Uh-Oh: Cubs 5, White Sox 6
by Al on Jun 28, 2008 7:20 PM CDT
in Recaps
204 comments
Really, it shouldn't have even gotten as far as the top of the ninth.
The Cubs had numerous chances to put today's 6-5 loss to the White Sox away and failed almost every time. Ten men left on base; RISP left on base in the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 9th innings and the worst part about the above is that the Cubs had runners in scoring position with less than two out in every single one of them, and a runner on third with less than two out in four of the five innings (the only exception, the first, where the RISP was left stranded on second).
Do this and that's a recipe for losing, and that's exactly what happened. This game could have and should have been put away in the first inning, when the first four Cubs reached base and two runs scored before the first out was recorded. Javier Vazquez looked shaky and another hit or two might have had him out of the game. Instead, he struck out Jim Edmonds and Geovany (the scoreboard at the Cell had it wrong, "GEOVANNY", in the lineup introductions) Soto, and the Cubs had to settle for a 2-0 lead, which they promptly coughed up in the bottom of the inning, with a two-run HR from Jermaine Dye and then -- what else -- a two-out run-scoring double from Joe Crede.
After letting the Sox extend the lead to 4-2, the Cubs took it back in the fourth at 5-4, with three hits sandwiched around a walk to Kosuke (the Sox PA announcer, Gene Honda, has gotten this wrong -- I wonder if deliberately -- for two days, saying "Ko-SUE-kay") Fukudome, who was, thankfully, back in right field today and looked fine. But then, they allowed the Sox right back into the game in the last of the fourth; Alexei Ramirez homered to make it 5-5.
Sean Gallagher managed, somehow, to complete six innings, though I wonder what the 121-pitch outing, the longest of his major league career, will do to his next start, and wonder what the scouts who must have been here looking at him must think of Lou letting him go that long. Granted, the bullpen has gotten toward overwork of late, but still. Both starting pitchers labored -- Vazquez reached 105 pitches before completing the fifth inning, and the game dragged toward two hours in that inning as angry storm clouds started to build over the South Side, an announcement was made that severe weather was in the area and we should be prepared to "take cover", and torrential rains and some hail hit parts of the North Side.
Wanting to not get soaked, I left my seat and stood under the upper-deck overhang for a couple of innings, until blue sky appeared to the west. Literally at the second I returned to my seat it started drizzling, did so for about five minutes, then stopped and the sun returned. The seat I had -- in the third-to-last row of the LF bleachers -- is a story in itself. The ticket I bought was for section 108, row 9. Finding that seat, I discovered it was directly behind the RF foul pole -- but not marked "limited view" on the ticket. Give the Sox customer relations people credit -- they managed to find a single unused seat in the LF bleachers, which I happily exchanged. Before the game I stopped by the first row near the Cub dugout, where my friend and BCB reader dfrancon was sitting, and there may be photos coming my way later tonight. Meanwhile, most of the Sox fans were in a jovial, not nasty, mood today -- right in front of me, a marriage proposal from a Cubs fan was made to a female Sox fan, who gave a teary-eyed acceptance (I dunno -- I wonder about those mixed marriages), and her name -- unless the scoreboard operator was making it up -- was Helen Keller.
I've digressed, and maybe you'd rather read about that than the leadoff HR that Carlos Quentin hit off Carlos Marmol, which was the game-winner. Marmol looked shaken after that, going back to his wild ways of the last couple of weeks, walking Dye, but then got out of it with no further damage, but the Cubs could do nothing against the suddenly-solid Sox bullpen. Biggest credit, really, goes to Matt Thornton, who came in with D-Lee on first and one out and struck out four of the five batters he faced.
And when Lee -- who went 5-for-5 today and got stranded all five times -- led off the 9th with a double that didn't miss being a game-tying HR by too much, hope sprung up in the Cubs fans I was standing near (I left my seat again, to stand near one of the exits, because if you don't do that, getting out of the Cell when there's a sellout is like the Dan Ryan at rush hour), but Bobby Jenks got three straight ground balls, and even though the first one, a comebacker, advanced Lee to third where a simple fly ball would have scored him, it didn't happen.
Frankly -- and this may be a controversial viewpoint -- this team really misses Alfonso Soriano, infuriating as he is at times. Including the game in which he got HPB and got the broken hand bone, the Cubs are 8-8 since his injury. You know as well as I do that Soriano can carry a team for weeks at a time when he's on -- he did it in September 2007 and again just last month. We need him. We need tomorrow night's game, and the pitching matchup isn't favorable. But isn't that sometimes when "the book" comes through the least? At least we know it'll be a faster game than the first two; Mark Buehrle is probably the fastest-working pitcher in baseball. With the lefty Buerhle going, we'll likely see Matt Murton in LF tomorrow night.
Finally, this is the last time I keep score with a neon-green pencil with smiley faces on it (I tried it to change the Cubs' luck. NO such luck.)
Go get 'em tomorrow. I don't want to trade sweeps with the Sox.
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talk about a weird season series
but the bottom line is this Sox team is a whole lot better than people thought they would be. It sucks to lose two to them but teams go through slumps like these EVERY year.
2008 Cubs: Who needs nine innings, when you only need a 7th?
by Chanman25 on Jun 28, 2008 7:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
True.
Plus, just as the Cubs play well at home, so do they.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jun 28, 2008 7:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just REALLY hope that the NL can win the allstar game
I’m not going to start the annual argument about the allstar game, but the NL needs to win it so that the Cubs (IF THEY MAKE IT) would have four home games instead of three.
2008 Cubs: Who needs nine innings, when you only need a 7th?
by Chanman25 on Jun 28, 2008 7:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually I prefer that the AL wins because..
...then when the Cubs sweep the series, the clincher will be at Wrigley.
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse
by ronsanto10 on Jun 28, 2008 11:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
TELL IT BROTHER!
...the bottom line is this Sox team is a whole lot better than people thought they would be.
AMEN!
by DrCrawdad on Jun 28, 2008 8:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
actually No im not going to
“Tell it” brother.
What I am going to say is the White Sox are right now over-achieving and through all the crap that Ozzie spews from his mouth day after day. The Twins are breathing down thier necks and everytime the White Sox start to get on somewhat of a roll, they lose 3 or 4 games in a row.
Sorry thats not going to cut it in my book
"I guess you had some lean years, and didnt have to beat it hard" - Craig Sager
"Thats deep to left.....back back back HEY HEY!!! he did it attaboy Jimmy!!!!! woooooooo!!! tie game!! Thats for you Jack" Len Kasper 6/12/08
by Galvan316 on Jun 28, 2008 9:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Under/Over
There were people here damned sure that the Sox would finish in last place, or thereabouts. One person even dismissing the Sox by saying of the Sox, “Defense? Who needs defense? Pitching? Who needs pitching?”
“The White Sox should win that division by half a dozen games or more, if you want to know the truth,” he said. “They have just about everything that you need. They have power. They have a good defensive team on the field and they have a heck of a bullpen. They have good starters.
“Everybody looks at the Cubs. Look at the White Sox. They’re a pretty good ballclub.“
Right said Lou!
The Twins are breathing down thier necks and everytime the White Sox start to get on somewhat of a roll, they lose 3 or 4 games in a row.
I don’t want to alarm you but the Cubbies have two teams “breathing down their necks” the Brewers and Cardinals.
And speaking of a “roll” after sweeping the Sox last weekend the Cubbies have lost 4 of 5. Talk of momentum from the sweep? Overated!
by DrCrawdad on Jun 28, 2008 9:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Uh, Just like the Cubs have two teams breathing down thier necks
Seems like someone forgot the Tigers are right there too.
"I guess you had some lean years, and didnt have to beat it hard" - Craig Sager
"Thats deep to left.....back back back HEY HEY!!! he did it attaboy Jimmy!!!!! woooooooo!!! tie game!! Thats for you Jack" Len Kasper 6/12/08
by Galvan316 on Jun 28, 2008 9:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But they dont count anymore right?
I mean they suck right?
