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Almost Flawless: Cubs 10, Braves 2 and Cubs 8, Braves 0

Yelloncard_tiny by Al on in Recaps Comment 675 comments

You may have seen this number already, but it bears repeating: 26. Twenty-six games over .500, the most a Cub team has been since the last day of the 1984 season, when they finished an NL East title year at 96-65, 31 games over .500.

You've seen these numbers if you keep track of the "best starts" box I've had on the right sidebar since May -- there are, as of this morning, only nine Cub teams that have had a better record through 120 games than this year's 73-47. That includes six pennant winners, a 104-win second place team (1909), a 91-win third place team (1912) and the ill-fated 1969'ers.

The 2008 Cubs have a chance to outdo nearly all of them -- only one of those nine won the World Series (1907); the 1908 team is on the list on the sidebar, but if you've been keeping track, you know that it just recently appeared on the list. In 1908 the team got off to a good start, slumped in the middle of the season, and didn't return to first place to stay till late September, finishing 99-55.

And yesterday, they swept the Braves in a doubleheader, winning the first game 10-2, and then came out blazing with four first-inning runs in game two, shutting Atlanta out 8-0, their first doubleheader sweep since the twinbill that clinched the NL Central title on September 27, 2003.

As has been the case with this year's team, different heroes emerged for each game. In game one, Jim Edmonds and Geovany Soto both homered -- Soto needs one more to tie the Cubs' team record for HR by a rookie catcher, 19, set by Randy Hundley in 1966 -- and Aramis Ramirez, Mark DeRosa, Ryan Theriot and Alfonso Soriano all had two hits. It's one of the Soriano hits that was the only blemish on this gem of a game -- when he stood at the plate admiring a ball that he thought was out of the ballpark, only to see it bounce off the wall. Sori had to stop at first with a single and he also had to apologize to Lou Piniella and his teammates. This isn't the first time Soriano has done this -- but it had better be the last. This team doesn't need this kind of hotdogging. It led to a pitch high and tight by Braves rookie reliever Francisley Bueno the next time Soriano came to bat, leading to Bueno's immediate ejection. While a "message" pitch may be "part of the game", as many players say, throwing at someone's head is decidedly not.

In game two, Kosuke Fukudome perhaps began the process of coming out of his slump with a two-run, first-inning single in the Cubs' four-run inning. This made life easier for Rich Harden, who, throwing with eight days' rest, was a little wild, walking five, but allowing only two singles. The walks helped lead to a large pitch total (92) after five innings, so Lou took Harden out, and the bullpen, consisting in game two of Chad Gaudin, Neal Cotts, Kerry Wood and Sean Marshall, gave the Braves only one hit and one walk over the last four innings. The Cubs' eight-run, ten-hit, six-walk attack in game two included no homers; that's one of the things I like most about this team, that they can put up big run totals without the long ball. Marshall, incidentally, will start on Sunday in Florida, an extra starter being needed because of the juggling as a result of Tuesday's rainout. Harden, whose turn would have come up on Sunday, will throw the first game vs. the Reds at Wrigley Field next Tuesday.

With the win well in hand, the CSN crew decided to focus on the frivolity in the dugout -- Carlos Zambrano balancing a bottle on his head, and putting a bubble gum bubble on the top of Mike Fontenot's cap. You could hear "Let's Go Cubbies!" loudly chanted in the stands -- almost as loud as at a home game; looking at various crowd shots, Cubs fans had to outnumber Braves fans, at least in the late innings of the two blowouts.

I've written this before but it bears repeating. Remember each and every one of these games in this special season. We are seeing things that most Cubs fans have never seen before. With the Brewers still winning, all of these wins are important. Let's sweep this series -- the Cubs are, at last, winning on the road (that's seven consecutive road wins, incidentally, dating back to the last game of the Arizona series), and that's about the only thing this team hasn't been doing well.

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Read More: winning streaks, doubleheader sweeps, Geovany Soto (C - CHC), Jim Edmonds (CF - CHC), Mark DeRosa (3B - STL), Aramis Ramirez (3B - CHC), Ryan Theriot (SS - CHC), Alfonso Soriano (LF - CHC), Francisley Bueno (P - ATL), Kosuke Fukudome (CF - CHC), Rich Harden (P - CHC), Neal Cotts (P - CHC), Chad Gaudin (P - SDP), Kerry Wood (P - CLE), Sean Marshall (P - CHC), Carlos Zambrano (P - CHC), Mike Fontenot (3B - CHC), Chicago Cubs, Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs @ Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs @ Atlanta Braves

Comments

Display:

lets finish it off

tonight!!

from the mouth of Uecker:

"Am I the only one who’s glad it’s only a 4-game series? If was a 9-game series, I think the Cubs would win them all."

by cubsluver22 on Aug 14, 2008 8:35 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

SWEEP!!!

Al, you must enjoy writing these recap posts, as they seem to appear earlier and earlier each morning. Let’s complete the SEASON sweep of the Braves!!!

by cubbiefanTN on Aug 14, 2008 8:37 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sabathia

I sure hope like heck the Brewers dont get the bright idea to pony up 150 mil for him. If ever I wanted the Yankees to get some pitching—it’s now. Please get him out of the NL central.

from the mouth of Uecker:

"Am I the only one who’s glad it’s only a 4-game series? If was a 9-game series, I think the Cubs would win them all."

by cubsluver22 on Aug 14, 2008 8:40 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Unfortunately...

… we’re stuck with him in the NL Central till the end of this year.

I suspect Sabathia’s headed to the Angels or Dodgers (he’s from Southern California).

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

by Al on Aug 14, 2008 8:44 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm young

but I dont ever recall a trade pickup ever being that good. It makes me sick it really does but my god he’s phenomenal.

from the mouth of Uecker:

"Am I the only one who’s glad it’s only a 4-game series? If was a 9-game series, I think the Cubs would win them all."

by cubsluver22 on Aug 14, 2008 9:15 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Check Rick Sutcliffe

It’s looking like the closest thing I can remember.

by rlpete on Aug 14, 2008 9:17 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

whats bad is

he’s even belting hr’s.

from the mouth of Uecker:

"Am I the only one who’s glad it’s only a 4-game series? If was a 9-game series, I think the Cubs would win them all."

by cubsluver22 on Aug 14, 2008 9:18 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sure, but we want CC

hitting and running the bases – it can only tire him out. Greater risk of injuries when you’re batting…. not that i want CC to be injured – I don’t – the likelihood of injury is greater when pitchers bat.

by DWChaney on Aug 14, 2008 9:23 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Rick Sutcliffe - 1984

went from the Indians to the Cubs. He went 16-1 the rest of the way, led the Cubs to the postseason for the first time since ’45, and won the Cy Young that year. Probably before your time, but it has happened before :)

by DWChaney on Aug 14, 2008 9:18 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Let's hope...

