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Missed It By That Much: Cubs 5, Orioles 7

A fair amount of the play in the early innings of last night's 7-5 Cub loss to the Orioles, snapping their home winning streak at 14, resembled the bumbling spy Maxwell Smart (I haven't yet seen the new Get Smart movie, though I think I will -- I was a big fan of the TV series when it originally aired when I was a kid).

Some of the game recaps in the traditional media focused on a certain second baseman, who plays for the Orioles, who was the subject of at least 15,357 rumors on this site alone all winter. Granted, Brian Roberts had a good game last night, singling and tripling (including his 1000th career hit), and scoring two runs.

But the key play in this game was the misplay Eric Patterson made in left field when Luke Scott led off the sixth inning with a short pop fly into left-center. Now, usually that's the left fielder's ball -- any time an outfielder can get into range to catch a ball like that, you'd say he should, because he's got a better angle on it. In this case, Ryan Theriot was waving his right arm frantically, calling everyone else off -- the right thing to do when you've GOT IT!

Patterson bulled ahead anyway, chasing Theriot out of the way, and the ball dropped in between the two of them and Jim Edmonds, who had no shot at it. Scott was originally credited with a double, but later charitable (and correct, I think) scoring changed it to an error, making all three runs allowed by Michael Wuertz unearned (Jeremy Guthrie, the Orioles pitcher, would have made the last out of the inning by striking out).

That really was the game, because it made a 4-1 game into a 7-1 game, and if those runs don't score, Edmonds' three-run HR in the 7th and Aramis Ramirez' RBI single in the 8th would have won the game instead of just putting the Cubs back in it. They had a terrific chance to at least tie the game up in the 9th when they loaded the bases with nobody out, but Ronny Cedeno, Kosuke Fukudome and Henry Blanco all struck out and that was that.

Let's talk about Cedeno's K for a moment. He really didn't have a good at-bat -- he was set up well by O's closer George Sherrill, who put two fastballs by him and had Cedeno (he's got to give back ONEDEC! for a while, I think, having turned back around to the bad old Ronny) looking for a breaking ball outside -- and then Sherrill got him with a fastball again. So although Cedeno looked bad, give credit to Sherrill -- he does, after all, have 26 saves, the second-most in baseball.

Sean Marshall, I thought, threw well enough; he struck out seven and had his curve working quite well -- until he issued a walk in the 4th that helped lead to the first two runs, after which he started getting hit hard and often. The bullpen did a decent enough job of keeping the Cubs in the game -- as noted, the three runs off Wuertz shouldn't have scored.

You didn't really think this home winning streak would last forever, did you? That's a good long run, 14 games, and no streak like this one lasts forever. Credit to the Cubs for turning what looked, after six innings, to be a blowout loss, into a close game in the 8th and 9th that had the ballpark (and unlike a lot of midseason games, hardly anyone had left by the 9th) rocking, on an absolutely gorgeous, though coolish for late June, evening.

This is the first time the Orioles have visited Wrigley Field and there were a surprisingly large number of orange-clad Orioles fans in attendance. They were readily apparent not only for their bright-colored shirts, but they took part in what is a Baltimore tradition -- during the National Anthem, when the phrase near the end "Oh say does that star-spangled banner yet wave" is sung, they yell, very loudly, "O!" when "Oh" is sung. It was louder than you might have expected, mostly from the left field corner; the crowd last night, 41,537, was the sixth-largest crowd of the year.

That, and some pre-game discussion of the upcoming Peoria Chiefs game at Wrigley Field (to which, I learned from BCB reader BartlettBob, who sat with us last night, you cannot buy bleacher tickets at the box office -- only online), prompted me to go on an expedition to find out what the real seating capacity of Wrigley Field is. I remembered, years ago, there used to be posted signs, required by the Chicago Fire Department, of how many seats are in each area of the ballpark, including the bleachers. I figured if I added them all up, I could get pretty close, because there are so many different numbers online as to the current capacity. The Cubs website says 41,160, but that's been the same since last year; they haven't, it seems, added the 70 CBOE seats to that total. ESPN.com has -- sort of. They say 41,210. Ballparks.com, a pretty good authority, says 41,118.

So what do the official "ballpark figures" say? What they say is, the fire department and the Cubs have to get together and make a new sign. There's only one sign, now posted near the Cubs administrative office entrance. It's dated July 29, 2004 -- that's just about when the city came in to inspect, in connection with the falling concrete found earlier that month. The sign says the "fixed seating" capacity is 38,548 with "fixed seting including standing room" (yes, it's misspelled "seting") as 39,075.

Hey, Cubs: those numbers aren't even close to being right -- they don't include several of the premium seating sections nor the bleacher expansion. How about an accurate count?

Anyway, onward. The Cubs lost at home. It hadn't happened in five weeks. It was bound to happen sometime. We'll get 'em tonight. Final question for all of you: I noticed a third overflow thread was posted. Do you all think I need to post three overflow threads?

Jedmonds!
Jim Edmonds' HR in the 7th brings the Cubs back to within 7-4

How does he...

... do that??
Orioles submariner Chad Bradford pitching to Derrek Lee in the 8th; his hand nearly touches the ground when he throws.

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

Poll
Do we need a third overflow posted for game threads?
Yes
133 votes
No
87 votes

220 votes | Poll has closed

0 recs  |  Comment 496 comments

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Comments

Display:

First?

Yes to the 3rd overflow

Nobody cares about your fantasy league team

by carmen_fanzone on Jun 25, 2008 8:49 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

What say the rest of you?

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

by Al on Jun 25, 2008 9:05 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'll post a poll.

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

by Al on Jun 25, 2008 9:06 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

How about adding a pregame thread instead?

The initial game thread is often pretty full before the game even starts.

by simonuk on Jun 25, 2008 9:14 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on Jun 25, 2008 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That gets my vote.

Post the actual game thread about five minutes to start time.

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well, that thread IS kind of a pre-game thread...

... because I’ve been having the first overflow post near the start of game time.

I’ll keep an eye on the poll.

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

by Al on Jun 25, 2008 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, that would work better....

+1

Nobody cares about your fantasy league team

by carmen_fanzone on Jun 25, 2008 9:16 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

ok - while I was writing my treatise (see way father below)...

...Simon and others were succinctly posting similar thoughts. Put me down for a most definite “Word” on this.

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

by ballhawk on Jun 25, 2008 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Excellent idea.

I was going to say that the original game thread is posted pretty early some times and by game time has so many posts it gets pretty slow before the first overflow comes up.

by sue369 on Jun 25, 2008 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I voted yes.

Anything to ease the inevitable slowdowns.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 25, 2008 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

Either a pregame or additional game thread works for me.

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

by Bump Bailey on Jun 25, 2008 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You'll get the extra thread tonight.

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

by Al on Jun 25, 2008 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Bench

All of a sudden, with ReedJ on the DL and the demotion of Hoff, I think our bench has become weaker.

Sure, it’s nice to get DWard back (as long as he hits like last year, and not this year so far), but with Murton, Cedeno, Fontenot, and Blanco….I’m all of a sudden concerned about our pinch-hitting/double switch capabilities. None of those guys have been hitting lately.

These injuries lately have really sucked. :)

Nobody cares about your fantasy league team

by carmen_fanzone on Jun 25, 2008 8:57 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Well, sure.

Injuries deplete your bench. Every team has the injuries.

Point is, we’re struggling through the injuries (one to a key player) and finding ways to win. Remember, it could be Neifi out there.

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jun 25, 2008 9:06 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Or Jose Macias.

Or Tony Womack. Or Enrique Wilson. Or Rey Ordonez. Or John Mabry.

Ugh. Now I have to wash the keyboard off.

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

by Al on Jun 25, 2008 9:07 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just cos of typing those names

or the projectile vomit that resulted?

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Both.

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

by Al on Jun 25, 2008 9:12 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Right.

It seems bad, but it’s not as bad as some teams, especially some former Cubs teams.

Some teams would really like a bench with two middle infielders who can hit a little.

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jun 25, 2008 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hoffpauir demotion doesn't hurt the bench at all

what we were really hurt by last night was not having a good RH PH – Reed Johnson would have been nice – but even nicer would have been if Alfonso Soriano was hitting first and Dome 2nd. If Soriano was up in that situation…

by DGU on Jun 25, 2008 9:07 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agree on the RH PH but....

sending a guy down that’s hitting .400 doesn’t hurt at all? A guy that’s hitting 12-27 when he starts a game? I realize I may be only one of a few Hoff supporters, but come on.

Nobody cares about your fantasy league team

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

Hoff supporter here

That doesn’t look right…but I’d rather have him than Matty Murton.

by Spydey on Jun 25, 2008 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Is it ok to wear them before Labor Day?

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

by Bump Bailey on Jun 25, 2008 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Disappointing loss on three ugly K's

but all you can do is get up, dust yourself off, and start a brand spankin’ new streak today. The Cubs have shown resiliancy all season, and the O’s still gotta play in our house. The series ain’t up yet.

Go Cubs.

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 8:59 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Reminds me of Lloyd and Harry in Dumb and Dumber....

...”we’re in a hole and we just have pull ourselves out of it.”

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 25, 2008 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's been far too long since I've watched that movie.

“If she’s the kind of girl I think she is, she’ll invite us right in for tea and strumpets.”

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

or.....

“Nice hooters you have there….....the owls.”

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 25, 2008 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Those your skiis? Both of 'em?

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 25, 2008 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

preced by..."skis huh?--they yours?"

a great line

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 25, 2008 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Al, got to echo your comment about Lee from a few days ago

I’m also worried. He doesn’t seem to be going to RF as much as he used to with runners on base, and he has hit into an alarming amount of double plays. Both times last night with runners on, he hit weak grounders to the left side—one was a DP, the other should have been.

I know he’s on pace to drive in more than 100, and it’s hard to find fault with that. But it just seems lately, with runners on, he’s not been himself.

by Shanghai Badger on Jun 25, 2008 8:59 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Had to watch the game on Dish DVR late last night est.

Was there any talk on the threads to have Ronnie C. lay down a bunt ??? in the 9th.

seems you might have given up a out for a run and put more pressure on Sherrill with only a one run margin.

The song says 2 out of 3 aint bad, 14 out of 15 is great !!!

I bleed double blue Cubbies & NY Rangers

by parrotinct on Jun 25, 2008 9:00 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Start a new streak tonight!

And despite it all they were still in it at the end of the game. No one thought the streak was going to last the rest of the season. The Cubbies are now 32-9 at home this season! If they have anything even close to that type of home record the rest of the season, we’ll be doing A-OK to say the least.
Let’s get those O’s tonight.

The other sports are just sports. Baseball is a love. ~Bryant Gumbel

by Blue W on Jun 25, 2008 9:03 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

The thing about the loss hurting

was because we came back and had a shot to win. If things continued and we lost 7-1 we’re bummed but not really heartbroken. To come back with a three-run shot then bases loaded in the ninth and losing on three straight UGLY strikeouts is what takes the wind out of you.

But, yes, we’ll get those birds tonight.

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cedeno

Hopefully his horrific at bat in the ninth will end the doubt as to who is our SS.
That was really pathetic

Can’t win em all though

by plenz on Jun 25, 2008 9:04 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I've seen more pitches in the last week than Cedeno has.

We can’t expect him to be good at pinch hitting…he’s not a pinch hitter.

He needs a start or two.

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jun 25, 2008 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe...

but that AB was pathetic. 3 pitch whiff and two of them were balls.

by Spydey on Jun 25, 2008 2:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Last night hinged on two plays...

