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Pregame Thread: Cubs vs. Diamondbacks, Wednesday 7/23, 8:40 CT

Chicago @ Arizona



Next Game

Chicago Cubs
@ Arizona Diamondbacks

Wednesday, Jul 23, 2008, 8:40 PM CDT
Chase Field

Ted Lilly vs Doug Davis

Partly cloudy with a 30-percent chance of rain. Winds blowing out to right field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game Time temperature: Around 95.

Complete Coverage >


When Ted Lilly was last on the Bank Holding Company Field mound, this is what we saw:

Lillymeltdown_medium

I trust we won't see a repeat of either thing in that photo -- neither a Chris Young HR nor a Lilly tantrum -- tonight. Hey, Ted, some advice for you: whatever pitch you threw to Young that night -- and again in the first Cubs/D'backs meeting this year, when he homered again off you -- DON'T THROW IT AGAIN!

Today's Starting Pitchers
Ted Lilly
T. Lilly
Cubs
vs. Doug Davis
D. Davis
D'backs
9-6 W-L 3-4
4.49 ERA 4.14
114 SO 61
43 BB 38
22 HR 7
vs. Ari -- vs. Cubs

Doug Davis had a bout with thyroid cancer earlier this year, but it's apparently in remission. I'm glad Davis has survived cancer. Now go beat the daylights out of him tonight! Alfonso Soriano, who will (hopefully) be in the starting lineup tonight, is 5-for-14 (.357/.400/.571) with a HR against Davis.

The kicker about that photo? Chris Young is only 1-for-6 in his career during the regular season vs. Lilly. Yes, that one hit was also a HR, hit on May 9 at Wrigley Field, the only run the D'backs scored off Lilly that day, one of Ted's best starts of the season (he struck out ten).

Today's game is on CSN Chicago and FSN Arizona, on EI and at the MLB.com Mediacenter.

MLB.com Gameday (2007 version)

MLB.com Gameday (2008 version)

Baseball-reference.com game preview

Today's first pitch thread, as the last two nights, goes up at 8:30 pm CT, and the overflow comment threads will post at 10 pm and 11 pm CT.

Discuss amongst yourselves.

0 recs | Comment 209 comments

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Comments

Display:

Hurst

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

by DTJchris on Jul 23, 2008 5:35 PM CDT   0 recs

well done sir

"Something about dopey Cubs fans just turns me on". -Not Bruce Froemming

by TheRamZamDLEE on Jul 23, 2008 6:03 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

thank you

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

by DTJchris on Jul 23, 2008 6:07 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Classic Yellow-on-Black CA Plates

Gives the pic just the right grace note. :-)

Eat More Katsui

by CaliCub on Jul 23, 2008 6:21 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

That video clip is priceless....

..an unfortunate reminder of how foolish Theodore looked that night.

I met Chris Young at a customer event in November of 2007 and the first question I asked him was about the Ted Lilly and Rich Hill HR’s in the NLDS. (very nice guy, BTW)

I asked him if he was looking for certain pitch when hit those HR’s and he replied, “Not at all, I was going up there swinging no matter what they were throwing”

So I guess that would be my scouting report for the Cubs on CY, avoid throwing the belt high fastballs…. ;)

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

by JB 23 on Jul 23, 2008 5:41 PM CDT   0 recs

"avoiding belt high fastballs"

sounds like sound advice regardless of whos up and whos on the mound.

I think it’s just his face. - dat cubfan daver

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 23, 2008 6:22 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Liverwurst!

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Jul 23, 2008 5:41 PM CDT   0 recs

DAVIS

(serously) LIGHT HIM UP and HARD

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

by Hammer on Jul 23, 2008 5:49 PM CDT   0 recs

amen!

