A Harden Luck Pitcher: Cubs 0, Diamondbacks 2
Well, that was a waste of time.
No, not Rich Harden's effort in the Cubs' 2-0 loss to the Diamondbacks, continuing Bank Holding Company Ballpark's reputation as a Cub house of pain -- the Cubs are now 13-26 there, and that doesn't include the two playoff losses there last year. I wasted my time staying up to watch; it was a fairly quick game at two hours and 18 minutes, ending by 11:00 pm CT, but ultimately a dissatisfying loss, another one where I shut the TV off immediately after Aramis Ramirez grounded out to end the game.
Harden was magnificent. He mixed his pitches up well, had excellent velocity, and probably could have (and considering Bob Howry put the game further out of reach in the 8th, probably should have. Told you I don't trust Howry!) thrown another inning, having reached 112 pitches, but walked only two, and you know how I sometimes say "one bad pitch"? That was literally true for Harden last night -- he got a pitch up on D'backs RF Alex Romero, and he homered, the first of his major league career (which consists of all of 65 at-bats). Harden had no-hit stuff last night and until Romero's HR, I thought he had a shot at one. He's now thrown 12.1 innings as a Cub, allowed six hits and a walk and one run, struck out 20 -- and has a no-decision and a loss to show for it.
Meanwhile, the Cubs were hitting Randy Johnson. No, really, they were -- hitting fly ball after fly ball right at people, and Chris Young did make a couple of nice running catches. I kept thinking one or more of those fly balls had to fall in, but they never did. The Cubs' only two hits were a leadoff single by Jim Edmonds in the 3rd, and a leadoff single by Reed Johnson (what's with that Fu Manchu, buddy?) in the 4th. Harden laid down a nice sacrifice bunt to advance Edmonds to 2nd, but he was stranded... and that was it till the 9th, when a leadoff walk and an error put runners on first and second with nobody out. But D-Lee hit into his 20th DP of the year and A-Ram, in a huge slump (2 for his last 30 and down to .271), ended it with the groundout. Those guys have got to step up with Alfonso Soriano out, and they haven't. Randy Johnson is now 13-0 lifetime vs. the Cubs, and this is likely his last regular season start against them; according to Len & Bob, the only other pitcher in history to have at least ten career starts vs. the Cubs without a defeat is Sal Maglie, who pitched for good Giants and Dodgers teams in the 40's and 50's when the Cubs were mostly bad. Give Johnson credit -- he was sharp last night and made the pitches he wanted to make. He's not what he used to be (when Johnson made his ML debut on September 15, 1988, Rich Harden was not quite seven years old), but for one night, he recaptured some of his past brilliance. One more historic note: Rich Harden is now the first pitcher in Cubs history to record ten strikeouts in each of his first two starts with the team.
Really, if Lou wants to jumpstart this offense, he'd forget about the plan to have Soriano head to Tucson (where there is a chance of rain tonight) where Iowa is playing tonight, and just have him activated and start in LF in Phoenix. Instead, here is Lou's brilliant idea:
"Tuesday Time Change. No Batting Practice."
After watching another night of meager offensive production -- this time against a 44-year-old former power pitcher using the Cubs for his personal Hall of Fame pass -- Piniella said he's taking the bats out of his hitters' hands before the game again.
Well, who knows? Maybe it'll work. In any case, perspective: the Cubs still lead the NL Central by two games even though they have now lost four of their last five. And in those five games, they have allowed twelve runs, so the issue isn't with the pitching staff -- they've been good to outstanding over those five games. Except for the outburst on Sunday, the Cub offense has been mostly missing in action... and a lot of that is because of missing Soriano. Including the June 11 game when Soriano was hit (because he played only one inning of that game), the Cubs are 17-17 since he went down; they were 2.5 games ahead on that date and 2 games ahead now.
Get Soriano back. Today. Don't waste more time. He's needed.
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558 comments
Comments
I'm too upset....
To say first
"Remember each day this year, where you were, what you were doing, who you were with, how you felt as the Cubs win their way through it. Because if this does turn out to be the promised land we have all been waiting for, you will want to remember, savor, cherish every moment..."
by CubsBullsBears on Jul 22, 2008 8:10 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
But you said it anyway
"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 22, 2008 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm disappointed with the loss
but it was one heck of a game. Like you Al,i kept thinking one of the hard hit balls had to drop and lead to some runs. A fantstic pitching duel and some great defense by the D-backs. even with a bad run of late the team is still in 1st -that’s not bad.
by sdurst on Jul 22, 2008 8:15 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Jim/Lou...while your at it
Please get Dome and Aram back from the body snatchers as well
"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey
by TheRiot Police on Jul 22, 2008 8:16 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Aramis...
Has looked bad lately. He’s swinging at horrible pitches, which really isn’t like him. As a positive though, he usually goes on a tear after slumps like this. Hopefully we all heat up when we head to Milwaukee.
"Remember each day this year, where you were, what you were doing, who you were with, how you felt as the Cubs win their way through it. Because if this does turn out to be the promised land we have all been waiting for, you will want to remember, savor, cherish every moment..."
by CubsBullsBears on Jul 22, 2008 8:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well....
Ramirez and Kosuke haven’t been the same since the later was moved out of the # 5 spot. Lets end that experiment today.
Although horribly unpopular to critique Lee I think it is high time consideration be given to finally moving him in the lineup. Look, I like Lee. Fact is he is a good ballplayer and a solid positive member of this ballclub. But an old baseball philosophy goes you put your best pure hitter in the # 3 hole. Is Lee our best pure hitter? Well, strong objective argument can be made that he is the fourth best hitting 1st baseman in the National League Central behind Pujols, Berkman and Fielder. And we’re supposed to be one of the elite teams in baseball with a juggernaut offense. Go figure. This is a debate worthy topic. Unfortunately since I brought it up it will be torpedoed and ridiculed and I will be labeled a Lee basher. Oh well.
Rich Harden Fever, Catch It !!!!!!!!!!
by MDBNIU on Jul 22, 2008 8:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I won't ridicule you but...
want to know who you would hit 3rd?
"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 Fishbone2 on Jul 22, 2008 8:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe Soriano, or maybe even Soto...
Or maybe even Mark DeRosa. It’s a difficult question with not clear answer. But it is high time to critique Derrek Lee being the lifetime # 3 hitter in this lineup.
Rich Harden Fever, Catch It !!!!!!!!!!
by MDBNIU on Jul 22, 2008 8:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's a tough decision but I think
you run into the same Dp problem with Soto. I haven’t looked up any stats or anything like that but just a feeling. When Lee is on he fits perfectly there. Has the threat of power, hits a lot of doubles, etc.. The only one I would consider would be Soriano but we all know that wouldn’t happen. DeRo slumps with the best of them… It’s just a matter of Ram and Lee and even Soto slumping at the same time.
"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 Fishbone2 on Jul 22, 2008 8:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Soto has 6 DPs, not many compared to DLee's 20.
by sackings108 on Jul 22, 2008 8:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But may have more if he was hitting 3rd?
Not sure it’s comparable until they both have a sample size batting 3rd. I’m not defending/picking on either player.
"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 Fishbone2 on Jul 22, 2008 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've been saying that about Lee for awhile now
I’m also a big Lee fan and I understand how much he means to this team but I also think it’s better for he and the Cubs if Pinella considers moving him down in the line-up-at least temporarily.
Personally, I’d love to see Sori in the three hole but, as others have pointed out, that’s probably just a pipedream. I’m not comfortable with DeRo in the three spot on any kind of a regular basis but, at some point, you have to try something else.
by bluekoolaide on Jul 22, 2008 8:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I 100% agree with you on Aram and Fuku...
When Soriano comes back, MOVE FUKUDOME BACK TO THE #5 spot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And in all honesty i half agree with you on Lee, he is technically a number 2 hitter, Aram is a 4 and Soto is more of a 3.
(FYI – best pure hitter should batt 2 not 3) All around hitter batts 3.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on Jul 22, 2008 8:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
* i dont know why i added....
a “t” twice to bats.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on Jul 22, 2008 8:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Soto could work...
He’s got better slugging percentage than Lee. However, I think this is just a slump.
DeRosa is a joke in the #3. Soriano likes the leadoff too much and he’s not a pure hitter by any stretch.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and remember, half of them are stupider than that!
by DaBard on Jul 22, 2008 8:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why would you want to take
a rookie, having a terrific season, and put more pressure on him?
PC load letter!?!? - What the f*** does that mean!?!?!
by N Oakley on Jul 22, 2008 8:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've been dying to see Dome back in the #5 spot
He’s sucked ever since he moved out of that spot.
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
by SackMan on Jul 22, 2008 9:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
really dont get this
fukudome is slumping, he has slugged worse than even most of the pessimistic projections at .406. while would it be a wise move at all to put him in the #5 hole to protect ramirez??
soto needs to hit #5. let fukudome hit #2 where he will see better pitches to hit, and will hopefully get back in the groove of being an on-base machine, exactly what you are looking for in the two hole, not from a #5 hitter.
Soriano - Dome - DLee - Aramis - Soto. If that doesnt turn you on you're not human.
by kylejo on Jul 22, 2008 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he WAS an on-base machine....
he is NOT an on-base machine any more. Aram is slumping horribly. Something needs to change, the lamp wasnt broken when it was Aram 4 Fuku 5, it became broke when Fuke went to 2.
Look at his splits batting 2 vs 5. HUGE DIFFERENCE….
Batting average is 171 points lower (.316 vs. 145), OBP is 210 points lower (.427 vs 217) and the OPS is 422 points lower (.893 vs 471). I think we know what to do.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on Jul 22, 2008 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good Work Higgy!
The numbers sure make the case for returning Dome to the fifth spot. Will be interesting to see if Lou goes Soriano/Theriot/Lee/ARam/Dome/EdMo/Soto/DeRo/P once Alfonso is back.
Eat More Katsui
by CaliCub on Jul 22, 2008 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is it the spot in the order?
Or is it the timing? It is very possible that Fukudome’s numbers have fallen simply because pitcher’s have figured out how to pitch him, and that he would have had the same atrocious numbers had he been in the #5 spot over the last month.
It could be that switching him in the order made that much difference, but I have trouble believing it. Fukudome seems to professional a hitter to be affected by something like spot in the order. Hopefully you’re right though, because when Soriano returns Fukudome will likely drop back down in the order. I’d rather it simply be the spot in the order than fatigue or having been figured out.
by SouthernCub on Jul 22, 2008 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well then....
if pitchers figured him out in a half of a season – we do not have the player we thought we were getting.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on Jul 22, 2008 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think the two things...
...are mutually exclusive (or inclusive?). Anyway, the league figures out every good, new hitter eventually (except for maybe Ryan Braun, dammit) – it was bound to happen. The question now is whether and how Dome will make adjustments to get back some of the success he’s lost. I think he will. It’s far too early to write him off.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 22, 2008 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You have to remember...
...he is new to the league and teams have mastered the first round of adjustments with him. Everybody has a hole or two in their swing, and I think he is good enouph to make the adjustment.
I also think his issue is part emotional burnout. He has been followed all year long by a hord of media, and they put the magnifying glass to him everyday. He is too good a hitter to not heat up again, and I think he will finish on a positive note.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Jul 22, 2008 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not necessarily true...
Nearly every hitter goes through an adjustment period coming to the majors. Unless you’re Albert Pujols (and have no holes in your swing at all), MLB pitchers figure out a way to pitch to you. The really good hitters correct for that and make the necessary adjustments, but most hitters struggle at some point. Fukudome appears to be going through that.
It may be that he simply isn’t going to be the hitter some thought he was. Or it may be that he simply is in the period in which the pitchers have the advantage and he needs to make those adjustments.
by SouthernCub on Jul 22, 2008 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
His adjustment
seems to be to be more aggressive at the plate. He is swinging at the first pitch a lot more now than earlier in the season. The problem is that he is swinging and missing at the first pitch a lot.
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on Jul 22, 2008 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
so...
you’re saying that if he continues to hit #2 hed keep hitting .145 all year there? this just is not a large enough sample size. it is more likely that if he is given equal at bats in the two spots in the lineup that his .145 in the two hole would go up, and the .316 in the five hole would go down.
despite his slump, he still has a .377 obp. he is best suited in the #2 hole period. ESPECIALLY with a .406 slugging percentage. is that honestly what you want to protect aramis with?
Soriano - Dome - DLee - Aramis - Soto. If that doesnt turn you on you're not human.
by kylejo on Jul 22, 2008 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is Fukudome an on base machine?
Like you stated or isnt he?
Lets assume a perfect work, Aram at the number 4 spot his a home run every time up. Soto batting 5, another slugger, what does he get to drive in? Solo shots? by batting fukudome 5th you are spreading the line-up out much more than you are batting 2nd. Theriot batting over 300 is not a number 8 guy, or even 7. him getting on base is a waste at 7 or 8, better suited at 2. balance is the key to the line-up.
Fuku batting 5 is balance.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on Jul 22, 2008 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
soto as the #5
is my response to an aramis slump, and to others conclusion that aramis slump has coincided with moving fukudome down. you cant just assume a perfect world and think that aramis will hit one out everytime, im not sure why you would do that. in a normal world, if the 2 or 3 hitter is on base when aramis comes up, a pitcher is going to have to go after him rather than walking him only to face another slugger in soto.
Soriano - Dome - DLee - Aramis - Soto. If that doesnt turn you on you're not human.
by kylejo on Jul 22, 2008 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Disagree about # 2 hitter
A # 2 hitter must give him self up for the good of the team. (ie safrice, hitting behind runners.
Lou is never D Lee to bunt.
There is more of a problem at the # 4 hole. 0 for 28-9 & 0 for 20 just doesnt cut it.
by cubbierc on Jul 22, 2008 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What?
I dont even know how to answer this.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on Jul 22, 2008 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You answered properly.....
Well, HUH? would have been as correct. Cbbierc, Rami IS our 4 hole hitter. His lifetime average 7th or later is right around .375 with POWER.
The poem fails when it strays too far from the song, and the song fails when it strays too far from the dance ~ Ezra Pound
by crazymountain on Jul 22, 2008 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
C'mon now, say it with me...
Lou is never D Lee to bunt.
Words to live by.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 22, 2008 2:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That was my senior quote.
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 22, 2008 2:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lee & Ramirez
have been really disappointing in the last 2 or 3 weeks. Lee’s plate discipline has been horrible. When I think of what makes him successful, it’s his ability to wait for HIS pitch, not pitchers pitches. All those DP’s, or most of them, are due to pulling outside pitches, or hacking at the wrong pitches, IMO.
Just a bit of a blip, hopefully. I hadn’t realized that they were only 2.5 up when Soriano got hurt. Give you some perspective.
Brewers and Cardinals are charging pretty hard, though.
