Didn't We Already See This Game? - Cubs 2, Diamondbacks 9
When a game starts out like the previous day's, our catchphrase in the bleachers is, "Didn't we see this game yesterday?"
Depressingly, last night's 9-2 Cub loss to Arizona started out like Monday night's -- with the Cubs down 1-0 on a solo HR by a Diamondback hitter; this time, even earlier than Monday (first inning as opposed to fifth), but the ultimate result was the same.
Criticize all you want, but Jason Marquis did his job last night, allowing three runs in six innings. For most teams, that will keep your team in the game, and in fact, when he left for a pinch-hitter, the Cubs were down only 3-1. Even after Sean Marshall allowed two runs, the Cubs came back with one and entered the last of the 8th trailing only 5-2 -- a deficit they've overcome this season more than once.
Much as I like Kevin Hart's arm, the promise he showed last September seems to be gone -- with an ERA up to 7.91, it's time to get some more bullpen help. Perhaps one of the lefties Jim Hendry and the staff are scouting -- Ron Mahay of KC or Damaso Marte of Pittsburgh -- might be on the way before the end of this month.
One thing I was amused by in last night's telecast -- if you didn't see Bob Brenly's pregame interview with Ryan Theriot, Theriot called himself scrappy. Either he's been reading blogs, or... well, I don't know or what. Amusing, though.
But that's really not what I want to talk about here. Last night was another loss due in main part to the offense's failure -- they've scored more than two runs only once since the All-Star break. What I want to discuss is the game threads on this site getting out of control.
First, here's a little more perspective. First of all, Bank Holding Company Field in Phoenix has been a house of horrors for the Cubs ever since it opened. They're now 13-29 there (including the two playoff losses last year). Even Cub playoff teams (1998, 2-4; 2003, 1-2; 2007, 1-2) haven't played well in Arizona. Further, the Cubs still have the best record in the NL and maintain, despite the slide, a one-game lead over Milwaukee. And, if you check the right sidebar box titled "Best Starts By Cub Teams Since 1900" that I update every day, this team is 21st best through 100 games of the 109 Cub teams since 1900. That's pretty good, in my opinion... and it does NOT warrant the profanity and ledge-jumping and nastiness to other posters that I have heard about in the game threads. Most of you know that I'm not in the game threads during home games because I'm at the games, and often not there for later-evening games like last night's because I have to get up at 3:30 am to go to work.
I opened my email at 4 am today to find multiple messages from BCB readers complaining about the tone in the game threads. We are all frustrated at the play of this team right now. I've uttered a choice word or two myself -- to the TV, in the privacy of my home, or at the ballpark, but NOT to other people who feel the same frustration! I remind all of you of the words you saw when you signed up for this site:
When posting at this blog, please follow this one simple rule: Before hitting "post" to post your remarks, ask yourself: "Would I be embarrassed to say this in front of strangers who were physically present in the room with me and could respond to my face?" If the answer is "yes," then don't post. BCB encourages and welcomes all opinions, no matter how strong; however, personal attacks, vulgarity, and other uncivilized forms of expression are not welcome. Thanks.
Please. Keep the profanity down. I once wrote here, "I don't mind the occasional fuck", a statement that provided a large amount of levity, but I think you see the point. And be nice to others. We're all here for the same reason: because we love baseball and the Cubs and want to see them win. If you've followed baseball and this site long enough, you'll remember some other words I've written:
Baseball is a marathon, not a sprint.
This will turn around. Alfonso Soriano may be back tonight. Hang in there, everyone. The best is yet to come.
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Not trying to be Debbie Downer,
but I doubt I have ever seen a weaker “quality start.” That said, I don’t expect anything more from Marquis.
Looking for negatives: Marshall, Hart, DeRosa, Lee.
Positives: Fontenot’s triple (Fun to watch), Ramirez was just missing, Dward’s homer and most importantly, Theriot hit a double.
PC load letter!?!? - What the f*** does that mean!?!?!
by N Oakley on Jul 23, 2008 8:12 AM CDT 0 recs
I love Theriot...
he’s just so….....scrappy ya know?
Calm down.
by Kinky Reggae on
Jul 23, 2008 8:16 AM CDT
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One more positive.
Fukudome had two hits and a walk and seemed more patient last night.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Jul 23, 2008 8:18 AM CDT
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Overall..
the team looked more patient. Just couldn’t get that clutch hit. Rami is clearly pressing and I think Soto is as well.
"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 23, 2008 8:20 AM CDT
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Soto
looks like he is trying to pull everything, and thus can’t touch that outside corner breaking ball. Our guys just look like they need to get back to the fundamentals for a bit to get out of this slump.
Ramirez is frustrated, and I don’t remember being able to witness his frustration before. Last night was the second night in a row that he hit a ball that I too thought was long gone, only to have it die on the warning track.