… we can view the Rich Harden trade in the same light when this season is over.

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

by Al on Aug 14, 2008 9:20 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yeah

not trying to take anything away from what are team has done but man Ive been amazed by him.

from the mouth of Uecker:

"Am I the only one who’s glad it’s only a 4-game series? If was a 9-game series, I think the Cubs would win them all."

by cubsluver22 on Aug 14, 2008 9:21 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The only reason

That the CC trade was better then the Rich Harden trade was the fact that CC goes 8-9 innings EVERY game. At this exact moment that is huge for them. Now the trades balance out because we have harden until the end of next season.

Also how many teams has CC faced above .500? I think we’re the only one and the only reason he didn’t get a loss from us was because they tied it after he left (if i remember right).

by cubsfaninatl on Aug 14, 2008 10:56 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Good Points...

More than anything the CC trade has been good for the Brew because it’s less likely they need to use a bullpen that isn’t all that good. That right there is a couple wins in itself. He’s faced COL, CIN, SF, STL, CHC, ATL, WAS, SD.

"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 Aug 14, 2008 11:01 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What are the possibilities

CC ends up on the North Side after season’s end? I, for one, am a huge fan and think he’d look great in Blue Pinstripes.

Go All In and Enjoy The Ride.

by Jayo525 on Aug 14, 2008 10:58 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's possible, I suppose...

… depending on what happens with ownership, and how many of the current team are retained. You do want to keep Dempster and Wood around, right?

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

by Al on Aug 14, 2008 10:59 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hmmm.

I like Demp, but if Demp is looking at 15M per year for 5 years. I think I would prefer CC at 18 for 5.

Sorry folks, parks closed. Moose out front should have told you.

by N Oakley on Aug 14, 2008 11:01 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

At the rate CC's going he's looking at 28 per.

"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 Aug 14, 2008 11:01 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Demp won't get $15M per off one good year of starting again.

It’ll probably be more like $8M per, with a ton of incentives, and I think it’ll be with the Cubs.

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Aug 14, 2008 11:08 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I do to. He likes being a Cub

"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 Aug 14, 2008 11:09 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

CAn you say "Home Town Discount"?

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 14, 2008 11:12 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Home town discount.

Demp loves being a Cub. This is the team that gave him a chance to come back after Tommy John surgery. Then gave him the opportunity to start again after 3 years of closing.

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Aug 14, 2008 11:14 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think he will take a Fair Deal from Hendry.

He really deserves it. I don’t say that much but for how hard he’s worked since the thought of him becoming a starter last year during the season; I truly tip my cap.

"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 Aug 14, 2008 11:14 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Of course.

But can you imagine our SR lined up as Z, CC, Demp, Lilly, (Shark, Marshall, Guzman, etc)?

Go All In and Enjoy The Ride.

by Jayo525 on Aug 14, 2008 11:01 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Harden is with us next year too.

"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 Aug 14, 2008 11:02 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If he chooses to be.

"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 Aug 14, 2008 11:03 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He's under contract for next year, isn't he? Option?

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 14, 2008 11:04 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

a player option, I believe

"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 Aug 14, 2008 11:04 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Club Option AFTER 09

"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 Aug 14, 2008 11:06 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That's right.

$7 mil club option, with no buyout clause

"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 Aug 14, 2008 11:06 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hendry:

"We will have the rights for a year and a half, so that’s the other advantage of him not being a free agent," Hendry said. "He has an option that could vest, or we could pick up the option or we could arbitrate. So he certainly has a chance to be a Cub through the end of next year."

From here

Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 14, 2008 11:06 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That's a damn good deal for the

Cubs if he stays healthy.

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 14, 2008 11:08 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No doubt...

A healthy Harden over the guys we gave up. Take that any day of the week.

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark

by Fishbone2 on Aug 14, 2008 11:08 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

At 7 mil? I'll take that all day!

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 14, 2008 11:09 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

See you on board...Senator :)

"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 Aug 14, 2008 11:10 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I christen thee - the Flying WASP!

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 14, 2008 11:11 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well don't just stand there!

GET SOME GLUE!!!

"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 Aug 14, 2008 11:12 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hey! - there's my buddy! I want to

go over there! Let me drive! I think I just got head from Amelia Earheart!

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 14, 2008 11:14 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Guy in boat (Eyes Bugged)

"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 Aug 14, 2008 11:19 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wow

How did I forget him. Scratch my fifth starter dilemma then. Z, Harden, CC, Demp, Lilly. Book it.

Go All In and Enjoy The Ride.

by Jayo525 on Aug 14, 2008 11:05 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ted Lilly as a '5'

Dare any team to top that!

"ROUS's? Rodents of Unusual Size. Don't worry, they don't exist."
http://margaritagirl11.spaces.live.com/

by iluvryno on Aug 14, 2008 11:07 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Again

This is all a pipe dream. Kind of like the way this year has gone come to think of it….

Go All In and Enjoy The Ride.

by Jayo525 on Aug 14, 2008 11:07 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

lmao

born in 81’ so yeah besides espn classic and my collection of old cub tapes—didnt see much of it.

from the mouth of Uecker:

"Am I the only one who’s glad it’s only a 4-game series? If was a 9-game series, I think the Cubs would win them all."

by cubsluver22 on Aug 14, 2008 9:20 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

2 months

u wont be whispering a peep about that team ever again. hehehe at least I hope

from the mouth of Uecker:

"Am I the only one who’s glad it’s only a 4-game series? If was a 9-game series, I think the Cubs would win them all."

by cubsluver22 on Aug 14, 2008 9:22 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

+1

You ARE freaking out MAN!

by crw89 on Aug 14, 2008 9:42 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That's when the original "Go Cubs Go"

started, isn’t it? I was in 8th grade and remember singing it in school. And yes, 1984 was magical! I was in love with Ryne Sandberg then and for many years afterwards!

