Cubs retaliate -- Nothing happens!
by DaBard
on Aug 14, 2008 10:05 PM CDT
Ted Lilly showed his hitters, the Braves, and the rest of baseball that there is NOT a bullseye on the backs of Cubs hitters.
He didn't go headhunting. He put the pitch where it needed to go. The Braves player got all twitchy, but even Bobby Cox pointed him to first base.
Umps didn't eject anyone. No one got hurt. There will likely not be a suspension, although I guess there could be a fine.
Meanwhile, the pitcher who instigated all this, Bueno, got three games, but the Braves, classy as ever, sent him down. Nice way to reward your paid assassin, Bobby.
He's got a 5.02 ERA and a .284 average against in AAA. He's a thug with an arm, brought up to do a job. It's 50-50 whether he sniffs the majors again to even see that suspension. I'd bet $50 the Braves trade him first.
The high road is great and all, but baseball was impotent to deal with this. Lilly dealt with it the right way.
Hunting season on the Cubs is OVER.
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation, Bleed Cubbie Blue, or Al Yellon, editor-in-chief. FanPost opinions are, however, valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.
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Lilly, the umpires, and Cox all handled this
in a respectable way. It’s over and done now. Time to get on with the season.
"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 10:11 PM CDT 0 recs
Absolutely
Lilly has more than earned my respect. He does whathe needs to to protect his players. Now it is done. There will undoubtedly be bad blood (as I read Francoeur’s comments this morning) but for this season, which matters more, it is done.
Kwa...Ki...Sur...Pee...Nee...Ku?
by Kinky Reggae on
Aug 15, 2008 7:56 AM CDT
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What did Francoeur say?
It’s 50-50 whether he’s even in the big leagues next year, though.
Pluto will always be a planet to me!
by DaBard on
Aug 15, 2008 8:26 AM CDT
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Francoeur said a lot more than
a guy who’s hitting .230 should ever say. Something like “This isn’t going to cool down anytime soon…if someone pimps (he really said that, BTW) a HR, he deserves to get hit….but Lilly just popped one in on Yunel…” Maybe he should focus on his rapidly flagging career instead of who’s “pimping” HR.
"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 15, 2008 8:56 AM CDT
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Not to mention
I’d have had no problem with Sori getting hit in the ribs or the leg — but the head is not appropriate. Ever.
by Shanghai Badger on
Aug 15, 2008 9:48 AM CDT
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Agreed...
I personally don’t care about “pimping homers” You don’t want to see the man celebrate, then throw a better pitch.
But if there must be retribution, then it takes place below the shoulder blades.
Pluto will always be a planet to me!
by DaBard on
Aug 15, 2008 10:03 AM CDT
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It's quite certain..........
………..that Jeff Francoeur will be the Braves starting RF next spring.
50-50? Not really……….
"Happiness? A good cigar, a good meal, a good cigar and a good woman - or a bad woman; it depends on how much happiness you can handle." ~ George Burns
by tville on
Aug 15, 2008 9:51 PM CDT
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Lilly
had not-so-great control all night.
It was not purposeful.
Get over yourself.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 14, 2008 10:17 PM CDT 0 recs
beg all you want
you still aren’t right.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on
Aug 14, 2008 10:22 PM CDT
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The Cubs manned up
Enjoy it.
Pluto will always be a planet to me!
by DaBard on
Aug 14, 2008 10:25 PM CDT
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the Cubs concentrated
on beating the Braves, and swept the season series with them for the first time ever — and they’ve been playing the Braves for over 130 years.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on
Aug 14, 2008 10:31 PM CDT
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And they took care of business along the way
Hunting season is over.
Pluto will always be a planet to me!
by DaBard on
Aug 14, 2008 10:31 PM CDT
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if it had been intentional
Lou and Lilly would have been ejected.
They weren’t. The ump didn’t even think about it.