"I guess you had some lean years, and didnt have to beat it hard" - Craig Sager
"Thats deep to left.....back back back HEY HEY!!! he did it attaboy Jimmy!!!!! woooooooo!!! tie game!! Thats for you Jack" Len Kasper 6/12/08
by Galvan316 on Jun 28, 2008 9:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who sucks?
I wouldn’t say any team in the AL Central “sucks” not even the Royals. The Tigers and Indians are very good teams that have under-performed.
And no I would not say and will not say the Cubs “suck.” They don’t. The Cubs have a very good offense, a very good BP and a great top of the rotation started in Zambrano.
IF, IF, IF the Cubs lose tomorrow it’s not doom, it’s a series loss. Big deal. They’ll go on and do well.
by DrCrawdad on Jun 28, 2008 9:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You made it seem like
The White Sox are running away with the division above. And thats just simply not the case.
Minnesota and The Tigers (the same Tigers that swept the Sox earlier this month i might add) are right there and a helluva lot closer then the Brewers and Cardinals are to the Cubs.
"I guess you had some lean years, and didnt have to beat it hard" - Craig Sager
"Thats deep to left.....back back back HEY HEY!!! he did it attaboy Jimmy!!!!! woooooooo!!! tie game!! Thats for you Jack" Len Kasper 6/12/08
by Galvan316 on Jun 28, 2008 9:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What, 2 games difference?
You made it seem like The Twins are breathing down thier necks and everytime the White Sox start to get on somewhat of a roll, they lose 3 or 4 games in a row.
I did? I don’t see that and I surely didn’t mean that.
IF the Sox pitching (Contreras and Javy V.) continue to struggle the Sox won’t be in first place for long. The Sox will go as far as their starters take them, as the starters are why they have done as well as they have.
by DrCrawdad on Jun 28, 2008 9:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Sox are a very streaky team period
And I dont think they have the goods to deliver Cubs series withstanding. I think the Twins and Tigers will be there.
Period Im done, end of discussion finished.
Thank you
"I guess you had some lean years, and didnt have to beat it hard" - Craig Sager
"Thats deep to left.....back back back HEY HEY!!! he did it attaboy Jimmy!!!!! woooooooo!!! tie game!! Thats for you Jack" Len Kasper 6/12/08
by Galvan316 on Jun 28, 2008 9:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well then...
What is a Sox troll doing here, rather than on your own board?
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 29, 2008 1:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Keeping us honest
And defending the good name of the Hitless Wonders. I mean, SOMEONE (with lots of time on their hands) has got to do it.
''Listen, losing Soriano is no box of chocolates.'' ~Lou Piniella
by JohnM on Jun 29, 2008 4:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Point taken
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Jun 29, 2008 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Helluva lot of a difference two days makes...
Minnesota and The Tigers (the same Tigers that swept the Sox earlier this month i might add) are right there and a helluva lot closer then the Brewers and Cardinals are to the Cubs.
Twins 2.5 games behind Sox
Tigers 5 games behind Sox
Cardinals 2.5 games behind Cubbies
Brewers 5.5 games behind Cubbies
by DrCrawdad on Jul 1, 2008 6:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The voice of doom awakes.
The Sox have a team breathing down their necks, the Cubs have breathing room. Look at the standings.
Thanks for playing.
Baseball is too much of a sport to be a business and too much of a business to be a sport.
William Wrigley Jr
by bubbamike the one and only on Jun 28, 2008 9:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Standing watching only matters when its the Cubs
Standings to most White Sox fans dont matter.
In fact to most White Sox fans, its still 2005.
"I guess you had some lean years, and didnt have to beat it hard" - Craig Sager
"Thats deep to left.....back back back HEY HEY!!! he did it attaboy Jimmy!!!!! woooooooo!!! tie game!! Thats for you Jack" Len Kasper 6/12/08
by Galvan316 on Jun 28, 2008 9:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ugh. WE GET IT THAT YOU AREN'T HAPPY WITH AL'S PRESEASON PREDICTIONS. Happy?
You are really starting to cross into troll territory. You bring this up as often as you possibly can. You’re fast becoming the Sox version of MDBNIU!
Rich Harden Rich Harden Rich Harden Rich Harden Al was wrong Al was wrong Al was wrong Al was wrong
We get it! Thanks!
Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager
by northsider on Jun 28, 2008 10:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
bad game...
Tomorrow’s matchup does not look promising, but that is why they play the games.
Off topic question. I am really looking forward to seeing “The Dark Knight”, is it worth it to see it in Imax? Your thoughts please. Thanks!
by cubfanwill on Jun 28, 2008 7:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Go See It In IMAX Only If
It is not a reformatted IMAX version. Saw “Attack Of The Clones” reformatted especially for the IMAX screen, which is nearly square in its proportions, and my head was constantly moving trying to follow the action on the massive screen. “Matrix Revolutions” on an IMAX screen was much better because they left the 2.35:1 aspect ratio alone and just splashed the image across the middle of the gargantuan IMAX canvas. In that case, sit about eye level to the center of the screen and enjoy!
"The ever-changing kaleidescope of raw reality would defeat the human mind by its complexity, except for the mind's ability to abstract, to pick out parts and think of them as the whole." -Thomas Sowell
"Whoo, boy! Next time around, bring me back my stomach!" -Jack Brickhouse
by Goodie1969 on Jun 29, 2008 8:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks...
As far as I know, 4 scenes of “Dark Knight” were actually filmed using an Imax camera. So it should be worth it.
by cubfanwill on Jun 29, 2008 8:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
TDK is the first major budget movie to film in IMAX, not recut for it it...
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Jun 29, 2008 9:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sean Marshall
If we are going to win tomorrow Marshall needs to really step up. I’m not super confident he can do that but most likely we are going to need a great start by him if we are going to win.
by jeff_pico on Jun 28, 2008 7:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Looks like the two teams behind us
will be gaining a game if these results hold up.
5-0 Brewers bottom of 5th
2-0 Cards bottom of 5th
by PhillyCub on Jun 28, 2008 7:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
"Uh-Oh"?
Al, I’m wondering what the title of your wrapup means. Are you suggesting this is the start of a collapse?
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 28, 2008 7:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
maybe Al missed dinner and he had SpaghettiOs on his mind... ;-)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Jun 28, 2008 7:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that can be read 2 ways.....
Either way…lots of baseball left to be played
The best defense is a good offense
by kcjones on Jun 29, 2008 12:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
totally OT, but if you need a good laugh to help forget about these last few games...
...check out tonight’s episode of Saturday Night Live.
As a tribute to the recent passing away of George Carlin, NBC is re-airing the very first episode of SNL, hosted by none other than… George Carlin.
I have no idea if the whole show will be funny, but I can’t see how the opening monologue could NOT be funny.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Jun 28, 2008 7:46 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
also totally ot
first episode alone i’d be curious to see. saw a best of mike myers one the other night. was kinda disappointed besides coffee talk and waynes world wasnt nearly as funny as I remembered it to be as teen ager.
"We have a pretty strong belief that we are going to win those types of games. It's our confidence. "--Cubs pitcher Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on Jun 28, 2008 7:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great show..
That’s also the one that got Elvis Costello banned from the show for a long time.
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Jun 28, 2008 8:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nitpick
But Elvis was “banned” from SNL in 1977. IIRC SNL debuted in 1975.
In December 1977, Costello and The Attractions appeared on Saturday Night Live as a last minute fill-in for the Sex Pistols, but Costello ended up causing some controversy himself, and was banned from the program for over a decade.
by DrCrawdad on Jun 28, 2008 9:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're right.
Looks like Billy Preston and Janis Ian peform. Was hoping to see Elvis. Oh well.
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Jun 28, 2008 9:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
At 17...
I wish it was EC and George Carlin. Seeing Carlin will be great and thanks for the heads up, but for a musical act Janis Ian? No thanks!
by DrCrawdad on Jun 28, 2008 9:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
She hit to close to home?
Baseball is too much of a sport to be a business and too much of a business to be a sport.
