Eight Is Not Enough...
... so the Cubs made it nine wins in a row with a 9-6 win over the Padres.
First, my thanks to BCB reader GoCubbies34, who posted the two overflow comment threads last night after -- well, I could make excuses, but I just forgot.
And second, BCB reader jhj posted, two days ago, this FanPost asking people for their superstitions -- and as you likely know, baseball players have a ton of 'em, and they usually get more intense during winning streaks. I have talked about going to the men's room three days in a row during the last homestand, after which the Cubs came from behind to win all three days. And I think I've got another one going during this road trip -- each of the last two nights, I have gone to sleep after the fourth inning, with the Cubs either tied or trailing, just knowing they were going to win.
Now, tomorrow I am off work and could stay up tonight. So I'll leave it up to you guys -- should I? Or should I do the fourth-inning thing again? And if it happens again, do I carry it on to the game in LA on Thursday night (since I am off on Friday also)?
Such are the things we can talk about during this streak, now the Cubs' longest since 2001. Despite Jason Marquis' strange meltdowns last night (balking with the pitcher on base? Making a throwing error two batters later trying to pick off Jody Gerut, allowing said pitcher to score?), he managed to muddle, again, through five innings allowing only three runs to score, and when Geovany Soto and Mark DeRosa homered off former Cub minor leaguer Bryan Corey in the sixth, Marquis wound up with the win.
The way this team is winning may have been expressed best by another ex-Cub, Michael Barrett, in this AP game recap:
"The biggest thing about that lineup is that they really forced us to come to them," said Padres catcher Michael Barrett. "You don’t see them making too many quick outs."
What a difference, right? You wouldn't see that kind of thing from previous Cub teams, but this one works counts (six walks last night) and when you do that, you increase the chances that the other pitcher is going to make a mistake.
Other notes from what I didn't see: Alfonso Soriano homered again; after a somewhat slow period, maybe he's heating up again; the Cubs stole six bases off Michael Barrett last night (even though Ronny Cedeno briefly reverted to his pre-ONEDEC days and overslid second base for the only CS of the night); and boy, I sure am glad the Cubs recalled Kevin Hart to be their 13th pitcher, because he was so effective last night . Lou has got to manage this bullpen better -- last night, three of the five relievers faced two batters (Michael Wuertz, Bob Howry) or one batter (Neal Cotts). It's bad enough we have LOOGYs, now we're having ROOGYs?
These are all minor complaints, as is the complaint that the starting pitching has to, just HAS TO, get better if this team is to continue its amazing run. Even the noted curmudgeon Jay Mariotti is turning into a believer; he suggests, as some of you have already, that the Cubs inquire about C. C. Sabathia:
The ultimate prize would be C.C. Sabathia, who is Zambrano's equal in girth and talent. Could you imagine those two arms in October? For a trade to possibly go down, the Cleveland Indians have to fall out of the American League Central race, which won't happen as long as the White Sox have old men and stragglers in the middle of the order and Ozzie Guillen keeps getting the red Oz. Hendry has plenty of young talent to offer next month, including Gallagher and Sean Marshall. If Sabathia isn't available, the likes of Daniel Cabrera, Joe Blanton, Rich Harden, Jeremy Bonderman and Jarrod Washburn might be.
I hesitate to post that because the name "Rich Harden" is in there, which might give a certain poster here a, um, "Harden" yet again, but the one name that's in that paragraph that intrigues me most is "Jeremy Bonderman". Like a lot of his Tiger teammates, he's off to a mediocre start -- but at age 25, he's got enough upside that a deal to a team in first place might energize him. (And no, Jay, Sean Gallagher isn't the guy I'd ship away.)
Onward and upward. Check out the "Best Cub Team Starts Since 1900" box on the right sidebar -- this team is moving up that list.
658 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
this team....
Is something very special as has said very many time before on here. I just love the resilency that this team has. No matter who it is I truly I have complete confidence when they come to the plate in a key situation that they are going to come through!!
All things great in 2008!!
All things great in 2008!!
by By Santo's Grace on Jun 4, 2008 8:25 AM CDT reply actions
I agree Al...
stay away from Rich Harden. I think we’ve been through the ringer with our history of pitching injuries. Enough said.
Sabathia, I just don’t see it happening, mainly because the Indians will be in contention and I think they will eventually sign him. Plus, it would be a lot to give up and not to mention that the guy has pitched a ton in the last couple of years and is bound to break down at some point. IMO and just sayin’
You ARE freaking out MAN!
disagree
that sounds about right, why give up a lot of talent just to rent sabathia. but how much better chance would we have to win it all with two aces like that? with our lineup, our bullpen, and zambrano/sabathia at the top of the rotation we would seem absolutely unbeatable in the playoffs.
The Aramis BB/K Watch: 34 walks to 34 strikeouts. Im not sure who the last Cub to have more bb's than k's was, but Im sure it was a very long time ago.
This team
doesnt lose 3 in a row as it is… got to think that would continue with Z and CC pitching. Home field advantage could mean series wins.
Go ahead, Z me.
True, but...
... as you said, this team already hasn’t lost more than 2 in a row. So why does it need to give up the farm to rent Sabathia?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Agrre with Al
As much as I’d love CC to be here full-time, he’s made it pretty clear he wants to go back to the West Coast
by AlabamaCubFan on Jun 4, 2008 9:06 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't think attitude (i.e., Bonderman) is what makes the difference---finding their flaw is
First let me say eight games in a row, now two in a row on the West Coast, once the graveyard for many a Cub teams. No doubt Barrett see’s what we have all season, the Cubs hitting approach is something strategic. Interesting how he framed it, they forced us to come to them. Currently I am relegated to the Gameday format I can vouch that from their reporting the Cubs big HR’s were all grooved pitches after long AB’s.
The issue of a top of the rotation pitcher is one where there will only be a few pitchers at all dealt this summer, they are simply too valuable, s o in relative terms a team will have to overpay. This will mean that Hendry’s modus operandi where he deals from opportune will not come into play, he will have to get out of his comfort zone, or will he?
My first obvious opportunity will be Maddux, where after tonight’s start Maddux’s relative marque value for the Padres is small—-can Hendry & Co. make a trade that includes Marquis & mid-level prospect for Maddux in a money deal. Cubs basically pick up an additional $2.6M this year for Padres picking up Marquis’ $9M next year. This would improve the Cubs rotation incrementally. Padres need to rebuild and gaining a E Patterson or Murton could help them.
The next point will be for the Cubs to make one more deal. The Indians are not the target for CC will be the top free agent next year and get them a top supplemental draft pick, and seeing the ChiSox, Detroit and Minn, they are too invested to make the playoffs——unless the Cubs overpay stupidly.
So where I would look is places like LA, Peavy is going to be a FA and they are about to go deep under where Torre is going to want to dismantle this lunacy job. Other places are Seattle, KC, Texas, Toronto and Detroit where if I trade for Bonderman I want to know what is his flaw and if I can correct it. To me the guy is AJ Burnett.
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
Marquis actually might be a good fit for SD...
... in a bigger park where he’d allow fewer HR. That might just work if the Cubs ate some of the money.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
from your keyboard
to the mountain top.
:P
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah... less HRs, more Triples. Perfect.
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
as long as he's pitching for someone else.
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions
I wouldn't confuse that with pitching.
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
well.
he meets the technical definition of the word—he stands on the mound and throws the ball towards the plate.
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions
more like walking around the mound...
procrastinating to throw the ball…
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
that's the other thing
SPEED THE F UP! Cripes. I’m getting old here…
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions
Just returning from a walk
this cloudy & cool SD morning, I was thinking the EXACT same thing, AL. Marquis would be a good fit for the Pads. Give them an OF - Murton, or even Pie.
Eat most of Marquis’ contract, and take Maddux. With an offense behind him, Greg would be fine - and then he could be fitted with a rocking chair at the end of the season.
Jake Peavy just signed an extension - didn’t he? He likes pitching in Petco. I really doubt if he wants to leave. And you have to be careful for his future - he is Wood-like in his delivery. There may be more problems ahead. Let somebody else spend millions on Peavy (I still think he’d take the SD discount, if offered in the future)
Let’s hope Maddux isn’t himself tonight. (Sorry, Jessica…)
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jun 4, 2008 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions
Maddux
For Murton and Pie? I wouldnt do Maddux for Pie straight up. IMO, Maddux wouldnt be a starter in the playoffs in a 5 game series.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
Agreed...
Maddux would be a nice #4 or #5 starter for the rest of the season. He’s an upgrade over Marquis. But that’s about it.
I might do Murton and Marquis for Maddux, just to get Marquis out of the rotation and off the books for next year. I honestly don’t know whether or not that’s feasible, as who knows what makes GMs tick sometimes. But trading Pie in a package for a guy who’d be (at best) the back end of a playoff rotation just doesn’t make sense.
Yeah, I could live with trading away Marquis and Murton for Maddux, but not Pie.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
Um Please trust me re Maddux
IF and it is a HUGE if, he is interested in coming back to the
Cubs it will NOT cost any player you care about (unless you are among
the us Murton fans ) Kevin Towers like Hendry before him is going to
let Maddux go if he wants to. All the Cubs need is to pay the remaining salary and throw in a player maybe Murton who I am SURE they would love or a nice Iowa prospect who is a catcher or corner infielder blocked from moving. They will be in NO position to get more anymore again than the Cubs were in 06. The Maddux situation is unique and while no one would EVER say so openly he is going to dictate the terms IF he decides to move. Basically Scott Boras will call Hendry and or Colletti and say ” Greg would love to come back” Either or both of them
get on the phone and figure it out discreetly. All of them love Maddux
All of them will bend over backwords to accomadate him and it is not
like the Padres are losing someone they can use in a race.
Again I really think he stays put in California but you need not worry
about the “price’ if he wants to come back to the Cubs
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Jun 4, 2008 2:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Good to know.
Jimbo, git ‘er done!
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
no WAY
is Maddux worth Marquis AND Pie. They can have Marquis, and we’ll pay half of Jason’s remaining salary, for Maddux. If they get Murton too, we get a prospect. At least. This isn’t Greg Maddux from 2001.
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Peavy pitches for San Diego...
did you mean Penny?
Peavy's also
currently on the DL with a “swollen elbow.”
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
Yes I meant Penny
He pitched last night and I thought he is a FA next year. The real target is Burnett though. He is going to opt out of his contract and seek the big $$$ and needs to have a marque platform.
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
Isn't Burnett an injury waiting to happen?
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
Burnett is set to make $12 million per for two more years...
I can’t imagine with his injury history and with the fact that he’s 31 and hasn’t been to make the jump (has always just been a shade better than average), that he’d be in line to make a lot more money than that. I certainly wouldn’t be lining up to pay him more than that. I’m not saying that he won’t opt out, it just doesn’t seem like the best of decisions.
Lee Sinns has Penny
as the 5th worse pitcher in the NL for runs saved above average. Not a good choice by any means. Not one to give up talent for.
by bubbamike the one and only on Jun 4, 2008 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions
Looking at LA... for Peavy?
You mean Lowe?
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
I'd go wait and see on Lowe.
He’s strung together 3 decent starts, but he was awful to open the season.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
Exactly.
The Cubs are fine right now. It’s still seven weeks till the trading deadline. We have time.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
And a pretty loaded deck
as far as trading options. Nice position to be in.
"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella
Yep.
That said, if Lowe could turn it around, he’d be a perfect guy to add. Postseason experience, gets lots of groundballs, doesn’t walk a ton of guys, not a turd in the clubhouse…
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
yes, in favor of Lowe
though I think the Dodgers will stick around for long enough that he wont be available.
The Aramis BB/K Watch: 34 walks to 34 strikeouts. Im not sure who the last Cub to have more bb's than k's was, but Im sure it was a very long time ago.
