Almost Flawless: Cubs 7, Braves 2
by Al Yellon on Jun 12, 2008 7:30 AM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
Email
PrintIf I had told you, last June 16, when the Cubs were five games under .500, 6 1/2 games out of first place, and Carlos Zambrano threw a complete game in a 1-0 loss to the Padres at Wrigley Field (the same game in which Derrek Lee and Chris Young had their famous fight), that the Cubs' next complete game would be thrown by Ryan Dempster, almost exactly a year later, and it would put the team eighteen games over .500... well, you'd have put me away. (The Cubs, incidentally, are 96-65 since that game, a record that precisely matches what they did in their 1984 NL East title campaign.)
The Cubs' last complete game in a victory was thrown by Jason Marquis, also by 1-0, a shutout of the Pirates at Wrigley Field on May 9, 2007, where the only run was provided courtesy of a leadoff home run by... Alfonso Soriano.
And that is where we pick up the story of last night's 7-2 Cubs win over the Braves, because despite the terrific pitching of Dempster -- who threw a 119-pitch gem, striking out 11 and walking none -- most thoughts this morning are with Alfonso Soriano, who got hit by a Jeff Bennett pitch in his second at-bat and broke the fourth metacarpal on his left hand, sidelining him for up to six weeks. (Further discussion of this injury on this site: here and here.
This began the discussion in our group in the bleachers last night of who might replace him, ranging from Kenny Lofton (he'd ask for too much money, and would he go away quietly after six weeks?), Barry Bonds (NO! for many different reasons), and even Sammy Sosa (um, no, also). This team is resilient and will survive this loss. Soriano is maddening at times, with his occasional dropped fly balls and wind-whipping whiffs, but there is no doubt he can carry a team for weeks at a time, which he did during the mid-May homestand and last September.
The Cubs will likely recall Micah Hoffpauir, which they were probably going to do anyway with the upcoming trip to AL (read: DH) cities Toronto and Tampa. The Iowa Cubs were in Memphis last night -- whether a call was made already and Hoffpauir got a flight out early this morning, I don't yet know. The team was going to send Kevin Hart down after today's game with the DH coming up, so that likely means two I-Cubs are coming with the team on the road trip. Will it be Matt Murton, who could start in LF? Will it be Eric Patterson, who can play several positions and hits lefthanded? It could, I suppose, be someone like Josh Kroeger, who also hits lefthanded and could play left field and who, unlike Murton, has actually shown some power at Iowa this year (.483 SLG to Murton's .395), and Lou seems to crave lefthanded power. Kroeger, however, is not on the 40-man roster and it's full right now, so someone would have to be let go (why is Jake Fox still on the 40-man?). Or how about... Felix Pie?
My suspicion is that the Cubs will fill from within for now -- they could, from time to time, as they did last night, put Mike Fontenot at 2B and Mark DeRosa in LF, which also happened ten times when Soriano was out with his leg problems in April (the Cubs went 8-4 with DeRosa as their starting LF). They could also play Reed Johnson in LF with Jim Edmonds in CF, if necessary.
This is, and has been, a tough and always ready team -- they looked sharp last night in coming right at Atlanta starter Jeff Bennett, scoring seemingly at will in the first three innings, the big blow being Kosuke Fukudome's first-inning three-run homer, which was difficult to see from where we were sitting into the glare of the early-evening sun still shining brightly onto the right-field bleachers. At the time, too, the wind was blowing in -- it had shifted off the lake in the wake of an area of rain that had drifted north of the ballpark and dropped the temperature about 15 degrees. Later the wind shifted back to the south, blowing out; this might have helped the two-run HR that Braves backup catcher Corky Miller pinch-hit off Dempster in the seventh (how unlikely was that? Miller came into the game 2-for-32 this year and is a .185 lifetime hitter in 308 AB scattered across eight seasons with four teams).
Signs spotted last night: a big yellow sign reading "WE ♥ SORIANO" -- after his injury the resourceful group who had it got out a marker, put a circle with a line through it over the ♥, and wrote "DAROSA" on the back. Also spotted, a young woman holding up a sign reading "CSN I'M 18 TODAY" and her friend next to her with one that had an arrow pointing to her and reading "FONTENOT: SHE'S FINALLY LEGAL!" Truth be told, both these women looked older than Fontenot does.
Fun, right? Isn't that what this season has been? The Cubs will miss Alfonso Soriano, but they'll be just fine. That's the method of the 2008 Cubs. Hats off to Ryan Dempster this morning. He threw a great game and gave the bullpen the night off, which they sorely needed. Let's sweep this series today.
Kosuke Fukudome just misses a Brian McCann foul ball in the 2nd
Alfonso Soriano hit by Jeff Bennett's pitch (note ball on ground)
Mike Fontenot, running for Soriano, scores
Jim Edmonds catches Yunel Escobar's fly ball in the 8th
Click on photos to open a larger version in a new browser window. All photos by David Sameshima
362 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
First
Great game, while at the same time sad.
As Lou said, Soriano was just starting to get his legs back. The Cubs will be fine, we will just have to win games like we were winning them earlier in the season.
Let’s get the sweep today!!
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
I had that same thought
He’ll come back with his legs rested and healthy
Linus: Life is rarely all one way, Charlie Brown. You win some, you lose some. Charlie Brown: Really? Gee, that'd be neat.
by CyberCyclist on Jun 12, 2008 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions
How about, instead
of the Wonder Hamster at 2B and Derosa in LF, Lou puts Riot at 2B, where he’s better suited defensively, Ronny at short, demotes Fontenot, and brings up Patterson. Derosa plays LF primarily, with Patterson getting the odd start in LF and at 2B.
"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 12, 2008 7:38 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
But then what'll happen to the girl with the sign?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
She'll be pleased to know Fontenot now has some free time on his hands...
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
she'll follow the example of the other people
and cross him off and put in DeRosa.
---AC 00 00 00 - Believe
And Mark is much cuter than Fontenot. Much cuter. In fact he’s the best looking guy on the team imho. But he’s married and I’m unsure of Fontenot.
We are all waiting for that glorious October night when we finally win it all. Until then we will continue to cheer, never do the wave and hope.
by puckishcubsfan on Jun 12, 2008 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions
Theriot...
...is a shortstop now. No sense in moving him around. He’s hitting .320 and playing everyday. Keep him at short and let your second baseman rotate between Derosa, Fontenot and Cedeno. That’s probably what Lou will do.
Theriot's defense at SS is bad. That's the reason for the move.
His BA and OBP have nothing to do with it.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
Obviously...
...his BA and OBP have nothing to do with it. I’m just saying he’ll be in the lineup everyday and he’ll stay at short. You may think his D is bad but the point is Lou isn’t going to move him around when he is an everyday player. I don’t care what Lou does I’m just predicting Lou will probably keep him there.