William Wrigley Jr
by bubbamike the one and only on Jun 28, 2008 9:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do not know the song, beyond the title...
... but maybe you’d like to explain what it means to you.
by DrCrawdad on Jun 28, 2008 9:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't know her music much.
But at least Carlin does his football vs baseball routine.
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Jun 28, 2008 9:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
what did you do to cause a stir?
"We have a pretty strong belief that we are going to win those types of games. It's our confidence. "--Cubs pitcher Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on Jun 28, 2008 9:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The BM's usual personal digs...
...nothing more, nothing less.
by DrCrawdad on Jun 28, 2008 9:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I surely hope that wasnt directed towards me
"I guess you had some lean years, and didnt have to beat it hard" - Craig Sager
"Thats deep to left.....back back back HEY HEY!!! he did it attaboy Jimmy!!!!! woooooooo!!! tie game!! Thats for you Jack" Len Kasper 6/12/08
by Galvan316 on Jun 28, 2008 9:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, poster, "B.M."
The guy who posts in the Sox NG and slams the Sox, Sox fans and KW and then when confronted claims he’s a simply a longtime Sox fan.
by DrCrawdad on Jun 28, 2008 9:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
kinda like Blue Mike than I take it
"We have a pretty strong belief that we are going to win those types of games. It's our confidence. "--Cubs pitcher Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on Jun 28, 2008 9:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If i where a Sox fan
(Thank god im not)
Id slam KW too. I have talked Sox fans and they all agree that KW and Riensdorf both have to go.
I cant stand that arrogant pompus ass KW.
"I guess you had some lean years, and didnt have to beat it hard" - Craig Sager
"Thats deep to left.....back back back HEY HEY!!! he did it attaboy Jimmy!!!!! woooooooo!!! tie game!! Thats for you Jack" Len Kasper 6/12/08
by Galvan316 on Jun 28, 2008 9:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
As usual your Ad Hom attacks are just wrong
Here is the last article I posted in asbbcws it was back in february 2006. Sure looks like I was trolling when I say that KW made a good deal for Garcia.
On Wed, 01 Feb 2006 11:07:35 -0500, jim <jim@witsend.com> wrote:
This is
>a typical modus operandi of KW (I.E. Olivo and Reed for GarciaWell Kip Wells and Josh Fogg for What’s His Name, is more like it. Olivo and Reed for Garcia was a good move. Olivo is in the minors somewhere,and Reed is holding on in Seattle only because they don’t have any one better. Looks like they got something for not much. One of Kenny’s better deals.
Bubba
You are a very bitter man. I’m sorry you’ve never been able to enjoy the win the Sox earned in 2005. It is sad.
Baseball is too much of a sport to be a business and too much of a business to be a sport.
William Wrigley Jr
by bubbamike the one and only on Jun 29, 2008 1:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
From The King of the Ad Hom Attacks...
The irony is rich, you saying “your usual Ad Hom attacks” when you started with the personal digs in this thread in response to a friendly comment I made about SNL but you took it personal.
Note too that even in this rebuttal you’ve gotten in your digs. And following your pattern, you’ve taken personal attacks to other lows as well.
The record at BCB is clear, you’ve initiated “personal” or “Ad Hom” against me and not the other way around.
How about this, if you don’t like my posts here, IGNORE them? Please, do so.
by DrCrawdad on Jun 29, 2008 6:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Sox are a good team you should be enjoying
their success rather than spending your time here wallowing and making false accusations. Most Sox fans are doing just that.
Baseball is too much of a sport to be a business and too much of a business to be a sport.
William Wrigley Jr
by bubbamike the one and only on Jun 29, 2008 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
false accusation, where?
Where have I falsely accused you? Show me.
Even your attempt to defend yourself is wrong.
“Here is the last article I posted in asbbcws it was back in february 2006.”
You’ve posted in the Sox NG since then. In fact one of your posts after this 2/06 comment was a smear on the Sox and KW when you dredged up an oldie about KW trading damaged goods.
“Sure looks like I was trolling when I say that KW made a good deal for Garcia.”
You point to one comment as somehow proof that you weren’t trolling and regularly posting negative stuff about the Sox. But even in this example, you get your digs in on KW:
“Well Kip Wells and Josh Fogg for What’s His Name, is more like it. “
An oldie and a favorite slam of yours, The Todd Ritchie Trade. My favorite was when you made the statement that Sox fans ALL cheered the Ritchie deal. Then people looked thru the NG comments and found only 1 positive comment on the trade. But by then you were off hiding and didn’t respond.
But your example of a positive comment about KW would better be described as a backhanded compliment, at best. Less than one year after the Sox GM brings the Sox a WS title and you finally can give him credit for a deal, but not w/o tempering that with bringing up the Ritchie trade as more inline with KW’s “MO.”
“But as a Cub fan why should I have paid the least attention to the White Sox…” – Bubba Michael, 7/22/04 as posted in the Cubs NG.
I stand by what I’ve said.
by DrCrawdad on Jun 29, 2008 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You can make up all the stories
you want. You can distort whatever you want, you are not worth my time.
I’m sorry that you are so bitter. However my invitation to visit me when you come out here remains intact. I’d be happy to take you to a game at the Safe.
BTW, I never have posted anywhere as Bubba Michael, ever. So get your attributions correct.
Baseball is too much of a sport to be a business and too much of a business to be a sport.
William Wrigley Jr
by bubbamike the one and only on Jun 29, 2008 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's the facts...
“You can make up all the stories you want.”
What is made up? They are quotes.
”...you are not worth my time.”
That’s fine with me. And I hope then that you stop responding to my comments altogether. It will be nice to not have your personal attacks and attempts at intimidation.
by DrCrawdad on Jun 29, 2008 1:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Correction...
"But as a Cub fan why should I have paid the least attention to the White Sox…" – bubbamike, 7/22/04 as posted in the Cubs NG.
First Name: Mike
Favorite Team: Cubs, of course
If I weren’t a fan of the previously mentioned team, I’d root for: Mariners
- bubbamike, Mar 1, 2005
by DrCrawdad on Jun 29, 2008 2:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that is an interesting story until I clicked on the link I never knew that
"We have a pretty strong belief that we are going to win those types of games. It's our confidence. "--Cubs pitcher Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on Jun 28, 2008 9:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I feel good about tomorrow...
We have Sean Marshall (instead of Z) on the bump against Buehrle…AND… it’s Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN!
Hopefully Sean has better luck than when I saw him last
Bleeding Cubbie Blue since 1985.
by Bricks and Ivy on Jun 28, 2008 8:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
seriously?
You feel better with Marshall than Zambrano?
Hmm….
by jeff_pico on Jun 28, 2008 8:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Get used to it.....
I ssuspect we won’t bee seein much more of the “z” this year….
The best defense is a good offense
by kcjones on Jun 28, 2008 11:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Out with it, kc
Are you saying this just to get a rise out of people? Or are you Z’s doctor?
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 29, 2008 12:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tthanks foor the infoo
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Jun 29, 2008 1:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Baserunning gaffes
Look no further than the baserunning “errors” the Cubs made today when trying to figure out how they lost. “Errors” probably isn’t the correct term and even with the 5-5, Derrek Lee is culpable for not hustling on his double to left center. Ramirez gets blasted for not hustling out of the box but the ball Lee hit was and should have been a triple. Had he been running hard out of the box, or alternatively, running hard into second, he would have easily made third and scored on a subsequent ground out by Ward.
In addition, had Edmonds not had foot issues, he would have been standing on second base on his single to right and would have easily scored on Cedeno’s double down the line. Instead, neither score and they lose a one-run game.
I agree with Al, Soriano is missed but so is the hustle and baserunning instincts and abilities of both Johnson and Theriot. Throw Zambrano in there and there is a huge void which is really testing this team right now.
Eighty-five percent of the f*ckin' world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here. -- Lee Constantine Elia, 1983.
by krummy12 on Jun 28, 2008 8:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Foot injury does not equal baserunning gaffe
Lee… I agree
Dome-san!!
by Goat Whisperer on Jun 28, 2008 8:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
Which is what I meant by saying “errors” wasn’t the correct term. Edmonds doesn’t get blame for not being on second or scoring on the double. Lee does however for what he did.