Demp and Rich: proof that people that live in igloos and say "eh" can contibute!
by Canadian Cubs Fan on Jul 22, 2008 8:24 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Derrek Lee isn't the superstar I lot of us label him to be
Rather he is a good overall baseball player. He converted one outstanding season into somehow being classified with the elite run producers in the National League. But in the National League Central alone there are three other 1st baseman I’d rather have hitting in my lineup.
Rich Harden Fever, Catch It !!!!!!!!!!
by MDBNIU on Jul 22, 2008 8:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i would take....
8 DLee’s to play all positions.
And there is no way you have 3 all around better first basemen. DLee is not a DH, he plays in the field too.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on Jul 22, 2008 8:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Reading is fundamental
Any objective panel of experts would pick Pujols, Berkman and Fielder as hitters over Lee. There is no debate that Lee is a good baseball player. And a very fine defensive 1st baseman.
Rich Harden Fever, Catch It !!!!!!!!!!
by MDBNIU on Jul 22, 2008 8:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fielder?
Really? Come on that is silly.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on Jul 22, 2008 8:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fielder is 23/24, with mounds of upside.
by sackings108 on Jul 22, 2008 8:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And mounds of everything else
Think of how stupid the average person is, and remember, half of them are stupider than that!
by DaBard on Jul 22, 2008 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And a horrible defensive 1st baseman
I have personally seen balls he’s booted and scoops that DLee does in his sleep.
"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 Fishbone2 on Jul 22, 2008 8:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How does he have mounds of upside?
Are we making assumptions or are we going off numbers? There is more to hitting than Home Runs.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on Jul 22, 2008 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He said as hitters, and yes those 3 are better hitters than DLee
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Jul 22, 2008 8:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't say Fielder is a better Hitter than Lee.
Homerun hitter, Yes. But all around hitter, No.
"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 Fishbone2 on Jul 22, 2008 8:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The most surprising stat
Everyone loves to comment on Fielder’s size. He has only 9 GIDP’s. He does drive the ball more. He doesn’t hit those tailored made DP balls that unfortunately Lee has done a lot of this year.
By the way, it looks like the NL record for GIDP is 30 by two catchers Ernie Lombardi and Brad Ausmus. The major league record is 37 by Jim Rice. Unfortunately, the NL record is in jeopardy.
by rlpete on Jul 22, 2008 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fielder usually Hits with the bases empty
Cause Braun drives them in the at-bat before. Braun 71 Rbi… Maybe that’s why he has only 9 GIDP.
"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 Fishbone2 on Jul 22, 2008 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and Lee hits with
Mr. Singles-Machine-But-I-Can’t-Run-The-Bases Riot in front of him.
"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 22, 2008 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
asinine
no amount of running ‘skill’ is gonna break up a DP with the perfect grounders lee’s been serving up.
------ TheRiot Squad ------
by RightFieldSucks on Jul 22, 2008 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm just saying
"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 22, 2008 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
your just saying
just to say, there is no actual hard evidence that shows you that Theriot is the reason DLee keeps grounding into DPs
"This balls got a chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannce, GONE!" - Pat Hughes
by SouthsideCUBSfan on Jul 22, 2008 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
didn't say it was.
when a batter slumps into hitting grounders, his DP numbers go up if there’s someone consistently on base in front of him.
"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 22, 2008 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So your saying that Theriot needs to stop hitting singles?
I dont get it, oh well
"This balls got a chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannce, GONE!" - Pat Hughes
by SouthsideCUBSfan on Jul 22, 2008 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
it would be nice
if he could maybe steal a base. Hit a few more doubles.
But no, I’m not blaming Theriot. I’m just saying that that stat is driven up by his high OBP. Really, it’s a compliment, actually.
"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 22, 2008 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
gotcha
"This balls got a chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannce, GONE!" - Pat Hughes
by SouthsideCUBSfan on Jul 22, 2008 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
exactly. If he could hit anything more than a single,
he would be much more valuable.
by princefieldersdiet on Jul 22, 2008 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right
but you can’t blame the ensuing double play on Theriot’s lack of XBHs or steal attempts.
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 22, 2008 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
unbelievable
When DLEE struggles, some how blame falls on Theriot, who gets on base consistently…. that really is unbelievable
"This balls got a chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannce, GONE!" - Pat Hughes
by SouthsideCUBSfan on Jul 22, 2008 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You could ask him
to K a lot more. That way Lee won’t hit into as many DP’s. If that’s what you’re so concerned about.
Go All In and Enjoy The Ride.
by Jayo525 on Jul 22, 2008 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It would be nice if
Theriot hit something other than singles, but then again . . .

"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on Jul 22, 2008 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well....
think about it – last night Theriot should have let the ball hit him.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on Jul 22, 2008 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Then he would have been out.
Jimmyeatworld
by Jimmyeatworld on Jul 22, 2008 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he was going to be out anyway
and maybe he breaks up the double play.
But then Rami’s grounder would have been it anyway. Who knows?
"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 22, 2008 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
haha thank you
Theriot could hit say 10000 HR in a year, and people would say he hits too many HRs at like an untimely time or something, I just dont get it
"This balls got a chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannce, GONE!" - Pat Hughes
by SouthsideCUBSfan on Jul 22, 2008 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
in order for him to hit
untimely home-runs…
he’s have to hit timely ones…
"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 22, 2008 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If only he'd take lessons from...
Fontenot?
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 22, 2008 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Im saying if he did
people would find a reason to bitch… the best OBP guy we have had in a loooooong time, people on here are baseball blind sometimes and just stick with their argument against him even though they have been proven wrong over and over again… there have been many greats that focused on drawing walks and getting base hits
"This balls got a chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannce, GONE!" - Pat Hughes
by SouthsideCUBSfan on Jul 22, 2008 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not blind to anything.
He gets on base a lot.
He also misses a lot of balls in the infield, and is a terrible baserunner.
Riot is not to be numbered among the “greats”.
"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 22, 2008 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But he's not a detriment to our team
despite what the popular opinion is around here.
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 22, 2008 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I disagree.
but that’s ok.
"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 22, 2008 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You know it.
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 22, 2008 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It certainly isn't popular opinion.
There are only a few of us that feel he is a detriment. That doesn’t make us baseball blind, rather, I’d argue it makes us baseball enlightened.
by princefieldersdiet on Jul 22, 2008 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
but he is a huge reason why in the first half of the season we scored as many runs as we did, he is obviously doing much more good then bad, if a storied coach like Lou Piniella likes him as much as he does, continuously putting him in at 1st base. Would you rather have Alex Gonzalez from a while back who was a great glove(except against Florida when it counted) but hit for shit, or would you rather have a slightly very slightly below average infielder and base runner who is an amazing OBP guy… yes amazing OBP guy?
"This balls got a chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannce, GONE!" - Pat Hughes
by SouthsideCUBSfan on Jul 22, 2008 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
haha I wrote 1st base
I meant SS obviously
"This balls got a chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannce, GONE!" - Pat Hughes
by SouthsideCUBSfan on Jul 22, 2008 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Baseball blind?
I’d recommend a Baseball seeing-eye dog.
Go All In and Enjoy The Ride.
by Jayo525 on Jul 22, 2008 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Put me in, coach.

Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 22, 2008 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Some lady signed that ball!
It said “Baby Ruth” or something.
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 22, 2008 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're killing me Smalls.
Go All In and Enjoy The Ride.
by Jayo525 on Jul 22, 2008 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Juan Pierre-2006
Over 200 hits, 58 stolen bases, could actually field his position. Sorry, I didn’t like him and I don’t like Theriot.
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Jul 22, 2008 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That was easy.
Juan Pierre just collected a paycheck when the season was on the line. After the team fell way out of contention, he started making contact, getting on base and stealing.
As for Theriot, he can get on base. Unfortunately, he’s like an NBA player that can’t create his own shot. Theriot’s offensive value is only realized if the players behind him move him around.
PC load letter!?!? - What the f*** does that mean!?!?!
by N Oakley on Jul 22, 2008 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which makes his offensive value nil.
A guy like that needs to be able to steal bases.
by princefieldersdiet on Jul 22, 2008 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good analogy.
True, Theriot relies on others to advance him/bring him home. In his defense, though, you can’t blame him when those behind can’t do that when he’s done his part by getting on base.
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 22, 2008 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
right - but...
1 out not 2.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on Jul 22, 2008 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Then Rami's grounder is the DP.
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 22, 2008 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that is just a forecast.
You dont know that would be the end result.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on Jul 22, 2008 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A butterfly flaps its wings...
It’s ingrained in baseball players to avoid the ball on the basepaths because it means OUT. In that situation their instinct is to get out of the way.
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 22, 2008 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fielder is NOT a better hitter than Lee. Period.
However, DLee is turning himself into a truly bad hitter. He has lost plate discipline, swings at that low-outside slider trying to pull it rather than hit it. Same with Kosuke, he isn’t patient anymore, his strikeouts have gone way up. Rami? I think he is trying to make up for the rest of the teams failings at this time.
Bottom line is we NEED Sori in that leadoff position. Kosuke batting 5th protected by Soto and Edmonds. DeRo has done well hitting eighth and we have a pitching staff that can at least handle the bats. And, DLee has to flip that switch and learn how to hit the DLee way. Maybe he should make a video, then buy it…...He HAS to start thinking up there. Right now, I say sit him down, put Hoffpauir at first for a couple games. Maybe rest Rami as well, using DeRo at third. WonderHamster can hold down second base. It is not a felony to sit two slumping stars at the same time
The poem fails when it strays too far from the song, and the song fails when it strays too far from the dance ~ Ezra Pound
by crazymountain on Jul 22, 2008 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Brewers charging hard?
They are 35-19 since May 20, the NL’s best record. And, 4-0 on this 7 game road trip. Yes they are charging hard. Those 4 games next week against them will be pretty big. We need that august schedule with 19 home games and 9 road games to get here soon.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
by mrcubsfan on Jul 22, 2008 8:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Enough of Howry and Eyre --
Same guys from different sides of the mound -
When they suffer in the early part of the year, they cry is - they’ll do better in the second half.
This year as far as Eyre is concerned was a better start and an apparent turn for the worse just before he went on the DL. Questions about his value to the team are answered by the following - the lack of urgency to get him off the DL.
As for Howry - almost always a slow starter. Then he would pick it up in June and go from there. This year - nothing. When he can’t get his breaking pitches over the plate, his less than advertised fastball gets hammered. I shudder every time he enters a game. He is no longer what he once was.
Just ask yourself this - based on performance to this date, would you keep them in 2009? If not, why keep them now? Their contracts are ending and we have no long term financial commitment.
Who would replace Howry? Ask Hendry - it’s his job to find someone. As for Eyre, he’s already gone in that he is on the DL.
One last thing - does Ward fall into this same category? He has done absolutely nothing all year when he wasn’t on the DL. There are 10 weeks left in the season. I do not think that this is the time for “let’s give him time to return to his old form.” Move on and find someone else to take his role.
by ceegeewow on Jul 22, 2008 8:27 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Chad Gaudin should replace Howry.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jul 22, 2008 8:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Loud SUSTAINED applause (LSA for short)
I’ve gotten to the point now that when Howry comes in , I EXPECT him to give up a run.
*Synth intro to "Jump"*
by SouthsideCub on Jul 22, 2008 8:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Since June 10...
... Howry has allowed 19 hits in 15.1 innings over 17 appearances, 9 earned runs and 7 K’s, for an ERA of 5.28 during that period.
I’m usually a defender of most players on this team, but this is ridiculous. Howry appears just about done.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jul 22, 2008 8:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Howry is strictly a mop up man at this point
Need to play out the contract with Howry and Scott Eyre and move on.
Rich Harden Fever, Catch It !!!!!!!!!!
by MDBNIU on Jul 22, 2008 8:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
Howry needs to be demoted to garbage time, with Gaudin taking his spot. If Howry can get his shit together, then maybe move him back to this role, but until he starts pitching well, he should not be in a game after the 7th innning.
*Synth intro to "Jump"*
by SouthsideCub on Jul 22, 2008 8:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
Unless Howry can stage a pretty stunning comeback, Gaudin is his replacement.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 22, 2008 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
Excellent idea..
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Jul 22, 2008 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I Agree!!!
Howry has lost his fastball, his velocity is down 4 – 6 MPH. Now that wouldn’t mean a lot normally but his slider is just a wrinkle. He needs to be a power pitcher to succeed and he just isn’t that anymore. Last year was a different story. I think it is time to set him to mop-up the blow-outs.
The poem fails when it strays too far from the song, and the song fails when it strays too far from the dance ~ Ezra Pound
by crazymountain on Jul 22, 2008 1:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I cringe when Howry
comes in and usually end up crying when he’s done. I was hoping he’s turn things around but…..
Lou should put Gaudin in instead of Howry. Should but will he?
Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden. Now that's a pair of Aces.
by sue369 on Jul 22, 2008 3:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, how many innings has Lieber had this year?
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 22, 2008 3:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yusmeiro Petit pitching tonight for the Dbacks.
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/7699
Only his 2nd start his year, but he pitched well vs the Brewers last time out.
He’s a righty, so the LH lineup tonight.
(Funny, that Fonzie is 4-6 lifetime against him…..hmmm)
Nobody cares about your fantasy league team
by carmen_fanzone on Jul 22, 2008 8:28 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I am pretty frustrated right now
What’s worse is that the Cards and Brew have came out of the break hot. But I guess they have only made up 2 games in that span.
The worst thing about the DLee dp was that it was on a 2-0 pitch. It has to be in your wheelhouse to swing and it sawed him off at the hands. Frustrating.
Hopefully the Brewers are peaking now and fall into a bad slump soon.
"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 Fishbone2 on Jul 22, 2008 8:28 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I dont get it....
Al i understand you liked the Fukudome move up in the order, but it seems that since that move has been made, Fukudome looks horrible and so does Aramis Ramirez. I would go back to the original lineup when Soriano comes back. It seems to be more effective for all players considered.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on Jul 22, 2008 8:30 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I did like that move.
But it doesn’t seem as if it helped Fukudome, I think he put too much pressure on himself. I agree, go back to the lineup that was winning when Soriano comes back.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jul 22, 2008 8:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, I liked Kosuke moving up....but it hasn't worked
So fix it.
Rich Harden Fever, Catch It !!!!!!!!!!
by MDBNIU on Jul 22, 2008 8:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A lot of us, myself included, were calling for Kosuke to hit at the top
Obviously we were wrong-if most of his problems stem from that, then it’s an easy fix once Sori comes back.
by bluekoolaide on Jul 22, 2008 8:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i dont see
how we can make that conclusion, just because he went in a slump doesnt mean it was just because he was moved up in the order. in fact that seems one of the least likeliest reasons for him to struggle. #2 is the best spot for him in the lineup.
Soriano - Dome - DLee - Aramis - Soto. If that doesnt turn you on you're not human.
by kylejo on Jul 22, 2008 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How so?
