Bleed Cubbie Blue: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:



Sports blogs for fans, by fans.
New Blog: Backing the Pack for NC State Fans!


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.

0 recs | Comment 658 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Display:

lol

2nd

All things great in 2008!!

by By Santo's Grace on Jun 4, 2008 8:22 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

LOL LOL.....

Light Em up

(even though hes maddux)

My 08 Cubs record 7-0
Updated June 01

by Rudey on Jun 4, 2008 8:25 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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!

by crw89 on Jun 4, 2008 8:26 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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.

by kylejo on Jun 4, 2008 8:53 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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.

by tony412 on Jun 4, 2008 8:59 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Al on Jun 4, 2008 9:00 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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."

by Ivy Walls on Jun 4, 2008 9:32 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Al on Jun 4, 2008 9:35 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by SackMan on Jun 4, 2008 9:36 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by SackMan on Jun 4, 2008 9:40 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by SackMan on Jun 4, 2008 9:49 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Hammer on Jun 4, 2008 11:37 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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.

by SouthernCub on Jun 4, 2008 11:50 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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.

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 4, 2008 11:48 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Good to know.

Jimbo, git ‘er done!

Nanika Ga Okoru!

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

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 4, 2008 2:43 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by gary varsho on Jun 4, 2008 9:36 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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."

by Ivy Walls on Jun 4, 2008 9:40 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by SackMan on Jun 4, 2008 9:41 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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.

by SouthernCub on Jun 4, 2008 9:46 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by SackMan on Jun 4, 2008 9:36 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by gary varsho on Jun 4, 2008 9:37 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Al on Jun 4, 2008 9:37 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Lou In Blue on Jun 4, 2008 9:39 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by gary varsho on Jun 4, 2008 9:39 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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.

by kylejo on Jun 4, 2008 10:13 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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.

by SouthernCub on Jun 4, 2008 9:39 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

True.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Jun 4, 2008 9:40 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by SackMan on Jun 4, 2008 9:50 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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.

by SouthernCub on Jun 4, 2008 9:53 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by SackMan on Jun 4, 2008 9:42 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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.

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 4, 2008 9:40 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by SackMan on Jun 4, 2008 9:44 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by SackMan on Jun 4, 2008 9:52 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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.

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 4, 2008 9:50 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Al on Jun 4, 2008 2:26 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

would Cleveland...

take Mel Hall and Joe Carter again?

by bison on Jun 4, 2008 11:04 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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.

by tony412 on Jun 4, 2008 11:51 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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.

by adam316 on Jun 4, 2008 8:27 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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.’”

by Archie on Jun 4, 2008 8:29 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He meant

when he pulled him.

Im sure it was something like, “your gonna get another shot, just throw strikes and you’ll be back on this mound”

My 08 Cubs record 7-0
Updated June 01

by Rudey on Jun 4, 2008 8:31 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by gary varsho on Jun 4, 2008 8:29 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Al on Jun 4, 2008 8:38 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by gary varsho on Jun 4, 2008 8:53 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by gwood on Jun 4, 2008 8:58 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by gary varsho on Jun 4, 2008 9:01 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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.

by SouthernCub on Jun 4, 2008 9:14 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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.

by Cajuncub on Jun 4, 2008 8:29 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by SackMan on Jun 4, 2008 9:19 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Bildo1805 on Jun 4, 2008 8:34 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by gary varsho on Jun 4, 2008 8:37 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Al on Jun 4, 2008 8:39 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by gary varsho on Jun 4, 2008 8:49 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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).

by SouthernCub on Jun 4, 2008 9:17 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by SackMan on Jun 4, 2008 9:16 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Bildo1805 on Jun 4, 2008 9:17 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by SackMan on Jun 4, 2008 9:19 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Can we please just pass that 4th place finish?

This team deserves the series, we can do it! But that is haunting me!

by slcathena on Jun 4, 2008 8:34 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by gwood on Jun 4, 2008 8:37 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by gwood on Jun 4, 2008 8:55 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by gwood on Jun 4, 2008 8:59 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

it was

part of the double steal, so maybe it was a hit and run type thing so Derrek’s strike zone was a little expanded trying to protect the runners

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

by gwood on Jun 4, 2008 9:35 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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.

by kylejo on Jun 4, 2008 8:58 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Al on Jun 4, 2008 9:02 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by SackMan on Jun 4, 2008 9:07 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by BigJohnAZ on Jun 4, 2008 9:12 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Bildo1805 on Jun 4, 2008 8:59 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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"*

by SouthsideCub on Jun 4, 2008 8:40 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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!!!

by cubsluver22 on Jun 4, 2008 8:42 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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"

by cubfever7 on Jun 4, 2008 8:43 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If they keep winning

how long do we have to wear the shorts? Suddenly the word streak takes on a whole new meaning.

by adam316 on Jun 4, 2008 8:51 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Al on Jun 4, 2008 9:03 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Bildo1805 on Jun 4, 2008 9:04 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Al on Jun 4, 2008 9:05 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Bildo1805 on Jun 4, 2008 9:06 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

True!