Agreed. Also Theriot finally got a double yesterday to the "wrong" field
Maybe he’s still got a chance to be a major league everyday player?
I’d move him to 2nd and put Cedeno at SS because it makes the team better defense.
We are all waiting for that glorious October night when we finally win it all. Until then we will continue to cheer, never do the wave and hope.
by puckishcubsfan on Jun 12, 2008 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions
With DeRo in left?
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 12, 2008 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions
I still want Orange guy
in left. Let’s see how he does. We’ll have about 4 guys that can spell him occasionally including Dero and Reed, and maybe even the DH Hoffpauir
Cubs Win!! Cubs Win!
Honestly, I wouldn't mind seeing either Murton or Kroeger in LF.
The thought of Hoffpauir playing the OF makes me ill.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
My thoughts are more strategic
First 4-6 weeks take the Cubs to August 1st…..a big date for any contending team. What hole does Soriano leave in the offense?
First leadoff and two run production actually at the bottom of the order. (In that when the order turns over Soriano is actually hitting with men on base often.) Something will be missed.
My vote is Patterson. (Murton had his chance and keeping him in AAA where he continues to hit singles is a good place to keep any trade value, like I said he is Reed Johnson without being able to play the OF like Reed.)
Patterson offers a few things; Versatility which Piniella will want to use when trying to gain any advantage in situations. Two, speed, something Piniella could use at the top of the order. Three I think he can put Patterson at lead off and develop some value for Patterson for a trade in July.
Hoffpauir can come up an replace Ward’s hole and DH in June.
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
I guess my gut-reaction vote would be for Patterson, too.
It’s hard to overvalue speed on a baseball team. That said, I don’t quite see how “keeping [Murton] in AAA where he continues to hit singles” retains any trade value. Wouldn’t his trade value be better retained – or increased – if the Cubs brought him up and showed (or reminded) scouts that he can play in the major leagues?
On a parting note:
Hoffpauir can come up an replace Ward’s hole
Ouch. At least you didn’t use the verb “fill”.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
I don't think Lou...
...wants Murton to fill this hole, and his trade value is what it is regardless of whether he gets called up.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Tough Break
No Pun intended, however I have to look and see if there is possibly a bright side to Fonzies injury.
1) It gives him a chance to really heal the legs that just now seemed to be coming back into shape.
2) We really get a chance to put some of the young guys out there and see who is going to be there for the stretch run.
3) We won’t have to listen to MBDNIU whine about him for a while.
If the world didn't suck we would all fall off.
But I'm worried about the longer term effect of a broken hand on his bat speed.
The little bones in the hand are delicate. Healing is not always straightforward. Like with DLee’s wrist, the effects can be long-term and unpredictable. I wish him a complete recovery.
As I said earlier, Howie Kendrick had a similar injury
twice last season, and it didn’t affect his batspeed or his power at all.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
I like Reid Johnson
platooning with DeRosa (someone??) in left. While he strikes out too often, he’s batting .308 in his last 10 games, he’s fairly solid on the road (AWAY: .250 / .689 vs HOME: .280 / .719) and I think his presence ‘brings’ some spunk and attitude to the team (no stats to back that up….maybe I just like his goatee).
Slice and dice all you want….just my two cents.
"ROUS's? Rodents of Unusual Size. Don't worry, they don't exist."
http://margaritagirl11.spaces.live.com/
Well, Reed's in a straight platoon
in CF with Edmonds and giving him more playing time in LF will increase Edmonds’ time in CF, which is not a good option. Edmonds is playing well, relative to expectations, anyway, but I wouldn’t want him in there everyday, especially in situations where he’d have to face top-tier pitching and/or LHP. That’s why I think the callup of Patterson makes the most sense. It enables you to rotate Derosa and Patterson in LF, and Derosa, Patterson, Theriot and Cedeno at 2B, as well as Cedeno and Theriot at SS. You can fill the hole in the defense created by Sori’s injury without weakening your defense and you avoid putting any one player in a non-beneficial situation.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
Yeah, this makes sense to me, too.
The Johnson/Jedmonds platoon is working, and the Cubs should try to retain it. Bring up EPat and his speed and he and DeRo can share left field.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
I agree...
...much rather see Reed in left, DeRo at 2nd than DeRo in left and Hamster guy at 2nd.
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. ---Crash Davis
by carmen_fanzone on Jun 12, 2008 8:07 AM CDT up reply actions
Reed
"ROUS's? Rodents of Unusual Size. Don't worry, they don't exist."
http://margaritagirl11.spaces.live.com/
Three reasons I'm not too worried
1) Soriano, no matter what else you may say about him, WANTS to be out there every day. My suspicion is that after one week with the cast off, he’ll already be sitting next to Lou whispering every five minutes “Put me back in, I’m ready!”
2) The Cubs were 8-4 during Soriano’s last stint on the DL. If they have anywhere near the same record in the upcoming six weeks, we’ll be an additional six games over .500.
3) (For me only)- My next Cubs game is 7/28 in Milwaukee and Soriano will be back in the lineup by then.
*Synth intro to "Jump"*
Not to freak anyone out but...
15 hr’s and 40 rbi is tough to replace.
"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
Very true
those numbers are going to be very difficult, if not impossible, to replace. We are just going to have to win games in different ways. We proved earlier in the season that we can do it and I think the Cubs will again prove that Hendry put together a good deep team that Lou will organize to give us the best chance to win every game.
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
Yep...
Just have to go out there and play hard with the hand you have dealt to you.
"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
The Cubs were 9-5 with Soriano out earlier this year.
I’ll take that kind of percentage (.643) for the next six weeks.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Al, you didn't happen to see this girl last night, did ya?
Fan cams are never boring. lol. Pretty sure she was in the bleachers.
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. ---Crash Davis
My compliments to her surgeon.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
Is she
looking at her own cleavage?
"ROUS's? Rodents of Unusual Size. Don't worry, they don't exist."
http://margaritagirl11.spaces.live.com/
Wouldn't you?
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
Good point
I can think of a better way to spend a few thousand bucks though!
"ROUS's? Rodents of Unusual Size. Don't worry, they don't exist."
http://margaritagirl11.spaces.live.com/
+1
Actually, +2, as this joke works both ways.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
Agreed.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
lmao
n/t
Dear SBnation, We need our own server here at BCB seeing how its became very slow due to enormous amounts of traffic. P.S. Impeach Bud Selig!!!
by cubsluver22 on Jun 12, 2008 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions
She needs more gold....
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. ---Crash Davis
by carmen_fanzone on Jun 12, 2008 8:19 AM CDT up reply actions
LSA (this is where it was suppose to be)
by Madison Cub Fan on Jun 12, 2008 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions
I just realized that. its suppose to in response to garys compliment to her surgeon
but even when I hit reply up there ends up down here.
by Madison Cub Fan on Jun 12, 2008 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions
Then its in the right spot
there are a number of other replies to his comment and replys to the replys, so yours gets stuck all the way down here based on the order in which people replied to GV’s comment re- her surgeon.