Not to mention...
That while LA has struggled recently, they are only 3.5 games out of the division lead. They aren’t bailing out YET.
True.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
boy
that’s a bad division… :D
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions
Plus, LA is hurt right now.
They’ll be a better team when they get healthy
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
Right...
I don’t see the Dodgers being sellers just yet. Maybe if Jones and Furcal come back from injury and the team still falls back. But given that they’re in the hunt even without their SS or their CF, I don’t think they’re selling yet.
Well... you know he's on the top of my list :)
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
Interesting points, but haven't the Cubs won NINE games in a row?
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
YES! WE RULE!
But, you always have to look for ways to improve.
I mean… would you want to send Marquis out to the hill to face, say the Cards Brewers, Reds, Phillies or D-Backs?
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
the Reds
only if they promise to light him up the way they did Lieber.
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions
Jay Bruce would go directly to Cooperstown
After an afternoon vs Marquis.
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
Oh, I agree.
I was just pointing out an inaccuracy in Ivy Wall’s post, not implying that the team shouldn’t look for ways to improve.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
Trust me I thought about that
No way the Padres do this UNLESS the Cubs pick up nearly all of Marquis’
salary NEXT YEAR. They are very cheap team and they are not eating 6 million
or so for Marquis ( FYI Maddux will be owed roughly 3.2 million if traded near deadline) That said I am not sure it might not be worth eating much of the salary but
if you want the Padres to take him you take the salary just as the Cubs did with Izzy
Um Peavy has LONG term deal. Did you mean some Dodger pitcher Penny perhaps ? I don’t care for the guy but maybe
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Jun 4, 2008 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions
It might be worth doing...
... to make this sort of deal.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
What about Tim Hudson?
Tim Hudson, I think a much better pitcher with a manageable salary with a couple years left. He looks to have plenty in the tank to make a good #2 starter behind Z. The Braves don’t seem to be producing much pitching talent lately as evidence by signing Glavine and waiting around for Hampton… Smoltz appears to be done with season ending surgery. I think they would appreciate some young arms right about now.
Anyway, the Braves are still in the hunt right now so likely not selling just yet…. but I would really like to see Hudson in blue.
Ok, devour me you vultures.
Go ahead, Z me.
Love the Sarcasm
about Hart. He was really awful last night. I also wonder what Lou said to him as he sort of grabbed a hold of him to keep him there while he talked to him a bit before letting him head off the field.
Probably the samd thing he said to Marquis
“Throw F*&%ing strikes!” With a “I’ve got other guys in the bullpen that will,” mixed in.
With Hart it might be, “Have fun back in Iowa. Tell Piggy I said ‘hi.’”
Steve Stone was saying the same thing as Mariotti
yesterday on the Score. He’s convinced, though he failed to say why, that Hendry will make “rental” type of deal, where he trades for a big-name pitcher with an expiring contract. Then Sabathia’s name came up, as he recently turned down, IIRC, 18 mil/yr from Cleveland. Stone seemed to think that was the target, though, again, he never cited where he was getting this from. So, take that FWIW, as this is the same man who said Wood could never be a closer, that Soto’s weight would force him to 1B/DH, and that Brian Roberts would certainly be a CUb.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
So IOW...
... we can forget about Sabathia or another rent-a-player.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Lol.
It would seem so, but I wouldn’t put it past Hendry, especially if Lilly has a rough outing tonight. I don’t think He or Lou will be content with both Ted and Jason struggling, plus Dempster and Gallagher being unknown quantities at this point; Hendry may decide he wants a more proven talent in the rotation. However, these are my own suspicions, and little more. I don’t put much stock in Stone’s “predictions anymore.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
You really think Demp is still an unknown quantity?
I was just thinking thins morning about how I kind of expect him to win every start—something I never thought I’d do.
He’s been a real pleasant surprise.
Not disagreeing with you really Varsh. Is it the “going deeper into games” question?
by AlabamaCubFan on Jun 4, 2008 8:56 AM CDT up reply actions
He's unknown
in that he doesn’t have a track record as a starter for us to have a comfortable feel as to how he will do going forward. Will his arm hold up with the increased number of innings he will be throwing? etc.
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
Yeah I can see that
I’d like to think because the decision to make him a starter was made so early he changed the way he prepared this off season.
Plus he’s Canadian. If his arm starts to hurt they can just put bear grease on it or whatever.
by AlabamaCubFan on Jun 4, 2008 9:01 AM CDT up reply actions
Right.
It’s really a question of how he will hold up over the long run. He hasn’t thrown over 100 innings since 2003. I’m as pleased with his performance as anyone, and not just because I’m invested fairly heavily in him fantasy baseball-wise at this point. It’s great to see how hard he worked in the offseason and the level of success he, and, by extension the Cubs, is enjoying.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
Yeah, it's a combination of a few things...
1. The fact that he’s not pitched over 100 innings since 2003;
2. The fact that he’s never pitched this well in his entire career; and
3. The fact that he seems to be getting fortunate on balls hit in play in that he doesn’t have more base hits allowed.
That’s not to say that he can’t continue to be really good. Just that these are three questions to which we don’t yet know the answers.
Robin Roberts or Fergie Jenkins
would be good choices instead of Marquis.
Seattle is going to have to dump salery sooner or later, though I doubt they would give up Bedard, who they gave up their future for, and I don’t think that I’d want Washburn.
by bubbamike the one and only on Jun 4, 2008 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions
Luck and Skill are an incredible force
Luck exhibited by getting through several innings with Jason Marquis, and keeping a manageable score. Skill….well, skill is throughout the lineup. What else can you say. This is wonderful.
And ineptitude... by the Padres offense.
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
First we got Scrappy-Doo.
Now we have ROOGY-doo?
The thing that carried Hart last year was confidence. He was Lou’s golden boy. Now? He’s been pretty bad this year in the ML. I’m pretty sure Lou will give him another chance, in a decently big situation.
If Hart doesn’t produce, luckily we’ve got Ascansio waiting.
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
One thing we know about Lou:
He loves having guys in the bullpen that throw hard, so Hart will likely get a few more chances, before getting sent back down.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
Had the Cubs known...
... they were going to want a 13th pitcher, Ascanio wouldn’t have been sent down. Now he can’t be recalled until he’s down there for 10 days.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Right.
Although, I kind of felt like we were laying with fire with Ascanio. He was a bit wild. However, it’s not as if Hart looked like a worldbeater last nigh, either. What gives me hope, is that we’re talking about which pitcher we’d like to use, instead of wondering where we can get a pitcher to use! Pitching depth is a great strength of this club.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
This bullpen is turning into a real unit
Although we know them because we’re Cubs fans, I love the fact that most fans couldn’t name three people in our bullpen outside of Woody.
They just get the job done.
by AlabamaCubFan on Jun 4, 2008 8:53 AM CDT up reply actions
I think anonymity the case with most teams' bullpens...
Unless you’re a real baseball addict, I doubt most people can go deeper than 1-2 names in most teams’ bullpens (aside from their own team’s pen, of course).
If Ascanio
can come up with a decent curve, he’d be back up immediately.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jun 4, 2008 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions
The move in 10 days will be to recall the Big Hoff and DH him in Toronto.
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
Daryle will be ready by then.
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
Len and Bob seemed to be unsure of that.
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
Can we please just pass that 4th place finish?
This team deserves the series, we can do it! But that is haunting me!
Lou must have been at wits end
with Marquis (and I don’t blame him) to show him up on the mound like that. Even the Padre announcers seemed a little taken aback. I watched it on the MLB.tv replay this morning and it was surprising.
The other stat that I heard from the Padre announcers was that while DLee is hitting .291, he is only hitting .270(something) with RISP. That surprised me a bit. But, in the end it can only mean good things because we know DLee will be better and here we are scoring runs in bunches and winning nine in a row with DLee struggling.
It’s a great time to be a Cub fan.
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
I don’t have D-Lee’s stats in front of me, but I can’t imagine the difference between .270 (something) with RISP and .291 with RISP is any more than two or three at-bats. He’s fine.
by HereComesASpecialBoy on Jun 4, 2008 8:50 AM CDT up reply actions
I suppose that's true
it just surprised me since Lee is a good hitter and you would imagine that he is getting some good pitches to hit with Ramirez behind him.
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
Hea really looked out of sorts at the plate a couple of times last night
by AlabamaCubFan on Jun 4, 2008 8:57 AM CDT up reply actions
Especially
on the first strike out. That last pitch he swung at was nowhere near the zone.
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
wasn't that part of
the double-steal? Or was that later?
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions
scary dlee stat
he hit just .234 in May. You’ve got to think that will change and he gets hot in June, though .234?
The Aramis BB/K Watch: 34 walks to 34 strikeouts. Im not sure who the last Cub to have more bb's than k's was, but Im sure it was a very long time ago.
D-Lee's lifetime splits
May: .246/.315/.418
June: . 318/.405/.571
I’m thinking he’ll be just fine.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
He's just not being aggressive in this rut.
He takes too many “hitters” pitches while trying to work the count. Then, he gets into protect the plate mode and puts the “pitchers” pitch in play (or strikes out looking).
Gotta be aggressive big guy! You’re the RBI guy!
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
He's been taking a lot of crushable pitches
and flailing at the crap.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
Watching Lee's at bat in the 4th with RISP.
He really battled, even though he K’d. Looked like he wore Ledezma down a little.
Don’t mind that. He’ll be fine.
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
It is tough having to listen
to Vasgergian and Grant, is it not?
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jun 4, 2008 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions
HUGE shout out
to the Cubs fans in the stadium last night. Even when watching the highlights from Padres tv cast, the Cubs fans were LOUD!
Love waking up to the 9th win in a row.
*Synth intro to "Jump"*
we
ran at will last night I was impressed. onto tonight we gotta beat marquis future replacement and lower his trade value. lmao
It might beeeeee!! It could beeeeeee!! It issssss!! Homerun!! Holyyyyyyy Cow!!!
Al--you need your rest.....after the 4th inning
it’s “turn out the lights. the party’s over.” (in his best Don Meredith imitation).
In addition, an urgent request to all BCB readers, do NOT change your shorts unless the streak somehow comes to an end. That is all.
BBWAA's name should be changed to "Power in the hands of Fools"
If they keep winning
how long do we have to wear the shorts? Suddenly the word streak takes on a whole new meaning.
LMAO
Sorry—I’m going to change my shorts because that’s what I’ve been doing through the streak.
But I’ll do the 4th inning thing.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Not changing shorts=streaks.
In more ways than one. Just sayin.
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
LMAO again.
Dunno if I want THAT kind of streak.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
L Your AO...
would provide NO streaks.
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
Or maybe just one huge one....
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
TW...
ah, that’s tee-ball.
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
I set 'em up, you knock 'em down.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
Those aren't skid marks...
those are bacon strips.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 4, 2008 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Well --
the little pink donuts are still available at 7-11 here and I haven’t purchased one all season. My cholesterol and blood sugar come before superstition. Therefore, on my walk from a parking lot to Petco tonight - passing not one, but two 7-11’s - I will avoid the sugary treats.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jun 4, 2008 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions
AL
You keep saying to embrace this Cub’s season and enjoy it as much as possible. I don’t think turning off a game in the 4th inning (unless it is for work or some committment) is embracing it. Watch away!!!
Believe it or not
when the Bulls were in their Championship years, I never saw a 4th quarter. When I watched, they’d lose, and win when I didnt. True story.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
I believe it
God Bless you. I don’t know if I could have handled that. :)
by AlabamaCubFan on Jun 4, 2008 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions
Remember that 4th quarter comeback
against Portland? Didn’t see it until SportsChannel or whoever ran the repeats of the games.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
Man. those games were awesome!
