Pregame Thread: Cubs vs. Braves, Thursday 8/14, 6:10 CT
Chicago Cubs @ Atlanta Braves
With a lefthander going tonight, this would be a good day to again rest some of the regulars and get hot hitters like Reed Johnson some more playing time. A sweep of this series would be REAL sweet.
Jayson Stark has an interesting take on the Manny Ramirez deal. And there's also an interesting take on Dusty Baker's troubles with the Reds in that link, with Baker apparently blaming everyone but himself for the Reds' bad record.
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The last time we saw Tom Glavine, he was trudging off the field at Wrigley Field on June 10 with an elbow strain which has kept him on the DL ever since. The Cubs hit him pretty hard that day, too. Today's Atlanta Journal-Constitution says that today's start is an "audition" of sorts:
The next six weeks could determine whether Tom Glavine hangs up his spikes at the end of the season, or keeps pitching and tries to script a more satisfying ending to his career.
The 42-year-old Braves left-hander will come off the disabled list to start tonight's series finale against Chicago, his first major league game since leaving a June 10 start at the Cubs with elbow pain.
"I guess I'm auditioning for myself and for the people upstairs," Glavine said, referring to Braves officials.
Here's hoping the Cubs send him to a comfortable retirement. Glavine is 15-14, 3.72 in 36 career starts vs. the Cubs, but since 2006 that mark is 1-3, 6.08. Aramis Ramirez is .480/.576/.920 vs. Glavine lifetime (12-for-25, 2 doubles, 3 HR). Jim Edmonds is 4-for-21 vs. Glavine, so I'd expect him to sit tonight.
Ted Lilly was the starter and winner in that June 10 game, allowing four hits and three runs and striking out eight in 6.2 innings. From that day through his last start, 12 outings, Lilly is 6-1, 3.33. Players currently on the Atlanta roster are 11-for-49 (.224) with 1 HR (by Greg Norton) against Lilly.
Today's game is on CSN and Peachtree TV and on EI. Also see the MLB.com Mediacenter.
Baseball-reference.com game preview
Once again, a reminder that you can find the overflow comment threads, including the first pitch thread, on the right sidebar of both the front page and any interior page in the box headed "RECENT STORIES IN GAME THREADS". Today's first pitch thread posts at 6 pm CT, and the overflow comment threads will post at 7 pm, 8 pm and 8:45 pm CT.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
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Jason Starks artical
says that Dusty Baker overused a pitcher and it might have lead to arm troubles. I for one am shocked, how long has this been going on?
"Destiny is a matter of choice, not chance"
by MerlinDog on
Aug 14, 2008 4:08 PM CDT
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You don't say?
Man he’s got 3 of the best prospects the Reds have seen (Volquez, Cueto, Bailey) And while Cueto dropped off and Bailey never really got started — Hes ruining Volquez
by StevenABQ on
Aug 14, 2008 4:21 PM CDT
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And apparently ruined Harang.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Aug 14, 2008 4:38 PM CDT
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He kind of tried to smooth it over at the end though.
by Mapmaker on
Aug 14, 2008 5:21 PM CDT
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TWSS
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on
Aug 14, 2008 5:22 PM CDT
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His comments sound
remarkably like the “have to have the horses” or whatever comment he made while he was here.
Dusty is just a horrible manager. He’ll be fired either after this year or early next year and he’ll be back on ESPN and that’s where he’ll stay.
by ScottT on
Aug 14, 2008 4:44 PM CDT
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Seems like ESPN is where
Washed up Mangers and Players go to die.
John Kruk
Dusty
Buck
Eric Young
Steve Phillips
Hell even Steve Stone was on the 4 letter network for a time
"I guess you had some lean years, and didnt have to beat it hard" - Craig Sager
"Soriano deep to left!! THAT BALL'S GOOOONE!! A HOME RUN!! OHHH BABY!!" -Len Kasper 8/06/08
SORIANO WATCH: AVG: .296 21 HR 57 RBI
by Galvan316 on
Aug 14, 2008 4:46 PM CDT
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sort of
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on
Aug 14, 2008 4:03 PM CDT
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no nearly a box of toothpicks on the floor

Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
by Ivy Walls on
Aug 14, 2008 4:07 PM CDT
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How many is that?