Cedeno’s at bat in the 9th. Earlier EPat’s error on the ball in shallow left center. Cedeno went down just like in the past, swinging at balls out of the strike zone. We needed a fly ball, he needed to make contact. Oh… well- Theriot had that ball, and sure it is the purview of the OF’er to call off an infielder. However, not in that particular case last night, running in at the last second, when Theriot is under it. Not good. All in all though, they lost, but showed Cubbie pluck to get back into it. They’ll start another winning streak tonight.

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Jun 25, 2008 9:07 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

To be fair

Fukudome’s AB was just as bad. The last pitch he swung at was at least a foot outside.

by rlpete on Jun 25, 2008 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree that Cedeno's AB was an absolute rally killer...

...but I also can’t deny that Dome’s AB really swung the momentum in Sherrill’s favor. Kosuke seemed a little “wired up” last night. He appeared to have really exagerrated reactions to the chin music being thrown his way. (Of course, that’s easy for me to say. I wasn’t the one having 95+ mph pitches thrown at me.)

I guess it’s something to keep an eye on. I still have a pretty substantial amount of faith that Dome is smart enough to adjust to the “bust-him-inside-then-throw-him-sliders-low-and-away” strategy that opposing pitchers have been using on him.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 25, 2008 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

IMO

Dome was forced to swing at those consecutive sliders by a bad strike call on the outside corner on the fastball that preceded the two sliders. I didn’t think that fastball was a strike, but Sherrill got the call and the sliders were initially right on the same line. Dome had to swing at those.

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

by gwood on Jun 25, 2008 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Dome's at bat

anyone else noticing a pattern emerging… It seems they’re going at him with a first pitch strike or inside pitch, getting him into 1-2 counts then pouring on sliders low and away. Considering his spin swing towards right, there’s no way he can get to tose pitches.

Go ahead, Z me.

by tony412 on Jun 25, 2008 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It does seem to be happening a bit more frequently

and it doesn’t help when Dome swings at pitches that are a foot outside. It makes the problem even more evident. It looks like it is a bit of adjustment by some teams to him. He needs to adjust in return.

by rlpete on Jun 25, 2008 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It should also be noted...

...that the O’s had ‘buzzed his tower’ twice before he had that weak strikeout swing. Two instances of chasing him out of the box with a high and tight fastball, as well as getting plunked hard on the elbow by Sox pitching on Sunday night…it’s no wonder that he wasn’t diving out over the plate on a sweeping slider from a hard-throwing left-handed closer…

by Shawon O Meter on Jun 25, 2008 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

A moment of silence please.

Let’s all take a moment to recognize that we have now watched the entire ML career of one Micah Hoffpauir. It was fun while it lasted and because he had such a nice string of luck, he will forever have a handful of fans saying, “If only he really got a shot!”

by DGU on Jun 25, 2008 9:09 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

You haven't seen his entire career.

Lou likes him. He’ll be back in September.

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

by Al on Jun 25, 2008 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed...

DGU – I realize you don’t care for the guy as a player, and I agree he’s surely been playing over his head at the plate in his brief time in the MLB. But he is absolutely going to get another trip up to the big leagues, if for no other reason than that the rosters will expand in September.

by SouthernCub on Jun 25, 2008 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He'll be back....roster expansion.

Why wouldn’t he? Jeez.

Nobody cares about your fantasy league team

by carmen_fanzone on Jun 25, 2008 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Although the 9th was frustrating with the three Ks last night...

...one of the many things I love about this team is that they didn’t quit!

How many teams would have just packed it in down7-1? Quite a few in my estimation….

This team is in just about every game and that will get you quite a few W’s in the end.

by JB 23 on Jun 25, 2008 9:14 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I agree about them not quitting!

I remember years past when a ball was dropped or the score became 7-1 it usually ended 12-1 with the Cubs going down looking bad. Even when this team makes mistakes they comeback from it instead of getting blown out. Yeah, the three K’s was frustrating but they went down fighting and made it close at the end. It is a lot better than getting blown out like in the past. They don’t ever quit and that is one of the many things I love about this Cubs team!

"My favorite umpire is a dead one."
-Johnny Evers

by MiCubsFan on Jun 25, 2008 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The other bonus...

...that comes from not quitting is that we caused two of their relievers to throw 30+ pitches over 1.1 innings last night. Might come into play in games 2 & 3…

by Shawon O Meter on Jun 25, 2008 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Get Smart movie

Don’t go to it expecting it to be anything like the show other than character names. Beyond that, it’s nothing like the show.

Still funny. But not in the same way at all.

by Arbusto on Jun 25, 2008 9:17 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Because the old show played on

gender stereotypes and counter-culture cliches; this version just doesn’t get it.

"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 25, 2008 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

So you're saying

the movie needs to get smart?

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'll probably go see it anyway...

... just because I like Steve Carell.

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

by Al on Jun 25, 2008 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Same.

Can’t say enough good things about Little Miss Sunshine.

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 9:23 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Word

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jun 25, 2008 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

great great movie

We never give up -- Aramis Ramirez

by Emelie on Jun 25, 2008 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

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

by Al on Jun 25, 2008 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Did you see him on the Daily Show the other night?

If not, here’s the full episode.

"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 25, 2008 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That was phenomenal.

Love seeing people genuinely lose it like Steve did.

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I miss "EvenStephen"

"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 25, 2008 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ironically, yes.

"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 25, 2008 9:23 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

But only

if you worked for the entertainment section of a bad newspaper.

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

The whole premise of the show-WHY THE SHOW WAS ACTUALLY FUNNY-was not a part of the movie’s characters. The TV show was one of my favorites growing up. And it was because the plot always went:
1. Maxwell does something stupid.
2. Agent 99 bailed him out without Maxwell knowing.
3. Maxwell claims credit, even though everyone knows Agent 99 was the hero.

They tried to make the movie really new-agey and feminism friendly, but they actually did the opposite: Agent 99 never really was the heroine.

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jun 25, 2008 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Exactly

He’s not supposed to be smart at all. He’s supposed to be bumbling and lucky.

In the movie, he’s very smart just new.

I do enjoy Carrell and he did nail the part (minus the parts where he channels Michael Scott and 40 Year Old Virgin).

by Arbusto on Jun 25, 2008 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think Lou overmanaged last night.

Murton PH for Edmonds.
Cedeno in the most crucial contact AB of the game.
Blanco PH for Patterson.

I mean, Edmonds got the game back into reach the previous at bat. I don’t care if the pitcher is throwing with BOTH hands…leave that guy in.

The problem isn’t our bench depth in light of our injuries. The problem is the onus we’re putting on our bench when the original player might be a better option.

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jun 25, 2008 9:18 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Agreed.

Funny enough, earlier in the game Len was mentioning Lou’s replacement for Fontenot on Saturday after he hit the homerun, and when Lou was asked about it he claimed it was a “senior moment.” Maybe that’s what happened last night, but I would’ve much preferred Edmonds and Patterson to hit since they’re relatively hot at the moment.

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 9:20 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes.

Edmonds and Patterson most likely would have got the job done too. I still don’t understand that move. I actually think that Lou has overmanaged in all of the AL matchups, even the ones we won.

by adam316 on Jun 25, 2008 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Also agree on the Murton for Edmonds...

if I recall, Edmond’s 2nd HR agains the Sox a couple days ago was agaisnt a lefty—he’s in a huge groove hitting outside pitches the other way…I leave him in and screw the %’s.

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 25, 2008 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

May I say something about Jim Edmonds.....

I’m mostly a Cardinal fan, and a little piece of me smiles and dies at the same time watching him play for you all…....You may recall he was a star for us…..

Just enjoy him, enjoy his run, and doesn’t he have a pretty home run swing anyway….......Mostly I’m glad the man has been given a chance to play again, and he clearly has something left to offer. And Lou should have went with him instead of a pinch hitter—facing a lefty or not, he would have had a good at bat….go with the experience in that circumstance…..

She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.

by jillsinmo on Jun 25, 2008 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

A view from the other side of the tracks. :D

I live in St Louis and have been very aware of Edmonds’ abilities. Thus far he’s been a bloody steal for us.

And if part of you dies watching Edmonds hit dingers for us, imagine those poor Padre fans. They’ve gotta be wondering where the hell this was at the start of the season.

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

while they $$$hell out for him with no return

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 25, 2008 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

"Your wife's cheating on you. With me.

And you’re paying for dinner. Thanks.”

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

"and then I'm taking your mother out for a nice seafood dinner....

......and I’m never calling her again!!”

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 25, 2008 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nice of you to drop in jillsinmo....

I think we all appreciate insightful level comments from fans of all teams….don’t we guys?

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 25, 2008 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes

Like Bob Brenly said, the Cardinal fans have a friendly rivalry with the Cubs for the most part. He of course was comparing that to the Cubs-Sox rivalry which he says is much less friendly.

by adam316 on Jun 25, 2008 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thank you.....

I’m one of those folks that enjoy a rivalry, but may the best man, er…team, win. I have more “anger” towards the Brewers and their ability to grow home run hitters at will…..not fair.

Ha! I guess the joke is on the Padres-they are paying for this, with real money!

When you fall for a particular player, it’s hard to turn it off anyway….what are you gonna do? Go Jim Edmonds…...

She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.

by jillsinmo on Jun 25, 2008 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Allow me to take this opportunity...

...to proclaim openly that I have submitted my application and membership dues for the Jim Edmonds Fan Club. To wit, I hereby accept him as a valuable member of the 2008 Chicago Cubs. There, I said it. Hey, can I get one of those muffins?

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 25, 2008 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Get that man a muffin!

Post Haste…

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Jun 25, 2008 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

wait...

there’s muffins? Figures.

"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 25, 2008 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

Edmonds and Ramirez are having such good at-bats lately, I like either of them at the plate in the most crucial situations.

"Give 'im the heater!" -Lou Brown

by Goodie1969 on Jun 25, 2008 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

At the time....

I was surprised he made these moves, but I had to reflect about who am I? I’m just a fan, he’s the manager that has led these guys to the best record in baseball. If someone is coming off a hot at-bat why not leave them in is my reasoning. But, I’ve felt that way before and Lou’s moves proved to right at those times unlike last night. So, last night they didn’t work out…. What we view as overmanaging last night could prove to be a stroke of genius tonight.. :)

"My favorite umpire is a dead one."
-Johnny Evers

by MiCubsFan on Jun 25, 2008 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

True.

We’re all armchair managers, and while we have every right to second guess all day long, Lou maybe saw something we didn’t, and I know he knows things we don’t.

Bottom line: he took a chance last night and it didn’t pay off. Play again the next day. That’s baseball.

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh right.

You’re absolutely right. Not condeming Lou, jumping off a ledge or proposing I replace him.

Just sayin’...lots of moves last night, none of ‘em worked, I would have preferred less moves. Let’s get ‘em tonight.

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jun 25, 2008 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I thought so too

...I don’t tend to evaluate Lou’s moves a ton, because they work out more often than MY moves would! BUT, with the game on the line, do you want the key at bat in the hands of Edmonds or Murton? Gimme all the stats you want, but I cringed when MM came up. He battled at least…Cedeno has been money w/ the bases loaded so that was ok but UGH what an at-bat!!!

""At the end of the day, boys, you don't tell me how rough the water is, you bring in the ship." -- Steve Stone

by kentmeister on Jun 25, 2008 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You wonder if...

Lou doesn’t OVER manage early in seasons to give everyone a chance to grip onto an identity…like Cedeno/Blanco thinking he’s the guy who comes in late with a big hit, etc. Then, he plays off of those identities late in the season.

I realize every game matters equally, but you know more about your players late in the year and you can make better decisions.

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jun 25, 2008 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I posted this on the "Choice of Pinch Hitters?" fanpost up right now...

