That's Not The Way I Always Heard It Should Be: Cubs 1, Astros 2

by Al on Jul 19, 2008 8:00 AM CDT in Recaps Comment 91 comments

Ten BCB points to the first person who can identify the song the title of this post comes from.

If I had told you a week ago that Ted Lilly would give up only one run -- a solo HR to Carlos Lee -- and that Neal Cotts would pitch solidly in relief, you'd have figured the Cubs' first game after the break would be easily put into the win column, right?

Right. But Cubs bats looked sluggish last night; apart from a Jim Edmonds solo HR, they had only three other hits, and when Bob Howry blew up in the 9th, the result was a 2-1 loss to the Astros, who jumped around on the field after Miguel Tejada scored the winning run as if they had just won a playoff series, rather than simply crept to within six games of the .500 mark and 12 games behind the still front-running Cubs. Meanwhile, the Cardinals and Brewers both won, cutting the Cubs' NL Central lead to three games over St. Louis and four over Milwaukee.

What more can you say about this game? Lilly was sharp, which is a very, very good sign for the second half of the season, especially after Ted's last outing was one he'd probably like to forget. Neal Cotts, who may be on the bubble to be sent back to Iowa if and when Scott Eyre (who is traveling with the team) comes back, dispatched the two hitters he faced without incident. About the only thing that we really learned was that Howry simply cannot be trusted in close games. I might even suggest at this point that with less than half a year left on Howry's contract, his status in the bullpen might be in jeopardy. Could it be Howry who might be let go when Jon Lieber, who was placed on the DL yesterday with an injury none of us had seen coming, returns?

Micah Hoffpauir, who didn't get into last night's game, was recalled to replace Lieber on the active roster, but his stay will probably last only the length of the road trip -- Alfonso Soriano took BP and shagged flies last night (you probably saw this if you saw the game on WGN) and is tentatively on target for a return to action Thursday at Wrigley Field:

"Sori is going to hit here for all three days and if that goes well, he'll go with us to Arizona and work out at the [Mesa] complex and possibly get a lot of at-bats in an extended game Monday and then play with the Iowa team on Tuesday and Wednesday in Tucson," Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said. "So he can double up on Monday and then come out and work out with us before the game [against the Diamondbacks] after playing in the morning. We'll just see how the next couple of days go -- that's the plan if it goes well."

I hesitate to mention this, because the game result really has nothing to do with where the game is televised, but the Cubs went under .500 in WGN-televised games last night (18-19). They are 32-14 in games shown on CSN. Thus you will be pleased to find out that there are 34 CSN telecasts left and 23 on WGN (the rest of the remaining 66 games: four on WCIU, two on Fox and three Sunday nights yet to be scheduled).

It doesn't matter. Right? Tonight's game is on CSN. Also, although only 18% of the country is getting the Padres/Cardinals game, Chicago is included in that percentage. The number of markets carrying this game is small enough to post here:

Bowling Green KY, Cedar Rapids IA, Champaign IL, Chicago IL, Columbia MO, Columbus MS, Des Moines IA, Evansville IN, Fort Smith AR, Green Bay WI, Greenwood MS, Huntsville AL, Jackson TN, Joplin MO, Kansas City MO, La Crosse WI, Little Rock AR, Louisville KY, Madison WI, Memphis TN, Milwaukee WI, Nashville TN, Oklahoma City OK, Ottumwa IA, Paducah KY, Peoria IL, Phoenix AZ, Quincy IL, Rockford IL, San Diego CA, Sioux City IA, South Bend IN, Springfield IL, Springfield MO, St. Louis MO, Terre Haute IN, Topeka KS Tucson AZ, Tulsa OK, Wichita KS, Yuma AZ

Know your enemy. In less than three weeks, the Cubs and Cardinals will have a showdown at Wrigley. Till then, a win tonight would be a good way to put this ship back in the right direction. (High enough on the cliché meter for you?)

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You don't mess around with...

Jim Croce, “Operator”

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

by ballhawk on Jul 19, 2008 8:05 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Ack! Google has failed me!

