Pregame Thread: Cubs vs. Astros, Saturday 7/19, 6:05 CT
by Al Yellon on Jul 19, 2008 3:30 PM CDT
in Game Threads
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PrintChicago Cubs at Houston Astros, Jul 19, 2008 6:05 PM CDT
Here are a few more notes on the upcoming sale of the Cubs, listing the seven most likely bidding groups and individuals -- I'm very glad to see Don Levin, owner of the Wolves, still on this list. He's my #1 choice -- a Chicago native, lifelong Cubs fan with deep pockets who already owns a successful sports team in this town. There are a few more details in this Fran Spielman article in today's Sun-Times, and yet another take from the Wall Street Journal.
Our old friend Dayn Perry is at it again, this time with a Baseball Prospectus article ($, I think) trotting out every old North Side/South Side stereotype you can think of. It's so bad that it's worth a read.
Now, onward to more pressing business -- winning tonight's game.
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Z has pitched well against the Astros both this year and in his career -- 10-6, 2.67. The Juice Box is also one of his favorite parks to hit in; though he has only four hits there, three of them are homers. He handles Lance Berkman well (8-for-54, but 4 HR), and Carlos Lee hammers him (not a surprise, as El Caballo hits just about every Cub pitcher: 16-for-44, 5 doubles, 4 HR vs. Z). So many of the supposed "expert" sportswriters wring their hands because Z's strikeout total is down, but that's Z realizing he doesn't have to throw the ball 9,000 MPH against every single hitter; his sinker has been devastating this year and that's one of the reasons he's allowed only eight HR.
Somehow, Wandy Rodriguez has turned himself into a decent pitcher. I'd never have expected that from a guy who seemed to have no velocity, little control and a career ERA over 5.00 coming into this year. He has failed to get out of the sixth inning in his last three starts, though. Derrek Lee (7-for-16) and Ryan Theriot (5-for-10) hit him hard, and expect Jim Edmonds (and maybe the slumping Kosuke Fukudome) to get the night off vs. the LHP Rodriguez.
Today's game is a cable extravaganza in Chicago and Houston, on EI and at the MLB.com Mediacenter.
MLB.com Gameday (2007 version)
MLB.com Gameday (2008 version)
Baseball-reference.com game preview
Today's first pitch thread will be up at 6:00 pm CT and the overflow comment threads will post at 7:15 pm and 8:15 pm CT.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
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97 degrees there and 50% humid
5-0 Ankiel misplayed a ball and got an error.
"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 19, 2008 3:42 PM CDT up reply actions
see?
HGH doesn’t make you smart. :P
"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 3:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Mark Grace didnt think it was an error
how one could be such a good player and such a bad announcer is beyond me
"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 19, 2008 3:50 PM CDT up reply actions
The two talents aren't necessarily the same.
Some of the best announcers were only average players (Stone, Brenly, for example).
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
And some of the best players were...
naw… that’s just too easy of a set up. Someone else can finish it… ;-)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Jim Edmonds (and maybe the slumping Kosuke Fukudome)
oh, god. That means DeRosa in right, and the Mighty Hampster at 2nd again.
We REALLY need Soriano back. Or, you know, an actual outfielder on the bench. Paging Felix Pie…
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derrek Lee, 5/29/08
the mighty hampster has been pretty
..darn good lately. 320 /469/680 in the last 14 days.
and he has been throwing the leather as well….
"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
true
but it seems to throw Riot off a little bit. And really, there’s not that much leeway for Riot.
"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 3:56 PM CDT up reply actions
yea...the upside could be with all this playing
..time for Fonty, it could pay dividends later this year when were back to 100%. He should have some confidence off the bench.
"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
If Lou's sitting the lefty's
because of a LHP, why would Fontenot get a pass? Sounds like a good time to start Cedeno. Fonty can’t hit lefties.
''Listen, losing Soriano is no box of chocolates.'' ~Lou Piniella
well, that's
actually a good point. I wouldn’t mind that.
If Dome sits, that means Ward in left tho, because only DeRo can play right, with Reed in center…
"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 4:06 PM CDT up reply actions
I guess with Murton gone
he can’t play the “all RH lineup”. So yeah it could be Ward, or it could be Edmonds in CF if he wants better D across the OF.