...but I’ll say it again: I thought Matt Murton put together a decent AB against Sherrill last night. Obviously it wasn’t a successful one, but he came back from an 0-2 count to work the count full and he drove the ball to left field. I fully recognize the holes in Matt’s game, but I think he deserves some credit for a good effort. And I didn’t/don’t have a problem with Lou using him as a pinch hitter against LHP.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 25, 2008 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ugh.

Murton’s swing looks like an unfolded lawn chair right now.

"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 25, 2008 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I guess I'd have to watch the AB again...

...but I thought he hung in there rather admirably against a very tough LHP. Then again, maybe my opinion is being swayed by my utter joy in seeing Murt hit a ball out of (and above) the infield.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 25, 2008 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He hung in there

but he gets awarded zero style points. His swing looks really bad.

"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 25, 2008 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He hung in

but I would disagree that he drove it to LF. It was more of an easy fly ball to LF.

by rlpete on Jun 25, 2008 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Extra Innings

I always get concerned with his moves when he doesn’t leave any bench for a possible extra inning game. If we tie, we’re out of position players. I just get worried that we’re going to be at a key at-bat in the 10th or 11th (or later) and we’ve got to trot Jason Marquis (with Silver Slugger Zambrano on the DL) or the current pitcher up to the plate.

by BrownE34 on Jun 25, 2008 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

that is EXACTLY what I said last night

as soon as they went to the lefty, I knew Lou was taking Edmonds out. right now, he’s a much better option than Murton. especially in that big spot. not a good move.

by Spydey on Jun 25, 2008 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I still am disappointed a little

Bases loaded, no outs, and Cedeno, Fukudome, and Blanco cannot get it done. I mean if there is no other situation where we need somebody to come through, that was the one. This team is impressive this year, and in that situation it was almost expected that they would at least tie the game up. All three of them swung at bad pitches, and Dome could have probably at least walked in a run having been more patient. It seems that they were pressing too much in that situation because they knew that if nobody scored, it would be a disappointment. In stressful situations, I want to see these guys relax and come through, not totally fail, otherwise we could end up with playoff results similar to last year.

by adam316 on Jun 25, 2008 9:23 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

You can't always come from behind

This team has shown a penchant for playing come from behind baseball but if you depend upon it once in awhile it will bite you in your butt. We have to get in front and stay there. Put less pressure on the pitchers and the offense. Come the playoffs come from behind will become stay behind.

"In football the object is for the quarterback, also known as the
field general, to be on target with his aerial assault, riddling the
defense by hitting his receivers with deadly accuracy in spite of the
blitz, even if he has to use the shotgun. With short bullet passes and
long bombs, he marches his troops into enemy territory, balancing this
aerial assault with a sustained ground attack that punches holes in
the forward wall of the enemy's defensive line.

"In baseball the object is to go home! And to be safe! - I hope I'll
be safe at home!"

by bubbamike the one and only on Jun 25, 2008 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sean Marshall

So, there I was in the fourth inning, excited about Sean Marshall’s pitching, and he loses it again. It’s still too soon to judge (hopefully he can improve next start), but if Marshall can’t get through lineups twice, he’s going to end up a very good ‘pen option for us instead of a good starter.

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

Relief

Seems to be where he belongs. He threw 3 excellent innings to start off the game, but he obviously had trouble getting much further than that. I am like you though, until the 4th I thought he was on fire.

by adam316 on Jun 25, 2008 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Middle reliever?

If he can solidly pitch three innings on a regular basis that might be a good place for him.

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think that Marshall and Lieber

could really strengthen the ‘pen by being guys who go 2-3 innings regularly. Having both be able to do that woulld allow Lou to send them out for those long outings without worrying about then needing to rest them and being without them in the next couple games. The key would be to avoid the temptation to pull Marshall against RH batters, although I’d understand making him just a LOOGY. Last year RHP hit .280/.338/.443 off of him.

by DGU on Jun 25, 2008 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

LSA

Lou has one long reliever (Lieber) and could have two, but he doesn’t seem to like using relievers that way.

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

by Al on Jun 25, 2008 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If we had two long relievers and they were used as long relievers

we could probably get away with carrying 11 pitchers and avoid being in a situation where Henry Blanco is batting in a key spot.

by DGU on Jun 25, 2008 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's what I was thinking.

But Lou would have to be willing to use them as such. We could be wrong, but it seems like he likes playing individual matchups and anytime he sees a wee bit of trouble he reaches for his Marmol-brand Security Blanket.

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Galagar wasnt at the top of our lst either when he first came up.

Second start he got better.
Defence didnt play well behind Marshall either. Dome mis played asingle into a triple.

by cubbierc on Jun 25, 2008 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hope this doesn't get lost - but not worthy of a fanpost

Speaking of the Peoria Chiefs game to be played at Wrigley, now I’m seeing the ads for kids being allowed to run the bases after the game. I bought bleacher tickets for that game (haven’t had a chance to sit out there since the reconstruction), so I’m kind of concerned that bleacher fans will be excluded from that promotion because they have no field access – obviously I don’t want my son to miss out on that incredible opportunity. Does anyone have any info on whether or not fans from the bleachers will be allowed to participate? If not, anyone know who I could call – Chiefs or Cubs?

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 25, 2008 9:25 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Try the Chiefs first, then the Cubs.

Prediction: both will tell you they never thought of that.

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

by Al on Jun 25, 2008 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks.

I have a feeling I’m going to have to raise holy heck to get them to do a ticket exchange for me.

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 25, 2008 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Instead...

... why not raise holy heck to make sure bleacher fans are included? It wouldn’t be that hard for them to let you walk through the stands to get there when the game is over.

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

by Al on Jun 25, 2008 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Holy Heck will be raised.

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 25, 2008 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Let us know what you find out.

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

by Al on Jun 25, 2008 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Additionally,

There is field access in the lf corner downstairs. Through the old clubhouse door. I acted ‘confused and lost’ one day a few years ago as we were leaving and walked out on the field through there. They politely guided me to the exit.

by BartlettBob on Jun 25, 2008 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If you have questions about this game

email howardy@peoriachiefs.com” >Howard Yates. He is the director of guest operations (and a good friend of mine) and should be able to clear up any questions you have.

by lswaidz on Jun 25, 2008 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

We really miss Soriano

Last night showed it. Soriano would have come to bat with one out against a LHP, and most likley have gotten a better AB just by being a righty.

Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs

by nji232 on Jun 25, 2008 9:30 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Nature (and apparently BCB) abhors a vacuum...

Yep, it would appear we need a third overflow, but I think it’s safe to say that soon after that, people would be clamoring for a fourth, and then a fifth, etc. Or to put it in baseball terms… if you build it, people will post… ;-)

Maybe instead of just adding a third overflow, we rethink the timing. Seems like the first game thread – especially for a night game – gets so filled up by the time the game actually starts, it’s already crawling along at the pace of a Blanco triple. Al, it would appear the overflow threads get added based on time, so how about this…

Post your Open Thread as usual only call it “Pre-Game” thread instead. Hell, maybe get a sponsor for it! “Welcome to the Big Gulp Pre-Game Thread…” ;-)

Have another thread set to post at when the game actually starts, i.e. 1:20, 2:55, 7:05, etc.. Or maybe five minutes before to synch up with Pat & Ron – call it the “Cubs Baseball is on the Air!” game thread…

Then set up overflow thread(s) to post as you’ve done in the past – I’d start with just one at about the 90 minute mark. If after a few games it’s apparent we need more, then post two – the first at 60 minutes, the second at 120 minutes.

Finally, going under the assumption a game lasts about 3 hours, set up a final overflow thread to post at the 3 hour mark. Call it the “Last!” post game thread. Or if you’re really optimistic, call it the “Go Cubs Go!” post game thread. This should satisfy all the celebrators and/or ledge-jumpers until you get a chance to post your recap.

Picking apart my own idea, I can see that this doesn’t account for rain delays and/or 14 inning games with the Pirates. Also, having this many threads might be a bit confusing to this crowd at first. Some of us tend to react a bit differently under the pressures of a real game situation… ;-)

But I think the basic premise (separating out a pre and post game thread) is sound and would work out better in the long run. Thoughts?

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

by ballhawk on Jun 25, 2008 9:32 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

This is a good idea.

I’ll work on this today.

Incidentally, you didn’t have a very good BP session out on Waveland, did you.

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

by Al on Jun 25, 2008 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

nope, not at all. Too many "senior moments"

Around 20 came out between both teams and I got skunked. Couldn’t pick them up out of the sky for the life of me. The few that I did see good enough and was camped under, fans up on the top row of bleachers and/or on the walkway made some great catches to keep the balls in the park.

Eh… these things happen, right? All I can do is come out again tonight and keep trying. A few more games like that though, and I may get sent down to Iowa… ;-)

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

by ballhawk on Jun 25, 2008 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And then Josh77 will be posting updates on how ballhawk has clearly lost the command he formerly had.

And I’ll read those Minor League Wraps and offer up a sigh for who you used to be.

All kidding aside, maybe you need a graceful slumpbuster?

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on Jun 25, 2008 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well done, sir.

A thought-out idea AND humorous? Me likey.

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Good points ballhawk

...I think one of the biggest X’s factors that slows the game threads is large photos…

Most are very good about it, but there still are some who post ones with large resolutions and that really slows the thread down and that is always hard to control…

by JB 23 on Jun 25, 2008 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

One thing you can do, if you use Firefox

is right clock on the image, adblock it, then refresh your browser.

"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 25, 2008 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I have asked people NOT to do that in the game threads.

If that keeps up I may have to ban picture posting and I really don’t want to do that.

Please—large photos really slow down the game threads. Restrain yourself.

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

by Al on Jun 25, 2008 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The winning streak is over

but here’s something else.

The last time the Cubs lost a home series was when the Brewers beat the Cubs on May 1st to take 2 out of 3 in the April 29 – May 1 series.

That’s a stretch of 7 straight series wins at home.

That dropped the Cubs to 11-6 at home. Since that game they have gone 21-3 at home.

---AC 00 00 00 - Believe

by mjk83 on Jun 25, 2008 9:40 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Wuertz and Murton

belong in Des Moines until further notice.

by Itchy on Jun 25, 2008 9:40 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Why Wuertz?

A fielding gaffe like the one he had would derail most.

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jun 25, 2008 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

agree...he hung in there pretty well after that.

...I think he should be pitching more actually

by JB 23 on Jun 25, 2008 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'll give my "should be pitching more" award to...

Jon Lieber.

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jun 25, 2008 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He's been terrible

usually walks the first guy he faces, gives up a ringing double, gets taken out. I know his era isn’t that bad but last year he’d keep the ball down and strike guys out, not so this year. Lieber needs to pitch more and should’ve been in on Sat.

by Itchy on Jun 25, 2008 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wuertz has 32 appearances this year.

Has walks in only 12 of those games. I’m not going to comb through those 12 games, but I’m betting those walks didn’t occur in the first AB every time.

I realize you’re being hyperbolic, but you’re just wrong. He’s a boon to this club, and will continue to be. We can’t have 7 Marmols in our bullpen. For what he is, a non-setup middle reliever, he’s darn good.

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jun 25, 2008 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He stinks this year

Throw whatever stat you want out there but I’ve watched just about every innning this year and he is not pitching aything like last year.

by Itchy on Jun 25, 2008 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I've been watching too...

(Thank the DirecTV gods)

I think he’s been just fine for what he is. The Brewers have Guillermo Mota filling his role in their bullpen. The Mets have someone named Joe Smith. D’Backs: Juan Cruz or Edgar Gonzalez. It could be MUCH worse.

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jun 25, 2008 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Give me Mota or Cruz

and you can have Wuertz!

by Itchy on Jun 25, 2008 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Deal.

Didn’t know Chris Wallace was a BCB poster.

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jun 25, 2008 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I see. You've watched every game...