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
this is probably a reallllly dumb question
but it’s one I’ve pondered over the years. Do you guys really like fake breasts? From what I hear they are hard as rocks and appear, at least to me, like two perfectly round grapefruits. This is hubba hubba? Really?
Personally...
... I don’t.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Well...
...I have experienced both and prefer to touch, etc.. the natural. If, we as men only could look at them, then i would prefer the faux.
"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
Well Kind of..
...the implant girl friend was a psycho and was probably one of the WORST relationships i have ever been in. I should have put 2 and 2 together that there was insecurity issues there.
"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
Oooof
Glad you made the right choice after “putting 2 and 2 together” – nudge nudge wink wink!
Seriously though, glad you’re rid of the needless drama.
Depends....
.....on how blatantly “fake” they are. They’ve made some amazing breakthrough’s on making an implant look/feel more natural.
But the big huge “here they are boys” type of implants? Yeah, not so much.
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. ---Crash Davis
by carmen_fanzone on Jun 12, 2008 8:52 AM CDT up reply actions
There's nothing like the real thing.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
Home grown...
...no silicone!!!
That’s my motto.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
LOL at this question and the answers. That said, I agree with GV.
Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager
Our best player (argubly) gets injured, and we're talking boobs...I love it
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
Well, in our defense,
they are boobs.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
-1
Most folks around here are far more clever and funny around here than Carolla and Kimmel ever were, plus that douchebarn Bill Simmons was a writer on that show.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
There was some allure to
the closing credits….
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
I have always
been fascinated by trampolines.
"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
As have I...
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
Simmons was a writer on Kimmel's late-night show...
not the Man Show. Other than that, I completely agree.
Yeah, I though he was in on the Man Show, as well.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
Nah, he moved to LA to do the Kimmel show...
It was why he cut back on the ESPN gig for a while. Too bad he came back to ESPN.
Yeah.
Once upon a time, he was kinda funny, but he is insufferable at this point.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
some of his page 2 articles are kinda funny
his wife doesn’t like football but she picked games last season. and she ended up beating him record wise.
by Madison Cub Fan on Jun 12, 2008 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, he got overexposed...
He was pretty funny, and I’m sure he’s great if you like the Boston sports teams. But it’s pretty clear he’s a one-trick pony, and his incessant rants on NY/Boston are indeed insufferable.
by SouthernCub on Jun 12, 2008 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions
My GF has fake ones
and there fantastic. Never though I’d like artificial boobs but for the first couple of months I wasn’t sure if they were real or fake (if you can believe it). Finally she had mentioned that they were bought. I was like Shazaam! Winner winner. :D On to baseball…...
"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
Speaking as a woman who has been accused of having fake ones I think women who get fake ones are silly. It’s not worth the health risks associated with the surgery.
But kind of like how I don’t get all worked up over the TV situation since I can watch all Cubs games I know I’d feel differently if I felt I needed “help” in that area.
We are all waiting for that glorious October night when we finally win it all. Until then we will continue to cheer, never do the wave and hope.
by puckishcubsfan on Jun 12, 2008 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions
Good For You
My wife feels the same way, and in now way would I want her to ever put her health at risk over something so trivial. As it is she’s a hottie!
I prefer the natural look myself.
Quoth Sir Mix-A-Lot, “Cuz silicone parts are made for toys.”
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Even White boys have to shout.
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. ---Crash Davis
by carmen_fanzone on Jun 12, 2008 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions
36-24-36?
Only if she’s 5’3”.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 12, 2008 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions
Don't waste your time--she snores.
I'm a good speller, but my typing creates a SERIOUS vacuum. (especially while I'm at work sticking it to the man)
She's got a balcony you could do Shakespeare from!
Ba Boom – tiss….
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Jun 12, 2008 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions
wow..
she does…
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Jun 12, 2008 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions
Dempster
was last night and has been brilliant. Just loves the way he works, quick, no jacking around on the mound, throws strikes (Rich Hill), just in command. Lets hope this continues. If Lilly continues his slow progress to 2007 form The Cubs top three will be in good shape.
On to Soraino, he will be missed, This last month or so he has been on fire. And all of the grumbling of trading him, hitting him 6th, and Soriano “Sucks”, funny that has been silent for the last say Month. Cracks me up fan holds up “love you Soriano”. This board was about 80 to 20 get rid of him. We will see. Al, I don’t doubt this teams resiliancy, but he will be missed more than we think. He was heading towards a 40 plus Homeruns, 90-100 RBI’s and 100 runs scored. To say that ” we will be just fine” , I think is a little of a reach, considering putting Fonenot or Hoffpauir in the lineup instead of Soraino, HUGE difference
I would bring up E. Pat and Hoffpauir. E Pat gives more flexibility in the lineup, plus Fontenot, IMO is not stroking the ball
Hey I love this team, just a joy to watch, just a shame what happened to Sori, but we move on, I am confident, maybe just not as confident as you Al.
"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"
Totally agree...
Also, want to say a hand injury is kind of a tough one to come back from and be “normal”. I know Lee’s was the wrist but it took him a year to get back to “normal”.
"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
A wrist injury is far different than a broken finger bone.
With the wrist hurt, you lose all your power, and yes, I think it did take more than a year for D-Lee to come back.
This finger bone injury is fairly minor (not fully displaced)—and didn’t Soriano have a minor broken bone in spring training, too?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
But he was only out for 5 days...
...this is a little more serious. Yes a wrist is different but a hand. I guess I just hope he comes back and all is well. To think he will come back and not miss a beat is tough for me at this point.
"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
Ummm.. he was out for 14 games, as you can see
from the 9-5 number that Al posted.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
See that now.
I am an ass.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
No worries...
...I am going to stay positive but I am concerned.
"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
He was talking about Spring Training
when he also broke a finger.
"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
I see.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
Totally different things.
Howie Kendrick has a similar injury twice last season. He came back in 6-8 weeks and absolutely shredded AL pitching on his return each time. A wrist injury is far more significant, especially to a power hitter, than a finger injury.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
Your 80-20 get rid of him numbers are way off.
Sori has many more defenders that detractors around here.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
Maybe becasue
I am a staunch defender of his, I skewed the numbers, however I won’t say it is 50/50, more haters than defenders IMO.
"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"
As a defender myself, I think the 50/50 is likely closer, at least
until he went on that tear in early May.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
Time to crack down!
I think your G key went on strike and the C crossed the picket lines: “The Cubs’ last complete came in a victory”
Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager
I think what ends up happening....
