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The Marshall Plan: Cubs 8, Giants 7

Man, where do I even start?

Here: if using Carlos Marmol in the 9th inning today was Lou's way of "experimenting" with him, trying him out, letting him throw in a game the Cubs seemed to have well in hand, that choice is inexcusable.

That's a very strong statement -- and I know this topic is already being discussed in DGU's FanPost on this issue -- so let me explain.

First, a few people (including BCB reader mrcubsfan and some of his friends, in from Iowa) wanted to high-five me after the Cubs' come-from-ahead 8-7, 11-inning win over the Giants, but I told them sighs of relief were more like it. There's no way the Cubs should have lost this game, going into the 8th inning against a bad team with a 7-0 lead.

But Kevin Hart coughed up two runs in the 8th after throwing a good 7th. OK, fine -- still a five-run lead, no problem, right?

Marmol had no business in this game. Lou stumbled through his postgame press conference, obviously as stunned as all of us were by the meltdown, but he called attention to the play that Marmol made, or didn't make, on Jose Castillo's comebacker, which he kicked into foul territory. Lou said that Marmol was, apparently, trying to make a play at the plate on Ivan Ochoa, who had led off the inning with his first major league hit, a double, and advanced to third on a groundout. Correctly, Lou pointed out that in the 9th inning with a lead that large, you just have to get outs. If the run scores, it's 7-3 and you have two out and no one on. Marmol not only let a run score, he allowed a runner on base (on a play that should probably have been ruled an error) and prolonged the inning.

That's on Marmol. But wait! There's more! Lou isn't blameless here. After two more hits and a walk made it 7-4 and left the bases loaded, Sean Marshall was warmed up and ready to go in the pen and a lefthanded hitter -- John Bowker -- was at the plate.

Where were you, Lou? Marmol had less than nothing at that point. Why wasn't Marshall in the game? Dave said to me, "If Lou doesn't trust Marshall in that situation, why is he on the team?" Agreed. If you have a 13-man pitching staff -- leaving the bench with only Ronny Cedeno and Henry Blanco in extra innings -- USE 'EM!!

Oh, I'm just getting warmed up. After Marmol somehow managed to get Bowker to hit into a force play, scoring a run to make it 7-5, and getting the second out, he hit Rich Aurilia, loading the bases again. Pinch-hitter Eliezer Alfonzo -- recalled ten days ago and 0-for-8 this year -- hit a grounder that Ryan Theriot did a nice job of knocking down.

But then Theriot committed the cardinal (sorry for the terminology!) sin for an infielder -- he didn't eat the ball with no possible play to be made. If he does so, it's 7-6, the bases are still loaded and there are still two out. Instead, on his bad throw, the Giants tied the score, before Marmol finally, at last, got Ochoa, batting for the second time in the inning, to fly out to end the inning, to a loud chorus of boos. I disagree with DGU -- the booing wasn't necessarily for Marmol, it was for the entire badly-played inning, probably the Cubs' worst inning of the year.

Thank heavens for Marshall, who finally got into the game because (apparently) Lou had no trust in Jon Lieber today. Marshall mowed the Giants down easily in the 10th -- the Cubs got the tying run to 2nd with one out, but couldn't score. He did it again in the 11th, and with Lou not trusting Lieber, Marshall figured he'd get it done himself, leading off the inning with a single. After Mark DeRosa walked, Mike Fontenot tried to sacrifice and instead Marshall was forced at third. Reed Johnson ended it, bouncing a single to right that scored Johnson ahead of a frantic throw from Emmanuel Burriss, playing his first major league game in right field (he's a shortstop/2B; the Giants played a whole bunch of people out of position today, including starting a second baseman -- Eugenio Velez -- in left field, and a first baseman -- Bowker -- in right field).

Whew! I'm exhausted and I've only described this game from the 9th inning on. This doesn't even cover Rich Harden's Cub debut, in which he struck out ten Giants, allowed five harmless hits, and departed having thrown 96 pitches (66 strikes), to a loud ovation. (We learned one other thing about Harden today -- he really can't hit. He struck out all three times at bat.) While this was an outstanding performance, Harden's going to have to get past the sixth inning on a consistent basis, or bullpen blowups like the Cubs had today are going to be a constant risk in his appearances.

Jim Edmonds also had a good day today, hitting a two-run HR in the third and a two-run double in the fourth, both off Kevin Correia -- who he had homered off last week in San Francisco.

Hardly seems like Edmonds or Harden played today, doesn't it? My friend Howard, who wasn't at the game today, called to ask if I liked the "first" game or the "last" game best, because the "middle" one wasn't very good. And he was right. I don't know what's wrong with Marmol -- but the Cubs have to fix this quickly, because they need him the way he was before the Tampa Bay series. Since June 19, Marmol has thrown 9.1 innings, allowed 11 hits, 10 walks, hit four batters and allowed 14 earned runs for an ERA of 13.50. That's Triple-A territory, and if Marmol has to go back there for a week or two to get his confidence back (Mike is convinced that's most of the battle, and I think I agree), so be it.

Lou said Marmol won't pitch tomorrow and Kerry Wood has a "blister" (his word in the news conference) which will prevent him from pitching either tomorrow or in the All-Star Game. So who's the closer tomorrow? Maybe Carlos Zambrano.

Cheer the win. Breathe a sigh of relief that DeRosa, Marshall and Johnson came through bigtime in the 11th inning. It rained hard overnight and early in the morning, but cleared out to become a pleasant afternoon with the wind blowing out to right field -- the left field bleachers, near us, were populated by a large group of people wearing blue T-shirts with the image of Rod Beck on the front and "SHOOTER 47" on the back. We never did figure out why.

Till tomorrow. Go Pirates! Go Reds!

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Shooter 47?

Maybe they really like Scott Eyre

"I think Hendry still has a few years to serve on his 'grand larceny' sentence before he can shop in Pittsburgh again" - ballhawk

by NittanyCub on Jul 12, 2008 5:25 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Maybe...

... but there was a picture of Beck on the shirt.

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

by Al on Jul 12, 2008 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Joke

Anyone else impressed by Harden’s incredible arm action, from the point of his forearm being in a perpendicular postion to his elbow from the point of release? It’s almost as fast as Lincecum

"I think Hendry still has a few years to serve on his 'grand larceny' sentence before he can shop in Pittsburgh again" - ballhawk

by NittanyCub on Jul 12, 2008 5:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

R.I.P. Rod Beck

Rod Beck, who by the way was buried in his Cubs uniform, wore number 47 including the years he played for the Cubs.

Great story about Beck’s time with the Iowa Cubs: http://espn.go.com/mlb/s/2003/0515/1554407.html

by Pray4Mojo17 on Jul 12, 2008 6:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Harden

Harden seems to be a 6 inning pitcher at best…of course 6 good innings is good enough most of the time but the bullpen will definitely be used on his days most likely. I think he only has 2 career complete games.

Marmol hasn’t been overused, at this point he is just plain ineffective and the hitters have figured him out. He needs to make some kind of adjustment and get his control under control.

Lets get the sweep tomorrow and hope that we can be 6.5 games up at the break :)

by jeff_pico on Jul 12, 2008 5:28 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Harden can go longer

he has pitched 6.2, 7, 7, 7, and 8 innings this year out of like 14 starts – that’s better than most pitchers. No, he wont throw CG’s but hardly anyone outside Halladay and CC do so I think it’ll be evening out. Also, today was his 1st day out w/the cubs – b/c of his injury history they are going to keep a close watch on him for at least the next several starts (innings, pitch counts, workouts, etc.).

All in all, this was a fantastic start by harden and he is clearly a top 10 pitcher in MLB – let’s be blessed and keep him healthy! (too bad for marmol’s implosion, would have loved for him to get the win)

"I'll play any day. I don't care if I'm 0-for-30, playing baseball is my PASSION. I'll go out and play." - Geo Soto

by CubbyBlues on Jul 12, 2008 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Makes Marquis performance ...

yesterday all that much more impressive

The best defense is a good offense

by kcjones on Jul 12, 2008 10:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hitters have not figured Marmol out.

He just gets wild. The walks/hit batters/wild pitches are what kills him.

"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."

by californiachicagoan on Jul 13, 2008 12:31 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Harden-Lieber

I’d say couple Harden and Lieber together. I’d say they are both half of a starter. Lets not waste them. I didn’t like seeing Lieber go to the pen, can you tell?

by JoeCub01 on Jul 13, 2008 1:03 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Marmol grounder....

....I’d have to look at it again, but from the replay, it didn’t look like Marmol looked over at third, I thought he took his eye off the ball because he was going to tag the runner going to first.

But, agreed, Riot’s gotta eat that ball. He didn’t have a shot at the runner if he threw it hard and straight….let alone that “pop up” he tried to throw.

Nobody cares about your fantasy league team

by carmen_fanzone on Jul 12, 2008 5:30 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Afterwards

he clenched his jaw so tight I thought a few teeth were going to pop out of his mouth. At that moment I think no one knew better than Theriot that he had just made a major blunder. Hopefully it taught him something and we won’t have to witness another epsisode like this one in the games to come.

by JFCubFan on Jul 12, 2008 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not to me

It definitely looked like to me he was concerned with the runner at third.

Current temperature in hell: 45 degrees F - and falling!

by wnielsen on Jul 12, 2008 6:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Didn't see the game

only say the score on the ticker. 7-0 Cubs, 6th inning, Harden pitched very well. I figure this game is WELL in hand. I go to the store, listening to the D Backs game on the radio and they say the Cubs blew the 7 run lead. I get home to read Al’s recap and I totally agree. For one thing, why no Lieber after taking Harden out? Why Marmol in the 9th? Why LEAVE him in there and maybe give the game away. Lou has his favs and his guys he doesn’t trust, but My God, man, eat your ego and do the right thing once in a while. Sometimes he is totally brain dead when it comes to his bullpen. If I was in the pressroom after the game, I would have been all over his ass.

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

by BigJohnAZ on Jul 12, 2008 5:32 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I agree, a move to Iowa is the best course

...of action right now for Carlos. He can work at a slower pace, rest up and get his confidence back.

He appears to be a bit emotional and some time in Iowa could help him get his head right.

A little pressure on Howry to step up and pitch like everyone knows he can be nice residual effect as well

by JB 23 on Jul 12, 2008 5:33 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

How about 5 days off instead?

He pitched in 49 games already. Let him rest his arm and clear his head.

by bison on Jul 13, 2008 12:50 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And still tomorrow the Cubs can sweep the SWEEP and have the best record in MLB at the ASG

Lou lost his game management by trying to do something between Marmol’s ears. Cubs lost their concentration in the 9th with their fielding.

Hopefully when they return on Thursday before embarking to Houston Piniella and Co things will be righted.

That said: Marmol is not a closer, he is a set up man. Howry is the back up closer.

Theriot is not a liability in the late innings on the defensive side.

Johnson is a steal. Edmonds is a bank robbery. Harden is an outstanding 6-innings pitcher and will do well in the playoffs.

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

by Ivy Walls on Jul 12, 2008 5:35 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Theriot
Theriot is not a liability in the late innings on the defensive side.

You miss the play in the 9th where Theriot made a nice diving stop and then a boneheaded throw over Fontenot’s head that allowed the tying run to score? Theriot makes the plays where the ball is hit right at him, but I wouldn’t say he’s “not a liability”.

"Dad gum right this games gonna be played under protest. . . I guarantee this is gonna be one protest that's upheld." --Hawk Harrelson, 6/24/07

by RynoHoF on Jul 12, 2008 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

come on man...

he makes a bad play and its hang theriot time…granted, it was a bad play but dont throw him under the bus like that. bad things happen sometimes, to good players

im NOT saying he is above average, but to say hes a liability is a little drastic.

please dont get too bent out of shape because it happened today. dont be a “prisoner of the moment”

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." --Alvin Dark

by preachermancubsfan on Jul 12, 2008 7:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Eh. I don't think he's basing that opinion on this one play. More like, many plays, and this is the latest.

"It’s like they have 40,000 players on one team. Forty thousand people want to be in the dugout slapping fives. ‘Passionate’ is an understatement. Fans like that are special." -- Giants LHP Alex Hinshaw on Wrigley Field

by northsider on Jul 12, 2008 7:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

theriots fielding percentage...

is .971 league average is .974 for shortstops…id say hes a pretty average ss. our other option is cedno who has a fielding percentage of .964.

whats the suggestion what we do?

theriots upside BA definetly outweighs his average fielding

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." --Alvin Dark

by preachermancubsfan on Jul 12, 2008 7:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's not his fielding percentage. Those are the balls he gets to.

It’s that he has pretty limited range.

Go back through the archives….this argument has been had hundreds of times…

"It’s like they have 40,000 players on one team. Forty thousand people want to be in the dugout slapping fives. ‘Passionate’ is an understatement. Fans like that are special." -- Giants LHP Alex Hinshaw on Wrigley Field

by northsider on Jul 12, 2008 7:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed.

Good players have bad moments. Not to say that Theriot is the best shortstop to lace up a cleat. He tried to do too much on the play. End of story. I am sure that if you asked him right now if he should have pocketed that ball he would say yes. The best thing that can happen after this game is to look forward to tomorrow and not back at the ninth inning of this game. Other than Marmol, something has to be done there to make him trust his fastball again.

by jajonez77 on Jul 12, 2008 7:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

"Theriot is not a liability in the late innings on the defensive side."

You’re right.

He’s a defensive liability the entire time he plays.

"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derrek Lee, 5/29/08

by drewishdrewid on Jul 12, 2008 10:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

If nothing else, Ronny should be playing in late innings.

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

by Bump Bailey on Jul 12, 2008 10:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree that Theriot is a defensive liability

BUT the longer he maintains his lead on the team in OBP, I find it more difficult to make the argument to replace him.