They’d be behind like 10+ points… start the full court press with Scottie terrorizing who ever had the ball, and then BOOM. You blink an eye and it’s a 2 point game.
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
I have to get SOME sleep!
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Did anyone else hear David Kaplan's rant last night?
He was going OFF about how you’re not a true, die-hard Cubs fan unless you forsake all sleep to stay up to watch these games. While I appreciate his enthusiasm, unless you’ve got a REALLY flexible schedule, that’s a lot easier said than done.
I’d also point out that, with the many options now available for watching the game or at least its highlights, you can still support your team and “see” what happened without absolutely, positively having to do so in real time.
Now, if these were postseason games, or even late-regular season playoff-race games, I would change my tune entirely of course.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
The trick is to not change your position on the couch.
Once you decide to “lean” a little more… you’re done.
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
another trick
is to not empty the bladder until you’re ready to go to bed…. this always keeps me up… a little painful after a while but as they say, no pain no gain.
Go ahead, Z me.
when you've drunk
five beers, the… situation… becomes… imminent.
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions
I drink out of bottles
not cans…
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions
Sometimes..
if they’re having a rally, I sit perfectly still and don’t move a muscle until an out is made. I know, it must be some sort of disorder, but I don’t care.
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
I sit
on the right armrest of my couch when we’re in scoring position and in dire need of runs. I also tend to play my guitar when the opposition is up.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 4, 2008 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions
I watch
when we bat, and I sit at my desk and talk on this board when they bat.
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions
I guess my only TV-related superstition is...
...I NEVER change the channel during commercial breaks. I have a strict “no surfing” rule.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
In 2003 I had a lucky Fenway Park hat...
...don’t aske me why. It ain’t so lucky anymore.
BBWAA's name should be changed to "Power in the hands of Fools"
Lou looked pissed
After Marquis bounced the pickoff throw about 4 feet in front of Lee. I couldn’t believe he left him in as long as he did. They kept showing Lou throughout the first 5 innings, just bitching to whoever was around. I don’t see this relationship lasting much longer, but a win is a win I suppose.
Oh and not to sound like a noob but what does LOOGY/ROOGY mean? I’ve seen it a few times and it’s not in the BCB Dictionary….
"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella
LOOGY
Lefty One Out GuY …. essentially someone who comes in just to get the left hander out. See: Scott Eyre
Gotcha
Thanks
"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella
Is there really a BCB dictionary??
I kinda always thought that that just was a running joke. I did even glance at the home page for it at one time, but then kinda felt stupid for doing so when I didn’t notice it.
"I love when they play that Go Cubs Win song."
Hey, thanks!!
"I love when they play that Go Cubs Win song."
No problem Al! When 10:30 rolled around and the overflow wasn't up I figured something happened...
I mean you were tired and all, for goodness sakes you had Marquis pitching against a Randy Johnson look-a-like named Oswalt with the stats of Ledezma!
I fell asleep in the 8th though and wasn’t able to post my new win flag picture… guess that will have to wait til tonight!
So Marriotti thinks we should look at Harden? Hmmmm
MDBNIU = Mariotti?
I have the same reaction when I read something either one of them has written…eyes rolling, head slapping, screaming at the computer.
Calling Mariotti a curmudgeon is being much too nice...
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
Quick!
Where’s Blue Mike when Around the Horn is on?!
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 4, 2008 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions
Marquis is really Pi$#@ng me off
he bitches about maybe being in the bullpen and all that, so you’d think he’d pitch with a chip on his shoulder to prove he belongs in the rotation. He was his own worst enemy last night and has been shaky at best this year. Thankfully, the offense bailed his sorry butt out. He knows Lou has him on a short leash so he better get his act together or he’ll be left off the playoff roster AGAIN!
All we need are 3 studs for the playoffs, but it would be nice to have another for insurance. Look at what Dempster’s done, he took his off season seriously and worked hard and is pitching great. Maybe Marquis is doing a flip flop this year and the 2nd half will be better than what we’re seeing so far. We can only hope.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
Mediocre pitchers
like Marquis really get exposed on good teams. On this team, being just an “innings-eater” is no longer acceptable. He needs to go deep into games and win.
.
by salparadise23 on Jun 4, 2008 8:56 AM CDT up reply actions
And, as I posted above,
the numbers show that he’s not even and “innings-eater,” at this point.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
Exactly.
That’s the issue. If Marquis is going 6 per game, then we can live with the mediocrity. But he’s not.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Agreed.
As long as he doesn’t balk.
And walk pitchers.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
And throw pick-off attempts into RF
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
That too.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
And bounce pitches in the dirt with a runner on 3rd.
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
and be cranky about
possibly going to the pen.
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions
Other than that
What did you think of the play, Mrs. Lincoln?
by salparadise23 on Jun 4, 2008 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions
LOL. Priceless
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
You said it
5 shaky innings per start is not what we need right now. Z and Demp are doing great, we need Jason to get his head out of his keister and start pitching. Getting a batter 0-2 in the count and then to start nibbling raises your pitch count and lets the other team know you feel you don’t have a “finishing” pitch to put you away. They can hang in there at 0-2 and hope Marquis nibbles his way to a walk.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
Exactly!!
BigJohn I couldn’t put my finger on it but that’s it exactly! When he gets way ahead in the count he starts getting “cute” with his pitches.
OK, he needs to stop doing that.
by AlabamaCubFan on Jun 4, 2008 9:05 AM CDT up reply actions
Marquis blows raw monkey
He’s a tool – he should be teamed up with Michael B. on the Pads. Perfect match.
Wait a minute... who am I here?
Now, tomorrow I am off work and could stay up tonight. So I’ll leave it up to you guys—should I? Or should I do the fourth-inning thing again? And if it happens again, do I carry it on to the game in LA on Thursday night (since I am off on Friday also)?
If I’d gone to sleep at 11:30 like I said I was going to on the thread, and not stayed up till midnight, I would have missed Soriano’s monster shot into the upper deck in dead center. HUGE home-run.
Anyone see Muskrat’s article on MLB.com today? She keeps saying that we’re ekeing out these wins. We won 9-6, is that not a pretty dominant score?
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
Yeah, I read Muskrat Love's article...
...on my cell phone on the train this morning. And I was really annoyed that she ended the article with the words “Just barely.” She’s a bad enough writer to begin with, but when she tries to be profound she’s makes me want to break something.
And I’m here to confess that I turned the game off after Eyre’s dominant K in the bottom of the sixth. I was up late Sunday and watched the entire game on Monday night and the sleep deprivation was just getting to me. I figured I’d miss something good, but I’m actually kinda glad I missed Hart’s implosion. I’m not sure my exhausted eyes could’ve taken the strain.
Nine in a row…wow…so this is what that feels like….
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
Funny how she didn't write those comments
in the Cubs.com article.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
She did...
It’s the last thing she said in the article, she also included this gem: “Yet, watching the Cubs lately, it’s hard to believe they’re on a nine-game win streak. It seems as if each game is a struggle”
"The 12 second rule is how long it takes Carlos Lee to hear, turn around, run over, find and eat a hot dog dropped by a fan in the Crawford Boxes at Minute Maid park" - ballhawk
You're correct
You know what, Carrie? Winning IS a struggle. Losing is easy. It takes a lot more energy to win a game than to lose it, 99% of the time. We’ve had a few laughers this year, but most of the wins are wins of attrition, we hung around long enough to get into the other team’s bullpen and were patient enough at the plate to get hittable pitches. Hacking away is easy.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
I'm just saying
that a 9-6 win is a pretty good win. Even when Hart gave up the HR, did anyone REALLY think that the Cubs were gonna lose? (I was asleep,, so I know I certainly didn’t.)
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions
oh, and...

CUBS WIN! CUBS WIN! CUBS WIN!!!!!
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
Finally!
Can’t really celebrate until I see this and my boy Leon
by AlabamaCubFan on Jun 4, 2008 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions
Al, I think you have a free pass for tonight - do whatever you want
Cubs have already won this series, and they have four with the Dodgers coming up, and given all the Dodgers’ injuries, taking 3 out of 4 is very possible. And finally, Maddux is going tonight for the Fathers. So while a loss is never desirable, they do happen. And if they have to happen, tonight seems to be a good night to take one. Then again, a 14-3 laugher of a victory would be a nice change of pace too.
So, I think tonight is one of those games where we can all take a breather, sit back, and accept whatever the baseball gods decide to send our way… unless SD pulls it out at the end and Maddux does NOT get the win. That would be unacceptable.
btw, I’m no lip-reader but I think when Lou went out to the mound to talk to Marquis, he said something like this:
Lou: Okay, well, uh… candlesticks always make a nice gift
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Are you comparing Marquis to Nuke LaLoosh?
At least LaLoosh had a good fastball!
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Naw, he's
Le Marquis du Mediocre
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
That's what Marquis needs!
Got to wear the garter belt!
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
Al, go to sleep
that’s my vote because I’m on the same pattern and it’s working!
Marquis was horrible. Only an inept team like the Padres let him live another day. I would have loved to hear some of Lou’s comments in the dugout but I do appreciate (as Len and Bob stated on the air) that he doesnt go public with any of that stuff a’la Ozzie Guillen. I guess winning also helps.
Go ahead, Z me.
Mmmm..... Bonderman
To be true.
Away from Comerica this year. Started 6 Games, is 2-1, with a 3.08 ERA over 38 innings. If you conveniently ignore the home stat line, he looks great out of Detroit.
We've got a good recent history of dealing with Detroit...
Can’t see it happening though. Who would they want?
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
bullpen help
and we could provide them with plenty of it. Maybe Donnie Veal’s resurgence makes him an attractive piece to a trade. I think we could definitely make it happen, and I really like the idea of getting Bonderman.
The Aramis BB/K Watch: 34 walks to 34 strikeouts. Im not sure who the last Cub to have more bb's than k's was, but Im sure it was a very long time ago.
Detroit is rumored to covet Wuertz,
But his performances of late have likely cooled some of that initial fervor.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
Detroit just DFA'd Francisco Cruceta
Cruceta has never really put it all together.
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
WOW. I fell asleep when Wuertz came in...
Just looked at the play by play. Man. Thank god we scored 9!!!!
Jeez. We really need to get better middle relief. I’d say finding a quality starter for the rotation and a go-to middle relief man are the top priorities.
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
I was in bed...
but it looks like Hart was terrible and Wuertz wasn’t bad. Am I wrong?
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
Kind of.
Hart wasn’t great, but Wuertz was shaky, 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
Come Friday, I will rule the world (and be able to watch games again)
Moving sucks.
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
I thought Wuertz did OK, actually.
I could be imagining this, but he seemed to be pitching to contact more than trying to strike guys out. If that’s true, it seemed to work for him. He got two pop ups and the single from Greene wasn’t all that hard hit—it just went right up the middle. I thought Wuertz redeemed himself somewhat.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
Well, Wuertz threw 12 pitches, 7 strikes, 5 balls.
He’s been prone to wildness lately, and I think more guys are laying off the low and away slider, which has been his out pitch.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
Which is why you never bring a blacklight to a hotel room.
There are some things you are better off not knowing.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
is there -really- any difference anymore?
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions
Yes, most hotels have some money to fund house cleaning, so some surfaces get cleaned occasionally. However, I see your point.
SOME surfaces get cleaned OCCASIONALLY.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 4, 2008 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah. from the play by play Hart sucked.
Came in with a friggin 9-3 lead, and he walks the lead-off man… loads the bases, and walks a run in before getting yanked. HORRIBLE.
You think it was comical when Lou was chewing out Marquis to throw strikes. I can only imagine what he was yelling at Hart. “It’s 9-3… throw some F’n strikes you dumb piece of &&*.”