The Braves acted like little kids. The Cubs got the job done, and they won. All the retaliation necessary happened right there. The HBP was not intentional.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on
Aug 14, 2008 10:33 PM CDT
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Yes, because the umps can read minds
They knew it wasn’t intentional and they are always right… Wait, what? The umps are always right??? Huh? Is this drew?
Pluto will always be a planet to me!
by DaBard on
Aug 14, 2008 10:34 PM CDT
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apparently both of you can read minds
both of you really need to shut up on this topic.
this debate/who is bigger contest is ridiculous.
by tal1286 on
Aug 15, 2008 12:15 AM CDT
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I agree drew
though I am not so sure that Lilly wasn’t trying to come in a little more than he needed to. You are right that he was not spot on this game so perhaps he didn’t mean to but I can’t say I have a problem with him meaning to either.
He does have a bit of a history with this team.
Kwa...Ki...Sur...Pee...Nee...Ku?
by Kinky Reggae on
Aug 15, 2008 7:58 AM CDT
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oh, I'm sure
he was trying to brush Francouer back. “ownership” of the plate is always a contest between batters and pitchers. But Lilly was having control issues — especially to the inside on right-handed batters — all night.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on
Aug 15, 2008 8:30 AM CDT
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Hunting season over....
…classic. Jay and Silent Bob “Its Hunting Season”
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
by Hammer on
Aug 15, 2008 6:01 PM CDT
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LOUD NOISES
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 10:19 PM CDT 0 recs
lol
nice Anchorman reference
"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion
by DTJchris on
Aug 14, 2008 10:39 PM CDT
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TY chris
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 10:44 PM CDT
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This is a stupid diary
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 10:26 PM CDT 0 recs
No it's not
And if you thought it was why’d you comment on it 6 times?
by TheRamZamDLEE on
Aug 15, 2008 1:56 AM CDT
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Argh!! Shiver me timbers!
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on
Aug 15, 2008 9:02 AM CDT
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In Game 4 of the 2003 NLDS
Robert Fick laid down a bunt and then attempted to exact his own revenge for Gary Sheffield’s broken hand by practically hper-extending Eric Karros’ arm at first base. Bobby Cox fined him, and after the Cubs won the series, the Braves released him. They may have players who occasionally do stupid things, but the Braves organization has always been classy in my book.
"Why does that man drop his club before he runs? I would bring it with me." ~Stewie Griffin
by Goodie1969 on Aug 14, 2008 10:27 PM CDT 0 recs
Right.
Cuz throwing at our $136,000,000 man is the definition of class. And breaking a guy’s hand @ second base also is classy. Right.
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 10:29 PM CDT
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Do you think the pitcher was under orders to do so?
Or was he seizing his own opportunity?
"Why does that man drop his club before he runs? I would bring it with me." ~Stewie Griffin
by Goodie1969 on
Aug 14, 2008 10:32 PM CDT
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Cox is old school.
And a bit over the hill. I think Cox ordered it, but that’s my own opinion, we will never know.
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 10:33 PM CDT
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Cox was already ejected at that point.
So really – i am not sure that Cox ordered is correct.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on
Aug 15, 2008 7:44 AM CDT
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Those guys manage
From the tunnel to the clubhouse all the time. Don’t know if Cox did that, but an ejection does not automatically equal no influence on the game.
And regardless, if one of his coaches ordered it, it’s a reflection on Cox.
Pluto will always be a planet to me!
by DaBard on
Aug 15, 2008 7:46 AM CDT
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Don't you think his bench coaches
know what he would want done? I suppose he didn’t technically do so but I am fairly certain that whoever di, knows what he would want done.
Kwa...Ki...Sur...Pee...Nee...Ku?
by Kinky Reggae on
Aug 15, 2008 8:01 AM CDT
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Absolutely
Cox DEFINITELY ordered that doen. And why not? The kid was leaving soon anyway. Cox is washed up.