Justify it, ALL of his numbers are horridly down since moving to the #2 spot. I posted to your other post with the stats, there is no comparison, he needs to bat 5.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on Jul 22, 2008 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Could just be that he got figured out...
at about the same time he switched spots.
by SouthernCub on Jul 22, 2008 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i cannot speak to that....
I really cant, cuz i dont know if he has ‘been figured out or not’. Throw a left at him though and he looks lost.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on Jul 22, 2008 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
a lot of lefties are bad against lefty pitchers.
The problem is that Fukudome hasn’t been hitting righties either lately.
by princefieldersdiet on Jul 22, 2008 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
im sorry, just not buying it
its not logical at all, it is much more likely that it is a coincidence. in the two hole he has better protection, and that is really the only difference between the two spots in the lineup. it could be argued that there is MORE pressure as a #5 hitter who is expected to drive in runs than for a #2 hitter who is expected to get on base.
Soriano - Dome - DLee - Aramis - Soto. If that doesnt turn you on you're not human.
by kylejo on Jul 22, 2008 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What about the decrease in...
Arams production? Coincidence again?
Fuku use to be a #3 hitter, i think he would welcome the pressure that you speak of in the #5 hole. the #2 spot is more of – get on base type thing.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on Jul 22, 2008 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ha yeah honestly i think it is
simply because fukudome is not a menacing threat at the plate that a pitcher will give into aramis just because dome is back there. soto presents much more of a power threat and would protect aramis better than fukudome. i dont think you can argue with that. soto > fukudome as a #5 hitter, and as protection.
Soriano - Dome - DLee - Aramis - Soto. If that doesnt turn you on you're not human.
by kylejo on Jul 22, 2008 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right -
But if you have 2 no one on. You pitch around Aram, now you have Fukudome up, i would like to think the chances of getting a runner to second is increase (meaning Fukudome can extend the inning), thus making it possible for Soto to drive in a run.
Or vice versa, you go 1,2,3 in the first, now you have Aram leading off, Fuku batting second, and increasing Sotos chances of driving more runs in.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on Jul 22, 2008 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
this logic makes sense
but id still rather the high obp guy in the 2 hole and the slugger in the 5 hole
Soriano - Dome - DLee - Aramis - Soto. If that doesnt turn you on you're not human.
by kylejo on Jul 22, 2008 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why bunch up the power hitters?
They HAVE to have someone to drive in. Ok, you have your power at 3, 4 and 5. They all hit homeruns. Then what? I think 5th is a great place for Kosuke as (and I know I am in the minority here) Sori belongs in that leadoff spot. Come second time through the order, you have Theriot coming up with two men on? Hmmmm
And, the reason that the BEST of your hitters bats third is that maximizes his AB’s during a game, as he is assured to hit in the first inning. Now, someone please find DLee? He has been MIA for awhile now….
The poem fails when it strays too far from the song, and the song fails when it strays too far from the dance ~ Ezra Pound
by crazymountain on Jul 22, 2008 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nicely said.
I agree with you.
Soriano leading off balances the team – and that is what you look for in a line-up.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on Jul 22, 2008 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
look at it this way
aramis is second on the team in walks. a high obp guy like that should be in front of another power guy, not in front of a slap hitting on-base guy. thats what the two hole is for. as the best bunter on the team, thats even more reason for fukudome to hit second.
Soriano - Dome - DLee - Aramis - Soto. If that doesnt turn you on you're not human.
by kylejo on Jul 22, 2008 7:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do NOT bring up Soriano
Before he is ready. This guy is injury prone and head case to boot. To advance the long-established plan is the definition of overreaction.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and remember, half of them are stupider than that!
by DaBard on Jul 22, 2008 8:30 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
What, one day early?
What “long-established plan” is that going to ruin?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jul 22, 2008 8:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Truthfully,
Why doesn’t the organization let Soriano hit in the simulated game Guzman is throwing today, see how it goes and let him play tonight if it goes well. Mix in a little work in LF and shake up the lineup.
PC load letter!?!? - What the f*** does that mean!?!?!
by N Oakley on Jul 22, 2008 8:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's what I would do.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jul 22, 2008 8:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
To define Soriano as injury prone and a head case is the
definition of overreaction. A pitch hit his hand. If he’s healed and doesn’t hurt, let it fly.
PC load letter!?!? - What the f*** does that mean!?!?!
by N Oakley on Jul 22, 2008 8:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Head case?
What on earth are you talking about?
by salparadise23 on Jul 22, 2008 8:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He has to bat leadoff or else
That’s what I’m talking about. The guy is too fragile mentally to mess with the plan.
We’ll survive one more day.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and remember, half of them are stupider than that!
by DaBard on Jul 22, 2008 8:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I ask again, what plan?
This team is treading water without him. They need a jump start. There’s your jump start.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jul 22, 2008 8:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The plan to bring him back on the 24th
The team has lost a half-game off the lead without him. If they lose tonight, they will lose 1 1/2 games without him.
And that’s in the face of a Zambrano injury and horrid slumps by Fukudome and DLee.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and remember, half of them are stupider than that!
by DaBard on Jul 22, 2008 8:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll tread that water any day
Think of how stupid the average person is, and remember, half of them are stupider than that!
by DaBard on Jul 22, 2008 8:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yabbut...
... they need him NOW. I ask you again, how does bringing him back two days early (and it may be only ONE day early as they may bring him back to play tomorrow vs. the LHP Davis) hurt any “plan”?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jul 22, 2008 8:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Al, do you really believe
He’s going to do anything but go 0-4 with at least 2Ks in his first game back? I don’t.
Soriano will make a difference in two weeks. He won’t this week.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and remember, half of them are stupider than that!
by DaBard on Jul 22, 2008 8:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If it allows Dome to go back to where he is obviously comfortable and brings up the spirit of the team.
Why not bring him up.
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Jul 22, 2008 8:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So...
Let’s get that first game out of the way.
PC load letter!?!? - What the f*** does that mean!?!?!
by N Oakley on Jul 22, 2008 8:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No...
I think bringing a guy back from injury before you had planned is a panic move.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and remember, half of them are stupider than that!
by DaBard on Jul 22, 2008 8:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ridiculous.
“Panic”? TWO DAYS EARLY?
The Cubs are 32-17 in games Soriano has started. They are 26-24 in all other games.
GET HIM BACK IN THE LINEUP!
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jul 22, 2008 8:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Misleading, though
26-24.
Zambrano went on the DL during that time. Fukudome got figured out during that time. Wood got his blister during that time.
And the team lost a 1/2 game off the lead.
More happened to this team than just Soriano going down.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and remember, half of them are stupider than that!
by DaBard on Jul 22, 2008 8:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What does Soriano have to do in order for you to accept that he is an important part of this team?
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Jul 22, 2008 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's because he's important
That I want to be sure he’s ready before he comes back.
Period.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and remember, half of them are stupider than that!
by DaBard on Jul 22, 2008 8:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's the point.
Fukodome is struggling and Wood is day to day. You can get Soriano back.
It’s a freaking broken bone. They estimated the 24th a couple of weeks ago. A day or two is nothing if he’s ready.
PC load letter!?!? - What the f*** does that mean!?!?!
by N Oakley on Jul 22, 2008 8:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If we were talking about a normal player,
I’d agree.
But this is someone who is fragile mentally and physically AND someone the team has invested a lot of money in.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and remember, half of them are stupider than that!
by DaBard on Jul 22, 2008 8:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How is he mentally fragile? What has he ever said that makes you think that.
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Jul 22, 2008 8:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Playing Devil's Advocate
DaBard might be referring to the whole notion that Soriano isn’t comfortable batting anywhere except leadoff. And possibly his skittishness around outfield walls.
Eat More Katsui
by CaliCub on Jul 22, 2008 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe, but...
... haven’t we gone over those things about 15,000,000 times already?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jul 22, 2008 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, and because we have
I will add no more to this particular topic.
Eat More Katsui
by CaliCub on Jul 22, 2008 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We're talking about a guy...
who went on the disabled list for the first time in his career last year. If the hand is healed, it doesn’t make sense to play him at AAA, when his bat is needed in the big league team’s line-up.
Jimmyeatworld
by Jimmyeatworld on Jul 22, 2008 9:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you've no idea
what he’ll do. And if he’s going to make a big difference in two weeks, don’t we want to get started on that 2 weeks now?
"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 22, 2008 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He has to bat leadoff because that is where he has been best in his career.
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Jul 22, 2008 8:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This has been covered repeatedly
He only is certain to lead off once a game.
PC load letter!?!? - What the f*** does that mean!?!?!
by N Oakley on Jul 22, 2008 8:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Plus, the last time Sori came off the DL
he started hitting pretty quickly-it was his defense that was atrocious. The way our offense is right now though, I’ll definitely roll the dice and bring him back asap.
by bluekoolaide on Jul 22, 2008 8:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly.
Anyway, his defense is an adventure on the best of nights. Hence, he plays LF.
PC load letter!?!? - What the f*** does that mean!?!?!
by N Oakley on Jul 22, 2008 8:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Leading Off Once A Game"
I get what you’re saying here. However I would counter by suggesting that it’s more a matter of having your best OBP guys ALWAYS batting in front of your best OPS guys, regardless of how the lineup shakes down during the game.
Eat More Katsui
by CaliCub on Jul 22, 2008 9:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
True.
That is the traditional way of a manager structuring the lineup, though I don’t believe that has any bearing on Soriano’s approach at the plate.
Soriano’s production has proven out to be better when he bats leadoff. I don’t understand it either, but go with what works.
PC load letter!?!? - What the f*** does that mean!?!?!
by N Oakley on Jul 22, 2008 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
With Soriano > Without Soriano
Let’s get him back and in the lineup!
Eat More Katsui
by CaliCub on Jul 22, 2008 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What?
He prefers hitting leadoff. Why is that a headcase? Do you think Lee prefers batting 3? Soriano has never said he must hit leadoff. Piniella has even said he prefers him there.
by rlpete on Jul 22, 2008 8:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just An Opinion, But
if you were to get a candid answer from Soriano, he would tell you that he in fact has to hit leadoff for him to feel comfortable. Not condeming him for feeling this way – just what I think he would honestly tell you without a bunch of reporters around.
Eat More Katsui
by CaliCub on Jul 22, 2008 9:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But that doesn't imply headcase
I agree with you. I’m sure a lot of players have situations where they are more comfortable. A lot of people are now posting that maybe Fukudome should be moved back to the #5 spot. I don’t think that implies headcase either.
by rlpete on Jul 22, 2008 9:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Totally Agree With You
“Headcase” conjures up visions of Jimmy Piersall and that Braves’ minor league manager that crawled to the mound and threw the rosin bag like a grenade. With Soriano and other major leaguers it’s a matter of being mentally comfortable. I myself don’t quite understand it, but it is what it is.
Eat More Katsui
by CaliCub on Jul 22, 2008 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree.
This term “headcase” gets thrown around too cavalierly. Baseball is hard. And, though I recognize there are legitmate arguments against doing so, putting a great hitter where he’s most comfortable is perfectly understandable.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 22, 2008 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
god not this BS again.
"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 22, 2008 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A head case???? Just where does THAT come from? Maybe you were looking in the mirror?
The poem fails when it strays too far from the song, and the song fails when it strays too far from the dance ~ Ezra Pound
by crazymountain on Jul 22, 2008 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm frustrated by the loss but.....
That performance by Harden was energizing. I’m glad we obtained Harden and happy we didn’t have to sell the farm to acquire him. I recall seeing reccomendations of including Veal, Vitters and Pie with the guys offered to secure him.
A-Ram is in one of this slumps. I prefer the streaks when Ram breaks out of them and with Fonz back, it’s time for one of Fonz’s streaks as well.
PC load letter!?!? - What the f*** does that mean!?!?!
by N Oakley on Jul 22, 2008 8:33 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Indeed
Harden has got AMAZING stuff. If he can get decent run support, he will be huge in the second half.
*Synth intro to "Jump"*
by SouthsideCub on Jul 22, 2008 8:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
True.
Luckily, perfect into the 5th, no-hitter into the 6th, 10 punch outs. Pitching like that doesn’t need much run support.
PC load letter!?!? - What the f*** does that mean!?!?!
by N Oakley on Jul 22, 2008 8:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not much, true.
But pitching like that does need more than zero runs.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jul 22, 2008 8:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Totally agree as well.
It was a privilege to watch Harden pitch last night – a privilege. And, just to echo something Al mentioned in the recap, I couldn’t help but start thinkin’ no-no around the fifth inning or so. He’s got one in him.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 22, 2008 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I became aware with the walk
in the 5th. When Len said something like “first base runner of the game,” realized he’d been perfect to that point.
PC load letter!?!? - What the f*** does that mean!?!?!
by N Oakley on Jul 22, 2008 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
GRACE
I watched on MLB – TV …... what a pleasure to listen to Grace do a game especially
with the Cubs…. very entertaining and I found out some things I didn’t know.
Wish we could trade the Len & BB show to AZ
by nimblenikelfoos on Jul 22, 2008 8:34 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
You must be joking.
Grace is the worst announcer for any local team. Period. Horrible.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jul 22, 2008 8:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not so long as Hrabosky
is still drawing a check. But Grace is pretty bad
Think of how stupid the average person is, and remember, half of them are stupider than that!
by DaBard on Jul 22, 2008 8:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Grace is very bad
There is an underlying smugness to him that I greatly detest. He lacks any sense of geniuness.
Rich Harden Fever, Catch It !!!!!!!!!!
by MDBNIU on Jul 22, 2008 9:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
perfectly said
+1
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
by Hammer on Jul 22, 2008 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I disagree
Hawk and DJ are by far the worst.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
by BigJohnAZ on Jul 22, 2008 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
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 22, 2008 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes!
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
by gary varsho on Jul 22, 2008 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dadgum right!
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 22, 2008 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Al,
I know you think that Grace is bad. So do I.
But, until you’ve heard Rex Hudler, you have no idea how to define “horrible”. For sake, I hope you never have to listen to him, because I value your sanity.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Jul 22, 2008 6:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Len and Bob are great, much better than most TV announce crews, and certainly better than
the team of Chip and Steve. Steve may have been good, but Chip was just so awful that the broadcast was impossible to listen to.
by sackings108 on Jul 22, 2008 8:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't have a problem with Chip.
Was he great? No. But I’ve heard far worse.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jul 22, 2008 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Chip Seemed Awkward At Times
but I met him in person once and seemed a nice man. Myself, I prefer Len – different strokes, I guess.
Eat More Katsui
by CaliCub on Jul 22, 2008 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Chip was overly dramatic
And could be a bit smug. Like Cali, I met him in person once and he seemed like a decent guy—probably is. But I found him a bit too self-important as an announcer.
by Shanghai Badger on Jul 22, 2008 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh god this debate again....
and for once not started by me! get rid of BB, NOW…..talk about smugness! did you know i have a world series ring? did you know i used to catch for the giants?
and chip and steve were my favorite duo…..i wonder what a team of len and steve would sound like…..either way it’s obvious we all have different opinions on this topic
by cubswynn on Jul 22, 2008 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"WS Ring" and "Former Giants Catcher"
Ah, you mean the two reasons Brenly is in the booth?
