9:45 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Yes

There’s no way he makes that running to the foul line catch 2 weeks ago.

by salparadise23 on Jun 11, 2008 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

good game all around

lots of things to be encouraged about: soriano stole a base and looks like his legs are back to form. Lee hit his first homerun in some time. Soto had 2 hits including a homerun which hopefully is a sign that he is starting to heat up again after a rough past couple weeks. Fukodome continued his trend of hitting much better at home with 2 hits. Lilly was dominant after a long first inning. The only thing to be discouraged about in this game is that Howry looked alot more like the Howry of April then the Howry of May. Hopefully he will wipe it off and get back into a rhythm. Good game lets go for 10 in a row at home tonight!

by cubs on Jun 11, 2008 10:20 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

IIRC Soto has been dealing with a sore finger

Which does affect one’s swing. I’m just amazed that he’s been able to stay more than competent behind the plate throughout this.

by cubsonWGN4ever on Jun 11, 2008 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I would love to see

an end of season highlight reel of Johnson and Lee’s spectacular catches and plays. The two of them are thrill machines. What a great game that was!

by Emelie on Jun 11, 2008 10:23 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

OT: The Chicago Bears seem to think

that starting Terrence Metcalf at LG is a good idea.

I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008

by SackMan on Jun 11, 2008 10:46 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

The end is near...

BCB has Rollover Ads. Some crazy art ads. Anyone else noticed this?

"In all the categories that you pay the most attention to, except the loss column, we're doing very well" - Jim Hendry

by Jayo525 on Jun 11, 2008 10:55 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

yup

specially annoying during slow game threads.

Go ahead, Z me.

by tony412 on Jun 11, 2008 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yep, can't stand 'em.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

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

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 11, 2008 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I have already complained about this.

You should all pass this info along to bugreport (at) sbnation (dot) com

Maybe they’ll do something about it.

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

by Al on Jun 11, 2008 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Can't Stand Ja

What you reading there Cant-Stand-Ja?
What kind of boxers are those Cant-Stand-Ja?

"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."

by californiachicagoan on Jun 11, 2008 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I wear boxer shorts

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip

by Hammer on Jun 11, 2008 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Rock 'n Roll was never my bag, baby.

"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 11, 2008 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Last night's game

had some of the best catches I’ve ever seen in one game. Reed Johnson is so exciting to watch in the outfield and Sori had some great ones too.

Geo is just a stud...period!!!

More great photos too. Love the one of Reed catching and the outfeilders and of course Geo’s homerun. Thanks so much for these.

Nice to see D-LEE play well too. Good thing Lou didn’t give him a couple days off huh?

by sue369 on Jun 11, 2008 11:04 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Arrgh!!

the Pirate Greybar fancies him some Sue.

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

by gwood on Jun 11, 2008 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think there's some deliberate greybarring action going on around here

It’s not all random piracy.

"Let's not get too giggly." ~Lou Piniella

by JohnM on Jun 11, 2008 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes, several BCBers have fallen under his dastardly spell...

...and joined his wretched, scurvy crew. ARRGG!!!

Nanika Ga Okoru!

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

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 11, 2008 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If there is intentional graybarring

I have no idea how to accomplish such a feat

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

by gwood on Jun 11, 2008 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hmm. Testing.

this is with a leading space

this is with two leading spaces
this is with three.

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on Jun 11, 2008 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Are you saying Captain Blank can't count?

keep it up matey, and you’ll find yerself with the wrong end of a cutlass between your second and third rib

or was that third and fourth...

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Jun 11, 2008 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

does this work

i dont know
or do i

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip

by Hammer on Jun 11, 2008 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

well i cant figure it out

oh well.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip

by Hammer on Jun 11, 2008 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Type your heading like this

and then type a sentence like this.

Then indent 2-3 spaces and type what you want in the gray bar.

See if that helps.

by sue369 on Jun 11, 2008 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

One thing...

Just don’t type too much.

Otherwise we'll never know what in the world you wrote because you can put literally anything here and never know because it disappears into the ether but if you view source you can read it which is probably what you're doing right now to read this so since you went to the trouble allow me to say...YOUR MOM IS HOT!

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on Jun 11, 2008 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

i give up

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip

by Hammer on Jun 11, 2008 3:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You could join the Merchant Marines...?