’’If somebody had told me we were going to lose Soriano for eight weeks, lose [Carlos] Zambrano and Kerry Wood for a couple of weeks apiece, and then at the same time lose [Reed] Johnson, and then when we played the American League not have a DH [then-injured Daryle Ward], and be in first place by two games, I’d tell you we were pretty fortunate.’’ Lou Piniella (7/23/08)

by drewishdrewid on Jul 23, 2008 6:32 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Oh good

We always fare well against soft-tossing lefties…

by AceCubbie on Jul 23, 2008 5:56 PM CDT   0 recs

Throwing

I throw my controller just like that whenever virtual Lilly gives up a bomb in MLB the Show 07.

In the middle of a good time, Truth gave me her icy kiss. Look around, you must be joking. All that way, all that way for this -Oysterband

by Ross on Jul 23, 2008 5:57 PM CDT   0 recs

I think i've thrown my controller..

for less but yea i usually have the same reaction.

"Go Cubs Go"

by mkcubs21 on Jul 23, 2008 6:00 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I'm sorry..

any highlights from last years playoffs make me cringe but I can’t help but laugh everytime I see Lilly spiking his glove. just looks so funny.

"Go Cubs Go"

by mkcubs21 on Jul 23, 2008 5:58 PM CDT   0 recs

He really does look like...

a 16-year-old girl throwing her purse after finding out someone else wore the same dress to the prom

Pluto will always be a planet to me!

by DaBard on Jul 23, 2008 5:59 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

he does..

but its just so funny to see him see the ball hit the bat, turn and throw the glove as hard as he threw that pitch lol.

"Go Cubs Go"

by mkcubs21 on Jul 23, 2008 6:01 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

glad i missed it..

I drove from LA to see game one, but went home instead of staying for game 2. It was a good choice, in retrospect.

In the middle of a good time, Truth gave me her icy kiss. Look around, you must be joking. All that way, all that way for this -Oysterband

by Ross on Jul 23, 2008 5:59 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

My friend threw a chair at the same time Lilly threw his glove.

Thankfully I get to laugh about both of those things now.

Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs

by nji232 on Jul 23, 2008 6:02 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

We probably want the Cardinals to win tonight

But again we need to take care of our stuff.

Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs

by nji232 on Jul 23, 2008 5:59 PM CDT   0 recs

either we need to win..

b/c otherwise we are tied for first with whichever team wins.

"Go Cubs Go"

by mkcubs21 on Jul 23, 2008 6:01 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

The Cards are two back right?

Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs

by nji232 on Jul 23, 2008 6:03 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

anyone else feel a bit dirty cheering for the Cards?

"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 23, 2008 6:04 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Who's "cheering" for them?

I’m more concerned about us winning than anyone else losing.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 23, 2008 6:05 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

True the Cards/Brewers are very much a secondary concern overall tonight.

but I will probably listen to the first hour of the Cards/Brewers game since the Cubs game isn’t until 8:40.

"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 23, 2008 6:11 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

you're right my bad..

well the point stands we still need a win lol

"Go Cubs Go"

by mkcubs21 on Jul 23, 2008 6:05 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

no question

Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs

by nji232 on Jul 23, 2008 6:05 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

The five year recovery rate

for most thyroid cancers is 90%, thank goodness, so Davis should be OK.

I remember Lilly throwing his glove down and thought it to be out of character. Fortunately, he hasn’t had a repeat (has he?) since then.

Whatever the Cubs do tonight they must do one thing and one thing only: WIN

What doesn't kill you makes you stranger -- The Joker

by Emelie on Jul 23, 2008 6:03 PM CDT   0 recs

Now he jumps up and down when he thinks he messed up

Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs

by nji232 on Jul 23, 2008 6:03 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

or start sobbing and runs into the dugout

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

by DTJchris on Jul 23, 2008 6:04 PM CDT   0 recs

oops, that was a reply to nji232

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

by DTJchris on Jul 23, 2008 6:06 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I'll never forger the Lilly glove slam

He was sooo solid last year, that was out of character to say the least. Even Lou said he never seen a pitcher do that before. That left an awful taste in my mouth for the entire offseason.