...and obviously have a photographic memory. Let’s not allow facts to get in the way.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 25, 2008 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

So he's pitching great

He’s put in to get us through one inning, fails. He’s put in to get one hitter, fails. Lou brings him in in specific situations and this year, he’s failed. Ok?

by Itchy on Jun 25, 2008 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

How'd he fail?

If anything, blame E-Patt dropping the ball.

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jun 25, 2008 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ok.

Still think you’re wrong.

Not sure we’re gonna get anywhere on this…so…

Go Cubs.

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jun 25, 2008 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The perfect end to any argument.

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Only when coupled with

"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 25, 2008 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Drink Local!

(G. Heileman Brewing Company, Milwaukee, WI)

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jun 25, 2008 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

TWSS

"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 25, 2008 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's really cool!

They sell those all around Chicago, or just Wrigleyville?

I still have an old Pepsi can with Wrigley on it, and I had a Coke can celebrating back-to-back wins for the Bulls but that’s been lost to time.

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thos were from two years ago, IIRC.

The talls for this year are all-blue with gold pinstripes.

"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 25, 2008 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Here's a few

for sale on e-bay

I solemnly swear I am not the seller

"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 25, 2008 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cheers,

but the empty beer can is missing the best part.

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

True.

"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 25, 2008 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

only in South Elgin

you collect cans, they collect beer

Go ahead, Z me.

by tony412 on Jun 25, 2008 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Being a non-setup middle reliever is HARD.

You’re only going to get used if you’re up big or the starter got hit around. It’s more likely you’ll be used in the latter scenario.

So, here’s what you get: a inning or so against a really confident ballclub. Good luck.

He’s really really good at what he does, let’s not compare him to Marmol or even Howry. He’s not. If we had a bullpen full of Marmols or Woods, we’d be playing in “Wrigley Field at Citibank Park brought to you by Old Style in the City of Chicago: home of Motorola” to pay for the darn team.

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jun 25, 2008 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed, that's why

when he becomes ineffective, it’s time to try other, similar guys from within the organization.

by Itchy on Jun 25, 2008 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

His ERA is good because once he gives up a hit or two,

Lou is generally quick to give him the hook and bring in someone like Marmol to strand the inherited runners. Wuertz is an ideal example of why ERA is a pretty worthless stat for relievers.

That said, giving him away on waivers by trying to send him to Iowa would be dumb, and we don’t really have any viable option to replace him with at the moment anyway.

by ohboy on Jun 25, 2008 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

ERA's not the best stat for a reliever

but you do know that Michael Wuertz has the best ERA on the whole team? Wuertz should have great trade value for us, but not if we demote him.

by DGU on Jun 25, 2008 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah right

Just like the trade value of Murton, zero.

by Itchy on Jun 25, 2008 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Trade value

Murton’s value is low, but not zero. Wuertz’ value should be fairly high given the dearth of relievers available. Someone, somewhere should look at the sparkly ERA the history of good #s the last couple of years and be willing to give us something for him (should we choose to move him).

by DGU on Jun 25, 2008 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

All we could get

is another middle reliever or utility infielder.

by Itchy on Jun 25, 2008 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Weren't the Tigers inquiring about him at one time?

I thought I read that somewhere.

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

by Bump Bailey on Jun 25, 2008 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yep

but they just got back Zumaya and Rodney’s on his way, I think. There will be lots of teams that will be interested in a youngish, cheap reliever with an ERA below 3.00.

by DGU on Jun 25, 2008 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

They are both back

Neither has looked very good so far

by madeindetroit on Jun 25, 2008 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nope

I’m a Tigers fan too and these guys have been very rusty, to put it politely. Although I’ve never liked Rodney even back in 2006!

by CaliCub on Jun 25, 2008 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Maddening

That is how I describe Rodney…hopefully Zumaya gets his control back.

by madeindetroit on Jun 25, 2008 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And T. Jones Ain't Good

Leyland must go through a whole pack of Marlboros every time they have a lead in the 9th.

by CaliCub on Jun 25, 2008 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

At least

no blown saves yet

by madeindetroit on Jun 25, 2008 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I hope the league didn't notice

How a few earlier inside pitches to Kosuke apparently rattled him. I guess that’s what it was. On that last at-bat he was bailing like Capt Jack Sparrow in a leaky longboat. So out of character to see him have a terrible plate appearance…

""At the end of the day, boys, you don't tell me how rough the water is, you bring in the ship." -- Steve Stone

by kentmeister on Jun 25, 2008 9:49 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Not necessarily agreeing with you.

Don’t think he got rattled, just think he was in protect mode.

However…anyone else notice Fukudome is becoming a little more of a showman? He seems to embellish a lot of inside pitches, and I thought he showed the ump up a little on a called strike late in the game (high breaking ball). He’s doing this more and more…wondering if he has a reputation for being a showman in Japan?

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jun 25, 2008 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Are you talking about

how he’ll stand straight after a call he didn’t particularly like? If so, I think he’s pretty much done that all season.

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

yeah.

He did it for a REALLY long time last night though. Maybe I’m just now catching on.

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jun 25, 2008 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No idea if he did that in Japan.

It always looks to me like he’s recouping, and possibly taking signs from Quade.

As far as it getting him in trouble, I would assume that as long as he keeps his mouth closed and/or restrains from evil glances at the ump he’s fine. He’s probably frustrated in himself more than anything.

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

he protects by...

swinging late on those marginal pitches and fouling them off and does it amazingly well. He wasn’t in the same zip code for that last strike though.

And I agree, it seemed a bit much running halfway to first base on the tight pitches. But then again I never faced major league pitching…

""At the end of the day, boys, you don't tell me how rough the water is, you bring in the ship." -- Steve Stone

by kentmeister on Jun 25, 2008 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

There's a video of Kosuke in Japan REALLY losing it on a call..

if I remember, it actually made Z look nearly tame….it was on a ball and strike

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 25, 2008 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think most of us have seen that video.

It’s the only time he did that in Japan—and the umpire was clearly wrong in his call.

I don’t think that’s any indication of his character.

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

by Al on Jun 25, 2008 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't either--he's shown nothing but class since arriving..

..i mention it because some folks said he appears to be loosening up and for some reason I thought that implosion was not that widely known about—but apparently it is!

Personally-he has my permission to marry my daughter-current betrothal (is that a word?) notwithstanding.

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 25, 2008 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Is it just me?

Or did he not look somewhat lost in the field last night as well?

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

by Bump Bailey on Jun 25, 2008 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not lost, but

he misplayed a couple of balls pretty badly, one of which cost the Cubs at least one run, if not two. Cub defense on the whole was bad last night.

"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 25, 2008 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Which non-Cub pitcher is the most fun to watch for you?

I have to say that I really get a kick out of watching Chad Bradford, every time.

by DGU on Jun 25, 2008 9:55 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Chad Bradford

makes my head spin every time. I can not fathom how a human being can contort their body like that and still throw strikes. I think of the John Kruk/Randy Johnson AB everytime I see him, because if I had to hit against that, I think I’d stand in the on deck circle and hope for four straight balls.

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 25, 2008 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Bradford

My girlfriend and I were at the game last night and she turned to me after Bradford’s warmup pitches and asked “Is he kidding? Does he really throw like that?”

It is something to behold. I don’t know how he keeps from falling over.

by Tangled Up In Blue on Jun 25, 2008 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

One of the old Nintendo games

had a pitcher like that my brother liked to use and it would frustrate me to no end. I was usually down on three straight.

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

RBI baseball on NES

Bret Saberhagen. Untouchable.

Great RBI site for those interested…these guys have way too much time on their hands.

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jun 25, 2008 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cheers!

I’m thinking the game was actually coded to make him perfect.

There was also Tecmo Bowl, and the Bears had a screenpass play to Payton that was a guaranteed 20-yard+ everytime. My bro and dad used to counter my use of Chicago with the Giants who could block any PAT/field goal.

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Tecmo Bowl sucked.

Tecmo Super Bowl was awesome. Only two dominate players in TSB—LT and Bo.

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jun 25, 2008 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Tecmo Bowl did suck.

Though I do remember my dad, who never plays games, winning the Super Tecmo Bowl with, I believe, the Niners on an 80-yard field goal.

Yeah, Tecmo Bowl sucked.

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Cubs had a pitcher like

Frustrated Batters.
Ted Abernathy

by cubbierc on Jun 25, 2008 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Abernathy had a wicked squiggle pitch

"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 25, 2008 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

"Wicked squiggle pitch"

Damn, how I wish commentators could start using that one….

And Marmol’s sets him down with a wicked squiggler on the corner!

"Just because you've had enough/ doesn't mean you wanted too much." -Dean Young

by Kegler on Jun 25, 2008 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Joe Morgan would be so much better if

on a changeup he did the “woooooooooooooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooo” sound from RBI.

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jun 25, 2008 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I wonder if he has ever gotten a little dirt from the mound on his knuckles?

Its a pretty amazing delivery…..he is one the Billy Beane finds if I remember my Moneyball correctly

by JB 23 on Jun 25, 2008 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Bradford's story in Moneyball

is my favorite part of that book.

by DGU on Jun 25, 2008 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I thought that was him!

Thanks for pointing this out.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 25, 2008 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Mark Grace

Best… pitching… impersonations… ever

by lswaidz on Jun 25, 2008 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

edmonds....

can we all agree that signing edmonds has turned out to be a brilliant move by Hendry?

by cubbiefanTN on Jun 25, 2008 10:04 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Yes.

Even if the man gets hit by the Brown Line tonight, it’s been worth it.

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jun 25, 2008 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed.

I’m quite glad that ED has something left.

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Jun 25, 2008 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Viva, Jim Edmonds!

ED…tee hee.

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jun 25, 2008 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You like calling him ED?

Most don’t seem to care for it.

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Jun 25, 2008 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No, I don't.

Just reminded me of Viagra.

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jun 25, 2008 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh...

And here I was thinking you making a play on Viva El Birdos.

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Can I still get credit

If you thought it funny???

(I need all the help I can get, ask my girlfriend.)

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jun 25, 2008 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Why not.

A laugh is a laugh is a laugh.

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's the anti-laugh.

The laughter of hate.

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

with every HR he hits

the fact that he was a cardinal demishes in my mind….. let’s hope he keeps it up

by cubbiefanTN on Jun 25, 2008 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It takes RBIs and run-preventing catches

to purge the remnants of his Cardinal jersey from his skin.

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Taking Edmonds was a great move

even if he didn’t work out.

My only regret in the Edmonds move reflects on the management decisions that led up to the Edmonds move. It took Jim Edmonds 130 PA before he showed he had anything in the tank. Felix Pie got half that in less regular playing time. I still think that if Lou had show the kind of confidence in Pie that he showed in Edmonds, and given him regular playing time, we would have a better, faster, CF right now.

I don’t want to start that whole debate again, though. I am glad Edmonds is the way we went.

by DGU on Jun 25, 2008 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nah,

DGU doesn’t want to start the whole debate again. I agree with him, most of know how we feel about this subject, no sense re-hashing it.

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Jun 25, 2008 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks, Jimmy.

The only reason I mentioned it is the larger point – that very good players can be very bad. For 128 PA, Jim Edmonds hit .167/.244/.211. For 130 PA (from May 13 – June 13), Derrek Lee hit .223/.262/.380. If guys, All-Stars, like that can look so bad, how can we judge prospects who are getting their first taste of the majors on 70 PA? It’s not Pie that I want to rehash; rather, I’d look at the same kind of decision making which has gone into the decision of who gets the bulk of Soriano’s playing time. Patterson hits a HR and suddenly he’s the man. I like Patterson, but I’m not sure he’s the best option on roster.

by DGU on Jun 25, 2008 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm not sure he's the best option either.

Of what we have, who do you think at this time is the best option. Given that Pie & RJ are hurt? If Murt could hit for at least a little power, ( a HR here or there, a few doubles), he would be the man methinks…

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Jun 25, 2008 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'd tell Murton not to worry about power

and to do his best RH Dome impersonation – just get on base and working the count and getting on base. Murton can do that. I think his struggles have come from trying too much for power. With all the run production this lineup has, just getting on base keeps the lineup rolling.

by DGU on Jun 25, 2008 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Up until now...

I would have disagreed with you. During the time that Fonzi is out, we’ll get the power we need elsewhere in the line-up. If Matt can get back to the Matt the Bat he has been in the past, I would have to agree with out. First to third, first to third, first to third; keep the merry-go-round going!

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Jun 25, 2008 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think Murton should be told to look at Kevin Youkilis' career path.

Just keep getting on base and the power will come. (I’m not sure that the power will come for him, but it might, and in the meantime he needs to keep doing what he can do.) Murton’s still just 26. Youkilis’ slugging was never better than Murton’s until he was 29 (this year).

by DGU on Jun 25, 2008 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

except that...

edmonds has a proven track record for hitting major league pitching. that’s something Pie has not shown yet…. trust me i’ve been following and routing for Pie for 4 years but he’s just not at the major league level right now.

by cubbiefanTN on Jun 25, 2008 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

Lou does seem to have more patience with vets than the youngins.

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

by Bump Bailey on Jun 25, 2008 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Lou - I guess a Senior moment

Murton for Edmonds you have got to be kidding….. Murton is clearly overmatched by some good MLB pitching….. Edmonds on a hot streak …. forget the percentages.
Cedeno….. what a horrible at bad ….. shades of Korey Pat…. chasing the High Heat.
Forget Pie …........... not gonna happen….we need Sori back…. Edmons in the 5
hole good line up ….... hey its only one game…. I thought Marshall perform well for
his first game back…... Lets start another streak

by nimblenikelfoos on Jun 25, 2008 10:21 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Big fan of the ellipses, huh?

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Larry King

remains relevant.

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on Jun 25, 2008 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Round of snapped-fingers for the man!

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Pray to God that's not a euphemism.

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Winner!

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jun 25, 2008 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

"wo-man...wo-man.whOOOOAAAA, man!"

“She was a freak…you gotta believe…she stole my heart and my cat….”

"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 25, 2008 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

So I Married an Axe Murderer ref?

''Listen, losing Soriano is no box of chocolates.'' ~Lou Piniella

by JohnM on Jun 25, 2008 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes!

So glad someone got it…...

"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 25, 2008 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Mike Myers

really reminded me of an old pal in that scene. Not the best movie but it’s a great scene.

''Listen, losing Soriano is no box of chocolates.'' ~Lou Piniella

by JohnM on Jun 25, 2008 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Life on the point is hard.

Not that I watched that show…

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jun 25, 2008 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe he's

transcribing from ticker tape?

"Just because you've had enough/ doesn't mean you wanted too much." -Dean Young

by Kegler on Jun 25, 2008 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Could be.

Or maybe he meant to send us a telegram:

Murton for Edmonds you have got to be kidding…..STOP…...Murton is clearly overmatched by some good MLB pitching….. STOP…...Edmonds on a hot streak …. STOP…...forget the percentages. Cedeno….. STOP…...what a horrible at bad ….. STOP…...shades of Korey Pat….STOP…... chasing the High Heat. Forget Pie ……........ STOP…...not gonna happen….STOP…...we need Sori back…. STOP…...Edmons in the 5 hole good line up ……. STOP…...hey its only one game…. STOP…...I thought Marshall perform well for his first game back…… STOP…...Lets start another streak…..STOP

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 25, 2008 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Third Overflow:

YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES

Wait a minute... who am I here?

by malicedoom on Jun 25, 2008 10:32 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

twss

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Judges?

"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 25, 2008 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh, come on!

Third overflow? Followed by a billion “YES

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ah, I get it now.

/puts on dunce cap. sits in corner.

"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 25, 2008 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Commodus sez...

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jun 25, 2008 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jun 25, 2008 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

8mm

Yikes…

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No kidding.

Though I was a little pulled out of it by thinking, “Tony Soprano is a porn mogul?”

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

On a ship full of Marines heading to the Middle East,

8MM was the only movie that creeped us out enough to be unofficially banned.

"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 25, 2008 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wowza.

Well, I could list a few more if you wanna feel uncomfortable for an extended length of time.

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

8MM had SO many great performances...

...totally underrated if you ask me. That said, definitely a difficult pill to swallow.

Wait a minute... who am I here?

by malicedoom on Jun 25, 2008 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'll give it to him.

(Preemptive TWSS.)

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 25, 2008 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Only if you guys agree to stop posting pictures in game threads.

They are slowing down the threads.

Thanks.

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

by Al on Jun 25, 2008 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed.

SWL, are you reading this?!

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If only it was that easy.

“Whenever there’s a photoshopped image needed to punctuate a joke…I’ll be there.”

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm Dumb

What’s “SWL”?

by CaliCub on Jun 25, 2008 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks JB

Somehow “Single White Lesbian” seemed out of context.

by CaliCub on Jun 25, 2008 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oddly enough...

I happen to BE a Lesbian. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 25, 2008 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Exactly what I thought

after seeing your screen shots from the CA games.

by N Oakley on Jun 25, 2008 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

My only regret is..

they didn’t get a good shot of the fabulous shoes I was wearing…they were to DIE FOR.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 25, 2008 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I saw them!

http://api.ning.com/files/rxagKE25u0NOzoi7H4-2O-yiMRf4bNIl8PIXsqRs-gtQUvuZncn3Szwhqtgiqk2E8Y3ZgM-fVo6kxOV9Q57Yz3wygII/kellysshoes.jpg”/>

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jun 25, 2008 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

d'oh

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jun 25, 2008 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No no no...

Leg Warmers as soooooo 1984….try again…I’ll give you one more chance.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 25, 2008 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You're An Actor?

Oh wait…that’s ‘thespian’. :D

by CaliCub on Jun 25, 2008 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What part of the isle are you from?

"In football the object is for the quarterback, also known as the
field general, to be on target with his aerial assault, riddling the
defense by hitting his receivers with deadly accuracy in spite of the
blitz, even if he has to use the shotgun. With short bullet passes and
long bombs, he marches his troops into enemy territory, balancing this
aerial assault with a sustained ground attack that punches holes in
the forward wall of the enemy's defensive line.

"In baseball the object is to go home! And to be safe! - I hope I'll
be safe at home!"

by bubbamike the one and only on Jun 25, 2008 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

santoswoodenlegs

Poster extraordinaire. King of the photoshop. All-around jerk.

:D

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wish I Was An Ump

Guaranteed employment until retirement no matter how much of an assbag I act like on the field. Sign me up!

by CaliCub on Jun 25, 2008 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm pretty sure I haven't posted any...

...images in a game thread for a while, though my impulse control may have failed me here or there. In any case, I’ll double my efforts not to.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 25, 2008 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I've been careful to post the pictures from the google preview page

keeps ‘em down around 7-10k, pretty small.

"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 25, 2008 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Pics that small are OK.

Other than that, try to restrain yourselves. Thanks.

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

by Al on Jun 25, 2008 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Al, you may want to define "small"

25 KB? 50 KB? Otherwise, some may think 500 KB is small.

"Every team will win 60 games, every team will lose 60 games, it's what the team does in the other 42 games that decides the season."

by flachimesa on Jun 25, 2008 4:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Can someone around Wrigley tell me what the weather is like there?

I drove from PA and I’m staying in Coal City and woke up to a thunderstorm. It dried up already but I’m still nervous.

Great comeback last night. Too bad we fell short. I am now on a 6 game losing streak at Wrigley Field.

Al, I think I’m going to stop by tonight. I had front row seats in right last night and didn’t want to pass it up.

Bleeding Cubbie Blue since 1985.

by Bricks and Ivy on Jun 25, 2008 10:37 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Bookmark

This It’s the fancam across the street from Wrigley.

"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 25, 2008 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Overcast, and a little rain earlier this morning...

but it’s appeared to have stopped. I’m at Navy Pier, a few miles from Wrigley.

by Damen Jackson on Jun 25, 2008 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Bricks and Ivy

When I left for work this morning, around 8:00am, it was drizzling and chilly. Currently, downtown, it is overcast, but it appears to have stopped raining.

by Tangled Up In Blue on Jun 25, 2008 10:40 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Forecast is for scattered showers...

... but it looks like it’s clearing out.

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

by Al on Jun 25, 2008 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Trying Not To Panic

Last night’s tough loss, combined with the Cards and Brew Crew winning AGAIN, had me pretty upset at first. But I’m trying not to panic. We’re still in first, we have a good shot at winning the next two at home, and we can’t waste time staring at the scoreboard worrying about StL and Mil.

Still….

1) The injury factory is starting to show. No Z on the mound, no Sori starting in LF, no Reed Johnson to PH in the 9th. Hoping Z and RJ are back by the ASG and Sori by the end of July, which still gives us enough time to either pad our lead or shoot back ahead if we’re tied or behind in the standings.

2) Cedeno’s K was fugly, and hopefully it will motivate him to learn for the future. A big fly wasn’t necessary in that spot – just a solid line drive resulting from a smooth swing at a strike was the best thing to do there.

3) Same with EPatt in LF. Learn from the situation and get it right next time. He’s decent at the plate of late so having him able to play LF would increase his usefulness to the team.

4) The Cubs have come so far under Lou. They’ve become a much more confident, smarter, and formidable team. The last three at-bats were like a scary flashback to the past that had me reeling (“Oh no! Haven’t they learned?!”). Let’s hope it was all just jitters caused by wanting to give the crowd another thrill than reverting to 2005-2006 “hackalicious” form. Realize that you need to be calm and have good at-bats instead of trying to be the Cavalry all by yourself.

Onward!!

by CaliCub on Jun 25, 2008 10:56 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Anyone notice Brian Runge's little performance last night?

It’s all here. This guy has long been in the Cuzzi/West/Bucknor class of show-offs, and last night he actually bumped Manuel, just so he could eject him. Weak sauce, Brian. MLB should suspend Runge. They have to do something about umpires making a show of themselves.

"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 25, 2008 11:02 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Wow, captivating stuff...

...and I completely agree with you and the announcer. Runge was way, way out of line and should be suspended – or at least fined and ordered to apologize. And Jerry Manuel and Carlos Beltran both deserve some credit for holding it together as well as they did. Runge does that once too often and someone’s going to take a swing at him.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 25, 2008 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Beltran had to keep his cool whilst holding a bat.

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, but Runge

really made it a lot worse with the whole brush off the plate thing. Bush league stuff from the ump and what Runge did to Manuel was just plain wrong.

"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 25, 2008 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No way.

That was the traditional bottom of the fourth, 0-2 count, plate dusting. Regularly scheduled.

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I kinda wish he'd busted out...

...a Dustbuster, Naked Gun-style.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 25, 2008 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I hope you're joking

because that is some delicious sarcasm.

"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 25, 2008 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Indeed.

It’s my specialty.

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

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

I'll have a double.

"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 25, 2008 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Would you like a side of irony?

Or a tall, cool glass of dry wit?

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I prefer a sidecar of smartass

"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 25, 2008 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Served!

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

An observation in the 8th inning—

Anyone else think that the “neighborhood” call in the 8th on DLee’s grounder was not what I always thought was a “true neighborhood” call.

On plays where the ump calls the runner out at second on these phantom calls, more often than not the fielder has already caught and released the ball before he has ever touched second base.Other times, he releases the ball before he ever touches the bag.