See kcjones? this is why BCB doesn’t have an edit option! Else, I’d hurry up and change my post to reflect the correct song. Instead, I have to leave it up here in shame, as a tribute to my overeagerness and senseless desire to obtain those elusive BCB points…

Let this be a lesson to all you kids out there – never ever post something so early on a Saturday morning without first ingesting huge amounts of caffeine…

And now, I shall retreat to the comfort of my couch – watch the British Open on Al’s station, and suffer in ignominy all the slings and arrows my posting brashness is sure to suffer. Or even worse – the dreaded sound of silence as my disgrace is ignored…

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

by ballhawk on Jul 19, 2008 8:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

-10

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

by JohnM on Jul 19, 2008 8:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ahem.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jul 19, 2008 8:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's a double,

what with the pole and jersey.

He could change it into a Cedeno one. Right?

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

by neverAcquiesce on Jul 19, 2008 9:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, with all those letters in Nomar's name...

...he should be able to change it into someone.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jul 19, 2008 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If he doesn't want to stick with the Cubs

he can actually go with Freddy Garcia AND Manny Parra. Of course he will be a traitor but whatever. He probably doesn’t even know what game he is at what with the pole and all.

Calm down.

by Kinky Reggae on Jul 19, 2008 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nomah

had 2 dings last night. He;s back! I knew we should have held on to him!

CRAFTY BEAVER!!!

by lostinthevines on Jul 19, 2008 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Carly Simon, "That's the way I always heard it could be"..

Nobody cares about your fantasy league team

by carmen_fanzone on Jul 19, 2008 8:08 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

could, should, same difference...lol

Nobody cares about your fantasy league team

by carmen_fanzone on Jul 19, 2008 8:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

DINGDINGDING!

We have a winner.

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

by Al on Jul 19, 2008 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just one question:

Are BCB points equal to “Schrutebucks” or “Stanley Nickels”?

Nobody cares about your fantasy league team

by carmen_fanzone on Jul 19, 2008 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

cards

lost a game and a half in 2 days.dont be too surprised if the cards win this division.

by NOMAR on Jul 19, 2008 8:31 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm sure you mean "Cubs"

lost a game and half.

This post may be more well suited on http://www.vivaelbirdos.com/

CRAFTY BEAVER!!!

by lostinthevines on Jul 19, 2008 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Really.

Look who the Cardinals were playing last night—the sucky Padres. At home.

Just wait till the Cubs get home and Soriano comes back. We’ll be just fine.

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

by Al on Jul 19, 2008 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know

Spelling might be too good

For your information, the Supreme Court has roundly rejected prior restraint.

by Less is Walrond on Jul 19, 2008 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I will be

EXTREMELY surprised if the Cards win this division.

"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 19, 2008 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Me, too...

...the Cubs were wobbling when they rolled into St. Louis before the break and I thought the Cards will make their move if they have anything. The Cubs should have swept that series. I shouldn’t make too much of a single series but I was unimpressed with St. Louis. The Brewers are another story….

With Soriano out AND Fukudome struggling the offense is not doing well. Once we start getting on base and hitting again we should be fine.

by DudeVf11 on Jul 19, 2008 3:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Tonight's game

(or actually, tomorrow morning at 12am) will be on AFN – sweet!!!

I also just upgraded from an old 27” tube tv to a 37” lcd widescreen… even though the AFN satellite isn’t HD, it’s still going to be very very nice!

There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!

by sanantonecub on Jul 19, 2008 8:37 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Oh yeah...

I’m watching my DVD of “bad news bears” right now….

Where did they get the 2006 cubs lineup to star in this movie? (I only wish I was joking :) )

There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!

by sanantonecub on Jul 19, 2008 8:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Question that might have come up in the game thread

With first base open, why were they even pitching to Pence?

It just didn’t make sense to me. Percentages be damned – in a situation like that you set up the double play.

by Wreckard on Jul 19, 2008 8:52 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Agreed.

The extra baserunner means nothing.

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

by Al on Jul 19, 2008 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"Howry simply cannot be trusted in close games."

Aren’t we being a little overly dramatic over 1 game?