I know he doesn’t hit anything other than singles, but IMO, Theriot’s job at the top of the order is to simply get on base, which he is doing at a very high rate right now. It would be nice if he didn’t get caught stealing so much, but by getting on base he puts pressure on the opposing pitchers, which only helps DLee and Rami.

So for me, as long as Theriot keeps making plays on the balls he can get to (omitting yesterday’s play b/c hopefully that was a brain fart) and continues to get on base at his current rate (.395), Theriot should remain our starting SS.

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

by gwood on Jul 13, 2008 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Piniella

Lou tried to defend Marmol staying in for all of the ninth by claiming that his plan was fine, it was just the execution that didn’t work out the way he planned. I don’t personally buy that, and I’m sure most would agree, because lefty vs. righty or what have you, Marshall would’ve been a better option with the way Marmol was pitching.

"You know, you should be a lot more careful crossing the street like that, otherwise you could die - if that bothers you."

by gauchodirk on Jul 12, 2008 5:35 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

As Marshall proved by throwing two perfect innings.

Again—if you’re going to have this large a pitching staff, USE IT!

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

by Al on Jul 12, 2008 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Further...

...there was no mention on the radio as to why Wood wasn’t warming up. Had to wait until Lou’s press conference to find out that Wood has a blister and won’t pitch either tomorrow or in the All-Star game.

"You know, you should be a lot more careful crossing the street like that, otherwise you could die - if that bothers you."

by gauchodirk on Jul 12, 2008 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe the radio guys didn't know why.

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

by Al on Jul 12, 2008 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's true

But this is one of my few gripes with Pat and Ron: Ron didn’t even question why Wood wasn’t warming up, which would have led to an explanation of his injury (or at least a somewhat informative answer of “we don’t know why he isn’t”), but Ron grew more and more silent as the inning progressed, and Pat didn’t inject any speculation into the conversation as he will sometimes do.

"You know, you should be a lot more careful crossing the street like that, otherwise you could die - if that bothers you."

by gauchodirk on Jul 12, 2008 5:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Point well taken.

Ron Santo isn’t really an analyst—I’d much prefer one. People who like Santo have to accept that he won’t do what you are suggesting above.

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

by Al on Jul 12, 2008 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Santo was completely quiet

Santo went completely quiet after the game was tied. Hughes did the pbp all by himself. My guess is he was either puking or just generally disgusted lol…Yes Santo is a cheerleader…nothing more..nothing less.

by jeff_pico on Jul 12, 2008 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I like Ron

But I think the Cubs should get a third regular in the booth to do the analysis when Ron has one of his “quiet times” and to get some of the stuff Ron misses.

by cocknfire on Jul 12, 2008 6:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I see this differently...

...Ron is a huge part of our history. And damnit, if he’s gonna be more of a cheerleader and less of a analyst, well damnit, I’ll take it. The guy has done too much for this organization, and poured his heart and soul into it more than just about any other person in this world. Sure, sometimes his analysis is something to be desired, but it’s sure as shit not for his lack of caring. I’ll take the good with the bad.

Dan

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

by dtpollitt on Jul 12, 2008 11:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

On TV they speculated

about the blister issue – but they had no concrete evidence.

Current temperature in hell: 45 degrees F - and falling!

by wnielsen on Jul 12, 2008 6:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Amen.

Lou’s use of the bullpen is absolutely mind boggling to me. I admit to not always understanding his lineups and moves and such, but those usually work, and I’ll default to him. I just feel like our pen management is ridiculous at the moment.

1) Harden out in the 6th…you have multiple long releivers (Marshall, Gaudin, Lieber). Use ONE of them, and if he’s working, use him for 2.whatever innings (in this case, I couldn’t figure out why Gaudin got pulled for Hart after 2 outs).

2) Why is Marmol, your set up dude, in to close? Why isn’t that Howry land when Kerry isn’t there?

3) Okay, maybe, MAYBE you really want your righty/lefty match up. But after 2, 3 runs when you’ve got a 5 run lead and the tying run coming up you should abandon that plan because it’s clear Marmol doesn’t have it. I don’t care how many righties are in the line up, or how good he’s done against them in the past, THEY ARE KNOCKING HIM ALL OVER THE PARK TODAY.

One silver lining:

4) The move to have Marshall bat for himself, knowing that Wood is unavailable and this could go really long was absolutely brilliant. It was also so incredibly contrary to what Lou usually does I almost thought I misheard it.

These are the saddest of possible words: "Tinker to Evers to Chance"

by slcathena on Jul 12, 2008 7:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's just it, Marmol was not in to close. Not a sv situation. That would be a spot for mop-up. Like, say ... Wuertz. Oh wait.

"It’s like they have 40,000 players on one team. Forty thousand people want to be in the dugout slapping fives. ‘Passionate’ is an understatement. Fans like that are special." -- Giants LHP Alex Hinshaw on Wrigley Field

by northsider on Jul 12, 2008 7:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, that's another good point.

5) WTF is Hart doing up instead of Wuertz?! Dude. The 9th was a disaster, so I think we’re allowing ourselves to forget that the 8th wasn’t exactly pretty.

These are the saddest of possible words: "Tinker to Evers to Chance"

by slcathena on Jul 12, 2008 7:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

By the time the score gets to 7-5

you’ve just created a save situation

Someone needed to be taken out and that person was the one who gave up the majority of the runs.

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jul 12, 2008 10:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The move to have Marshall bat was interesting

Yeah, he knew that it could go really long, but by having Marshall bat for himself he increased the likelihood it would go longer. The result of the first at-bat of an inning is very important to whether the team scores in the inning. Marshall’s at-bat was successful, which makes Lou look pretty smart I guess; still, it’s not something you count on.

You’d hope that with Lieber, Gaudin, and Marshall in the ‘pen no reliever would ever have to bat except in extreme circumstances. However, with a short remaining bench not exactly composed of on-base machines, and with Gaudin gone and Marshall already in, maybe he thought it worthwhile to hold the pinch-hitters for a potential higher-leverage situation later on. I’m not sure what the odds are that the next pitchers-spot appearance would come up in a higher-leverage situation. I sort of doubt they’re very high (there’s a fairly good chance of the game being over first, in addition to the chance that the spot would come up with nobody on and one or two outs). On the pitching side, there’s of course a risk that you’d have to run Jon Lieber out there for a really long stint. But it’s just not all that likely.

Well, at least he didn’t rest Soto earlier. That would have really cut down his options.

by aldimond on Jul 13, 2008 12:37 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Makes one long for the Dusty days...

doesn’t it?

The best defense is a good offense

by kcjones on Jul 12, 2008 10:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not a chance.

These are the saddest of possible words: "Tinker to Evers to Chance"

by slcathena on Jul 12, 2008 10:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

um. no.

not really.

i like my bases clogged w/ cubs.

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 10:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

twss?

"We have a pretty strong belief that we are going to win those types of games. It's our confidence. "--Cubs pitcher Ted Lilly

by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 12, 2008 10:38 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

eh.

not your best work, madison. ;)

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 10:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It would have gone off better with the "?"

;)

These are the saddest of possible words: "Tinker to Evers to Chance"

by slcathena on Jul 12, 2008 10:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's right.

Never question yourself. If you think t might have been wss, then by all means, tell us with confidence that twss.

Before each game, please remember to feed the bats.

by Cool Hand on Jul 13, 2008 1:56 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just a weird game overall.

One I’m unbelievably glad we pulled out, b/c it would’ve really hurt to lose.

I don’t understand the Marmol issue at all. He pitched a lot early, got several days off before the Tampa series and has been awful since. I just hope Lou & Larry figure it out. We need him.

As for the 9th today, from what Pat & Ron said by the time Marshall was really ready, Marmol had gotten 2 outs. With the bases loaded bringing in Marshall would’ve been dumb (IMHO) b/c the pitchers spot was due up in our inning. It would’ve been difficult for him to come into a situation (runners on) he’s not used to and then you’d either have to have him bat or lose him. Burning your long guy for 1/3 of an inning would’ve really irritated me.

I just don’t know. We won. The details will be shaken into place by someone above my pay grade.

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 5:36 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I don't agree with Pat & Ron's comment.

At that point, the Cubs are still ahead—bring Marshall in to get one out, because obviously the guy in there couldn’t get outs today.

“Burning” your long guy? When you have five days off? Doesn’t bother me. Lou mismanaged that inning, probably the worst he’s done since he’s been here. And I LIKE Lou, and the Cubs won.

Just don’t do it again, Lou. OK?

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

by Al on Jul 12, 2008 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed.

Just a weird game.

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wood's blister seemed to be a surprise to Lou in the 9th..

...at least that is how it came across via Len and Bob, as cameras caught Wood talking with Lou and then heading to the clubhouse. Len said he wasnt aware Wood wouldnt be availible.

So its possible, that Lou was a deer in headlights with that news as the 9th began to unravel. And lets not forget the two awful plays by Theriot.

Still he should have had Marshall in the game to face the lefty

by JB 23 on Jul 12, 2008 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I would argue he mismanaged the earlier innings more that kind of led to this.

But Al, I think your right and you know my thoughts on Lou, this was in my opinion his worse managed game since hes been here including game 1 in arizona. Managers are human too they make mistake like players.

by Mikey06 on Jul 12, 2008 5:53 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Marshall in earlier

Lou needed to get Marmol out of there way earlier than when there were 2 outs. If thats done the bottom of the 9th becomes moot. Lou was stubborn and kept Marmol in there for some reason that isn’t easily explainable. In his post game press conference he said it was a good ‘learning experience’. Its like he thinks Marmol is just going to ‘find it’ if he throws enough pitches. Its a very strange situation.

by jeff_pico on Jul 12, 2008 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Marmol is the one to figure things out

Lou & Larry cant throw the ball for him

by cubbierc on Jul 13, 2008 12:01 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I spiked my cellphone in the 9th

and busted it. God, I was mad Lou. Shoulda pulled him before the tying run came up. At least we won but I still feel deflated. Hopefully we’ll crush em tomorrow and all will be forgotten. Got a new cellphone for tomorrow, hopefully I won’t break it tomorrow.

by Itchy on Jul 12, 2008 5:37 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

chill dude...

man, whatever you do, don’t watch tomorrow’s game from the kitchen, ok? ;-)

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

by ballhawk on Jul 12, 2008 7:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, right?

stay away from sharp objects.

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

by Bump Bailey on Jul 12, 2008 8:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Throw down superballs

they’ll bounce back up and you’ll be able to use it again

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jul 12, 2008 11:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Will do

I need to get one of those stress balls or just chant “serenity now”!!!

by Itchy on Jul 13, 2008 3:24 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Loved Harden.

Hated the rest… until we won. Marmol is not the same. No one “figures out” how to hit the nasty that Carlos deals when he’s right. There is evidence that his stuff is not the same. I’m going to believe that until someone can show other reasonable explanation for his ineffectiveness.

"Baseball is like church- many attend, few understand." ~ Leo Durocher

by The Lip on Jul 12, 2008 5:37 PM CDT reply actions   1 recs

Seems very prescient, part of that article (emphasis mine):
So if you have a shaky reliever like Marmol, the time to use him is in high leverage situations when putting up a zero makes a huge difference but the difference between giving up one and say three runs is small. The worst time to use him would be a situation where you were up three in the bottom of the seventh. In situations like that he is more likely than a steady reliever like Bob Howry or say Neil Cotts, depending if you want a right- or left-handed pitcher. Those guys aren’t as likely to throw a perfect inning but they are also less likely to blow up and give up the entire lead.

As long as Marmol is used when the game is on the line, he still can be a very effective relieve [sic] for the Cubs. If they lose confidence in him and put him in more middle-leverage situations, when he does blow up it is only going to look worse. Fortunately for the Cubs, it appears that Piniella generally realizes this: He used Marmol in a one-run game in the eighth inning over the weekend.

"It’s like they have 40,000 players on one team. Forty thousand people want to be in the dugout slapping fives. ‘Passionate’ is an understatement. Fans like that are special." -- Giants LHP Alex Hinshaw on Wrigley Field

by northsider on Jul 12, 2008 6:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, I liked that part of the article too.

Sort of counterintuitive, but it makes sense.

These are the saddest of possible words: "Tinker to Evers to Chance"

by slcathena on Jul 12, 2008 7:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Very interesting article. Thanks for the link.

Hopefully we can get him back and peaking for the stretch run/playoffs.

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 10:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Marmol's Confidence

watching Marmol during the conference on the mound made me exquisitely uncomfortable because he was, to my mind, on the brink of tears. My heart went out to him at the same time I was angry at Lou, him, and the entire situation.

It may be mechanics, but he may be so competitive that a whiff of failure throws him completely akilter.

Seems like Lou is in the “throw them into the deep end, let them figure out how to swim” philosophical camp. That works for some but clearly not others. You need a new tactic, Lou.

Carlos, you need time to decompress. AAA sounds like the right prescription to me.

We never give up -- Aramis Ramirez

by Emelie on Jul 12, 2008 5:39 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Hate to be "that" guy, but

I told you so.

"I think Hendry still has a few years to serve on his 'grand larceny' sentence before he can shop in Pittsburgh again" - ballhawk

by NittanyCub on Jul 12, 2008 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

give me a break

Marmol has been off since June. You didn’t tell me anything I didn’t know.

We never give up -- Aramis Ramirez

by Emelie on Jul 12, 2008 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

and you were the only one?

And you were the only one worried that Marmol might run into problems after that ugly, ugly game in Tampa Bay?

by jeff_pico on Jul 12, 2008 5:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Where in m post did I say I was the only one with concerned observations of Marmol?

All I’m saying is that, now, his problems have been apparent for nearly a month now.

"I think Hendry still has a few years to serve on his 'grand larceny' sentence before he can shop in Pittsburgh again" - ballhawk

by NittanyCub on Jul 12, 2008 5:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You looked into the abyss and...

... jumped into thatguyness anyway!
I do that all the time!

"Baseball is like church- many attend, few understand." ~ Leo Durocher

by The Lip on Jul 12, 2008 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

So saying "Marmol was OFF last night", an observation of the past, now suddenly becomes a prediction for the future and we're all dumb for not making it?

Sorry Nittany, but I gotta call foul on this.

"It’s like they have 40,000 players on one team. Forty thousand people want to be in the dugout slapping fives. ‘Passionate’ is an understatement. Fans like that are special." -- Giants LHP Alex Hinshaw on Wrigley Field

by northsider on Jul 12, 2008 6:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I guess condescending, sarcastic humor

flies by your head as well.

"I think Hendry still has a few years to serve on his 'grand larceny' sentence before he can shop in Pittsburgh again" - ballhawk

by NittanyCub on Jul 12, 2008 7:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I always get stuck on the condescending part.

"It’s like they have 40,000 players on one team. Forty thousand people want to be in the dugout slapping fives. ‘Passionate’ is an understatement. Fans like that are special." -- Giants LHP Alex Hinshaw on Wrigley Field

by northsider on Jul 12, 2008 7:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I guess you and condescending go hand-in-hand

"I think Hendry still has a few years to serve on his 'grand larceny' sentence before he can shop in Pittsburgh again" - ballhawk

by NittanyCub on Jul 12, 2008 7:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Is this more of your humor? I'm not laughing.

"It’s like they have 40,000 players on one team. Forty thousand people want to be in the dugout slapping fives. ‘Passionate’ is an understatement. Fans like that are special." -- Giants LHP Alex Hinshaw on Wrigley Field

by northsider on Jul 12, 2008 7:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I wasn't joking.

"I think Hendry still has a few years to serve on his 'grand larceny' sentence before he can shop in Pittsburgh again" - ballhawk

by NittanyCub on Jul 12, 2008 7:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just so I have this straight, if I get offended by condescending comments to others, causing me to "miss the joke", I am therefore condescending.

Got it, thanks so much.

"It’s like they have 40,000 players on one team. Forty thousand people want to be in the dugout slapping fives. ‘Passionate’ is an understatement. Fans like that are special." -- Giants LHP Alex Hinshaw on Wrigley Field

by northsider on Jul 12, 2008 7:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Great interpretation

Always able to understand what’s written, you are.

"I think Hendry still has a few years to serve on his 'grand larceny' sentence before he can shop in Pittsburgh again" - ballhawk

by NittanyCub on Jul 12, 2008 7:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Who's the condescending one again? Me? Oh, right. Of course. Well, thanks again.

"It’s like they have 40,000 players on one team. Forty thousand people want to be in the dugout slapping fives. ‘Passionate’ is an understatement. Fans like that are special." -- Giants LHP Alex Hinshaw on Wrigley Field

by northsider on Jul 12, 2008 7:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Always here to help you out.

Muuaah!

"I think Hendry still has a few years to serve on his 'grand larceny' sentence before he can shop in Pittsburgh again" - ballhawk

by NittanyCub on Jul 12, 2008 7:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If you're to be "that guy"

be prepared to be treated like “that guy”.

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 9:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Marmol

Just an observation. But after seeing the 9th inning lowlights on Gameday, it wasn’t exactly a case of the Giants creaming Marmol all over the place. I saw mostly bloopers and seeing eye groundballs made worse by some poor fielding decisions, including of course by Marmol himself.

"Earthly fame is naught but a breath of wind, which now comes hence and now comes thence, changing its name because it changes quarter." -- Dante, Purgatorio, Canto XI

by sweetswinger on Jul 12, 2008 5:52 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Bingo

It’s not as if the ball was getting bashed all over the park.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 12, 2008 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Booing

Al, I wasn’t at the game so I appreciate your take on it. I was going off of the game thread comments.

by DGU on Jul 12, 2008 6:11 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

why should fans be cheering after that sort of play? These guys are grown ups, I think they can handle it.

Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living."

by DC Cubbie on Jul 12, 2008 6:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Exactly.

These guys accept the adulation when we cheer good play. I don’t see why we should sit on our hands when they DON’T play well.

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

by Al on Jul 12, 2008 6:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I escaped before the fireworks...

my kid’s 14th birthday – she and her friends had my seats in the upper deck. I was sitting in my buddy’s seats, and I got a text they all wanted to leave in the bottom of the 8th (it was her birthday, so her choice here).

So we leave and walk up to Belmont and Sheffield. Its 7 to 2!!

When we get to the corner, a passerby says, “The Giants tied it!” I was floored.

Kevin Hart still does not belong in the majors yet. He is having some confidence issue the entire year, Another head case, imo.

What I was thinking is WHY, with a break coming, did Lou not let Gaudin pitch more than one inning?!!! Also, I’m sorry, but a couple weeks in AAA to let Marmol relax and re-group would be a good thing. He is truly special, but needs a readjustment away from Wrigley and the big league club.

BTW, I am sure that Hart will be one of the guys cut when Lou trims the staff…

by The E-Man on Jul 12, 2008 6:14 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I don't like Kevin Hart.

There, I said it. Send him down to AAA. Trade him. Whatever! Kevin Hart, to me, is to the 2008 Cubs as Will Ohman was to the 2007 Cubs. I get nervous every time he’s put in.

CUBS WIN! CUE THE ORCHESTRA!

by Keith on Jul 12, 2008 6:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Anyone of the school of though...

that demoting Marmol might hurt his confidence more tha 2days performance?

The best defense is a good offense

by kcjones on Jul 12, 2008 10:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think he needs to get some lower stress innings in

with a steadier work load (up here he’s gone from being used all the time to sporatically) and work through his stuff than he can come back up.

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 10:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

"Lou had no trust in Jon Lieber today"

Today? Lou has had no trust in Jon Lieber for about two months now.

Marmol, however, can apparently do no wrong.

by cocknfire on Jul 12, 2008 6:14 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Right.

If he’s not going to use Lieber properly, why is he even on the team?

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

by Al on Jul 12, 2008 6:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I believe Lou thinks(as I do) that Lieber is too suceptible to giving up the long ball to use him late.

But that’s no reason not to use him with a 7 run lead. Put Lieber or Marshall in the 8th and odds are they’ll get you home safely with a victory. Bad management by trying to let Marmol work out of his own jam with a 5 run lead.

by Itchy on Jul 13, 2008 3:32 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Exactly.

Or use him in the third inning as a long reliever (the game on Thursday). EVERYONE gave up HR that day.

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

by Al on Jul 13, 2008 4:40 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

HR DUNN

3-0 reds top of the 1st

by cubsonWGN4ever on Jul 12, 2008 6:16 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

That's the sexiest

thing I’ve ever heard you say.

"I think Hendry still has a few years to serve on his 'grand larceny' sentence before he can shop in Pittsburgh again" - ballhawk

by NittanyCub on Jul 12, 2008 6:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

interesting interpretation

and plausible too. I like your analysis.

We never give up -- Aramis Ramirez

by Emelie on Jul 12, 2008 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I recommended LAcarl's comment...

... and so should you if you agree. Excellent analysis.

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

by Al on Jul 12, 2008 6:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

done

We never give up -- Aramis Ramirez

by Emelie on Jul 12, 2008 6:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Second that

Losing a battle, but winning a war.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 12, 2008 6:55 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Fourth!

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

by ballhawk on Jul 12, 2008 7:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Fifth!

And an interesting perspective…that’s cool, particularly when we win, provided it happens like…once a year.

These are the saddest of possible words: "Tinker to Evers to Chance"

by slcathena on Jul 12, 2008 7:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sixth (I guess?)

I did not think that Marmol should have been used at all, but once he starting having troubles I got the impression that Lou was thinking, “I can’t bail him out every time he’s in trouble; pull it together and get out of this yourself. He’s either gonna come out of it much more confident or in a complete collapse – but I don’t want him looking over his shoulder for his big brother Woodie to save the day.”

The good news is that we won the game. Tha bad news is that Marmol did not get out of it and his confidence may be at a new low.

a win is a win.

by JoToPo on Jul 12, 2008 8:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

but if his confidence did hit a low

(and it very well might’ve) we can rebuild that. he can go to Iowa and get some lower stress innings in, succeed and dominate again up here.

Sometimes you need to tear stuff down to build it higher.

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 10:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm not so sure ...

The deomtion might hurt his confidence even more…if that is even an issue...Anyone think Marmol might be hurt?

I think and hope he’s “just going thru a slump”....

The best defense is a good offense

by kcjones on Jul 12, 2008 10:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Soto said in an article

(I think the recap on the cubs site) that Marmol’s bad was stiff.

So we’ll have to just see.

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 10:26 PM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

Here we go:
“One thing led to another and, all of a sudden, we had three men on,” Cubs catcher Geovany Soto said. “Everything got away from us. It was a bad day. [Marmol’s] back was a little stiff out there. Everybody goes out there trying to do well, and unfortunately, it wasn’t his day.”

from here.

Don’t quite know what to make of it.

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 10:28 PM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

Here's my take

Soto is the de facto team leader and decides to respond diplomatically. As we all know, it “hasn’t been Marmol’s day” for some time now.

It’s like when someone outside the organization asks you about a poor performing colleague. You’re not going to discuss it outside the family so you say something benign. Inside, however…

All conjecture. Ultimately, who knows?

We never give up -- Aramis Ramirez

by Emelie on Jul 13, 2008 4:34 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

i'm hoping that all he needs...

is a good week’s rest with the all-star break.

by nathew on Jul 12, 2008 11:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm touched by the greenie

but I also agree with you Al that we can’t keep going to our studs in these 5 run leads. I like you, worry that these guys will have no gas left in the tank come September. I particularly worry about a guy like Marmol who has never thrown more than 62-63 games in a season.

My only point was, once Lou handed him the ball today (whether we agreed with that decision or not), Marmol had to get the outs that were handed to him.

THIS IS OUR CENTURY!!

by LAcarl519 on Jul 12, 2008 9:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I guess greenies ARE legal in baseball.

"It’s like they have 40,000 players on one team. Forty thousand people want to be in the dugout slapping fives. ‘Passionate’ is an understatement. Fans like that are special." -- Giants LHP Alex Hinshaw on Wrigley Field

by northsider on Jul 12, 2008 7:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

They've been green lit

"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Jul 12, 2008 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Like in The Shield?

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

by dtpollitt on Jul 12, 2008 11:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't necessarily agree...

but I like the green comments..:)

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

by Bump Bailey on Jul 12, 2008 9:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agree 100% on the criticism of Lou's use of the pen...

...you don’t bring in your top guys with 5 run leads, but Lou seems to take this opportunity to wear them out more…If Weurtz gets sent down is Lou going to give Marmol his outright release after today? I say that part in humor and part directly towards Lou’s poor use of his Staff and Pen.

I like both Weurtz and Marmol and think they both belong in that pen in general. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if Marmol has an injury. In terms of probability, it’s much more likely that he is injured then he suddenly went loco. It won’t surprise me at all if they announce an MRI for Marmol early next week.

In any event, at least we won against a total horsecrap team, but the cracks are showing and widening in some areas. Kudos to harden, he didn’t go deep and he walked some guys but the guy is capable of dominating.

This is going to be a very gut wrenching 2nd half. Let’s hope Marmol can get it together ASAP and that Lou will send at least one more pitcher down. I’d rather he send 2 down and recall Weurtz.

by DudeVf11 on Jul 12, 2008 6:27 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

'A very gut-wrenching second half'

I think we can tone down the hyperbole a little, no?

by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 12, 2008 6:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hr Bay!

2-0 Pirates end of one. Not quite as sexy, but pretty good- right?

"Baseball is like church- many attend, few understand." ~ Leo Durocher

by The Lip on Jul 12, 2008 6:27 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Yay Sean Marshall!

Trade Marquis so Sean can go back to the rotation! Way to be, #45.

"It’s like they have 40,000 players on one team. Forty thousand people want to be in the dugout slapping fives. ‘Passionate’ is an understatement. Fans like that are special." -- Giants LHP Alex Hinshaw on Wrigley Field

by northsider on Jul 12, 2008 6:43 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

You can never have 2 much pitching...

How’s bout a 6 man rotation…he… heck w/ 13 pitchers you might as well try something….

Z
Lily
Demp
Marsh
Marquis
Harden

The best defense is a good offense

by kcjones on Jul 12, 2008 10:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Lost amongst the ridiculous critique of Lou is RICH HARDEN

Rich Harden flashed today why I was screaming for his addition for so long. He is a game altering force on the mound. A legitimate ace quality pitcher. A pitcher that NOBODY will want to face in the post season.

Rich Harden Fever, Catch It !!!!!!!!!!

by MDBNIU on Jul 12, 2008 6:45 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

True, but...

... as I said, if he’s not going to get out of the sixth inning, you are risking exactly the sort of bullpen meltdown that the Cubs had today. Harden’s going to have to go deeper into games.

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

by Al on Jul 12, 2008 6:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agree, but it is nice it is nice to hear he was hitting 98 on the gun, that "dead arm" talk can quite down

Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living."

by DC Cubbie on Jul 12, 2008 6:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Harden’s going to have to go deeper into games.

It is not going to happen. Not in July, not in August, not in Sept. We are going to rely on the bullpen after he gets in the mid-90’s in terms of pitch count..

He is here for October, that is it. He is part of the World Series plans. It is the bullpens job in the 7th, 8th, and 9th.

Favorite Game - 'The Sandberg game" June 23, 1984

by Cub Fan Mike on Jul 12, 2008 7:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Got to get there...

1st….You don’t sit on your hands planning something that might never be….

The best defense is a good offense

by kcjones on Jul 12, 2008 10:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Disagree

We were up 7-0. It was the guy’s first start for us, and we all know his injury history. And he had already threw nearly 100 pitches after five innings. We did NOT need him to go deeper in today’s games. In others? Sure. Not today.

Dan

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

by dtpollitt on Jul 12, 2008 11:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's true.

Harden turned me into a true believer. His 10 Ks were a thing of beauty. I love that dude.

prays for his arm/health

These are the saddest of possible words: "Tinker to Evers to Chance"

by slcathena on Jul 12, 2008 7:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

:joins prayer for health:

he’s got good stuff. Just hope O’Neil can keep him on the field

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 9:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

game altering?

Rich Harden is a good pitcher, when he’s healthy.

But he didn’t last as long as Marquis did yesterday. An ace stays in the game. Harden’s got a glass shoulder, so he’s on a pitch-count.

He pitched very well today, but the game altering pitcher was (unfortunately) Marmol, and then (fortunately) Marshall.

"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derrek Lee, 5/29/08

by drewishdrewid on Jul 12, 2008 10:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think they just want to keep an eye on him for a bit.

I agree, if he’s consistently out before the 6th is over that’s a problem. But, we’ve got a pretty small sample size to say that’s the case now.

These are the saddest of possible words: "Tinker to Evers to Chance"

by slcathena on Jul 12, 2008 10:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

oh

I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. But I’m also willing to hold off calling him a “game-chancing ace”.

"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derrek Lee, 5/29/08

by drewishdrewid on Jul 13, 2008 7:26 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The chop job being conducted by the BCBers on Sweet Lou is ridiculous

So ridiculous in fact that I am signing off for the night. This board has become sickeningly overrun with attack of Lou Piniella and Larry Rothschild that I can’t take it. Frankly, I am dumbfounded by Al’s take on the situation today too. All of which is to say that I am in the significant majority on this topic. If this board is going to deteroriate into another iteration of a Cub manager is ruining pitcher X, then count me out permanently.

Rich Harden Fever, Catch It !!!!!!!!!!

by MDBNIU on Jul 12, 2008 6:48 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

meant to say "significant minority"

Rich Harden Fever, Catch It !!!!!!!!!!

by MDBNIU on Jul 12, 2008 6:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Don't know what a "significant minority" is, but take note, everyone:

The magic Ignore button = CHOP JOB ON LOU!

"It’s like they have 40,000 players on one team. Forty thousand people want to be in the dugout slapping fives. ‘Passionate’ is an understatement. Fans like that are special." -- Giants LHP Alex Hinshaw on Wrigley Field

by northsider on Jul 12, 2008 6:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I yearn for an ignore function

We never give up -- Aramis Ramirez

by Emelie on Jul 12, 2008 6:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

We have one. BASH LOU. "Ridiculously" ....
So ridiculous in fact that I am signing off for the night.

"It’s like they have 40,000 players on one team. Forty thousand people want to be in the dugout slapping fives. ‘Passionate’ is an understatement. Fans like that are special." -- Giants LHP Alex Hinshaw on Wrigley Field

by northsider on Jul 12, 2008 7:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I crave one...

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

by Bump Bailey on Jul 12, 2008 9:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

oh who are you kidding - you're not going anywhere ... you know you love us... and we love you...

it’s a symbiotic relationship – you know, kinda like that shark & remora thing… ;-)

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

by ballhawk on Jul 12, 2008 7:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

so which ones the Shark and which one is the Remora?

I would say say we are the remoras, just because we gobble up the crap that comes out of BlueMike’s mouth.

"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Jul 12, 2008 8:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

oh man, now you got me thinking about the rhinoceros...

...and that little bird that flies in and around the rhino’s mouth, cleaning its teeth…

Yes, I watched a lot of National Geographic specials as a kid.

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

by ballhawk on Jul 12, 2008 9:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I thought those things next to sharks

feed off of pieces of food that go flying when the sharks eat? I may be wrong though

"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Jul 12, 2008 9:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

no, you're right

I believe remoras tend to attach themselves to the shark just behind the gills. As the shark feeds, some of the stuff that the shark doesn’t ingest flows through and comes out the gills, where Mr. Remora is waiting.

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

by ballhawk on Jul 12, 2008 11:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You can't go anywhere...

As you’ve told us many times, you’re “the straw that stirs the drink.”

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

by Bump Bailey on Jul 12, 2008 9:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

YES so you will

STFU

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

by Hammer on Jul 12, 2008 10:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

buh-bye...

"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derrek Lee, 5/29/08

by drewishdrewid on Jul 12, 2008 10:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Don't let the door

hit ya where the good Lord split ya.

by sue369 on Jul 12, 2008 11:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Chill

We won. We’ve got the best record in baseball. We just picked up a great starting pitcher. We’ve overcome Soriano’s injury and various cold streaks by almost everyone at some time during the first half of the season.

The problem seems as if our expectations are so high for this team that we seem to forget that players and even the team are going to have bad streaks. But this team is so remarkably improved over the past two years that we should all be celebrating.

The glass isn’t half empty. It’s 90% full. Enjoy the ride and compare the speedbumps to past years. Marmol needs the time off with the break. If he continues to struggle, then it’ll be soon enough to be concerned. He certainly doesn’t need to go to AAA any more than ARam did when he was 0-28.

If you like Selig's handling of the steroid issue, you'll love his choice for next Cub owner.

by tharr on Jul 12, 2008 6:57 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

True enough.

Thanks for providing some perspective. You’re right, expectations ARE that high, and isn’t that the way it should be after all these years?

We won. That’s good. It was the journey that was no fun today.

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

by Al on Jul 12, 2008 7:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

very good point

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Jul 12, 2008 9:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

love this perspective, tharr.

thank you. lou is definitely learning about this team and he’s teaching them while we’re winning. :-)

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 10:37 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well, I dunno.

Are you saying it was worth (possibly) losing a game to teach a few lessons? I don’t buy this, especially since I know that Lou absolutely hates losing. You could tell how pissed he was listening to the postgame news conference—he could barely put two sentences together.

Was he pissed at the players, or at himself for creating the situation?

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

by Al on Jul 13, 2008 4:42 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

probably

both

"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derrek Lee, 5/29/08

by drewishdrewid on Jul 13, 2008 7:27 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Risk/Reward

Nobody hates losing as much as I do. But, as we both have said on numerous occasions, this is a marathon, not a sprint. And decisions have to be made that effect the ultimate winner. Lou made a decision pulling Harden after 96 pitches. Why not pull him at the start of the inning? Why not allow him to finish the game? Each decision carries a risk/reward ratio. And there is honest disagreement as to the ratios involved.

My point is that we can all have opinions as to what should be done every game beginning with the starting lineup. Hell, that’s one of the best parts of watching a game. But ultimately we should look at the collective decisions of the manager. And based upon the current record of the team it seems obvious to me that Lou is doing a great job so far. Not perfect. But much better than I expected. And his process of teaching includes risks of losing a game most every day.

If you like Selig's handling of the steroid issue, you'll love his choice for next Cub owner.

by tharr on Jul 13, 2008 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Al I agree

most of your analysis. By far Lou’s worst inning. He should have pulled him at 7-5, at the very latest. Theriot with a bonehead play. We would have won 7-6 without that play. And I beleive Marmol has lost faith in himself. I don’t think it’s his stuff. He was “OK” until he booted the grounder. Then he seemed to lose it mentally. It’s not like people are hitting him hard. Walks, bloops hits and infield hits hurt him. He’s not able to close them out. He neeeds to start the second half in AAA and work it out. It’s time for Howry and Eyre to earn their money.

by Rick B on Jul 12, 2008 6:58 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Correct me if Im wrong

but I feel that Harden was taken out early not only based off a strict pitch count but Lou wants to get his relievers working before the all-star break. You need to give them work. Also, being Hardens first game and winning 7-0 it would be nice to save his arm and his confidence in his first game and pull him, it is unpredictable that the Marmol we knew before would do this. AND Gaudin should NOT have been pulled when he was, he should have stayed in. Also, after all of my Theriot support, I almost broke my hand when he made that throw. Theriot, my man, COME ON, you made a nice play, farking make a wise decision or no decision at all, it could have changed the game. But, CUBS WIN CUBS WIN, thank you Marshall and Harden for the well pitched games.

"God will squeeze really hard, but he will never choke you" - Carlos Zambrano

by SouthsideCUBSfan on Jul 12, 2008 7:11 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I think BCB needs an all-star break

"God will squeeze really hard, but he will never choke you" - Carlos Zambrano

by SouthsideCUBSfan on Jul 12, 2008 7:13 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Pretty cool quote from Rich Harden

from ESPN:

Harden left with two on in the sixth to a rousing standing ovation from the crowd of 41,555.

“It’s a pretty cool feeling,” he said. “I’ve never had anything like that before, pitching in Oakland.”

"I think Hendry still has a few years to serve on his 'grand larceny' sentence before he can shop in Pittsburgh again" - ballhawk

by NittanyCub on Jul 12, 2008 7:18 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Awww.

Sweet!

Here’s to a lot more of those!!!! He deserves them, the kid is legit.

These are the saddest of possible words: "Tinker to Evers to Chance"

by slcathena on Jul 12, 2008 7:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

This quote now resides in the "Quotable" box on the right sidebar.

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

by Al on Jul 12, 2008 7:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

i was there

and I agree…..that was the greastest reception for a pitcher coming out in the 6th ive seen

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

by Hammer on Jul 12, 2008 10:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

pat & ron said they got goosebumps for it

which lead to a very fun disussion on where the phrase “goosebumps” came from. :-)

it was a very cool moment.

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 10:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

His face

It was great the look on his face as he walked off the field.

Go Cubs

by cubstoseriesby100 on Jul 12, 2008 10:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I was so disgusted in the 9th

I actually left and went to the Folk & Roots Festival here in Lincoln Square. It took some of the stress away. Glad the Cubs won, though.

by daeviant on Jul 12, 2008 7:21 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Nice first start for Rich. Let's hope it's the first of many, and all on a regular schedule.

"It’s like they have 40,000 players on one team. Forty thousand people want to be in the dugout slapping fives. ‘Passionate’ is an understatement. Fans like that are special." -- Giants LHP Alex Hinshaw on Wrigley Field

by northsider on Jul 12, 2008 7:48 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

For folks who couldn't watch Harden's debut on video,

this is for you.

"It’s like they have 40,000 players on one team. Forty thousand people want to be in the dugout slapping fives. ‘Passionate’ is an understatement. Fans like that are special." -- Giants LHP Alex Hinshaw on Wrigley Field

by northsider on Jul 12, 2008 7:57 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

CSN is showing an encore right now

I keep hoping that Lou will just put in Marshall to start the 9th.

Current temperature in hell: 45 degrees F - and falling!

by wnielsen on Jul 12, 2008 8:21 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

NL Central Competition Update

Reds 3, Suds 2 – Top 8th
Redbirds 9, Pirates 4 – Bot 7th

Current temperature in hell: 45 degrees F - and falling!

by wnielsen on Jul 12, 2008 8:28 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

4-2 Reds

2 out RBI single by Griffey

Current temperature in hell: 45 degrees F - and falling!

by wnielsen on Jul 12, 2008 8:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Vibe around here

Boy the vibe around here is extremely negative. Starting with Al’s comments to all the other members of BCB. Guy s we won the game. Did it go according to plan? NO. Do we have bullpen issues? Yes. Is there time to solve these issues? Yes.

Be happy that were back to 20 games over 500. I can’t think of any other Cubs team than this one that would have won this game after blowing a 7 run lead. This team always believes. Say what you will about Lou or anyone. The chemistry on this team is fantastic.

by Les Lancaster's Mullet on Jul 12, 2008 8:30 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Lou

I love Lou but his use of the bullpen has confused me over and over this year. I hear how Coudin (sp?) can potentially start for the Cubs, let him pitch 2 or 3 innings, or Lieber, or Marshall. Why do we have long men if they are never used?

I wouldn’t have mind if Lou gave Marmol this series off and let him rest mentally more than anything and start with a clean slate going into the 2nd half, now he has this outing to think about till the 2nd half starts.

I was on the golf course with the radio/cooler (best invention ever) and I wanted to break some clubs listening to the ninth.

Lets do it Cubbies

by slocs55 on Jul 12, 2008 8:33 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

King Kong Dunn hits his 2nd homer in the 9th off Gagne

Reds up 5-2

Nobody cares about your fantasy league team

by carmen_fanzone on Jul 12, 2008 8:53 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Encarcion follows with another!

6-2.

Nobody cares about your fantasy league team

by carmen_fanzone on Jul 12, 2008 8:55 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

the brewers have imploded...

8-2 Reds

Nobody cares about your fantasy league team

by carmen_fanzone on Jul 12, 2008 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Now 8-2!

Current temperature in hell: 45 degrees F - and falling!

by wnielsen on Jul 12, 2008 9:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

i still can't believe they paid gagne

$10 MILLION after last yr w/ the BoSox. I’m legally blind and I could see how much he sucked!

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 9:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

to be honest, I thought Marmol would be like this

This being his first full season and teams being able to finally get good reports on him. He’s in a slump, but he will get better

2008 Cubs: Who needs nine innings, when you only need a 7th?

by Chanman25 on Jul 12, 2008 8:58 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I was at the game today

and have to say my thoughts almost completely match Al’s feelings on the matter. What was a relaxing and exciting business-as-usual offensive onslaught through the first few innings nearly unraveled because of a few bad decisions and a currently unremarkable reliever. I don’t mean this is a nasty way, but right now Marmol appears to be the bullpen version of Rich Hill (a man with a devastating weapon, but a lock on the firing pin). He needs a little vacation in Des Moines to get his ship righted.

What I took away from this game (aside from being totally impressed by Rich Harden and relieved in the win) is that Sean Marshall is the sleeper MVP of the pitching staff. I cannot say enough good things about what I’ve seen from this young man in the first half. He has been asked to fill many roles, and has responded with level-headed unselfishness and poise more often than not, and rightly deserved the win today (his base hit in the 11th ignited the victory). Way to man up and show Lou why you are still up here with the big boys, Sean!

What a roller coaster ride today! Hope tomorrow’s a laugher. Go get ‘em Demp!

"Whoo, boy! Next time around, bring me back my stomach!" -Jack Brickhouse

by Goodie1969 on Jul 12, 2008 9:00 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

He stepped up w/ some key starts last year

n/t

The best defense is a good offense

by kcjones on Jul 12, 2008 10:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Marshall

Right now we need Marshall in the pen so Marquis pitching well is really important.

Go Cubs

by cubstoseriesby100 on Jul 12, 2008 10:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh well, Lou had a bad day

At least we won. I just don’t get those Cubs fans who are still pissed even after the Cubs win.

Ok, Marmol struggled…that’s baseball, and I am sure Marmol will work things out. He’s too good of a pitcher to be this bad. However, the move I disliked was taking out Gaudin. I was hoping to see him for two more innings and I was kinda pissed Hart got sent up instead of Ascaino.

by Geo4MVP on Jul 12, 2008 9:07 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

If we're pissed...

.... we’re pissed at what happened in the 9th inning, not with the win.

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

by Al on Jul 13, 2008 4:43 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ned Yost to leave Brewers

...and chase his dreams to patent mouse flavored kitty food.

by Employee22 on Jul 12, 2008 9:12 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

LOL

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

by Bump Bailey on Jul 12, 2008 9:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

10-9 now in Pittsburgh!

2008 Cubs: Who needs nine innings, when you only need a 7th?

by Chanman25 on Jul 12, 2008 9:12 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Go Pirates!!!!

These are the saddest of possible words: "Tinker to Evers to Chance"

by slcathena on Jul 12, 2008 9:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Still need to get at least 1 more run

Bottom of 9th

Current temperature in hell: 45 degrees F - and falling!

by wnielsen on Jul 12, 2008 9:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

choke job!

10-10! See, every good team struggles here and there.

by Geo4MVP on Jul 12, 2008 9:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Tying run on first

with 1 out.

Current temperature in hell: 45 degrees F - and falling!

by wnielsen on Jul 12, 2008 9:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Who's up

Who’s on?

These are the saddest of possible words: "Tinker to Evers to Chance"

by slcathena on Jul 12, 2008 9:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Jason Bay is up..

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

by Bump Bailey on Jul 12, 2008 9:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh.

Dude.

Please!

These are the saddest of possible words: "Tinker to Evers to Chance"

by slcathena on Jul 12, 2008 9:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

These are the saddest of possible words: "Tinker to Evers to Chance"

by slcathena on Jul 12, 2008 9:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Base hit!!!!!

1st and 3rd with 1 out – Bot 9th
Cards 10, Pit 9

Current temperature in hell: 45 degrees F - and falling!

by wnielsen on Jul 12, 2008 9:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

BREWERS LOSE!

"That’s what I love about my skip, man. He’ll tell you that you suck...I know I suck. We know we suck...Yeah, we suck. But we’ll see who sucks at the end."
- Gary Sheffield

by DrGalazkiewicz on Jul 12, 2008 9:13 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Haha..

love that pic!

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

by Bump Bailey on Jul 12, 2008 9:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I told all our Dodger fans in my office that Gag-me would be off the Suds roster

by the All-Star break (back when they signed him). It may take a few more weeks, but I can’t see how they keep him much longer. It is good for us the longer he stays on the Suds roster.

THIS IS OUR CENTURY!!

by LAcarl519 on Jul 12, 2008 9:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

This is fabulous

hope to see it much more often!

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 9:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

YES. That picture is made of awesome.

And best of all, no good beer was harmed during the making of the picture.

Before each game, please remember to feed the bats.

by Cool Hand on Jul 13, 2008 2:04 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Next to our Cubs Win Guy

this is my fave pic

We never give up -- Aramis Ramirez

by Emelie on Jul 13, 2008 4:51 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

two on, one on third, for the pirates with Bay up!

sweetness!

2008 Cubs: Who needs nine innings, when you only need a 7th?

by Chanman25 on Jul 12, 2008 9:18 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

in play, run(s)!!!!

Current temperature in hell: 45 degrees F - and falling!

by wnielsen on Jul 12, 2008 9:20 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

we are tied!

2008 Cubs: Who needs nine innings, when you only need a 7th?

by Chanman25 on Jul 12, 2008 9:20 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Winning run on first

2 outs

Current temperature in hell: 45 degrees F - and falling!

by wnielsen on Jul 12, 2008 9:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Go Pirates.

Come on!

These are the saddest of possible words: "Tinker to Evers to Chance"

by slcathena on Jul 12, 2008 9:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

amazing.

TLR needs a drink.

THIS IS OUR CENTURY!!

by LAcarl519 on Jul 12, 2008 9:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

damn!

HR for the Cards!

by Geo4MVP on Jul 12, 2008 9:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He always does..

Photobucket

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

by Bump Bailey on Jul 12, 2008 9:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Is that from the Jupiter PD?

The best defense is a good offense

by kcjones on Jul 12, 2008 10:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I believe so..

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

by Bump Bailey on Jul 12, 2008 10:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Asleep at the wheel.......

The best defense is a good offense

by kcjones on Jul 12, 2008 10:53 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He was that..

Also a great band!

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

by Bump Bailey on Jul 12, 2008 10:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ch'Choo Cha Boogie!

Along with Dan Hicks and his Hot Licks, a flashback to college years…Great group for sure.

We never give up -- Aramis Ramirez

by Emelie on Jul 13, 2008 4:57 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Which means the Pirates better sew this up

because if they don’t a war of attrition doesn’t bode well.

These are the saddest of possible words: "Tinker to Evers to Chance"

by slcathena on Jul 12, 2008 9:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

so true

and yet, it pisses me off why the Cards won’t just go away!

by Geo4MVP on Jul 12, 2008 9:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Troids Glaus getrs a HR

2008 Cubs: Who needs nine innings, when you only need a 7th?

by Chanman25 on Jul 12, 2008 9:26 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Today is a day

that Isringhausen, Marmol, and Gagne would just as soon forget.

And Ozzie just had to pull Boone Logan – the Rangers are making some noise in the 9th.

by ChipSet on Jul 12, 2008 9:27 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

wow, is today choke job day?

I wonder who is sponsoring it?

by Geo4MVP on Jul 12, 2008 9:28 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

enron I believe

2008 Cubs: Who needs nine innings, when you only need a 7th?

by Chanman25 on Jul 12, 2008 9:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Choke Job Saturday's Official Parade Marshals:

Latrell Sprewell and Shawn Chacon!

"Whoo, boy! Next time around, bring me back my stomach!" -Jack Brickhouse

by Goodie1969 on Jul 12, 2008 9:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Pirates coming up

11 – 10 Cards

Current temperature in hell: 45 degrees F - and falling!

by wnielsen on Jul 12, 2008 9:35 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Leadoff single!

Current temperature in hell: 45 degrees F - and falling!

by wnielsen on Jul 12, 2008 9:38 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

single to start it!

2008 Cubs: Who needs nine innings, when you only need a 7th?

by Chanman25 on Jul 12, 2008 9:38 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Sox bullpen tried to play along with the theme du jour

but managed to get the win. They had an 8-2 lead in the 8th; final score 9-7, Rangers had the tying run at the plate.

by ChipSet on Jul 12, 2008 9:40 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I was just thinking that

watching baseball tonight

by daeviant on Jul 12, 2008 9:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I guess that is why the Sux

have the “very very best bullpen of all time” (Joe Moron).

THIS IS OUR CENTURY!!

by LAcarl519 on Jul 12, 2008 9:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Gameday hosing up

Says 1 out, but not how

Current temperature in hell: 45 degrees F - and falling!

by wnielsen on Jul 12, 2008 9:43 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Pirates win

THIS IS OUR CENTURY!!

by LAcarl519 on Jul 12, 2008 9:43 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

HOW?!

These are the saddest of possible words: "Tinker to Evers to Chance"

by slcathena on Jul 12, 2008 9:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

walk off 2R HR

:-)

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 9:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

YES!!!

CARDINALS LOSE!

2008 Cubs: Who needs nine innings, when you only need a 7th?

by Chanman25 on Jul 12, 2008 9:43 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

PIT WINS

2 RUN JACK!

Current temperature in hell: 45 degrees F - and falling!

by wnielsen on Jul 12, 2008 9:43 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

WALK OFF BABY!!!!!

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." --Alvin Dark

by preachermancubsfan on Jul 12, 2008 9:43 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

walk off

variety go piratesssssss

Dear SBnation, We need our own server here at BCB seeing how its became very slow due to enormous amounts of traffic. P.S. Impeach Bud Selig!!!

by cubsluver22 on Jul 12, 2008 9:43 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

WALKOFF HR! CARDS LOSE!

"That’s what I love about my skip, man. He’ll tell you that you suck...I know I suck. We know we suck...Yeah, we suck. But we’ll see who sucks at the end."
- Gary Sheffield

by DrGalazkiewicz on Jul 12, 2008 9:44 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

No way...

Haha..I f’ng love it!!

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

by Bump Bailey on Jul 12, 2008 9:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

choke TWICE!

2008 Cubs: Who needs nine innings, when you only need a 7th?

by Chanman25 on Jul 12, 2008 9:44 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

methinnks they call that

the DOUBLE CHOKE!

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." --Alvin Dark

by preachermancubsfan on Jul 12, 2008 9:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Now TLR can have a highball

and call it a night.

THIS IS OUR CENTURY!!

by LAcarl519 on Jul 12, 2008 9:44 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

omg

and people were complaining about the Cubs almost choking today? This should make the forget the cubs 9th inning nightmare.

by Geo4MVP on Jul 12, 2008 9:45 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Not forget

But it definitely eases the anxiety. I’m not kidding, I thought I was going to have a heart attack!

These are the saddest of possible words: "Tinker to Evers to Chance"

by slcathena on Jul 12, 2008 9:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

5 up on Cards, 6 up on Brewers

Cubs win, Sox win. Hard to believe how well things worked out after how it looked around 3pm today.

by ChipSet on Jul 12, 2008 9:45 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Actually it is 5.5 on the Cards

And 6 in the loss column!

Current temperature in hell: 45 degrees F - and falling!

by wnielsen on Jul 12, 2008 9:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yep - my bad

was looking at ESPN.com standings and they haven’t yet reflected the STL loss tonight.

by ChipSet on Jul 12, 2008 9:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Why is the Sux winning a good thing?

does anyone really care about THAT team?

THIS IS OUR CENTURY!!

by LAcarl519 on Jul 12, 2008 9:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I may be in the minority here

but unless they’re playing the Cubs, I like to see the Sox succeed.

by ChipSet on Jul 12, 2008 9:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I guess I am a classic Northsider...I could care less

and those announcers make me actually dislike them now that I have moved from Chicago. No class in that booth and it reflects poorly on the organization.

THIS IS OUR CENTURY!!

by LAcarl519 on Jul 12, 2008 9:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, Harrelson is unlistenable

but the radio is OK. Good to hear Stoney again. I live up north so I can get Uecker and the Brewers games pretty easily too.

by ChipSet on Jul 12, 2008 10:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What station are the Brewers games on?

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

by Bump Bailey on Jul 12, 2008 10:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks..

I like Uecker…hope I can pick that up.

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

by Bump Bailey on Jul 12, 2008 10:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

More likely

a classic LA fan. You care otherwise you wouldn’t call them the Sux. A real Cub fan has bigger fish to fry than to use such demeaning language. But all teams have those sort of fans.

Baseball is too much of a sport to be a business and too much of a business to be a sport.
William Wrigley Jr

by bubbamike the one and only on Jul 13, 2008 12:51 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't care about the white sox at all

the only time i want them to lose is during the city series. the other 156 games i don’t even know who they’re playing and :shrug: don’t wish them any harm or ill will. I just don’t care.

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 10:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

Wow.

NL Central Leading Sportscenter.

Sweet.

These are the saddest of possible words: "Tinker to Evers to Chance"

by slcathena on Jul 12, 2008 10:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

best division in the majors

what a nice change!

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 10:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yep! No doubt about it.

We’d have 3/4 playoff spots if they went solely by record, and the season ended today.

These are the saddest of possible words: "Tinker to Evers to Chance"

by slcathena on Jul 12, 2008 10:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

that so rocks:)

"We have a pretty strong belief that we are going to win those types of games. It's our confidence. "--Cubs pitcher Ted Lilly

by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 12, 2008 10:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cardinals get 22(!!!!!!) hits and still lose!

2008 Cubs: Who needs nine innings, when you only need a 7th?

by Chanman25 on Jul 12, 2008 9:46 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

holy shnikies

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." --Alvin Dark

by preachermancubsfan on Jul 12, 2008 9:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

WOW

These are the saddest of possible words: "Tinker to Evers to Chance"

by slcathena on Jul 12, 2008 9:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

wouldnt it be great...

if we went into the ASB with a sweep, and the brewers got swept and the cards lose a series?

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." --Alvin Dark

by preachermancubsfan on Jul 12, 2008 9:48 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

It would be awesome.

These are the saddest of possible words: "Tinker to Evers to Chance"

by slcathena on Jul 12, 2008 9:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Michaels walk-off jack!

Pirates announcers having a stroke in the booth. They busted out a “I can’t believe what I’ve just saw!” call while screaming incoherently for the rest. The Cubs won ugly today, but that W column is all that matters! Gotta love this.

by Great Odin's Raven on Jul 12, 2008 9:48 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I heard that.

You would have thought it was game 7 of the WS. But is has been a tough year for the Pirates, and it was against the Cardinals.

I was happy for those announcers. I was wondering if they had started to drink when the game was so lopsided. ;-)

THIS IS OUR CENTURY!!

by LAcarl519 on Jul 12, 2008 9:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

its been a tough 15 years for the Buckos.

wasn’t that the last time they finished above .500?

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 10:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

who pitched...

for the cards/brewers tommorow? opponents?

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." --Alvin Dark

by preachermancubsfan on Jul 12, 2008 9:53 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

pitcheS, sorry

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." --Alvin Dark

by preachermancubsfan on Jul 12, 2008 9:53 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Got it

Bailey v Sabathia

Piniero v. Snell

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 9:55 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just me or is Homer Bailey

the worst pitcher name of all time?

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 9:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

LOL

That’s right up there with Grant Balfour…

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

by Bump Bailey on Jul 12, 2008 10:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

homer Daily

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." --Alvin Dark

by preachermancubsfan on Jul 12, 2008 10:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

thank you!!

i was trying to look it upo…internet is slow

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." --Alvin Dark

by preachermancubsfan on Jul 12, 2008 9:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

For future reference

Joel Pineiro (STL) vs Ian Snell (PIT)
Homer Bailey (CIN) vs CC Sabathia (MIL)

"It’s like they have 40,000 players on one team. Forty thousand people want to be in the dugout slapping fives. ‘Passionate’ is an understatement. Fans like that are special." -- Giants LHP Alex Hinshaw on Wrigley Field

by northsider on Jul 12, 2008 9:54 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

D'oh, I fail @ replying.

"It’s like they have 40,000 players on one team. Forty thousand people want to be in the dugout slapping fives. ‘Passionate’ is an understatement. Fans like that are special." -- Giants LHP Alex Hinshaw on Wrigley Field

by northsider on Jul 12, 2008 9:55 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

well you bet me on time

but at least i can use the reply button! ;-)

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 9:55 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

How much do you wanna bet? :D

"It’s like they have 40,000 players on one team. Forty thousand people want to be in the dugout slapping fives. ‘Passionate’ is an understatement. Fans like that are special." -- Giants LHP Alex Hinshaw on Wrigley Field

by northsider on Jul 12, 2008 9:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nuthin.

Thats why you got a wink!

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 9:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I believe the game CC pitched against the Reds

was the only one that the Tribe won against them this year.

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Jul 12, 2008 9:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hence the link above.

"It’s like they have 40,000 players on one team. Forty thousand people want to be in the dugout slapping fives. ‘Passionate’ is an understatement. Fans like that are special." -- Giants LHP Alex Hinshaw on Wrigley Field

by northsider on Jul 12, 2008 9:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Also failed at replying

I think because the “Post a Comment” widget is right under the last comment, so it does look like we’re replying (if we’re replying to the last comment).

by ChipSet on Jul 12, 2008 9:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, I hate when that happens.

"It’s like they have 40,000 players on one team. Forty thousand people want to be in the dugout slapping fives. ‘Passionate’ is an understatement. Fans like that are special." -- Giants LHP Alex Hinshaw on Wrigley Field

by northsider on Jul 12, 2008 9:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

thank you....all

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." --Alvin Dark

by preachermancubsfan on Jul 12, 2008 9:57 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Funnest night of scoreboard watching

I can remember in a long time. Wo0t!

by ChipSet on Jul 12, 2008 9:59 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Certainly the craziest! :D

Standings? Should be Cards back 5, Brew Crew back 5.5, or am I wrong?

These are the saddest of possible words: "Tinker to Evers to Chance"

by slcathena on Jul 12, 2008 10:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

STL 5.5 MIL 6

:-) even better huh?

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 10:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

indeed

brewers will be back by 9 by august 15

by Geo4MVP on Jul 12, 2008 10:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

i fucking hate the mets

sorry for the f-bomb.. but thats about the only way to express it.

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 10:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

yeah, i hope they lose too

i rather face the cardinals and the cubs tear em in half :)

by Geo4MVP on Jul 12, 2008 10:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

Fuck them….Nothing would please me more than to beat them in the playoffs.

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

by Bump Bailey on Jul 12, 2008 10:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nothing pleased me more than their epic collapse

down the stretch last season. bea-ut-iful!

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 10:08 PM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

Now HERE...

... is where “the occasional profanity” is OK with me.

Because I fucking hate the Mets, too.

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

by Al on Jul 13, 2008 4:44 AM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

well there you go Al - you've just set the standard

obviously, as so many folks have pointed out, this is your board and you can run it however you want. But I don’t quite see how you (and anyone else) in good conscience can get all over Mikey (latest example) for the use of profanity when its use is selective. Sure I understand there’s a difference between I f*ing hate the Mets” and “STFU”. I just didn’t think that you (or anyone else) would want to be in the usage judging business.

I try not to be too concerned with what people post here anyways. If someone posted something way out of line, I always figured it made them look more like an ass – they didn’t need any help from me. Now I’ll be even less concerned because I’m sure everyone has their own idea of what “occasional profanity” means. And the only interpretation that counts here is yours.

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

by ballhawk on Jul 13, 2008 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

I think it was Mikey's overall "attitude" in that fan post...

...that caused people to jump on him, not just the STFU.

Nobody cares about your fantasy league team

by carmen_fanzone on Jul 13, 2008 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Rec'd. I try to express myself without profanity...

"It’s like they have 40,000 players on one team. Forty thousand people want to be in the dugout slapping fives. ‘Passionate’ is an understatement. Fans like that are special." -- Giants LHP Alex Hinshaw on Wrigley Field

by northsider on Jul 13, 2008 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's especially important as a broadcaster.

You need to make sure that those words aren’t in your head, because one slip could cost you a career.

It would do the rest of us well to think in the same terms..

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Jul 13, 2008 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

Rec'd as well.

"It’s like they have 40,000 players on one team. Forty thousand people want to be in the dugout slapping fives. ‘Passionate’ is an understatement. Fans like that are special." -- Giants LHP Alex Hinshaw on Wrigley Field

by northsider on Jul 13, 2008 10:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

was this in the

“marmol’s 9th inning is lou’s fault” thread?

b/c I glanced at it and than walked out. I don’t do well with that much tension/yelling. Even online.

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 13, 2008 9:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

yep - that's the one

that thread ran the gamut of emotion – from disturbing to amusing to bizarre to just flat out hilarity. To me it had the makings of a perfect silent movie. First you show Hammer typing away, then the screen shows the text. Next scene shows Mikey reading it, all of a sudden the music changes and those piano chords get lower and louder. Next scene Mikey’s pounding on his keyboard, smoking coming out of it. Then the words get displayed. Next scene Hammer is laughing as he types his response…. well, you get the idea.

better than rain-delay theatre…

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

by ballhawk on Jul 13, 2008 10:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

LOL. Ballhawk, PLEASE make this movie.

I can get you in touch with some film students at Northwestern. : )

"It’s like they have 40,000 players on one team. Forty thousand people want to be in the dugout slapping fives. ‘Passionate’ is an understatement. Fans like that are special." -- Giants LHP Alex Hinshaw on Wrigley Field

by northsider on Jul 13, 2008 10:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

and of course, somewhere in the movie...

...we’d have to have the requisite damsel in distress scene – I’m thinking Sue369 is tied up and left on the railroad tracks. Then the train comes around the bend, puffing black smoke and the engineer leans out wearing an evil grin. Of course it’s kcjones (get it? kcjones, engineer? Ahh, I just crack myself up sometimes…).

But just before the train reaches her, the hero comes riding up on his horse and swoops down and pulls her away. Only it’s not Matt Murton – it’s Soto DoRight.

Well, I’ll let Sue write the rest of this scene… ;-)

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

by ballhawk on Jul 13, 2008 11:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

lol! I want a cameo!

"It’s like they have 40,000 players on one team. Forty thousand people want to be in the dugout slapping fives. ‘Passionate’ is an understatement. Fans like that are special." -- Giants LHP Alex Hinshaw on Wrigley Field

by northsider on Jul 13, 2008 11:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I imagine
Well, I’ll let Sue write the rest of this scene… ;-)

this is where you cut to a golden sunrise the next morning…

We never give up -- Aramis Ramirez

by Emelie on Jul 14, 2008 8:01 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

LMAO!!!!!

That was hilarious.

Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden. Now that's a pair of Aces.

by sue369 on Jul 14, 2008 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

see- that's the thing. you're not sorry.

you typed the f-bomb, and then obviously thought enough about it to type an apology but you still hit “post”. Wouldn’t “effin” or “freaking” convey the same message?

If we (the collective we – don’t know if that includes you or not) are going to jump all over the mikeys of the world for dropping f-bombs, then we can’t be doing it ourselves, can we?

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

by ballhawk on Jul 12, 2008 11:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

sorry ballhawk

i will refrain from the f bombs.

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 11:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

eh, no worries here.

it was really more of a rhetorical post than anything directed specifically at you. Could have posted it under any number of comments made by some of the regulars here.

I was a business and computers major in college, but I have to admit, the psychology behind blogs in general and BCB in particular fascinate me. I would love to see some sort of BCB convention someday where everybody wears nametags, except the nametags are covered for the first few hours. Then after Al is presented with a blue jersey, and leads us all in a rousing rendition of TMOTTBG, everybody uncovers their nametags and spends the next hour laughing or fighting or both. Except for Hammer and Mikey – they’ll already have passed out from doing shots all night long before they found out who the other was… ;-)

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

by ballhawk on Jul 12, 2008 11:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

lol

that would be a blast.

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 11:53 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Could be fun.

But you all definitely do NOT want to hear me sing.

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

by Al on Jul 13, 2008 4:45 AM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

Loss column?

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

by Bump Bailey on Jul 12, 2008 10:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Copied exactly what

cubs.com said.

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 10:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sweet!

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

by Bump Bailey on Jul 12, 2008 10:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

we have 37 losses

they both have 43.

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 10:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I bet Viva El Birdos is a riot tonight...lol..

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

by Bump Bailey on Jul 12, 2008 10:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

my sentiments eexactly

The best defense is a good offense

by kcjones on Jul 12, 2008 11:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

They are not amused.

The game wrap calls it the “saddest loss” in “40 years of watching the Cards.”

Ouch.

These are the saddest of possible words: "Tinker to Evers to Chance"

by slcathena on Jul 12, 2008 11:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

wow.

thats similar to how i’d have felt if we’d lost this one.

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 11:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Much better

I’m going to grin all night!

These are the saddest of possible words: "Tinker to Evers to Chance"

by slcathena on Jul 12, 2008 10:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

just got back from the peoria game at west michigan

chiefs win! will comment more when the minor league wrap gets posted

by nathew on Jul 12, 2008 10:05 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

YAY!!!

Go Ryno!!!

These are the saddest of possible words: "Tinker to Evers to Chance"

by slcathena on Jul 12, 2008 10:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If you would have told me before the season...

The Cubs would have the best record in baseball at the break I would be happy.
The Cubs carry a decent lead on the division going into the break I would be happy.
The Cubs are tied for best team avg. (as of tonight) I would be happy.
The Cubs have the second most runs in baseball (as of tonight) I would be happy.
The Cubs have the most BB in baseball (as of tonight) showing great patience, I would be happy.

Put all of these together and I would have told someone they are lying heading into the season. Just like everyone else I have watch mediocre (at best) Cubs teams before but this year has been so exciting thus far.

by jajonez77 on Jul 12, 2008 10:13 PM CDT reply actions   2 recs

+1

These are the saddest of possible words: "Tinker to Evers to Chance"

by slcathena on Jul 12, 2008 10:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

WOW....

When did Texas sneak in there?

The best defense is a good offense

by kcjones on Jul 12, 2008 10:37 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

in runs?

when it heated up in Arlington. Balls FLY out of that place.

Hamilton (as of last night) had 93 RBI. That is ungodly.

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 10:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Si....

thanks for the Soto “quote”......I played 18 today so I can relate to a stiff back

The best defense is a good offense

by kcjones on Jul 12, 2008 10:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

no problem.

I’d meant to post it earlier when i saw it. you reminded me. :-)

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 10:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sí.

Option+E, then type the i. I hope you have Mac OS X.

"It’s like they have 40,000 players on one team. Forty thousand people want to be in the dugout slapping fives. ‘Passionate’ is an understatement. Fans like that are special." -- Giants LHP Alex Hinshaw on Wrigley Field

by northsider on Jul 12, 2008 11:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What aabout Linux?

The best defense is a good offense

by kcjones on Jul 12, 2008 11:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

.....everybody.....

ought to be running Linux. IMHO OS X is a bigger ripoof than Windows….

The best defense is a good offense

by kcjones on Jul 12, 2008 11:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

i would run linux,

but i’m just not the type of guy who can type commands into a terminal. me too dumb, me stick with windows.

plus, i hear accusations from both sides of horrible driver support/installation. i’ve only experienced that with linux.

by nathew on Jul 13, 2008 12:02 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

My dell runs with any OS I''ve tried....

Not perfectly, of course….(I’m talking about a notebook too,,,)

The best defense is a good offense

by kcjones on Jul 13, 2008 12:03 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

in windows,

pull up the “character map” from the start menu (usually in accessories>system tools) and find what you need and copy it, or learn the keypress sequence. usually something like alt+0168 or something like that.

by nathew on Jul 12, 2008 11:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks for all the advice....

I was alluding to perhaps a “blog” way of doing it. I used to try to use HTML in my posts, but ddoesn’t work…i.e. “” astrics do bold “” nor ....

Anyone have any luck running OS X “virtually” from an external drive?

The best defense is a good offense

by kcjones on Jul 12, 2008 11:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

not...

”<” bold ”>” ”<” ”/” bold ”>”

The best defense is a good offense

by kcjones on Jul 12, 2008 11:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Why would you want to run such a ripoff externally?

Sorry for trying to help…

"It’s like they have 40,000 players on one team. Forty thousand people want to be in the dugout slapping fives. ‘Passionate’ is an understatement. Fans like that are special." -- Giants LHP Alex Hinshaw on Wrigley Field

by northsider on Jul 12, 2008 11:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't think I've ever heard of running an OS off an external hard drive...this is just weird

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

by dtpollitt on Jul 12, 2008 11:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Do it all the time

The best defense is a good offense

by kcjones on Jul 12, 2008 11:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

ubuntu.com...

is a much better placce to carry on this conversation…..

The best defense is a good offense

by kcjones on Jul 13, 2008 12:01 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yup....andcan boot / run from thumb drives (w/ open office)

We’re supposed to be talking baseball…

The best defense is a good offense

by kcjones on Jul 13, 2008 12:04 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Let me rephrase...

...I know you can run and boot various operating systems from a flash drive, but WHY would you be doing this and reading BCB? Seems a bit odd.

Dan

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

by dtpollitt on Jul 13, 2008 12:08 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

us nerds can love sports too.

statistics and all.

however, i’m only into baseball. basketball and football are a little too jockish for me.

by nathew on Jul 13, 2008 12:12 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nerds of BCB...unite!!

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

by dtpollitt on Jul 13, 2008 12:13 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Do political statisticians count?

These are the saddest of possible words: "Tinker to Evers to Chance"

by slcathena on Jul 13, 2008 12:22 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

don't you mean "can political statisticians count?" ;-)

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

by ballhawk on Jul 13, 2008 12:28 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm a pretty big computer nerd,

and I played baseball and football in high school. MY HEAD A SPLODE

"It’s like they have 40,000 players on one team. Forty thousand people want to be in the dugout slapping fives. ‘Passionate’ is an understatement. Fans like that are special." -- Giants LHP Alex Hinshaw on Wrigley Field

by northsider on Jul 13, 2008 1:07 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Why do you balance your checkbook....

andd hire a “babysitter”.....

The best defense is a good offense

by kcjones on Jul 13, 2008 12:48 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

When you say you tried to use HTML...

I assume you meant that you tried to use a character entity reference? Like (ampersand)eacute(semicolon)? That is, é. I wonder if that will work…

Under Linux (or in general under the X Windowing System) there are two standard ways to input non-keyboard characters. The first is with a “compose” key. Many Unix keyboards have a compose key on them, while people using “Windows” keyboards usually use the “menu” key. My Sun USB Type-6 keyboard has a “compose” key that appears to act exactly like a “menu” key, so you’ll probably want exactly what I have: go into your xorg.conf and add the following line in the section for your keyboard:

Option “XbkOptions” “compose:menu”

I run Gentoo and don’t run KDE or Gnome, and I’m pretty sure there’s no higher-level way for me to accomplish this. I don’t know if under your distro-desktop combo hacking your xorg.conf is encouraged.

Compose keys are similar in concept to the Macintosh way, but slightly different in mechanics. You hit (don’t hold) the compose key, then type the mnemonic symbol for the modifier you want (apostrophe for an acute accent, backtick for a breve, double-quote for umlauts, tilde for whatever the squiggle over ñ is called), then type the letter. So for an e with an acute accent you type Compose, then apostrophe, then e.

The second typical method is with an “international” keyboard layout. Non-US keyboards often have a key marked “AltGr”. It usually emits the same keycode as the right alt key. I’m pretty sure your keyboard layout can be changed to something like “US-International” by changing the

Option “XkbLayout”

line in your xorg.conf, although I’m actually pretty sure most desktop environments provide a higher-level way to do it. Under an International layout you hold AltGr (right alt) and type a normal key, and the result is something pretty random, really. You just have to look up in some table somewhere what key combos correspond to what output, and memorize it. As only an occasional user of accents this scheme doesn’t really appeal to me, but people that use it regularly find it pretty efficient. I think the US-Int. layout is supposed to generally handle accents; a friend that knows some Sweedish says the Sweedish layout is, predictably, much better for typing in Sweedish. The other problem with the US-International layout, at least last time I tried (and using only X.org’s standard layout and not anything desktop environment-specific) is that it includes “dead keys”: if you type an apostrophe it acts kind of like you were in compose-key mode and typed compose+apostrophe. So for several keys on the keyboard you have to type them twice to get the usual effect. Lame (in my opinion). I actually have a ~/.Xmodmap file defined so I can get the US-International AltGr combinations without the dead keys, which consists of a listing of all 40 or so key combos and is sort of a cheesy hack for something I use so rarely. I could send it to you, but I probably won’t look back at this post… maybe there’s a PM feature on this site, I don’t know.

by aldimond on Jul 13, 2008 2:41 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Whoa.

Sí. Sí. Ripoff or not, I sure like the option key.

"It’s like they have 40,000 players on one team. Forty thousand people want to be in the dugout slapping fives. ‘Passionate’ is an understatement. Fans like that are special." -- Giants LHP Alex Hinshaw on Wrigley Field

by northsider on Jul 13, 2008 2:44 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Minutiae

I like the option key method as well, although I think the compose key (once you’re done configuring it) has a couple advantages. First, the mnemonics make more sense to me. Yes, it’s extremely minute, because the option-key mnemonics are at least pretty decent. Second, that it uses a dedicated key (the right menu key on Windows keyboards or my “compose” key) means that it’s safe to add another diacritic to the scheme without clashing with any program’s existing keybindings.

The latter is also a general criticism of MacOS’s system-wide bindings. Old versions of MacOS, as I recall, didn’t have any system-wide bindings other than the option-i stuff. Or at least they’ve never had many. But I guess recently more and more are creeping in, and sometimes actually conflicting with established applications’ bindings. Windows’ solution is to put all their truly system-wide bindings on the Windows key (except for a few old ones like alt-tab). Plan 9’s solution is to strictly not have any system-wide keybindings. Unix’s solution… well, there are a million different schemes and the user has to choose one. The user usually does so poorly. I strictly only use the “meta” (Windows) key for anything intercepted by the windowing system. Plan 9’s solution is notable because it avoids ambiguity when running, say, VNC sessions, regarding which session will capture the “system-wide” keyboard events, by simply not having any system-wide events. I don’t think anyone really uses VNC on Plan 9, though (to the extent that anyone really uses Plan 9). The worst systems are the ones that individual Linux users come up with (except mine, which is obviously the best), because they wind up having stuff like “control-d toggles window decs”, even though control-d is a shell control character. Next worst is the Mac system, with its occasional conflicts. My system and the Windows way wind up being practically equivalent; I like the conceptual clarity of my way, but that doesn’t help it avoid the VNC problem. The Plan 9 system is theoretically the best if you can deal with having absolutely no system-level keybindings.

But, right, as far as entering diacritics, the MacOS way is pretty good, beating the pants off of Windows’ offerings and having the key advantage over the various Linux methods that it is one coherent system that’s universally deployed and always turned on. I am a programmer and a pretty committed Linux gearhead, and even my head spins at the complication of keyboard input schemes. And I haven’t even looked at what sort of preconfiguration exists in distros like Ubuntu, or what extra layers of abstraction are piled on under desktop environments like KDE and Gnome.

by aldimond on Jul 13, 2008 3:09 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And Texas is dead last

in Runs Allowed. They have a negative run differential.

by ChipSet on Jul 12, 2008 10:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

as i said balls fly out of that place

and the rangers’ pitching isn’t very good.

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 10:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hamilton is such a stud...

He was throwing 96 mph heat in high school!!

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

by Bump Bailey on Jul 12, 2008 10:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Marmol

Marmol can’t handle it when things go wrong. Like many young pitchers he loses focus when something goes wrong,

Go Cubs

by cubstoseriesby100 on Jul 12, 2008 10:45 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

For the record

For the record our magic number is 63

Go Cubs

by cubstoseriesby100 on Jul 12, 2008 10:52 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Well.....

Let’s hope they go out and win 63 straight :).......cept I’d bet that would make this blog boring….

The best defense is a good offense

by kcjones on Jul 12, 2008 10:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Gah. Must ignore this.

It’s not you, but I have this thing where I refuse to let myself think about the magic number until it’s under 25. At least.

These are the saddest of possible words: "Tinker to Evers to Chance"

by slcathena on Jul 12, 2008 11:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If the Cubs go .500

the rest of the way the Cardinal and Brewers will have to go something like 41-27 to pass us, now if we go five games over .500 they would have to go 46-21. I’m not saying it’s a su….I’m just saying.

By the way, it’s not a foregone conlusion the wild card comes out of the central either.

by Imtrejo on Jul 12, 2008 11:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What a pessimist

The best defense is a good offense

by kcjones on Jul 12, 2008 11:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I was being positive

trying to say how difficult it would be to pass us. While also pointing out that the Cards or Brewers are not really a lock for the wild card.

by Imtrejo on Jul 12, 2008 11:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Here's to.............

Who’s the Pirate hero today?

The best defense is a good offense

by kcjones on Jul 13, 2008 12:08 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Michaels

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 13, 2008 12:09 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Rah Rah REE.....

Kicke’em in the kneee

Rah Rah Rhass….kick’em in the other knee.. :))

Buy Mr. Michaels a drink…

The best defense is a good offense

by kcjones on Jul 13, 2008 12:12 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Jason

freakin-Michaels. [clang]

by TheRamZamDLEE on Jul 13, 2008 12:11 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

LOL...

send that one over to VEB…I’m sure they’ll laugh WITH you, right?

Let my ashes blow in a beautiful snow
From the prevailing 30 mile an hour southwest wind
When my last remains go flying over the left-field wall
I'll bid the bleacher bums adieu
And I will come to my final resting place, out on Waveland Avenue

--Steve Goodman

by NotSure on Jul 13, 2008 12:13 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

But.... In UR dfence...

ESPN standings have Cubs as like a….........loook at playoff chances…

The best defense is a good offense

by kcjones on Jul 12, 2008 11:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

We know the players need the break

But show of hands who here needs a few days break away from it too?

Go Cubs

by cubstoseriesby100 on Jul 12, 2008 10:53 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Oh come on....

I’m just gettin started…..

The best defense is a good offense

by kcjones on Jul 12, 2008 11:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

how about pittsburgh coming up big for us beating st. louis 12-11

Someday we'll go all the way.

by Cubbinstrongsince86 on Jul 12, 2008 10:53 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

it just reminds all of us that meltdowns are part of the game.

glad to see the Cardinals do a double meltdown on the day that Marmol lost his focus out there. I do believe that today was an important day in his growing up and becoming a better reliever in key situations.

THIS IS OUR CENTURY!!

by LAcarl519 on Jul 12, 2008 10:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

F YEA

The best defense is a good offense

by kcjones on Jul 13, 2008 12:20 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It just

THIS IS OUR CENTURY!!

by LAcarl519 on Jul 12, 2008 10:56 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

yeah?

don’t leave me hangin!

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 11:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

TWSS

"It’s like they have 40,000 players on one team. Forty thousand people want to be in the dugout slapping fives. ‘Passionate’ is an understatement. Fans like that are special." -- Giants LHP Alex Hinshaw on Wrigley Field

by northsider on Jul 12, 2008 11:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

i actually got excited for them

Someday we'll go all the way.

by Cubbinstrongsince86 on Jul 12, 2008 10:56 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Baseball Tonight

Harden is going to be on.

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

by Bump Bailey on Jul 12, 2008 10:59 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

He did a great job in that little interview.

Strikes me as a team player. Which I really appreciate.

These are the saddest of possible words: "Tinker to Evers to Chance"

by slcathena on Jul 12, 2008 11:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

The best defense is a good offense

by kcjones on Jul 13, 2008 12:09 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh jeez. Carrie Muskat is ready to anoint Ryan Theriot as an All-Star based solely on his hit total.

Sigh.

"It’s like they have 40,000 players on one team. Forty thousand people want to be in the dugout slapping fives. ‘Passionate’ is an understatement. Fans like that are special." -- Giants LHP Alex Hinshaw on Wrigley Field

by northsider on Jul 12, 2008 11:01 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I saw the headline

and avoided it. Figured I’d prolly want to shoot myself if I read it. How stupid.

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 11:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yep.

Seriously, then he can cost us home field when he throws the ball past Pujols.

These are the saddest of possible words: "Tinker to Evers to Chance"

by slcathena on Jul 12, 2008 11:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

except that the article was written by nick zaccardi

but hell, i’m a theriot defender, and i don’t think he’s an all-star. maybe if all the better shortstops were injured, but certainly not deserving over ramirez or tejada.

by nathew on Jul 12, 2008 11:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

True.

I swear, I thought it said Carrie Muskat when I first saw it. Thanks for pointing out my error!

NICK ZACCARDI is ready to anoint Ryan Theriot.

"It’s like they have 40,000 players on one team. Forty thousand people want to be in the dugout slapping fives. ‘Passionate’ is an understatement. Fans like that are special." -- Giants LHP Alex Hinshaw on Wrigley Field

by northsider on Jul 12, 2008 11:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, all star is stretchng it

But a team could do a whole lot worse. He is still young though and I have a feeling he learned today.

by jajonez77 on Jul 12, 2008 11:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

too bad his arm isn't going to get stronger from learning

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 11:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

His arm was not the problem today

His issue was a few bone head plays. You could have had Dunston out there (best arm at SS I have ever seen) and he would not have made either play. Hell, he probably would have pocketed both those balls. That was the issue. There was no play to be made.

by jajonez77 on Jul 12, 2008 11:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

i was basing nothing on that play

his arm is weak. and the consistent double clutch thing drives me batty.

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 11:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No, Theriot is NOT young.

He is 28 and probably as good as he’s going to get.

Yes, he needs to learn from this mistake.

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

by Al on Jul 13, 2008 4:47 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Al some questions for you.
Here: if using Carlos Marmol in the 9th inning today was Lou’s way of “experimenting” with him, trying him out, letting him throw in a game the Cubs seemed to have well in hand, that choice is inexcusable.

Why was bringing Marmol in to pitch the ninth inexcusable? Are you upset that Lou left him in to finish? Leaving him to finish that inning was a matter of the pitchers available. Lieber and Marshall were the last two in the pen, if Marshall gives up the tying run you have to burn him in the bottom of the inning, leaving Lieber the last man standing. It’s not like Marmol was getting knocked around, seeing eye singles and bad defense were the culprits.

And when I say bad defense I’m going to say Marmol’s play was a tough chance he could have made. Ryan Theriot may need to find a reliable late inning replacement, his range is horrible and his arm can barely get the ball to first base. A stronger throw completes the DP chance. I was at the game and thought Theriot made a solid play to knock that ball down, but made a boneheaded play on the throw. When I watched the replay I saw that a better SS would have fielded that ball cleanly, if anybody could of got the out we’ll never know.

With all that being said we won, we are one game away from being 21 games over .500 before the break. I can not remember a time when I actually thought, rationally anyway, that the Cubs could win the World Series.

by Imtrejo on Jul 12, 2008 11:12 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Sorry,

Now I know how to use the quote maker.

by Imtrejo on Jul 12, 2008 11:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I can guess the first answer .... the 13-man pitching staff.

"It’s like they have 40,000 players on one team. Forty thousand people want to be in the dugout slapping fives. ‘Passionate’ is an understatement. Fans like that are special." -- Giants LHP Alex Hinshaw on Wrigley Field

by northsider on Jul 12, 2008 11:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What does that matter?

Marmol hadn’t pitched since Wednesday. What’s wrong with bringing him for some mop-up especialy with one game to go before the break.

by Imtrejo on Jul 12, 2008 11:37 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You said you want answers from Al. I said I'm guessing his answers. I'm not going to quarrel with you.

"It’s like they have 40,000 players on one team. Forty thousand people want to be in the dugout slapping fives. ‘Passionate’ is an understatement. Fans like that are special." -- Giants LHP Alex Hinshaw on Wrigley Field

by northsider on Jul 12, 2008 11:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

There's no reason to use your top setup man...

... with a five-run lead in the 9th inning. And then, once he clearly had nothing, you HAVE to get him out of there.

That was about the worst-managed inning I’ve seen from Lou in his 1 1/2 years here.

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

by Al on Jul 13, 2008 4:48 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think

it was an attempt to give Marmol a chance in an important, but not critical period of the game. The Giants, in the last two innings of that game, scored as many runs as they had over the course of the previous FIVE.

Leaving him in that long, I don’t know, but…

"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derrek Lee, 5/29/08

by drewishdrewid on Jul 13, 2008 7:51 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

At 7-5 with the bases loaded after he hit the batter, it was time for a Lou Brown moment…

“I think you can go get him now…”

Let my ashes blow in a beautiful snow from the prevailing 30 mile an hour southwest wind.
When my last remains go flying over the left field wall I'll bid the bleacher bums adieu,
And I will come to my final resting place, out on Waveland Avenue.

--Steve Goodman

by NotSure on Jul 13, 2008 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

i'm not sure where the breaks are supposed to be

and the blue is hard for me to read when its that big a block. sorry. :-(

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 11:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Rich Harden being interviewed on BBTN

right now

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 11:18 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

"Yeah, the offensive support was nice, but damn, is that how the bullpen always pitches?!"

Kidding, kidding, kidding!

"It’s like they have 40,000 players on one team. Forty thousand people want to be in the dugout slapping fives. ‘Passionate’ is an understatement. Fans like that are special." -- Giants LHP Alex Hinshaw on Wrigley Field

by northsider on Jul 12, 2008 11:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

wonder if that thought did go through his head

:-P

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 11:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

nothing interesting

said he was revved up in the first few innings. but it was good to get thru them. threw too many pitches to only go 5+ but a good first start.

unfortunate the game went to extras but what a thrilling win.

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 11:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's good to have

games like this one today. It shows just what a good team we have to win a game like this one (though it shouldn’t have been that close). Hopefully they don’t make a practice of it.

Rich Harden did a great job and I’m glad he liked the ovations the fans gave him. Hopefully he can stay healthy the rest of the season.

I don’t know what is wrong with Marmol but I hope he gets it together soon. I want my White Castle back.

by sue369 on Jul 12, 2008 11:28 PM CDT reply actions   1 recs

Is beating yourself over the head with the....

rolling pin a pre-req. to livin gin IOWA?

The best defense is a good offense

by kcjones on Jul 13, 2008 12:36 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Um, excuse me?

This is an inappropriate comment.

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

by Al on Jul 13, 2008 4:48 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Friends don't let friends drink and blog...

If I read below correctly, Mr. Jones may have been a bit “under the influence”, last night, so to speak.

Let my ashes blow in a beautiful snow from the prevailing 30 mile an hour southwest wind.
When my last remains go flying over the left field wall I'll bid the bleacher bums adieu,
And I will come to my final resting place, out on Waveland Avenue.

--Steve Goodman

by NotSure on Jul 13, 2008 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And.....WOW....

U found a white castle West of RTE 53?

The best defense is a good offense

by kcjones on Jul 13, 2008 12:42 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm guessing most of the

fans who post in here know what I meant by my “White Castle” comment. You must enjoy being an ass.

by sue369 on Jul 13, 2008 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If you want to feel better...

...just cruise on over to Viva El Birdos.

They are ready to blow up their team for the year and trade Albert Pujols to the Royals for a bag of peanuts.

We are back to 20 over the .500 mark and our bullpen did NOT blow the game, unlike our nearest competition.

Perspective, please.

Let my ashes blow in a beautiful snow
From the prevailing 30 mile an hour southwest wind
When my last remains go flying over the left-field wall
I'll bid the bleacher bums adieu
And I will come to my final resting place, out on Waveland Avenue

--Steve Goodman

by NotSure on Jul 12, 2008 11:37 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I just checked the other BCB

and someone mentioned that if the brewers go on a losing streak after the break they should trade Sabathia and Sheets.

by Imtrejo on Jul 12, 2008 11:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Good

Maybe we can trade Murton and Patterson for an ace like Sabathia…waitaminute

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

by dtpollitt on Jul 12, 2008 11:55 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

or we could trade them for sheets,

although he’s a little injury-pro—-oh. right.

by nathew on Jul 13, 2008 12:04 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, let's get CC!

"It’s like they have 40,000 players on one team. Forty thousand people want to be in the dugout slapping fives. ‘Passionate’ is an understatement. Fans like that are special." -- Giants LHP Alex Hinshaw on Wrigley Field

by northsider on Jul 12, 2008 11:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Exactly my point.

The team’s chasing us have glaring bullpen weaknesses, their fans know it, and we keep winning with several key players on the DL.

We are the class of this division thus far and they need to win series to catch up.

Let’s not lose perspective.

Let my ashes blow in a beautiful snow
From the prevailing 30 mile an hour southwest wind
When my last remains go flying over the left-field wall
I'll bid the bleacher bums adieu
And I will come to my final resting place, out on Waveland Avenue

--Steve Goodman

by NotSure on Jul 13, 2008 12:03 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

A lot of people here are ready to jump off the ledge because of Marmol, but imagine what it must be like with either Gange or Isringhausen.

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

by Bump Bailey on Jul 13, 2008 12:58 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Marshall

Lost in all the comments about Marmol’s meltdown is the nice outing Marshall had today. He seems equally confident out of the pen or as a starter. Nice to have a guy who can do that, a la Scott Sanderson in 1989. Let’s hope he can keep it up.

On another note, Greg Maddux stole second today – the 11th stolen base of his career. How often do you see a 42-year old, let alone a 42-year-old pitcher, steal a base? One of the reasons he’s among my favorite players ever.

And RIP Bobby Murcer. I loved him back in 1977/78 when he played for the Cubs. Had his photo on the wall of my room (I was 7).

"Hey hey, kiss it goodbye! That one's in Milwaukee! Man oh man did he hit it. Isn't that something?" - Lou Boudreau, May 17, 1979

by danimal15 on Jul 12, 2008 11:38 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

i miss maddux

playing for a good team. the padres are so bad this year.

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 11:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Two tag teams......

Harden
Marsh/Madddux (or Madddux Marsh)
Z
Lily
Demp
Marquis/Lieber….

The best defense is a good offense

by kcjones on Jul 12, 2008 11:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I remember 1 of my 1st....

baseball cards … was of Bobby Bonds (Giants) and Bobby Murcer(Yankees).....on the same card….MVP’s? I think….....Cubs were (really really really)bad at that time….who’d of thunk thye’d both be Cubs…..?

WOW….we’rre getting old…. Petron for everybody..

The best defense is a good offense

by kcjones on Jul 13, 2008 12:29 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Im not saying that the Cubbies go out and get him

But, he is the kind of guy that makes those around him better. He is a top ten pitcher of all time and deserves to be on a better team is all.

by jajonez77 on Jul 12, 2008 11:52 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

IMO, better than Clemens.

Just check out the stats and if you look closely…Maddux wins.

by Geo4MVP on Jul 13, 2008 12:07 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

.....and better than the turds or suds....

going out and gettin him tooo…..

BUT,,,, I think he’d DENY going “there”...YKWIM…...

Had another thought ..but the vodka’s kicking in now…

The best defense is a good offense

by kcjones on Jul 13, 2008 12:23 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

BBTN is showing

Jose Conseco getting KO’d by Sikahema.

Hehe.

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 12, 2008 11:52 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Off to bed

Night everyone! Don’t think I’ll be around the game threads much, but I’ll be around at some point!

The weather at Wrigley Field may change in an instant, but Aramis Ramirez is always steady in the clutch. - Associated Press (7/11/08)

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 13, 2008 12:08 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Night!

These are the saddest of possible words: "Tinker to Evers to Chance"

by slcathena on Jul 13, 2008 12:11 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Footnote

It bothers me to no end when anyone says “Carlos mar-MOL”. Like the asshole on Sportscenter right now.

Dan

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

by dtpollitt on Jul 13, 2008 12:09 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

for all i know that could be how it's pronounced

and it could be that everyone just says mar-mull because we live in america. and if you don’t like that, we’ll put a boot in yer ass.

or something like that.

by nathew on Jul 13, 2008 12:15 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I really don't know...

If his name is a typical Spanish name and has no accent marks on it it’s mar-MOL. The accent of Spanish words is placed on the last syllable unless the word ends in a vowel, n, or s; if there are any exceptions to this I can’t think of them off the top of my head—exceptions are why the language uses accent marks in the first place. On the other hand, if there were exceptions anywhere I wouldn’t be surprised if they were among names, and furthermore for some silly reason the sports media in the US chops diacritical marks off of players’ names, so it’s very possible his real name has an accent mark on the first syllable.

by aldimond on Jul 13, 2008 3:31 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Footnote 2

Was there ever discussion of having a chatroom for SBNation 2.0? I’m not sure if this would be a welcomed addition or not. Sometimes, like at 1214 am on a Sunday morning, it would be nice to chat with other late-night owls!

Dan

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

by dtpollitt on Jul 13, 2008 12:14 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

In the words of Picard...

Make it so!

Let my ashes blow in a beautiful snow
From the prevailing 30 mile an hour southwest wind
When my last remains go flying over the left-field wall
I'll bid the bleacher bums adieu
And I will come to my final resting place, out on Waveland Avenue

--Steve Goodman

by NotSure on Jul 13, 2008 12:17 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Engage.

These are the saddest of possible words: "Tinker to Evers to Chance"

by slcathena on Jul 13, 2008 12:26 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Tea. Earl Grey. Hot.

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

by ballhawk on Jul 13, 2008 12:35 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

This is your chatroom.

With the autorefreshing comments it should work fine.

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

by Al on Jul 13, 2008 4:50 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Okay, you win...

...maybe a list of “Who’s Active?”

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

by dtpollitt on Jul 13, 2008 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

At midnight...

... there shouldn’t be too many people around, I’m guessing you can probably figure that out pretty quickly!

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

by Al on Jul 14, 2008 4:23 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Hardball times had a good article

showing the Marmol has lost movement on his slider and velocity on his fastball when he gets a lot of innings. Lou needs to back off of him a bit and keep him fresh and his stuff sick.

link

You ain't gotta have John Madden, You ain't gotta have Dick Vitale,
You ain't gotta Lee Corso, You ain't gotta have Stuart Scott,
You ain't gotta have Linda Cohn, Know what I'm talking bout,
You ain't gotta have the staff of ESPN
You ain't gotta have ABC staff just to talk sports baby, cuz I got game

-Lil' Wayne "Earthquake"

My Blog

by shake n bake on Jul 13, 2008 12:40 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

While fatigue has to be considered

the evidence is shaky at best. The slider is the same, the velocity on both his pitches is the same. All he has lost is a bit of horizontal movement on his fastball. The problem is not weakening stuff due to fatigue. It is loss of control. Which I am guessing is due to overthrowing.

"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."

by californiachicagoan on Jul 13, 2008 12:59 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Marmol has become predictable

He has lost confidence in his stuff. He refuses to throw his fastball. He is determined to get guys out with his slider (out pitch) and hitters are learning to lay off it. Until he can spot his fastball in locations on the plate that are not condusive to the hitter, his out pitch is going to be worthless. I don’t know what the answer, but the lack of Ks lately point to the fact that there is a book on him and he has not adjusted.

I don’t know how much he is shaking off Soto since you can’t tell with runners on base whether the shake off is real or part of the process to fool the hitter. It is clear that hitters are able to pick up the slider and they know he can’t spot his fastball.

We need Marmol…just like we need Soriano, Lee, Ramirez.. He will be a critical cog to our success in the post season since most post season games are not blow outs.

I do think his confidence is shaken a little bit. It does suprise me since in the past he seemed to be able to work himself in and out of jams.

There were several posts last year were folks wanted to annoint him to replace dempster. What was pointed out was that he was more valauble in his role cause he could come in with runners on and get out of the situation. Right now, it does not seem like he can.

Sorry this is a ramble post…but I have spent an evening with the Captain….Arrr

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

by TheRiot Police on Jul 13, 2008 2:29 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Off to the game in about 30 minutes!

LOOK FOR THE SIGN!

"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derrek Lee, 5/29/08

by drewishdrewid on Jul 13, 2008 7:53 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Edmonds

Drives in four and score one then get little mention here…....... ?? He will play a major role in the second half…....... maybe even get a few positive mentions here…..

by James031 on Jul 13, 2008 11:29 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Edmonds is awesome

and the Cubs are paying him the league minimum!

How’s that?

Current temperature in hell: 45 degrees F - and falling!

by wnielsen on Jul 13, 2008 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

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