Kwa...Ki...Sur...Pee...Nee...Ku?
by Kinky Reggae on
Aug 15, 2008 8:00 AM CDT
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A Triple-A guy
Usually doesn’t make an executive decision like that. It’s possible, though.
Pluto will always be a planet to me!
by DaBard on
Aug 14, 2008 10:35 PM CDT
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Yeah, the fact that he went 0-11 in the playoffs
Didn’t have anything to do with it.
Pluto will always be a planet to me!
by DaBard on
Aug 14, 2008 10:30 PM CDT
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by the way
it was really nice to see you in the game thread, cheering our team on to victory and a season sweep.
What’s that, you say?
You weren’t there?
I see.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 14, 2008 10:32 PM CDT 0 recs
LOL
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 10:33 PM CDT
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Yup...it's called a life
Dinner plans. Flipping back and forth, walking the dogs. You just don’t matter that much to me, drew.
Pluto will always be a planet to me!
by DaBard on
Aug 14, 2008 10:35 PM CDT
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By the way...
My fiancee and I are going to dinner tonight with her brother and his wife. We might go to a bar afterwards, or head back to their house. We also have a houseguest coming in later.
My guess is, I will just be able to see the score and the highlights. I know I won’t be here tonight. Just wanted to let you know in case you got lonely.
Pluto will always be a planet to me!
by DaBard on
Aug 15, 2008 7:46 AM CDT
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So wait a minute...
if somebody isn’t on the game thread that means they’re not cheering on the Cubs?!!! Like our entire lives as Cubs fans revolve around an online game thread?!!
I mean, I enjoy this site as much as anybody but let’s get a little perspective here-it’s just a website.
by bluekoolaide on
Aug 15, 2008 8:36 AM CDT
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Apparently...
You can’t watch the Olympics, eat dinner with your fiancee, walk the dogs, clean the bathroom for the houseguest coming and check on the score from time to time and still be a fan.
You have to be here, posting.
Pluto will always be a planet to me!
by DaBard on
Aug 15, 2008 8:37 AM CDT
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no.
I’m one of the most prolific posters on this site since I joined over a year ago, and I miss game threads from time to time.
But there is a group of people on this board who consistently talk about what the cubs are doing wrong, and how baseball has to change, and how they know better than anyone else what needs to be done —
and then they NEVER show up in the game threads when we’re winning.
There’s a word for that.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on
Aug 15, 2008 8:49 AM CDT
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Supercallifragilisticexpillidocious?
Is that the word?
I rarely post on game threads period. Winning or losing. I’d rather watch the game, or the highlights, and then comment later.
Or perhaps sesquipedallian is the word you’re looking for.
Pluto will always be a planet to me!
by DaBard on
Aug 15, 2008 8:52 AM CDT
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well, you spelled it wrong
and I don’t know what you think you’re compensating for.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on
Aug 15, 2008 9:53 AM CDT
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it's not me that doesn't mean much to you.
but hey, halfheartedly root for whatever team you want to get suspensions and fines…
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on
Aug 15, 2008 8:31 AM CDT
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And you enthusiastically root for...
Whichever team you want to get its lunch money taken away.
Pluto will always be a planet to me!
by DaBard on
Aug 15, 2008 8:35 AM CDT
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who took away the Cubs lunch money?
They too three games from the Braves with a 29-6 RUN DIFFERENTIAL!
Boy. They sure are pussies.
It must be so interesting in DeBard-World…
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on
Aug 15, 2008 8:51 AM CDT
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I think that the pitch was intentional
Escobar seemed to know that it was coming before the ball was even released. I’m not sure exactly what transpired that he would have known that it was going to happen that at-bat. I think it’s highly unlikely that Lilly puts a fastball in his ribs in that spot, with Escobar backing away before the pitch is thrown, and it be accidental.
By the way, did anyone notice Lilly laughing afterwards? I seriously love the guy.