"Something about dopey Cubs fans just turns me on". -Not Bruce Froemming

by TheRamZamDLEE on Jul 23, 2008 6:08 PM CDT   0 recs

The glove slam was that big of a deal to you?

That’s what you tasted the entire offseason? Not like…say…getting run out of the playoffs because our offense forgot they had to score to win games?

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 23, 2008 6:11 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Well that is what comes to mind

1st when I think of that awful post season. Obviously that coupled with getting bounced and looking like chumps in the process was what left that vinegaresque taste in my mouth.

"Something about dopey Cubs fans just turns me on". -Not Bruce Froemming

by TheRamZamDLEE on Jul 23, 2008 6:14 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

At First I Thought The Glove Slam Was Stupid

My initial reaction was “great, way to look like a Little Leaguer out there, Ted”. But y’know what…I would probably have done the same thing in that situation. Which is why I’d make a lousy professional athlete – I’d always be getting upset like that if I screwed up and slam my glove, destroy the water cooler, etc..

Eat More Katsui

by CaliCub on Jul 23, 2008 6:18 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Agreed - not sure what the big deal was

In the heat of the moment, Lilly realized he threw a bad pitch and reacted. Hitters throw their helmets all the time…I just don’t see what it really matters or was terribly noteworthy. It was just a way to express momentary frustration. There are obviously a host of problems with how the team played against AZ last October, but that doesn’t really measure up in my view.

by ethicsmax on Jul 23, 2008 6:16 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

It's the image, I just can't shake it

I just see it and have nightmares of from last years post season. Damn animated gif’s

"Something about dopey Cubs fans just turns me on". -Not Bruce Froemming

by TheRamZamDLEE on Jul 23, 2008 6:20 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

the glove slam

is pretty iconic.

’’If somebody had told me we were going to lose Soriano for eight weeks, lose [Carlos] Zambrano and Kerry Wood for a couple of weeks apiece, and then at the same time lose [Reed] Johnson, and then when we played the American League not have a DH [then-injured Daryle Ward], and be in first place by two games, I’d tell you we were pretty fortunate.’’ Lou Piniella (7/23/08)

by drewishdrewid on Jul 23, 2008 6:34 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Well...when I saw it in Al's gamethread i was like...

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 23, 2008 6:35 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

wow... he gives a great eye

What doesn't kill you makes you stranger -- The Joker

by Emelie on Jul 23, 2008 6:38 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

remarkably calm around here today, no?

wonder if AL is working overtime deleting crazy fanposts or something

Edmonds-o-Meter discontinued

by joeschmitt on Jul 23, 2008 6:28 PM CDT   0 recs

i think we've just gotten some distance between

us and yesterday’s game. thats one of my favorite things about baseball: theres another game tomorrow. losses sting but they don’t linger and drive you nuts waiting for sunday again.

I think it’s just his face. - dat cubfan daver

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 23, 2008 6:30 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

They won't pop out of their knuckerholes...

until we’re losing the game.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 23, 2008 6:34 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

oh. they will be

if the brewers win. or if we don’t play well again. but not yet.

I think it’s just his face. - dat cubfan daver

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 23, 2008 6:34 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

then it's time to play

WHACK A MOLE!

What doesn't kill you makes you stranger -- The Joker

by Emelie on Jul 23, 2008 6:36 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

It's a shame they dont have those things for former bosses or boyfriends LOL

"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 23, 2008 7:40 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Time to change the talk away from last year's playoff series that I choose to ignore.

The Fonz is gonna be back tonight!

Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs

by nji232 on Jul 23, 2008 6:28 PM CDT   0 recs

confirmed?

or hope?