He’s allowed to discuss that.
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
by Bildo1805 on Jul 22, 2008 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
giants catcher is one thing
but bragging nearly EVERY game about your WS ring to a group of fans that hasn’t seen one in 100 years is frustrating
by cubswynn on Jul 22, 2008 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I watch most games on TV
And I rarely recall any times BB brings up a WS ring? His catching experience, well I thought that was pretty relevant to being an analyst. And mind you, I loved Chip and Steve, especially Chip (I’m prob in the minority) but I’m a sucker for the dramatic.
Go All In and Enjoy The Ride.
by Jayo525 on Jul 22, 2008 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
agree
I watched almost every game this season and have no recollection of BB discussing his WS ring.
What doesn't kill you makes you stranger -- The Joker
by Emelie on Jul 22, 2008 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
me either.
BB is very good to listen to. I think he is pretty smart and he teaches you things during the game. I have never heard him talk about his WS win, ever.
by huskercubby on Jul 22, 2008 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wanna say I've heard him discuss it...
...but only after Len has prompted him. He doesn’t just bring it up out of the blue. That’s not how he rolls.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 22, 2008 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden. Now that's a pair of Aces.
by sue369 on Jul 22, 2008 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he just brought it up the other day
and this is ONE example that comes to mind over any others….but he went on about the duties of an allstar manager and how one is appointed to being the allstar manager (winning the pennant).....which he followed up by examples of his time as a allstar manager…...you can’t tell me he doesn’t love bringing up the fact that he has won a world series
and he should be proud of it, but it doesn’t mean i have to like listening to someone talk about another team winning the WS when my team hasn’t won it in 100 years
by cubswynn on Jul 22, 2008 4:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, in that example...
...I would say he was addressing a very relevant topic at the time (i.e., being an all-star manager) and he was using his personal experiences to illustrate his point. I don’t have a problem with that.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 22, 2008 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It all depends on where you sit
from my side I enjoy hearing his personal experiences as a manager, it gives me insight into that part of the game from someone who’s gone through it and experienced the pressures. Personally, I think Bob’s down to earth and rather modest in his success.
We all read different messages from different people. That’s what makes our species so darned interesting. Or so we like to think ;-)
What doesn't kill you makes you stranger -- The Joker
by Emelie on Jul 22, 2008 4:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
He has an insight into the game most of us don’t have. And like someone else mentioned, I’ve never heard him mention his WS ring unless prompted by Len.
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Jul 22, 2008 4:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
when i said WS ring i didn't mean he physical ring
but the fact that he won a WS….but i agree with Emelie, there’s nothing wrong with a healthy discussion on this topic because it’s all relative and no one’s opinions are right
trust me, i wish i could agree with you all on BB, it sure would make the games a lot more enjoyable, but i just don’t
by cubswynn on Jul 22, 2008 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Kings of Self-Aggrandization
hands down are Dibble and Kennedy. Thanks to those two I cancelled my XM Radio subscription and opted instead for the premium MLB.TV package so I can hear Pat ‘n’ Ron.
Eat More Katsui
by CaliCub on Jul 22, 2008 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're being too kind
Dibble is just an a-hole. I work with a guy who used to live in the same neighborhood and pretty much confirmed that suspicion.
by Shanghai Badger on Jul 22, 2008 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kennedy Certainly Is A Self-Promoter
While Dan Duquette isn’t Mr. Congeniality, don’t think for a second that Kennedy was an innocent victim as far as what went down when he managed Boston in 95 and 96.
Eat More Katsui
by CaliCub on Jul 22, 2008 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, not promoting Kennedy
Just commenting on whack-job Dibble.
by Shanghai Badger on Jul 22, 2008 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I Know You Weren't, SB
It’s just that I saw an opportunity to puncture the hot air balloon that is Kevin Kennedy. I tells ya, if he goes on ONE MORE TIME about his years as the Dodgers’ minor league coordinator and the Expos’ scouting director, or how he learned so much at the feet of Hank Peters and Earl Weaver…...
Eat More Katsui
by CaliCub on Jul 22, 2008 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Chip lost me early on
When Sosa popped out to McGwire to end a game in 1998 and he said “HOW APPROPRIATE IS THIS!!!!!” and then did it seemingly every time one of them was retired by the other.
I was not comparing Chip to Brenly or anyone else. I just didn’t think he was very good.
by Shanghai Badger on Jul 22, 2008 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Too glib..
is the way I would describe Chip.
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Jul 22, 2008 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Len and Bob
do an excellent job at 99% of their game. The 1% I am not fond of is the Len homer call. Not as bad as the “Back back back back back back, gone!” Berman call, but still not great. Nothing like a Harry; “It might be, it could be, IT IS!!!!!! Holy Cow!!!!”
Go ahead, Z me.
by tony412 on Jul 22, 2008 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
how do you not like the voice crack?!
by cubswynn on Jul 22, 2008 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
reminds me of
those horrible puberty years I guess. lol
Go ahead, Z me.
by tony412 on Jul 22, 2008 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Okay, I'll be horribly unpopular once more
Len Kaspar sucks. Sorry, but Chip Carey was much better. And that isn’t saying much. Every game Len goes off into this rambling tangents, many times right in the middle of the most dramatic parts of the ballgame. It can be tie ballgame with bases loaded and two men out and Len is off talking about the precipitation forcast for the Des Moines Cubs during their next homestand. Thankfully Bob Brenly is not bashful about slapping him back into reality.
Rich Harden Fever, Catch It !!!!!!!!!!
by MDBNIU on Jul 22, 2008 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Disagree.
I’ve never heard Len ignore critical moments in the game. He’s a smart guy who genuinely loves and respects the game. Your assessment is…
...lame.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 22, 2008 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
"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 22, 2008 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What Are Their Podcasts Like?
Are they funny, informative, fluff stuff?
Eat More Katsui
by CaliCub on Jul 22, 2008 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm a subscriber
and I enjoy them. There is usually a third guy , Bob Vorwall I think, that leads the podcast and asks questions to Len and Bob. Pretty much what you get on the air. Every once in a while they do something extra like interviewing the folks in the Wrigley scoreboard or a funny skit about “The new podcast studio” which turned out to be an almost empty condo near Wrigley where they both sit out on a deck to tan wearing silky velvety bath robes. They are short but if you feel like you can’t get enough Cubs talk, then definitely worth watching.
Go ahead, Z me.
by tony412 on Jul 22, 2008 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks!
Might be a good excuse to finally purchase an iPod.
Eat More Katsui
by CaliCub on Jul 22, 2008 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't go that far!
(but there are plenty of good reasons to get an iPod/MP3 player).
(I like Len and Bob but have found the ‘casts to be lightwieght)
''Listen, losing Soriano is no box of chocolates.'' ~Lou Piniella
by JohnM on Jul 22, 2008 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I Was Keeding (A Little)
I’d rather have an iPod to take to the gym than a CD player. More flexible and lightweight.
Eat More Katsui
by CaliCub on Jul 22, 2008 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the video iPod is GREAT for the gym
and you can download cubs games onto it!
What doesn't kill you makes you stranger -- The Joker
by Emelie on Jul 22, 2008 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A CD player, what's that?
I don’t know about you guys but this is what I use:

Go All In and Enjoy The Ride.
by Jayo525 on Jul 22, 2008 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is that one of the ultra cool ones
that lacks a rewind button?
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 22, 2008 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
LOL
I still have my yellow “sports” model laying around somewhere.
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Jul 22, 2008 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What Are These 'Cassettes'
you speak of?
Eat More Katsui
by CaliCub on Jul 22, 2008 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've got one of those newfangled
victrola players. But I fear vinyl records will never catch on.
"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 22, 2008 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm a subscriber as well...
...and tony412’s assessment is right on the money. The podcasts are very short – less than five minutes, usually – but they’re a nice, quick snapshot of Len and Bob’s thoughts on the Cubs at the moment. Nothing particularly earthshaking, but cool to listen to once a week or so.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 22, 2008 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Entertaning how?
He always makes comments about the drought, last night AGAIN bringing up that Chicago would burn to the ground agian before the Cubs win another WS, then went onto say the that is actually what would happen in Detroit if they were to win the WS….. entertaining? Calling sliders fastballs and fastballs sliders, he stinks.
by becauseicare on Jul 22, 2008 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
- 1
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Jul 22, 2008 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Team morale...
Anyone noticed that the team seems really down and un-energetic since the break? Someone mentioned last night how the Brewers dugout looked upbeat and everyone was laughing and talking to eachother. I did notice how most of our guys were just staring into space like zombies last night.
"Remember each day this year, where you were, what you were doing, who you were with, how you felt as the Cubs win their way through it. Because if this does turn out to be the promised land we have all been waiting for, you will want to remember, savor, cherish every moment..."
by CubsBullsBears on Jul 22, 2008 8:37 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Teams never are as bad as they look when they're losing...
... nor are they as good as they look when they’re winning. Milwaukee has won 5 in a row. No wonder they’re happy.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jul 22, 2008 8:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But If That's True
wouldn’t everyone end up finishing at .500? :-p
Eat More Katsui
by CaliCub on Jul 22, 2008 8:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd really recommend...
...NOT going down this road. Trying to judge teams by their body language, etc. generally leads nowhere. Of course the Brewers look happy – they’re enjoying a winning streak. Yet if the Cubs were laughing and joking while frittering away a one-hit performance by their new ace of a starting pitching, we’d all be screaming and yelling about how they don’t give a damn.
So they sit and look glum and frustrated (which they no doubt are to a certain extent), and we start admonishing them for being lifeless. I have no doubt that this team was working its ass off to score runs for Rich Harden last night. It just didn’t happen.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 22, 2008 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is why players hate fans
Would you rather have seen them playing grab-ass in the dugout while frittering away a gem from Hardin?
Think of how stupid the average person is, and remember, half of them are stupider than that!
by DaBard on Jul 22, 2008 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No...
How about some players on the dugout steps cheering for their teammates, some grabass-less enthusiasm. I’m not judging this team, I’m just making an observation that they seem lifeless since the break.
"Remember each day this year, where you were, what you were doing, who you were with, how you felt as the Cubs win their way through it. Because if this does turn out to be the promised land we have all been waiting for, you will want to remember, savor, cherish every moment..."
by CubsBullsBears on Jul 22, 2008 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Players Hate Fans"?
What happened? Did you overhear one of them speak? Did a player stiff you at a signing?
Eat More Katsui
by CaliCub on Jul 22, 2008 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thank you Al for calling for Soriano.
We need his bat in the lineup. He wants to play so lets bring him back and throw him out there.
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Jul 22, 2008 8:37 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Trade Update!!
Apparently the biker from The Village People was a throw-in in the Harden/Gaudin deal. He was playing a solid though rather uneventful left field and was hitting 2nd.
I saw him after the loss and I said, “Young man, there’s no need to feel down. I said, young man, pick yourself off the ground.”
Let’s hope he can help us down the stretch.
"In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is." - Yogi Berra
by wrigley's ivy on Jul 22, 2008 8:41 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
LOL, totally.
I’m a little baffled by RJ’s grooming concept at the moment. He seemed to be having a lot of success with the “lead singer of Disturbed” look. Maybe he felt a change was in order for the second half.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 22, 2008 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, I did hear him saying
it’s fun to play with the C-U-B-S.
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 22, 2008 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Too funny!!
Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden. Now that's a pair of Aces.
by sue369 on Jul 22, 2008 4:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is anyone else...
beginning to HATE the DBacks. I’m using the word hate. About the DBacks.
Between fans who spend half their time looking at the pool, and the other half literally Screaming every time their pitcher throows a strike, to Randy Johnson barking and staring (who’s afraid of a 45 year old mulleted skeleton), to a team full of .235 hitting children whose only hits are doubles and homeruns.
That off my chest, the Cubs are still two games up. They need to win tonight.
*Synth intro to "Jump"*
by SouthsideCub on Jul 22, 2008 8:41 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Chris Young is the one I hate the most. That clown hits .220 but beat us by himself in the playoffs last year.
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Jul 22, 2008 8:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe I'm starting to get cranky
but more and more I’m finding myself annoyed with any fans of teams that beat us.
And yeah, you’re right about Chris Young-add him to what seems to be an ever growing list of Cub killers.
by bluekoolaide on Jul 22, 2008 8:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
For me it's not all fans
of teams that beat the Cubs. As much as I hate the Cards (for example), when they score a winning run, the fans yell and clap at a reasonable level. “Fans” of the Rays, DBacks, Marlins, etc. (read as- teams for whom people only show up when things are going well) don’t know how to enjoy a baseball game without acting as if the World Series has been won after a routine grounder to 2b.
*Synth intro to "Jump"*
by SouthsideCub on Jul 22, 2008 8:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Meet "The Casual Fan"
You know, the type that Bud (Leonard) Zelig and the Faux Sports Network cater to at the expense of marketing a quality product. I agree with the poster who suggested yesterday that a baseball acumen test needs to be administered to everyone who passes through a turnstile before getting to see a game.
Eat More Katsui
by CaliCub on Jul 22, 2008 9:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is patently ridiculous
administer ‘an acumen test’? I’m speechless.
What doesn't kill you makes you stranger -- The Joker
by Emelie on Jul 22, 2008 9:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Perhaps CaliCub
Could install soundproof windows in his ivory tower, so he can watch the game alone in silence.
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
by Bildo1805 on Jul 22, 2008 9:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
HAHAHAHA
I have to laugh because, honestly, that’s pretty much how I really feel. I don’t like going to ballgames in person much anymore because I don’t like how the experience is marketed these days – too much loud music and sound effects, orchestrated cues to “make noise”, cutesy mascots, etc. Would rather stay home and watch on TV – and more often than not it’s with the sound down.
Guilty as charged, Emelie and Bildo!
Eat More Katsui
by CaliCub on Jul 22, 2008 9:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough.
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
by Bildo1805 on Jul 22, 2008 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tell You What
I will end the criticism of “how to act at a game” and only post level-headed stuff about the Cubs or the game at hand.
I yam what I yam, but I like to think I have enough restraint to keep my crackpot ways and bad habits to myself.
Eat More Katsui
by CaliCub on Jul 22, 2008 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's why I said "fair enough"
Seems like you have a good self-awareness of your baseball elitism (not trying to be snotty here…just not a better word than elitism). I’d much prefer that to you not having self-awareness.
And, as Al says below, it’s easy enough to ignore the little things if you’re inclined to do so. You’re not, you know it, I have no problem.
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
by Bildo1805 on Jul 22, 2008 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We All Have Our Ways
whether it’s baseball or politics or religion or child-rearing. That’s why it’s best to keep oneself in check and maintain civility while contributing to the conversation.