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

by Al on Jun 4, 2008 9:06 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by gary varsho on Jun 4, 2008 9:07 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Bildo1805 on Jun 4, 2008 9:08 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by gary varsho on Jun 4, 2008 9:09 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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!!!

by gocubsgo22 on Jun 4, 2008 9:22 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by BigJohnAZ on Jun 4, 2008 9:24 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by BigJohnAZ on Jun 4, 2008 10:48 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by SackMan on Jun 4, 2008 10:57 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I have to get SOME sleep!

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

by Al on Jun 4, 2008 9:26 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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.

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 4, 2008 9:48 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by SackMan on Jun 4, 2008 9:53 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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.

by tony412 on Jun 4, 2008 9:56 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Bump Bailey on Jun 4, 2008 10:02 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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.

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 4, 2008 10:12 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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"

by cubfever7 on Jun 4, 2008 10:41 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Shoot

i am still wearing my lucky shorts from ‘69. I am holding out hope that the shorts are not the reason the Cubs have not been to the WS in 99 years.

"You can't take life to seriously, you don't get out of it alive"

by wild bill on Jun 4, 2008 2:07 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Lou In Blue on Jun 4, 2008 8:44 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

LOOGY

Lefty One Out GuY …. essentially someone who comes in just to get the left hander out. See: Scott Eyre

by GoCubbies34 on Jun 4, 2008 8:45 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Lou In Blue on Jun 4, 2008 8:46 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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."

by BMoney79 on Jun 4, 2008 12:27 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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!

by GoCubbies34 on Jun 4, 2008 8:44 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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.

by AlabamaCubFan on Jun 4, 2008 8:49 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Bump Bailey on Jun 4, 2008 9:54 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by BigJohnAZ on Jun 4, 2008 8:49 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by gary varsho on Jun 4, 2008 9:03 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Al on Jun 4, 2008 9:04 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by gary varsho on Jun 4, 2008 9:05 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by SackMan on Jun 4, 2008 9:32 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by gary varsho on Jun 4, 2008 9:33 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by SackMan on Jun 4, 2008 9:38 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Other than that

What did you think of the play, Mrs. Lincoln?

by salparadise23 on Jun 4, 2008 9:40 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by SackMan on Jun 4, 2008 9:47 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by BigJohnAZ on Jun 4, 2008 9:03 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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?

by malicedoom on Jun 4, 2008 9:03 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

LMAO

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse

by BigJohnAZ on Jun 4, 2008 9:06 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 8:50 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And

the 7-6 win was one of those the game wasn’t as close as the score indicated games, IMO. “ekeing” is not the right word.

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

by gwood on Jun 4, 2008 9:00 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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.

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 4, 2008 9:07 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Funny how she didn't write those comments

in the Cubs.com article.

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse

by BigJohnAZ on Jun 4, 2008 9:12 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by MScubbie on Jun 4, 2008 9:24 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by BigJohnAZ on Jun 4, 2008 9:28 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2008 8:51 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Finally!

Can’t really celebrate until I see this and my boy Leon

by AlabamaCubFan on Jun 4, 2008 8:54 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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..."

by ballhawk on Jun 4, 2008 8:56 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Al on Jun 4, 2008 9:04 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by gary varsho on Jun 4, 2008 9:19 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That's what Marquis needs!

Got to wear the garter belt!

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse

by BigJohnAZ on Jun 4, 2008 9:19 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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.

by tony412 on Jun 4, 2008 8:57 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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.

by N Oakley on Jun 4, 2008 8:59 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Bildo1805 on Jun 4, 2008 9:01 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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.

by kylejo on Jun 4, 2008 9:02 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by gary varsho on Jun 4, 2008 9:04 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They will also be looking for payroll flexibilty. With Cabrera, Sheffield, etc. they have a lot of guys tied up to big deals. They look like the Yankees of the late 90’s. Difference is if the Tigers stop winning, the fan base has a history of staying home.

by N Oakley on Jun 4, 2008 9:18 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by SackMan on Jun 4, 2008 9:33 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by SackMan on Jun 4, 2008 9:01 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Bildo1805 on Jun 4, 2008 9:07 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by gary varsho on Jun 4, 2008 9:08 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Bildo1805 on Jun 4, 2008 9:09 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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.