’’If somebody had told me we were going to lose Soriano for eight weeks, lose [Carlos] Zambrano and Kerry Wood for a couple of weeks apiece, and then at the same time lose [Reed] Johnson, and then when we played the American League not have a DH [then-injured Daryle Ward], and be in first place by two games, I’d tell you we were pretty fortunate.’’ Lou Piniella (7/23/08)

by drewishdrewid on Jul 23, 2008 6:34 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Hope, although the Sun-times pretty much said he was gonna be back.

I have been hoping since Monday tho

Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs

by nji232 on Jul 23, 2008 6:36 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

its confirmed

i’m hoping.

lol. no news yet that i’ve seen.

I think it’s just his face. - dat cubfan daver

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 23, 2008 6:36 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Bruce Miles says...

Ayyyyy!!!!! I’m back, Cunningham!

"I don't want hope. Hope is killing me. My dream is to become hopeless. When you're hopeless you don't care. And when you don't care, that indifference makes you attractive." ~George Costanza

by Goodie1969 on Jul 23, 2008 6:51 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

nice try...we'll call it a foul tip...

strike one.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 23, 2008 6:53 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

That is just...creepy.

"I don't want hope. Hope is killing me. My dream is to become hopeless. When you're hopeless you don't care. And when you don't care, that indifference makes you attractive." ~George Costanza

by Goodie1969 on Jul 23, 2008 6:54 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

thats SWL's speciality

funny & random w/ a nice dose of creepy.

he’s a master.

I think it’s just his face. - dat cubfan daver

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 23, 2008 6:55 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I humbly prostrate myself!

"I don't want hope. Hope is killing me. My dream is to become hopeless. When you're hopeless you don't care. And when you don't care, that indifference makes you attractive." ~George Costanza

by Goodie1969 on Jul 23, 2008 6:56 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

See: random, funny and a dash of creepy.

Although… the definition of “dash” seems to vary.

:shudder:

I think it’s just his face. - dat cubfan daver

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 23, 2008 6:59 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

is it time to start the old debate ---

is this is a must better win game?

Edmonds-o-Meter discontinued

by joeschmitt on Jul 23, 2008 6:32 PM CDT   0 recs

they BETTER win

just for their own mental health. Well at least mine. This whole “can’t score on the road” thing is driving me nuts.

I think it’s just his face. - dat cubfan daver

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 23, 2008 6:35 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

See above

must

What doesn't kill you makes you stranger -- The Joker

by Emelie on Jul 23, 2008 6:37 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

twitter is down for maintanice

no updates avail from wittenmyer. :sigh:

I think it’s just his face. - dat cubfan daver

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 23, 2008 6:37 PM CDT   0 recs

Help us Bruce Miles you're our only hope!

Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs

by nji232 on Jul 23, 2008 6:39 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

good link job china!

For those lazy/busy:

Soriano & Eyre activated, Hart & Hoff optioned back to Iowa

I think it’s just his face. - dat cubfan daver

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 23, 2008 6:51 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Helps the bullpen most def

Nobody cares about your fantasy league team

by carmen_fanzone on Jul 23, 2008 7:01 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 23, 2008 6:53 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

w00t!

’’If somebody had told me we were going to lose Soriano for eight weeks, lose [Carlos] Zambrano and Kerry Wood for a couple of weeks apiece, and then at the same time lose [Reed] Johnson, and then when we played the American League not have a DH [then-injured Daryle Ward], and be in first place by two games, I’d tell you we were pretty fortunate.’’ Lou Piniella (7/23/08)

by drewishdrewid on Jul 23, 2008 7:00 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Over/under on the Soriano k's

before the angst from Cubdom begins?

I’m setting it at 2. Whatcha think?

I think it’s just his face. - dat cubfan daver

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 23, 2008 6:57 PM CDT   0 recs

+1

and two groundouts.

One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.

by chilango2 on Jul 23, 2008 6:58 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I'm gonna say...

the jumpers will show if he k’s in his first ab

by tootle on Jul 23, 2008 6:58 PM CDT