Eat More Katsui
by CaliCub on Jul 22, 2008 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough, maybe...
... but it’s easy enough to tune out all the “experience” and just watch the game, if that’s what you are inclined to do. I do it all the time.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jul 22, 2008 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yer A Better Man Than Me, Al
You’ll probably never meet me in person in the LF bleachers but I’m always with ya in spirit. That reminds me – I still need to buy my Strange Cargo shirt!
Eat More Katsui
by CaliCub on Jul 22, 2008 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Glad to hear it.
Both that you’re there in spirit and that you’re getting a shirt!
As of yesterday 62 of you had bought shirts—THANK YOU, that’s a donation of over $500 to Project 3000 on behalf of BCB.
And for everyone else—what are you waiting for?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jul 22, 2008 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
mine arrived yesterday
can’t wait to wear it at the gym!
What doesn't kill you makes you stranger -- The Joker
by Emelie on Jul 22, 2008 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
At the time, I read it
as pointed sarcasm from SWL. I’m sure he’ll be amused it still has “legs.”
PC load letter!?!? - What the f*** does that mean!?!?!
by N Oakley on Jul 22, 2008 9:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was.
But it’s somewhat clear that CaliCub is not being sarcastic. Sure, he’s being hyperbolic with the “testing”, but to say one group of fan is better than the other is just a tad elitist.
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
by Bildo1805 on Jul 22, 2008 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Understood.
I’m okay with both kinds as it usually takes both to fill the park. Filled parks equal payroll to keep your stars and sign free agents.
Welcome one and all, please but lots of crap while you visit. Make my team better on the field.
PC load letter!?!? - What the f*** does that mean!?!?!
by N Oakley on Jul 22, 2008 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Alex Romero...
Cub Killer
"Remember each day this year, where you were, what you were doing, who you were with, how you felt as the Cubs win their way through it. Because if this does turn out to be the promised land we have all been waiting for, you will want to remember, savor, cherish every moment..."
by CubsBullsBears on Jul 22, 2008 8:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We lost a perfect game to a BS ball strike call and a no-hitter to somebody who has never homered in his career
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Jul 22, 2008 8:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Didn't we lose...
Another game this year by someone hitting their first career HR off us? Or am I misremembering…
"Remember each day this year, where you were, what you were doing, who you were with, how you felt as the Cubs win their way through it. Because if this does turn out to be the promised land we have all been waiting for, you will want to remember, savor, cherish every moment..."
by CubsBullsBears on Jul 22, 2008 8:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nationals walk off against one Bob Howry
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Jul 22, 2008 8:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No Chad Fox was against STL.
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Jul 22, 2008 9:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I believe you're right
Nationals game. And Leave the misremembering to TheRocket.
Go All In and Enjoy The Ride.
by Jayo525 on Jul 22, 2008 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
In defense of the pitch
Rich Harden, Geovany Soto and whoever was calling the pitches in the dugout probably figured (rightily so) to simply challenge the no-name Romero. You figure he isn’t going to be able to do anything with a Harden pitch. These things happen. You can’t pitch everybody as if they’re Albert Pujols.
Rich Harden Fever, Catch It !!!!!!!!!!
by MDBNIU on Jul 22, 2008 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No need to defend the pitcher, he did his job better than I could of ever dreamed.
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Jul 22, 2008 9:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and then some
I was seriously wondering what they were going to do if he had a no hitter going into the 6th or 7th.
frustrating much like when Z had a no hitter going a few years ago and Cubs lost the game.
"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 22, 2008 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"I made one bad pitch," Harden said, "threw a two-strike changeup right down the middle that kind of cut into the guy."
Nobody cares about your fantasy league team
by carmen_fanzone on Jul 22, 2008 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Y'know it occurred to me that...
...from one perspective, it makes perfect sense that Romero hit the home run. Here’s a rookie facing one of the filthiest pitchers in the big leagues, who’s having a great night. Romero probably didn’t expect to hit anything.
He was just up there taking batting practice, basically. He wasn’t trying to do anything besides maybe make some contact. So he sees a halfway decent pitch coming toward him and figures he should take a swing and…BOOM. He’s a frickin’ hero.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 22, 2008 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We scored ZERO runs, that's why we lost!!
by Itchy on Jul 22, 2008 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes.
It wasn’t Howry, it wasn’t Romero.
by Shanghai Badger on Jul 22, 2008 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was Randy "The Grim Visage of Death Incarnate" Johnson.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 22, 2008 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cubs, pigeons...
...he’ll kill anything he can get his gangly hands on!
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 22, 2008 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That didn't beat the Cubs
The (lack of) offense scoring ZERO runs is why the Cubs lost
The best defense is a good offense
by kcjones on Jul 22, 2008 3:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A Consistent Offense Beats AZ Every Time
Whether it’s the Rockies in the NLCS or the Cubs back on May 9-11 (granted, at Wrigley). These days if you score 4 or more runs against the Snakes then it generally means victory.
Eat More Katsui
by CaliCub on Jul 22, 2008 8:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Especially when your starting pitcher gives up one hit in 7 innings
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Jul 22, 2008 8:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep
Especially when you have an ace caliber pitcher on the mound for you too. In games like this you focus on manufacturing two or three runs. But the Cubs of the past 6 weeks have lost that art form that they only just tapped into to start this season.
Rich Harden Fever, Catch It !!!!!!!!!!
by MDBNIU on Jul 22, 2008 9:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cubs are 3-1 against the D-backs this year
We were bound to lose one game against them.
by IllinoisCubs on Jul 22, 2008 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
dunno if I hate the DBacks
but I hate that stadium.
"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 22, 2008 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
NEED TO HAVE AN EXTRA BISCUIT FOR BREAKFAST
by Cubster on Jul 22, 2008 8:48 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
That doesn't work.
I had ten yesterday
by Mapmaker on Jul 22, 2008 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Look... It's not the end of the world.
So now we have two teams behind us at 2 games now instead of one. Not really a big deal. Sure it would have been nice to have both behind us at 3 games, but you can’t win them all. At the plate, the whole team is pressing. Lee, while not the pure hitter that some think, is a hell of a hitter, (esp. when he waits for his pitch). Besides, we don’t have someone to fill the 3-hole, not with his speed & bat. Dome is tired. He needs to wake up, and stop thinking so much at the plate. Heck, that goes for the whole line-up! Rami will come out of it. Al is right, bring back Fonzie now.
Jimmyeatworld
by Jimmyeatworld on Jul 22, 2008 8:51 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Be patient...
...the offense will come around.
They are going through that mid-season mental burnout phase (especially Fukudome) and I would expect the majority of them to finish strong.
I think its a good call by Lou to call off BP once in a while. When you are in a mental funk, its good to get away and clear your mind a bit.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Jul 22, 2008 9:02 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I hope you're right.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jul 22, 2008 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Except that
IMO, Derrek’s swing does not look comfortable right now. Maybe his swing has always been this way, but his wrists seem awful rigid as his bat goes through the zone. He doesn’t look relaxed to me, at least not as relaxed as when he is hitting the ball like he was earlier in the year.
Also, pitchers seem to be able to get Derrek out with inside pitches like they couldn’t earlier this year and in 2005. He doesn’t seem to be able to turn on those inside pitches like he was before. I am certainly no expert, though.
So maybe Derrek could use the extra BP.
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on Jul 22, 2008 9:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I Noticed Something During the Astros Series
After a swing, Lee winced and looked down at his wrist. So in fact he may have tweaked something or aggravated an existing condition.
Eat More Katsui
by CaliCub on Jul 22, 2008 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He doesn't look happy with himself at all.
Maybe a day off would help.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jul 22, 2008 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or at least
the threat of a day off b/c we all know what that he done for Derrek so far this year ;).
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on Jul 22, 2008 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
While Ward Isn't Good at PHing
he might be a suitable option to spell Lee at 1B. Too bad we’re facing lefties during the DBax series. :-(
Eat More Katsui
by CaliCub on Jul 22, 2008 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tonight's starter....Petit...is a righty.
Nobody cares about your fantasy league team
by carmen_fanzone on Jul 22, 2008 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And Ward really doesn't have a position to play.
He’s a tailor-made DH.
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 22, 2008 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks For The Update
Give Ward the start tonight at 1B.
Eat More Katsui
by CaliCub on Jul 22, 2008 2:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
hoff is still up?
wouldn’t this be a good time to get him some pt before sending him back down?
by cubswynn on Jul 22, 2008 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was thinking the same thing.
If they’re NOT going to activate Soriano today, give Hoffpauir a start, and D-Lee a needed day off.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jul 22, 2008 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wait, I thought Hoff was a left fielder?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
by Bildo1805 on Jul 22, 2008 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
LMAO
Hardly. He’s a first baseman attempting to learn to play OF at age 28.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jul 22, 2008 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I keed, I keed.
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
by Bildo1805 on Jul 22, 2008 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
whats with you guys and the hoff hate?
sure the experiment to play him in left was a huge failure, but the guy has done nothing but rip the cover off the ball during his off again, on again stints in the bigs…....instead of ripping him, lets just hope he can do some major work in the offseason and find a new spot
by cubswynn on Jul 22, 2008 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do you mean...
...he’s done nothing but rip the cover off the ball in Triple A? Because that’s at least somewhat arguably true. Not so much in the bigs. I’m not saying he was awful in his first cup o’ coffee, but he wasn’t exactly gangbusters either.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 22, 2008 4:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
maybe it's part spring training hangover
but he is hitting .400 with 35 ab’s, just not a lot of power numbers to speak of…..so okay he’s not ripping the cover off the ball, but .400 is .400
by cubswynn on Jul 22, 2008 5:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he has struck out
in about a third of his ML ABs though.
''Listen, losing Soriano is no box of chocolates.'' ~Lou Piniella
by JohnM on Jul 22, 2008 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wait, I'm confused...
It’s important enough to bring Soriano back ahead of schedule, but if we don’t, then it’s OK to bench Lee???
He just HAD four days off. I don’t think his issue is fatigue.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and remember, half of them are stupider than that!
by DaBard on Jul 22, 2008 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sigh.
Soriano has a history of jumpstarting the team when he returns.
Lee has looked bad the last four games. I never said fatigue is a problem. Sometimes a guy just needs a day off.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jul 22, 2008 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What about Rami, Al?
I think he also might need a day off. If I’m not mistaken, didn’t he post an 0-for in the Astros series?
Go All In and Enjoy The Ride.
by Jayo525 on Jul 22, 2008 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes he did Jay
Harden is so sick, Im feeling confident still, our bats will heat up
"This balls got a chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannce, GONE!" - Pat Hughes
by SouthsideCUBSfan on Jul 22, 2008 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There is a difference...
...between physical fatigue and just being in a hitting funk. When your confidence wanes, you don’t pick up the ball as well and that produces some pretty ugly swings.
Everybody and every team is going to go through 2-3 periods a year of struggling at the plate. You just hope to keep the length at a minimum and ride it out.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Jul 22, 2008 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hendry probably could trade Howry and Eyre
if he wanted to. There are alot of teams looking foe bullpen help. But he would need to land a good setup man before he could afford to do that. If he could get Fuentes or Marte, he could probably trade them.
by Rick B on Jul 22, 2008 9:08 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
And I agree. Start Soriano tonight.
This team needs a jolt.
by Rick B on Jul 22, 2008 9:10 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

"Remember each day this year, where you were, what you were doing, who you were with, how you felt as the Cubs win their way through it. Because if this does turn out to be the promised land we have all been waiting for, you will want to remember, savor, cherish every moment..."
by CubsBullsBears on Jul 22, 2008 9:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Reed Johnson
anyone got a pic of his new fu man chu?
I'm a reader not a poster, but I'm also a poster so don't get any ideas.
by cozmotaylor123 on Jul 22, 2008 9:19 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
He looks like an
extra from “Boogie Nights.”
PC load letter!?!? - What the f*** does that mean!?!?!
by N Oakley on Jul 22, 2008 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly what my wife said last night
Rich Harden Fever, Catch It !!!!!!!!!!
by MDBNIU on Jul 22, 2008 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
“get out of the room, I’m busy?”
PC load letter!?!? - What the f*** does that mean!?!?!
by N Oakley on Jul 22, 2008 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That Would Be MY Wife
who said that.
Eat More Katsui
by CaliCub on Jul 22, 2008 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
oops, my mistake.
Mine just said, “I feel sick to my stomach,” so I stayed in the basement and watched baseball.
PC load letter!?!? - What the f*** does that mean!?!?!
by N Oakley on Jul 22, 2008 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
thoughts about our cubs
1. You cannot rely on Bobby Howry anymore. Just a one pitch pitcher with a slider that doesn’t entice any hitters.
2. Derrek Lee kills every rally that we have. Aramis better start picking it up cause going 0 for whatever twice this year (and you consider yourself one of the good hitters in MLB) not so good.
3. Rich Harden stuff is better than CC. He may be more injury prone but IF BOTH WERE HEALTHY EVERY YEAR OF THEIR CAREERS, HARDEN IS THE BETTER PITCHER.
4. Wow we really need Soriano. I think it’s embarrasing that Derrek Lee has 59 RBIs or something and Soriano has 40 but in 40 fewer games. Derrek Lee needs to act like the patient one he has been.
5. I love this team’s patience. Hahaha 87 pitches for Randy Johnson in 7 innings. That’s just stupid. In the first half the starting pitcher had 90 by the 5th inning.
6. Geovany Soto needs to stop chasing bad pitches. He striking out at an alarming rate. Same goes with fukudome.
7. We just have to be patient . Walks leads to pitcher’s getting rattled, leaving mistakes over the plate.
8. We still have a two game lead. Just win the next two
by lexmarklover on Jul 22, 2008 9:24 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Soto
really doesn’t look good on outside pitches. It looks like he is trying to pull everything and so he missed the outside pitches by a lot. We marveled last year at his power to all fields, he needs to start displaying that again and taking those outside pitches to right field.
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on Jul 22, 2008 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Excellent post
Rich Harden can be this teams Josh Beckett. Florida and Boston both recognized that while Beckett might be injury plagued what really matters is having a healthy Beckett for the stretch drive and the playoffs. Nobody but nobody is going to want to face Rich Harden in the playoffs.
Rich Harden Fever, Catch It !!!!!!!!!!
by MDBNIU on Jul 22, 2008 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let's just hope he makes it to the playoffs...
because while you are trying to make the comparison to Beckett, the fact is that Harden’s injury history is a lot worse than Beckett’s was.
I think we can all agree that, purely in terms of stuff, Harden is one of the best pitchers in baseball. But stuff isn’t the whole picture. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Harden doesn’t have a repeat of his last several years. If (and that is a monumental “if”) he stays healthy for the whole year, he’ll obviously be a great asset.
by SouthernCub on Jul 22, 2008 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Derrek Lee's patience has actually been his problem
He’s sooo passive at the plate… staring at pitches down the middle early in the count, then working his way back to a 2-2 or 3-2 count… only to ground out or hit something weak when he swings to protect the plat with 2 strikes.