At least Howry makes batters hit their way on. Considering the wildness of Marmol and Wood, I think a pitcher that throws strikes is needed at the end of the bullpen.

by salparadise23 on Jul 19, 2008 8:59 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

And that Tejada pitch wasn't a bad pitch

He went way up to get that. It was a foot out of the strike zone.

by Wreckard on Jul 19, 2008 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But he had fouled off two of those previously

and I belived he whiffed on the breaking ball. I think it was a bad pitch call persoanlly.

Calm down.

by Kinky Reggae on Jul 19, 2008 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"That's the Way I've Always Heard it Should Be"

Is the Carly Simon song.

"Happiness? A good cigar, a good meal, a good cigar and a good woman - or a bad woman; it depends on how much happiness you can handle." ~ George Burns

by tville on Jul 19, 2008 9:17 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Excessive Blame

You guys are too hard on Howry. Why blame only him for a game that was only 2-1? There is a team full of hitters that failed to do their job. This team should be able to score more than one run against the cellar dwelling Astros. Howry does not deserve to bear this cross by himself. I think your criticism of him is based upon unrealistic expectations. Relievers are going to give up a run every once in awhile. Our batter’s didn’t get the job done against a very mediocre pitching staff.

by dagwood on Jul 19, 2008 9:37 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Offense stunk

however, major league relievers, especially with lots of experience, ought to be able to preserve a tie ballgame. that is the very job they are paid for. So he is certainly not innocent here.

Calm down.

by Kinky Reggae on Jul 19, 2008 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And the Astro hitters are paid to get hits and score runs

Do you think the cubs players are the only ones that are paid to do a job?

by Tackle Box on Jul 19, 2008 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Between the two

they are the only ones who appear to have been DOING their job this year.

Calm down.

by Kinky Reggae on Jul 19, 2008 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Astros?

Who are 12th in the league in scoring? Those Astros?

Nobody cares about your fantasy league team

by carmen_fanzone on Jul 19, 2008 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What?

No I was responding to the comment above me that said their hitters are paid to hit too. I had said Howry is paid to hold games in that situation and he didn’t. I responded by saying that hte Astros hitters are not all that good at what they do this year so he ought to have held that tie for us.

Calm down.

by Kinky Reggae on Jul 19, 2008 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

okay, gotcha...

...I thought you were saying that the Astros hitters were the only ones doing their job well this year. My bad. Because their lineup (1-8) has been a major dissapointment.

Nobody cares about your fantasy league team

by carmen_fanzone on Jul 19, 2008 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh I know

which makes Howry’s performance that much more disappointing. Tejada HAS been hot all year but Pence is a little twerp and I just think Howry needs to execute better of take a freakin walk.

Calm down.

by Kinky Reggae on Jul 19, 2008 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+100

hindsight is perfect, as they say. the bats were the problem last night.

THIS IS OUR CENTURY!!

by LAcarl519 on Jul 19, 2008 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

There are reasons for concern

DLee has not hit a homer in several weeks, and looks very off balance on his swing. Fukedome should be dropped in the order- he has looked terrible lately. The offense looked so-so heading into the break, except for the 8 runs they put up against the Giants.

Right now, te Cards scare the bejeebers out of me.

"I still don't know what happened"- Fergie Jenkins on '69

by tommy veryzer on Jul 19, 2008 9:39 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

"Lieber's foot" my foot

I don’t think this is a legitmate injury—this looks like yet another game with the DL to postpone making a decision. Every team does it, although the Cubs seem to do it a LOT.

And, reading some of the posts above, let’s not panic because the Cubs lost a game. They will lose more before the end of the season—but I think they’ll win a lot more. Same goes for games in the standings.

by Shanghai Badger on Jul 19, 2008 9:49 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree, Lieber isnt hurt..

...He has been in the doghouse since he gave up all those HR’s in Cincy and has only been used in mop up duty since.

"When I got to Chicago, fans came to Wrigley Field just to have fun, now they come to see us win. The expectations have changed, for the players and for the fans. It’s about winning." Kerry Wood, 7/14/08

by JB 23 on Jul 19, 2008 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lieber's Shape (or lack thereof)

Would that have anything to do with his doghouse status? Does Lou have a rep for burying guys who don’t get into shape?