[after Ray spills a box of toothpicks on the floor]
Raymond: 82, 82, 82.
Charlie: 82 what?
Raymond: Toothpicks.
Charlie: There’s a lot more than 82 toothpicks, Ray.
Raymond: 246 total.
Charlie: How many?
Sally Dibbs: 250.
Charlie: Pretty close.
Sally Dibbs: There’s four left in the box.
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings. ~Earl Wilson
by tucsoncubsfan on
Aug 14, 2008 4:37 PM CDT
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Emelie...I forgot to ask yesterday...are you in San Diego this weekend on vacation or for work?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on
Aug 14, 2008 5:43 PM CDT
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first saying 1st you mean
today
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
by Ivy Walls on
Aug 14, 2008 4:05 PM CDT
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I even waited dude.
I don’t get the kick out of the 1st thing that some do, not that there is anything wrong with it.
by StevenABQ on
Aug 14, 2008 4:06 PM CDT
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did someone say..................
SWEEP
Let go cubs
by cubsfaninkc on Aug 14, 2008 4:04 PM CDT 0 recs
she has her broom ready

Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
by Ivy Walls on
Aug 14, 2008 4:08 PM CDT
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Little premature guys!!
I think it’s just his face. - dat cubfan daver
by halfblindcubbiegirl on
Aug 14, 2008 4:22 PM CDT
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TWSS
"I guess you had some lean years, and didnt have to beat it hard" - Craig Sager
"Soriano deep to left!! THAT BALL'S GOOOONE!! A HOME RUN!! OHHH BABY!!" -Len Kasper 8/06/08
SORIANO WATCH: AVG: .296 21 HR 56 RBI
by Galvan316 on
Aug 14, 2008 4:32 PM CDT
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Some guys are just premature...
Jimmyeatworld
by Jimmyeatworld on
Aug 14, 2008 4:35 PM CDT
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hate when that happens :D
Good luck Shawn Johnson, Lolo Jones and Doug Schwab. Bring home the gold!!!
by sue369 on
Aug 14, 2008 4:41 PM CDT
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+1 to Sue
-100 to brooms and flags appearing early.
I guess I might as well run to Vegas and put money on the Braves now. But maybe that could reverse the bad karma as I never win bets in Vegas.
THIS IS OUR CENTURY!!
by LAcarl519 on
Aug 14, 2008 5:12 PM CDT
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WOW
Sue thats why youre the best poster ever
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
by Hammer on
Aug 14, 2008 5:32 PM CDT
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lol
Good luck Shawn Johnson, Lolo Jones and Doug Schwab. Bring home the gold!!!
by sue369 on
Aug 14, 2008 5:55 PM CDT
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Brother in attendance
says Braves have a shot if the ump calls strikes 2 feet off the plate…..
I say the Cubs give the Braves bullpen a workout early and often…..also I recall that Lilly was tossed in this field for headhunting last year
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
by Ivy Walls on Aug 14, 2008 4:04 PM CDT 0 recs
Heres to seeing Bill Murray later tonight!
Go Cubs.
AJC is saying that Glavine is on an 85 pitch count. Hopefully we can do what we’ve done the last few days and get that up quickly.
I think it’s just his face. - dat cubfan daver
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 14, 2008 4:11 PM CDT 0 recs
he's not in the air show until tomorrow
just kidding… although he is skydiving into Chicago tomorrow
by Emelie on
Aug 14, 2008 5:43 PM CDT
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Good Afternoon all!!