In last night’s game, neither of these scenarios happened. What did happen—a bad throw by Mora pulled Roberts off the bag. Roberts was already standing on second waiting for the throw. Mora’s throw was high and pulled Roberts off the bag just as Patterson was sliding.

This was just an out and out missed call by the second base umpire. It changed the entire inning and the outcome of the game.

by ceegeewow on Jun 25, 2008 11:09 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Even given the "neighborhood call" custom

that was a generous call. Roberts was pretty obviously off the base.

"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 25, 2008 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, I saw that play happen, too, and...

...well, obviously, I would’ve liked to see the Cubs get that call. I agree that Roberts appeared to be off the bag when Patterson slid in. But, as Len and Bob, said, 95% of the time the infielder will get the call in that situation. Let’s hope next time it happens, the Cubs are the defenders.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 25, 2008 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

My Point Is --

I “understand” the neighborhood call and heard L and B’s quick explanation.

But my thinking was—Roberts was waiting for the ball. He wasn’t crossing the bag with or without the ball like you usually see in the Neighborhood fashion.

Mora threw too high and Roberts had to get off the bag to catch the ball. When he caught it, Patterson was on the bag.

Len and Bob reacted as though it was a Neighborhood call—that’s what the ump did and again in my opinion completely blew the call. Roberts had to get off the bag to catch the ball. He was not in the process of crossing or reaching for the base.

by ceegeewow on Jun 25, 2008 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Solid point.

That was my impression, as well. It’s just like when a throw pulls a 1st baseman off the bag. The throw was wild, and the ump bailed out the Orioles.

"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 25, 2008 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks --

Your example is exactly what I am talking about. There are some phantom calls at first as well. First basemen often “cheat” on close calls to get a favorable ruling. But when the first baseman leaps to catch a ball and is off the bag when the runner reaches the base, the ump will call him safe.

by ceegeewow on Jun 25, 2008 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yep.

It’s one thing when it’s a sweep situation, and quite another when the throw clearly pulls the baseman off the bag.

"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 25, 2008 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

In this situation

what probably worked against us was that it should have been a super easy play and the ump probably already had his mind made up before the thrown was even made. No excuse for it…need to make the call correctly.

"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey

by TheRiot Police on Jun 25, 2008 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

overflow posts

do whatever allows pictures to be posted without slowing things down..

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

by cozmotaylor123 on Jun 25, 2008 11:35 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

JIMMY BALLGAME ON ROME TODAY

Rome radio, second hour (12-1 pm central), Jim Edmonds on.

Dan

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Jun 25, 2008 11:50 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

7th Inning Stretch Celebrities

I have a question. Do the celebrities who sing the stretch and do chats with the radio and TV broadcasters pay the Cubs or WGN/Comcast for the free advertising? Just listened to last night’s game and that singer basically said: “hey Cub fans, please go out and buy my CD. Here’s the name of it. Thanks!” That was the gist of the “content” provided by this guest appearance and it felt just like a commercial.

I realize on an actual talk show there is value to the show producer in having guests – they are the reason for the show. But what do the Cubs or WGN/Comcast get out of this segment? They can’t really bring in listeners/viewers, can they? And if they are just going to blatantly plug the product and that’s about it, the Cubs should charge for the service.

''Listen, losing Soriano is no box of chocolates.'' ~Lou Piniella

by JohnM on Jun 25, 2008 11:51 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I ahte, hate, hate, hate the guest conductor series.

It has run its course. Hand it over to Ron or end it. Now.

"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 25, 2008 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agree

Let Ronnie do it or play a recording of harry

"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey

by TheRiot Police on Jun 25, 2008 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm sure it was noted in the game thread

but that singer was completely off-key – and she was just plugging an album?

I’ve said it before – Ron actually does it well and I wouldn’t mind if he did it all the time, with the occasional turn by the other broadcasters.

''Listen, losing Soriano is no box of chocolates.'' ~Lou Piniella

by JohnM on Jun 25, 2008 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I would not even mind if Wayne doing it

"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey

by TheRiot Police on Jun 25, 2008 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+hotness

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

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

-50

Sounding like Ozzie.

by N Oakley on Jun 25, 2008 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

LSA!!

No more fools singing in 7th!

by JB 23 on Jun 25, 2008 1:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

LSA.

Ten years of it is enough.

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

by Al on Jun 25, 2008 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

DLEE DP Stats

Currently resides at 14. Last year he had 15 all year. Career high for a season is 18. He is on pace to shatter his career high.

What does this say about him…not sure.

My observations are…

Pitchers are not scared to pitch to him. I usually interpret that to me not scared means less mistakes over the plate by the pitcher.

Gets himself behind in the count a lot

Does not get a lot of respect from the umps…i.e. borderline calls go to the pitcher

Swinging at some terrible pitches and beating them into the ground…

He stats for this season are projecting like his career pre-2005. So you have to ask if 2005 and 2007 are anomlies…and what we see this year is more like what we should expect.

There has been a lot of talk of moving him in the order. With as hot as ARAM has been and as clutch as he is, you would think that DLEE would see some great pitches to hit. The three spot should be great for him because of ARAM protection

"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey

by TheRiot Police on Jun 25, 2008 11:53 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Food For Thought

It makes you wonder if the whole concept of “protection in the lineup” is just mythology. As long as pitchers are aware of a hitter’s weaknesses and exploit them, it may not matter who’s up next.

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

DLee's stats are in a trough right now on their way back up.

Let’s start this conversation again after a few more weeks. He was as hot as it gets the first month. I think he’s still capable of better #s. And don’t forget that his pre-Cub #s were held down by his home park. I don’t think 2007 was that far from his career #s when park-adjusted.

by DGU on Jun 25, 2008 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Exactly--he shall return....

..since May began, he’s been pressing more and has been a 6-3 machine—-but i see more balls being hit to right. That will equate to him cycling back up closer to April’s performance.

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 25, 2008 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It appears most of you missed Fukudome's miss-play in the 4th as well

The game did not hinge on the pop out of Murton in the 8th or the K on Cedeno (then Fukudome and Blanco) in the 9th, it hinged on Fukudome’s miss play of the triple in the 4th that scored 2 runs (played well it was at best a one-run double) and then Patterson’s bonehead call off of Theriot in the 6th that led to 3 unearned runs.

Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."

by Ivy Walls on Jun 25, 2008 12:17 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

You'll notice quite a few of us mentioned it in the game thread

and daver and I have discussed it in this thread , 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

by gary varsho on Jun 25, 2008 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

When someone like Fukudome makes an error

it is the exception. When you play an infielder in the outfield it is an error waiting to happen. There is a difference. No one is perfect and mistakes happen to the best, that is what happened to Fukudome.

"In football the object is for the quarterback, also known as the
field general, to be on target with his aerial assault, riddling the
defense by hitting his receivers with deadly accuracy in spite of the
blitz, even if he has to use the shotgun. With short bullet passes and
long bombs, he marches his troops into enemy territory, balancing this
aerial assault with a sustained ground attack that punches holes in
the forward wall of the enemy's defensive line.

"In baseball the object is to go home! And to be safe! - I hope I'll
be safe at home!"

by bubbamike the one and only on Jun 25, 2008 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't enjoy being right about this but

From my post yesterday
“E-Pat in the outfield is an error waiting to happen. ”
Ok lots of people here don’t like Murton but guess what HE IS A LEFT FIELDER
OUR LEFT FIELDER IS INJURED. You do not put in a “speedy:” player who is only “versatile” because you play him out of position. I am not crazy about DeRossa in LF but it is a LOT better than E-Pat. I don’t know what Lou’s problem is with Murton but he literally hates the guy, he refused twice to call him up when Sori went down so it could not be clearer he does not want to use him. I have said before I have NOT liked Lou’s managing since April but I get that no one is going to argue with a team with this success even if I think Lou’s in game strategy is just terrible. At this point Hendry really needs to trade Murton for PTNL and find somebody who is an real left fielder that can be used till Soriano is back. There must be somebody out there who can field we can pick up cheap. I still think it inexcusable that Lou won’t use Murton while he has no other left fielder but so it goes. He overuses the bench so that is constantly running out of players and overuses half the BP ( Wood, Marmol ,Howry) and lets most of the others sit around. So far the Cubs are good enough to get away with this but I do get nervous.

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

by Doggie Stalker on Jun 25, 2008 12:18 PM CDT reply actions   1 recs

You know-it-all BASTARD!

:) No, seriously, that’s interesting, and I wonder about that whole ‘Murton thing’ myself. Is it just that he doesn’t (and apparently CAN’T) hit for power? There must be something there…

Wait a minute... who am I here?

by malicedoom on Jun 25, 2008 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If Murton had a half a clue at the plate,

you’d have a point. Murton looks lost at the dish, like he has no chance of hitting for any type of power, while Patterson has been hitting well this time up. If we could somehow mash them together, we might have a serviceable LF.

"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 25, 2008 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He has a lifetime .295 BA

In 2 and half major league seasons. A little more than a small sample size
If maybe he was allowed to actually play a few games in a row you might be able to see that.

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

by Doggie Stalker on Jun 25, 2008 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

His swing is awful right now.

He seems to have lost the ability to hit for extra bases, as his SLG in the minors this season was .382, and in the majors this year is a paltry .261. He looks awful at the dish. Awful.

"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 25, 2008 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And I'd reiterate that...

...I thought Murton put together a pretty good AB against Sherrill in the eighth. That said, I think EPatt’s error was unfortunate but somewhat forgivable given he’s a rookie who’s relatively inexperienced in left field. I still like having Eric’s speed and left-handed bat in the lineup.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 25, 2008 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Getting around late on fastballs and fouling off pitches

does not equate to a good AB. He was inept, his timing was of, and his swing looked completely out of whack.

"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 25, 2008 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Granted, but Sherrill is a very good pitcher this year...

... and it’s not like Matt’s had a ton of opportunities to face him.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 25, 2008 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Perhaps.

I haven’t like one single swing I’ve seen from Matt this year. And I like Matt a lot.

"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 25, 2008 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Actually I missed the AB

but fouling off pitches working a count to 3-2 and hitting fly was a lot better than
what happened in the 9th with the bases loaded. Not having seen it I don’t know if
the ball was hit deep enough to have scored a runner on 3rd. I think Lou has killed Murton
so I am all for letting him go somewhere he might actually get conistant ABs to judge his
skills . However E PAT CAN not play the OF ( frankly no more than Hoff or Ward actually)
If Murton is limited by having little power or speed, E-Pat is limited by being a crappy fielder and an ESPECIALLY bad OF. Since Lou won’t use Murton he should use DeRossa and let
Cedeno play 2b until Soriano is back and or go hunting for a short term LF Lou might actually play.

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

by Doggie Stalker on Jun 25, 2008 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Pie

How’s about bringing him up as our defensive OF once the hand heals?

by CaliCub on Jun 25, 2008 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not until September.

Barring an injury, Pie will not be back with club until September.

"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 25, 2008 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It was a soft liner.

Nothing to write home about. Someone-Mat himself, Von Joshua, Gerald Perry, Lou-has completely jacked Murton’s swing. It’s awful right now, and he shouldn’t be playing while Patterson is hitting. We’ve had a superior defensive shortstop on the bench all year, because the other one was hitting; I don’t think Lou is going to change things up in LF until Sori gets back or Patterson stops hitting.