Eighty-five percent of the f*ckin' world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here. -- Lee Constantine Elia, 1983.
by krummy12 on Jun 28, 2008 8:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Admirer
Lee was standing at homeplate admiring, what he thought to be a game tying HR, that instead bounced off the wall.
Lee is a great player and he had very good day today, but he should have been hustling, no doubt about it. Would he have made it to 3rd? Maybe. Either way though hustle.
by DrCrawdad on Jun 28, 2008 8:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think he could have made it.
It’s clear that D-Lee doesn’t have the speed he once did; otherwise he wouldn’t be hitting into all those DP’s (he might have beat some of those relay throws in past years).
While I agree he shouldn’t have been standing there admiring the ball, he’d likely have been thrown out at third had he tried.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jun 28, 2008 8:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I respect
Lee as a player and a person (I have a “friend” who knows Lee quite well and he has nothing but great things to say about him and his wife) but he should have been running. It’s not a pattern for Lee, but just something.
It may not have been a triple, but I hate when players “concede” plays and don’t push and hustle.
by DrCrawdad on Jun 28, 2008 8:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you guys talking about the same play?
krummy12 talks about Lee’s double to left-center. I think you’re talking about his 9th inning leadoff double that went to right-center. I don’t recall a left-center double, but the 9th inning one, yeah, he probably did stay in the box for a moment or two, trying to will it out.
But even if he busts his butt from the get-go, no way he’s making it to 3rd. For whatever reasons, Lee isn’t running like his old self this year. Plus, the hit was pretty much your garden variety double to the wall. No funny bounces, no stumbling outfielders. It hit the wall, bounced back, and was fielded cleanly. Only your fast, leadoff types could have turned that into a triple.
Having said all that, he still shouldn’t be admiring his handiwork. That’s just not his style.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Jun 28, 2008 8:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed on all counts.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jun 28, 2008 8:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No
The 2-run double Lee hit to left-center was a high, towering fly ball that the CF couldn’t get to, hit the wall on the bounce and took a few bounces on the warning track before it was picked up by the right fielder. If Lee is running out of the box, he easily makes it into third with one out. I disagree about him lacking speed, hence his double play balls. He still runs well and the replay clearly showed him jogging out of the box, believing he had homered. I would bet even he would admit he thought he got it, but lost in the whole thing was that he should have been standing on third. No, the ball wasn’t bobbled but was sitting on the track long enough that he could have, and should have, been on third.
Eighty-five percent of the f*ckin' world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here. -- Lee Constantine Elia, 1983.
by krummy12 on Jun 28, 2008 9:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
fair enough.
I didn’t see that one – must have been while I was taking my nap… ;-)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Jun 28, 2008 9:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But...
I wholeheartedly agree that is not usually Lee’s style but it still bothered me in a close game like that. Stuff happens. A lot of things didn’t go the Cubs way today, the ridiculous homers by Ramirez and Quentin that seemed to jump out like super balls although they weren’t hit that hard, the diving catch by Crede, the LOB’s….just a bad stretch right now and one of those days.
Eighty-five percent of the f*ckin' world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here. -- Lee Constantine Elia, 1983.
by krummy12 on Jun 28, 2008 9:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It has nothing to do with base running errors....
It’s called clutch hitting
The best defense is a good offense
by kcjones on Jun 28, 2008 11:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
OT: Regional Rivalries
Sure I know there are great rivalries between the New York and Chicago teams, but I LOVE that MASN and co. are trying to create a rivalry between Baltimore and Washington. It’s almost like that are forcing tension between the teams when they are not even close to being rivals..
2008 Cubs: Who needs nine innings, when you only need a 7th?
by Chanman25 on Jun 28, 2008 8:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
All things considered...
Playing .500 ball without your star outfielder is pretty good.
by kanderber on Jun 28, 2008 8:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Maybe, but...
... the Cubs need to do better than that.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jun 28, 2008 8:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whatever u thought about....
Mil. and Stl coming into the season….throw it out….Produce..PRODUCE PRODUCE.....cuz if u don’t someone else will….NL centsal may well be best division in MLB this year…it would really suck to win 94ish games and not get in the post cuz ur divission rivals ddid better…
The best defense is a good offense
by kcjones on Jun 28, 2008 11:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Will the Cubs finish interleague...
... with a losing record to the AL regardless of the outcome tomorrow?
by DrCrawdad on Jun 28, 2008 8:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yes
Tor: 2-1
TB: 0-3
CWS: 3-0
Bal: 1-2
CWS: 0-2
—-—-—
Total 6-8
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Jun 28, 2008 8:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I was told there would be no math.
:)
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Jun 28, 2008 8:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I leave math up to the saber-magicians
"We have a pretty strong belief that we are going to win those types of games. It's our confidence. "--Cubs pitcher Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on Jun 28, 2008 8:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's why I did it for you! :-)
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Jun 28, 2008 9:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Today's game was such a downer for me
I mean we had a chance to tie the game in the 9th with our best clutch hitter up…. couldn’t do it
We have a two run lead in the first and guess what, Gallager ….. couldn’t hold it
We have arguably our best reliever in the 7th (but not really right now) and he ….couldn’t the lead
We have the lead briefly in the 4th and gallager gives it right back…. couldn’t stop Alexi Ramirez
THE CUBS LOST THIS GAME. No question in my mind, we gave this game to the Sox. Don’t get me wrong, the Sox did make their breaks, but WE SHOULD HAVE WON THIS GAME.
Tomorrow’s game doesn’t look great but it reminds me of the Dodger-Cubs matchup with Marquis vs. Penny. Marquis pitched really well and the offense got the big hits. Hopefully the same will happen tomorrow. Lastly, we really need to fix the road woes, it makes absolutely no sense why they score less runs and pitch worse away. the players and Lou say it’s nothing but going 16-21 or whatever on the road is not nothing. Oh it’s surely something and needs to be fixed when he head off to San Fran and St. Louis
by lexmarklover on Jun 28, 2008 8:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
all your points are excellent and are what I have
been saying since we played 15-20 road games: we just do not focus well on the road. I don’t know what it is, but this team seems to really play at a much lower level on the road. I don’t expect us to be +20 games above .500 on the road, obviously, but the mental errors and lack of intensity are disturbing. I don’t see how we will be a .500 team on the road this year if we keep this level of play up.
I hope we start by salvaging the final game against the Sux tomorrow and hopefully sweeping the Giants who are terrible, even at home. Maybe that will give us some “road MoJo” before that Cardinals series next weekend. We really need to tighten up the focus before we get into St Louis next weekend.
THIS IS OUR CENTURY!!
by LAcarl519 on Jun 28, 2008 8:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
again...what else is new?
The best defense is a good offense
by kcjones on Jun 29, 2008 12:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Playing .500 ball of late
The spate of injuries are taking a toll. Yes the Cubs DO miss Alfonso Soriano. But they also miss of course Carlos Zambrano as well as the underrated Reed Johnson.
What worries me a great deal is the eroding nature of this pitching staff. This team is up shit creek without a paddle if Ryan Dempster regresses to be the middling .500, ERA of 4.50 type of starter everybody predicted. Ted Lilly is strictly OK, Jason Marquis is forever a question mark and Sean Gallagher is a young pitcher trying to find his way and grow on the job. Sean Marshall? Well, lets just say I have little confidence he will get past the 4th inning tomorrow.
The NL Central division race might be a whole lot tighter come next Friday when the Cubs are in St. Louis.
GET Rich Harden !!! 11 starts, 5-0, 57 IP, 83 Ks, 2.15 ERA !!!
by MDBNIU on Jun 28, 2008 8:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Why don't we just cash it in now?
If this, if that, blah blah blah.
Here’s a suggestion—the games have been pretty good so far. Why don’t you just enjoy them? I have no patience for fretting about speed bumps over 162 games for a team that’s in a pretty good position.