How goes it
"I guess you had some lean years, and didnt have to beat it hard" - Craig Sager
"Soriano deep to left!! THAT BALL'S GOOOONE!! A HOME RUN!! OHHH BABY!!" -Len Kasper 8/06/08
SORIANO WATCH: AVG: .296 21 HR 56 RBI
by Galvan316 on Aug 14, 2008 4:32 PM CDT 0 recs
Hey Galvan
Good luck Shawn Johnson, Lolo Jones and Doug Schwab. Bring home the gold!!!
by sue369 on
Aug 14, 2008 4:41 PM CDT
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hey Sue
how are you today?
"I guess you had some lean years, and didnt have to beat it hard" - Craig Sager
"Soriano deep to left!! THAT BALL'S GOOOONE!! A HOME RUN!! OHHH BABY!!" -Len Kasper 8/06/08
SORIANO WATCH: AVG: .296 21 HR 57 RBI
by Galvan316 on
Aug 14, 2008 4:42 PM CDT
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ready for some baseball
with some USA gold medal wins afterwards. And you?
Good luck Shawn Johnson, Lolo Jones and Doug Schwab. Bring home the gold!!!
by sue369 on
Aug 14, 2008 4:43 PM CDT
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Getting ready for the Cubbies
"I guess you had some lean years, and didnt have to beat it hard" - Craig Sager
"Soriano deep to left!! THAT BALL'S GOOOONE!! A HOME RUN!! OHHH BABY!!" -Len Kasper 8/06/08
SORIANO WATCH: AVG: .296 21 HR 57 RBI
by Galvan316 on
Aug 14, 2008 4:44 PM CDT
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Women's individuals tonight...and PHELPS!!
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on
Aug 14, 2008 5:54 PM CDT
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I'm pumped
Good luck Shawn Johnson, Lolo Jones and Doug Schwab. Bring home the gold!!!
by sue369 on
Aug 14, 2008 5:56 PM CDT
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I thought
he was dead.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on
Aug 14, 2008 4:49 PM CDT
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Atlanta didnt think so
After such a wonder last season in New York.
"I guess you had some lean years, and didnt have to beat it hard" - Craig Sager
"Soriano deep to left!! THAT BALL'S GOOOONE!! A HOME RUN!! OHHH BABY!!" -Len Kasper 8/06/08
SORIANO WATCH: AVG: .296 21 HR 57 RBI
by Galvan316 on
Aug 14, 2008 4:53 PM CDT
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Glavine, Maddux and Smoltz
All 3 may be done after this year. It would be great to see all three head into the HOF at the same time.
Maddux and Glavine should be locks for first ballot but Smoltz may take a second or third. A lot depends on who else might be there at the same time. Maybe Kent. I’m assuming Johnson and Griffey return next year. Johnson seems a lock to return if he falls short of the 300 wins.
I’m hoping for a Cubs 1-0 win with a good outing for Glavine. I’ve always liked him. I’d hate to see him go out completely washed up.
by rlpete on Aug 14, 2008 4:33 PM CDT 0 recs
Smoltz is in.
He’s got over 3000 strikeouts, would have had 50 more wins if he hadn’t gone to the bullpen those four years — and oh yes, he had 154 saves while he was there and is the co-holder of the NL single season record with 55.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Aug 14, 2008 4:39 PM CDT
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I agree he's in
Just not sure he would be first ballot. However, if he is on there with Maddux and Glavine how could anyone not vote for all three.
by rlpete on
Aug 14, 2008 4:40 PM CDT
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It would depend on who else
Is on the ballot whether or not Smoltz is a first ballot hall of famer
"I guess you had some lean years, and didnt have to beat it hard" - Craig Sager
"Soriano deep to left!! THAT BALL'S GOOOONE!! A HOME RUN!! OHHH BABY!!" -Len Kasper 8/06/08
SORIANO WATCH: AVG: .296 21 HR 57 RBI
by Galvan316 on
Aug 14, 2008 4:41 PM CDT
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If Smoltz is done after this year
I’m thinking his first ballot would include Maddux, Glavine, Kent, Thomas, Schilling, maybe Hoffman. I expect Griffey, Johnson and Pedro to return but if one of them don’t return, the ballot is getting a bit full.