In an RBI situation, Lee has to change his approach at the plate and start mashing those first pitch strikes he gets… at this point, I think opposing pitchers literally just toss one in there on the first pitch… because it’s a gimme strike for them… he rarely ever swings at the first pitch.
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
by SackMan on Jul 22, 2008 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's morphing into Fred McGriff is what he is doing
But again, I don’t think the problem is really Derrek Lee. Rather the problem is the Cubs and too many of us fans putting him into a classification of ballplayer that he is not.
Rich Harden Fever, Catch It !!!!!!!!!!
by MDBNIU on Jul 22, 2008 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let's not get
too insulting.
PC load letter!?!? - What the f*** does that mean!?!?!
by N Oakley on Jul 22, 2008 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lee Still Brings a Great Glove
something that could never be said of The Crime Dog.
I agree that Lee has been swinging mostly at pitcher’s pitches lately.
Eat More Katsui
by CaliCub on Jul 22, 2008 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tom Emanski wants a word with you...

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
by Bildo1805 on Jul 22, 2008 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That Finger Looks Loaded
Hope he put the safety on! LOL
Eat More Katsui
by CaliCub on Jul 22, 2008 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You love tossing around names...
...in comparison. Ok, so Derrek isn’t a pure hitter. He is a career .300 hitter, who has power, (both doubles power & HR power.). Lee has a great eye at the plate, he’s anxious this year, not sure why, but he has lost some of his batting eye. When Lee starts hitting again, you will be the first in line to kiss his butt. So enough of your name tossing, and uninformed hyperbole. As far as all around first basemen in the NL, the Cubs have the best one. I’d take Lee over Fielder, Berkman or Pujols. Anyday. You can’t teach what Derrek Lee does on defense, and he’s as good a hitter as those three others, minus some of the power.
Jimmyeatworld
by Jimmyeatworld on Jul 22, 2008 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know about Pujols
Pujols is up there with Manny Ramirez in the conversation for best right handed hitter in the game right now, IMO. I don’t put Lee quite that high.
All around though, I would take Lee over any of the others as you mention. Even though he can’t seem to lay off the slider low and away, which is just killing him this season.
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on Jul 22, 2008 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
When Miggy Cabrera Is On
He’s up there with Manny and Albert. IMO
Eat More Katsui
by CaliCub on Jul 22, 2008 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd take Pujols...
Pujols is unquestionably the better hitter and has quietly become a VERY good fielder at 1B.
Lee probably shouldn’t be in superstar category. He’s a very good player, yes. Extremely good defensively and very productive (but maybe not quite elite) offensively.
I’d definitely take him over Fielder (right now). Maybe not Berkman though. Berkman is a much better hitter. But that’s at least an interesting debate (Berkman’s offense versus Lee’s defense).
by SouthernCub on Jul 22, 2008 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good grief
If you were to poll 30 big league GMs and 30 big league managers the results would decisively rank Albert Pujols, Lance Berkman and Prince Fielder over Derrek Lee. But if you want to insinuate that I am attacking Derrek Lee by saying he is the 4th most coveted 1st baseman in the National League Central, then go right ahead. After all it’s always easy to hijack the point of the argument for entertainment purposes.
Rich Harden Fever, Catch It !!!!!!!!!!
by MDBNIU on Jul 22, 2008 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not insinuating anything.
Oh, since you have the GMs & manages ear(s), I’ll just take your word for it. You continue to spout, supported by a woefully uninformed viewpoint. Comparing Derrek Lee to Fred McGriff is patently ridiculous. What I said was that Lee is the best all around first baseman in the NL, not the NL central. Now he’s the 4th best in the central? The Cubs could use more power out of Lee, but alas, they don’t need it. His defense is unchallenged as the best in the NL. So when it comes to a player that can field like Lee, and hit just as good as other first baggers, minus some of the power. I’ll take the all around guy. Oh, just so you know, I don’t have to hijack anything from you, the least of all for entertainment purposes. Besides you made a declaration, not an argument.
Jimmyeatworld
by Jimmyeatworld on Jul 22, 2008 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Albert Pujols is equal defensive 1st baseman to Lee
And last time I checked primary gauge of a 1st baseman wasn’t his glovework.
Rich Harden Fever, Catch It !!!!!!!!!!
by MDBNIU on Jul 22, 2008 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No kidding.
I said all around first baseman. While Pujols has improved defensively at first over the past few years, he is by no means the equal of Lee defensively.
Jimmyeatworld
by Jimmyeatworld on Jul 22, 2008 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pujols is excellent defensively, and a lightyears better hitter.
by princefieldersdiet on Jul 22, 2008 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He is very good defensively.
When Lee isn’t swinging at pitchers pitches, he is an excellent hitter. Not as good as Pujols, but who is. Still, there really is no one better than Lee defensively at first base.
Jimmyeatworld
by Jimmyeatworld on Jul 22, 2008 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd take Pujols, Berkman, or Fielder over Lee any day.
For that matter, I might take Joey Votto.
by princefieldersdiet on Jul 22, 2008 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fielder? Defensively over Lee?
No.
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 22, 2008 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not defensively, all around.
by princefieldersdiet on Jul 22, 2008 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
& then be pissed when Prince makes an
error to LOSE a game. I have seen it 2wice this year and once more with the Cubs when Blanco was put in at 1st.
"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 Fishbone2 on Jul 22, 2008 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am glad that you aren't the Cubs GM.
I wouldn’t trade Lee for any of those guys. Least of all Votto, who hasn’t proven anything yet. All I’m saying is that overall, I wouldn’t trade Lee’s defense for less defense and more bat. Which is what having any of those three instead of Lee would be. That said, I respect your opinion, and Blue Mike’s. I just don’t agree with you.
Jimmyeatworld
by Jimmyeatworld on Jul 22, 2008 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You Wouldn't trade Lee for Albert Pujols?
Are you f’in kidding?
by princefieldersdiet on Jul 22, 2008 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pujols, yes.
Berkman…maybe. No chance on Fielder.
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 22, 2008 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not talking a literal trade.
But with that being said, I still wouldn’t trade Lee to get Pujols straight up. I know people think that’s nuts. Pujols will be a DH within 5 years. Lee will still be playing stellar defense at first base.
Jimmyeatworld
by Jimmyeatworld on Jul 22, 2008 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow. That's ridiculous.
So you’re Jim Hendry, and John Mozeliak calls you up and says “Jim, I’ll give you Pujols for Lee, straight up.”
And you’re gonna say no to that?
That really is one of the most ludicrous things I’ve ever heard.
by princefieldersdiet on Jul 22, 2008 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If we are dealing in never going to happen...
scenarios. Then I say let’s call up Florida and trade Theriot straight up for Hanley Ramirez. Then we can trade Jim Edmonds for Chris Young. Oh, and while we’re at it, why not trade Soriano for Manny. I was never talking literal trade. I said that I wouldn’t want a lesser defensive first baseman, just to get a little more bat.
Jimmyeatworld
by Jimmyeatworld on Jul 22, 2008 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Of course it would never happen,
because the Cardinals would never be that stupid. But to say that Pujols only gives you “a little more bat” is just ridiculous.
by princefieldersdiet on Jul 22, 2008 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ok, I give up.
Obviously my opinion is wrong. It would never happen because that’s not how it works. I WAS NEVER TALKING LITERALLY TRADING ANYONE. I stated that I don’t consider Lee to be an inferior first baseman in the NL. Let alone the NL central. No one wants to actually discuss a valid point. SO IN THE INTEREST OF FAIRNESS, YOU ARE RIGHT, I AM WRONG. LET’S DROP IT.
Jimmyeatworld
by Jimmyeatworld on Jul 22, 2008 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you think Lee is better than Pujols,
then yes, your opinion is completely wrong.
by princefieldersdiet on Jul 22, 2008 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You can't let sleeping dogs lie.
Understand that opinions are neither right or wrong. If it is so important to you to maintain that Pujols is better than Lee, fine. For you to have be right in this particular discussion smacks of ego. If you really think I’m wrong, call me a dumb ass under your breath & be done with it. Don’t continue to belabor the point by insisting that my opinion is wrong, when I have already stated that you are right, I am wrong. Let it go.
Jimmyeatworld
by Jimmyeatworld on Jul 22, 2008 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If your opinion is that Lee is better than Pujols,
then yes, opinions can be wrong. So understand that.
by princefieldersdiet on Jul 22, 2008 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Opinions are neither right or wrong.
You can disagree with an opinion, you can likewise agree with an opinion, but that doesn’t make an opinion right or wrong. I’m done talking with you Mr. Right, understand that.
Jimmyeatworld
by Jimmyeatworld on Jul 22, 2008 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It isn't an opinion.
Albert Pujols is a better baseball player than Derrek Lee. Fact. Jim Hendry would swap the two in a heartbeat. Fact. John Mozeliak would never do something so incredibly stupid. Fact.
by princefieldersdiet on Jul 22, 2008 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There's a line between debating and trolling
and you’re getting dangerously close
------ TheRiot Squad ------
by RightFieldSucks on Jul 22, 2008 3:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
this is the only thing I agree with you on
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 22, 2008 6:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll take the
Theriot-for-Ramirez trade over Lee-for-Pujols, please.
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 22, 2008 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think you're really really wrong on this one...
I’d much rather have Pujols than Lee. I think you are still underrating Pujols defensively, and offensively there’s over a .150 difference in OPS between the two. That is roughly the difference between Derrek Lee and Kaz Matsui.
I like Lee a lot. He’s one of my favorite players on the Cubs and is a real class act on and off the field. But he’s nowhere near the category of player that Pujols is.
I’d take Pujols over Lee for sure. I’d probably take Berkman for his bat (especially the switch hitting) over Lee’s defense, though that is a reasonable debate. Right now, I’d take Lee over Fielder because Lee is matching Fielder offensively and is MUCH better defensively. But if Fielder regains his form from last year, it becomes an interesting discussion again because Fielder was MUCH better with the bat last year.
by SouthernCub on Jul 22, 2008 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
THATS DUMB
Pujols for Lee, I wouldnt even hesitate… dont get me wrong, I LOVE DLEE, but Pujols… honestly would take him over almost anyone
"This balls got a chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannce, GONE!" - Pat Hughes
by SouthsideCUBSfan on Jul 22, 2008 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If healthy, I agree.
But does Pujols pending (gonna happen sometime in the future) Tommy John change the equation?
PC load letter!?!? - What the f*** does that mean!?!?!
by N Oakley on Jul 22, 2008 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It would, but the original poster was talking
about a healthy Pujols.
by princefieldersdiet on Jul 22, 2008 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wouldn't be surprised
if Lee has lost some bat speed. He is 33 this year. This isn’t the same player we saw back in 2005. The pitch he swung at to hit the DP last night was way in on his hands. Meanwhile, he lets good pitches right over the middle go by.
"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 22, 2008 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow, you'd take him over Pujols, can't go along with you on that one
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 22, 2008 6:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
cubs fans
calm down….the sky is not falling.
we still have the 2nd best record in the majors
we have a superstar coming back
we’re still up by 2 games
we have a lineup full of streaky hitters, we should be used to this by now
by cubswynn on Jul 22, 2008 9:50 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
You know we are talking about the Cubs.... right?
by Cubster on Jul 22, 2008 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the 2008 cubs
not the 2003 cubs. not the 1989 cubs. not the 1908 cubs either.
This team stands on its own.
"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 22, 2008 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I missed all the angst last night
at least on BCB because I don’t have internet at home. I am sure this has
been mentioned but I am NOT in panic because the pitching is REALLY solid.
Batters can wake up from slumps and it seems like the whole team (except everyone’s favorite whipping boy) has gone into a slump but bad pitching is just bad pitching. I firmly
believe the runs will come and despite the temptation I would NOT activate Soriano unless he is ready.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Jul 22, 2008 9:52 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm not really worried about the Brewers
We are talking about a team that is 17th in the league in OBP, 21st in .AVG but 12th in Runs Scored because they are 4th in HRs. Overall, they are too reliant on the HR ball to stay in the race.
Take a look at last nights game. They managed 10 hits in 9 innings but only scored three runs on a Rickie Weeks HR (who is batting .217 by the way). Hell, Torres even blew the save in the 9th. The combination of their bullpen and realiance on HRs to generate runs will cost them dearly in the end.
The Cardinals look terrible on paper, but after 100+ games you cannot ignore the fact that they are 3rd in OBP and 5th in .AVG with a pitching staff that is performing solidly. Their bullpen is questionable, but right now the same can be said for all three teams leading the Central.
by IllinoisCubs on Jul 22, 2008 9:56 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Road Records
Too lazy to check….isn’t Milwaukee under .500 and the Cardinals over .500 on the road?
Eat More Katsui
by CaliCub on Jul 22, 2008 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kudos and Thanks
I think the division will be won on the road. For that matter so will the WC because I think it comes from the Central. Cubs need to hit with more consistency away from Wrigley!
Eat More Katsui
by CaliCub on Jul 22, 2008 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why no bunting?
In the 8th inning Jim Edmonds lead off the inning and got on base. No why in the world wasn’t Lou having them bunt him over. Get a pinch runner in and have Cedeno or Fontenot bunt the runner over. It was a 1 run game at that point but it they made it seem like it was 6-0. Then what happens, Fontenot flys out and then Ward grounds into a double play.
Also Daryle Ward has been pretty much worthless as a pinch hitter this season. Maybe its time to find a new go to pinch hitter or get him some more playing time in the field.
by TJ3117 on Jul 22, 2008 10:25 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Disagree on Daryle Ward.
Being a pinch hitter has got to be one of the hardest jobs in all of baseball. Seriously, you get one AB, late in the game, usually against a reliever throwing heat. It’s really not fair
Now, granted, DWaryle doesn’t appear to have had as much success thus far as he did last year. (Disclaimer: I haven’t really checked the numbers or anything.) But the guy is still a pure, professional hitter and doesn’t deserve to be thrown under the bus. Remember, he hasn’t been completely healthy all season either.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 22, 2008 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's 3-29 as a PH, and 2 or his last 13 as a PH.
Not throwing him under the boss, but he’s been a major dissapointment and he needs to turn that around this half.
Nobody cares about your fantasy league team
by carmen_fanzone on Jul 22, 2008 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah,
don’t throw him under the boss, he might get hurt.
by tootle on Jul 22, 2008 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
True. Lou does appear to have gained some weight since the season began.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 22, 2008 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
because
on average, a team scores more runs, and is more likely to score 1 run, without the sacrifice. i know that is hard for yalls to wrap your heads around but its the truth.
Edmonds-o-Meter discontinued
by joeschmitt on Jul 22, 2008 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dusty is that you?