Nanika Ga Okoru!

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

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 11, 2008 3:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Don't give up.

Keep practicing. I have faith you’ll get it.

by sue369 on Jun 11, 2008 3:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

See

you can learn new things everyday

here at BCB ;)

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

by gwood on Jun 11, 2008 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Aye.

Like to see you try, Cap’n!

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on Jun 11, 2008 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Bring me my brown pants!

[ punch line to a very funny pirate joke. ]

Anyway, yep, sometimes Pirate Graybar can be your friend, especially for short lines of text or small tables.

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Jun 11, 2008 2:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And this begs the question...

...is it a bug or did the SBN cybergurus design at as a weird way to emphasize something? I’m still guessing the former.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

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

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 11, 2008 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I say we enter don't complain...

just enter it into the BCB Dictionary as…

The Dread Pirate Gray Bar

We use it when we want to add emphasis and talk like a pirate.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 11, 2008 3:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ha, I never thought of that. It probably does. Let us know.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

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

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 11, 2008 3:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If it does,

then we can be really annoying when we go to other people’s sites. We may get banned even faster if that’s the case.

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

by gwood on Jun 11, 2008 3:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And when new people join...

...and inadvertantly trigger the Dread Pirate Graybar, we can confuse the hell out of them by replying “ARRGG!!!” to their posts.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

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

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 11, 2008 3:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

oh man, if Blue Mike ever dropped a gray bar in one of his posts...

...any newbies would be beyond confusion trying to figure out what “Arrrgghh, scrambled eggs again!” meant…

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Jun 11, 2008 3:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

me hearties!

fresh meat
for the taking!

"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derrek Lee, 5/29/08

by drewishdrewid on Jun 11, 2008 3:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

But that isn't doing him justice

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

by gwood on Jun 11, 2008 3:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm on it, but the comment function in the dictionary is down.

I e-mailed Al, and he’s going to reactivate it.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

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

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 11, 2008 4:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Done.

Check the BCB Dictionary, y’all.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

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

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 11, 2008 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Reed Johnson...solid pickup for the club

Reed Johnson’s catch in Washington D.C. this yr was the greatest catch i’ve seen in person. It shocked me when Baseball tonight did a highlight piece on the best plays so far and Reed’s wasn’t on it. Speaking of defense some kudos needs to be given to Aramis who usually catches heat for his defense and baserunning but so far he has played quite well in the field.

"Commit to the Indian!"

by Bpatterson83 on Jun 11, 2008 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Reed's catch in D.C.

I can’t believe that wasn’t on BBTN either! One of the best I’ve seen in a long time.

"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun

by Bump Bailey on Jun 11, 2008 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He's been a real asset this year.

Here’s hoping he does something even phenomenaler in Toronto.

"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 11, 2008 12:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

OT - Anyone do any sportsbook betting?

There are a few good sites out there for online wagering for baseball. I use tropics69. I just put a $100 down on a Seattle Mariners win today. Must be crazy! :D

"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella

by Lou In Blue on Jun 11, 2008 11:15 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I never understood sports betting

Essentially, you’re betting on something that you have no control over—you’re just a spectator. That and gambling; the probability of winning is always against you. Now poker; that’s something I’d bet my life savings on

(all 30 bucks of it)

"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 Jun 11, 2008 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeabutt...

even in poker some things are out of your control.

Like they say – there are only two garuntees in life – Death and Taxes.

"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"

by HIGGY on Jun 11, 2008 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed for the most part

For me it gets me involved in other games that I would otherwise not care about. It’s strictly entertainment for me. At the site I go to they give you $20 “free roll” for signing up and I’ve been playing on that since I started last year. So far, so good.

"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella

by Lou In Blue on Jun 11, 2008 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Can I say 'me' anymore??

"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella

by Lou In Blue on Jun 11, 2008 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: No Control Over

Tim Donaghy vehemently disagrees.

Go All In and Enjoy The Ride.

by Jayo525 on Jun 11, 2008 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Reed's catches last night...

His first one to left center was spectacular….the 2nd one..I watched a couple replays and he didn’t really run all that far for it and the ball had some loft, so I’m, thinking bad break, but great recovery. am I wrong?

I'm a good speller, but my typing creates a SERIOUS vacuum. (especially while I'm at work sticking it to the man)

by cubfever7 on Jun 11, 2008 11:16 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

On the 2nd one

that’s how Len and Bob talked about it last night. Looked like his first step wasn’t good, but he was able to recover and make the catch.

I agree about the first, it was special.

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

by gwood on Jun 11, 2008 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh--didn't hear Len and Bob...sorry for the redundancy, although..

...family members grow weary of me saying something seconds before the announcers. Things are second nature to most of us baseball obsessives that post here.

I'm a good speller, but my typing creates a SERIOUS vacuum. (especially while I'm at work sticking it to the man)

by cubfever7 on Jun 11, 2008 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Steve Stone, is that you?

Go All In and Enjoy The Ride.

by Jayo525 on Jun 11, 2008 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Note to SWL: PLEASE don't post that picture again.

And you know the one I’m talking about.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

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

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 11, 2008 2:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+ many!

my eyes still haven’t recovered

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

by gwood on Jun 11, 2008 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks, David!

These might be your best pictures of the season so far.

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on Jun 11, 2008 11:23 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, love that one of the crowd with all the "W" signs especially.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

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

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 11, 2008 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

OT

Anyone read the Nomar is going to be playing short after a rehab stint because Furcal is out longer? LOL

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip

by Hammer on Jun 11, 2008 11:34 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Cubs, Denver and Democratic Party

And what do they have in common? The last time the Dems met in Denver for the national convention was 1908. And what happened in 1908? And where are the Dems meeting this year? Need I say more?

by chucolo on Jun 11, 2008 11:36 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Who won the election in 1908?

:-)

"Let's not get too giggly." ~Lou Piniella

by JohnM on Jun 11, 2008 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

William Howard Taft

Republican. Beat Democrat William Jennings Bryan. :)

Wait a minute... who am I here?

by malicedoom on Jun 11, 2008 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Taft

was heavier than both present-day candidates. That guy could put away the hot dogs.

by salparadise23 on Jun 11, 2008 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cubs Rumor Mill...

Ken Rosenthal:

The Cubs not only will pursue the best available starting pitcher — C.C. Sabathia? — but they also have shown interest in Rockies closer Brian Fuentes, a left-hander who would help reduce the late-inning load on righties Carlos Marmol and Kerry Wood. Fuentes, a free agent at the end of the season, could fill a variety of roles — matchup specialist, setup man, closer — making him appealing to virtually every contender . . .

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on Jun 11, 2008 11:44 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Oh my lord NO! Fuentes is HORRIBLE!!!

"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella

by Lou In Blue on Jun 11, 2008 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Fuentes - 6'4, 220

2008: 28 G, 9 SV, 25.7 IP, 21 H, 10 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB / 23 SO, 0 HBP, 1 WP, 2.45 ERA, 184 ERA+
Career: 399 G, 94 SV, 385.0 IP, 317 H, 160 R, 148 ER, 39 HR, 165 BB / 421 SO, 39 HBP, 24 WP, 3.46 ERA, 139 ERA+

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on Jun 11, 2008 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Fuentes

3rd most blown saves in 2007. Just say no!

"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella

by Lou In Blue on Jun 11, 2008 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

But he probably wouldn't be the closer.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

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

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 11, 2008 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He definitely wouldnt be the closer

My guess is he’d replace Wuertz/Howry/Cotts – and yes I know he’s a lefty.

by cubsonWGN4ever on Jun 11, 2008 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella

by Lou In Blue on Jun 11, 2008 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think he's signed through 2010

so why would the Rockies trade him?

by ohboy on Jun 11, 2008 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Either way you slice it

the guy gets himself into too many jams. 21 hits in 27 innings for a relief guy so far this year. Blew 4 consecutive saves last season. It’s a surprise he’s still in a MLB uniform let alone rockies uniform. Lost the closer position again this year a month into the season because of poor performance. etc. etc. etc.

"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella

by Lou In Blue on Jun 11, 2008 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Slice it again

21 hits in 27 innings is a great number. With his 8 walks he only has a 1.13 WHIP. The only Cubs pitchers who have a better WHIP are Marmol, Wood, and Eyre.

He did blow 4 saves in a row last year at the end of June. Of course he had a 1.89 ERA at the time, with 20 saves and only 2 blown. Went on the DL from mid-July to mid-August. Came back and rocked in August and September with about a 1.2 ERA. This year he has a 2.45

Corpas was the Rockies Closer who lost his job a month into the season. Fuentes is the guy who took over.

"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."

by californiachicagoan on Jun 11, 2008 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'll take Eyre thus far this season (small sample size alert)

12 G, 7.3 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 1 BB/14 SO, 0.00 ERA, 0.682 WHIP, (looks like insufficient data for a ERA+)

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

by gwood on Jun 11, 2008 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

CC

did look really good in the complete game shut out he pitched against the Twins last night.

just sayin

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

by gwood on Jun 11, 2008 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, saw some footage of that last night.

Man, that guy is a monster—both physically and pitching-wise (pitchingly?).

Nanika Ga Okoru!

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

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 11, 2008 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sabathia

I’d like to see him, too. But if he joins the Cubs, don’t expect Lou to let him go 9. Lou seems to have a built-in bias against CGs (though the 1987 Yankees under his tutelage had 19 CGs, but that was a different era).

"Hey hey, kiss it goodbye! That one's in Milwaukee! Man oh man did he hit it. Isn't that something?" - Lou Boudreau, May 17, 1979

by danimal15 on Jun 11, 2008 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

How you feeling today?

Oh, just pitchingly, sir!

"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."

by californiachicagoan on Jun 11, 2008 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If Howry decides to start pitching... we won't need to look for somebody else.

I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008

by SackMan on Jun 11, 2008 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I found it a little odd considering how Eyre and Cotts were pitching, as Rosenthal notes.

He also says they’ll be going after a starter … C.C.??

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on Jun 11, 2008 3:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I've never seen a reporter

correct himself so quickly.

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

by gwood on Jun 11, 2008 3:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sigh.

Figures. Yet another rumor that had no legs.

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

by Al on Jun 11, 2008 3:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Leave Pujols outta this.

OK, I’m sorry…I’m sorry…

Nanika Ga Okoru!

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

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 11, 2008 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hold, hold, hold...

and release.

"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 11, 2008 3:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

TWSS?

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

by gwood on Jun 11, 2008 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes.

But, I lobbed that one up there Halpert-style and was expecting it.

"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 11, 2008 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

Nanika Ga Okoru!

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

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 11, 2008 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I love seeing this team continue to show the ablility to...

overcome early deficits. The offense is really “coming together”....

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 11, 2008 11:54 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

And here's a little news for you all...

...the Walrus plays basebawwww-eee-allll!!!

Nanika Ga Okoru!

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

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 11, 2008 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's nothin' to hang a slider about...

Nanika Ga Okoru!

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

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 11, 2008 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

and. . .

. . .and Dusty is dead

Go Lou

by leothelip on Jun 11, 2008 11:59 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

If we win 10 straight at home I think

Lou should dye his hair again. I mean look how content he looked last time he did….

Go All In and Enjoy The Ride.

by Jayo525 on Jun 11, 2008 12:11 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I think all the fumes from the hair care products were making him sleepy.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

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

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 11, 2008 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And Edmonds can recommed a good colorist...

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 11, 2008 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Several, in fact...

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on Jun 11, 2008 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

and some fine

cut off-t shirt purveyors.

"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derrek Lee, 5/29/08

by drewishdrewid on Jun 11, 2008 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Is that

the Morans?

"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 11, 2008 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Where's Kyle Farnsworth when you need him?

(damn, I couldn’t even completely type that joke out without throwing up a little bit in my mouth)

Wait a minute... who am I here?

by malicedoom on Jun 11, 2008 12:16 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 11, 2008 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cubs catch a break tonight

Jair Jurrjens sprained his ankle so Jeff Bennett will pitch for the Braves.

by ohboy on Jun 11, 2008 12:22 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

source?

btw, sounds like a women’s shampoo doesn’t it?

Go ahead, Z me.

by tony412 on Jun 11, 2008 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Benefit?

Are they really catching a break? Too many times I’ve seen the Cubs have trouble hitting unknown pitchers. Not that they really know Jurrjens, either, of course, but they probably have some decent advance scouting.