by rlpete on
Aug 14, 2008 4:54 PM CDT
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Plus you will very likely have the carryovers from the prior year
Some guys named Bonds, Clemens and Sosa who may not get in in their first year. It will be interesting.
by rlpete on
Aug 14, 2008 4:59 PM CDT
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He's not better than Joe Morgan though.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on
Aug 14, 2008 4:43 PM CDT
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Nah...Ruth didn't have to play against Negro League player of his era...
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on
Aug 14, 2008 4:45 PM CDT
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player(s)
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on
Aug 14, 2008 4:45 PM CDT
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No one is better then Lord Master Joe Morgan
"I guess you had some lean years, and didnt have to beat it hard" - Craig Sager
"Soriano deep to left!! THAT BALL'S GOOOONE!! A HOME RUN!! OHHH BABY!!" -Len Kasper 8/06/08
SORIANO WATCH: AVG: .296 21 HR 57 RBI
by Galvan316 on
Aug 14, 2008 4:49 PM CDT
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Agree
I love Smotlz. I wish he would have been a Cub
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
by Hammer on
Aug 14, 2008 5:33 PM CDT
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Crew update; looks like Milwaukee's winning streak may break today
Down 3-1 in the top of the 8th.
Peavy out dueled Sheets.
Would be great if they go 8-1 and gain a half a game on the Cubs.
by IllinoisCubs on Aug 14, 2008 4:40 PM CDT 0 recs
cool
Good luck Shawn Johnson, Lolo Jones and Doug Schwab. Bring home the gold!!!
by sue369 on
Aug 14, 2008 4:44 PM CDT
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Brewers down
3-1 in the eighth….. Love the days when we’ve already one the series. Here’s to a sweep.
"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella
by Lou In Blue on Aug 14, 2008 4:42 PM CDT 0 recs
Man its been a long day
one = won
"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella
by Lou In Blue on
Aug 14, 2008 4:42 PM CDT
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Ready for
a sweep tonight? I know I am.
Good luck Shawn Johnson, Lolo Jones and Doug Schwab. Bring home the gold!!!
by sue369 on Aug 14, 2008 4:45 PM CDT 0 recs
Hey guys, what are the chances the cubs get to 100 wins this season?
by Btown on Aug 14, 2008 4:45 PM CDT 0 recs
I don't know....but the odds get better after every game we win.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on
Aug 14, 2008 4:46 PM CDT
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And they get worse with every loss
"I guess you had some lean years, and didnt have to beat it hard" - Craig Sager
"Soriano deep to left!! THAT BALL'S GOOOONE!! A HOME RUN!! OHHH BABY!!" -Len Kasper 8/06/08
SORIANO WATCH: AVG: .296 21 HR 57 RBI
by Galvan316 on
Aug 14, 2008 4:47 PM CDT
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Eerie!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on
Aug 14, 2008 4:48 PM CDT
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spooky!!!!
"I guess you had some lean years, and didnt have to beat it hard" - Craig Sager
"Soriano deep to left!! THAT BALL'S GOOOONE!! A HOME RUN!! OHHH BABY!!" -Len Kasper 8/06/08
SORIANO WATCH: AVG: .296 21 HR 57 RBI
by Galvan316 on
Aug 14, 2008 4:53 PM CDT
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After last night they were on pace for 99.
And according to BP, their 3rd order win total is 98. So small, but possible, I’d say.
by sackings108 on
Aug 14, 2008 4:49 PM CDT
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We would have to go 27-15 to reach 100 wins. I think that is very doable, but I’d rather get 11 postseason wins then 100 regular season wins. Actually I rather get both.
"Destiny is a matter of choice, not chance"
by MerlinDog on
Aug 14, 2008 5:18 PM CDT
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