"ROUS's? Rodents of Unusual Size. Don't worry, they don't exist."
http://margaritagirl11.spaces.live.com/

by iluvryno on Aug 14, 2008 10:31 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think so...

The Dernier/Sandberg 1-2 punch at the top of the lineup was awesome. Seemed like Bobby-D would get on base, Steal second and Ryno would drive him in. August and September especially. That team always brings back good memories even though the ending was sad.

"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 Aug 14, 2008 10:33 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Speaking of Ryno and Dernier

I met them both at the Cubs Caravan after that year. Still have the autographed little black and whites they handed out. Gary Matthews was there too (me thinks??).

"ROUS's? Rodents of Unusual Size. Don't worry, they don't exist."
http://margaritagirl11.spaces.live.com/

by iluvryno on Aug 14, 2008 10:35 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Awesome... That is a great piece.

I have a Buddy that works for the Beloit Snappers (Twins A team). Ryno comes through town a lot with the Chiefs. He got me a Ryno signed ball. Pretty cool. He wrote his hall-of-fame year on it and number. That ball sits deep in my closet in a ziploc bag.

"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 Aug 14, 2008 10:38 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Maybe it WAS Thad

I’ll have to check the ‘old box of things in the back of the closet’.

"ROUS's? Rodents of Unusual Size. Don't worry, they don't exist."
http://margaritagirl11.spaces.live.com/

by iluvryno on Aug 14, 2008 12:29 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You got it.

Either Ryno or Sarge would drive Dernier in. I still remember the Sarge running out a double, and as he rounded first he’d always knock his batting helmet off his head. Used to crack me up.

Buddy of mine in 1984 used to work as a batboy for the Cubs – but he worked in the opposition’s dugout. I went to a Cubs Padres game in ‘84 and he took my Cubs program and had a lot of the team sign it for me – not that I really wanted a Cubs program signed by the ’84 Padres, considering how that season wound up. I just came across the program the other day, and while I can’t make out a lot of the autographs – I can still find Tony Gwynn, Bruce Bochy and Craig Lefferts.

by DWChaney on Aug 14, 2008 1:30 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

tell me about it

in 1984, Gwynn was not that far removed from a rookie, and it was also his first star season. In 1984, Tony Gwynn was a nobody, but everyone knew he was by 1985.

by DWChaney on Aug 14, 2008 1:54 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

1987- Doyle Alexander

The Tigers traded some minor league pitcher named John Smoltz to Atlanta for Alexander. He went 9-0 with a 1.53 ERA leading Detroit to the AL East title

"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray

by memphiscub on Aug 14, 2008 9:53 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yup, unti Darryl “F’n” Evans was picked off third, it looked like a magical season for the tiggers. Who knew they would stink for 15+ years after that.

Sorry folks, parks closed. Moose out front should have told you.

by N Oakley on Aug 14, 2008 9:59 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Randy Johnson to the Astros...

he was unreal after that. Of course, the trade wound up hurting the Stros later, as Guillen, Garcia, and Halama all were key pieces of the Mariners teams in the early 2000s.

by SouthernCub on Aug 14, 2008 10:24 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Slight correction...

CC is from Vallejo which is 30 minutes north of San Francisco. I coached against him at Vallejo High School. Odds are, he’ll be heading to a So.Cal teams though.

"But I don't want to go among mad people," Alice remarked. "Oh, you can't help that," said the Cheshire Cat: "we're all mad here. I'm mad. You're mad."

by Hagen on Aug 14, 2008 12:20 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Close but not quite

Sabathia is from Vallejo, which is in the Bay Area. He’s from Northern California.

Still, I can’t see the Athletics or Giants shelling out for him. The Dodgers are the most likely destination, I would agree.

Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?

by Josh77 on Aug 14, 2008 12:31 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Whoops.

Somehow I thought he was a SoCal guy. Maybe he lives there now?

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

by Al on Aug 14, 2008 2:04 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yankees

They want him, they need him , they will pay him.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry

by Doggie Stalker on Aug 14, 2008 12:32 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That's true too

But the rumors are he’d take a discount to play in California. Whether one of the California teams would be close enough to the Yankees isn’t clear. Certainly Oakland and San Diego wouldn’t. The Giants would be a great match, except it’s not likely they’re going to offer another pitcher a huge deal after the Zito fiasco. The Angels don’t need starting pitching and would more likely try to re-sign K-Rod and Teixeira than go after Sabathia.

That just leaves the Dodgers who are a mess in the front office. If they get their act together and make a solid bid, I think they get him. They can offer him money, California and the chance to hit. They may not offer as much as the Yankees, but Sabathia would likely prefer playing for the Dodgers.

But if the Dodgers can’t get their act together, then he’s almost certainly a Yankee.

Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?

by Josh77 on Aug 14, 2008 1:08 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Dodgers need hitting BAD

I don’t see them spending their wad on CC. They probably want to keep Manny.
Lowe will be a free agent but Penny, & Billingsley are an awful good one & 2. I think they
will go for hitting.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry

by Doggie Stalker on Aug 14, 2008 2:13 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Agreed...

While CC maybe be a good fit in LALA-land, I just can’t see the Dodgers spending the money to make it happen.

I would imagine that they will be at least involved in Manny discussions, and he’ll be seeking $20mm+ — though not sure he will get it. And regardless of Manny, they also have a couple of very expensive, and none too productive CFs… That front office just seems far too flawed to pull it off.

"...the internet is not something you just dump something on. It's not a truck. It's a series of tubes." - Sen. Ted Stevens

by bobby h on Aug 14, 2008 2:20 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

you know

it’d be fun to watch the Cubs make a run at Sabathia. I doubt they would, but if they could get him…. that’s one deadly rotation.

by DWChaney on Aug 14, 2008 2:16 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I don't think the math/$ is in their favor

to sign either Sheets or Sabathia. It’s all or nothing this season for the Brewers. If they don’t get to the postseason this year, it’s not going to be with those two pitchers next season. I think both Sheets and Sabathia walk.

by DWChaney on Aug 14, 2008 8:44 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'd heard that

after the contracts/FA salaries are wiped off the Brewers books at the end of the year, the Brewers would have something like 46M to play with, assuming the owner doesn’t lower the payroll back to the level it was before the 08 season began. Based on the number of holes to fill, raises for arbitration eligibles (like Prince), etc – as youve said, the money won’t be there.