Eat More Katsui

by CaliCub on Jul 19, 2008 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I doubt it -- he's been built that way for years

So they shouldn’t have signed him if that was an issue.

by Shanghai Badger on Jul 19, 2008 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

my guess is Hendry is working on a trade involving

one of our arms. We just seemed clogged up with arms and the lack of clarity tells me something is up.

THIS IS OUR CENTURY!!

by LAcarl519 on Jul 19, 2008 1:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm shocked, shocked!

that you two would suggest that Lieber’s trip to the DL is anything but on the up and up!

Well, the good news is that now Jon Lieber will be able to make that charity 5k run next weekend.

Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?

by Josh77 on Jul 19, 2008 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm just glad nobody said "tip your hat to the pitcher"

because that phrase is really bs. Just look at the first inning, Theriot-2 pitches, Fukudome- a pitch, Lee- a pitch. That just sets the tone right there to be dominated for the next 6 innings. Brian Moheler or whatever is not a good pitcher. He’s not bad, but he’s an average pitcher at best.

I don’t people to get that bad reception of me so I’m going to tell everybody straight out. I am not one of those cubs fans that just harp on the negative. I tell it how it is and if you think that I’m stupid for doing that then so be it. Not to mention, when they win i’m ecstatic, which every cub fan should be

Back to what I was going to say, Fukudome sucks period. If he isn’t in the five hole he sucks. I think that is pretty obvious. Enough is enough, move him to the five hole and just put DeRosa in the two hole. If he doesn’t hit then move him.

In 12 games at leadoff- .260 average, .362 obp., .360 slug
In 12 games at 2 hole- .122 average, .204 obp, .204 slug
In 53 games at 5 hole- .316 average, .427 obp, .466

I know you can contribute that pitchers know him better after four months and the numbers back that up (his average has gone down every month) but sometimes your spot in the order makes a difference and apparently to Fukudome it does.

If we have a two run lead and our pitcher only went 6 innings, I would use Chad Gaudin instead of Bobby Howry. Gaudin has shown (although very small spots) that he can get outs. Everytime I see Howry pitch, he’s giving up the tying HR or giving up the lead. Lou can’t put him out there with a one run. He’ll blow it.

Innings 7-9- average is .301. (166 ab
9th inning- average is .450. (40 ab)
extras- .357 average. (14 ab)

In tie ballgames- .351 (21 ab).

I think the problem with howry is that he is a one pitch pitcher. A major league hitter can easily hit a fastball. Howry sometimes has trouble locating it and that’s where his problems lie. He falls behind too many hitter as well.

by lexmarklover on Jul 19, 2008 10:00 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

I’m not going to say Fukudome sucks, but he is not hitting at the top of the order and should be dropped. I’m not sure I wouldn’t say the same about Lee at this point- maybe bat him second with his power seemingly on hold.

"I still don't know what happened"- Fergie Jenkins on '69

by tommy veryzer on Jul 19, 2008 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

D Lee's power is on hold?

No homers in July, but he has 6 doubles and a triple already, good enough for a .528 SLG – higher than both May and June.

As far as Dome goes, there’s way too little track record to judge him by spot in the order. In fact, his rapid decline is traceable only to the second White Sox series. If you recall, he had a calf injury around then (or in the series before). I know that it didn’t just go away, because there was noise about it still bothering him a week or more later. It’s possible that this has more to do with his slump than his spot in the order, or pitchers figuring him out. I’d like to hear a progress report on the injury.

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

by JohnM on Jul 19, 2008 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's strange, isn't it?

So many of us thought Fukudome was better suited to hitting 1st or 2nd. But he has sucked since being moved up. Maybe he’s putting too much pressure on himself.

When Soriano comes back, I’d expect him to be dropped—and not to 5th, where Edmonds and/or Soto have been hitting well, but maybe to 7th.

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

by Al on Jul 19, 2008 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I Was Wrong

I gotta admit that I too was wrong on this one. When I saw the patience and above-average speed but not a lot of power I thought that 1st or 2nd would be perfect for Fukudome.

I also agree with leaving Soto 5th and trying Dome lower to see if it takes some pressure off.

a win is a win.

by JoToPo on Jul 19, 2008 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Glad someone else noticed this...

“Just look at the first inning, Theriot-2 pitches, Fukudome- a pitch, Lee- a pitch. That just sets the tone right there to be dominated for the next 6 innings. Brian Moheler or whatever is not a good pitcher. He’s not bad, but he’s an average pitcher at best.”