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on
Jul 23, 2008 8:25 AM CDT
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Rami
looks like he is swinging so hard at everything. Brenly brought up a good point in one of the replays about how his head isn’t staying on the ball and how he is opening up his swing. I totally agree and thought the same thing, You never see a lot of emotion out of him and he slammed his helmet, threw the bat… He just needs to relax and not try to hit a 10 run homerun.
"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 23, 2008 8:28 AM CDT
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I was surprised when that ball didn't make the seats...
... it sure looked like it would have off the bat.
Also, Theriot’s ground rule double would have been in the juniper bushes at Wrigley.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Jul 23, 2008 8:29 AM CDT
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I don't know that
I have ever seen Theriot hit a ball that far that didn’t have help from the wind.
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on
Jul 23, 2008 8:31 AM CDT
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That's the second game in a row...
..that Aramis has hit a ball on the screws and, as it left the bat, I was positive – positive – that he’d just hit one out only to see it fall lifelessly into the left fielder’s glove. Call it lame, but this is another reason I hate domed stadums. NO WIND. And, yeah, I know, that doesn’t stop the D’Bags from hittng them out.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on
Jul 23, 2008 10:05 AM CDT
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Here is what confuses me...
and I may be off as I am not a major leaguer, never played for NIU, and really was better at pitching than hitting when I was younger but…
Guys like DLee and Rami, professional hitters, ought to know when they are pressing and know that the keys must be to relax, don’t over swing, and keep your eye on the ball. I feel like they are not watching the ball. They want to bust out of the slump with 2 grand slams at once.
Again, maybe there is more but I do rememebr the indtuction I always had, and this is what it included. There is no way they are “not picking up the ball well” from every pitcher they have faced so far in the second half is there?
Calm down.
by Kinky Reggae on
Jul 23, 2008 10:15 AM CDT
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knowing you need to relax and doiing it
are different things. professional or not, they’re human and know they’re struggling and that the team needs them.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on
Jul 23, 2008 12:51 PM CDT
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Another positive
has been Fontenot. He has been a really pleasant surprise during Soriano’s injury.
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on
Jul 23, 2008 8:21 AM CDT
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Reminds me of last year
when he came up and tore the cover off the ball.
"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 23, 2008 8:23 AM CDT
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Fontenot
has a 1.308 OPS since the All-Star Break, including a .923 slugging percentage. He is 5 for 13 and those five hits include 2 doubles, a triple, and a homerun. He’s had a mighty good week, unfortunately he is just about the only one.
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on
Jul 23, 2008 8:28 AM CDT
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negatives from last night? maybe DeRosa's fielding....
but he seemed to be one of the most patient hitters last night, drew two walks and then had a double later in the game. Maybe he’s been cold as late, but i’d put him in as one of the positives from last night along with Fontenot and also add Fukodome.
by maddux1-27-07 on
Jul 23, 2008 9:10 AM CDT
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This team needs a slap in the face, an injection of that stuff The Hulk takes, SOMETHING...
...we just look downtrodden and sluggish lately. Hopefully Soriano and his bright blue Hummer will provide that for us.
Dan
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Jul 23, 2008 8:14 AM CDT 0 recs
Wow!
I thought this was a family site. First Al is talking about the occasional F and you with your hummer.
oh my….
PC load letter!?!? - What the f*** does that mean!?!?!
by N Oakley on
Jul 23, 2008 8:18 AM CDT
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"That stuff The Hulk takes"?
Gamma radiation? If it works…
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 23, 2008 9:22 AM CDT
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I bet Bud Selig doesn't test for it
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on
Jul 23, 2008 10:08 AM CDT
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I'd love to see
Lou argue with an ump as…slowly…he turns green…and his clothes rip…
Actually, no, I don’t.
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 23, 2008 10:20 AM CDT
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it IS happening
right now.
just really, REALLY slowly. :P
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derrek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on
Jul 23, 2008 10:55 AM CDT
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Niiiice.
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 23, 2008 10:56 AM CDT
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one Italian sausage
at a time…
"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 23, 2008 10:57 AM CDT
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Thank God
that’s not a euphemism.
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 23, 2008 10:57 AM CDT
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there are no
italian players on the Cubs. :P
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derrek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on
Jul 23, 2008 10:58 AM CDT
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is he Italian?
"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 23, 2008 11:05 AM CDT
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Switch it to Cajun
and we’ve got a whole slew (sLou?) of problems.
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 23, 2008 11:09 AM CDT
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well, ok then
but it’s still not a euphamism.
"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 23, 2008 11:16 AM CDT
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Bottom Line...
Until the 3-4-5-6 hitters can start getting some consistency they aren’t going to win to many games. When the ALL of your mid-lineup guys are in a slump this is what you get. It can’t get much worse than the start of this 2nd half, so, it can only get better RIGHT???