...is Lou plays the hot hand. Murton will get his starts. Fontenot/Cedeno will get their starts (w/DeRo in Left). Sprinkle in a Hoff start. If any of those guys are hitting, it’ll stay that way. If none of them are hitting, maybe Johnson will end up there for just defense and decent hitting.
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. ---Crash Davis
That's what Lou has done for two years, why stop now?
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 12, 2008 8:14 AM CDT up reply actions
The Cubs have a player named Sprinkle?
What’s his first name?
Linus: Life is rarely all one way, Charlie Brown. You win some, you lose some. Charlie Brown: Really? Gee, that'd be neat.
by CyberCyclist on Jun 12, 2008 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions
Candy
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. ---Crash Davis
by carmen_fanzone on Jun 12, 2008 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions
The Cubs did once have a left fielder named Candy.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
I still think the big question...
...is who leads off now.
The Riot?
Johnson?
Fukudome?
I would think it would be Riot, with DeRo in the #2. But there are some options.
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. ---Crash Davis
I'd prefer Dome,
but likely Lou moves Theriot into the spot, with Derosa hitting second. If Theriot can’t cut it, Reed will get a shot, with Theriot returning to the 2-hole and Derosa dropping back down.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
Not with the Cubs.
I don’t know if he did in Japan or not…
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
Personally
I’d like to see
Riot
Dome
Lee
Rammy
Soto
As the top five. MAN that’s still a damn good top five.
Cubs cocktail: Add equal amounts of devotion and stubbornness over ice, stir and serve.
Dero
Theriot
Lee
Rami
Dome
Dont mess with 2-7…give Dero leadoff and put whoever else 8th
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
IMO
I like Dero at the bottom. He produces a lot from down there. Seems like when 3-4-5 struggle the bottom of the order has been picking the middle up.
"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
how about?
theriot
fukudome
lee
ramirez
soto/hoff
hoff/soto
derosa
johnson/edmonds
theriot and dome are going to get on base. hoff gives lou the left handed power he’s looking for. plus dome can still act like the five hitter and drive in the guys getting on base at the bottom of the order that soriano has been in charge of bringing home.
by trade brenly for grace on Jun 12, 2008 8:55 AM CDT up reply actions
It will be interesting to see.
I could see Fontenot and/or Eric Patterson also getting a shot. Personally, I think Lou feels he needs speed in that spot. Lou gets it in his mind that he needs certain types of batters and will take an overall inferior batter at a position if that batter is the right type of batter. In this case, he wants speed, which is where Patterson comes in.
No to Fontenot...
...he’s been horrible lately. I think the only way we see EPat is if Fontenot gets sent down and Lou loves him, so that’s probably not going to happen.
I’d say Onedec, but I don’t think he’s disciplined enough to be a lead off man. Sure would like to see him getting more of a chance to play with this injury, though.
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. ---Crash Davis
by carmen_fanzone on Jun 12, 2008 8:37 AM CDT up reply actions
I think I'd hit Zambrano leadoff before Johnson if I was in Lou's position...
Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager
Zambrano: .364 / .364 / .523
Johnson: .267 / .342 / .364
lol
Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager
Throwbacks today!
This should be fun. Will anyone have been called up overnight?
Cubs cocktail: Add equal amounts of devotion and stubbornness over ice, stir and serve.
Hoff got recalled.
Other than that, not sure.
"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
Yeah but that was expected already.
I want some Red!
Cubs cocktail: Add equal amounts of devotion and stubbornness over ice, stir and serve.
No one has officially been recalled, yet.
At least, there’s no one listed on the Cubs website.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Southside Cub gave us this link
recently:
You can preview today’s uni’s.
"ROUS's? Rodents of Unusual Size. Don't worry, they don't exist."
http://margaritagirl11.spaces.live.com/
You know...
..neither of these throwbacks today look much different than the current ones.
Would have loved to see the 1931 unis.
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. ---Crash Davis
by carmen_fanzone on Jun 12, 2008 8:41 AM CDT up reply actions
Yep, I like those, too.
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. ---Crash Davis
by carmen_fanzone on Jun 12, 2008 8:45 AM CDT up reply actions
Maybe next time.
They did chose ‘48 for a reason.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 12, 2008 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions
+2
I’m such a uniform geek. LOL.
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. ---Crash Davis
by carmen_fanzone on Jun 12, 2008 8:53 AM CDT up reply actions
LOL
The bad news about today is that the 1948 Braves uniforms look almost exactly like the ones they are wearing in 2008, so they won’t look that much different.
Well, except they won’t be wearing those awful black uniform tops they wore the last two nights. You can’t read the numbers unless you’re about 20 feet away.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
I commented last night...
...those are the worst alt uni’s in the majors. Worse than Oakland’s black ones.
My softball team has better looking uni’s than that.
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. ---Crash Davis
by carmen_fanzone on Jun 12, 2008 8:57 AM CDT up reply actions
the 1930 Braves Uni's would have been sweet.
The only thing that saves the Braves uni’s today is the cool Indian head patch on the sleeve.
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. ---Crash Davis
by carmen_fanzone on Jun 12, 2008 9:03 AM CDT up reply actions
Sweet!
No number just a Chief head!
"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
I missed that!
Those are truly an old school classic.
"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
Just as long
as they say Boston on them, it’s ok by me.
by bubbamike the one and only on Jun 12, 2008 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions
Their Hats..
..will be with the “B”, but the uniform will be basically the same Braves logo as current. At least, that’s what I’ve heard.
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. ---Crash Davis
by carmen_fanzone on Jun 12, 2008 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions
at least everyone
will be wearing the proper socks.
"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 12, 2008 9:11 AM CDT up reply actions
That means he doesn't get to wear the blue shirt he likes, though.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
You mean like the blue tops they wore in 1948?
Oh, wait.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
If you haven't looked at the front page since you started commenting on this post...
... I have added five pictures David took at last night’s game.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
The picture of the "W's" in the bleachers
is my new wallpaper. Love it!
"ROUS's? Rodents of Unusual Size. Don't worry, they don't exist."
http://margaritagirl11.spaces.live.com/
Agreed.
Great shot!
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. ---Crash Davis
by carmen_fanzone on Jun 12, 2008 8:53 AM CDT up reply actions
I thought so too.
They were handing out those signs last night in huge numbers. Glad they came to good use!
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
I gotta get me one of those...
"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 12, 2008 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions
Agreed
I like the W’s, I just hate that they say ITS GONNA HAPPEN on them. Dont know why, just dont like em.
(OT) BAd bad tshirts out in FULL FORCE at the game last night. Man oh man.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
Yes, and have you noticed...
... they remade them WITHOUT the old Cub logo on them—now the Cubs really can’t stop them as they have no trademark on them.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Yep.