He should’ve gone back out after throwing 112 pitches through 7 innings? Huh?
by kanderber on Jul 22, 2008 10:38 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I was surprised to see he had thrown that many pitches.
He was throwing effortlessly. Yes, I know they’re trying to pace his workload. But I had a feeling Howry would make it at least 2-0 when he was in there.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jul 22, 2008 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A 2-0 lead being "out of reach"
is more the hitters’ issue than Howry’s.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and remember, half of them are stupider than that!
by DaBard on Jul 22, 2008 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm with Al
The guy was throwing easily and effortlessly. No reason he couldn’t go another inning. Pitch counts are not set in stone. 125 pitches (which he probably would have thrown had he gone another inning) is not a ridiculous amount.
"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 22, 2008 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We're talking about Harden here, though...
He’s on the short list of most fragile pitchers in baseball. He’s been on the DL with arm injuries multiple times in the past few years. We didn’t get him to pitch in late July. We got him to pitch in October. Running him out there to push his pitch count to 125 or 130 in a game we ultimately didn’t score in anyway is a very short-sighted move.
Remember – we aren’t talking about a guy who has shown he can handle a Zambrano-like workload. We’re talking about a guy who hasn’t come close to 100 IP in either of the last two seasons because of injury. Taking him out what the right decision in my opinion.
by SouthernCub on Jul 22, 2008 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You guys are kidding, right?
All we heard when the Cubs got this guy was how they had to be careful. I even heard talk of a six-man rotation at times, to get him rest.
Now you want him to throw 125 pitches?
Any team alive would take only giving up two runs on the road to a division leader (as pathetic as the West is)
This is on the offense. I’m not in favor of ripping Hardin’s arm out of its socket because the offense can’t hit.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and remember, half of them are stupider than that!
by DaBard on Jul 22, 2008 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
http://www.brewcrewball.com/2008/7/21/575555/confessions-of-an-ex-cub-f
If you want to read something that makes you want to vomit, check out this “ex-cub fan” diary on evil BCB.
by princefieldersdiet on Jul 22, 2008 10:40 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I got it...
I’d love to add a comment to the fanpost but, alas, I am persona non grata on the Evil BCB.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 22, 2008 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Someone help me out here,
but I swear that post you linked is a plagiarized piece. I know I’ve read that exact post/article before somewhere within the last year or so. That post is dated yesterday on the Evil BCB, but it’s too familiar to be new. Anyone agree?
"We are not equations with hats." -Dean Young
by Kegler on Jul 22, 2008 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've never seen it before...
...but that would be worth looking into. If someone who’s actually able to post there could expose that Fanpost as a fraud, it would be a HUGE victory. Go for it.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 22, 2008 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The way it is written.
It’s not written from a personal perspective. It reads like propaganda. It sounds made up to me as well. Hopefully, you can prove this.
Jimmyeatworld
by Jimmyeatworld on Jul 22, 2008 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm looking through Google,
trying to find a hit (that’s how I find a good percentage of forged student papers in the comp class I teach). I’m at work though, so it’s slow going.
"We are not equations with hats." -Dean Young
by Kegler on Jul 22, 2008 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tried that, and didn't come up with anything.
by princefieldersdiet on Jul 22, 2008 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The trick is usually
to take small phrases from the piece and google those….
"We are not equations with hats." -Dean Young
by Kegler on Jul 22, 2008 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it must be an original. I googled about 20 different pieces,
and came up with nothing. Doesn’t change what a total douche the poster was.
“Maybe the universe was trying to tell us something with the Chicago Fire.”
or
“I don’t ask for your understanding. There is no way I can un-do being a Cubs fan. I only ask for your forgiveness, with this solemn vow: Even if the Brewers never win another game, I’d rather kick myself in the face every day for the rest of my life than cheer for the Cubs.In conclusion, F the Cubs, F Illinois, fly the flag, Roll out the barrel, and go Crew!”
These were my personal favorite quotes. What a piece of garbage.
by princefieldersdiet on Jul 22, 2008 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why even waste time with this?
Think of it as anti-trolling. Who cares what they think? There are people like that that cheer for every team.
Not every Cubs fan is in Illinois, not everyone in Wisconsin is a Brewers fan, not every Cubs fan is a Bears fan and not every Packers fan is a Brewers fan.
I don’t give a rat’s ass what Brewers fans think of the Cubs or Cubs fans. I’m concentrating on the Cubs.
by Shanghai Badger on Jul 22, 2008 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm actually not
interesting in the piece so much, but as a writing teacher I’m a bit curious about it because of its familiarity. That’s why I’m trying to verify my suspicions. Alas, it isn’t going well though. Just because it doesn’t come up through Google doesn’t me it’s not plagiarized though. Maybe I read it elsewhere. I’ll keep poking around.
"We are not equations with hats." -Dean Young
by Kegler on Jul 22, 2008 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do you really need to tell us what we should and shouldn't talk about?
If we want to discuss this issue, then we can. It’s not like there’s a lot else going on around here today.
by princefieldersdiet on Jul 22, 2008 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow, you're really looking to pick fights today, aren't you?
I wasn’t telling anyone what to talk about, just wondering why it’s worth the bother.
by Shanghai Badger on Jul 22, 2008 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That fanpost was written by a bitter, weak-minded person...
...sucking up to a bunch of insecure, simpering little weasels. If you read the comments, a Cubs fan actually had the courage to respond and is already taking some sh*t.
That said, I can’t totally disagree with Shanghai Badger. There’s not a whole lot of benefit to be gained from jumping in and trying to debate with these people. You’ll only wind up stirring up a whole lot of negative energy and, quite assuredly, getting banned. Still, I guess there are worse ways to spend a Tuesday afternoon.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 22, 2008 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well said Daver
That fanpost is just there to stir people up-you’re not going to win with those people-the best way to screw with them is to just ignore them completely.
by bluekoolaide on Jul 22, 2008 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I won't be worried until Reed starts dressing like this....

first thing I thought of when I saw his moustache
"Look at it this way: If you're a Cubs fan, the Greatest Day of Your Life is yet to come." ~ Cubs Forever
by IvyOnTheWall on Jul 22, 2008 10:41 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Just wait
til he names his bat Lemmiwinks.
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 22, 2008 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sure thing.
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 22, 2008 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
http://youtube.com/watch?v=dcR3ZFlMYNQ&feature=related
by princefieldersdiet on Jul 22, 2008 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
When you post a link
it works if you put it in the body of your post and not the headline. I learned that the hard way. :D
Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden. Now that's a pair of Aces.
by sue369 on Jul 22, 2008 4:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, man...THAT'S HIM!!!
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 22, 2008 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
When was Bob Brenly on South Park?
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
by gary varsho on Jul 22, 2008 3:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I HAD to look this up
Cubs road record in Houston, all-time
129-192
In Wrigley, the Cubs are about 30 games +
So, let’s see, we therefore can count on the team losing 2/3 or getting swept there for the rest of the season. The team cannot win in AZ, do badly in NY, and ATL.
This means that they will need to continue playing .700 at home.
I suppose its possible, but the road play is maddening. Where is the team shrink??
by The E-Man on Jul 22, 2008 11:00 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
1977 we were 60-39 at this time
I am sure we will be fine
by Cubster on Jul 22, 2008 11:05 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
in 2006,
the Cardinals were 55-41 at this point, and we know how that ended. relax.
by princefieldersdiet on Jul 22, 2008 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
1977
I was thinking about that year as well. Injuries were a big problem in the 2H of 1977, if I recall.
"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 22, 2008 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Plus the Cubs were on the budget plan big time in those days
they weren’t going to add any significant salary during the stretch (unless you consider guys like Bobby Darwin and Dave Giusti significant).
by bluekoolaide on Jul 22, 2008 3:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting point
by Brenly that they just played on WSCR, that A-Ram does not seem to be tracking the ball into the zone during this slump, as has happened with him before (we all remember some of the droughts he has had.) Especially when he is ahead in the count, he has been taking some HUGE hacks that have led to strikeouts later in the at bat. Here’s hoping he can figure this kink out, if it is indeed contributing to the problems he is having…
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Jul 22, 2008 11:08 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I noticed last night...
...that Aramis kept getting fooled on low and away pitches. He’s usually able to recognize those and lay off. Maybe that stadium just throws him off his game.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 22, 2008 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's those...
Damn pumpkins on the train he’s trying to hit!
"Remember each day this year, where you were, what you were doing, who you were with, how you felt as the Cubs win their way through it. Because if this does turn out to be the promised land we have all been waiting for, you will want to remember, savor, cherish every moment..."
by CubsBullsBears on Jul 22, 2008 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here's hoping
Gerald Perry is aware of this and is working to correct it.
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 22, 2008 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Howry cannot be trusted
in any close situations unless it’s extra innings and there’s no one left. Time to give someone new a shot at that role. Bobby’s been good but this year, not. Bring up an arm from the minors and make a trade. Howry cannot be trusted!
by Itchy on Jul 22, 2008 11:25 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm tellin' ya, people...
...GET HIM THE T-SHIRT. It will change everything.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 22, 2008 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think we should get him a new pitch instead.
Something that moves around and doesn’t have a straight trajectory.
by zevkalman on Jul 22, 2008 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, that would be nice, too.
The shirt would probably be easier, though.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 22, 2008 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No kiddin!
He’s got nothin but a fastball to throw to a guy with 2 strikes. No “out’ pitch!
by Itchy on Jul 22, 2008 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Doesn't move with straight trajectory...
Felix Heredia, your table is ready.
Can’t hear that phrase without thinking of Felix the BP pitcher.
PC load letter!?!? - What the f*** does that mean!?!?!
by N Oakley on Jul 22, 2008 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
good point
SWL, send the shirt to the howry c/o the cubs. it can’t hurt
Edmonds-o-Meter discontinued
by joeschmitt on Jul 22, 2008 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We lost to the snakes AGAIN! ON NOES!

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 22, 2008 11:50 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I hate sound of those stupid snakes in the backround of the games
"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 22, 2008 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A Ram looks like he's trying to hit
a 6 run HR lately. He’s not going with the pitch and looks like he trying to pull everything.
Lee looks like he is getting fooled or guessing wrong. Same with Fukudome. those 2 are taking a LOT of meatball pitches and flailing at crap. Edmonds and Theriot seem to be seeing the ball well, thankfully.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
by BigJohnAZ on Jul 22, 2008 12:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Derrek Lee
is really starting to scare me. He is really supposed to be our leader—and our best hitter in the 3 hole. Hope that it’s just a bad game for him. 20 GIDP is awful.
Anyways, Rich Harden was awesome. I hope he’s in a Cub uniform for a long, long, time. HEALTHY.
My new life, my new world, and my beautiful daughter:
Tamia London Davis: Due date (8-11-08)!
by Unique on Jul 22, 2008 12:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I have to admit...
...I found myself thinking last night that DLee does look very tired and frustrated. I don’t want to put too much stock in superficial observations, but the thought did pass through my head.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 22, 2008 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I loved some of the reactions
from the D Back hitters last night. Shaking their heads on their way back to the dugout was priceless. Too bad we couldn’t scrape up a couple runs for him.
I loved how Harden battled on the counts he fell behind. He didn’t give in at all.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
by BigJohnAZ on Jul 22, 2008 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Snakes
are a team that are playing better of late, but still a shadow of last year’s team. Randy pitched a gem, but their bullpen is very shaky, they make errors late in games and their closer isn’t lights out by any stretch of the imagination. Their hitting is sporadic. We need to relax, be patient at the plate, and get into the bullpen as fast as possible. We can take these next two games.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
by BigJohnAZ on Jul 22, 2008 12:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Ramirez
I don’t know if this means anything but remember last year when he hit that moonshot at wrigley against the D’Backs, and stood there? The next day Owings knocked him back and he hasn’t done jack against them since.
A few notes.
I was at the game and let me tell you, Harden is an absolute joy to watch live. You just get the feeling he’s gonna be dominant.
I know the offense was horrible, but Theriot, Johnson, Ramirez, Edmonds, and Cedeno all hit balls to the warning track. Chris Young was all over the place.
And I can’t stand those fans. People came up in my face and yelled ” F the Cubs!!” “Go home losers!” and other horrible stuff. One question for them. Where were you at the begginning of the year and the begginning of last year?
P.S. If Harden stays healthy, he’s going to break some records for K’s, and were October bound.
Devin Hester, you are rediculous! -Jeff Joniak
by ARAM FOR MVP on Jul 22, 2008 12:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I am trying to think of a pitcher who misses more bats. Hitters don't even get many foul balls against Harden.
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Jul 22, 2008 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
Maybe it’s the heat that makes them nuts. I was visiting Phoenix last year and decided to catch a game. I saw the D’Backs-Nationals. Not a bad game.
I wore my Cubs hat. I heard vile stuff.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and remember, half of them are stupider than that!
by DaBard on Jul 22, 2008 2:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll be there tonight
You can tell how many Cub fans were there, they have been averaging ~22K per weekday games this year, had over 34K fans last night. They berate us Cub fans pretty good because they have won a WS and we are still at 100 and counting lol
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
by BigJohnAZ on Jul 22, 2008 2:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
They came right up to your face and dissed you?
''Listen, losing Soriano is no box of chocolates.'' ~Lou Piniella
by JohnM on Jul 22, 2008 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice.
That might be the first KRS-One drop on this board, ever.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
by gary varsho on Jul 22, 2008 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nah
I’m only sampling the sample on Paul’s Boutique. I didn’t know it was KRS-One. I don’t like him because he dissed my homegirl Roxanne Shante in the Bridge Wars.
''Listen, losing Soriano is no box of chocolates.'' ~Lou Piniella
by JohnM on Jul 22, 2008 2:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
God I'm Old
I have NO ideal what you guys are talking about. LOL
Eat More Katsui
by CaliCub on Jul 22, 2008 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I bet you're no older than me
this stuff is over 20 years old. And I was too old for it at the time!
''Listen, losing Soriano is no box of chocolates.'' ~Lou Piniella
by JohnM on Jul 22, 2008 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ha!
Yeah that’s from My Philosophy>
“This one or that one, the white one or the black one/just point ‘em out and I’ll jump to attack one/’cause KRS One is the just the guy to lead a crew/right up to your face and diss you”
Paul’s Boutique is a classic. Great DJ work, that. “The Bridge is Over” was really more really more of a shot at MC Shan than anyone else, and Kris has done a lot of good stuff, musically and socially, over the years.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
by gary varsho on Jul 22, 2008 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No idea why that popped as a link.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
by gary varsho on Jul 22, 2008 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
With apologies to everyone else on the board
You may remember the voice from a few years ago
when I first came out and dissed UTFO
I chilled for a while, I put down my pen
but now some suckers from the Bronx got me started again
Now I’m not out to dis the whole Boogie Down
just a featherweight crew from that part of town
You made a little record and then you start frontin’
tried to dis the Juice Crew but ain’t hurt nothin’
Now KRS-One, you should go on vacation
with that name soundin’ like a wack radio station
and as for Scott La Rock, you should be ashamed
when T La Rock said “It’s Yours” he didn’t mean his name
So step back peasants, poppin’ all that junk
or else BDP will stand for Broken Down Punks
Cause I’m an all-star just like Julius Erving
and Roxanne Shanté is only good for steady serving
''Listen, losing Soriano is no box of chocolates.'' ~Lou Piniella
by JohnM on Jul 22, 2008 3:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, he did take a shot at her, I admit.