Tragic.

by DWChaney on Aug 14, 2008 8:49 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

cc

has a passion for hitting much like Z too.

from the mouth of Uecker:

"Am I the only one who’s glad it’s only a 4-game series? If was a 9-game series, I think the Cubs would win them all."

by cubsluver22 on Aug 14, 2008 9:18 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yes

that’s why the Dodgers are such a real possibility, as are the Mets.

Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?

by Josh77 on Aug 14, 2008 1:10 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

im sick of hearing how great CC has been

yes he’s 7-0. but they got him to beat the cubs. he has 8 starts and 7 wins. the only start not a win was against the cubs, a game they lost. he has been great, but they got him to help them get over the cubs, which he didnt

Dinosaurs? "Didn't exist. You can't say there were dinosaurs when you never saw them." -Carl Everett

by NDcubsfan on Aug 14, 2008 10:18 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Meh

No one is going to win every game. If the Brewers go 36-6 the rest of the way, with the 6 being the Cubs, they’ll win 106 games. I think that just might get it done.

Granted, they won’t, but that logic is flawed.

by Shanghai Badger on Aug 14, 2008 10:20 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They got him to get them to the playoffs

He is doing that. You have to them credit for the deal. He has been everything they could have hoped for.

by rlpete on Aug 14, 2008 11:11 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And probably More.

"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 Aug 14, 2008 11:13 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Are you sure?

Ryan Braun’s been absent lately…

by Shanghai Badger on Aug 14, 2008 12:29 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And Braun has been referred to

as a ‘hot dog’.

Shang – you’re onto something and it ain’t pretty.

"ROUS's? Rodents of Unusual Size. Don't worry, they don't exist."
http://margaritagirl11.spaces.live.com/

by iluvryno on Aug 14, 2008 12:30 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Agreed

What if, right now, Harden was 7-0 and a sub 1 ERA, but also had a Gasp No-decision against the BrewCrew? I’d take it.

Go All In and Enjoy The Ride.

by Jayo525 on Aug 14, 2008 11:33 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ignore the Boldage

Go All In and Enjoy The Ride.

by Jayo525 on Aug 14, 2008 11:33 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

im sayin

that yes he has been great. but the one team they got him to beat, he didnt. all im sayin

Dinosaurs? "Didn't exist. You can't say there were dinosaurs when you never saw them." -Carl Everett

by NDcubsfan on Aug 14, 2008 1:32 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They did NOT get him just to beat the Cubs

That is absurd.

They got him to make the post-season.

by Shanghai Badger on Aug 14, 2008 1:36 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

A friend at the game

called me to say the “Go Cubs Go” singing at the end of the game was awesome, loud and it seemed only a large cubs fan base was left at the end of the game. A win tonight seems proably and 2 of 3 in FLA is needed. Win series, win series win series.

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 Aug 14, 2008 8:40 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Seems probable (not probably)

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 Aug 14, 2008 8:41 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's going to be a great day...

looking forward to a sweep being completed later tonight in Atlanta. Thinking about yesterday’s double header sweep is going to sustain me through out the day… GO CUBS GO!! GO CUBS GO!! GO CUBS GO!!

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Aug 14, 2008 8:46 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I dont think the Padres have much control over that..

…they are beyond awful. They are a AAA team just like the Nationals.

"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 Aug 14, 2008 10:12 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And the Braves.

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 14, 2008 10:13 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Peavy is going tonight

so they have a shot…

Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 14, 2008 10:21 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

As I said earlier

Peavy will have to pitch a no-hitter…..game time FYI, is 2:30 CT.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Aug 14, 2008 11:35 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I can live with that.

Current temperature in hell: 45 degrees F - and falling!

by wnielsen on Aug 14, 2008 12:09 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

indeed.

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!

by drewishdrewid on Aug 14, 2008 12:23 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I know it's the Reds, Nats and Padres

and how bad they are, but all three are playing like GARBAGE against the Brewers. At least the Astros, Cardinals and Braves are putting up a little bit of a fight.

That said, the Cubs looked real good yesterday and I expect Reed to get about 7 RBI tonight.

*Synth intro to "Jump"*

by SouthsideCub on Aug 14, 2008 8:51 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It has to be somewhat deflating though to a Brew team that has won 8 in a row and ONLY

has gained a game. I don’t count the half game because the Cubs will get that back.

"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 Aug 14, 2008 10:03 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

we did already, didn't we?

they won one game yesterday, we won two.

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!

by drewishdrewid on Aug 14, 2008 11:18 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

but we didn't play on Tuesday either.

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 14, 2008 11:19 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

We were off on Monday. They beat the Nats.

"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 Aug 14, 2008 11:19 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

oh, well.

We’ll ahve a game when they have an off day, and we’ll get it back then.

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!

by drewishdrewid on Aug 14, 2008 11:20 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They'll cool off with better competition. They are a streaky team.

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 14, 2008 11:21 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I foresee

 a huge disintegration for the Brewers in september. Catastrophic explosion.

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!

by drewishdrewid on Aug 14, 2008 11:22 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I don't know about that, If Sheets stays healthy,

you can almost count on them winning 2 out of every five. No losing streaks there.

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 14, 2008 11:24 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sheets hasn't been all that great since the Sabathia trade though.

5-5 in his last 10.

"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 Aug 14, 2008 11:31 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Braves? Not so far.

*knock on "the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees " *

Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB

by californiachicagoan on Aug 14, 2008 12:03 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I don't think

the Braves put up much of a fight yesterday.

Cards and Astros, sure. But not the Braves.

Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?

by Josh77 on Aug 14, 2008 1:11 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Memorable DH Sweeps

This is only August, but I would put this one in the top four.

4.- 8/13/2008 at Atlanta
3.- 8/07/1984 at Wrigley vs. the Mets
2.- 9/23/1984 at St. Louis to clinch tie for division title
1.- 9/27/2003 at Wrigley vs. Pirates to clinch division title

"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray

by memphiscub on Aug 14, 2008 8:53 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I loved the Mets one in 84

There a monster fight in the first game.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry

by Doggie Stalker on Aug 14, 2008 2:16 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Have double standards much?

The Soriano-bashing is just silly. The guy got a hit in a blowout game and because he watched it, he ended up on first base instead of second. You think that’s a big deal?