Throwing at batters is part of the game, and has been for a long, long time. It’s good hard-nosed baseball. I don’t know why so many people on BCB seem to have a problem with it (excluding, of course, pitches thrown up at the head. That’s not acceptable).
If a woman has to choose between catching a fly ball and saving an infant's life, she will choose to save the infant's life without even considering if there are men on base. ~Dave Barry
by mambochicken23 on Aug 14, 2008 11:17 PM CDT 0 recs
and atleast Lilly
wasn’t an idiot like bueno and go headhunting….all he did was send a message.
by cubsmania on
Aug 15, 2008 12:19 AM CDT
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Nailed!
Here’s my take: Lilly has him 0-2, the balk happens (the most obvious balk ever btw…cue the light bulb blinking in Lou’s head). Lilly misses up and inside the count is 1-2 on Norton, Lilly then proceeds to strike him out on a pitch outside and Geo wanted it down and in. 1st pitch to Escobar wham! He knew it was coming and didn’t even attempt to get out of the way.
Some people here want to act like it was no big deal and it was over… well apparently it wasn’t. Bueno was sent to the minors, Watson gave him 3 games and Lilly dotted Escobar’s elbow.
"Not so much fun when your the one gettin plunked is it? -Bob Brenly @ Yunel Escobar
by TheRamZamDLEE on
Aug 15, 2008 1:51 AM CDT
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Also, I think Lilly knew this was his last inning...
…it was the perfect time to do it. Up some big runs, a base open, 2 outs….
Nobody cares about your fantasy league team
by carmen_fanzone on
Aug 15, 2008 5:59 AM CDT
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Lilly handled it perfectly
He didn’t go headhunting. He gave the ump enough plausible deniability that he didn’t even get a warning, much less an ejection.
I think the ump knew perfectly well it was intentional and said, “Yeah, but it was a proportionate response. The Cubs had that one coming.”
It’s amazing, how many people really believed the Cubs should do nothing and that the entire team would break their legs in a brawl or something if the Cubs retaliated.
Pluto will always be a planet to me!
by DaBard on
Aug 15, 2008 6:38 AM CDT
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IMO
What makes Lilly a great teammate is that I don’t think he cared much about “plausible deniability”. He does what he has to do to protect his players and whatever happens happens. Like last years 1st inning ejection. I really like Lilly a lot. He is a teammate many of us would like to have.
Kwa...Ki...Sur...Pee...Nee...Ku?
by Kinky Reggae on
Aug 15, 2008 8:03 AM CDT
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No, I think that Lilly's response was appropriate
I just think you go too far with your “man up” talk at times. I’d bet that 99% of HBP’s are unintentional — but you’re part of the crowd that boos at every inside pitch.
Your patron saint is probably Reggie Sanders, who charged the mound after being hit by Pedro Martinez in the eighth inning, of what was then a PERFECT GAME at the time.
by Shanghai Badger on
Aug 15, 2008 9:53 AM CDT
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Not at all...
Of course most HBP’s are unintentional. But Bueno’s attempt was not.
It demanded a proportionate response.
I constantly said that the retaliation should be below the shoulders.
Pluto will always be a planet to me!
by DaBard on
Aug 15, 2008 10:07 AM CDT
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All I heard yesterday Shanghai
Was that the Cubs shouldn’t retaliate because there would be suspensions and ejections and possible injuries in the brawl and maybe the cow would set fire to the city again.
So, yeah, I admit it. I’m gloating a bit.
Pluto will always be a planet to me!
by DaBard on
Aug 15, 2008 10:12 AM CDT
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I don't know why
since they didn’t retaliate. Lilly says it wasn’t purposeful. Why do you decide to think the man who threw the ball is lying?
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on
Aug 15, 2008 10:42 AM CDT
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Keep keeping on
I’d wager Lilly tells his kids there’s a Santa Claus too. Doesn’t make it true.
You’re the ONLY person who believes this, by the way.