But she gave as good as she got. (NSFW for language)
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
by gary varsho on Jul 22, 2008 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well the above was her reply to the Bridge is Over
and it was pretty good natured considering what they said about her in that. Roxanne’s Revenge was her first record, when she was like 14. She very much epitmozied the old school boasting style of NYC rap but was an outsider because of her age and gender (and because she got a record deal with the Philly-based Cold Chillin’ label). Great rhyming and rapping skills, but never got her due because she got eclipsed by west coast gangsta rap. An incredible, but over-the-top (and very NSFW) farewell dissing of fellow female MCs was her last great record, Big Mama, before she went off and got her PhD in psychology.
I’ll stop before I’m told to take it to email.
''Listen, losing Soriano is no box of chocolates.'' ~Lou Piniella
by JohnM on Jul 22, 2008 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
by gary varsho on Jul 22, 2008 3:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great call, Varsho.
That’s off of “By All Means Necessary,” circa ‘86 or thereabouts, eh? Those were the days.
"We are not equations with hats." -Dean Young
by Kegler on Jul 22, 2008 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
1988.
I still listen to that record. Great stuff.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
by gary varsho on Jul 22, 2008 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It is
though I haven’t listened to it in years. I do still listen to Eric B & Rakim’s “Paid In Full” album though, to my wife’s chagrin. That and “Paul’s Boutique” are the two greatest rap/hip-hop albums of all time. And admittedly, I haven’t followed rap/hip-hop at all since that era; nothing after about 1990 seemed to do it for me.
"We are not equations with hats." -Dean Young
by Kegler on Jul 22, 2008 3:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There's some stuff out now that's really good.
Especially out of Chicago.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
by gary varsho on Jul 22, 2008 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Names?
"We are not equations with hats." -Dean Young
by Kegler on Jul 22, 2008 3:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Off the top of my head
locally: Qwel, Rhymefest, Psalm One, Matlock, Vakill, Verbal Kent, and All Natural
anywhere else: Atmosphere, Murs, MF Doom, Louis Logic, Blackalicious, Visionaries
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
by gary varsho on Jul 22, 2008 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Eric B and Rakim's version of
I know You Got Soul came up on random while I was walking the dog last night. Hadn’t heard it in years! Good stuff.
''Listen, losing Soriano is no box of chocolates.'' ~Lou Piniella
by JohnM on Jul 22, 2008 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rakim is an incredible MC
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
by gary varsho on Jul 22, 2008 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Back in the day...
Man, I remember running home to watch YO MTV Raps to watch/hear BDP, Slick Rick, good LL Cool J, Rakim, EPMD, Big Daddy Kane. Even was still in for NWA and Public Enemy. Ed Lover and Dre Ruled and every saturday night I was all over RapDown on WGCI.
by JCD on Jul 22, 2008 3:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
defining albums for me
Run DMC – Raising Hell, NWA – Straight Outta Compton and PE – It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back were 3 tapes I wore out and even now bring me back to being a kid and playing them over and over
by JCD on Jul 22, 2008 4:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yo, Gary!
"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 22, 2008 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What's up?
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
by gary varsho on Jul 22, 2008 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
nothing.
waiting for the game thread.
"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 22, 2008 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Those have to have been unbearable lately
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
by gary varsho on Jul 22, 2008 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, but it's like crack
it’s bad for you, and afterwards you say “what was I thinking” but when you’re trippin, dood…
"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 22, 2008 4:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
hey-o
Jimmay!
"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 22, 2008 4:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
When Soriano returns this should be the lineup
Soriano
Theriot
Lee
Ramirez
Fukudome
Soto
Edmonds
Derosa
Pitcher
By far the deepest most effective lineup that we could run out there on any given day, not an easy out in there
"This is why Major League Baseball does not need instant replay, because then every single play will then be reviewed." -- Joe Morgan, 5/18/08, referring to an umpire ruling a Carlos Delgado homerun foul when replays showed it hit the foul pole.
by CubsBall2202 on Jul 22, 2008 12:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
If
Lee and Ramirez start hitting again. I thought the break would help Lee. Evidently, it hasn’t.
Also, I’m not sure Dome should be in the five-hole the way he’s hitting. In fact, 3-4-5 looks like a massive hole in the lineup the way these three are playing now. Let’s hope that changes.
"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 22, 2008 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This was our first-half lineup when we were winning 5 in a row consistently
couldn’t hurt to take a step back and try it again
------ TheRiot Squad ------
by RightFieldSucks on Jul 22, 2008 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We trot that out every day and we are gonna do some really special things.
DeRosa is a 5 hitter on most teams in the NL. Actually Soto-Edmonds-DeRosa is probably a better 3-4-5 than at least 5 major league teams.
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Jul 22, 2008 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
it's a great
problem to have, I’ll say that. I might move DeRosa up ahead of Edmonds, but that’s mostly the man-crush talking…
"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 22, 2008 1:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I love D-Lee but....
He is hitting into way too many double plays. Is it me… or does it appear that he has lost a step?
by Cubster on Jul 22, 2008 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think he's lost a step
although we’re all getting older.
He’s slumping. So far this year, this is the first time we’ve had two players in a slump at the same time; it suxx0rz that it’s Lee and Rami. Dome’s issues don’t help. But it’s not like the rest of the order did a whole lot against Johnson yesterday either.
Lee and Rami will pull out of it. What other choice do we have? You’re not replacing Lee with Hoff, and at some point, DeRosa needs to be able to sit back down at second base and just play the position he’s supposed to.
"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 22, 2008 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Even though Lee's Ave.
is still above .300, he has looked very ordinary lately. Ram jam needs to pick it up as well.
Let’s get started tonight.
Lets do it Cubbies
by slocs55 on Jul 22, 2008 1:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Ohhhhhh Black Betty!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 22, 2008 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"The damn thing gone wild (bam-a-lam)"
"Every team will win 60 games, every team will lose 60 games, it's what the team does in the other 42 games that decides the season."
by flachimesa on Jul 22, 2008 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No no it's
What doesn't kill you makes you stranger -- The Joker
by Emelie on Jul 22, 2008 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, she's shakin' that thing (bam-ba-lam) Boy, she makes me sing (bam-ba-lam)
by Cubster on Jul 22, 2008 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Shout Bamalama!
What doesn't kill you makes you stranger -- The Joker
by Emelie on Jul 22, 2008 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Speaking of Lucinda...
I like this one best!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXbn1-aVQw8&feature=related
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Jul 22, 2008 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
she's great
although I heard her latest wasn’t among her best… I’ve got all her others
What doesn't kill you makes you stranger -- The Joker
by Emelie on Jul 22, 2008 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have most of Lucinda's stuff, too.
I believe her most recent one is called “West,” and it’s worth checking out. Many of the songs are in response to the death of her mother, whom I guess she was pretty close to. There’s one called “Fancy Funeral” that’s particularly heartbreaking.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 22, 2008 4:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I only have "Gravel Road" and "Live at Filmore"
but now i’m going to have to check out her other stuff.
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Jul 22, 2008 4:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Start with Sweet Old World
and her self titled, Lucinda Williams … I like her older stuff better than the newer
What doesn't kill you makes you stranger -- The Joker
by Emelie on Jul 22, 2008 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Will do...
Just recently got turned on to her by a friend who loaned me Gravel Road. Totally blew me away. What an amazing songwriter, and I love her voice. Doesn’t get any more real than that.
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Jul 22, 2008 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you like Lucinda Williams
you will probably love Joe Henry as much as I do. He hasn’t left my turntable in over a year. Kid you not. Immediately went out and bought all his stuff and I’m totally smitten.
We may have already had this discussion. I have the memory of a fruit fly.
What doesn't kill you makes you stranger -- The Joker
by Emelie on Jul 22, 2008 4:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just listened to "God Only Knows" on youtube...
Good stuff! I’m going to Borders next weekend. Quite the shopping list now…lol..And I know what you mean about being bowled over by someone. I saw Richard Thompson at Park West a while back for the first time and after the show I went out and bought amost every thing he had put out.
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Jul 22, 2008 4:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hi slatest, Civilians, will knock your socks off
What doesn't kill you makes you stranger -- The Joker
by Emelie on Jul 22, 2008 5:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
trivia: he's Madonna's brother-in-law
go figure
What doesn't kill you makes you stranger -- The Joker
by Emelie on Jul 22, 2008 5:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Argh, that reminds me...
...that I used to have her self-titled album until someone broke into my car a few years ago and ripped off it and the rest of the CDs inside. Man, I’m still pissed about that.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 22, 2008 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know what you mean
take my car, buddy, but dammit leave my CD’s alone
What doesn't kill you makes you stranger -- The Joker
by Emelie on Jul 22, 2008 4:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
For any Chicago Wolves
fans, do they still play Black Betty at the games?
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
by BigJohnAZ on Jul 22, 2008 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Weirdest trade rumor of the day
Randy Wolf to the ASTROS? Hmm they are 12 games , beyond maybe 10 teams for the wild card and they want to trade for a pitcher who will be an FA at the end of the year ?
Even if they gave up a prospect it would be too much. What next the Mariners who need hitting decide to trade for Texiera ? The Pirates trade Burnett. This is really stange
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3499705
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Jul 22, 2008 2:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
that sounds like the Matt Morris deal last year
the Pirates did not need him at all but weirldy got him
2008 Cubs: Who needs nine innings, when you only need a 7th?
by Chanman25 on Jul 22, 2008 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Very strange indeed...
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Jul 22, 2008 2:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Appears to be official
Astros acquire Wolf from Padres
for Minor League right-handed pitcher Chad Reineke.
"Every team will win 60 games, every team will lose 60 games, it's what the team does in the other 42 games that decides the season."
by flachimesa on Jul 22, 2008 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Now that's odd.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 22, 2008 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would have hated to be on this board when Lee GIDP in the 9th
I can probably guess what was being said real easily..
2008 Cubs: Who needs nine innings, when you only need a 7th?
by Chanman25 on Jul 22, 2008 2:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
LOL. Yeah, I left the board to watch the game in bed and when he GIDP my stomach churned.
I was so hopeful up to that point. Snakes blew a double-play ball and looked like they were choking.
I must have said something nasty because my wife woke up and commented on how it freaks her out that I take ballgames so seriously :-).
I was wondering about all the horrid talk that must have happened on bleedcubbieblue.com
by zevkalman on Jul 22, 2008 2:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was watching
the meltdown against the Giants with some family and remarked to my dad that if I had been home alone watching, without young cousins around, my reaction would’ve been a wee bit different.
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 22, 2008 3:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are so lucky
you weren’t here then.
Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden. Now that's a pair of Aces.
by sue369 on Jul 22, 2008 4:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did anyone see the Astros Traded for
Randy Wolf today??? Don’t they know they’re out of 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." - Alvin Dark
by Fishbone2 on Jul 22, 2008 3:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Blame it on the heat.
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 22, 2008 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gah.
People should know when they are conquered.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
by gary varsho on Jul 22, 2008 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ed Wade had better be headed to Cheney's bunker.
I can’t imagine the Houston faithful are enthused about this move.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
by gary varsho on Jul 22, 2008 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It is pretty hilarious...
a long with his splits. With that short porch in left I for see very bad things for Mr. Wolf.
"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 Fishbone2 on Jul 22, 2008 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I see big bad things for Wolf.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 22, 2008 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is amazing.
Randy Wolf, San Diego: 4.74 ERA, 4.29 FIP
Chad Reineke, Round Rock: 4.41 ERA, 4.36 FIP
I know there’s a league quality difference there, but pitching in PETCO is going to eat some of that. I’m not entirely convinced that the Astros got the better player in the deal.
by cwyers on Jul 22, 2008 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Man, I am glad Hendry stayed away from that...
"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 Fishbone2 on Jul 22, 2008 4:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Me, too.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
by gary varsho on Jul 22, 2008 4:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, Rich Harden is better than Randy Wolf, isn't he.
by cwyers on Jul 22, 2008 4:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A great deal better.
I knew that to be the case all along. I never wanted Wolf.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
by gary varsho on Jul 22, 2008 4:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd rather have Gaudin than Wolf...
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Jul 22, 2008 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bad Reporting Strikes Again
According to Foxsports Columnist, Kerry Wood is already on the DL. Check your facts knucklehead…
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8367052/Time’s-running-out-for-contenders-to-make-deals
"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey
by TheRiot Police on Jul 22, 2008 4:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
okay i was half asleep when i saw this
but i was watching espn news (i know they aren’t exactly the wsj) BUT i saw a short blurb about them being investigated for something related to the draft…...can anyone fill me in on that was about?
hopefully i was just dreaming and you can all call me crazy
by cubswynn on Jul 22, 2008 4:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
the Trib ran a piece on that today
mainly technicalities regarding improperly filed paperwork
What doesn't kill you makes you stranger -- The Joker
by Emelie on Jul 22, 2008 4:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
hmm
what does these mean for punishment? fines? loss of draft picks?
by cubswynn on Jul 22, 2008 4:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it's just fines
I wasn’t too concerned after reading the piece, struck me as administrivia
What doesn't kill you makes you stranger -- The Joker
by Emelie on Jul 22, 2008 4:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Another trade today...
The D-backs acquired right-hander Jon Rauch from the Washington Nationals for second baseman Emilio Bonifacio. Seems like they got him pretty cheap. Rauch is having a pretty good year.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3500802
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Jul 22, 2008 4:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Just watched DVR of game last night..
I vote for Ward to be sent down forever and Hoffpauir to forever be our pinch hitter.
Ward is terrible…
by Blaze22 on Jul 22, 2008 5:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Ward is one of the best PH in MLB.
Hoffpauir is a 28 year old minor leaguer.
I know which one I’d rather have.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
by gary varsho on Jul 22, 2008 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
3-29 pinch hitting this season is far from one of the best in MLB.
by Blaze22 on Jul 22, 2008 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm glad you're just a message board
poster and not the GM.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
by gary varsho on Jul 22, 2008 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're forgetting that even though...
Ward has struggled this year, he has a veteran career with stats. to back up that he is one of the best PHs in MLB. Hoffpauir is a 28 year old career minor leaguer, who hasn’t proven anything at the ML level.
Jimmyeatworld
by Jimmyeatworld on Jul 22, 2008 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Please come join us on the Pre-Game Thread...
Jimmyeatworld
by Jimmyeatworld on Jul 22, 2008 5:35 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

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