"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 25, 2008 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh yea big difference

Murton has 6 hits in 23 at bats ( you must have missed those in your not a single
good swing all season) and E-Pat has 7 hits in 23 at bats. Ok yes E-Pat has
2 extra base hits and Murton has one. This is an insanely small sample size
Bottom line Murton IS a left fielder and has several years of stats to show he is
perfectly good hitter for contact but little power. The biggest stat difference this year
is E-Pats 3 run error and if you think Murton looks bad at the plate – E Patt looks worse in the field. Lou is playing a crap shoot that basically E -Pat won’t have a lot of balls hit at him so he wants the speed. Thanks a lot I want someone who can field and hit for contact. I am not sure how bad e-Pat is at 2nd where of course he will have a lot more chances. Right now I don’t think he can field at the major league level so on the bench as a pinch hitter/pinch runner fine but he should NEVER be an everyday player until he fan field

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

by Doggie Stalker on Jun 25, 2008 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sorry that was 22 AB for EP

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

by Doggie Stalker on Jun 25, 2008 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If you're fine with contact instead of power from an NL ocrner OF'er, then Murton is your man.

"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 25, 2008 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I remember it being more of a pop up to the middle of left field.

In fact, I thought it looked good coming off the bat, but then it was immediately clear that the ball wasn’t going anywhere. IIRC, Len made the comment that Murton got under it.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 25, 2008 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It was to left, but a soft liner.

Looping liner, whatever you want to call it. Murton is wreck at the plate and Lou has proven this season that he doesn’t give a whit about defense; if you can hit, you’ll stay in the lineup.

"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 25, 2008 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree but that does not make it right

Basically you get a 3 run error to offset his hitting well in one game.
Theriot and Edmonds are what I would call below average fielders,
E-Pat is BAD. For the MOMENT I am fine with contact and guy who has shown
he can hit nearly .300 in over two full seasons until Soriano gets back but
I admit Lou isn’t. I think we all agree that he overuses ( and misuses ) the bench
and the bullpen so is going for speed over defense is hardly a surprise.
Are you OK with a guy who going to constantly miss judge balls because
he is fast and hits left ?

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

by Doggie Stalker on Jun 25, 2008 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I wouldn't call Edmonds a below average fielder.

He may have lost a step, but he’s still pretty good. I agree with you on Theriot.

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

by Bump Bailey on Jun 25, 2008 2:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not A Bad Plan

you suggested, in keeping DeRo in LF and EPatt on 2nd.

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

I can't believe after the week Patterson's had

someone’s complaining about him.

He tried to do too much last night and made an error. I’m not sure he’s an “error waiting to happen”. He’s a young player.

Patterson’s been great for us this week.

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jun 25, 2008 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The guy can't field

he could not field in the MINORS so is not going to suddenly get better
He is NOT a left fielder they just had him playing some to make him “versatile”
It is one thing to have bad outfielders who hit for power ( Soriano, Dunn etc) but Patterson does
not have that much power. I have no problem with him on the bench but not as a regular and definately
not in LF

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

by Doggie Stalker on Jun 25, 2008 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Um.

2007 Iowa Cubs, OF: no errors in 40 games
2008 Iowa Cubs, OF: 1 error in 3 games

This is a guy who plays mostly at 2B in the minors. In 2007 he had no errors.

I wouldn’t say he can’t field in the outfield, I’d say he hasn’t been given a fair crack.

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jun 25, 2008 1:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Um read any scouting report on the guy

and various blogs of folks who have watched him play. Look I know I sound like
I hate him and I don’t I just think he does not belong in the OF. Oddly enough those of us
who love Murton and those of you who think he is basically worthless agree on one thing
HE NEEDS TO GO. If he goes to a team that might actually let him play ( It is worth noting
that Murton is now constantly being used to pinch hit and in late innings which is hardly his
strength ). When that happens we can finally resolve the issue. In the meantime I would
really prefer DeRossa in LF who while really not that good is better than E-Pat. I actually
think defense matters.

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

by Doggie Stalker on Jun 25, 2008 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks for putting words in my mouth.

And assuming I haven’t watched him play.

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jun 25, 2008 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sorry I was not clear

I meant his playing in the MINORS. Now if you have watched a lot of his games
in the minors sorry but the report from those who have pretty much said he was
a way below average fielder and the Cubs were struggling to find a position he could play

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

by Doggie Stalker on Jun 25, 2008 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You're missing my point.

He’s played 43 games in the minors in the OF. He needs to be given more learning opportunities than that. And, he’s been servicable, with 1 error.

Kid can rake, it makes up for a lot. Let’s give him some sort of time to grow into an outfielder before we call for his head.

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jun 25, 2008 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sorry you can NOT

use the major leagues to learn to play the outfield. We had a thread like
this on Hoff earlier I believe. Again maybe if you are a guy who is going to hit
30 home runs and get over a hundred RBI’s then you are given a little slack but
otherwise forget it. Seriously it is not like the guy has shown a natural ability to field but is a little wild ( say Pie). He has been a deficient fielder at every position he has played in the minors. For now he belongs on the bench.

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

by Doggie Stalker on Jun 25, 2008 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree.

You shouldn’t use the ML as a training ground to play OF.

But he’s really not as bad as you’re making him out to be. And, it’s silly to compare Patterson to Hoffpauir, totally different skill set.

I would say 43 games is not enough to make someone deficient. It’s just enough to make the results inconclusive.

I’m not clamoring for him to be our new LF. He’s a stopgap, doing fine for now, and we can roll with his blip last night. When Soriano gets back, Patterson should be the everyday LF or CF in Iowa, and then we can see what he does.

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jun 25, 2008 2:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You can use the majors as a training experience

but not on a contending team. On a team like the Royals or Mariners it would be a good thing.

"In football the object is for the quarterback, also known as the
field general, to be on target with his aerial assault, riddling the
defense by hitting his receivers with deadly accuracy in spite of the
blitz, even if he has to use the shotgun. With short bullet passes and
long bombs, he marches his troops into enemy territory, balancing this
aerial assault with a sustained ground attack that punches holes in
the forward wall of the enemy's defensive line.

"In baseball the object is to go home! And to be safe! - I hope I'll
be safe at home!"

by bubbamike the one and only on Jun 25, 2008 3:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Lee will be fine...

He’s just not seeing the ball well right now. With that being said, I think Lou will settle on Dome at the 2-spot in the line-up after Fonzi comes back. He’s got the lefty he needs after Ramirez now in Edmonds, put a lefty between Fonzi & Mr. Lee. If Soriano doesn’t get on, then Dome is essentially a second lead-off hitter in the first. As you go through the line-up, Dome will have enough spots to get RBI’s, especially with The Riot hitting eighth. Just give it a few weeks with the line-up and with Lee.

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Jun 25, 2008 12:24 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I hope you're right

but why is Lee hitting into so many double plays. I have no confidence when he is at the plate.

by mgfabc on Jun 25, 2008 12:28 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

He's not seeing the ball well.

Now I know this seems to be a generalization. What makes Lee such a great hitter is his ability to really hit any pitch. He relies on the speed of his bat and his eyesight. If he isn’t seeing the ball well out of the pitchers hand, then really he can’t put the swing on the ball that will produce the outcome he desires. What concerns me actually is his plate discipline right now. It has not declined markedly, but he could get a few more walks, see a few more pitches per appearance, maybe this will help.

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Jun 25, 2008 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

My opinion

He’s trying to pull everything. When DLee’s going well, he’s going the other way, and punishing pitches that are inside. Those DP groundouts are pitchers pitches that he should either not be swinging at or going the other way on. He had a couple AB’s last night that could have changed the complexion of the game, along with all the other stuff mentioned.

I'm not a religious man, but I pray for Carlos Marmol's arm.

by Canadian Cubs Fan on Jun 25, 2008 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He's also got Mr. Scrappy

I-get-a-lot-of-singles-hit-to-the-right-side-of-the-field sitting in front of him. If Theriot could hit for doubles, Lee would be advancing the runner to third, not hitting into double-plays.

"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 25, 2008 12:55 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Switch Theriot and Fukudome?

How about then batting Theriot 1st and Fukudome 2nd, since Dome can hit for extra bases?

by CaliCub on Jun 25, 2008 12:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Or

once Sori gets back, Dome second, and Theriot 8th.

"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 25, 2008 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Winner.

Theriot is perfect for the 8 spot.

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jun 25, 2008 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

word

"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 25, 2008 1:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Heh

So it’s somehow TheRiot’s fault for being on first, therefore causing/enabling Lee to hit into so many DPs?! Very nice. So now our man TheRiot is being blamed for even his teammates’ shortcomings? My oh my….

"Just because you've had enough/ doesn't mean you wanted too much." -Dean Young

by Kegler on Jun 25, 2008 1:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

it's a valid point.

And it’s his very own shortcoming that he can’t hit a double.

"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 25, 2008 1:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I see

So Lee’s hitting into DPs has nothing to do with Lee’s inability to lift the ball when he’s slumping or hit to the opposite field more often when there’s a runner on 1st? The latter of these TheRiot does quite regularly, I might add, which is something that might contribute to his singles-only onslaught.

The Theriot hate around here is really something else. Your “valid point” doesn’t fly with last year’s stats, does it? I mean, TheRiot played most of the year last year and Lee didn’t hit into so many DPs…and TheRiot sure wasn’t more powerful or a better hitter last year, was he?

"Just because you've had enough/ doesn't mean you wanted too much." -Dean Young

by Kegler on Jun 25, 2008 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

he certainly was a better

runner.

I don’t hate Theriot. I just don’t think he’s a very good starting shortstop, and the numbers bear that out.

When 90% of Riot’s hits go to right, can you really call that the opposite field? I mean, really, it’s his ONLY field…

"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 25, 2008 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Double plays are a result of clogging the basepaths!

If Theroit wasn’t on base there would be no DP. It is as plain as the nose on your face.

"In football the object is for the quarterback, also known as the
field general, to be on target with his aerial assault, riddling the
defense by hitting his receivers with deadly accuracy in spite of the
blitz, even if he has to use the shotgun. With short bullet passes and
long bombs, he marches his troops into enemy territory, balancing this
aerial assault with a sustained ground attack that punches holes in
the forward wall of the enemy's defensive line.

"In baseball the object is to go home! And to be safe! - I hope I'll
be safe at home!"

by bubbamike the one and only on Jun 25, 2008 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Can U imagine...

If all these guys somehow (!) got ‘hot’ at somewhat even CLOSE to the same time??? Oh man…

Wait a minute... who am I here?

by malicedoom on Jun 25, 2008 12:29 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Joe Morgan Sez...

“Well, in my opinion, if you asked me, and most people do, they’d be almost as good as the Big Red Machine but not AS good because, well, I was on it and won 2 MVPs and hit the game winning single in Game 7 of the 1975 World Series which we won although people act like Carlton Fisk won it for Boston.”

“Oh, and Ryne Sandberg will never be as good as me.”

by CaliCub on Jun 25, 2008 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Rescinding An Opinion

I am hereby retracting my observation that Milwaukee won’t be a threat. While I still don’t believe they’ll win the division, I will concede that they will be in the hunt this year. Maybe Ned Yost smartened up all of a sudden!

by CaliCub on Jun 25, 2008 12:31 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Yep, they've won four in a row...

...and eight of their last 10. Most worrisome, indeed.

Incidentally, I just tuned into their game against Atlanta via Gameday Audio. I shall attempt to wield my mastery of the black arts against them. (Daver dons black cape, disappears in an explosion of gray smoke and fllutters off as a bat.)

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 25, 2008 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

As Long As

The Cubs keep winning as many as they can and play StL and Mil tough, we should be OK.

by CaliCub on Jun 25, 2008 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

They've been getting pitching

This is why the Cubs must make sure that the Brewers do not get Sabathia. Although I can’t imagine him wanting to play in Milwaukee…

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Jun 25, 2008 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

CC and Prince

The Battle of the Heavyweights!

by CaliCub on Jun 25, 2008 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

pwned=owned

internet meme based on common mispellings, i.e. “teh”=”the”

"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 25, 2008 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You totall pwned him

on his lack of knowing what it meant!