"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 23, 2008 8:15 AM CDT 0 recs
I laughed too
when I heard Theriot used the word “scrap” to describe his style.
Hi, Ryan! How you doing?
What doesn't kill you makes you stranger -- The Joker
by Emelie on Jul 23, 2008 8:16 AM CDT 0 recs
he’s good, I work for him you know. ha :)
PC load letter!?!? - What the f*** does that mean!?!?!
by N Oakley on
Jul 23, 2008 8:19 AM CDT
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lol!
What doesn't kill you makes you stranger -- The Joker
by Emelie on
Jul 23, 2008 8:19 AM CDT
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Don't we all?!
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 23, 2008 9:22 AM CDT
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I don't suppose anyone out there has a video clip?
Man, I’d love to see that. Maybe remix it into a dance track.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on
Jul 23, 2008 10:06 AM CDT
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Marquis has done a really good job lately
Soto has been really bad.
Dome had a solid game which is a really good sign.
Aramis has been awful for a while now.
Soriano is coming back, which to me is the key.
Derrek Lee needs to figure his junk out.
Theriot continues to impress.
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Jul 23, 2008 8:19 AM CDT 0 recs
Theriot...
He and LBR seem to be the only ones hitting right now. Scrappiness doesn’t falter.
"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 23, 2008 8:19 AM CDT 0 recs
I think Lou said it best
“We’ve got time to right this thing,” Piniella said, “but we have to start hitting the ball.”
Thats the bottom line. For the Cubs to be successful and go where we want to see them they have to start hitting the ball. Please bring Sori back tonight.
by jajonez77 on Jul 23, 2008 8:22 AM CDT 0 recs
Len and Bob
were talking about how the Cubs are a station to station team that scores runs with “a walk, a knock, and then a three run homerun.” For some reason this comment surprised me. I remember earlier in the season, our guys were stealing bases, including a few double steals here and there. Maybe I missed something, but I thought we were more than a station to station team this season.
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on
Jul 23, 2008 8:33 AM CDT
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Soriano has been out, Pie isn't around anymore, and Theriot isn't really allowed to steal bases anymore
So we don’t really have anymore base stealing threats right now.
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on
Jul 23, 2008 8:38 AM CDT
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I don't disagree
our team hasn’t been able to manufacture runs the way they did earlier this year. Let’s just say that I was surprised that Len and Bob’s comments surprised me (if that makes sense).
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on
Jul 23, 2008 8:40 AM CDT
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Yeah the whole walk, hit, homer thing I don't agree with
Its more like walk, walk, single, double
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on
Jul 23, 2008 8:43 AM CDT
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Right.
The Cubs do rank fifth in the NL in homers (tied with St. Louis) but that’s hardly the focus of the offense.
Another positive thing to point out: the Cubs still lead the NL in runs scored and are third (by three) for fewest runs allowed.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Jul 23, 2008 8:48 AM CDT
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Wow. now that is a positive
one of the reasons baseball season is so long is because things like ths’ll balance out overtime. we’re still a good team. we’re just not looking like it right now.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on
Jul 23, 2008 12:54 PM CDT
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Speaking of Pie,
I heard on my drive to work that Pie went down with an injury last night, but nothign else. Anyone hear specifics?
PC load letter!?!? - What the f*** does that mean!?!?!
by N Oakley on
Jul 23, 2008 8:47 AM CDT
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Pie...
Injured his right ankle sliding in for a double. That’s all the recap of the game mentioned of it, hopefully it’s nothing serious. I want to see him back up here soon.
"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 23, 2008 8:54 AM CDT
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And definitely NOT a team the relies on the Homerun.
"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 23, 2008 8:41 AM CDT
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When this team is at Wrigley
they look like they can compete against anyone in baseball. When they are on the road they look worse than mediocre. They need to find a way to win on the road. That is the key. This division is going down to the wire. Unfortunately, we are away most of September. I hope the middle of our order can get hot soon.
by mgfabc on Jul 23, 2008 8:24 AM CDT 0 recs
They are Away the last week!
4 in NY and 3 in Milwaukee…It is so mind boggling why they are so Jeckyl and Hyde!
"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 23, 2008 8:30 AM CDT
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The Cubs are the best team in their division
and possibly in the NL. If they play up to their capabilities, they will win their division. If they don’t, they won’t. I hope the home fans get behind them and support them. The last thing a struggling team needs is to get “booed” at home.
by Rick B on Jul 23, 2008 8:25 AM CDT 0 recs
Agreed
Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden. Now that's a pair of Aces.
by sue369 on
Jul 23, 2008 9:15 AM CDT
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Lee
I’m still amazed with how often D.Lee seems to GIDP. I would think at this point that Lou has to occasionally think about getting that guy at first in motion to avoid getting doubled up as he has the past 2 games and 21 times this year.