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 4, 2008 9:12 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by gary varsho on Jun 4, 2008 9:16 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by gary varsho on Jun 4, 2008 9:11 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

even more applicable to a motel room

by N Oakley on Jun 4, 2008 9:19 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yes, most hotels have some money to fund house cleaning, so some surfaces get cleaned occasionally. However, I see your point.

by N Oakley on Jun 4, 2008 9:54 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by SackMan on Jun 4, 2008 9:11 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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.

by tony412 on Jun 4, 2008 9:04 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by gary varsho on Jun 4, 2008 9:07 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Maddux+Barrett= Many SB's

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse

by BigJohnAZ on Jun 4, 2008 9:10 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by SackMan on Jun 4, 2008 9:14 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Bildo1805 on Jun 4, 2008 9:16 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And make gas $1 a gallon again!

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse

by BigJohnAZ on Jun 4, 2008 9:17 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Bildo1805 on Jun 4, 2008 9:18 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ok, I went a little overboard :(

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse

by BigJohnAZ on Jun 4, 2008 9:20 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That would be sweet!

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse

by BigJohnAZ on Jun 4, 2008 9:16 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Bump Bailey on Jun 4, 2008 10:22 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nice..

esp being the pitcher..

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

by Bump Bailey on Jun 4, 2008 5:07 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by BigJohnAZ on Jun 4, 2008 9:09 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Are you looking to post the over/under on balls thrown into the outfield?

by N Oakley on Jun 4, 2008 9:20 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And don't forget all the passed balls he coughs up

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse

by BigJohnAZ on Jun 4, 2008 9:21 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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...)

by Zeke on Jun 4, 2008 9:08 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

+1 Respect the Streak!

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse

by BigJohnAZ on Jun 4, 2008 9:11 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And the gnome!

Nanika Ga Okoru!

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

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 4, 2008 9:13 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by SackMan on Jun 4, 2008 9:13 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Bildo1805 on Jun 4, 2008 9:14 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ask Prince Fielder

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse

by BigJohnAZ on Jun 4, 2008 9:16 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Bildo1805 on Jun 4, 2008 9:17 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by gary varsho on Jun 4, 2008 9:17 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by BigJohnAZ on Jun 4, 2008 9:15 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think he's all ready

gained that 35

Cubs Win!! Cubs Win!

by Ihatethecards on Jun 4, 2008 9:19 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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...)

by Zeke on Jun 4, 2008 9:20 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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.

by tony412 on Jun 4, 2008 9:19 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I understand what you are seeing with the career stats, but he came up with Trammel in those abysmal Tiger 100 loss years. His early development abused his career numbers. With Bonderman, you have to ignore the Trammel years.

by N Oakley on Jun 4, 2008 9:24 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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?

by malicedoom on Jun 4, 2008 9:21 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Bump Bailey on Jun 4, 2008 10:27 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by BigJohnAZ on Jun 4, 2008 9:30 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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.

by ak123 on Jun 4, 2008 9:30 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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?"

by Grockcubs on Jun 4, 2008 9:30 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Lou In Blue on Jun 4, 2008 9:32 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Al on Jun 4, 2008 9:36 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Lou In Blue on Jun 4, 2008 9:38 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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.

by Rick B on Jun 4, 2008 9:32 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Just say no to giving away Gallagher

That arm is very precious IMO

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

by Hammer on Jun 4, 2008 9:42 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

TWSS

Wait a minute... who am I here?

by malicedoom on Jun 4, 2008 9:46 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Judges?

Nanika Ga Okoru!

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

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 4, 2008 9:57 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I concur.

Sorry, malice.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

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

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 4, 2008 10:01 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by gary varsho on Jun 4, 2008 10:00 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

WOW

“Illicit use of the TWSS. Motion denied. “

LOL – nice.

Wait a minute... who am I here?

by malicedoom on Jun 4, 2008 10:11 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Tough room - :)

Wait a minute... who am I here?

by malicedoom on Jun 4, 2008 10:11 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

TWSS.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

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

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 4, 2008 10:13 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Awesome.

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

by Jayo525 on Jun 4, 2008 3:31 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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?

by malicedoom on Jun 4, 2008 10:14 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

A.J. Burnett

could be a possibility if Totonto falls back in the East.

by Rick B on Jun 4, 2008 9:44 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by slocs55 on Jun 4, 2008 9:45 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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?

by malicedoom on Jun 4, 2008 9:50 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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.

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 4, 2008 10:00 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by SackMan on Jun 4, 2008 10:03 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

6 am?

Try 3:30 am.

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

by Al on Jun 4, 2008 10:14 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

3:30am

Thinking of getting up at that time scares me.

Lets do it Cubbies

by slocs55 on Jun 4, 2008 10:40 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah, me too.

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

by Al on Jun 4, 2008 10:49 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by neverAcquiesce on Jun 4, 2008 9:54 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Al on Jun 4, 2008 10:15 AM CDT to parent up