Pluto will always be a planet to me!
by DaBard on
Aug 15, 2008 10:50 AM CDT
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wrong
Good luck Shawn Johnson, Lolo Jones and Doug Schwab. Bring home the gold!!!
by sue369 on
Aug 15, 2008 11:03 AM CDT
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What, you think so too?
Amazing…the two people who most disagreed with me that such a pitch should be thrown now say such a pitch wasn’t thrown.
Stunning. What a surprise. Shocking in its originality.
Pluto will always be a planet to me!
by DaBard on
Aug 15, 2008 11:14 AM CDT
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Check the main page
Al agrees with me too.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on
Aug 15, 2008 11:24 AM CDT
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Someone please
get this prolific poster a cookie stat. He’s clearly a better fan than anyone who dares to think Ted Lilly would throw at somebody.
Jeez it’s a good thing some people don’t take their personal proclamations too seriously.
by TheRamZamDLEE on
Aug 15, 2008 1:36 PM CDT
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I don't need a cookie stat.
I’m simply refuting the assumption that just because Ted Lilly hit a guy, everyone thinks he did it on purpose.
Plenty of people don’t think that. And Lilly said he didn’t.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on
Aug 15, 2008 1:39 PM CDT
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Have you ever heard a pitcher admit to throwing at someone?
Especially right after a game? Brenly thought it was intentional, beat writers did too. I’ll take their words for it.
by TheRamZamDLEE on
Aug 15, 2008 1:47 PM CDT
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take whatever word you want.
I’m taking the word of the guy WHO ACTUALLY THREW THE BALL.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on
Aug 15, 2008 2:04 PM CDT
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Yes...
Without acknowledging at all that the guy who threw the ball has an ulterior motive for saying what he is saying.
I hope he keeps saying it. I don’t want him suspended. But I also don’t believe him.
But as I said, at the end of the day, all that matters is that the Braves and the 28 other teams out there believe it was intentional.
Pluto will always be a planet to me!
by DaBard on
Aug 15, 2008 2:14 PM CDT
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rolls eyes
not only do you have a sekrit mind-reading power for Ted Lilly, you do for EVERY OTHER BALL PLAYER.
I’ve just finally realized that I’m fooling myself. There’s no way to reason with you. So, I’m done on this topic.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on
Aug 15, 2008 2:17 PM CDT
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Hey now
Its not about being pius, or thinking one is a better fan, its about taking what Lilly said at face value. He said it wasn’t intentional, whats wrong with believing the guy?
by StevenABQ on
Aug 15, 2008 1:45 PM CDT
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Because if he says it was intentional he has other issues to deal with?
by Arbusto on
Aug 15, 2008 12:26 PM CDT
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Am I really that annoying?
That people would twist themselves into such ludicrous statements just so they can disagree with me??? It is fascinating to watch.
Pluto will always be a planet to me!
by DaBard on
Aug 15, 2008 12:45 PM CDT
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Wow... that's cool!
It’s like I’m a Jedi, with the power to control weak minds! All I have to do is suggest the opposite of what I want them to do and then they are my puppets!
Pluto will always be a planet to me!
by DaBard on
Aug 15, 2008 1:24 PM CDT
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C'mon
What along with your Jedi mind control, you also have the ability to discern a persons intentions? The argument works both ways — you say intentional, Lilly says unintentional. I’m going with Lilly on this one, its not as though he has never backed a batter off the plate.
by StevenABQ on
Aug 15, 2008 1:30 PM CDT
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These aren't the droids you are looking for!
Move along!
Pluto will always be a planet to me!
by DaBard on
Aug 15, 2008 1:34 PM CDT
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Ha!
BTW, where is everyone? My lunch hour is burning off.
by StevenABQ on
Aug 15, 2008 1:38 PM CDT
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I guess we can all take pride in different things
If you think “being so morally and intellectually repugnant as to make people want to take the opposite side of a debate rather than risk being associat