I saw this too and said to myself: “Uh, Oh.”

How can you let a pitcher off the hook that fast by going 3 and out on just 4 pitches? It did indeed set the tone.

We need to see a more patient approach tonight.

Grrr…..

Go Green! Go White! GO STATE! (#13031 on the Cubs season ticket waiting list...)

by Zeke on Jul 19, 2008 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

swinging early

is a product of having a week off and wanting to get back out there and hack away…

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

by cozmotaylor123 on Jul 19, 2008 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Carly Simon

That’s the Way I’ve Always Heard It Should Be

by dfrancon on Jul 19, 2008 10:00 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

WOW

Those are scarry numbers that Howry is putting up!

If you think you've seen it all...just wait!

by CubFanSince1970 on Jul 19, 2008 10:07 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The Words of El Tiante

seem appropriate about now…

“[Bleep] these guys that want to throw in the towel. Win today, win tomorrow, win the next day…the easy thing in life is to give up. Too many…don’t know what it’s like to be treated like sh$% most of their lives.”

I don’t wring my hands over the Brewers and Cardinals. I just concentrate on the Cubs playing as well as they can and Lou making as many smart decisions as possible. If they blow like last night, then get things corrected and come out fighting the next day. That, and a return to the type of offense we were treated to the first three months of the season would go a long way!

Eat More Katsui

by CaliCub on Jul 19, 2008 10:13 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Well said

And, if I was going to worry about one of them, it’d be the Brewers before the Cardinals—3 weeks until we play the Cards? Less than 2 until the Brewers. The focus, however, should be on the Astros and Saturday.

by Shanghai Badger on Jul 19, 2008 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

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

by sue369 on Jul 19, 2008 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's obvious.

But Cubs bats looked sluggish last night

They’re being overworked.

o_0

"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 19, 2008 10:24 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Sori can't come back any sooner

Especially after last night’s showing. Let’s hope he’s the missing piece the order needs, and him moving Dome down will do him some good. Although I sort of think it has more to do with pitchers figuring Dome out than his spot in the batting order (and the time he’s spent at 1 and 2 are much smaller sample sizes than his time at 5) but I guess we’ll see what happens if he gets moved down.

"Sharks are as tough as those football fans who take their shirts off during games in Chicago in January, only more intelligent." --Dave Barry

by rea5661 on Jul 19, 2008 11:38 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

It is still going to

HAVE to be a necessity for the Cubs to improve their road record to near the .500 mark.

If they are unable to do this, I really feel that they will be fighting ‘til the very last day of the season, and may only have the Wild Card available to them. Not a bad thing, but considering they can’t win on the road so far, would not be the best situation for them.

It is looking more and more like the Division winner will need 94-95 wins.

As I said last night – I agree w/Al. Very unfortunate for Lilly.

by The E-Man on Jul 19, 2008 11:41 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree, especially

..considering the September schedule. 16 of 25 on the road, with the last 7 on the road against the Mets and the Brewers.

by JB 23 on Jul 19, 2008 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, and the Cubs

can’t count on being absolutely unbeatable at home all season.

Chicago Cubs Humor and Parody at The Cubs Brickyard

by AceCubbie on Jul 19, 2008 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Interesting to see Dome is not talking to the media during this bad stretch

I wonder if that is the norm over in Japan.

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 19, 2008 1:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Gallagher vs Joba today...

Yanks lead A’s 2-1 bottom of the 5th. Our boy Murton is 2-2 with a double so far.

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

by Bump Bailey on Jul 19, 2008 2:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

What, Joba's not throwing a perfect game with 15 K's through 5?

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

by Al on Jul 19, 2008 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

what a surprise, right?...

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

by Bump Bailey on Jul 19, 2008 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nice to hear

Matt is doing well. Hope he has a great MLB career.

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

by sue369 on Jul 19, 2008 3:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So about Neal Cotts ...

Am i the only Cubs fan who thinks Cotts is doing a pretty decent job for us ??

I'm looking at his stats right now and well ... it doesn't look too bad ... maybe he hasn't been overly impressive during his whole time with the Cubbies ... but this is still the guy who was instrumental in helping the south side win a world series a couple years back ...

Dating back to June 18 he has only given up 8 hits and 1 ER … to go with 22 K’s and only 9 BB in 16.2 innings pitched … that looks pretty solid to me and it seems hard to believe he’s “on the bubble” with those kind of numbers …

"Ryno for President 08"

by ClarkFan44 on Jul 19, 2008 2:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I think he's done a good job too.

Hope he stays up when Eyre is ready. Not sure if Lou wants 3 leftys in the BP though.

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

by Bump Bailey on Jul 19, 2008 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

2-2 bottom of 7th.

Joba and Gallagher both done for the day.

Gallagher’s line:
5 innings, 7 hits, 2 runs, both earned with 4 W and 7 K’s.

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

by Bump Bailey on Jul 19, 2008 2:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

That's just about what Gallagher was doing here.

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

by Al on Jul 19, 2008 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Seeing the ball

I swear that DLee, ARam, and Dome are having trouble seeing the ball in the indoor stadiums. I haven’t looked up the stats but Toronto, Tampa Bay, and now Houston have been rough for hitting. I hope they can snap out of it tonight.

Go Cubbies!!!!

I want my Macias!

by wombat on Jul 19, 2008 2:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

You might have a point there.

I’d have to look at the stats, but seems to me we’ve only hit well at Toronto when the roof was open. Dunno for sure though. Just going by memory.

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

by Bump Bailey on Jul 19, 2008 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

OK not sure ...

what happened with that last post about Cotts, but it looks funny on my computer ...

so anyways, when Soriano comes back what is the chances of seeing Theriot leading off, Derosa in two hole and Soriano batting third ?? could you imagine this line up …

Theriot
Derosa
Soriano
Ramirez
Lee
Soto
Fukudome
Edmonds

maybe i’m crazy … but move Dome down … leave the Riot at lead off and put Soriano somewhere where he can actually drive in runs …

"Ryno for President 08"

by ClarkFan44 on Jul 19, 2008 3:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Sori will stay as leadoff

and I suspect Lou will move Dome down and put Theriot at #2.

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

by BigJohnAZ on Jul 19, 2008 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

not gonnna happen.

"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 19, 2008 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

thanks ...

for your insighful answer …

ok so maybe i’m not a big league manager … and probably never will be … but does anyone else not see what i’m saying ?? Sweet Lou gets paid the big money to make big decisions … even if that means telling a star player he doesn’t get to hit where he wants to in the line up … Theriot is on pace for over 200 hits, maybe all singles, but still he is getting on base … and Sori needs to be where he can be knocking in runs when he crushes those HRs come August and September …

Am i the only person that this makes sense too ??

"Ryno for President 08"

by ClarkFan44 on Jul 19, 2008 3:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The thing is

Lou knows all that. And he’s still going to hit Soriano lead off. He has said so repeatedly. And he’s explained why.

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

by JohnM on Jul 19, 2008 3:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Refresh my memory ...

I know he has said this repeatedly … i guess i’m not just remembering why … or what his reasons are … i guess the only thing i remember is Soriano’s desire to hit lead off …. and to me that just seems a waste of his power …

"Ryno for President 08"

by ClarkFan44 on Jul 19, 2008 3:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sori has always said he'll hit wherever Lou puts him

BUT for some reason, he hits better in the #1 spot. When Sori leads off, he sparks this team and after the first inning, I don’t believe he leads off an inning all that much. It’s not so much the numbers with him leading off, but how the team as a whole plays with him leading off.

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

by BigJohnAZ on Jul 19, 2008 3:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Something like this

Soriano is comfortable hitting there (and he wants his big hitters to be comfortable).

He likes having power in the 1-hole. You can get off to an early lead and unsettle an opposing starter. Soriano is on pace to set a record for career lead-off home runs.

He wouldn’t do this with a weaker line-up. But because of the strength of the Cubs’ line-up top to bottom, he can "afford" to put a power hitter number one.

Also, with that good team OBP you often have a .380 OBP guy hitting 8th), there’s often guys from the bottom of the order still on base for him.

He still has speed. He hasn’t completely given up on his running game.

The lead-off hitter is only guaranteed to hit first in an inning once per game.

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

by JohnM on Jul 19, 2008 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't need to be insightful.

I just need to listen to Lou. Lou has said, for MONTHS that Soriano leads off.

Soriano has said for MONTHS that he will do what Lou asks him to do. You have NO EVIDENCE that Soriano is complaining about not getting to hit where he wants to, or that he insists on hitting leadoff.

The only person it needs to make sense to it Lou. And to Lou, it makes sense to have Sori lead off.

Now, it also happens to make sens to me as well, because Sori hits MUCH better leading off than anywhere else. But that’s just pure coincidence.

"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 19, 2008 3:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sori has said repeatedly that he does prefer leading off,

but that he’ll bat wherever Lou wants him to bat. He was apparently “promised” the leadoff spot when he signed.

DeRo has said repeatedly that he prefers playing infield, but that he’ll play wherever Lou wants him to play. He was apparently “promised” 2B when he signed.

Why does Sori continually get flamed for being selfish and having a bad attitude, while DeRo is lauded as being the epitome of a team player? The only reason is that Lou chooses to bat Sori leadoff, while Lou chooses to move DeRo everywhere on the globe but Alaska.

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

by DeRoMyHero on Jul 19, 2008 3:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hear Alaska

is going on the 15 day DL next week. DeRo will have to step in there too.

"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 19, 2008 4:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Big John and John M ....

Thanks for your answers… that’s all i was asking for … JohnM your answer makes total sense and helped remind me why Soriano is in the 1 hole …

and Drew … i apologize, but this is where i use the classic “war” excuse … but i’ve been stuck in the middle of Afghanistan since the end of April and gone from home way before that ….. so i’m sorry if i’m not up to date on every single Cubs issue … that’s why i was asking … i seem to remember Sori putting up pretty big power numbers before his stint on the DL …. so i was just trying to spark a conversation or be politely reminded of why Lou hits him in the leadoff ….

I don’t really have time or actually even the option of watching every game, listening to every broadcast, reading every tribune article and etc, etc …. that explains me missing the MONTHS of Lou and Sori quotes and having no EVIDENCE … i apologize

i never ever insisted that Sori was any sort of selfish player at all (sorry if it seemed that way Dero !) i was only trying to ask why he doesn’t hit where maybe he could knock in a few more runs ….

but lets get one today ….. GO CUBBIES !!!!

"Ryno for President 08"

by ClarkFan44 on Jul 19, 2008 11:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh yeah ..

so i’m not sure if DeRo is the epitome of a team player or not … but it doesn’t change the fact that i still have a huge man crush on him …

"Ryno for President 08"

by ClarkFan44 on Jul 19, 2008 11:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pads up

2-0 on the Cards.

"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 19, 2008 3:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Greene leadoff double...

c’mon, Pads, help a brother out!

Demp and Rich: proof that people that live in igloos and say "eh" can contibute!

by Canadian Cubs Fan on Jul 19, 2008 3:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

5-0 Pads!!!

3-Run HR for some guy named Gonzalez. No, not Adrian either.

Demp and Rich: proof that people that live in igloos and say "eh" can contibute!

by Canadian Cubs Fan on Jul 19, 2008 3:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Edgar Gonzalez

is Adrian’s older (by a year) brother, who just made his ML debut this year. I think he’s subbing for Iguchi.

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

by DeRoMyHero on Jul 19, 2008 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

very nice.

maybe we get that game back tonight.

"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 19, 2008 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fox, in its infinite wisdom,

has decided that Denver, an NL city, would be more interested in Boston-LAAA than in the Cardinals-Padres.

Stupidity has clearly risen to a new record high…

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

by DeRoMyHero on Jul 19, 2008 3:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Dome's diary up

Good morning….

I just put up quick summery of Dome’s recent diary from ASG. Hope he can go out of his slump asap…

Last Sunday was our regional high school baseball final match for National Koshien Tournament (Final Four equivalent in Japan), and the team managed by my friend won first time in 11 years, beating Spring National Champion team by the score of 5-2. It was very first time for my friend in his 30 years of management career in 4-5 schools, as he is known as silver medal collector. We had dinner on Friday and he was so happy.