"Hey hey, kiss it goodbye! That one's in Milwaukee! Man oh man did he hit it. Isn't that something?" - Lou Boudreau, May 17, 1979

by danimal15 on Jun 11, 2008 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Where is Mapmaker...

to tell us that Bennett will no-hit us tonight?
Book It!

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 11, 2008 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Interesting link.

Nice to know that our children’s literacy is in the hands of a bad pizza chain.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

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

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 11, 2008 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Dude

I totally did this program fifteen years ago. It actually worked as a nice incentive for a child to read.

"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 11, 2008 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah...

I can’t hear someone say “Book It!” without thinking about getting my first personal pan pizza in 3rd grade after reading books and getting the coupon.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 11, 2008 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Interesting. I had no idea it had been around that long.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

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

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 11, 2008 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I used to collect those coupons

when I was in high school, waiting tables at the local Pizza Hut. Remember the “5 Minute Lunch Guarantee” where you could get a cheese, sausage or pepperoni personal pan pizza in 5 minutes or it was free? We’d have to plop the timer on the table and try to beat the buzzer. I had nightmares that summer about pizzas flying out of the oven.

"ROUS's? Rodents of Unusual Size. Don't worry, they don't exist."
http://margaritagirl11.spaces.live.com/

by iluvryno on Jun 11, 2008 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008

by SackMan on Jun 11, 2008 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Let him and Chipper rest up together

No need to rush anything . These minor problems could really develop into something
bad if they don’t take it easy for a couple of days

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry

by Doggie Stalker on Jun 11, 2008 12:24 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Regarding Chipper:

Bobby Cox just had to know he wasn’t going to get anything to hit last night with first open, right? Why bring him in at all when you’ve got to immediately sub for him again?

"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 11, 2008 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Two words...

Kirk. Gibson.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 11, 2008 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thankfully

Lilly is no Eckersley and either chose not to find the plate, or just couldn’t.

"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 11, 2008 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Especially

with the Braves carrying 13 pitchers like they are. Makes that bench mighty small. Back-up catcher and utility guy.

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark

by Fishbone2 on Jun 11, 2008 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Fantastic pictures....I feel like I'm in the stands.

I was coaching third base last night for our women’s church team with Blackberry in hand so I could keep up with the game. Lucky I didn’t take a screaming line drive down the line straight in the temple.

Let’s get another ‘W’ tonight!!!

"ROUS's? Rodents of Unusual Size. Don't worry, they don't exist."
http://margaritagirl11.spaces.live.com/

by iluvryno on Jun 11, 2008 1:23 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Somehow

I don’t think “screaming line drive” and “womens church league” should be represented in the same sentence. :D

"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella

by Lou In Blue on Jun 11, 2008 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

it's a

different kind of screaming…

"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derrek Lee, 5/29/08

by drewishdrewid on Jun 11, 2008 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think some of the women were raised in Iowa....

They are big and they can hit.

"ROUS's? Rodents of Unusual Size. Don't worry, they don't exist."
http://margaritagirl11.spaces.live.com/

by iluvryno on Jun 11, 2008 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well...isn't that special.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

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

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 11, 2008 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

So you are saying

women raised in Iowa are big? Illinois doesn’t have any big women huh?

by sue369 on Jun 11, 2008 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe?

"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella

by Lou In Blue on Jun 11, 2008 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Funny, I never pictured you as an emo guy.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

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

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 11, 2008 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Legion of Doom is t3h r0xx0rs.

I don’t know that I’m especially an emo guy, although I probably listen to quite a bit more of it than the average person. But basically I just look for stuff with a high Value Over Replacement Song.

by cwyers on Jun 11, 2008 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That was actually a cool mashup. Pretty much seemless.

Do you play music, too? Because if you do, I guess you’d be a “Sabremusician.”

Nanika Ga Okoru!

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

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 11, 2008 2:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

ba-dum tsss

/sabermusic

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on Jun 11, 2008 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And you would play one of these...

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 11, 2008 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Very busy at work but

the only thing I have to say is why did Lou have Lilly put anything in the strike zone against Chipper (birthname Larry for those who didn’t know)? How pissed would everyone have been if he would have nailed one with a base open? That is one player that shouldn’t be challenged at all the last two games of this series unless the bases are juiced or the Cubs are up big.