---AC 00 00 00 - Believe
by mjk83 on Jul 23, 2008 8:27 AM CDT 0 recs
He's on pace to break the NL record (30)
and the major league record (36) isn’t out of the question at this pace.
by rlpete on
Jul 23, 2008 8:33 AM CDT
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Remembering Jim Rice
There was a year (1984?) that he set the AL record for hitting into the most double plays. Funny thing is, it really seemed to bother him. I can remember avidly watching the team in 1986 and Rice was always choking up on the bat handle, punching singles into right field. In fact he hit less than 20 HR that year if memory serves.
Eat More Katsui
by CaliCub on
Jul 23, 2008 8:36 AM CDT
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Rice
Has the major league record with 36 in 1984. He followed up that year with 35 in 1985. The NL record is held by two slow catchers Brad Ausmus (2002) and Ernie Lombardi (1938).
Sad we are discussing this record but this pattern is getting very disturbing.
by rlpete on
Jul 23, 2008 8:45 AM CDT
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"Interesting" For Sure
Mostly I just wanted to share a memory of mine. Although I do wonder if Lee will be as sensitive about all the DPs as Rice seemed to be and consequently morph into more of a contact guy and less an HR threat.
Eat More Katsui
by CaliCub on
Jul 23, 2008 8:47 AM CDT
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If Lee would hit .330 as a result...
... he might hit more doubles and drive in just as many if not more runs.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Jul 23, 2008 8:48 AM CDT
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Second the Motion
He was a Cardinal, but Tommy Herr drove in 110 runs for the Redbirds in 1985 without the benefit of hitting more than 10 HR.
Eat More Katsui
by CaliCub on
Jul 23, 2008 8:51 AM CDT
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I'm still not sure why Kosuke wasn't stealing.
Would’ve at least avoided the DP, and then, who knows.
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 23, 2008 9:26 AM CDT
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brenly said once that derrek's gidp
issues are b/c he hits the ball so hard. no matter how quick you get the 1B runner going a ball that gets to a middle IFer that fast is going to be a dbl play
by halfblindcubbiegirl on
Jul 23, 2008 12:57 PM CDT
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Can anyone disagree
that this has been the worst set of games, this season so far, as a fan?
They look downright listless. And EVERYTHING they hit is finding a glove. There is plenty of time to correct this, but if this drags on much longer, it could become a downward spiral.
Lilly needs to win tonight. Period.
*Synth intro to "Jump"*
by SouthsideCub on Jul 23, 2008 8:27 AM CDT 0 recs
No, he doesn't
Not unless we’re playing a Game 7 on July 23.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and remember, half of them are stupider than that!
by DaBard on
Jul 23, 2008 8:30 AM CDT
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I can't...It has really been tough to watch.
The only thing I can think of while watching a game at Az is the image of Lilly spiking his glove, which sets the tone for me…Last night I was so negative watching the game. I truly dislike AZ.
"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 23, 2008 8:37 AM CDT
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I couldn't agree more
The DBacks seem to have their best pitching performances and biggest hits against the Cubs. The DBacks are an average team who can’t score runs, but yet scored 9 runs last night.
*Synth intro to "Jump"*
by SouthsideCub on
Jul 23, 2008 8:40 AM CDT
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and doug the douche davis
goes tonight. it seems he always does well against the cubs, despite being an average to below average pitcher. sure enough, you look at his career stats and his 3.39 era career against the cubs is a full run lower than his career era. he also sports a nice 1.22 whip and more k’s than innings pitched against the cubs. tonight is when we turn those stats around.
Soriano - Dome - DLee - Aramis - Soto. If that doesnt turn you on you're not human.
by kylejo on
Jul 23, 2008 8:43 AM CDT
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Seems like
the DBacks get up just a little more when they play the Cubs. I found that watching the 1st two series v the Brewers at Wrigley. Seemed like they were a little more intense than the Cubs.
"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 23, 2008 8:43 AM CDT
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That's true
and we seem to be the cure that ails them at this time. The D Backs were SOOOOO ripe for the picking this series, losing 2 of 3 from the Dodgers, blowing a big lead in the 9th to lose that game on Sunday. We had just thundered to a 9-0 rout on Sunday and I thought we could finally get the monkey off our backs this trip into the chamber of horrors of a stadium. Randy’s performance was classic Randy, but we still had a GREAT chance to at least tie or go ahead in the 9th on Monday night and with a solid outing by Marquis on Tuesday, we’d be fine. This series is perpetuating and building on the failure of this team to win at all in AZ.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
by BigJohnAZ on
Jul 23, 2008 9:29 AM CDT
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