And if they do have an epic collapse? Then I guess they weren’t that good to begin with.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 28, 2008 8:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"And if they do have an epic collapse? Then I guess they weren’t that good to begin with."
Wow..just wow..
Sometimes your comments are just as unbearable as those of the ledge jumpers..
by cubsnlinux on Jun 28, 2008 9:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What's so unbearable about that?
It’s the truth. If they’re good enough, they’ll be fine. If they aren’t, then they won’t. Simple, really.
I think this team needs one more starting pitcher, which I’m sure they’ll have sometime around late July. Meanwhile, don’t sweat the small stuff.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 28, 2008 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are right..
“It’s the truth. If they’re good enough, they’ll be fine. If they aren’t, then they won’t. Simple, really.” But your comment is so basic and demotivating that it doesn’t make sense to use it to express or contradict an opinion. It’s almost saying like we are going to have a ball game if there is no serious earth quake or floods in Chicago. It’s stating the obvious. It is true that if they are good enough they will win it. But we all are debating here about what we can do to get better. We all know that no matter what we say, whine or yell it is not going to make an iota of difference. But we all are ardent fans and as such let out our emotions, view points and frustrations over here.
“the games have been pretty good so far. Why don’t you just enjoy them?”
Well the last three games are anything but enjoyable. We were blown out yesterday and the day before and today we simply gave away the game to the Whitesox on a platter with so many blown opportunities. It is ok to let our frustrations out. Aren’t we all elated when we win a ball game? When we win we simply don’t stop our emotions our happiness thinking that it was just one ball game right? we fly the ‘W’ flags, we feel on top of the world, suddenly everything looks great etc etc. Similarly feeling a little frustrated and a little down after a bad game is also natural.
by cubsnlinux on Jun 28, 2008 9:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, a lot of you were fretting when they were winning
and when they lose, the chorus borders on the pathological.
Not riding too high or too low over the course of six months is better for everbody’s health than yo-yoing every day.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 28, 2008 9:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Well, a lot of you were fretting.."
If you want to say ”..a lot of you..” then why don’t you go ahead and hang out with folks who are like “You”?
by cubsnlinux on Jun 28, 2008 9:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes have emotion be like a robot over the course of the season
that seems fun
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."
by DC Cubbie on Jun 28, 2008 10:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, but it doesn't mean
flying off the handle at every little thing.
Jesus, what drama queens.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 28, 2008 10:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
There’s going to be a lot of peaks and valleys over the season.
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Jun 28, 2008 10:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
its a marathon not a sprint.
"We have a pretty strong belief that we are going to win those types of games. It's our confidence. "--Cubs pitcher Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on Jun 28, 2008 10:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think they are shy 2 starters...
Cuz…I don’t think we are seein “Z” anymore for a while….just a hunch….
The best defense is a good offense
by kcjones on Jun 29, 2008 12:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Inside info, kc?
Seems like he’s feeling good.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 29, 2008 12:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I really hope to see him out there reeellll soon....feellin...reel well...
No inside info….I live in card spring training country
The best defense is a good offense
by kcjones on Jun 29, 2008 12:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ARAM had a bad day at the plate today
If he has a marginal day….then they probably win.
Plus, Crede made a hell of a pic of a Soto Shot at the third that would have plated two runners.
What I want to know…is when are the going to send down EPat and bring up somebody who can play center. I am afraid that we are going to permantly damage Jimbo if we don’t give him a day off. I don’t want Dome running around center on his 85% leg either…
"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey
by TheRiot Police on Jun 28, 2008 8:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Jim Edmonds is clearly hurting right now
My adoration for him has gone up a notch. He definitely has been sucking it up on behalf of the team. If Soriano and Johnson weren’t on the DL then Edmonds would definitely be on the shelf to heal right now.
GET Rich Harden !!! 11 starts, 5-0, 57 IP, 83 Ks, 2.15 ERA !!!
by MDBNIU on Jun 28, 2008 8:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jill Carlson
of Fox Sports said that she saw Edmonds in the locker room before the game, and he could barely walk he was limping so bad.
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Jun 28, 2008 8:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
When is Reed Johnson eligible to come off the DL??
Personally, I think Hendry needs to find somebody from off the scrap heap and get him in here asap.
GET Rich Harden !!! 11 starts, 5-0, 57 IP, 83 Ks, 2.15 ERA !!!
by MDBNIU on Jun 28, 2008 8:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Eligible on July 3.
Johnson took BP today and looked fine. He’ll be activated as soon as he’s eligible.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jun 28, 2008 8:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
For four days?
Don’t think so.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 28, 2008 9:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sam Fuld
is on the 40 man roster. I realize that he is hitting like crap…but right now they need to try to preserve Jimbo for the next few days until Reid can get off the DL.
Sam will at least catch the ball and if Lou is really saying that EPat won’t play the outfield now…how many left handing hitting second basemen do we really need.
We just need somebody to bridge the gap…until the folks come off the DL.
"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey
by TheRiot Police on Jun 28, 2008 9:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sam Fuld?
Please. The guy’s got a .647 OPS… in DOUBLE-A. LF defense is an issue, but this team needs people who can hit (especially with all the runners left on base yesterday).
No thanks.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jun 29, 2008 4:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
That catch by Crede might have been the most pivotal play of the game.
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Jun 28, 2008 8:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Crede is an outstanding 3rd baseman
Gobs of range to his left and right. And he makes every throw. He deserves a Gold Glove award one of these days.
GET Rich Harden !!! 11 starts, 5-0, 57 IP, 83 Ks, 2.15 ERA !!!
by MDBNIU on Jun 28, 2008 8:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed on all counts
Without that play, the Cubs get at least two runs and perhaps a few more.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 28, 2008 8:54 PM 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 28, 2008 8:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That play was pivotal
Al, what do you think the chances are of Hendry making a move soon? I’m beginning to feel like they can’t ride this wave of injuries out much longer without losing their lead. The Cards and Brewers are playing really well.
by Mapmaker on Jun 28, 2008 9:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
well..it takes two to make a trade..
I don’t think Hendry can pull off a decent trade this early before the trade deadline. We just have to suck it up and play atleast .500 ball before everyone returns from the DL. Can Guzman (right now rehabbing in Mesa) make the big league roster come september?
by cubsnlinux on Jun 28, 2008 9:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's too early.
For all the “sky is falling” people, please take a look at the standings.
The Cubs have the largest division lead (tied with the Angels, who also have a 3.5 game lead) and still have the best winning percentage in baseball.
Feel better now?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jun 29, 2008 4:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A little but...
I just don’t like what I’m seeing this last week with our pitching and lack of clutch hitting as I’m sure most of you feel.
What can I say, I’ve seen too many collapses to ever get real comfortable with this team.
by Mapmaker on Jun 29, 2008 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Cards are 4-7 in their last 11
Same record as the Cubs, IIRC.
The Brewers are on a hot streak right now. We’ll see if they can win two of three at the Dome against the Twins, who have won 10 of their last 11.
Touch wood, I think the wave of injuries has crested.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 28, 2008 9:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks, but my fingers already hurt from crossing them:)
I think I may have gotten spoiled with the way the Cubs were playing earlier
by Mapmaker on Jun 28, 2008 9:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The bigger issue is the pitching, not the spate of injuries
GET Rich Harden !!! 11 starts, 5-0, 57 IP, 83 Ks, 2.15 ERA !!!
by MDBNIU on Jun 28, 2008 9:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The guy has 14 errors and a .936 fielding % this year....
Not gonna win you too many GG….
Nobody cares about your fantasy league team
by carmen_fanzone on Jun 29, 2008 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right
Grace was kissing his feet the whole game too. Not only did he negate the errors but he also prided his offense (which is good, dont get me wrong). About 10 seconds after they showed a bunch of Credes stats showing that he was something like 3rd in homers and 8th in RBIS for 3rd baseman, Grace talked about how he was the number 1 3rd baseman in homers and rbis’....I MEAN they just showed the stats you Moron.
I hated the telecast more than Morgan and that really really bald guy
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
by Hammer on Jun 29, 2008 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Errors aren't a good metric to judge fielding
a infielder without range won’t get to a ball and won’t get an error, one with good range will get to more balls and have more close encounters of the error kind.
Baseball is too much of a sport to be a business and too much of a business to be a sport.
William Wrigley Jr
by bubbamike the one and only on Jun 29, 2008 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
See: Garvey, Steve
The Garv always got Gold Gloves for that very reason – limited range.
Eat More Katsui
by CaliCub on Jun 29, 2008 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's had a bed few days at the plate now...
BUT…it also goes tto show u who the clutch hitter might be and who he isn’t….....I.E….
The best defense is a good offense
by kcjones on Jun 29, 2008 12:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Their lack of clutch hitting
with two outs and runners in scoring positon is alarming…they are the 4th worst team in the NL. You would think that we such good hitters we have that we would be much better..
"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey
by TheRiot Police on Jun 28, 2008 8:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
When you have the best BA and OBP in...
baseball that stat is misleading…...
BUT…....I agree…w/o Soriano in the lineup the trend to hitting a lot and not scoring is alarming…
That…and hisitorically, the last couple years that observation is spot on the problem w/ the Cubs offense…
Last year….it was spot on too…..BUT somehow the cubs learned a little patience at the plate…...I have less of a problem with the “same symptom” when there are SOOOO MANYYYYY Morrrre baserunners on to start with….
The best defense is a good offense
by kcjones on Jun 29, 2008 12:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and again some things neever change....
BTW…where are you going for “clutch hitting” stats?
The best defense is a good offense
by kcjones on Jun 29, 2008 12:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
PA announcer Gene Honda
...is an American of Japanese extraction. I wonder if that’s why he’s stubborn about the pronunciation of Kosuke?
by ChipSet on Jun 28, 2008 8:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
If he's stubborn about it...
... he should get it right, as we have been told many times by people (dragonsfanatic in particular) who actually LIVE in Japan, that it’s “KOH-skay”.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jun 28, 2008 8:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
14 Cub strikeouts? Season high?
I thought I saw that graphic on Fox, correct me if I’m wrong. If the ball’s not in play, how can the sox make mistakes?
by mikeinseattle on Jun 28, 2008 9:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Tough string here
But it is inevitable for ANY team. I am so relieved with D Lee’s performance today. Any comments on the consistency of calls from the homeplate?
by Cajuncub on Jun 28, 2008 9:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
A little up and down but not too bad
Lee’s performance was a great sign. He was SO close to hitting two out today.
by Mapmaker on Jun 28, 2008 9:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Strike zone certainly varied
from pitch to pitch, it seemed.
I notice all the people who were screaming for “DP-Lee” to take a breather or be dropped in the order are strangely quiet or nowhere to be found.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 28, 2008 9:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So how do you feel
today? A little embarrassed, I hope.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 28, 2008 9:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
more bad news
both cards and brewers won tonight
"We have a pretty strong belief that we are going to win those types of games. It's our confidence. "--Cubs pitcher Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on Jun 28, 2008 9:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yuck...
I think it’s going to be a battle all the way.
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Jun 28, 2008 9:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
prolly
I would have never thought that the wc could come outta the central
"We have a pretty strong belief that we are going to win those types of games. It's our confidence. "--Cubs pitcher Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on Jun 28, 2008 9:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep and the fact
the way play the birds 9 times in STL as opposed to 6 times at home and we end the season in the land of cheese…could make for some interesting stuff.
"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey
by TheRiot Police on Jun 28, 2008 9:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think u could see 3 90 + win
teams in the NL central and the NL west and east champs get in with less than 990 wins.
The best defense is a good offense
by kcjones on Jun 29, 2008 12:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
okay - this one made me laugh
Try as I might to ignore them, can’t help but see the advertisements on this site. Most of the time, it’s in one eye and out the other, but every now and then I’ll see one that will make me stop and say “huh?”
Just now, at the main page, the box on the right-hand side was an ad for Pampers ‘Easy Ups’, which I assume is some sort of disposable diaper product. Now I realize the Cubs have been playing pretty shitty lately and Alexei Ramirez is a new daddy, but I don’t think context advertising is that advanced – at least not yet.
Then I glanced at the title of the game recap and it all made sense…
“Uh-oh”
crack me up…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Jun 28, 2008 9:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
The only ads I've noticed lately
are the strangecargo.com ones.
''Listen, losing Soriano is no box of chocolates.'' ~Lou Piniella
by JohnM on Jun 29, 2008 5:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe
The next 4 games in SF is just what the Cubs need to cure what ailes them.
The Giants are 14-24 At home
Seems like an awful lot of losses for a pitcher friendly ball park like
CingularVerizonBellPacAT&TComcast Field
Or whatever company name that ballpark has this week.
"I guess you had some lean years, and didnt have to beat it hard" - Craig Sager
"Thats deep to left.....back back back HEY HEY!!! he did it attaboy Jimmy!!!!! woooooooo!!! tie game!! Thats for you Jack" Len Kasper 6/12/08
by Galvan316 on Jun 28, 2008 9:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I guess it cures the ailes of team that have pitchers
n/t
The best defense is a good offense
by kcjones on Jun 29, 2008 12:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lincecum watch
Looks like we’ll face him on Thursday if my math is correct.
"I guess you had some lean years, and didnt have to beat it hard" - Craig Sager
"Thats deep to left.....back back back HEY HEY!!! he did it attaboy Jimmy!!!!! woooooooo!!! tie game!! Thats for you Jack" Len Kasper 6/12/08
by Galvan316 on Jun 28, 2008 9:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yes...
That is according to Cubs.com
We also get Cain which although his record does not indicate…has very good stuff when he is on.
"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey
by TheRiot Police on Jun 28, 2008 9:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Cubs beat Lincecum last year.
They lost to Cain when Z had one of his meltdown games and gave up a HR to Cain.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jun 29, 2008 4:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No excuses today
We lost to a good team. They are a excellent ballclub. One of the 3-4 best teams I’ve seen this year.
However, the fact that Gallagher was pitching on 9 days rest or so, was shown today. It was stupid for the Cubs to skip him when we could argue that he has been the 2nd or 3rd best starter on this team with Zambrano on the DL. Dempster should of gotten a extra day off, along with the rest of the rotation. Rest the whole rotation. This notion that we should give Lilly, Dempster and Zambrano extra starts when we could just rest them, which would payoff down the road will help in the longrun. Not to mention that Dempster and Zambrano might pitch in the All-Star game, anyways so pitching them so much could hurt us more-so than help us in the long-term future.
My new life, my new world, and my beautiful daughter:
Kayla Davis: Due date (8-11-08)!
by Unique on Jun 28, 2008 9:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I suspect the following Lineup tomorrow
Dome – CF
DeRosa – RF
Lee – 1B
Ramirez – 3B
Soto – DH
Murton – LF
Cedano – 2B
Blanco – C
Theriot – SS
Thoughts
"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey
by TheRiot Police on Jun 28, 2008 9:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
why would soto have the day off?
"We have a pretty strong belief that we are going to win those types of games. It's our confidence. "--Cubs pitcher Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on Jun 28, 2008 9:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well...Since we have a lefty
Lou is going to want all the Righties that he can get in the lineup. Blanco, Murton, and Cedano are the only righties that are not egulars.
Plus, we have 7 straight games coming up on the road. Last chance to give Soto a partial day off without having to take his bat out of the lineup.
"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey
by TheRiot Police on Jun 28, 2008 9:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the Cubs vs SF series
Is going to be a road series we’ll be happy about.
Id really like to go out on a limb and say we take 3 of 4 from them.
"I guess you had some lean years, and didnt have to beat it hard" - Craig Sager
"Thats deep to left.....back back back HEY HEY!!! he did it attaboy Jimmy!!!!! woooooooo!!! tie game!! Thats for you Jack" Len Kasper 6/12/08
by Galvan316 on Jun 28, 2008 10:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
im bummed to see that the he is throwing out less runners.