Lets do it Cubbies

by slocs55 on Jun 11, 2008 1:31 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

IIRC

he didn’t. I think he put a 3-0 pitch down the middle but that was it.

"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 11, 2008 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's considered "in the strike zone" IIRC

"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella

by Lou In Blue on Jun 11, 2008 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes

but on a 3-0 pitch. Most batters take anything on 3-0.

And, yes, I put “most batters” in case you wanna call me out on that technicality, too.

"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 11, 2008 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well FWIW

That was a cookie that Lilly threw, it was idiotic too. Chipper should have launched that pitch.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip

by Hammer on Jun 11, 2008 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think I speak on behalf of all of us

when I say “Thank you, Chipper, for not doing that.” One frustrated Lillyhop was enough for one night.

"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 11, 2008 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

agreed

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip

by Hammer on Jun 11, 2008 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

All in jest buddy

"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella

by Lou In Blue on Jun 11, 2008 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No worries.

"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 11, 2008 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Lou in Blue and Hammer

Agreed.

Lets do it Cubbies

by slocs55 on Jun 11, 2008 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Jirrjens is out for tonight

Bennet will be pitching. Jirrjens was leaving the dugout after last night’s game and twisted his ankle. He may join the DL. Baseball gods are mad at the Braves.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080611&content_id=2890834&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

by coral on Jun 11, 2008 1:38 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Thanks.

Cubs catch a break here.

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

by Al on Jun 11, 2008 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ahem... don't you mean Jirrjens catches a break?

Me thinks he saw what the Cubs bats did to a HOF pitcher and accidently misstepped coming out of the dugout …

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Jun 11, 2008 3:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ah, if only this were really true.

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

by Al on Jun 11, 2008 3:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What up with Font's latley

Seems like 4 – 3 has become regular for him ??

I bleed double blue Cubbies & NY Rangers

by parrotinct on Jun 11, 2008 1:49 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

OT - Mariners

Took the lead in the 9th, my long shot $100 might pay off. Oh and the Blue Jays’ coach was just ejected from the game! :D

...that is all

"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella

by Lou In Blue on Jun 11, 2008 1:55 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Can't help but wonder if that was Glavine's last game

This is the first arm injury of his long career, and his second trip to the DL of the season. You can’t help but worry when you see an injury of this type at this stage in his career.

by Wreckard on Jun 11, 2008 2:07 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

You're worried?

Having had such a great career already, I don’t think even HE is worried.

Go ahead, Z me.

by tony412 on Jun 11, 2008 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

oddly

setting up perfectly for Maddux to retire and all 3 of them go into the Hall together….pretty cool IMO

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip

by Hammer on Jun 11, 2008 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cue

SWLs pic of Cerberus with Maddux, Smoltz, and Glavine heads.

"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 11, 2008 2:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not trying to advertise

I took all the ads on my site down, so it didn’t seem like I was trying to make money by posting here, but this article on Geo Soto was in Sports Illustrated today:

http://www.clubhousecancer.com/2008/06/geo-soto-in-spo.html

by Clubhouse Cancer on Jun 11, 2008 2:14 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Some pullquotes for the busy/slow computered.

On how he learned English:

Mostly from TV, watching Fresh Prince and Full House. When I was three, we moved from Puerto Rico to the Bronx, then to Florida before goign back to Puerto Rico when I was eight. My older sister [Michelle] made us watch all that girly stuff.

On the 6’1 225-pounder’s wager with 6’5 255-pound Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano:

In the spring of 2007 we bet $2,000 on who could get to the lowest body fat. I was like, “Two thousand dollars? That’s a little heavy.” But [teammates] Henry Blanco and Jacque Jones each put in $1,000 for me. That was pressure—I didn’t want to make those guys pay. I got on a diet, ran hard every day, and at the end of camp I’d lost 20-something pounds and was one percent under Zambrano. He paid up.

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on Jun 11, 2008 2:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

*going

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on Jun 11, 2008 2:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Does he wax his eyebrows?

maybe he’s a plucker.

Go ahead, Z me.

by tony412 on Jun 11, 2008 2:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

When he was at

Cubs convention CSN did an interview with him and his eyebrows were waxed or plucked and he had on guyliner.

by sue369 on Jun 11, 2008 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

but I'm sure that's not

what you ladies like about him anyway huh?