Hopefully, they won’t sell any of them.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Oh there selling them
I wont get into much :)
The owner (big giant fat guy) of Wrigleyville North ( apub right at Sheridan/Sheffield and Byron) was wearing one. I actually talked to him about it and politely let him know that he lost a customer. well I guess ill have to choose from 50 other bars, damn
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
Awsome...
Way to go!
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Jun 12, 2008 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions
mine too.
"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 12, 2008 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions
Related to the Soriano Injury
ESPN article yesterday on players unable to find work after Mitchell report focused on Jay Gibbons and his willingness to sign a minor league contract to prove himself.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3437067&campaign=rss&source=MLBHeadlines
With the Soriano injury, it might make sense to give Gibbons a shot in Des Moines as insurance on other options for left field. Worst case is he can’t play, but he doesn’t take a spot on the 40 man.
I hadn't thought of that.
Not a terrible idea. If he’s clean, maybe he can help. If he sucks, you can just release him.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
I was gonna post a diary about those guys
Jay Gibbons could be a good addition.
---AC 00 00 00 - Believe
Exactly. No risk at minor league prices. Wasn’t he mentioned in previous trade scenarios before the season as someone who may interest the Cubs?
Gibbons
is signing with the Atlantic League this week…...if asked to join the Cubs could he get out of that kind of contract? Have no idea how that works.
"ROUS's? Rodents of Unusual Size. Don't worry, they don't exist."
http://margaritagirl11.spaces.live.com/
Yes.
Usually, any independent league team will sell anyone’s contract to a major league organization for a fairly small sum.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Yeah.
Since he’s doing this as a way to show himself to major league teams, I don’t see why he would sign a deal he couldn’t get out of if a major leage team wanted him.
I hope that...
... today’s Cub uniforms have the “off-white” color that was common in those days. For a good example of what this looked like, look at the current Giants home uniforms which are that color (sort of a cream color).
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Me, too.
And the Braves have the cool Indian Head patch on the sleeve. And them using batting helmets that reflect the 48 ones, not using current ones. I’m setting myself up to be dissapointed, though.
Did you happen to see the A’s-Rangers throwback game? Uni’s from 1969, Rangers in Senators uni’s. Helmets, stirrups, everything just right.
(yeah, total uni geek here)
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. ---Crash Davis
by carmen_fanzone on Jun 12, 2008 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions
I Own One Of These
Not the whole uni but just the top – wishbone C with the bat-holding bear in the center. Really cool, and as much as I disdain the trend of MLB clubs having eleventy million alternate jerseys (Mets) I would love for the Cubs to use these every so often.
Bad injury for a player who swings such a heavy bat
I had a boxers fracture (5th metacarple, not 4th) ended my summer baseball season.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
When I Had The Same Injury
from basketball, not boxing – it took around 3 months for the bone to heal, then 2 months therapy for the atrophied muscles. Then again mine was a displaced fracture and I needed pins inserted. I just hope the Cubs and Fonz take their time and come back fully rested and healed!
Mine too
I had 5 pins and a plate inserted. I wasnt exactly boxing as I was an idiot and punched something.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
Ha.....no
I was 17 years old and OBVIOUSLY there was a girl involved (PS I did the stupid punching a wall thingy and not the girl)
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
I punched a metal sign for the same reason (girl)
luckily I didn’t break anything. The emergency room was a bit embarrassing as I had to write down why I was there, so when the staff read it, they all asked me who won. It got really old after a while.
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
Did they have
Implants?
"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
No, my reason for punching the metal
sign is now my wife, and, if I do say so myself, she definitely doesn’t need implants. At least the implants would not be able to improve on anything.
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
All's well that ends well.
"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
Too much information.
But thanks for sharing! :)
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
I broke my right foot.
by getting my toes caught on the top of the tub. It took forever to heal
Thankfully at the point I had a desk job.
by Madison Cub Fan on Jun 12, 2008 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions
I had a spiral fracture of the 4th metacarpal...
basically the same as Soriano. Cast for three weeks, and I was back to normal in eight weeks. Of course, normal for me is not the same as normal for Soriano. But Soriano also probably has better medical care than I have.
interesting stat..
i remember reading from cubs.com last year that the solo shot from sori in that marquis complete game was the first time in team history that the only run was from a leadoff homer. anyway, let’s hope the cubs can play .500 ball at worst during the 6 weeks w/o soriano… that would leave them at roughly 63-45
Pujols injury...
I personally think it is disgraceful and tasteless when people on this board say, “we lost Soriano, but at the good news is that the Cards lost Pujols as well”. I would NEVER wish an injury on any player and would NEVER construe asn injury to a star play on a rival team as “Good News”. We want our Cubs to win against the best the competition has to offer. Only then can we say our team is the “best”. We never want to sneak in through the “back door”. Remember on the last day in 1941, Ted Williams put his .400 average at risk in a doubleheader and ended up hitting .406. Shame on you who view the Pujols injury as a big plus for the Cubbies.
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse
Injury is part of baseball.
I’m not going to jump for joy that Pujols got hurt; neither will I shed a tear. We play the team that comes on to the field, and beat them, and if that means it’s easier because Pujols is out, then I’m grateful for the easier win; if it’s harder because Pujols is in, then I praise the team all the more for getting the W.
I’m perfectly happy that we didn’t have to face John Smoltz.
"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 12, 2008 9:17 AM CDT up reply actions
I agree with you, but (maybe) I don't read the boards as well as you do
...’cause I haven’t seen a large amount of glee regarding Pujols. In fact, I’ve seen a lot of best wishes directed at him. I’m not saying that you’re wrong, just saying that that kind of bad karma isn’t omnipresent here.
I agree with you that you should never wish an injury on any player. However, now that he is injured, maybe the Cubs can get some separation from these Cardinals. I don’t view it as a big plus, but something that has happened and maybe creates opportunity. I realize you disagree.
While slightly different, would you diminish a World Series victory if the team got into the playoffs via Wild Card? They wouldn’t have vanquished all opponents and would have entered the playoffs by back door, but it still counts. Staying healthy is part of the game.
Geez....
Though certainly not wishing on an injury, it’s definately not bad news for us. It’s baseball, injuries happen, and frankly, I don’t care how we win, as long as we win.
I’m not going to refuse a spot in the playoffs because our rival’s best player was sidelined and they “weren’t at their best”. And I certainly WILL say our team is the “best” if we win the world series. No matter how we get there, no matter who was injured, no matter if other teams suffered bad breaks and weren’t “at their best”.
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. ---Crash Davis
by carmen_fanzone on Jun 12, 2008 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions
You should read more carefully.
The overwhelming majority of people on this board have explicitly refused to revel in Pujols’ injury, even when we were baited by a Card fan troll in one of the game threads.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
Cards Fans
I won’t forget the ones I know cheering Derrek Lee going down in 2006, but I sure won’t stoop to their level now and cheer Pujols getting hurt.