"We have a pretty strong belief that we are going to win those types of games. It's our confidence. "--Cubs pitcher Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on Jun 28, 2008 10:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Same here but...
a lot of that is the pitchers fault. If the runners get too big a lead there’s nothing Soto can do.
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Jun 28, 2008 10:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
6 - 9 just scream rally killers
With the exception of Theriot
"I guess you had some lean years, and didnt have to beat it hard" - Craig Sager
"Thats deep to left.....back back back HEY HEY!!! he did it attaboy Jimmy!!!!! woooooooo!!! tie game!! Thats for you Jack" Len Kasper 6/12/08
by Galvan316 on Jun 28, 2008 9:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Then...maybe but Derosa
in Cedano’s Spot…Move the The Riot to the 2 hole and move Cedano to nine…
"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey
by TheRiot Police on Jun 28, 2008 9:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dont move DeRo
He looked pretty good in the 2 hole today.
"I guess you had some lean years, and didnt have to beat it hard" - Craig Sager
"Thats deep to left.....back back back HEY HEY!!! he did it attaboy Jimmy!!!!! woooooooo!!! tie game!! Thats for you Jack" Len Kasper 6/12/08
by Galvan316 on Jun 28, 2008 9:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Al is right
This team misses Soriano terribly.
Lets just hope when he comes back, he’s at 100% with the Legs and starts to carry the Cubs again. Oh man I’d loved to see Soriano launch a couple shots off of Javy today.
"I guess you had some lean years, and didnt have to beat it hard" - Craig Sager
"Thats deep to left.....back back back HEY HEY!!! he did it attaboy Jimmy!!!!! woooooooo!!! tie game!! Thats for you Jack" Len Kasper 6/12/08
by Galvan316 on Jun 28, 2008 9:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
When Soriano came back...
... from his injury last August, he got hot and carried the team.
He did the same thing this past May.
We need him back ASAP.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jun 29, 2008 4:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
First I need to apoligize to D. Lee
Every time I start to get down on him he reminds me how dumb I am. He had a great game. And I am encouraged by this series(six games) with the White Sox. They started the series as the best pitching staff in baseball. We are averaging 6 runs a game off them. Not too shabby. Quentin was lucky to get a bat on a high outside fastball today. Crede won that game with his defense. I really liked that line-up today. Look, we went toe to toe with one of the best teams in the AL without Z, Soriano, Reed Johnson and banged up Fukudome, Edmonds and DeRo and gave them all they could handle. This series has just reinforced to me how good this team is. And this season was ALWAYS going to come down to if we beat St. Louis and the Brewers head to head. And believe me, if we can match up with the White Sox we can beat the Brewers and Cards.
by Rick B on Jun 28, 2008 10:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
You are correct.
And this weakened Cubs team put RBI situations in the hands of Ward, Aram and Edmonds and Soto and today they failed more than they came through. I think they will succeed more often than fail. I am not panicking. I am concerned about how we play on the road, but I will worry more when we are at full strength.
At least lately, the boneheaded plays on the road are being made by guys who I expect to be getting little to no playing time by the end of July (if we are healthy).
Onward, Cubs!!
THIS IS OUR CENTURY!!
by LAcarl519 on Jun 28, 2008 10:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
once we get our outfield back to normal I think that will help a lot.
"We have a pretty strong belief that we are going to win those types of games. It's our confidence. "--Cubs pitcher Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on Jun 28, 2008 10:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is why I traded Brandon Phillips and Brad Hawpe for him yesterday in my fantasy league
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Jun 29, 2008 1:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
When will Big Z start?
I heard St. Louis but what day? The way it looks now it would be Marshall, Marquis, and Lilly. My guess it would Friday and he takes Marshall’s place.
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Jun 28, 2008 10:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I believe Friday
"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey
by TheRiot Police on Jun 28, 2008 10:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, you're probably right.
Can’t wait for that series. Big Z usually brings his A game for the Cards. I wonder if he’ll be on a pitch count?
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Jun 28, 2008 10:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How could he not be?
"We have a pretty strong belief that we are going to win those types of games. It's our confidence. "--Cubs pitcher Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on Jun 28, 2008 10:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
True that..
I’d love to see 85 pitches and 7 innings. I wouldn’t count on it, but I’d love to see it.
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Jun 28, 2008 10:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah...
what would be nice is for the Offensive to plate some early runs so he does not think that he needs to through a shut out. He needs an easy 7 innings and not a stressful 5/6 innings
"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey
by TheRiot Police on Jun 28, 2008 10:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am sure that he will be
I will be curious to see if the limit him to one side of the plate when he is hitting…i.e whichever is the less stress on his shoulder…
"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey
by TheRiot Police on Jun 28, 2008 10:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gallagher
Needs to develop a third pitch…something along the lines of a changeup.
His early inning troubles were more about poor location (i.e. rust) than stuff…
This is my positive thought for the day and then I am out for the evening….
Gallagher has filled in admirably for Dickie Hill and is getting invaluable on the job training. His current status on the team I find similar to Big Z in 03. In 03, Z was an afterthought on that team. Low and behold, he turned out to be the best of the lot in the long run. I hope and pray that the same thing happens for Gallagher.
"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey
by TheRiot Police on Jun 28, 2008 10:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
His Problems are between his ears.
As a rookie pitcher he still needs to develope a little more. After Lous little chat he Pitched a fin game & only gave up 3 hits & one run.
Once he gets a little more experince at the major league level could become a good # 2.
That is if he is still here for us.
by cubbierc on Jun 29, 2008 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
First things first
we need to win tomorrow’s game. it’s a must, if they do the cubs players would have such a bad feeling on that plane flight to san fran.
by lexmarklover on Jun 28, 2008 10:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
going to be a tough tough game to win
Marshall vs Buehrle does not sound like a winning matchup :(
by jeff_pico on Jun 28, 2008 10:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not a must.
but it would be nice for sure. I wouldn’t worry too much. they seem to shake these losses off pretty easy.
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Jun 28, 2008 10:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
IIRC
Gallagher only threw 2 or 3 changeups today. That would be a good pitch for him to develop.
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Jun 28, 2008 10:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Well IF Maddux came back he might learn it better
One of my favorite quotes about Maddux and his willingness to help other pitchers
was ” It is said that one can not drive through Atlanta without learning how to throw
a changeup”
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Jun 28, 2008 10:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He is the master of changing speeds.
No doubt about that.
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Jun 28, 2008 10:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Please.......
I see how well he helped the organization (and wood and Prior) in 2004…
PUT IT TO REST….I respect him greatly and he is a great competitor…but UNLESS San Diego is givving him away (and he and Lieber become the “combo 6th starter”)....it’s not the answer…..
The best defense is a good offense
by kcjones on Jun 29, 2008 12:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
SD would give him away if he asked to be traded.
That’s a courtesy you give to a future Hall of Famer. But Maddux is going to have to ask out. All the Cubs would have to do would be to assume his contract and give a face-saving prospect or two.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jun 29, 2008 4:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How was he supposed to help Wood and Prior
He respected them but his mantra of don’t throw harder locate better wasn’t really going to
work there and unless he is an MD I don’t see how he could have kept them from being injured.
You might check out Peavy and Young who credit him with helping them improve greatly in 07
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Jun 29, 2008 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Saturday night live time
interested to see George Carlin
"We have a pretty strong belief that we are going to win those types of games. It's our confidence. "--Cubs pitcher Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on Jun 28, 2008 10:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Just saw some of it.
Love the football vs baseball routine.
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Jun 28, 2008 11:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm calling it now, the sox will not sweep.
please, please, please let me be right.
The other sports are just sports. Baseball is a love. ~Bryant Gumbel
by Blue W on Jun 28, 2008 10:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Thankful
This website rules.
I’m a diehard cubs fan living way too far from Wrigley (eastern washington) and I am happy to have discovered this site. I actually got to see some of the game today on Fox and it seemed like the biggest problem once we got into the Sox bullpen was that whenever we needed a hit we didn’t have a good matchup with whoever Ozzie had on the mound.