However, after I posted that about Cedeno, I heard Cwyers in my head saying “Cedeno can’t hit lefties either”....and while it’s not as extreme this year, it’s true that Ronny has a reverse split.
''Listen, losing Soriano is no box of chocolates.'' ~Lou Piniella
Looks like Dome is playing per Gordo's Twitter
Fuku dropped to 7th in order vs. lefty tonight. He’s 1 for his last 16.about 1 hour ago from txt
"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
Does he have the rest of the lineup?
''Listen, losing Soriano is no box of chocolates.'' ~Lou Piniella
not posted yet...
..I will post if it comes up
"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
Well, that makes sense.
I think Dome will wind up batting 7th fulltime from here on out.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
that makes too much sense ;)
...Ronny seems to be in the same dog house that Leiber is
"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
not sure why we would sit lefties
they are hitting over .280 off of Wandy, righties are in the .230s
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."
I just got Directv, thank God.
And I actually get this game with my SportsPack.
My new life, my new world, and my beautiful daughter:
Tamia London Davis: Due date (8-11-08)!
And oh by the way.
Sue if you’re reading this. I actually do get most games on CSN.
My new life, my new world, and my beautiful daughter:
Tamia London Davis: Due date (8-11-08)!
Fantastic!!!
I’m glad you checked into it and got it. I figured you would get most of them. Good deal.
Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden. Now that's a pair of Aces.
Let's do this Cubs!!!!
I hope they show more energy tonight then they did last ngiht.
Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden. Now that's a pair of Aces.
AFN tonight!
I would be at the game tonight… if I didn’t get an e-mail back in February saying I was going to England. AFN will have to suffice… with my new tv, too!
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!
I want your... I want your...
I want your new tv
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
I'll trade you
A baseball…..
..... for a picture of my new tv.
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!
by sanantonecub on Jul 19, 2008 5:34 PM CDT up reply actions
no thanks
I just got word – they’re shipping my TV even as i type….
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Brew Crew up 1-0 on Giants in the 2nd
after a rain delay
"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 19, 2008 3:55 PM CDT reply actions
Woohoo
A cubs game I’ll actually be able to follow!! If I can stay awake. I’m so tired.
Fair sucks. Stoopid 4-H. :whines/cries:
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 19, 2008 3:59 PM CDT reply actions
Aw, maybe a
Cubs win will cheer you up. :D
Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden. Now that's a pair of Aces.
Let's go Cubbies!
"Memory believes before knowing remembers. Believes longer than recollects, longer than knowing even wonders."
-- William Faulkner
Time for the Cub bats to end their extended vacation!
Z needs some good run support (it has been lacking).
Early & often…please.
THIS IS OUR CENTURY!!
Giants take the lead over Brewers 2-1
with some small ball (and a JJ hardy error).
''Listen, losing Soriano is no box of chocolates.'' ~Lou Piniella
Pujols put it in the gap
And drives in 3 just like that…..
5-3 Padres
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!
Cardinals adding on
5-4 and cutting it close
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!
by sanantonecub on Jul 19, 2008 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions
I have and YES
He can hit it harder then most of the team
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
He has hit a few out onto the street during BP
and even more impressive – before the bleacher expansion, he would hit them out onto Waveland pretty often… batting LEFT-HANDED!!!
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Cardinals leading 6-5 and Brewers just took a 5-4 lead
We are gonna have to win tonight
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
It's not like the Cards or Brewers
Have ever given up huge leads in the 9th and lost the game…...
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!
by sanantonecub on Jul 19, 2008 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions
the Padres and giants are just so bad
outside of Lincincum and Peavy there is no talent on those squads.
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."
Sneaky Sneaky Power
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!
by sanantonecub on Jul 19, 2008 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Edmonds sits, DeRo in left
R. Theriot ss 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .320
R. Johnson cf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .268
D. Lee 1b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .303
A. Ramirez 3b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .282
G. Soto c 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .288
M. DeRosa lf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .281
K. Fukudome rf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .276
R. Cedeno 2b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .269
C. Zambrano p
''Listen, losing Soriano is no box of chocolates.'' ~Lou Piniella
not sure about sitting Edmonds
lefties hitting 280 against Wandy, why sit the only guy who hit the ball last night
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."