Go ahead, Z me.

by tony412 on Jun 11, 2008 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well, duh, they like his 132 OPS+, of course.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

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

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 11, 2008 3:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Uncle Joey---says Cut It Out

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip

by Hammer on Jun 11, 2008 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Can't wait for

mine to come in the mail tomorrow. :-D

by sue369 on Jun 11, 2008 3:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cubs will move prospects?

From Buster Olney:

Some folks within the industry think that if Sabathia is traded, the Cubs will be the most aggressive in bidding for him. “They’re going for it this year,” said one GM. “Other teams are laying back and might not want to trade prospects, but the Cubs will.”

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on Jun 11, 2008 2:20 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Cubs talk

to me only makes it feel like it then won’t be the Cubs…. just like with TTTSNBN

Go ahead, Z me.

by tony412 on Jun 11, 2008 2:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks for the clip

because I’m not giving ESPN any money to read stuff on their site. Call me cheap, call me ignorant or call me rude, but I don’t think that they provide the value added for me to pay to read their talking heads. If I’m spending money of analysis the money is going to Baseball Prospectus not ESPN.

But that is just my opinion and I’m often wrong except for when I’m right or left.

by bubbamike the one and only on Jun 11, 2008 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

VORP....Value Over Replacement Publication?

My friend and I share an account. Shhh!

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on Jun 11, 2008 2:55 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If he's a plucker

then I’d sure like to be …... well…..you know…..

"ROUS's? Rodents of Unusual Size. Don't worry, they don't exist."
http://margaritagirl11.spaces.live.com/

by iluvryno on Jun 11, 2008 2:34 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

One of these?

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on Jun 11, 2008 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ooohhh...no

that image isn’t really working for me.

"ROUS's? Rodents of Unusual Size. Don't worry, they don't exist."
http://margaritagirl11.spaces.live.com/

by iluvryno on Jun 11, 2008 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thought of the day
There is not enough time to do all the nothing we want to do.
– Bill Watterson

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on Jun 11, 2008 3:17 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

hoping to make this game!

just moved into town on Monday and am hoping to score some tix for tonights game!! ticket trading post comments are down, so if anyone has 2 or 3, feel free to contact me!

mike (at) deepdish (dot) com

by noiseboy on Jun 11, 2008 3:26 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

BTW, "Suddenly Summer"

sounds like a movie title. Maybe a teenage coming-of-age tale. Bikinis on the beach, perhaps.

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on Jun 11, 2008 3:28 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Or a 70's Porno...

That Summer is a talented lady.

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark

by Fishbone2 on Jun 11, 2008 3:37 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Or a 60s PSA.

“A lot of youths these days can’t wait for the old schoolhouse to let out. It’s Suddenl Summer and the fishing holes are a-waitin!”

"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 11, 2008 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

w/ Janet Jones (now Gretzky)

by N Oakley on Jun 11, 2008 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well Played

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark

by Fishbone2 on Jun 11, 2008 3:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Man

can’t find a “clean” picture of Phoebe Cates from Fast Times at Ridgemont High to post here.

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

by gwood on Jun 11, 2008 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not understanding the problem.

"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 11, 2008 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Alright, how bout this one

Now it’s a true ‘80s movie

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

by gwood on Jun 11, 2008 3:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

BODY DOUBLE

Hate to burst everyones bubble….............yamma hamma——DROP DEAD FRED, ended her career

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip

by Hammer on Jun 11, 2008 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nothing tops

her dead dad story from Gremlins.

"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 11, 2008 3:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Life is strange...I'm moving in stereo...

Nanika Ga Okoru!

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

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 11, 2008 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Aloha, Mr. Hand...

Wait a minute... who am I here?

by malicedoom on Jun 11, 2008 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Picture Of The Year Nominee: Left Field Bleachers With "W's"

I could almost cry looking at it ..

Far more realt then Michelangelo’s “David”

More smiley than the Mona Lisa

THIS needs to be hanging in the Louvre somewhere .. or at least at the 35th/Shields train stop, by Smellular Field …

Well, Next Year is here .. and Jack's century's gotta end some time .. GO CUBBIES!

by cubnational on Jun 11, 2008 5:54 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

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