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 1:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's "totally."

I think I pwned myself.

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 1:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

LAWLZ

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on Jun 25, 2008 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Is it

an Evil cape? Is it an Evil explosion of gray smoke?

"Just because you've had enough/ doesn't mean you wanted too much." -Dean Young

by Kegler on Jun 25, 2008 1:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes, they're all evil.

In addition, there is no dark side of the moon. It’s all dark.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 25, 2008 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Excellent.

"Just because you've had enough/ doesn't mean you wanted too much." -Dean Young

by Kegler on Jun 25, 2008 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Moon

The “dark side of the moon” is a misnomer because it implies that one side of the moon is always dark. This is not the case at all; rather, one side of the moon never faces the earth because the gravity of earth has locked the moon into an orbit that takes the exact same amount of time as a lunar “day.” So although we never see that side, it isn’t always night over there; indeed, when there is a “new moon” here on earth, it’s when the far side of the moon is in full daylight and the near, familiar side is fully at night. A “full moon” on earth is when the familiar side of the moon is fully in daylight.

Sorry to digress.

"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 25, 2008 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

m-o-o-n

that spells Tom Cullen!

"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 25, 2008 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Appreciate The Stand reference!

One of the great books of all time.

"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 25, 2008 4:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Come down here and eat chicken with me, beautiful! It's so dark.

the creepiest sentence he ever wrote…

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 25, 2008 4:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm with you...

I’m watching them a lot closer than I’m watching the Cardinals (0-0 bottom 2 v. Atl) because I think in the long run they offer more of a threat. However, it all comes back to starting pitching, and after Sheets, they don’t have anyone that blows you away.

I'm not a religious man, but I pray for Carlos Marmol's arm.

by Canadian Cubs Fan on Jun 25, 2008 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sometime's Hitting Alone Is Enough

to win a division, although the Cubs’ offense can be the equal to the Brewers’ in terms of run scoring capability. However the Crew has more HR hitters than the Cubs.

If Milwaukee is successful in acquiring a starter, then the Cubs will have to make some sort of counter-move (pitching, bullpen, bench strength).

by CaliCub on Jun 25, 2008 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed.

I think regardless of what the Brewers do, the Cubs need a starter. If not C.C. or Harden, then maybe Aaron Cook? He’s got amazing numbers for that park. Sinker baller, would fit well I think.

I'm not a religious man, but I pray for Carlos Marmol's arm.

by Canadian Cubs Fan on Jun 25, 2008 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What Part of Canada Eh?

We got back from a trip to Calgary and Canmore a month ago – beautiful country up there!

by CaliCub on Jun 25, 2008 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

MUHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Braves tie it up 2 to 2 in the bottom of the third.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 25, 2008 1:04 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Dat Ol' Black Magic

Give ‘em one for me!

by CaliCub on Jun 25, 2008 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Edmunds on Rome

Nice interview, he said one he spread out his stance, everything fell into place. Let’s hope it stays there!! He didn’t sound like half the jag he did when he was in St. Lou.

by Itchy on Jun 25, 2008 1:19 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

WHat's he doing on Rome?

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jun 25, 2008 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Update from Turner Field

Score still tied at 2 in bottom of the fifth. But Brandon Jones has just doubled on a fielding error by Ryan Braun. Sounded like Braun misplayed the ball horribly.

Wait, wait…the pitcher just singled. Runners at the corners, nobody out.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 25, 2008 1:28 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Conjure away

my man!

"Just because you've had enough/ doesn't mean you wanted too much." -Dean Young

by Kegler on Jun 25, 2008 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Will do!

And am doing: Kelly Johnson’s infield single makes it 4-2. Mark Texeira up to bat.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 25, 2008 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Good work thus far

Daver, though you may want to step out of the room from time to time, what with all that smoke you’ve got in there. Might need to clear your airways a bit on occasion.

"Just because you've had enough/ doesn't mean you wanted too much." -Dean Young

by Kegler on Jun 25, 2008 2:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You're probably right.

The other day Amy Winehouse warned me I might get emphysema.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 25, 2008 2:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Indeed,

and well, y’know, she’s the expert!

"Just because you've had enough/ doesn't mean you wanted too much." -Dean Young

by Kegler on Jun 25, 2008 2:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

4-2 braves top 6

"This is why Major League Baseball does not need instant replay, because then every single play will then be reviewed." -- Joe Morgan, 5/18/08, referring to an umpire ruling a Carlos Delgado homerun foul when replays showed it hit the foul pole.

by CubsBall2202 on Jun 25, 2008 1:43 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Just another thought about Murton --

Correct me if I am wrong—

Prior to Lou’s arrival, didn’t Murton use a more upright stance in the batter’s box. It seems since early last year, his stance is spread out—almost Edmonds’ like.

Was this an attempt for more power? Whatever it is, it ain’t working.

by ceegeewow on Jun 25, 2008 1:58 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

good observation

I never noticed a change in his stance, but it’s possible. He definitely was a better hitter under Dusty.

"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 25, 2008 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

MUHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Prince Fielder drops easy infield pop up. One on, one out in the bottom of the seventh.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 25, 2008 2:06 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

It had meat on it.

And, well, you know…

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Trippy...

If I scroll down the main page quickly, it makes Bradford pitch…if I scroll back up quickly, the ball goes back into his pitching hand…

by Shawon O Meter on Jun 25, 2008 2:15 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I've noticed some odd things about this thread as well.

The schnozzberries taste distinctly like schnozzberries.

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jun 25, 2008 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

B A L L G A M E !

Wait a minute... who am I here?

by malicedoom on Jun 25, 2008 2:39 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

-1

Strike a blow against stereotypes and never do the chop.

"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 25, 2008 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'd start with Cleveland's logo first.

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And Pittsburg's....

Pirates are people too.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 25, 2008 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Respect the Pittsburgh

Let’s give them their “H”

by N Oakley on Jun 25, 2008 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yearggh, ye be makin' light of a serious subject.

"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 25, 2008 2:55 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes! Yes!

We should

free the pirates!!!

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 25, 2008 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

The on to the Washington Redskins

"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 25, 2008 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Exactly.

Blackhawks, Braves, et al I never had a problem with. Traditional tribe names and respectful imagery were fine by me. I’m really shocked Cleveland and Washington (Washington, of all places in our PC country) have been allowed to use the imagery and terminology this long, as am I of the Native American community for not pressing the issue as much as they could (unless they are and I’m unaware of it).

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 3:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed.

I’m unaware of any organized efforts to thwart the outright racist stereotypes in Cleveland and Washington. Personally, I’d have gone after the Chief Wahoo and the Redskins long before I went after Chief Illiniwek.

"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 25, 2008 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah...

how come you don’t hear any complaining from the Irish about that? It’s like the Irish, the Cowboy, and the 49’er don’t even care that we all making fun of them.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 25, 2008 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You've yet to mention the multitude of animal mascots.

Who’ll speak up for them?

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 3:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

who speaks up for

the poor lost Yankee?

"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 25, 2008 4:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm Irish by descent, and I hate that damn leprechaun

as much as I hate the idiocy that surrounds St. Patrick’s day

"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 25, 2008 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Have you seen the film Once?

It’s brilliant.

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 3:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I loved loved loved Once

one of the best musicals ever made. Bought the Swell Season CD. Great stuff

We never give up -- Aramis Ramirez

by Emelie on Jun 25, 2008 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And that's

what makes this so hard….

"Just because you've had enough/ doesn't mean you wanted too much." -Dean Young

by Kegler on Jun 25, 2008 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

THE EVIL DEED IS DONE!!!

Braves beat Brew Crew 4-2 at Turner Field!!!

On a sidenote, does anyone know a good way to get a chicken blood stain out of a white t-shirt? Call me.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 25, 2008 2:39 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Oxy Clean!

That failing, try a 1-3 solution of bleach and hot water.

"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 25, 2008 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Good Thing is

the Brewers have been playing a lot better lately, yet they are still 5.5 (could be 6 tonight). I don’t see them being as hot as they have been these next 2 series in Minnesota and AZ.

"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 25, 2008 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Call you?

You need to post a thread with your cell first.

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 25, 2008 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

C'mon, get serious.

No one would ever do something that stupid.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 25, 2008 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Come one, everyone...

...can’t we all just “get together”?

:)

Wait a minute... who am I here?

by malicedoom on Jun 25, 2008 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hm, that sounds strangely familiar...

...but I just can’t quite put my finger on it.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 25, 2008 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ask LaRussa

They say what he’s been doing is nothing short of magical.

by CaliCub on Jun 25, 2008 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

just dye the rest of the shirt blood red...

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

by ballhawk on Jun 25, 2008 3:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What about blood stains in the trunk of an oldsmobile?

I mean A LOT of blood. No reason I ask, just curious.

by Mapmaker on Jun 25, 2008 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Do what these guys did. Call The Wolf.

“Let’s get down to brass tacks, gentlemen. If I was informed correctly, the clock is ticking, is that right, Jimmie?”

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 25, 2008 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't know

but a little dude named Jobu just asked me for a shot of RUM, do you have any Captain Morgan’s?

"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 25, 2008 4:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Try club soda

and then soak in cold water.

by sue369 on Jun 25, 2008 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The first time I went to an Oriole's home game...

that whole “O!!!!!!” thing during the national anthem had me completely baffled. My head was on a swivel looking around trying to find whatever it was the entire crowd was “O!”ing for. When it happened during the game the next day, I finally caught on…

I forgot about it until, whenever it was the All-Star game was at Camden Yards. Watching it on TV, the music celebrity they had do the national anthem, wasn’t a singer… he only played it, so it was an instrumental version of The Star-Spangled Banner. Sure enough, when the music came to the “O!!!” part, the whole crowd did it anyway, even though no one was singing.

by MillsChC on Jun 25, 2008 2:42 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Jay Mariotti / Mike North

Take note, as I’m quite sure this will be the ONLY time I EVER ‘suggest’ you read an article by this tool, but this IS one I enjoyed.

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/mariotti/1023088,mariotti062508.article

Wait a minute... who am I here?

by malicedoom on Jun 25, 2008 3:03 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Not only is this article

not enjoyable, but it’s a piece of hypocrisy of the highest order, as Mariotti is every bit the uncouth tool that North is; this piece is the ultimate example of the pot calling the kettle black. It’s disingenuous, myopic and in poor taste. I only hope someone else in this town celebrates Mariotti’s demise in equal fashion.

"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 25, 2008 3:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

FWIW

I’m glad North is off the air. What an ass.

Daver, did you have something to do with that, too?

"Just because you've had enough/ doesn't mean you wanted too much." -Dean Young

by Kegler on Jun 25, 2008 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm glad, too, as my diary today states,

but this piece Mariotti is so nearsighted it’s laughable.

"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 25, 2008 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Of course.

Mariotti’s a joke, as well. I completely agree.

"Just because you've had enough/ doesn't mean you wanted too much." -Dean Young

by Kegler on Jun 25, 2008 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree Mariotti is a joke and such...

...but, that said, I still agree with him for much of this article. And while I think Ozzie was an IDIOT for even calling to North’s show in the first place, to me, what North did was even worse. So, for once, even though it’s moron vs. moron, I’m on J.M.’s side for one of the few times in my life – lol.

Wait a minute... who am I here?

by malicedoom on Jun 25, 2008 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Pre-Game Thread UP!

Wait a minute... who am I here?

by malicedoom on Jun 25, 2008 3:39 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

nor will you be last... ;-)

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

by ballhawk on Jun 25, 2008 3:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

last?

what is this last that you speak of?

by tootle on Jun 25, 2008 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

maybe he means

he’s lost…

"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 25, 2008 4:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

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