Lots of different ways to look at it
Edmonds doesn’t hit lefties great. So, whose split “wins”? Rodriguez’s reverse split or Edmonds’ normal split?
Also, maybe his foot’s bothering him.
''Listen, losing Soriano is no box of chocolates.'' ~Lou Piniella
Hopefully our 1-2 and 6-7-8-9 also produce today
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!
by sanantonecub on Jul 19, 2008 5:34 PM CDT up reply actions
Cory Provus reports Lou says:
Slight setback for Wood during bullpen session today. Blister not healed, he’s unavailable again tonight.
''Listen, losing Soriano is no box of chocolates.'' ~Lou Piniella
that must be one hell of blister that its still a issue after a week off
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."
Wow! Ronny Cedeno is out of the witness protection program!
I hope he didn’t forget how to play baseball while he was there.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
MLB.tv questions
I am thinking of purchasing the mlb.tv package for a month. If you buy this, does it continue to bill you monthly after your first month is over or do you just get one month? Also, does it tend to lag? Is premium worth more than the standard?
2008 Cubs: Who needs nine innings, when you only need a 7th?
Yes, it's automatic billing
So remember to cancel if you don’t wish it to continue. Lag is all dependent on your internet connection – if you have a good one, you’ll be fine. And if you have a good internet connection and a good monitor, absolutely get premium.
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!
by sanantonecub on Jul 19, 2008 5:50 PM CDT up reply actions
How do you go about cancelling it. I will be using a debit card to purchase it as well
2008 Cubs: Who needs nine innings, when you only need a 7th?
Probably will have to call
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!
by sanantonecub on Jul 19, 2008 5:56 PM CDT up reply actions
now when they bill you monthly
do they bill you at say the end of July or a month after you have purchased it? (ie August 19)
2008 Cubs: Who needs nine innings, when you only need a 7th?
the answer to this and all your other questions is pretty simple
if it has anything to do with MLB, the answer will be the choice that costs you the most money, makes the least amount of sense and is the hardest to deal with.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
I emailed them
to cancel. I ordered it and it wouldnt work on my computer. I called them and they said they’d call me back to help me. I called again and they said the same thing. I still havent heard from them. I’ve been paying for it for 3 months without it working
THey will keep billing you for sure. I have had some problems with it lagging sometimes but it depends on your internet connection
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
Cards win :(
"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 19, 2008 5:55 PM CDT reply actions
The padres quit playing that game as soon as the Cards tied it IMO
"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
freaking Padres
what a piece of crap that team is
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."
They are;
but never count on another team to handle your business. We need to handle our own.
My new life, my new world, and my beautiful daughter:
Tamia London Davis: Due date (8-11-08)!
Exactly.
Remember, St. Louis is playing a crappy team at home. The Cubs have done well against those sorts of teams, too. If SD can win one tomorrow, that’s about the best we can hope for.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
at least the Cards and brewers are playing each other next week
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."
LIVE from Minute Maid Park
FSN Houston brings you tonights matchup!
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!
Thank God for DirecTV.
My new life, my new world, and my beautiful daughter:
Tamia London Davis: Due date (8-11-08)!
Hey, considering I'm in Thrapston England
I’ll take crappy FSN coverage of the game.
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!
by sanantonecub on Jul 19, 2008 6:02 PM CDT up reply actions
whew! I was tuned to WGN
and these two ugly bloated announcers came on and scared the bejeebus out of me (Sox game). I’m now happily on CSN with Len & Bob
What doesn't destroy you makes you stranger -- The Joker
That would be freakishly scary
Here’s an old style. You need it!
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!
by sanantonecub on Jul 19, 2008 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Tip o' the cap
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!
by sanantonecub on Jul 19, 2008 6:04 PM CDT up reply actions
joe morgan is doing saturday night baseball too? ;-)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
oooooooooooh nooooooooooo
if that were the case I’d hurl myself out my 31st floor window
What doesn't destroy you makes you stranger -- The Joker
I'm so glad Reed's giving up the goat beard
What doesn't destroy you makes you stranger -- The Joker
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