You know what’s worse? Getting out. You know what’s even worse than that? Making stupid outs. Like the scrappy superstar Ryan Theriot did yesterday when he got doubled off first base.

by Leon Durham on Aug 14, 2008 8:59 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Theriot made a mistake.

Fonzie’s was 100% avoidable.

make/art

by neverAcquiesce on Aug 14, 2008 9:03 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Agreed.

Soriano’s play was showboating. That’s never acceptable.

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

by Al on Aug 14, 2008 9:04 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I have always said

if you hit a walkoff hit to win the WS, showboat until the cows come home. Until then, you better be running the bases and not watching, clapping, flipping bats, etc.

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

by BigJohnAZ on Aug 14, 2008 9:12 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

How many times

can Theriot make the same mistake (shitty baserunning) before we are allowed to criticize him?

by Leon Durham on Aug 14, 2008 9:54 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That's a great question

For some reason, he gets a pass a lot on here. And don’t forget about his range, or lack thereof.

by lamentir on Aug 14, 2008 10:02 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

+1

No other Cub gets blasted more than him.

make/art

by neverAcquiesce on Aug 14, 2008 10:08 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Except for Soriano

"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 Aug 14, 2008 10:09 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Gary!

hi, Gary!

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!

by drewishdrewid on Aug 14, 2008 11:18 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ha

Cedeno
Ward
Marquis
Wuertz
Howry

What you mean is that “No other Cub with a significant fanbase gets blasted more than him.” And even then Soriano and Fukudome recently rival TheRabidlyPositivePressCoverageRiot.

The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.

by DGU on Aug 14, 2008 10:14 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Actually, what I meant was

no other Cub with significant playing time.

make/art

by neverAcquiesce on Aug 14, 2008 10:20 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well, in that case, Marquis probably gets the roughest ride.

"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 Aug 14, 2008 10:21 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

definitely.....

i’m trying to change the hearts and minds everyday……he’s been making me look good lately…..remember folks, he’s our #5 starter!

by cubswynn on Aug 14, 2008 12:11 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

But

ONEDEC gets praised…

Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 14, 2008 10:21 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's

Cedeno that gets ripped.

Sorry folks, parks closed. Moose out front should have told you.

by N Oakley on Aug 14, 2008 10:22 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Obviously, the answer is not "5"

"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 Aug 14, 2008 10:04 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'll agree and disagree.

The Soriano bashing has reached a point where it’s hyperbole. I’ll agree with you there.

However, in this instance, a degree of it is appropriate. Unfortunately, baseball isn’t a game where you can turn “it” off and turn “it” on at-bat to at-bat and game to game.

Baseball is a game of consistency. It’s a game of repetition. Players form habits. Mentalities carry over game to game.

I’ll disagree with a fanpost that Soriano needed to be embarrassed or publicly rebuked. I think it was handled in the best way—after the game, Pinella told Soriano that it can’t happen. He probably encouraged the apology from Soriano—both to the media and privately to the players. This way, acknowledgment was made, but not in an embarrassing way.

"Thank god I threw out my belt & shoelaces."-Bernies Mustache Wax on Evil BCB, 7/31/08

by Bildo1805 on Aug 14, 2008 9:05 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Anybody that thinks it won't happen again is being foolish

Thats who Soriano is. He is one of my favorite players, and this is the way he plays the game. Unfortunatly not everybody likes it.
I’ll take the guy putting up MVP type numbers and being a great teammate. Who gives a F if he showboats a little. Alfonso is by no means the only player who looks at a long drive that falls short of the wall.

Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs

by nji232 on Aug 14, 2008 9:12 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Until he does it in a World Series game....

And costs us the game. Then it will not be looked upon as “no big deal”.

"We’ve still got a long ways to go, I don’t like to get giggly over things in July. But the team’s playing well, they really are. They’re playing with confidence, and it shows."

by Cubster on Aug 14, 2008 9:14 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What exactly did it cost us yesterday?

Dome walked and he was on second anyway

Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs

by nji232 on Aug 14, 2008 9:17 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

All I am saying....

Hit the ball, put head down and run to first. Is that too much to ask for? You can showboat once you get to the bag. I know that it is “Soriano being Soriano” but I think Ramirez has learned that lesson. It is time for Soriano to do the same… It is not a video game out there

"We’ve still got a long ways to go, I don’t like to get giggly over things in July. But the team’s playing well, they really are. They’re playing with confidence, and it shows."

by Cubster on Aug 14, 2008 9:19 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He's 32 years old

He isn’t gonna change, there is no point in trying to make him change. I wonder if people would be as upset if Theriot or Fukudome did the same thing.

Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs

by nji232 on Aug 14, 2008 9:22 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Agreed

He isn’t going to change. It’s part of his personality. He isn’t the only one that does it. He might try and change but it will happen again.

Let me add though that this does not make Soriano a bad teammate. All indications are that he is a good teammate but he does have a bit of showboat in him.

by rlpete on Aug 14, 2008 9:28 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'll say it again

Look at the pic from Blanco’s winning hit. Soriano is the first person out there. He is a great teammate from what I can see. He isn’t this selfish ball player that some people have painted him as.

Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs

by nji232 on Aug 14, 2008 9:31 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If anything...

the embarrassment will cause a short-term change, maybe we’ll see him hustle out of the box on his next few shots.

But I won’t be surprised when we see him admiring a HR a month from now. That said, I agree that by all means he seems to be a great teammate and is a huge asset to this team.

"...the internet is not something you just dump something on. It's not a truck. It's a series of tubes." - Sen. Ted Stevens

by bobby h on Aug 14, 2008 9:32 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

But he can do it in a different way.

When Reed his the go-ahead two-run shot against the Pirates he ran down the line and then raised his hand knowing it was gone. But, had he been wrong at least he’s at second (maybe even third) and still looks like a hero, not a fool.

make/art

by neverAcquiesce on Aug 14, 2008 9:36 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It could've cost him another trip to the DL

High tight fastballs to the head or hands can do that.

"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 Aug 14, 2008 11:10 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Throwing at someone's head is never acceptable.

Once it got to blowout stage, Howry should have been sent in to plunk Chipper

Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB

by californiachicagoan on Aug 14, 2008 12:04 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Gagne

could do it.

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!

by drewishdrewid on Aug 14, 2008 12:24 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

But on the bright side

Throwing at someone in the dugout might get Howry suspended for the year!

Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB

by californiachicagoan on Aug 14, 2008 12:35 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yah, hard to do...

…Ben Christianson’s out of the game now…

by Shawon O Meter on Aug 14, 2008 3:11 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Soriano said he would not do it again....

Yet…. in the second game it appeared to me that he lingered at the plate watching his double over the right fielder’s head. Say what you will about a guy like Pete Rose… but you would never see him do something like that. He hustled on each and every play. That is the way to play baseball IMHO.

"We’ve still got a long ways to go, I don’t like to get giggly over things in July. But the team’s playing well, they really are. They’re playing with confidence, and it shows."

by Cubster on Aug 14, 2008 9:12 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i truly believe soriano is a better player when he's cocky

obviously i don’t have anything to back this up with, but i just think it’s a mental thing……let’s call it his “cubbie swagger”

by cubswynn on Aug 14, 2008 9:15 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Look...

this isn’t about Rhyno…

Sorry folks, parks closed. Moose out front should have told you.

by N Oakley on Aug 14, 2008 10:07 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I am not a Packer fan, quite the opposite.

However, as much as I am happy to see #4 out of the division (the bears can suck this year without him around), he really only retired once. Even then, he came back before training camp, so is that really a retirement? Not like he sat out all or part of a season.

Sorry folks, parks closed. Moose out front should have told you.

by N Oakley on Aug 14, 2008 10:17 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He waffled in March

They were going to take him back, then he changed his mind.

Plus, he’s been waivering for years. I’m a Packers fan and sick of the “maybe I’ll play, maybe I won’t” stuff.

by Shanghai Badger on Aug 14, 2008 10:18 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

True,

but it’s different than retiring.

Sorry folks, parks closed. Moose out front should have told you.

by N Oakley on Aug 14, 2008 10:22 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

different maybe

lame either way…..too bad bc makes me lose respect for him

by cubswynn on Aug 14, 2008 10:24 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I noticed Soriano

almost watching that ball in the second game – there was a momentary pause where he instinctively started to watch, then the instant he remembered his apology and he took off running. I don’t know if Fonzie can NOT watch his long drives.

by DWChaney on Aug 14, 2008 9:26 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Charlie Hustle

Of course Pete had to run hard, he had money on that game!

by salparadise23 on Aug 14, 2008 9:33 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ahhhh. That explains why he ran hard every game, ASG included.

Sorry folks, parks closed. Moose out front should have told you.

by N Oakley on Aug 14, 2008 9:35 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Careful, I got accused of being Jay Marriotti for pointing that out

Soriano is a great player, probably a great teammate and a huge assett to the Cubs. I’m glad they have him.

He is not beyond reproach, though, and I don’t get the “you’re with him or against him” reactions on this site.

by Shanghai Badger on Aug 14, 2008 10:03 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

+1

"We’ve still got a long ways to go, I don’t like to get giggly over things in July. But the team’s playing well, they really are. They’re playing with confidence, and it shows."

by Cubster on Aug 14, 2008 10:50 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That's a good point, Leon.

I wonder if Theriot had to apologize for making his 5th out on basepaths of the season. I bet not. No one even notced ans the second baseman dropped the ball, picked it up, and still had time to get Theriot. I bet it was Soriano’s fault for hitting such a blazing linedrive. Poor Theriot had no time to thinks and react.

"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 Aug 14, 2008 10:04 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Is that

kinda like Theriot being at fault for all of Lee’s DPs this year, because he keeps having multi-hit games and only getting on base all the time?

I’ll rip on any player if he’s deserving, but I think the key difference here is that Theriot’s mistake last night was a mistake, whether mental or physical. We all know, mistakes happen. Or shit happens, however you like it. What Sori did wasn’t a mistake, it was lack of respect for the game, whatever that may mean to each of us. He didn’t run after hitting the ball, basical little league stuff. When a guy as good and important to our team as Sori does something like that, it raises some ire (Scotty Ire, even) around here. I don’t have a problem seeing the difference between these situations.

"We are not equations with hats." -Dean Young

by Kegler on Aug 14, 2008 10:22 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

+1

That’s what doing actual work today was getting in the way of me trying to say. Thanks, Kegler.

make/art

by neverAcquiesce on Aug 14, 2008 10:26 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

best post of the day

thanks kegler

"We’ve still got a long ways to go, I don’t like to get giggly over things in July. But the team’s playing well, they really are. They’re playing with confidence, and it shows."

by Cubster on Aug 14, 2008 10:52 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well said

Good luck Shawn Johnson, Lolo Jones and Doug Schwab. Bring home the gold!!!

by sue369 on Aug 14, 2008 11:52 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yep

pretty tired of the theriot hate.

by dr stabbingworth on Aug 14, 2008 12:23 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Theriot & Fontenot bashers

These guys kill me.

Some alleged “expert” from Goat Riders mercilessly made fun of me early in the season because I had the gall to say I’d rather have Theriot instead of Izturis at short.

No, really. One can almost smell the “I stunk in Little League” by the endless “we win a pair 18-2, but Theriot got picked off base!”-type comments.

Get over it.

If you can’t support your own guys – guys who gut it out the best they can, sign autographs for kids, do what is asked of them by their manager, etc. – go root for the Rent-A-Brewers or Yankee$.

"They say the big possums come out late." H. Caray

by Don Gerard on Aug 14, 2008 10:29 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Whoa!

Why can’t someone criticize a player without them being plotters to undermine the security of “Cub nation”?

Again, no one is beyond reproach. There is nothing wrong with noting the flaws in someone’s game. It doesn’t mean that the player is being “hated on”.

by Shanghai Badger on Aug 14, 2008 10:31 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

+1

And I’ll be more inclined to listen to the “Stop the Theriot Hate” bandwagon when
a) I actually see “hate” instead of just reasoned criticism
b) I see a Theriot supporter defend Cedeno who also is one of “our own guys.”

I think a lot of the Theriot frustration centers around an argument that is actually pro-Cedeno, so it’s not anti-our-guys at all.

The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.

by DGU on Aug 14, 2008 12:17 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Theriot hate

1) When Theriot gets criticized for DLee hitting into double plays, that’s irrational, and it’s hating.

2) Theriot is my guy (I wear his jersey to every game and most casual Fridays) but I wish Cedeno would get more playing time.