Exactly.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
Yeah, I haven't seen much revelling going on.
And there’s a difference between rejoicing about Pujols’ situation and simply recognizing that it gives the Cubs (and other teams) a strategic advantage over the Cards. Sadly, we now face the same plight with Soriano.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Not "good news is that the Cards lost Pujols as well."
More like lucky coincidence that if both teams lose a big player, it’s at least happening during roughly the same time period and thus keeps things relatively even.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 12, 2008 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions
I agree completely
I would prefer to beat a team at their best. Here in Wisconsin my Brewers fan buddies are absolutely giddy with Pujols and Soriano going down. After suffering through the whole Wood/Prior experience, I’m numb to Cubs injuries and would never wish that on anybody.
Remind Them Of Gagne
and if you want to really go back in time, Rollie Fingers’ injury in the last month of 1982. Might have been the difference in beating StL in the World Series.
That doesn't surprise me.
Brewers fans seem surprisingly bitter and angry. You’d think they’d enjoy having a decent team for once, but I guess not.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
It's the pork fat and beer
Does something to their brains
by AlabamaCubFan on Jun 12, 2008 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions
we've discussed this before
not all of Wisconsin roots for the Brewers
by Shanghai Badger on Jun 12, 2008 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions
I meant Brewers fans
Not the fine folks of Wisconsin. :)
by AlabamaCubFan on Jun 12, 2008 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions
alrighty
some of them are decent fans, but yeah, a majority are bitter
by Shanghai Badger on Jun 12, 2008 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions
+1
what it comes down to is that some people no matter who there team is … are just classless.
by Madison Cub Fan on Jun 12, 2008 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions
Also, as I am an avid fan of both pork fat and beer
I am offended by any association with those people. ;-)
"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 12, 2008 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions
Re: Pork fat and beer
To quote Billy Crystal in “City Slickers”
“He ate bacon for every meal…you just can’t do that!”
by AlabamaCubFan on Jun 12, 2008 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions
I would if I could.
"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 12, 2008 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions
I am a strong believer in karma.
wishing injuries onto someone (whether baseball or in real life) can come back and haunt you. pay backs can be a bitch
by Madison Cub Fan on Jun 12, 2008 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions
Shanghai Badger brought up a good point to me
because I too am from Wisconsin and have to deal with their fans on a daily basis. His point was they have a inferiority complex. Kind of like a White Sox fan. Always worrying about any team but their own.
"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
I say
Bring up Pie, and have Pie, Reed and Edmonds platoon/rotate through the two positions.
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derrek Lee, 5/29/08
I don't think now is the time...
Pie is in the process of changing his swing. He’s not hitting terribly well as a result. I’d prefer to let him get his confidence back before calling him back up. He’s out of options after this season, so we can’t afford to have another setback.
Alternatively, we have several guys who can play a tolerable LF (DeRosa, Murton, Hoffpauir, etc). It makes more sense to go with one of them (who can hit at least adequately) in a position that is as defensively unchallenging as LF rather than risk further screwing up Pie by rushing him back.
Agreed.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
I never thought I'd write this, but...
thank God Hendry signed Jim Edmonds. Now that Soriano is out for a while, the resurgent Edmonds is sorely needed.
Bad break for Soriano and the Cubs. Hopefully, the Cubs’ deep bench will pick up the slack, though it’s fair to say Soriano cannot be truly replaced. His offensive production has been outstanding this season, with only a couple of weeks off the norm. We saw briefly the player the Cubs thought they signed and hopefully, will see him again down the final stretch, when he’ll be available and useful. In the meantime, Soriano can fully heal his legs.
And leave Theriot alone. You don’t mess with the head of this team’s top average hitter. Give the guy some credit. Maybe he learned and improved from last season. He may not be a gold glover in SS but does an adequate job. And Onedec became Cedeño again the times he has played recently. So, he’s not an alternative.
Neither are Murton and Pie. The latter apparently forgot how to hit in the minors and Murton has no power.
Lou said last night on ESPN that the Cubs will promote two young hitters from Iowa. If they contribute to score runs the team will be OK until Soriano comes back.
Resurgent? yes a little
Back to the same annoying jackass he was with the Cardinals while arguing nearly every strike called? YES. I will root for him to continue this little resurgence but daily he reminds me why I hated him in the first place. Quit bitching about balls and strikes and play the game.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
Will someone...
...tell the Cardinals to stop winning?
They are really starting to get on my last nerve.
It is going to be one hell of a summer.
"Be the change you wish to see in the world." -Gandhi
It is annoying...
The good news is that while we’re only 2.5 games ahead of the Cards, the Cards are 3 games up on the fading Marlins and 5 games up on the Brewers for the Wild Card.
We don’t have to necessarily beat out the Cards to make the playoffs, though that would obviously be preferred.
Kenny Lofton $$$
Al, you mentioned Lofton’s asking price is too high. Did he or his agent even throw out a ballpark figure? Is he asking for more than one year?
I remember hearing he asked for 6 million
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
We don't need Kenny Lofton...
Soriano isn’t out for the season, hes out 6 weeks. Lets find some in house solutions for the next 6 weeks and then go from there.
"Go Cubs Go"
Mix 'n Match
would be my guess, with the current roster plus some Iowa guys.
I feel confident that with some strategic thinking Lou can replace Fonz’s OBP at leadoff – but the loss of SLG at the top is a killer. Let’s hope the pitching rises to the occasion when the runs aren’t as plentiful.
Agreed...
we’ll piece together the next 6-8 weeks with the likes of Hoffpauir, Murton, Patterson, etc, and hope for the best.
Hopefully, the pitching will pick up the slack left by Soriano’s absence as well.
Lofton?
Been there, done that.
No thanks.
by AlabamaCubFan on Jun 12, 2008 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions
is AL pyschic...?
he practically jinxed the cubs by mentioning freak accidents/injuries at the beginning of yesterday’s game post. j/k
if their starter doesn’t twist his ankle the day b4 then that bush league pitcher doesn’t hit soriano
just giving you a hard time..
i look forward to your game posts b4 each game. keep up the good work!
So you should talk about great road winning streaks tomorrow night in your pregame!
We are all waiting for that glorious October night when we finally win it all. Until then we will continue to cheer, never do the wave and hope.
by puckishcubsfan on Jun 12, 2008 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions
Not sure if this has been mentioned in the multitude of Soriano threads
but at least the Cubs have proven they can play without him. And, not to sound morbid, but at least half of his DL stint will coincide with Pujols’ trip, so they hopefully won’t gain much ground on us.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
Per ESPN's Bruce Levine
The Cubs have called up…............Micah Hoffpauir and Eric Patterson. I say It is what is, no reason to argue about who’s here and who’s not. Let’s deal w/ it, move on, and just keep WINNING.
Go All In and Enjoy The Ride.
Like the Patterson callup.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
Yes...
.326/.361/.514, and .333 with 4 HR in his last 10 games.
Epat might be partially because DeRosa may be needed more in LF now.
We are all waiting for that glorious October night when we finally win it all. Until then we will continue to cheer, never do the wave and hope.
by puckishcubsfan on Jun 12, 2008 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions
thinking the exact same thing..
I don’t think Lou or Hendry planned on giving Murton the share of starts in LF while Soriano was down. They were bring up Hoff for DHing duties in interleague and now they have a backup infielder. I like those two coming up.
"Go Cubs Go"
Hoff was a given with interleague games....
A little surprised with EPat, but definately gives us some flexibility.
Maybe Murton up after interleague if either of those two don’t hit?
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. ---Crash Davis
by carmen_fanzone on Jun 12, 2008 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions
where did you get the wonder hampster icon from
by Madison Cub Fan on Jun 12, 2008 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions
Made it in Photoshop.
The little subtle touch that really brings it all together for me is that yes, that’s actually Mike Fontenot’s hat. I cut it out of his official portrait.
It needs
little whisps of blonde hair coming out the back.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 12, 2008 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions
It needs to fetch me drinks.
I think we’ll be seeing more of the hamster over the next few weeks. I’m really starting to wonder whether Murton shot Lou’s dog or slept with Lou’s wife, because this is absurd.
word
Neither Hoff nor Patterson can play left field. We HAVE a left-fielder in AAA. Why isn’t he being called up for a six week stint???
FREE MATT MURTON!
"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 12, 2008 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions
gah.
Patterson is not a left-fielder. That means messing with DeRosa again. It’s ok to do every once in a while, but it’s a BAD IDEA to stick him in left for six weeks!
"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 12, 2008 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions
What if Theriot continues to hit 320 with a 400 OBA in the leadoff slot. Is it time then when Soriano comes back to move him down the lineup? Especially if the #2 hitter (DeRosa would be my guy for this) does well as well?
We are all waiting for that glorious October night when we finally win it all. Until then we will continue to cheer, never do the wave and hope.
And when will people start thinking maybe Theriot can keep it up? We’ve all been hearing for 2 plus months he’s going to slide.
I don’t think he will necessarily hit 320 for the whole season but it’s beginning to look like 285 with a 370 OBA is not out of the question.
We are all waiting for that glorious October night when we finally win it all. Until then we will continue to cheer, never do the wave and hope.
by puckishcubsfan on Jun 12, 2008 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions
I still don't understand why you need two posts to express all of this. Why not put it all in one?
And can we please postpone resurrecting the “move Soriano down” discussion until he’s on the verge of actually coming back?
Nanika Ga Okoru!
I'm convinced....
Lou will never bat Fonzie anywhere but leadoff.
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. ---Crash Davis
by carmen_fanzone on Jun 12, 2008 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions
He won't and he shouldn't...
Soriano is much happier in the leadoff spot. Even with Theriot or whoever hits leadoff goes crazy there Soriano will be the leadoff man when he returns.
"Go Cubs Go"
Bottom of the order
IMO, Soriano should stay in the lead off position, not only because he is most comfortable there, but more importantly because the bottom of our order has done an incredible job of getting on base. Having a run producer in the “lead off” spot has really been a bonus. Soriano has been driving in the 7 thru 9 hitters all season. Soriano does have 40 rbi’s in an already injury shortened season. That puts him in 4th on the team for RBI’s.
Sori needs to come back and bat “lead off” when he is healthy.
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
Well I’m off to the game today, got 3 rows behind home plate, hope we can sweep them
"This is why Major League Baseball does not need instant replay, because then every single play will then be reviewed." -- Joe Morgan, 5/18/08, referring to an umpire ruling a Carlos Delgado homerun foul when replays showed it hit the foul pole.
Speaking of which
here’s to hoping someone is decked out in full-on Indiana Jones gear.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 12, 2008 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions
My brother is wearing his Indiana Jones hat.
I’m wearing a 40s style dress I wore to a 40s style party a few months ago.
I’m also carrying a copy of “Trixie Belden and the Secret of the Mansion” because that was published in 1948 too.
We are all waiting for that glorious October night when we finally win it all. Until then we will continue to cheer, never do the wave and hope.
by puckishcubsfan on Jun 12, 2008 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions
That is smashing.
Maybe WGN’ll show you guys.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 12, 2008 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions
The Pink Hat guy
is one of the nine potential owners of the Cubs.
Question. Does anyone when they are doing something else on their computer
try to page down by using z?
by Madison Cub Fan on Jun 12, 2008 10:11 AM CDT reply actions
Always!!!
Bad habit. Especially at work!
"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
Anyone think the pitch to Fonz was deliberately high and tight?
I noticed that even after Fonz was hit—they still brushed Dome big time on a 0-2 count
I'm a good speller, but my typing creates a SERIOUS vacuum. (especially while I'm at work sticking it to the man)
Maybe a brush back
but no way did he intend to hit him, much less on the hands.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 12, 2008 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions
Agreed..
As much as it sucks it wasn’t on purpose. If you are going to hit a guy usually its low and earlier in the count. You almost never see a pitcher throw at a guys head on a 0-2 count with in the intent to hit him. McCann said that they were trying to go upstairs to get Sori to chase and the pitch slipped and hit Sori. Thats baseball unfortunately we had to lose a guy for 6 weeks because of the slip..
"Go Cubs Go"
Kinda like how Demp
hit McCann? That was low and early in the count after Demp missed on the first pitch of that at bat
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
Demp hit McCann on purpose--there was little doubt...
....and the Braves didn’t say a word, they knew it was coming. At least it was below the shoulders. I’m a little ticked at Bobby Cox-even after Sori got hurt-they STILL threw up and in to Dome. I don’t think they wanted to hit Sori—but it was clearly chin music for a hot hitter who leans out over the plate. The topper is when they spun Dome out of there after the Sori incident. Cox can bite me.
I'm a good speller, but my typing creates a SERIOUS vacuum. (especially while I'm at work sticking it to the man)
It was a changeup
and it left his hand high and just kept rising. I think it was just a bad pitch. That said, my concern is whether Z is going to retaliate today. The last thing I want is to have him suspended and lose another key player, even if for a short period of time.
Go All In and Enjoy The Ride.
very upsetting but we got guys in iowa that want to play and aren’t that bad
by columbusOHcubsfan on Jun 12, 2008 10:19 AM CDT reply actions
Different Subject
Since the game is being brodcast today in black in white, does anybody have pictures (in color of course) on both teams uniforms?
by CubFaninStLouis on Jun 12, 2008 10:27 AM CDT reply actions
Didn't read that press release til just now.
It’s really cool that they’ll use only a handful of cameras and 40s graphics at the onset and slowly introduce more and more as the game goes on. I’m taping this cos I’m at work, but this might be a keeper. Here’s hoping for a W.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 12, 2008 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions
I guess so.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 12, 2008 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions
YES!!!
West Side Massive represent!
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 12, 2008 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions
hitting just .108, shouldn’t be surprised. Just had a visual of JJ in LF at Wrigley trying to fire a “dart” to home to get the runner. Made me a little ill.
And I was thinking when he was released he might have been a decent pickup.
We are all waiting for that glorious October night when we finally win it all. Until then we will continue to cheer, never do the wave and hope.
by puckishcubsfan on Jun 12, 2008 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions
Bummer for Jacque.
I assume he’ll retire now? His throws from the outfield were indeed a sight to behold (in a bad way), but he never gave anything less than a 100% effort, and Jacque came up with some big hits for this team last season. Even considering bringing him back is obviously ludicrous, but I wish him the best.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Lost in all this is something I consider a very good thing.
We’ve only used Wood once in 6 days. Marmol twice (and once for a third of an inning). This is good.
We are all waiting for that glorious October night when we finally win it all. Until then we will continue to cheer, never do the wave and hope.
by puckishcubsfan on Jun 12, 2008 10:39 AM CDT reply actions
weird story
Tuesday was my birthday and my brother got me a gift he had been talking about so he came over to my house to watch the game last night. The gift was an authentic Alfonso Soriano Jersey. I was all happy, I put it on. Im eating some Busch’s grilling beans as Alfonso comes up to the plate, I then spilled some of the bean sauce on my new jersey right at the same time that he got hit. Is this something to be worried about or just one of those weird things. I was pretty freaked out by it. I did get the stain out so that was good. anyway, I just thought it was an interested story to post.
Weird.
Word of warning: never eat anything with an authentic jersey on. Ever.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 12, 2008 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions
Had it happened tomorrow (Friday the 13th)--I'd worry....
I'm a good speller, but my typing creates a SERIOUS vacuum. (especially while I'm at work sticking it to the man)
Since
you got the stain out I think everything is going to be fine.
by CubFaninStLouis on Jun 12, 2008 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions
+1
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 12, 2008 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions
Now you gotta either
wait til he returns to wear it again…or wear it everyday until he returns.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 12, 2008 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions
Ive decided to wear it each time that I am able to watch a game from here till hes back.
If any of you see me posting on here, try and make sure that I am still doing it. I think thats good enough. If I could wear it everyday to work I would. But my work sucks and I can not wear it each day.
by huskercubby on Jun 12, 2008 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions
You know what,
now I’m afraid to wear my Rami jersey.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 12, 2008 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions
About time for the game thread?
Cubs cocktail: Add equal amounts of devotion and stubbornness over ice, stir and serve.
LOL
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Jun 12, 2008 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions
Brilliant!
Oh my God, that was awesome.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 12, 2008 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions
Thanks. I've been trying to find a...
...decent 1940s slang dictionary but haven’t found much yet.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Well, hi-di-ho, there!
If you’s be looking for some old hat, looks no ferther, I tell ya! If you wanna grandstand with some 40s slang I gots it here fer ya. You’ll be gammin’ like a fuddy-duddy in no time!
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 12, 2008 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions
Ha...
You’re such a hep cat..:)
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Jun 12, 2008 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions
Just watch Bing Crosby -
Bob Hope movies and listen to the Andrews Sisters and Spike Jones and you’ll have it down in no time.
by bubbamike the one and only on Jun 12, 2008 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions
Dempster was
fantastic last night. I’m really happy he is having a great year so far.
Really feel bad for Soriano. It will be tough for him to have to sit for 6 weeks.
The picture of all the W signs is becoming one of my favorites.
I can’t believe part of this thread was spent talking about fake boobs.
Let's change the subject shall we?
How do you feel about sandcastles?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 12, 2008 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions
Depends on what they are shaped like
kidding Sue, BEST POSTER EVER
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
+1
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Jun 12, 2008 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions
Epatt
Leading off in left today.
"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
That's a ballsy decision by Lou
Throw him right into the fire and see how he responds. It helps that the Cubs are playing well and the Braves aren’t . Lou has some room to experiment.
Linus: Life is rarely all one way, Charlie Brown. You win some, you lose some. Charlie Brown: Really? Gee, that'd be neat.
by CyberCyclist on Jun 12, 2008 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions
That's what I thought...
tough customer in Hudson today though.
"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
Yeah, I seem to recall...
...Lou put EPatt in the lead-off spot the last time he was called up. Definitely a tough way to break in, but whatcha gonna do?
Nanika Ga Okoru!
A fun article on the hip bump
I'm a good speller, but my typing creates a SERIOUS vacuum. (especially while I'm at work sticking it to the man)
I clicky linky...
linky no worky.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 12, 2008 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions
add the comma 87384 manually and the linky will worky ... takey the long way...ie?
Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager
yep, that worked..
lol at the college dudes…
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Jun 12, 2008 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions
he gets paid to write that?
I’d pay for him to shut the heck up.
"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 12, 2008 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions
Hmmm....don't get it
I'm a good speller, but my typing creates a SERIOUS vacuum. (especially while I'm at work sticking it to the man)
not working for me...
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Jun 12, 2008 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions
Way to Rest the Pen
Dempster took the old school approach to managing the bullpen. He pitched a complete game and gave the pen a night off. I was impressed more with the no BB’s than the 11 K’s. I sure didn’t mind the 11 K’s, though. Dempster has been the most pleasant surprise on this year’s Cub team.
"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray
Right and the way the rotation is constructed
He could, he being Lou, give Dempster an extra day of rest if he wanted to. Or let him go 5/6 and bring in Lieber
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
Cubs By The Numbers
Cubs By The Numbers is a history of the ballclub by uniform number, but the biographies help trace the history of our beloved team in a new way. For everyone who's a Cubs fan, anyone who ever wore the uniform is like family. Cubs By The Numbers reintroduces readers to some of their long-lost ancestors, even ones they think they already know.
Click here to order your copy, available now!
Recent Stories in Ticket Exchanges
Baseball Nation Recent Stories
In Association With
Big League Stew - MLB - Yahoo! Sports
- Mitch Mustain puts football behind him, signs reported rookie deal with White Sox
- Robinson Cano and Denzel Washington face off in Jay Leno’s Yankees trivia contest
- Shane Victorino lands role on ‘Hawaii Five-0′
- Have you criticized Hanley Ramirez on Twitter? Your name may be on his bat!
- U.S. senator cries foul over Nationals plans to take back park from Phillies fans
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