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
Walks were big
with a crappy throwing catcher like Barrett.. a walk is like the equivalent of hitting a bunch of doubles. Hope the walking then running continues tonight.
Go ahead, Z me.
And Bard's not much better,
So, if he gets the start tonight, that shouldn’t change anything. And Greg Maddux is probably the easiest pitcher to steal a base off of this side of Jose Contreras.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
Maddux+Barrett= Many SB's
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
How many times did we steal 3rd last night?
Let’s steal home tonight!
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
At this point...
I think the Cubs could steal home, cure cancer, find Osama, preside over the marriage of a Palestinian and Israeli, perform plastic surgery on Joan Rivers and give everyone a puppy.
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
And make gas $1 a gallon again!
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
Asking a little much, aren't we?
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
Ok, I went a little overboard :(
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
That would be sweet!
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
Can't remember ever seeing...
a steal of home, except for the Jackie Robinson highlight that’s shown a lot. Maybe Big Z will try it this year..:)
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
There was one last week
Can’t remember who did it though, or what team.
by cubsonWGN4ever on Jun 4, 2008 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions
Seattle's
Jojhmi or whatever (the pitcher) stole home on a broken suicide squeeze. Was pretty cool.
Restraining the urge to get giggly....
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jun 4, 2008 4:14 PM CDT up reply actions
Nice..
esp being the pitcher..
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
To be fair
Maddux+Blanco, Bako, Perez, Girardi, Campenella, Bench, Rodriquez etc , etc
equals many SB.s.
I LOVE Madog but don’t blame those steals on the catcher.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Jun 4, 2008 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Great comment
any time we get a man on first, we have to try to take 2nd. Barrett is really poor at throwing runners out. If we get 5-6 guys on, the most he’ll throw out is 1 maybe 2. I;ll take those odds as the other 4 or 5 most likely will score.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
And don't forget all the passed balls he coughs up
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
Two things:
“Respect the streak”, as Crash Davis said, so sorry Al, hit the sack after the 4th.
AND
Bonderman would be an interesting pickup. Having seen him pitch in Detroit, he’s an enigma wrapped in a connundrum. When he’s good, he’s very good. He also has trouble getting out of the first inning.
Alan Trammel would be able to provide some good feedback about Bonderman from his days as the Tiger’s manager.
Could be a good pickup IF it does’t cost the Cubs an arm and a leg. Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski is a shrewd dealer (Willis and Cabrera), so Jim Hendry will have to be on his toes and not give away the farm.
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE! (#13031 on the Cubs season ticket waiting list...)
+1 Respect the Streak!
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
And the gnome!
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
A couple years from now, The Marlins will have probably gotten the best of that deal.
Willis is suddenly garbage… and Cabrera will have gained 35 pounds by then.
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
Is it humanly possible for him to gain more weight?
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
Ask Prince Fielder
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
Somebody here order an Awesome Blossome with extra Awesome?
Is there a Miggy here?
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
Mo Vaughn says, "Yes."
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
Wasn't Willis sucking last year?
He was such a stud and now total crap. He fell pretty quickly.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
I think he's all ready
gained that 35
Cubs Win!! Cubs Win!
by Ihatethecards on Jun 4, 2008 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions
Maybe
For the Tigers, this year is a case of “if something CAN go wrong, it WILL”. So I’m holding my assessment of the trade until at least the end of next year.
That’s why the playoff and WS are not awarded based on a paper lineup- just ask the Yankees.
The Tigers DID give up a lot of good young arms last winter (including the Rentieria deal with Atlanta).
So, we’ll see…
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE! (#13031 on the Cubs season ticket waiting list...)
The thing about trading for a pitcher
IMO it’s not worth it if you’re just going after a mediocre pitcher that is going to come to Wrigley under intense pressure and expectations in the middle of a pennant run. For THIS team, I’m not convinced it’s a better move than just sticking with what we’ve got. It will take a tremendous amount of skill from said pitcher and luck that we haven’t had in 100 years to somehow by God’s grace come together to actually work and give us what we’re all seeking here.
Having not personally witnessed or followed Bonderman at all, and simply looking at career stats, looks about the same if not worse than Marquis.
Go ahead, Z me.
Wow - Woody gave up a double to start off the 9th???
Glad I missed that drama after that scary 8th.
Wait a minute... who am I here?
To Gonzalez I believe..
And he is so locked in right now we should just walk him…
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
Later, everyone
actually have to do some work today LOL See ya all tonight!
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
Trade Market
You know I wouldn’t be surprised if CC or another good starter were to come to The Cubs. We’re not used to being that team who would get a good player in a trade due to being a contender. Yea last year I know we made some minor trades but this is different. We have enough prospects that are tradeable that we could get a good pitcher in return by July.
I too have had enough of Marquis.
Walking the pitcher last night, the wonderful pick-off move, and the other walks, Lou had to be pissed. If there is one place to pitch, it is in San Diego, huge park and two hitters in the lineup. I don’t get it Marquis has been around long enough, he is not that dumb. Our pen has been overused, pitching to that horrible team and throwing in the Grand Canyon, THROW STRIKES.
I don’t know if Sabitha is realistic, one the Cubs would have to give up at least 4 players, and do the Cubs rent or try to sign him long term. Bonderman is intriging. I don’t know, something will shake out, if Marquis keeps throwing like this, Cubs will pick up someone in July.
Cedeno’s AB’s last night were weak, and sliding over the bag again is just to much.
The rotation needs to get squared away, that is the main point of attention. This Cub lineup is the best in the league, hate to waste this effort with poor pitching.
All this whining on my part, I do love this team. You just get to this point, and you want this team to be even better than it is. I guess you can say I/we get spoiled.
Keep it up fellas, the nights and days are fun to watch.
"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"
At work again early....
I’m beat! Stayed up for the second night to watch the cubbies win. So now I feel if I go to sleep before the game is over the streak will end…. Come back to the midwest cubbies! I need my rest.
"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella
We have two more series like this.
June 30-July 3 in San Francisco (three late starts) and July 21-23 in Arizona (three starts at 8:40 CT).
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Stocking up on Folgers
n/t
"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella
D. Lee has slipped below .350
with his OBP. He needs to start taking his shots to right field. That’s what they are giving him.
Just say no to giving away Gallagher
That arm is very precious IMO
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
Judges?
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
Denied.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 4, 2008 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions
Illicit use of the TWSS. Motion denied.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
can we use
a different motion?
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions
TWSS.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
And it comes full circle.
Well done, everybody.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 4, 2008 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions
Awesome.
"In all the categories that you pay the most attention to, except the loss column, we're doing very well" - Jim Hendry
Well, after the Stoney Playgirl pic was posted yesterday...
... we could throw in the occasional TWSTS here and there.
Wait a minute... who am I here?
A.J. Burnett
could be a possibility if Totonto falls back in the East.
Stuff
I am also tired as I have fallen asleep with the game on the past 2 nights only to wake up at about 1 or 2am to turn it off. Al I would watch the game if I were you and didn’t have to wake up at 6am, but if the Cubs lose it will be all your fault. Just joshing.
If we have any opportunity to get C.C., do it! I still feel we are 1 ace type pitcher away from being able to win it all.
Lets do it Cubbies
Cool thing about that...
On Comcast here in Chicago anyway, they replay the game immediately after it’s over, so if you wake up in the middle of the night, you can catch it again (or for the first time or whatever). It’s also put “On Demand” for free on Channel 999, so there you can watch it WHENEVER you like (for a few days anyway until another more recent game replaces it) and even scan through it, rewind, pause, etc. It’s quite cool.
Wait a minute... who am I here?
Yeah, putting the games On Demand is awesome.
And, as has been pointed out before but bears repeating, you can watch the game in its entirety via the Cubs Web site (or mlb.com) – and you don’t need to be an mlb.tv subscriber to do so.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
Yes. I woke up and Marquis was pitching again!
Talk about nightmares!
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
6 am?
Try 3:30 am.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Al, I think you're looking at the superstition pessimistically.
Maybe going to bed after the fourth means the Cubs win games that become too close for comfort. If you stay up and watch, maybe we blow them out.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
Hmmm.
There’s an idea. What say the rest of you?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
It's worth a shot.
The Cubs have won the series.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
we've won the series.
go for it.
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions
Al
This team is good. They have a .300 hitter batting 8th. They’ll win in spite of us and our crazy superstitions.
Feel free to stay up and watch - you, of all people, deserve it.
DMH
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
I think I'm leaning towards doing the same as the past few nights
Simply because I hate getting little sleep, plus I’m recovering from a cold. There’ll be plenty of opportunities for lost sleep later this season, me thinks.
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!
esitate to post that because the name "Rich Harden" is in there, which might give a certain poster here a, um, "Harden" yet again
lol.
Clever. Very Clever.
And note now that the Cubs have won 9 straight...
... Blue Mike is nowhere to be seen.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
He showed up
last night so I’d expect him any time now. He wasn’t too excited when Soriano hit his homerun however.
And that says it right there.
Whatever your feelings on a guy, you cheer for the team. Most of us weren’t amped on Edmonds joining the team but we cheered like madmen (and madwomen) when he contributed greatly to our comeback against the Rockies.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 4, 2008 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions
amen.
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions
was he the guy
who almost caught the foul ball when it bounced off his wrist, and then pulled his sweatshirt up to prove he was a cubs fan to the guy who did catch the ball?
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions
how did you guys feel about that?
personally, i thought catch the ball if you want it man. I dont see how he could possbily ask the guy to give him the ball, just because it hit him first. I mean, how many times does a foul ball ricoche? It happens on almost every one, if you want it, catch it. Dont complain and get a pity foul ball given back to you. I thought that exchange was very odd.
The Aramis BB/K Watch: 34 walks to 34 strikeouts. Im not sure who the last Cub to have more bb's than k's was, but Im sure it was a very long time ago.
I dunno.
I liked that the fan gave it back to him. He did give it right to his kid.
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions
Ha, I saw that, too.
It was a rather odd and dramatic exchange. I think “sore wrist guy” was arguing that he was trying to catch the ball for the little boy he was with and that his fellow Cubs fan should hand it over.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
I think you're right.
Reminds me of a game I went to at Wrigley many years ago. We’re sitting in my dad’s bosses season tix a few rows back along the first base line. A foul shot lands two rows and slightly to the left of us. A kid younger than I was and his grandfather go for the ball, as does a thirtysomething dude. The dude gets it. And out come the boy’s tears. Grandpa kinda sits there uncomfortably as the dude’s friends jokingly pressure him to give the ball to the kid. He finally, grudgingly, concedes, but not before grumbling, “Been coming to games all my life, NEVER got a ball. His first time…” Gramps then elbows the boy who whimpers out a wee, “Thank you.” For the rest of the game EVERY foul ball elicited “GIVE IT TO THE KID” chants from our section.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 4, 2008 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions
He made a good argument for it
Not saying he deserves the ball, but he pleaded, pleaded some more, pointed to his injured wrist and almost took his sweater off to show his Chicago roots. But at least he gave it to his kid at the end.
Might I direct you to...
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
Tonights splits vs Maddux
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/bvsp?playerId=1800
Blanco hitting .375! Does he get a start here?
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
Oooh.
Don’t see why not. Soto can always come in off the bench if needed.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 4, 2008 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions
I bet he Hank White
won’t start because Soto already had Monday off. If I were the skip I would but I’m not, instead I’m an insurance producer, real sexy.
Lets do it Cubbies
show me your
tax rates!
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah.
Besides, even though we all love Mad Dog, here’s hoping Blanco doesn’t even need to come in. Blow him out…I don’t need another 9th nail-biter.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 4, 2008 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm so tired of going to bed...
with a decent lead and waking up to see there was an 8th or 9th inning scare….although we won by a good margin I know we can’t give up these kinds of innings down the stretch to good hitting ball clubs. BUT a win is a win and i can’t complain about 9 in a row!
I really try hard
to like Marquis but I can’t. I don’t know what they can do as it seems we are stuck with him. Maybe Jim will be able to work a miracle some how.
Looking forward to tonight’s game.
I'll say this about Marquis....
he competes! His control issues can be maddening, but it seems like in the time I’ve watched him the last couple years, he busts his hump to compete--kinda like littlle Z with mediocre stuff. He hits and runs the bases hard…..when his control is there, he’s a good #5. Lou apparently disagrees! ;c)
BBWAA's name should be changed to "Power in the hands of Fools"
Yeah, he is a battler...
...but he wouldn’t need to battle so much if he was a better pitcher.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
Did anyone else hear the Richard Cranium SD annoucer.....
...last night when after a couple of deep fly outs early in the game, they seemed to smarmily say…”welcome to Petco”...this ain’t no Wrigley Field….after Soto and DeRosa went deep i prayed for thier cell#’s so I could say..”welcome to a team that has more than one hitter”
Dipsticks….too bad they were getting drowned out by “Let’s Go Cubbies” and thunderous applause when we scored.
BBWAA's name should be changed to "Power in the hands of Fools"
Yeah, but check out the Padres' GasLampBall blog..here's what they write:
Old wisdom: It’s IMPOSSIBLE! to hit homeruns at Petco Park.New wisdom: Petco Park is the new Wrigley Field. (As long as you have guys that can actually hit homers in your lineup.)
See it here:
check out the poll
for last night’s Game thread! Title: “Who’s to Blame for This?”
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions
OR check out the "5 ways to send the Cubbies Off Right"
Including such things as having Bartman throw out the first pitch at a game, wearing out the Garvey homerun video/audio, having a Petco Goat Day, etc.
Explain what "Richard Cranium"
means….are you referring to Matt Vasgergian or Mark Grant. Sorry, I’m old.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jun 4, 2008 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions
think of a nickname for Richard...
and what cranium refers to in layman’s terms. Then put the two together.
Think of the nickname for Richard and synonym for cranium...
...i believe in spanish it would be cabeza. I’m probably older (1954), but I’m not sure which annoucer-they have two annoucers I like and two I don’t….I think the guy named Al is the guy who REALLY annoys me..Jerry Coleman is ok by me-the guys I refer to last night were doing the MLB.TV broadcast, so I assume that’s their local tv team….Mark Grant seemed fine if he’s the analsyt-tI think it was the play by play-who honeslty for the most part was fine—that one instance was sort of tool-sey of him.
The play by play radio guy is easily the most annoying i’ve heard in any sport at any level. My mother-in-law would be more enjoyable.
BBWAA's name should be changed to "Power in the hands of Fools"
Ted Leitner may be who you are referring to on radio
Andy Masur is the third man in the booth….as you know, he was doing 1 inning of Cubs baseball on WGN for many years when Pat Hughes needed a batroom break.
The ancient Jerry Coleman isn’t around as much. Mostly home games….
Matt Vasgergian, the tool—is the main pbp guy on TV.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jun 4, 2008 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions
problem is
his control isn’t there.
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions
If Hendry
could get rid of Todd Hundley, I am sure he can get rid of Marquis.
"You can't take life to seriously, you don't get out of it alive"
To bad Dave Littlefield isn't around..
..for Jim Hendry to fleece. I STILL can’t believe what Littlefield was thinking when he picked up Matt Morris and ALL of the money he was owed on this contract!
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Jun 4, 2008 8:13 PM CDT up reply actions
Im putting the over/under
for this thread at 550, before the game thread
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
Over.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 4, 2008 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions
Oooooh...good number..
I do like a good wager now and then….I say under. I’ll bet a beer to all those that say over. I should be at the Sox games, so you can pay me then suckers!
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
Ha
You cant win. If I want the beer Ill post over
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
LOL..
Damn…I knew I should have put in a one post per person rule:)
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
You can't win, Bump.
If you guess under we will post over and over and become more powerful than you can possibly imagine.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 4, 2008 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions
I find your lack of faith disturbing.
Your powers are weak..:)
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
the posts you try to suppress
the more posts will slip through your fingers.
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions
250+ comments by 11:30 Chicago time?
Man, I can’t keep up with this site anymore.
"Let's not get too giggly." ~Lou Piniella
It was just supposed to be a fun little fan site.
Then they started winning. That’s when things changed.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 4, 2008 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions
Indeed
I’d be worried about a troll invasion too, closer to playoffs is the Cubs are still contenders, not just a rise in normal traffic. I remember in 2003-2004 the Cubs usenet newsgroup (message board) was inundated – although that is an unmoderated forum.
"Let's not get too giggly." ~Lou Piniella
Lou
I am surprised at how often Lou rips his players (pitcher usually) on the field and in front of cameras. I’m not saying it’s a bad because I usually am feeling the same anger he is but it happens a lot.
Thoughts?
Lets do it Cubbies
You have to give the Gaslamp kids
credit—while about 75% of the chatter has nothing to do with baseball, with a rather curious obsession about a naked Brian Giles, they’ve been able to draw more traffic than ever to their site, in a down year.
On the other hand, “True Blue LA” with a Dodgers fan base… 75x that of the Padres…
— crickets -—-
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jun 4, 2008 11:45 AM CDT reply actions
There's also a couple of good looking chicks with nice avatars and bios on that site.
Reminds me of my college days at UC Irvine :-)
I have a different take on the strating pitching question
I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see two of our three “stockpiled” lefty starters turn it around and make solid contributions once again. I think the key is middle relief—if two guys from the group of Wuertz, Lieber, Cotts, Ascanio, Hart , (or outsider) could become dependable in innings 6&7 before getting to Howrey, Marmol, and Wood, then maybe the question becomes moot?
I do not understand Rich Hill.
I really don’t. He’s like friggin’ Rex Grossman. Someone explain it to me, please.
Wait a minute... who am I here?
Different situations...
With Grossman, it’s that he’s undersized, slow, and can’t read a blitz. When he has time to sit back in the pocket, he’s fine. When the blitz gets anywhere near him, he freaks out.
With Hill, it’s a command thing. When he can command his fastball and his curveball, he’s very very tough. When he can’t he’s in trouble, because his fastball is only 90-92 with little movement and he doesn’t have a good third pitch.
There may also be confidence issues with him which affect his command. With Grossman, I don’t think it’s an issue of confidence – it’s more an issue of not understanding your limitations and not being able to read a defense.
That's what I'm wondering...
Is it one or the other or BOTH? If it’s confidence, then I DEFINITELY don’t get it. Give the damn guy some friggin’ Xanax – lol. I watched Zambrano go from not being able to do CRAP with his fastball the other night and, after a quick talking to, starting mixing in other pitches, got his head together and was able to at least LAST 5 IP and get the win. Hill was SO good when he was on – it just f’n baffles me he can’t even get AAA hitting out now… (sigh)
Wait a minute... who am I here?
Confidence is a tricky thing...
Especially when you’re so dependent upon command. Zambrano has an advantage in that he throws extremely hard with a lot of movement. He knows that if he hits his spots, people can’t touch him, and even if he misses a little, he’s tough to beat. Hill doesn’t have that luxury. He has less margin for error.
I think that's also part of why
Dempster has been able to do so well. He doesn’t throw as hard as Z, but he has a TON of movement on EVERY pitch.
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions
Exactly!
If he can’t locate that 90 (or less if i recall) mph fastball and gets behind—hitters wait out his curve and then make him throw behind on the count get me over cookie and it’s go time.
As Greg Maddux says-the best pitch in baseball is a located fastball-even if it’s not a great heater.
BBWAA's name should be changed to "Power in the hands of Fools"
Hill
I think Eyre may have given us an insight to Hill’s problem. I have made a post a while back about how the public in general for some odd reason think that professional athletes are immune to pressure. Anyway Eyre said that last year he was intimidated by Sweet Lou to the point where he tried to be perfect in every outing, that didn’t work. This year Scott has allowed himself to relax a little more and realized he will not be perfect.
Back to Hill, he is probably intimidated by Sweet Lou and it has gotten into his head, now he can’t compete at the MLB level. If Hill were on the hill (pun intended) last night when Lou was barking at Marquis he would have probably soiled his pants.
Lets do it Cubbies
by slocs55 on Jun 4, 2008 12:27 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Would the Cubs trade Rich Hill?
When talking about getting a top of the line starter, I wonder if the Cubs’ biggest trade chip is Rich Hill and whether or not the Cubs would trade him. So, the questions are:
1) How much trade value do you think Hill has?
2) Would you trade Hill for a 1/2 year rental?
For my part, I see no point in trading for a 3/4 starter. If we’re going to trade for a starter it needs to be a shut-down type guy.
I agree with your last paragraph...
I’m just not sure where Hill’s trade value is.
If you have a flux compasitor
And go back in time to 2005: Rich Hill’s trade value is A+
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
Am I reading this right?
When we sent Rich Hill down this year, he was 1-0 with a 4.12 ERA? Somehow I guess I thought it was worse. Still, 18 BBs in 19 IP…
Wait a minute... who am I here?
Marquis hasn't been any better..
but he’s being paid so much $ (thanks Jim) that they kinda have to keep him for now.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 4, 2008 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions
I believe he also missed some time in AAA with back or neck spasms?
Maybe that was the root of his control issue.
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
Too bad I can't go back in time and fix that.
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
With Hill, you have a pitcher who will be under another team's control
for what three more years? I think Hill could pitch well in Cleveland’s home park, so is it inconceivable that he might even be worth Sabathia straight up?
by DGU on Jun 4, 2008 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions
I think CLE would have to be like 15 out before they'd consider anything...
Wait a minute... who am I here?
Well, for me the question is more about Hill than CC, so
replace Sabathia with A.J Burnett’s name. Would you do that deal? Would Toronto?
by DGU on Jun 4, 2008 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions
I hope we don't have to answer that...
The only reason to trade Hill is if you don’t think he can get his command harnessed. If he can, then I don’t think it’s a smart trade for the Cubs, as I think he has #2 starter stuff when he’s on. If he doesn’t get it back, then he has less trade value.
Straight up?

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 4, 2008 1:24 PM CDT up reply actions
LOL - and I agree.
“You keep using that word…. I do not think it means what you think it means…” – :)
Wait a minute... who am I here?
So, what do you think Hill's value is?
For some teams a young pitcher under their control for several more years, who strikes out nearly a batter per inning is as valuable as it gets.
by DGU on Jun 4, 2008 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions
He has value...
but it’s not equivalent to a 28 yr old CY Winner still in the prime of his career. Sorry.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 4, 2008 1:33 PM CDT up reply actions
If this was one-year fantasy BB, straight up, of course, I want CC.
The question is – to Cleveland, is Hill’s next 3 years (am I right about that figure) worth more than half a year of CC? Are they going to get a better package for CC than Hill?
by DGU on Jun 4, 2008 1:36 PM CDT up reply actions
For just Rich Hill...probably.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 4, 2008 1:40 PM CDT up reply actions
If his presence in that 1/2 year will
bring us closer to a WS than it would Hill, then I’ll start packing Rich’s bags for him.
"In all the categories that you pay the most attention to, except the loss column, we're doing very well" - Jim Hendry
And he can't even beat out Marquis for a rotation spot.
OK…
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
Lou says: "Nice job!"
![]()
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
Lou says
hmmm… feels like chicken.
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 1:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Jealous, ladies?
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
Hey, what's wrong?
Soto’s 18.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 4, 2008 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Lou says--"dang these West coast road trips are long."
BBWAA's name should be changed to "Power in the hands of Fools"
Lou says
“Geo, you got a purty mouf.”
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 2:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Lou says--
“does this resemble a modified Heisman pose?”
BBWAA's name should be changed to "Power in the hands of Fools"
An example of Lou's cryptic new signs for Quade and Sinatro
BBWAA's name should be changed to "Power in the hands of Fools"
hit and RUN
not hit and bum!
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions
LMAO
Is that from “Deliverance”?
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
sumpin like
that.
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 8:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Like I said, I don't really know his value...
I doubt that, right now, Hill could be traded straight up for Sabathia, even given the financial advantages. Sabathia is just so much more proven. But, again, I don’t really know.
As an aside – with Hill’s penchant for giving up the HR, I don’t think Cleveland is a good park for him.
Let's turn this around a little.
Rank these pitchers by value for a ML team.
Pitcher A: Age 28
Career WHIP 1.268
Career K rate .92
Contract status: not yet arb eligible
Injury status: only on DL once, for minor back pains
Pitcher B: Age 26
Career WHIP 1.259
Career K rate .95
Contract status: 4.5 M this year, 7 M option for next year
Injury status: Never pitched over 190 innings; only over 100 innings 2xs; been on DL each year for past 4 years
Pitcher C: Age 31
Career WHIP 1.281
Career K rate .91
Contract Status: 12 M this year, 24 M over next two years or opt out at end of this year
Injury Status: Only pitcher over 175 IP 2xs in career and 1x in past 5 years
Pitcher D: Age 27
Career WHIP 1.273
Career K rate .82
Contract Status: In his contract year
Injury Status: Pitched over 175 IP the past 7 straight years
Pitcher E: Age 25
Career WHIP 1.385
Career K rate .82
Contract Status: 8.5 M this year, 12.5 M each next two years
Injury Status: nicked up here and there, but 160+ IP for all 5 years of career
Pitcher F: Age 27
Career WHIP 1.321
Career K rate .57
Contract Status: 3.7 M this year, just over 3 years of service time
Injury Status: Over 175 IP the past three years, basically every year of his career
by DGU on Jun 4, 2008 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions
For a mid-season rental. D#1... C#2
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
I'm not sure I see your point...
the question isn’t what they’ve done to this point. The question is trade value. Pitcher A (Rich Hill) has great potential and was really good last year, but he’s lost command of the strike zone. We don’t know if he’ll return to being that guy whose stats you’ve listed.
I wouldn’t trade Hill for Burnett if I know Hill is going to bounce back to the guy he was last year and late in 2006. But what if he doesn’t return? GMs probably consider that as well as the career track record.
I'm not making a point.
I’m legitimately asking because I don’t know what Hill’s value is, although I tend to think it is higher than some of the trade targets listed. In other words, compare Bonderman and Hill – there’s “upside” to Bonderman we think and might trade for him, but if Rich Hill was on the trade market, wouldn’t we want Hill a whole lot more than we want Bonderman?
by DGU on Jun 4, 2008 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions
The key distinction...
is how people view past performance compared to future success. Hill has had very nice success for a very brief period of time. He’s also currently struggling to regain command of the strikezone, and looked TERRIBLE early this year.
You’re presenting these data in a vacuum. There’s little context for the duration of success and current status.
I also don’t know what Hill’s value is, but it’s certainly not fully obtainable based on the very limited picture you present in your post.
Well, sure.
When listing a half dozen pitchers, I’m not going to list every available stat, but career WHIP and K rate aren’t bad stats to use and none of these guys have dinky sample sizes. With Hill, of course, there’s the fact that his career is currently bookended by obscene WHIPs. We all are very aware of the case against Hill. I’m trying to put up the case for him, trying to imagine what I might think about him if he was on another team and I was looking for potential 1/2s. Would Hill be a trade target?
by DGU on Jun 4, 2008 2:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Hill has a dinky sample size...
that was my point in the previous thread, and it is why the bookend WHIP problems are a concern. It’s not like he has 3-4 years of pitching really well like Sabathia or 4-5 years of pitching solidly like Burnett.
Honestly, I think it’s a fruitless exercise, because it comes down to whether or not the GMs think they can harness Hill’s stuff and get him to be like he was last year and late-2006.
Like Harden, who has the best stuff of the bunch but is probably a week away from another DL stint as we speak, it’s a complete unknown what Hill’s trade value will be.
Hill's Sample Size isn't dinky; it's not robust,
but it’s not dinky. He’s got a season and a half of 4.00 ERA under his belt at the ML level and another two good seasons in the minors. He’s got the stuff that says his performance isn’t flukish. He’s also got a clear problem. It’s possible we won’t be able to figure out his trade value, but it’s still more worth talking about, I think, than in repeating an old debate that can get restarted with two (or four) words that have been posted a dozen and a half times.
by DGU on Jun 4, 2008 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions
Fair enough - semantics...
I just see Hill as a big question mark, and thus gauging his trade value is difficult. It’s sort of similar to Harden, although for completely different reasons. With Harden, you know what you get as long as he’s healthy. You just don’t know how long he’ll be healthy. With Hill, you just don’t know what you’re going to get. So projecting trade value is going to be all in the eye of the beholder, and how willing to gamble the GM is.
So who are these letter people?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
A: Rich Hill
B: Rich Harden
C: A.J. Burnett
D: C.C. Sabathia
E: Jeremy Bonderman
F: Joe Blanton
by DGU on Jun 4, 2008 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions
It would take a perfect storm for Cleveland to trade CC
A. They’d have to be out of contention come trading deadline
B. They’d have to be convinced they’re not going to be able to re-sign him
C. They’d have to be overwhelmed with a trade offer.
Right now, my odds on each of those happening would be 15%, 50% and 20% respectively. Don’t quote me on the math, but that means I’d put the probability of a trade actually happening to be about 1.5%. Now the Bulls beat similar odds so anything is possible, but please don’t hold your breath.
I think Cleveland is perfectly content with riding CC to the end even if they don’t re-sign him. They would much rather grow their own prospects via those compensation picks than try to make some other team’s prospects work.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
I agree with what you write here.
So, let’s set aside Sabathia. What about the other names Al listed? Are there any we think is an actual improvement on Rich Hill? And if not, then who do we put on the table for them?
by DGU on Jun 4, 2008 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions
It all depends...
if Hill finds his command, I’d take him over trading for any of those other guys, for various reasons (some due to price, some due to injury risk, some due to the fact that they aren’t as good, some due to multiple reasons). If he doesn’t, he’s not worth much at all. Without the answer to that question, it’s a big gamble.
As such, I have no idea what his trade value is. If a team thinks they can get him back on track, then he probably has decent trade value. If teams are scared by the fact that he can go for long stretches with a WHIP over 1.5, then they aren’t going to offer much.
if Hill finds his command
but how long do we wait?
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions
Although there are some pitchers I might trade Hill for
I’d generally like to give him all year, because it honestly won’t matter much if Hill has no command through August, but finds it for the fall. That’s all we’d need him for.
That said, there is a legitimate question about whether or not Hill’s mentality is incompatible with Lou’s coaching style. If Cubs management thinks that’s the problem, then it’s not worth holding on to him at all.
by DGU on Jun 4, 2008 3:17 PM CDT up reply actions
At least until close to the deadline...
Beyond that, it all depends (again). We obviously wait until close to the deadline, as that’s when teams might make a move. And then, it depends on what is reasonably available to us and what teams might want for Hill.
AND........... The Bulls still don't have a coach....
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
Flip?
maybe he’s their guy…
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
You would think that after firing their coach on X-mas....
they would have figured this thing out already.
WHAT A COMPLETE EMBARRASSMENT
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
That reminds me...
Steve Kerr was sitting down on the field-level “box seats” last night…and there were a couple drunk Padre fans hassling him most of the night. David Wells was also sitting down there next to the Cubs Dugout…the Padres could maybe use him for the 2nd half…lol.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 4, 2008 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Was Kerr cheering for the cubs?
Or does he have some sort of connection w/ either team?
"In all the categories that you pay the most attention to, except the loss column, we're doing very well" - Jim Hendry
Couldn't really tell...
I assume he as rooting for the Cubs…but I didn’t really pay too much attention to him.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 4, 2008 2:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Wells has never been a 'half' of anything...
well, maybe a half-ton pickup…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Not too excited about ANY of the options...
Still seems like Collins is going to be the guy, though, right? All of them have flaws:
Johnson: has consistently been outcoached in the playoffs
Collins: old and similar to Skiles
The rest: unproven or not very good
For a hot dog eating contest?
Wells…..though Marquis would only participate if they were Kosher
Go ahead, Z me.
Hebrew Nationals, baby!
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
Those are quite tastsy..
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
Concur.
Though, I think Bests Kosher are better, plus are served at Wrigley.
mmmmm, Bests Kosher. I gotta get some of those frozen and sent up to me by my family. screw customs!
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!
I make those at home sometimes
But they always taste better at the ballpark.
by salparadise23 on Jun 4, 2008 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions
Doesn't everything?
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
How to guarantee a win
Al, try this:
1) Walk into the restroom during the 4th inning of a home game, holding a tomato slice in your teeth, and bring your scorecard
2) FALL ASLEEP in the restroom, allowing the tomato slice to fall on the scorecard
3) ???
4) Profit!
sounds like a winner.
but won’t they eventually kick him out of the restaurant?
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Most likely
he’d run into Larry Craig.
by bubbamike the one and only on Jun 4, 2008 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions
Correct me if I'm wrong...
but if I kill all the golfers, they’re gonna lock me up and throw away the key.
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
Didn't that senator try something like this in the airport washroom?
Wait a minute... who am I here?
Question Al,
For a few after game posts you had the score in the title. I liked that but the last few games you omitted the score. Any reason?
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings. ~Earl Wilson
Because I forgot.
I’ll try to remember.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
You see what sleep deprivation does, people?!
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
Huge Dilemma
AFN will show tonight’s game live over here in London… do I wake up at 3am to watch? Do I wake up at 5am and see if it’s over yet? Do I do what I did the past 2 games of the road trip and wake up at 6:45 as usual and see if we won?
For the record, I do believe in streaks, and I watched the saturday afternoon game live on AFN so we have won during this streak with me watching, just not on this road trip…
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!
More dilemmas...
Tomorrow’s game will also be live at 3am. Obviously, whatever I do tonight will be the same tomorrow night if the result is good.
Moving on to saturday afternoons game: the game will be shown, but tape-delayed until noon on sunday (5am chicago time). Do I follow the game live on saturday night or wait to watch the delay?
Just in case anyone cares, Sunday’s game will be live at 1am monday over here. Why do I get such a streak of televised games during the west coast trip, but not during the wrigley afternoon games?
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!
Videotape is your friend.
Watch it later in the day. It’ll already be over. Nothing your superstition can do. Unless you believe your delayed viewing will rip a hole in the fabric of space/time. In which case, you have far bigger problems to deal with.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 4, 2008 2:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Two problems
No video recorder, and I strongly believe delayed viewing of SPORTS does indeed rip a hole in the fabric of space/time.
Plus, I can’t control myself enough to not check the score online first.
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!
string theory is your friend
there is no fabric of space/time—11 dimensions! Count ‘em! All Cubs all the time.
I'm not sure
the same streak-rules apply over seas. You may be allowed to mix it up and just do whatever you feel like it.
Go ahead, Z me.
Do you have a guidebook or something saying this?
Streaks are too risky to risk taking this on someones word!
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!
FWIW
When I’m in Shanghai and they play a day game, I get up at the same time (4 PM Central) . . . sometimes I catch the end of the game, sometimes not. It might be different if it were September, but for June, I wouldn’t get up at 3.
I have been staying up to 12 for these games, but that’s a lot easier.
by Shanghai Badger on Jun 4, 2008 2:11 PM CDT up reply actions
He can't be
Shanghai is 7 hours ahead of me here in the UK… so these west coast games would start at 10am his time… if they start at midnight for him, that would mean he’s in the middle of the atlantic ocean somewhere. so well, yeah, i’m confused myself.
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!
Indeed
I am often in Shanghai, but not right now. Too damn hot in the summer to be there . . . and humid.
by Shanghai Badger on Jun 4, 2008 2:26 PM CDT up reply actions
I stay up until midnight for the end of the game, not the start
by Shanghai Badger on Jun 4, 2008 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions
That makes a little more sense!
My brain cells were throwing an old fashioned “does not compute, will self implode” at me.
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!
and when I am out there
I don’t mind the west coast games, but they overlap lunch… AZ/COL night games are perfect.
by Shanghai Badger on Jun 4, 2008 2:33 PM CDT up reply actions
update music: Micah Meltdown
In the bottom of the 3rd Micah gives up 4 ER on 5 singles, a double and a sac fly to the Brewers as they now trail 4-1. BTW, Micah is batting 8th in the order. A loss and AZ will have the same record as the Brewers. So much for being the best team in the NL. Staying power baby, the Cubs have it!
Go ahead, Z me.
5-1 actually
would be nice to see them lose a game or two
by Shanghai Badger on Jun 4, 2008 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions
ah, well.
you can update when AZ scores 8 in the 6th. I hope.
by Shanghai Badger on Jun 4, 2008 2:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Frickin' good for nuthin' D-Backs.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
no kiddin'
I still have confidence in the Cubs, but I find this run a little unnerving.
Of course, they still have McClung and Bush in the rotation—and Yost at the helm.
by Shanghai Badger on Jun 4, 2008 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions
starters
Hard to believe we’re on a 9-game win streak when the starters haven’t been able to get past the 6th inning about five games in a row.
"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
Last post.
Don’t even dignify this.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 4, 2008 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions
More words
Trade. Felix Pie, Tony Thomas and Oakland’s pick of Rich Hill or Sean Marshall. This team has SCREAMING need for a primetime starting pitcher who can form a lethal 1-2 punch with Zambrano. 2008 is the year of the Cubs. Pull out ALL the stops baby.
Get Rich Harden !! 7 starts, 3-0, 41 IP, 49 Ks, 2.61 ERA
Yawn.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 4, 2008 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Word
I like this much better. I feel so street.
by AlabamaCubFan on Jun 4, 2008 2:51 PM CDT up reply actions
What'd I miss?
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
Well some people were confused by the +1 comment so I chose WORD
OH and MDBNIU served up his daily vomit -er I mean chorus - of Get Harden
by AlabamaCubFan on Jun 4, 2008 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions
How about
Trust Jim and Lou, sit back, enjoy the ride?
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!
+2
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 3:12 PM CDT up reply actions
But
It cant happen. Marshall is a two pitch loser and Pi e is a AAAA player. Why would Billy Beane do this? Youve already told us they suck…............tool
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
I love this brand of thinking.
1) We have players that suck.
2) Other teams have players that don’t suck.
3) ...
4) Trade them!
OK, OK, OK...
Tyler Colvin, Tony Thomas, Jeff Smardizija and Oakland’s pick of Sean Marshall or Rich Hill.
Get Rich Harden !! 7 starts, 3-0, 41 IP, 49 Ks, 2.61 ERA
Why don't we just throw in...
Sec Taylor Stadium, Jackie Robinson Ballpark, O’Brien Field, Memorial Stadium and Fitch Park, too? Hell, we won’t need ‘em anymore!
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
Waveland? Sheffield?
No price is too high!!
by AlabamaCubFan on Jun 4, 2008 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Sheffield? sure, no problem. Save me the time and effort of running over there for Fontenot... ;-)
But NFW on Waveland. I’ll chain myself to the fire hydrant before I let that happen…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Cause the Shark
is unstoppable?
Give me a break. We don’t have the parts to trade without giving away the farm. AND WE DON’T NEED IT ANYWAY. What part of nine-game winning streak do you not understand?
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 3:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Lets trade the Shark
after giving him what 10 million to pitch in Tennessee?
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
Right
Im onto to you Ronnie Woo Woo. Thats because you are constantly repeating and contradicting. Why would you advocate a trade for people you already claimed sucked? Next youll throw in Marquis.
BlueMike “Cubs WOO, Marshall WOO, Pie WOO, Harden WOO” Yawn
Thanks Ronnie
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
Wait, who's Rich Harden?
Never heard of him.
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
Check the injury report
His last 4 seasons, including this one, have totaled about 150 innings.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Fact: Rich Harden is the United States’ number three importer of textiles, behind Linens ‘N’ Things and Mark Prior.
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
This is amazing, especially considering he's Canadian.
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
Well, maybe he exports them too. You know, he's an importer/exporter
and he works for Van de Lay Industries in the offseason….
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
And he's also an architect..
Have you seen the new addition to the Guggenheim? Really didn’t take very long…
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
Marine biologist on the side.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 4, 2008 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Y'know what? This isn't a political campaign.
You’re not going to win over new voters by constantly repeating your message. We all know you want Rich Harden. It’s in your damn sig line. Now please stop cluttering up our discussions with it.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
Maybe it should be a political campaign
At some point, he’d officially lose.
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
Vote Blue Mike for President!!!
He was for Soriano before he was against Soriano
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
He's fishing. That's all he does.
When he posts ONE LINE about Rich Bloody Harden we all can do one real easy thing: DON’T REPLY.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 4, 2008 3:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Doctor, it hurts when I do this!
“Then don’t do it”
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
aren't you supposed to be
in a fetal position, rocking back and forth over your angst over Soriano’s All-star performances?
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions
or the fact that he has more RBIs
in 60+ less at bats the DLEE? BATTING LEADOFF!!!!!
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
Knock, Knock.
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
You guys have something against Knock Knock jokes?
KNOCK, KNOCK!
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
Interrupting BlueMike
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
RICH HARDEN!
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
Never mind.
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
You missed the "Interrupting BlueMike"
You know, like:
Knock Knock
Who’s there?
Interrupting Cow.
Interrupting C..
MOO!
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
Ha, I like that one.
I’m going to tell it to my daughter tonight.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
Always love the cow jokes!
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Jun 4, 2008 8:19 PM CDT up reply actions
You guys are all NUTS. You KNOW who we need back...
...and are just too afraid to ADMIT IT.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/b/bowiemi01.shtml
HE WILL PUT US OVER THE TOP!!!
Wait a minute... who am I here?
Imagine if Micah Bowie, Micah Hoffpauier and Micah Owings all played in the same game.
That’d be a whole lotta Micah.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
There have been only four players named "Micah" in major league history.
Those three and Micah Franklin.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Deep Goat=
Ed Hartig?
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
wow - four micahs
suddenly i have this urge to redo my kitchen counters…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
one, two, three, four
Micah’s…
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions
That joke is solid!
And so easy to clean!
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
Neifi
is the hole in space/time.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 4, 2008 2:55 PM CDT up reply actions
I can't believe that year we had Burnitz, Neifi, and Corey Patterson on the team.
And we expected to be contenders.
It was based on pitching and prayers...
and then the pitching got hurt again. And Nomar got hurt again.
In fairness, there was no reason to assume Patterson would completely fall off the map. He had been strong in 2003 and okay in 2004. He just fell off the map in 2005. And if Nomar stays healthy, Perez is the backup middle-IF. And we expected Wood and Prior to return to form (that was year one of the catastrophe of relying on those guys).
It really wasn’t unreasonable if you consider that the lineup and rotation were theoretically as good as the 2003 team before the injuries piled up.
I'm going to take
a little nap so I will be ready for the game tonight. These late nights are catching up with me. WGN tonight so most will be able to watch.
I made it till midnight last night
but my wife was, ah, not happy. I’ll probably going to watch till 11.
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions
i make it to 1030
I have gotten up to use the washroom the last two nights around the time Al is getting to work. I check the score on my phone.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
I purposely went to bed once the 8th ended and was hoping to wake up to good news.
Worked out OK. :)
Wait a minute... who am I here?
Yes, WGN!
I am ecstatic for some Cubbie baseball tonight. I would love to see every game, but being limited makes the ones I get to see that much better. Plus, get to see three of the four in the Dodger series.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 4, 2008 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions
I am in real hopes that MLB will offer Extra Innigs to cable subscribers in the next contract
The NFL too for that matter.
Direct TV is Way too expensive for me
by AlabamaCubFan on Jun 4, 2008 3:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Do you have regular or digital cable?
I have digital and it’s offered. Very seriously considering ordering it after the break (cos I believe it goes down in price then).
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 4, 2008 3:52 PM CDT up reply actions
the bet
So if our boys in blue win ten in a row, Len and Bob are switching facial hair.

... egad.
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
Not a good look for Len.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
Hey I hope it catches on!
We’ll all be the hippest blogsite on the web. LOL
by AlabamaCubFan on Jun 4, 2008 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions
word. :P
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions
See? It's great.
I need to go buy some bling.
by AlabamaCubFan on Jun 4, 2008 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions
do we need
a gang sign?
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Chi Town Represent!!!
OK maybe that’s too much
by AlabamaCubFan on Jun 4, 2008 3:56 PM CDT up reply actions
he said he'd have a shadow
and that Bob’s would grow back before he could get anywhere.
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 3:29 PM CDT up reply actions
The curse of facial hair ineptitude.
I know his pain.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 4, 2008 3:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Is that your own PS?
B/c I don’t remember seeing the goatee last night on TV…or maybe they came up w/ a few variations. Either way, hilarious.
"In all the categories that you pay the most attention to, except the loss column, we're doing very well" - Jim Hendry
no, actually
it’s from Len & Bob’s blog.
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions
So...
this is true?
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 4, 2008 3:38 PM CDT up reply actions
it's true that they've promised to do it
if the Cubs win tonight.
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 3:39 PM CDT up reply actions
GO CUBS!!!
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 4, 2008 3:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Yikes...
Len looks like the kind of guy your parents are supposed to protect you from.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 4, 2008 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions
no, he looks like a programmer.
Well, ok, I grant your point…
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 3:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Here's a photoshop challenge for another day...
Give Len some really really poofy floppy hair and I’d bet he’d be a ringer for Conan O’Brien.
And keep Bob cleanshaven, but add a well-worn leather hat and a whip and I’m thinking we got ourselves Indiana Brenly and the Lost Trophy of Doom.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Remember when...
Lou died his hair in Tampa Bay after only a 3 GAME WINNING STREAK
"In all the categories that you pay the most attention to, except the loss column, we're doing very well" - Jim Hendry
In case you don't...This is him getting all Purrrrddy

"In all the categories that you pay the most attention to, except the loss column, we're doing very well" - Jim Hendry
We are getting close to the 550 over under target
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
Oh, it's done.
Get that free beer ready.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 4, 2008 3:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Just strolled over
to GLB and it turns out that Padre fans don’t like the Cubs very much. Hard to blame them being the low man on the totem pole but wow.
"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella
sore losers.
When the Padres beat the Cubs earlier, I didn’t call the quality of their fans into question.
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions
When your team is playing as well as ours is
the only option the opponents have is to pick on their fans. We just happen to be a visible and annoying target for opponents because we always show up to their parks in numbers greater than their own.
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
The volume of Cub fans scattered around the US is amazing
I was at a Dodger game in LA in about ‘88 or so (Dawson hit one out for us that day) and it seemed like close to 50% Cub fans.
When the Cubs clinched on the road in ‘84 and I think ‘89 as well-there were tons of Cub fans. (last year in cincy was off the hook-i was there for it—with tickets I’d purchased in March for my B-day).
But how much of what we see now is the sort of cultural phenomenen the Cubs have become versus real fans who bleed blue?
BBWAA's name should be changed to "Power in the hands of Fools"
Unfortunately the Cubs have to deal with some folks who aren't what they appear
I’ve seen posts here a lot about the “Wrigley gawkers” who only come because it’s a “cute thing to do”. These are the idiots that get wasted and run on the field.
I had to deal with some of these folks in Atlanta last year. They wear the Cubs gear but are about as close to real fans as MDBNIU is to coherence.
I’ll just assume that THOSE were the people the Fathers faithful were bitching about.
by AlabamaCubFan on Jun 4, 2008 3:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Join in the fun...
...on this thread!
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
Haha, read your comments.
Awesome!
"In all the categories that you pay the most attention to, except the loss column, we're doing very well" - Jim Hendry
Didn't join in the fun
but I did like your response to them. A few are quite hateful.
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings. ~Earl Wilson
by tucsoncubsfan on Jun 4, 2008 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions
it ain't worth it.
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 4:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Hey, I'm not gonna spend all night arguing with these geniuses...
...but I don’t think it hurts to burst their bubble once in a while.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
well, it's not going to change their minds
and reading the stuff is only going to aggrivate you
by Shanghai Badger on Jun 4, 2008 4:14 PM CDT up reply actions
True, which is why I'm really not planning on spending much more time on it.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
my spelling
should also aggravate . . .
I didn’t think that looked right when I typed it. Oh, well—one more post. Gives me an excuse to raise the total.
by Shanghai Badger on Jun 4, 2008 4:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Thanks!
My approach is: I don’t go to other team’s blogs looking to start trouble. But if they’re saying crazy, inflammatory sh*t like that, I will throw it back in their faces. Of course, I got banned from the Evil BCB for this very practice.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
Lesson not learned
:D
"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella
Evil BCB???
"I love when they play that Go Cubs Win song."
Yes...
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
That's pretty brutal
"I love when they play that Go Cubs Win song."
Yep, I'm tellin' ya...
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
My first post on BCB!
Who feeds them all to Prince? Vegetarian his great big ass.
by AlabamaCubFan on Jun 4, 2008 4:26 PM CDT up reply actions
LOL!
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions
How do you get that fat
Eating vegetables?
by AlabamaCubFan on Jun 4, 2008 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions
maybe he eats
a lot of bananas and asparagus in butter and avocados. Avocados are FULL of fat and cholesterol.
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah but the good kind of fat
And still. Does he eat them by the damn bushel basket?
by AlabamaCubFan on Jun 4, 2008 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions
even the "good" kind of fat
is bad if you eat too much of it.
And you can eat tons of peanut butter and still be a vegetarian and still be fat. Hell, you can eat DORITOS and be a vegetarian, no?
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions
I always thought they used the same stuff in Doritos they used in mincemeat
dead hobos, lint, etc
by AlabamaCubFan on Jun 4, 2008 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm pretty sure lint
is technically vegetarian.
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions
I was going for a banishment on my first post
A kid can always dream
by AlabamaCubFan on Jun 4, 2008 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions
LMAO.
Expect to be banned within the hour.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
If you run into a little weasel named Jacob...
...just give it to him with both barrels.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
They took down my post!!!
OK now I’m really mad.
I’m going to send prince fielder some tofu cooked in beef fat
by AlabamaCubFan on Jun 4, 2008 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Not surprising.
They’re a sensitive bunch. Their feelings, so easily hurt.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 4, 2008 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Evil BCB
Brew Crew Ball – Brewers site
"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella
they're calling for Z
to die in a fire, and all the fans to get bird-flu at his funeral. What are you going to be able to say that will top that?
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 4:13 PM CDT up reply actions
You say:
“What’s the sound of one hand clapping. I don’t know, but it probably sounds like nine wins in a row.”
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 4, 2008 4:14 PM CDT up reply actions
Ouch, that'll show you.
Getting banned from a place you really don’t care to visit anyway.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 4, 2008 4:13 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, I kinda consider it a badge of honor.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
you should flag that post
unaccepatable, bwauauauawawaw
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
I replied to those schlepps.....
...but since there is ZERO traffic on their site—no one will read it. They have a real hearty fan base when something goes wrong.
BBWAA's name should be changed to "Power in the hands of Fools"
The Reds put Freel on the DL, and recalled C-Pat
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
He drove me crazy
But I never lost complete faith in Corey. Sometimes the hype can be a real detriment.
by AlabamaCubFan on Jun 4, 2008 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions
Wow, KPat really does have nine lives.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
Too bad
he comes back as Corey Patterson for each one.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 4, 2008 3:58 PM CDT up reply actions
I think it's time for a Recap Overflow Thread
My compooter is bout to Asplode!
"In all the categories that you pay the most attention to, except the loss column, we're doing very well" - Jim Hendry
We have a bet out on 550 posts before the game
Getting close.
by AlabamaCubFan on Jun 4, 2008 4:00 PM CDT up reply actions
What does Rhode Island have to do with this? Do they have a baseball team?
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
That's where
Lloyd met Mary.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 4, 2008 4:18 PM CDT up reply actions
Can't triple stamp a double stamp!
oops wrong Llyod
"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella
That's the Cardinal radio station here
so it definitely wasn’t my choice.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 4, 2008 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions
I just put the over/under at 550
a while ago, picked it out of the blue
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
well adding a picture will speed this up
hahahah
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
I think 2 billion is do-able
you can post 25 times with each registered email address.
Go ahead, Z me.
Yes.
They were 21 over at one point in 2004.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Gotta have goals.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 4, 2008 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions
The great love of my life is out of town and the offspring are asleep late and I’ve fallen asleep late in the game the last 2 nights and woke up. I DVR every game so I just have to find the end of the game when I wake up in the middle of the night,
I almost never wake up middle of thenight unless its to attend to a crying child only otherwise when the Cubs game ended after I fell asleep and I always have to get the score before i go back to sleep.
DVR is nice because if you turn on ESPNNEWS they always have just run through the N:L scores.
We are all waiting for that glorious October night when we finally win it all. Until then we will continue to cheer, never do the wave and hope.
Completely Off Topic
I was looking forward to my late in the day almost out of the office snack. Got up went to the fridge and it was gone! Someone ate my bleeping Twinkie!!
"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella
Prince Fielder?
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 4, 2008 4:39 PM CDT up reply actions
If he did, someone should tell him that the filling is made with lard.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
They should be executed -- no trial
Who does that?!
by AlabamaCubFan on Jun 4, 2008 4:39 PM CDT up reply actions
I hope they die in a car fire.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 4, 2008 4:40 PM CDT up reply actions
lol
The level of deliciousness lost might warrant that!
"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella
It's weird
how something so trivial can truly be a light at the end of the tunnel. I’ve been ready to go home and eat the leftover pizza I have all day.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 4, 2008 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Yup
now its gone….. but the Cubs are on WGN and I have a comfortable couch with mah name on it!
"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella
You and me both!
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 4, 2008 4:47 PM CDT up reply actions
you coming over?
"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella
and quit writing all over
my furniture!
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm there now.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 4, 2008 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Sir, the posts are coming from...
...INSIDE YOUR HOUSE!!!!
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
Ahhhh...

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 4, 2008 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions
There's Mah Couch
"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella
Hand made quality s*** right there

"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella
SP
If the Indians remain in contention by midseason, I don’t think they will trade Sabathia, but that is only if Carmona and Westbrook return 100 percent. The possible pitchers that might be available are…
1. Meche
2. Arroyo
3. Harden
4. Blanton
5. Padilla
6. Young
7. Lowe
8. Bonderman
9. Rogers
10. Maddux
11. Burnett
12. Byrd
Out of all these pitchers, I really want Derek Lowe considering he will come relatively cheap, but that is only if the Dodgers are out of contention. I am not sure who Towers want in return for Young, but he is a good GM and will demand at least two top of the line prospects. Burnett is injury prone along and I don’t think the Cubs want to deal with Billy Beane. He is going to demand for the moon in return for Harden. Bonderman seems like the second best option for the Cubs, but let’s hope they also continue to free fall from contention.
Brad Penny might be available, but he does have a team option for next year. I am almost sure the Dodgers will not trade both Lowe and Penny, but if they had to trade one of those two, it would be Derek Lowe.
do you really think
Arroyo is going to be available, and if so, will the Reds deal him to division rivals?
I don’t. And if that list is in order of projected excellence, you should move Harden down to 20.
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions
It would be interesting if we ended up with Meche after all, wouldn't it...
Wait a minute... who am I here?
Meche ?????
He is in the 2nd year of a five year 55 million dollar contract no thanks.
Rogers above Maddux. What planet is that that on
What Young are you referring too ? Padres are NOT trading Chris Young.
You left off Wolf who would be 2nd choice if Maddux is not interested
He would cost significantly more but not a ton as he is just on a one year contract.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Jun 4, 2008 5:34 PM CDT up reply actions
Again
The list I have is not in order of the best to worse. And yes, I don’t think Meche would be a smart move, but the Royals will not demand top of the line prospects.
BTW, the pitchers I have above are not all the pitchers…I’m just throwing out some possibilities. YOUNG WILL BE AVAILABLE, but will not come cheap at all. Towers will look for MLB ready prospects.
Reds
That is if the Reds are out of contention. Arroyo will be available once the Reds are out of the playoff picture. I am sure Jocketty will look to start off with a younger by trading off the veterans.
And no, the list I have above is not in order of projected excellence.
Meche
He wouldn’t be a bad number three pitcher. I know he has been struggling in April and early May-Mid May, but he has been in a similar slump like Lily.
Again, he will not come expensive given that he is getting paid around 8-9 mill a year. The Royals will probably look to trade off all their high paid veterans.
FYI
@ 3:30 PDT, there is some light rain falling in parts of central SD. This shouldn’t be a problem.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jun 4, 2008 5:31 PM CDT reply actions
I want HAIL and huge storms
I want it RAINED out and STOPPED. By the time they get to a make up game
I can hope Maddux will NOT be the starter
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Jun 4, 2008 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah right
Not in SD.
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
That's sweet.
Here’s hoping for the no decision. And a Padre bullpen that wants to get LIT UP.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 4, 2008 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions
if we lose this game
you’re gonna take a lotta heat, you know…
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 8:35 PM CDT up reply actions
We've had huge storms
and hail back in March. Contrary to popular belief, there IS weather here.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jun 4, 2008 5:42 PM CDT reply actions
yep unusual though for us
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Petco experienced a rain delay v. the Reds
That same night, the Dodgers experienced their longest rain delay in years. It can happen, especially in May and June.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jun 4, 2008 5:44 PM CDT reply actions
Ok how bout frogs ?
Could it rain frogs , or maybe a plague of locusts invades Petco
Off to a play gang which alas ends early enough for me to go home and hide
under the covers as long as Maddux is pitching.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Hang in there, everyone.
The game thread posts at 6:00 pm CDT, five minutes from now.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
THE bull is back in the Cubs china shop...
METS game is over with, I look forward to participating in the blog during the CUBS / PADRES game. June gloom isn’t only a weather phenomena in San Diego this month, apparently it’s a phenomena w/the team.
by LOUtheMETandNATSfan on Jun 4, 2008 5:57 PM CDT up reply actions
My buddy (a CUBS) fan introduced me to this site
I’m hooked! It’s like crack…or Fun Dip.
by LOUtheMETandNATSfan on Jun 4, 2008 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions

by 
