Fair enough?

by dr stabbingworth on Aug 14, 2008 12:26 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Theriot hate

1) When Theriot gets criticized for DLee hitting into double plays, that’s irrational, and it’s hating.

2) When Theriot gets criticized for his lack of range, arm, and other mental gaffs on defense (dropping the ball, not covering the bag, stupid throws allowing runners extra bases) that’s called justified criticism.

Fair enough?

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 14, 2008 12:30 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Good sir

I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it in the form of a photoshopped lolcat picture.

by dr stabbingworth on Aug 14, 2008 12:44 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I've missed that criticism

and it would probably be unfair. Maybe you could make some case that Lee has trouble hitting with base-stealers on, but he always did fine with Pierre/Castillo in FL. So, w/o having seen that one directly, it does seem irrational.

Personally, I think Theriot gets overblown on both sides because he has definite positive value this year getting on base and definite negative defensive value. Each side seems to get stuck wanting the other side to admit either the + or the -. I also think Lou’s preferential playing time for Theriot causes frustration.

Since I’m granting your “fair enough” will you grant that a lot of the Stop the Theriot Hate posts are responses to non-hateful reasoned discussion?

The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.

by DGU on Aug 14, 2008 12:34 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'll say this about Theriot:

He’s out-producing his mistakes right now (which was something I didn’t think he was doing, until I looked at the raw numbers), and that’s really all you can ask of a player like him. The only reason I brought him up was to drive home the point that Soriano gets criticized for things the Theriot doesn’t, even when they do equally stupid things in the same game.

"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 Aug 14, 2008 12:38 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think what people are trying to say...

… is that the “equally stupid things” you claim that Soriano and Theriot did in the same game, aren’t “equally stupid”.

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

by Al on Aug 14, 2008 2:06 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

In my view they are.

And the fact that people think they aren’t, in my view, is exhibit A of the double standard in regards to these two players. Both are stupid, avoidable mistakes, yet Soriano is called on the carpet, and made to apologize for his, while Theriot’s isn’t even mentioned.

"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 Aug 14, 2008 2:08 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Soriano's wasn't a "mistake".

It was a deliberate act.

Theriot’s was an error in judgment. I grant you, he has made quite a number of these and they ought to stop.

Happy now?

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

by Al on Aug 14, 2008 2:14 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Soriano's was an error in judgement.

Theriot was mental gaffe.

"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 Aug 14, 2008 2:15 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

OK, I'll grant you the semantics.

Still, you acknowledge there was a difference in how the “errors” were made.

Should we sit here bashing Theriot for “mental gaffes”? I think there are enough places already doing that.

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

by Al on Aug 14, 2008 2:24 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Different types of errors

doesn’t make any one of them less egregious and worthy of castigation.

"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 Aug 14, 2008 2:29 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Not gonna get into an argument over this.

One was showboating. The other was a mental mistake, something players do all the time in the course of playing. Should there be fewer of them? Absolutely. But doing what Soriano did can bring unintended consequences on him and his teammates. What Theriot did wouldn’t do that.

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

by Al on Aug 14, 2008 2:44 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

it was a deliberate act

in error, tho, right? I mean, he didn’t say “that’s going to be off the wall, so I’m going to stand here and only get a single” — he said “wow, that’s gone, I get to watch the pretty ball go over the — OH, CRUD!”

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!

by drewishdrewid on Aug 14, 2008 2:24 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Deal

The guy has limitations. But he is an inexpensive foil to the players due a lot of money.

by dr stabbingworth on Aug 14, 2008 12:43 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Beyond his inexpense

I willing to grant that his example in the clubhouse may have gone far to teach a lesson of training or working hard that led to this year’s overall improved team. But that’s not something any of us are seeing directly.

The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.

by DGU on Aug 14, 2008 1:08 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I attribute that more

to Fukudome. We saw this massive increase in walks after HE joined the team.

Riot is a player who works hard and continues to play above his level. That’s to be admired, I admit, but I don’t think he’s shown this team how to work hard. Dome showed them how patience works.

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!

by drewishdrewid on Aug 14, 2008 1:25 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah - we don't know who gets the credit for increased hard work -

it may even simply be looming paydays for some of the guys. I don’t like to assume that – just pointing out other possible reasons. The point is that I don’t think we CAN know, but Theriot supporters will claim he’s a sparkplug, etc. and I don’t think you should rule out that possibility.

The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.

by DGU on Aug 14, 2008 1:46 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i don't think this was mentioned

so if it was, i apologize, but a win tonight will give the cubs a season sweep of the braves….i have a friend who is a braves and i would really like these bragging rights!

by cubswynn on Aug 14, 2008 9:16 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

One of my upper level bosses

is a Braves fan. I don’t want to rub it in his face though. That’s dangerous.

by daeviant on Aug 14, 2008 9:21 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The VP of my department is a big braves fan also

so I understand where you are coming from. We talk baseball all the time, it’s hard not to seem like your gloating if you bring it at all.

"Destiny is a matter of choice, not chance"

by MerlinDog on Aug 14, 2008 9:26 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yup - I have a colleague who is a Brewers fan...

that 4 game sweep in Milwaukee was soooooo sweet after it was over. Hard not to gloat/brag, but be prepared to get it back if the Braves sweep us next season (god forbid…)

by DWChaney on Aug 14, 2008 9:29 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I grew up around a lot of Braves fans

And I have to say I am loving the fact that they are not competitive right now. Their fan-base is so spoiled, taking being in the post-season every year for granted. Maybe they will appreciate it a little more when they finally get back there if they have to spend a few years in the wilderness.

by SuperContext on Aug 14, 2008 10:58 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Braves fans are the worst

living here in the south I can contest that they have zero appreciation for baseball and the concept of supporting a team no matter what. I’m stuck with Braves and Cardinals fans……thank goodness for the corner pharmacy.

"ROUS's? Rodents of Unusual Size. Don't worry, they don't exist."
http://margaritagirl11.spaces.live.com/

by iluvryno on Aug 14, 2008 11:00 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yah if their payroll was competitive they would be scary every year

however their fans got spoiled by all the post season births that they took for granted the regular season……..the gate numbers went down and thus their payroll hasn’t kept up with other teams

by cubswynn on Aug 14, 2008 12:13 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I prefer post-season births myself

that way I don’t have to miss a cubs game while I’m in the obstetrics unit.