I’m not saying that Lou should have made a move because we have a pretty thin bench right now, but can’t some lefty get a hit of a left-handed pitcher?
by wsunick on Jun 28, 2008 10:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I only got to see a few
innings of this game and kept track of it at the I-Cubs game. When I heard that the Sux hit a homer in the 8th I said it must have been off Marmol and sadly it was. Marshall scares me but I hopehe pitches well tomorrow.
Very happy for DLee today. Hope he can continue hitting like this for a long time.
This team does miss Soriano and I will be happy when he is back..same goes for Z and RJ.
by sue369 on Jun 28, 2008 11:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
WOW....
acknowledgement of the truth….
I’m truly shocked….
The best defense is a good offense
by kcjones on Jun 29, 2008 12:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You wouldn't know
the truth if it bit you in the ass.
by sue369 on Jun 29, 2008 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Welp...
49-32 at the halfway point. I was hoping for at least 50 wins right about now, but being on pace for a 98-win season ain’t too shabby.
One comfort regarding the injury situation is that the wounded will be returning this coming week. And interestingly, another comfort for me is that it provides a solid, plausible reason behind the recent skid. Here’s what I mean: in past years I’d be worried that the Cubs were starting to sink due to the self-imposed pressure that comes with being a “cursed” franchise – thoughts of black cats and billy goats and fan interference getting in the players’ heads and screwing them up. But I feel this club is different from previous years in that the players are focused, confident, and committed to success (thanks mostly to Lou). So now, if the Cubs struggle, it’s like when any “normal” team does – it’s because of injuries to key players and inadequate replacement talent. Totally different from 1977 when the team was overachieving and came back to earth, or 2004 when the bad taste of the year before put everyone on edge. The current situation is more akin to 1985, when the starting staff went on the shelf and a 34-19 start ended up a 77-85 finish.
I give credit to the Cards and Brewers for hanging tough. But if Z and Johnson and Soriano remain healthy once they get back, I feel pretty good about the Cubs hanging on to the top spot in the division for the rest of the year.
Eat More Katsui
by CaliCub on Jun 29, 2008 1:39 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I knew we would go through
a little rough spot—let’s face it, we were due. But look at the team we have .. we have a pretty good offense when healthy, and our pitching is above average. And spots 1-4 in the rotation, IMO, are upgrades (for the most part) since the beginning of the season:
(#1) Zambrano – has transformed into that ace pitcher we all were waiting for
(#2) Dempster – no one predicted he would be 9-3 with a ERA in the lower 3s at the mid-way point. A perfect #2 pitcher, so far.
(#3) Lilly – He struggled alot in the beginning – however – he has pitched like himself in latter part of his starts
(#4) Gallagher – a guy that I’m a huge fan of .. I think he could eventually turn into a #2 pitcher. I think his upside is alot higher than what people anticipated. His pitches are still devoloping. The kid is 22.
In my very honest opinion, I think Rich Hill was over-rated. I think Gallagher has done a very good job in replacing him, hopefully he can keep it up.
My new life, my new world, and my beautiful daughter:
Kayla Davis: Due date (8-11-08)!
by Unique on Jun 29, 2008 2:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Stop The Bleeding!
Maybe big picture thinking will get us through. It’s a long season and teams go through rough patches. But, man, lately, over the last 15 games, the Cubs have been just ordinary or worse. The Cubs need to find a way to get runners home! The pitching hasn’t been great, the situational hitting worse! Very blessed to still have the best perecentage in baseball. We NEED one tonight!
by jaredprebish on Jun 29, 2008 4:51 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Weird wild wacky stuff - Angels throw "no-hitter" and lose 1-0 to Dodgers
I used quotes because technically, according to the idiots who run MLB, this is not a no-hitter.
Here’s a link to the recap: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=280628119
Weaver went six, got lifted for a pinch-hitter, and Arredondo went the last three – no hits. Dodgers got their run on when Kemp got on due to infield error, stole second, went to third on catcher’s throwing error and came home on sac fly.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Jun 29, 2008 7:44 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'll call it a hitless game.
The Angels would’ve had to pitch 9 hitless innings for the game to qualify as a no-hitter under the official MLB rules. Weird game.
If it’s of any consolation to Cubs fans, the Angels, the team with the 2d best record in the American League, have not scored a run this weekend at Dodger Stadium.
by Fraggin Judge on Jun 29, 2008 8:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also,
The official definition of a “no-hitter” is a “no hit, no run game”. Back in the big purge a few years back (when they wiped shortened no-hitters off the books) they wiped out games in which the no-hit team had given up a run—earned or unearned.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Jun 29, 2008 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Cubs miss Theriot too.
Among the regulars, Theriot has the 3rd best OBP (.391). Without him, the Cubs have lost the last 2 games. One of his singles in a close game like yesterday’s could have been decisive. He was regularly on base for Soriano to drive him home and that was of the reasons why Soriano leading-off wasn’t hurting the team. Theriot’s and Soriano’s absence from the lineup hurt this team..
Starting pitching is also hurting because the lineup had to be shuffled around to cover Zambrano’s absence. That’s when the absence of one more quality starter is noticeable. Z’s injury is another big contributor to this losing streak.
The good news is that all these factors are temporary. The injured players will be back soon and the Cubs are trying to get that extra starting pitcher. Don’t panic. At least we have scored more runs this weekend than the LA Angels.
by Fraggin Judge on Jun 29, 2008 8:19 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
+1
Reed Johnson can also not be overlooked. Let’s face it, this team has looked like some sort of weird automaton sometimes whose whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The pitching this year has been above average, but not awesome. The offense has mostly carried us in the first half, and when the comforting sight of that lineup (as Lou really envisions it) is back in place on the field, this rough patch will be a spot in the rearview mirror, IMO.
Not to kiss the other side’s ass or anything, but Matt Thornton looked pretty much unhittable yesterday. Those AB’s couldn’t have been fun.
"The ever-changing kaleidescope of raw reality would defeat the human mind by its complexity, except for the mind's ability to abstract, to pick out parts and think of them as the whole." -Thomas Sowell
"Whoo, boy! Next time around, bring me back my stomach!" -Jack Brickhouse
by Goodie1969 on Jun 29, 2008 9:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cubs 1 - 4 hittersHit 500 yesterday (9-18)
The falt liesin the fact 5-6-7 could not produce timely hitting.
by cubbierc on Jun 29, 2008 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
cubs
this team is really starting to show its cracks.injuries not withstanding reality is starting to set in. a return to n.l. play hopefully puts us on the right track.im thinking hendry will be looking to add to this team soon. there seems to be an all out we have to win this year attitude.no one wants to see 101 years
by NOMAR on Jun 29, 2008 9:58 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Right.
I think it’s all going to come down to what Hendry is able to add and how quickly he can add it. This team is good but, as we’ve seen, doesn’t have the depth to withstand all of the injuries.
The problem with making trades and adding missing pieces is, as Hendry said in a recent Barry Rozner column, that a lot of it depends on luck and being in the right place at the right time. Hendry has pulled off deadline magic in the past, let’s hope can do it again.
by bluekoolaide on Jun 29, 2008 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
-1
No team is going to go through a 162 game schedule without having a rough stretch or two. Injuries are not notwithstanding; they’ve been without an all-star for two+ weeks, the ace starter is hurt, half of the CF platoon is on the DL and the other half arguably should be.
The Cubs have been frustrating this week, but I don’t think it’s fair to say that it’s a true indication of the talent level—nor do I think it’s accurate.
by Shanghai Badger on Jun 29, 2008 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also,
Lou is working with a short bench, as Theriot has a bruised hand. The bench, essentially, is on the field. Ward, Cedeno, Edmonds, and Fontenot were all starting yesterday, leaving Lou with only Henry Blanco and Matt Murton on the bench.
"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 29, 2008 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully they get back on track in SF. Will we be seeing Zito?
by questdoc on Jun 29, 2008 11:31 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Zito vs Lilly tomorrow
I like our chances in that one.
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Jun 29, 2008 12:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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