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!

by drewishdrewid on Aug 14, 2008 12:25 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

OT: Kerri Walsh prepping for post-Olympic career as ML Shortstop

Referring to her and Misty May’s beach volleyball win over Norway on Thursday,

“They’re a scrappy team, but I think we out-scrapped them.”

That’s a lot of scrappy for one quote. My wife thought I was quite strange when i LOL’d our of nowhere when they played the quote on the news this morning…

"...the internet is not something you just dump something on. It's not a truck. It's a series of tubes." - Sen. Ted Stevens

by bobby h on Aug 14, 2008 9:30 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I just did also....

but I live alone so no one to hear me.

"We've had our ups and downs, but as long as you have a reason, something to fall back on and a plan, that's all there is to it," Soto said.

by Madison Cub Fan on Aug 14, 2008 9:33 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i haven't been married that long...

(2.5 years, lived with my wife for ~ 5), but it’s been long enough that i ofter forget that i’m not alone which results in some rather strange situations sometimes.. haha

"...the internet is not something you just dump something on. It's not a truck. It's a series of tubes." - Sen. Ted Stevens

by bobby h on Aug 14, 2008 9:37 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You can't spell scrappy without crap

"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...

by Curtain Jerker on Aug 14, 2008 12:13 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Insightful analysis

Has WGN called you about filling in while Ron is out?

by dr stabbingworth on Aug 14, 2008 12:28 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

From ESPN's recap...

The last time the Cubs won a doubleheader on the road, winning both games by at least 8 runs, came in 1908.

I’m sure we all remember what else hasn’t happened since that year…

There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!

by sanantonecub on Aug 14, 2008 9:33 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You know, I just like hearing

that my beloved Cubbies have been doing things this season that they haven’t done in 100 years. The more times they can say that, the more it makes me all warm and tingly inside…

by DWChaney on Aug 14, 2008 9:35 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

So do I.

Usually esoteric stats like that are just that, esoteric… but that DH sweep info is pretty cool.

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

by Al on Aug 14, 2008 10:40 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Odd.

Did they see the Red Sox in the airport or something?

make/art

by neverAcquiesce on Aug 14, 2008 11:37 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ESPN can/will mention the Cubs...

so long as one of the following phrases is also in the same story:

1908
100 years
Bartman
Goat
Curse
Black Cat
etc…

"...the internet is not something you just dump something on. It's not a truck. It's a series of tubes." - Sen. Ted Stevens

by bobby h on Aug 14, 2008 11:37 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Mike and Mike actually ran through

almost that entire list this AM. It was maddening.

"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 Aug 14, 2008 11:38 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ugh.

You gotta think anyone watching a sports show is pretty cognizant of those facts.

make/art

by neverAcquiesce on Aug 14, 2008 11:39 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It is a function of constant coverage

Take Mike and Mike as an example. I generally like them, but they are on from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., five days a week. There just simply isn’t enough going on in sports to fill that much time with anything actually insightful or relevant. Sure, everyone already knows all the “Cubs curse” crap, but its something you can milk to fill up that air time.

by SuperContext on Aug 14, 2008 12:00 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Little bit OT: Formatting Guide

I like it.

"We've had our ups and downs, but as long as you have a reason, something to fall back on and a plan, that's all there is to it," Soto said.

by Madison Cub Fan on Aug 14, 2008 9:34 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Glad you found it.

The SBN tech folks are always working to make the site better.

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

by Al on Aug 14, 2008 10:40 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's on the "POST A COMMENT" box...

… but only the NEW comment posting box, not any reply box.

A number of us have asked SBN to put it on ALL the comment boxes.

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

by Al on Aug 14, 2008 2:07 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

From somebody that saw more of the post game comments

They are talking on the radio about Soriano asking his pitchers to stand up for him. Is this just people throwing something out there, or is there a comment that I missed about maybe Lilly hitting a Braves player today?

Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs

by nji232 on Aug 14, 2008 9:41 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Don't want to get into a beaming war....

Especially with teams that have nothing to lose

"We’ve still got a long ways to go, I don’t like to get giggly over things in July. But the team’s playing well, they really are. They’re playing with confidence, and it shows."

by Cubster on Aug 14, 2008 9:48 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

sounds very futuristic

Sorry folks, parks closed. Moose out front should have told you.

by N Oakley on Aug 14, 2008 9:59 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Lilly stood up for Soriano last year in ATL

and got kicked out in the first inning for plunking Renteria in retaliation. Renteria, in turn, cold cocked Fontenot (although it was more of a forearm shiver) as he was sliding into 2b after taking his base.

by DWChaney on Aug 14, 2008 9:49 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Soriano said

“We have pitchers that can throw at their guys” after game 1…Lilly is the kind of guy who would do that- just look at last year when he was ejected in the 1st inning! A lot of talk I heard this morning was that while it might not be worth it to risk losing a guy, maybe you need to show the rest of the league that you aren’t going to tolerate your star player, especially someone just off the DL, being thrown at. Not saying I agree with it, it’s just what I heard…

Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 14, 2008 9:49 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

if Lilly gets thrown out of the game

for trying to bean someone, I’m going to be VERY upset.

We’re here to win games, not have gang wars.

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!

by drewishdrewid on Aug 14, 2008 11:24 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I dont know if he will try to bean someone (i HOPE he does not)

but what if he simply wants to work inside, or a pitch gets away? is he gone?

Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 14, 2008 11:27 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

well, when Gagne threw at Edmonds

he got tossed. Was that on purpose, or is Gagne just that bad?

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!

by drewishdrewid on Aug 14, 2008 11:28 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

haha i think Gagne is bad

BECAUSE he tried to hit edmonds like 4 times and could not…

Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 14, 2008 11:30 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Line up a syringe and he will nail it every time.

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 14, 2008 11:31 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Many said Edmonds look at the end was one of anger.

I took it as, “Really? Four tries and you couldn’t hit me? Really?”

make/art

by neverAcquiesce on Aug 14, 2008 11:33 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I thought it was

“whew. Now I get to not have to stand here in front of Mr. Erratic”.

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!

by drewishdrewid on Aug 14, 2008 11:34 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Lilly can just scowl at them.

If looks could kill a lot of batters Lilly pitches to would be dead. I just love his " I am ALWAYS pissed
off" look when playing.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry

by Doggie Stalker on Aug 14, 2008 2:22 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs