Witness To History: Cubs 11, Braves 7
by Al Yellon on Aug 15, 2008 8:39 AM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
Email
PrintWith every win -- including last night's 11-7 win over the Braves -- this year's Cubs make their mark on the record books and on team history. Among things accomplished last night were the following:
- The Cubs swept the season series from the Braves for the first time in the 133-year history of the rivalry. Now, this doesn't mean as much as it would have back in the 1940's when teams played each other 22 times (incidentally, in 1945 they came close, going 21-1 vs. the Reds), but nevertheless, a sweep is a sweep.
- The Cubs have won eight straight road games for the first time since 1945, when they had a 12-game road win streak. And this in a season where, up to now, they have struggled on the road.
- Aramis Ramirez hit his 20th HR; that gives him five straight seasons with at least 20 HR and 30 doubles, the first Cub to do so since Hack Wilson (1926-30). Yes, that's right, Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, Ron Santo and Sammy Sosa never accomplished this feat.
- And, the Cubs won despite having an opposing player -- Mark Kotsay -- hit for the cycle. It was the first cycle against the Cubs since Willie McGee on June 23, 1984. The Cubs won that game too -- it was the famed "Sandberg Game".
Meanwhile, the Cubs hit early and often, taking a 2-0 lead in the first inning on a Reed Johnson single and then a bases-loaded walk; the Cubs waited out Tom Glavine, who was on a pitch count. In all, the Cubs drew eight bases on balls last night and had 14 hits, with six different Cubs having at least two hits, including Kosuke Fukudome, who went 4-for-10 in the last two games in Atlanta and maybe, just maybe, that's the first sign of him coming out of his slump. Glavine, returning from the DL to what he called an "audition" for next year, may be on his way to retirement. The Cubs, however, were just on their way to scoring seemingly at will, and they needed to, because the Braves kept clawing within range, mainly thanks to Kotsay.
And also thanks -- or no thanks -- to Bob Howry, who, just as he did on July 23 in Arizona, came in with a seven-run lead and turned it into a four-run lead, this time by serving up a three-run homer to Jeff Francoeur. It's pretty pointless to yell "DFA Howry!" on August 15 -- the rosters expand in a couple of weeks and the Cubs will presumably have some bullpen reinforcements, but I hope Lou won't let Howry near any key late-inning situation. It also seems likely that Howry may be left off any postseason rosters.
Meanwhile, Ramirez, who also singled and scored, hurt his hip when executing a slick-looking diving slide into the plate in the fifth inning on a Geovany Soto double -- the ball falling in between Kotsay and Francoeur after Kotsay lost the ball, apparently in the lights, or in the dusky sky, or both. A-Ram lay on the ground in apparent pain for some time, then left the field under his own power. The injury doesn't appear to be serious and he may be available today. Kerry Wood, however, may not, after throwing 25 pitches in a non-save situation. Carlos Marmol, who didn't pitch at all in Wednesday's doubleheader and who threw only 11 pitches (10 strikes) last night, could close if Wood can't.
HYPERBOLE ALERT!
Ted Lilly, who threw a decent but not great game last night, hit Yunel Escobar in the upper arm with a pitch in the sixth inning. Lilly says it wasn't intentional. The Braves say it was. It had better be the last time.
Ryan Theriot got picked off for the second day in a row. It had better be the last time.
END HYPERBOLE ALERT!
Onward to Florida. That place makes me nervous.
402 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
This series reminded me of the Brewers Series...
Very confident team that buried it’s opponent.
"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
first!
Linus: Life is rarely all one way, Charlie Brown. You win some, you lose some. Charlie Brown: Really? Gee, that'd be neat.
Almost...Sorry :)
"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
That's kind of weird
when I posted, yours hadn’t appeared yet. When I viewed the diary about Dominic and came back, it had moved down. Oh, well :)
Linus: Life is rarely all one way, Charlie Brown. You win some, you lose some. Charlie Brown: Really? Gee, that'd be neat.
by CyberCyclist on Aug 15, 2008 8:49 AM CDT up reply actions
The Mystery of time stamping....
"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey
by TheRiot Police on Aug 15, 2008 8:50 AM CDT up reply actions
Hyperbole alert
Al used hyperbole in is post. It had better be the last time.
Linus: Life is rarely all one way, Charlie Brown. You win some, you lose some. Charlie Brown: Really? Gee, that'd be neat.
by CyberCyclist on Aug 15, 2008 8:42 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
in *HIS* post
Linus: Life is rarely all one way, Charlie Brown. You win some, you lose some. Charlie Brown: Really? Gee, that'd be neat.
by CyberCyclist on Aug 15, 2008 8:42 AM CDT up reply actions
Good work
on momentarily raising the alert level, Al. Vigilance!
"We are not equations with hats." -Dean Young
I'm thinking SWL needs to make a HYPERBOLE ALERT graphic!
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
We also could use
hyperbole tags in addition to the desperately needed sarcasm tags.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 15, 2008 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions
Hyperbole Alert
currently at Orange? Please be vigilant and keep your belongings close to you at all times.
I told him a million times
not to use hyperbole!
"Years of academy training, wasted"--Buzz Lightyear (not a flying toy)
by spoiledcubbage on Aug 15, 2008 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions
It's nice to see
this team dominating on the road.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
They look very confident...
I liked the fact that when the Braves would plate a couple of runs the Cubs would turn it around a inning later and get them back. I’d like to see this swagger in October.
"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
Yeppers
Time to take it to the Fish.
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.
Amen
Time for a fish fry this weekend.
by TheRamZamDLEE on Aug 15, 2008 1:40 PM CDT up reply actions
Howry
For the first time in a long time, I wasn’t even angry at Howry. Maybe because the Cubs have been doing so well, almost everyone it seems, I was really hoping for Howry to pitch well also. So I was a bit sad for him when he left the mound. I thought to myself, if that was me, and I saw everyone having such a good game, a good series, and I just gave up a three run bomb in 0.1 inn, I would be very very disappointed in myself. I keep hoping it isn’t too late and he can turn things around but it just doesnt look like it’s going ot happen anymore.
Go ahead, Z me.
That is exactly how I felt too. Angry at first but
then kind of bummed for him. He’s unreliable…Mop up duty only IMO.
"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
That WAS mop up duty.
Coming in with a 7-run lead is usually safe. Guess not. Now they can only bring him in during blowout LOSSES — and we hope there aren’t too many of those.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
True...
If that wasn’t mop up, well I don’t know what is. Disappointing cause the guy isn’t this bad. Unless the game has passed him by.
"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
It's kind of tough to watch
when a guy is trying but he might not have it anymore. Especially a good guy like Howry.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 15, 2008 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions
Mop Up for sure
but still seemed to irritate Lou walking around, waving his arms and blurting stuff out to his coaches. Maybe he’s as much a mystery to them as he is to us. If he’s this bad though, why do you keep him on the roster? We already know what to expect from him so isn’t it wise to see someone else and what they have?
Go ahead, Z me.
Maybe they can invent an injury and get him to the DL.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
its 16 more games
till rosters expand. Lou was able to avoid using Eyre for 2 months, i think he could make it through 16 games if he really needed to…
we’re making a mountain out of a mole-hill here
by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 15, 2008 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions
Possibly so.
Howry doesn’t really throw in high-leverage situations any more, and after last night, I imagine he’ll do quite a bit of sitting.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
selective memory
this applies to both responses:
How about last Saturday when Howry was used in a tie game in the 11th and pitched a scoreless frame striking out 2, picking up the win?
How about August 2nd, when he pitched a scoreless 8th in a 5-1 lead against PIT
He’s being used in “less” high leverage situations than before because we’ve had less as a whole, and he’s certainly been moved down the bullpen ladder, but it’s not like he’s being avoided altogether, and when he has been put in there in high leverage situations of late, he’s thrown the ball OK (not great, but not terrible)
by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 15, 2008 9:17 AM CDT up reply actions
That tie game...
… well, who else was left at that point? Lou didn’t have many choices.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
only Marmol and Samardzija had been used...
n/t
by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 15, 2008 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions
I honestly don't remember
but hadn’t the pen been called upon relatively early the day before?
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 15, 2008 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions
yeah
for the off-day game against the Spiders!
by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 15, 2008 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions
well, see?
I mean, those Spiders were TOUGH! :D
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 15, 2008 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions
Not every game
is guaranteed to be a blow out as we’ve become accustomed to lately. There will be a tough game any day now, or a stretch of them, and that is when every man counts.
Go ahead, Z me.
Eyre pitched last night...
and threw a scorless inning. good for Scotty..
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
Even when Howry's ERA was bad
just a month back or so, Lou was calling him one of his top relievers. Lou believes in Howry. I’m guessing less so now, but that’s part of what’s going on here.
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.
Weird, isn't it?
Even when Eyre pitched well, he was still in Lou’s doghouse.
Doesn’t seem to matter how badly Howry pitches, he can’t get INTO the doghouse.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Lou likes Howry because
He throws fastballs for strikes. I have noticed that he loses favor with relievers who nibble (i.e. Wertz, Eyre).
Theriot, Fonty, and Johnson = The Scrappy Pyramid of Victory
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Aug 15, 2008 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions
I try to stay positive almost to a fault,
but at least for this year I think Howry is toast. I feel like even when he has a decent inning it’s because the other team is hitting rockets right at Cubs, or flying out to the track, always escaping trouble.
I just don’t get why Howry isn’t in Lou’s dog house and Eyre always seemed to be, I still really think at some point the Cubs are going to regret sending Eyre outta town.
It was ugly, but a win is a win. Hopefully Z shuts down the fish, if for nothing else so I don’t have to hear the Chicago media start to question Z down the stretch.
Lets do it Cubbies
It looked to me like he wasn't pitching horrible last night, but the Braves just hit the ball.
I mean remember the fact that the hit Lilly too, so its not like their bats were dead cold and he comes in and gives up 3 runs.
And on the 3 run hr the pitch was inside off the plate, you can’t blame Howry. I still believe he can pitch, but he is not the go to pitcher in the bullpen.
by cubsfaninatl on Aug 15, 2008 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions
On to Florida, and I already cannot wait to leave
I freakin hate playing the Marlins to being with. Its even worse when we have to play them in their “baseball park”.
If we get just one of these three games I will be ecstatic.
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
Marlins
There’s just something about playing the Marlins that is not exciting at all. I don’t like watching or listening to the games nearly as much.
by dr stabbingworth on Aug 15, 2008 9:00 AM CDT up reply actions
Prolly because for some reason when we play them
Our hitters forget how to hit, our pitchers forget how to pitch, and a bunch of former Kane County Cougars knock the crap out of us.
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
I don't like watching us play the Marlins
usually because they kill us – and we make stupid mistakes/pitches to their hitters. Playing the Marlins is a frustating game for me to watch usually. I blame it on that 2003 postseason and lingering bad memories of that game….
2003 NLCS
It was such a letdown when the Cubs had a chance to finish it down there in game 5 with Zambrano on the mound, only to fall victims to a 2-hit shutout by Beckett.
"Hey hey, kiss it goodbye! That one's in Milwaukee! Man oh man did he hit it. Isn't that something?" - Lou Boudreau, May 17, 1979
A certain manager kinda didn't care about that game
Thought foolishly like the rest of us that one of the two “horses” could finish the job at home.
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
So quickly we forget
that Z was not the Z we know today. He was a rook and had a back injury. The game that really hurt in that series (outside of game 6) was game 1. He was staked to a nice lead and could not hold it and we ending up being beat by a basket homerun in the 10th. His back issues lead him to leaving the ball up and thus rendering his sinker useless in that game…
It is foolish to judge Z’s performance in game 5…I believe 4 runs in that game…to the Z of today.
I felt at the time that game 1 would come back and haunt us and unfortantely…it did.
"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey
by TheRiot Police on Aug 15, 2008 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions
A Question For The Ages
Do you have Alfonseca pitch to Lenny Harris, or Guthrie pitch to Mike Lowell (which is what happened and resulted in the GW HR).
"Sometimes I feel like as a Cubs fan if I’m not worrying about something, I’m not doing it right." - HalfBlindCubbieGirl
Oh, I think we all knew the answer to that
Before we saw the end result.
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 15, 2008 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions
it's the empty stadium
and the lack of general caring from the local area.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 15, 2008 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions
Dolphins Stadium
or whatever the hell it’s called makes me nervous, too. I was there a few years ago. What a creepy place for a baseball game.
Agreed.
It’s the worst baseball stadium I’ve ever been in. Of course it’s not really a baseball park at all — it’s a football stadium with a baseball diamond carved out of it. Ugh.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
You are
The Fish are nowhere near a new stadium.
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
by Curtain Jerker on Aug 15, 2008 9:00 AM CDT up reply actions
not accurate at all
they’ve gotten it approved and have a site (the old Miami Orange Bowl), its being delayed because of a personal lawsuit with a high end auto-dealership guy Norman Braman down here.
The funding has been approved and a site has been laid out as has a timeframe (which is being delayed a bit by this last lawsuit)
they’re VERY close to having everything finalized
by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 15, 2008 9:05 AM CDT up reply actions
Which just further proves
Baseball does not belong in Florida
In addition,
they’re set to become the Miami Marlins with the move to the Orange Bowl.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 15, 2008 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions
Miami is stll trying for a new home. Tampa has approved a new stadium.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 15, 2008 9:01 AM CDT up reply actions
Don't know. They last I heard, they were
shooting for a retractable dome. That would allow them to have a natural field.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 15, 2008 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions
Here's a link to
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 15, 2008 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions
Sorry about that.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 15, 2008 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions
Good recovery.
You were thisclose to a fail stamp.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 15, 2008 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions
LOL
Not the dreaded fail stamp!!!
"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
Damned Microsoft keyboard!
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 15, 2008 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions
the new rays
ballpark is supposed to be modeled after a sailboat.. and it looks badass from what i’ve seen of the drawings… i’m excited to see the finished product.
by ThisIsResolute on Aug 15, 2008 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions
You can check it out
at http://www.on205th.com/2008/02/new-tampa-baseball-stadium-looks.html
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 15, 2008 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions
see below
they’re basically 1 step away
by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 15, 2008 9:06 AM CDT up reply actions
I've never been to Dolphin Stadium,
but the Metrodome in Minneapolis really is the worst stadium I could possibly imagine. It’s horrible.
Yeah, the Metrodome is pretty bad too.
But I think Dolphin Stadium is worse.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Have you been...
…keeping track of how many ballparks you’ve been to over the years, Al?
by Shawon O Meter on Aug 15, 2008 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions
Agree...
Not only is the field/stadium bad but the infrastructure around the stadium is horrible. No Cabs, Nothing in walking distance…it is a bad experience for the out of town fan who wants to have a good time and play it safe. I had to bribe a cabbie 20 dollars just to get him to stop…
"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey
by TheRiot Police on Aug 15, 2008 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions
Deflato-dome...
You think the infrastructure around that abomination is bad, try pulling cable before and after a game. It’s like the whole place was designed by a blind drunkard and built out of spare parts at night, without using lights.
The Twins are getting a new park, slated to open in 2010. That will leave the Vikings stuck in that monstrosity by themselves, as the Gophers stadium is also well under way – its construction is visible from the parking lot of one of my favorite local Chinese restaurants.
The Kingdome was a concrete mausoleum...
And they didn’t even bother to paint the concrete. An absolute morgue.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
Please dont leave out Tropicana Field....
..its MUCH worse than the Metrodome, by a long shot.
"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
Chavez Ravine
In LA is a pretty bad stadium. It’s poorly located and any stadium that you can’t serve beer in the bleachers because of violence issues is not for me.
"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
Beer came back...
in the bleachers (pavillions) last year (mentioned as available for purchase):
http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/la/ticketing/allyoucaneat_pavilion.jsp
Getting there is a pain, but once inside Dodger Stadium is a fine place to watch a game.
I’d put Minnesota as the worst and Oakland second worst over Florida.
Yeah
Haven’t been there in a few years. I’d make the trip when I lived in San Diego to watch the Cubs. Smart move by allowing beer, probably increased there beer sales ten fold.
"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 15, 2008 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions
Dodger Stadium is now iconic
What does poorly located mean to you? You could hold Wrigley to that same standard. And so what about beer? Hell, we’d be better off without alcohol in ANY stadium. (yeah, like THAT"S gonna happen.)
Dodger Stadium, thankfully will survive another 50 years unlike the junky parks built in the 70s, most of which are gone.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Aug 15, 2008 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions
Don't get me wrong here
Dodger stadium is nice as far as tradition is concerned, but thats about it.
Problems with Dodger Stadium:
The main halls that you walk to get food, etc., look like you’re walking through a sewer that’s under construction.
Parking is horrendous. After a game, you’ve got what seems like 5000 cars trying to leave one exit with fans running in between each car.
Unnecessary rules and restrictions: Once you get to your section, thats it, thats where your at for the rest of the game. Your ticket allows you into ONE specific section of the ballpark.
Now again, I haven’t been to Chavez Latrine in a while, but from my past encounters these have been my difficulties. The field itself looks very nice and is well taken care of (not to mention a nice backdrop of palm trees).
"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 15, 2008 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions
lou i think things may have changed since you left
i lived in LA last year and went to many Dodger games
one section of the bleachers is the all you can eat section, which is alcohol free/family section (right field), however in left field you can buy all the booze you want…..a lot like wrigley and their family section and how you can’t move from the bleachers to other parts of the stadium….however if you are sitting in the main part of the stadium, you are free to move anywhere else in the park
they revamped the parking situation last year and too me it isn’t any worse than any other sporting events
it’s very different than wrigley, but that makes it a good thing…..it’s very socal…..plus the views of downtown LA are amazing
now here are the things that were wrong with Dodger stadium….first and foremost is their fans….i have never felt so threatened at a game before, it was pretty scary…..i can remember one incident where a guy somehow brought a video camera into the stadium and was putting it in my face taunting me….i notified security, who didn’t do anything…..i notified LAPD, who didn’t do anything
the other big problem i had was the location….getting to downtown from the coast was terrible (blame the city, not the Dodgers)…..2 hours was usually what we’d give ourselves to get from LAX to Dodger Stadium
You can now
move from the bleachers to the main part of the Stadium at Wrigley….
"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey
by TheRiot Police on Aug 15, 2008 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions
no way? i've been to three games so far this year and didn't know that
can you move from the main part of the stadium to the bleachers?
Have to make another trip
I agree with you about the fans out there, unfortunately its located in the middle of downtown LA and the area is quite suspect (don’t be offended if anyone lives there). I’ve lived there myself for a few years and I’m not making any plans to go back.
Glad to hear they did something with the parking.
"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 15, 2008 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions
yah not sure how it was handled before
however i can remember that was one of thing i would always hear, how much better the parking was last season as opposed to previous years….
i can also remember a group of guys behind me telling me that wearing my cubs hat backwards was offensive to certain gangs and that i would be advised to turn it around or i’d have trouble with them outside of the stadium….i probably should have choked away my pride and listened to them, but i didn’t
LA
Yeah, I’m sure wearing a pink handkerchief on your left arm is offensive to some gang out there…..
"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 15, 2008 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Ah, come on.
Cowbells rule!
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 15, 2008 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions
Great Sweep
Kotsay: is it just me, or is this guy always killing us? I would have walked him after the triple and HR.
Howry: just like a magician (albeit a bad magician) 7 run lead? Presto chango – now you have a 4 run lead. Lou, this guy is killin’ us – he’s killin’ ME. I know you must have some faith in him turning it around, but he isn’t.
Escobar: Dude, you had to know it was coming. Don’t be stirring it up. Let it go. Take it like a man. As Bob B. said last night “it doesn’t feel so good to get plunked, does it?”
Florida Marlins: after the Cards took two of three, I’d love to think we can do the same. Frankly, I’d like to think we can sweep ’em, particularly after we took it to the Brewers in Milwaukee for 4 games. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, the Marlins are like kryptonite to the Cubs.
Escobar
I wondered if any guy has ever taken first base after being beaned, wait out the initial commotion, then attack the pitcher. I saw the look on his face and he seemed to be plotting something like that.
Go ahead, Z me.
well, not the same
but after Renteria got plunked last year by Lilly, he stole second and delivered a forearm shiver to Fontenot, who was covering the bag on the steal.
Seems to me I’ve seen a runner charge the mound after being plunked, but I couldn’t tell you who or when.
Kotsay is the new Blauser
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 15, 2008 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions
So.....
“Ted Lilly, who threw a decent but not great game last night, hit Yunel Escobar in the upper arm with a pitch in the sixth inning. Lilly says it wasn’t intentional. The Braves say it was. It had better be the last time.”
Soriano gets thrown at every time we play these guys. If I am wrong then tell me.
when asked about his performance against the Reds - Lieber said the following
"Well obviously I made some bad pitches today, left to many over the plate and they got good wood on the ball. The only good thing was that I was able to get back into the clubhouse earlier then I planned so I could eat."
He does, it all started with his three homer game against them
For whatever reason they felt like they needed to hit him after that, and now here we are.
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
Yep.
The Braves are a sinking franchise — I can see them being a 90+ loss team next year (if not this year). It must be frustrating after all those winning years. But that doesn’t give them the right to be headhunters.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
I remember that game
It wasn’t the three home runs, IMHO. It was the HR-related “pimping” he did, which was especially cadillacy on at least two of them IIRC
My next sig line quote will also be from Lou Piniella, and the first word will be either "Look", or "Listen", followed by a comma.
Al, re: "It had better be the last time"
Al, are you saying it had better be the last time that Lilly plunks a Brave?
Do you think he was justified hitting Escobar there or not?
by John Q Freejazz on Aug 15, 2008 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions
It was hyperbole!
However, I don’t think he was throwing intentionally. I believe Lilly when he said the pitch got away.
Maybe I’m wrong. But, I will also say that I think there’s little point in carrying on this Cubs/Braves feud.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Yeah
Though Francouer, if he’s even in the majors next year, will probably want it to continue based upon his comments.
I’m normally not a fan of beaning, but if Lilly did it intentionally, I think in this case it’s justified. He has to protect his star teammates, especially when the Braves have thrown at Soriano as much as they have this year and last.
And Lilly, again if intentional, did it the right way: late in his outing, with the Cubs up big, not near Escobar’s head.
by John Q Freejazz on Aug 15, 2008 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions
Here here to ending the war.
I mean, we won the national TV battle, didn’t we?
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 15, 2008 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions
I got the impression...
…that Lilly was throwing at him. Large enough lead, two outs, Ted was likely going to be PH for in the 7th.
I duno…if it WAS intentional, I think it’s pretty silly that the team feels it’s got to plunk someone to ‘stand up’ for a teammate that wasn’t actually hit by a pitch for showboating…
Love those unwritten rules >8)
by Shawon O Meter on Aug 15, 2008 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions
Of course he was trying to hit him. The
umpires understood the situation. It’s up to them to keep the situation from escalating. As long as no one is out there headhunting, the players should be able to police themselves.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 15, 2008 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions
i agree
he definitely was trying to hit him for the reasonings you listed, plus to protect sori AND lilly’s history with the braves…..all of these things are too closely related to be “an accident” imo
Yes...and for some reason they like to throw at his head and hands when doing it..
"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
Depends on which Marlins team we play!
I just watched the Marlins get three whole hits yesterday against Wellmeyer and the Cardinals bullpen. In fact all the Marlins did in a 4 game series against the Cardinals was ground into double plays. If I’m remebering right we couldn’t keep them in the park up at Wrigley a few weekends ago. Geez! Let’s up hope that we see the crappy team that just played the Cardinals, because I don’t want to believe that Wellmeyer has better ability to follow through with a game plan than guys on our staff.
by graceunderpressure on Aug 15, 2008 8:52 AM CDT reply actions
i would think there'll be less
homeruns for Florida – IIRC that ballpark is cavernous., meaning you gotta kill the ball to get it out.
Escobar was rattled
He wouldn’t stop looking at the Cubs dugout for the rest of the game.
He'll have plenty of time to watch the Cubs
On T.V. from his house in October.
by dr stabbingworth on Aug 15, 2008 9:05 AM CDT up reply actions
Escobar has had anger issues in the past.
He had serious problems at AA in 2006, so much so that the Braves did not trade any of their other young SSs even though he was “their guy”. A lot of guys had problems with Jeff Blauser, who is no longer managing for the Braves, but Escobar’s issues went beyond that — yelling at teammates and umpires, throwing equipment, etc.
After the 2006 season, the Braves had a “come to Jesus” sit-down with him. He was much improved by ST 2007, and ended up being called up in June. It also helped that fellow Cuban (and level-headed guy) Bryan Pena was at AAA with him.
He has had a few flare-ups this year, but has been much better. I don’t think that the rest of the Braves think he was thrown at (Lilly would have drilled him in the ribs in that case), but they are standing up for him publicly. Privately, methinks Bobby Cox will have a chat with him.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
i'm not sure where there's more bias from Al
for Marquis
or against Howry?
Howry was bad last night granted and he’s been bad for much of the season but most teams have a guy like this in their bullpen. Heck even good teams have a guy like this in their bullpen, if he’s not used in high leverage situations its really not a big deal at all.
While Howry’s struggled all year his “indicators” have suggested a ton of bad luck. Of course watching the games it doesn’t “feel” like bad luck because a lot of balls are being hit hard. I do agree he’s in decline and he shouldn’t be a part of the team next year and shouldn’t be a part of highly leveraged situations this year but it seems like every time he has a poor outing we get a paragraph on how terrible Bob Howry is. He had actually been pretty good the last few outings and in those cases it gets glossed over.
Same thing happens with Marquis. Any time Marquis goes 5 innings and allows 10 base-runners but just 4 runs he gets credited for “keeping us in the game”.
by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 15, 2008 8:54 AM CDT reply actions
Can you be more specific about those indicators?
Because that three-run homer last night didn’t seem like “bad luck”.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Sure
Strand Rate (or LOB) = 68
Howry’s 3 year average = 75%
Major league average for a reliever = 74%
Singles Average = .322
last 3 years: .286, .284, .216
MLB Average: .288
HR/FB Rate = 14.1%
Last 3 years: 6.4, 9.1, 8.0%
MLB Average = 12-13%
by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 15, 2008 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions
Jesus, I know Howry's been bad, but that BABIP is extremely unlucky.
Can’t really excuse the HR rate, though
The HR/FB rate number...
… is really disturbing. That means hitters are hitting his pitches for fly balls FARTHER than they did last year. That would imply either a drop in velocity, or pitches being flatter, or both.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
not necessarily
an avg distance on HR’s allowed would you tell that information
what the HR/FB Rate just tells us is that more of his fly balls are leaving the yard than ever before. In some cases this is a result of declining skill (i.e. as you indicated a pitchers is allowing more balls to travel farther), however in other instances its a result of bad luck (.i.e. more balls just clearing the fence instead of warning track outs, or more fly balls clearing the fence because of them coming in different parks where the dimensions are different). The only way to truly know is looking at the HitTracker Data, which I haven’t looked at for Howry
I’d imagine it’s a combination of both, as Howry IS clearly in decline, but I don’t imagine a doubling of his HR Rate is ALL decline and no luck
by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 15, 2008 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions
seems to me
howry had a few games there earlier where he got squeezed pretty heavy on the outside corner(his bread and butter style). he came in and got pounded and it has spiraled from there. Yes he’s lost a step or 2 but IMO its mostly a mental thing.
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."
Feels like bad pitching
the fastball down the heart of the plate kind of bad pitching!
by graceunderpressure on Aug 15, 2008 8:56 AM CDT up reply actions
Most good baseball people will
tell you that when a guy like Howry starts to lose it, location is the first indicator. Check out how many time Geo is set up on the outside corner and Howry pitches the ball over the plate. Howry’s pitches have never had a lot of movement, so location is key for him. If he is wild in the strike zone he will get killed. I think we are seeing the results.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 15, 2008 9:06 AM CDT up reply actions
Expectations
The reason I’m disappointed in players like Howry and Marquis is because they both are not living up to their expectations. “Heck even good teams have a guy like this in their bullpen”, Howry isn’t suppose to be that guy, he isn’t paid that way.
Also, with Marquis I said it yesterday, if he was paid like a number 5 starter then I wouldn’t give him such a hard time. Live up to how your compensated.
Lets do it Cubbies
i don't disagree with you
and i feel similarly, i’m just suggesting i don’t feel they’re covered the same way on this site by Al.
It’s also not these guys fault that they’re getting paid this way. I mean if someone came up to you and offered you 3 times what you deserve would you turn it down?
It’s not the individual players faults for getting compensated this way
by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 15, 2008 9:07 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Correct.
And comparing the way I discuss Marquis and Howry really isn’t fair. They are not asked to do the same thing. Howry is a setup man (or is supposed to be). He’s not supposed to be taking blowouts and making them close. Thus when he does so I think he deserves criticism.
Marquis is a fifth starter. He has been an inning eater his entire career. His job, essentially, is to do exactly what he’s been doing — throw six innings and keep his team in the game. He’s been doing that and I have been saying so. If, in his next start, he fails at that, I won’t hesitate to say so.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
i don't disagree
i just think you are more likely to talk about Howry whenever something goes wrong and also more likely to spin Marquis’ starts in the best way possible
i think its a natural bias you have in covering the two players
for example the game against the Cards last week in which Howry earned the win pitching a great 11th inning, he gets this: “Even Bob Howry threw well today”
6 words out of hundreds
Marquis on the other hand gets this after allowing 12 base-runners and 6 ER’s in a game against the Marlins:
“The game began to turn when Alfonso Soriano tied it with a three-run homer in the fourth. And even though Jason Marquis coughed it right back with a HR allowed to Dan Uggla — the eighth hit in the series by the Marlins — give credit to Marquis for eating up innings again. He managed to finish six innings on a warm, though not too humid, afternoon, saving most of the bullpen”
the two are covered completely differently Al
by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 15, 2008 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions
Let's see now.
You pulled a whole paragraph supposedly about Marquis when I really talked about him in only half of it.
Frankly, Marquis has done his job better than Howry has. They are different jobs.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
its less about the number of words
and more about the way things are described.
If you can’t see how there’s an inherent bias in the two different posts I don’t know what else to say.
In one post a guy gives up 6 runs in 6 innings and is rewarded, suggesting he did his job. When the only reason he could even be considered for “doing his job” is that the offense scored enough runs to cover up for a crappy performance
in another post a guy does do his job perfectly and its practically glossed over
by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 15, 2008 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions
and for the record
i don’t disagree with the notion Marquis has done a better job of doing “his job” than Howry has done his (for this year that is)
for their contracts Howry’s done a better job of doing his job, but that’s besides the point
I still feel you cover Marquis with kid gloves much more so than any other Cub player, and Howry is on the opposite end of the spectrum
by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 15, 2008 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions
Maybe it's because of the nature of their jobs.
Howry has blown a number of leads and has, in the last month, made two blowouts close.
Marquis has kept his team in the game virtually every time out. If he pitched as poorly as Howry had, I’d have said so.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
that's where i disagree
Marquis did pitch much worse than Howry has in the past and because the Cubs offense has covered it up, he’s getting credit for keeping the team in the game
technically didn’t Howry keep the Cubs in the game last night by those same standards? He was awful, did his job terribly, it just so happens the Cubs had a huge lead and were still “in the game”
by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 15, 2008 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't think that counts as "keeping the Cubs in the game".
In fact, it made Lou go to Marmol and Wood, when otherwise maybe one of those wouldn’t have had to throw last night.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
right and had Marquis
not allowed 6 runs in 6 innings, we may not have had to use our best guys either….
by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 15, 2008 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions
Marquis and Al's alleged kid gloves
If that’s indeed the case, I think it’s because Marquis gets so much flak from so many of us here — Al can point out that he in fact isn’t pitching terribly.
In the past, we’ve been in Howry’s corner since he’s pitched well. But not this year. Al’s just calling him out on it.
by John Q Freejazz on Aug 15, 2008 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions
regardless of the reason
personal bias
favoritism
raging against the mass “hatred” for a player to focus on the good
i’m just trying to point out an observation i’ve noticed in Marquis’ two seasons here that he gets far more rope than anyone else from Al
by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 15, 2008 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions
I think Dartmouth and Al have valid points.....I enjoy seeing both sides
I tend to think that part of my the reason I am ok w/ Marquis more than Howry is b/c I expect Marquis as a 5th starter to be just that. Sadly contract or not……I dont expect much more than he’s been given.
Howry on the otherhand I was a good pitcher, who seems hit and miss. In his job of reliever that is something that worries me.
But I do enjoy seeing the other side so that I can weight that.
"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 15, 2008 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions
Howry not me....
I’ve never been a ball player… much less pitcher.
"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 15, 2008 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions
For what it's worth
I’m not expecting or even wanting unbiased reporting of the games on this site. Since I don’t live in Chicago, this site is the closest thing I get to sitting in the stands talking to the families around you about how they see the Cubs. All I want is openness to disagreement and from Al I definitely get that.
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.
+1
Besides, there’s hardly such a thing as “unbiased” reporting. At least Al has his biases and he’s honest and up front about them. I don’t have to agree with everything Al says, but that’s the whole point. I’m not supposed to. He’s certainly not expecting me to agree all the time, and that’s what’s great about this place. That’s why I’m here every day, whether I’m posting or not. I’m always enjoying the chatter.
"We are not equations with hats." -Dean Young
plus I dont comment often when I think people are wrong
But I do like how it makes me think thro my opinion.
"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 15, 2008 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions
that's a really fair point
and i don’t mean to be overly critical of Al
I think Al knows this and if he doesn’t I’ll make it clear that I think he runs an INCREDIBLE site and one i couldn’t be more thankful for, since I too am an out-of-town Cubs fan as well.
Al doesn’t need to run this site in an unbiased way and I’m not suggesting he should, I was just trying to point out what I found to be a bias in the covering of two players. Whether that bias (if a bias was indeed found) needed to be changed, certainly is not my decision
by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 15, 2008 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions
I kinda thought that was how you felt about it.
I just wanted to throw my $.02 in. I enjoy good back and forth about our team and that’s part of why I’m here.
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.
I do appreciate your point of view...
… and especially the way you present it in a reasoned manner, which makes it easy to have a reasonable discussion about it.
I see your point, although I don’t think I show bias. What I think I have been pointing out is that one pitcher is doing his job (whether that seems GOOD to you is a matter of personal judgment) and that another pitcher hasn’t.
Thanks for making me aware of this possibility; I do try to be evenhanded and will continue to be.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
to me
his body language shows he dont give a rats tail. that makes me madder than anything. in his mind no matter what he’s a starter and would not accept a bullpen assignment to better his team.
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."
How it is covered here is a separate issue,
you and Al hash that one out. For me personally it is difficult to be biased on a player like Marquis, he is overpaid and he complains, at least Howry stays quiet.
I knew someone would ask me if I was offered an absurd amount of money, what would I do? I’ll be honest, it would be very hard for me internally to get paid 3X what I deserve, especially if that was public, if I’m not earning what I make. I actually just got a raise (yahoo, hope that doesn’t sound like bragging) last week and when I met with my boss I told him, I’m not looking to negotiate because I’m asking for what I’m worth. He agreed and gave me the raise I asked for.
I agree it isn’t the player’s fault they are overpaid, I place the blame on the GM’s across the league. It seems for the most part that the price tag for pitchers has levels out a bit. I think I’ve kind of gotten off topic of your original idea behind your post, but good discussion either way.
Lets do it Cubbies
anyone else notice when someone says
hope that doesnt sound like bragging………….. it always does.
"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 15, 2008 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions
Not to be bragging...
…but I can throw 188 MPH
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 15, 2008 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions
I won't deny I'm bragging when I say
I can hit that pitch.
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.
sorry for the snarkiness
but the fact that you had a job offer from yahoo but didnt want to be bragging…. if you didnt want to brag… then why bring up the company.
but if I got an offer from them…. I’d be proud enough of that achievement that I would want to share it
so its all good. no worries
"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 15, 2008 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions
no no no
I work for a family insurance agency and probably will forever, were talking big time. the yahoo was happiness, didn’t even think it could be taken that way, i see now.
Good talk.
Lets do it Cubbies
I got the context
out of the parenthetical phrase
Marquis salary
that is not an expectation issue, that is an issue with paying him what the Cubs did. If anyone thought Marquis was anything more that a solid 4 or 5 guy (which he is a solid 4 or 5 guy) then I don’t know what to say. If Leo Mazzoni in Atlanta and Duncan in St. Louis couldn’t sort him out what expectations could one realistically have?
by graceunderpressure on Aug 15, 2008 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions
I call that Steinbrenner logic
“Live up to how you are compensated?”
That makes no sense. Marquis is what he is. He’s pitching as well as Hendry should have expected. It is Hendry’s issue not Marquis’ that he is paid like that. Was Marquis supposed to turn down the contract because he didn’t think he deserved it?
Back in Steinbrenner’s early days, he would sign marginal players like Andy Hawkins to hefty contracts and then yell at them for not living up to the contract. It doesn’t work that way. If the player is a marginal player, giving him a lucative contract isn’t going to suddenly make him a better player.
The Cubs can afford Marquis’ contract as a 5th starter and as a 5th starter he has been very solid and durable.
Compensation has nothing to do with your level of play
…It’s what the market thinks you are worth. Period.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Aug 15, 2008 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions
And it's...
…what the market thinks you’re worth when you signed the contract.
by Shawon O Meter on Aug 15, 2008 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions
Marquis has been pretty solid.
his W-L doesn’t reflect it, but until his last win, he was in a stretch of 6 weeks or so of piss poor run support. He should have had at least 3 or more wins. This goes back to the debate on whether a starter’s W-L record is a true reflection of his ability.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
mostly based on his unreasonable contract.
I think his performance has been more than palatable as a fifth starter when taken into that context alone.
I think the fact that he is paid like a #3 or 4 starter fosters those additional expectations. And I think he’s drawn further ire based on the fact that we’ve had others on a roster while he has been here (Gallagher, Marshall, etc…) who many suspect could be descent starting options and who make 1/20 what Marquis makes.
And with the 5th starter being the worst on the staff, they’re kind of a focal point when it comes to discussing improvement in starting pitching.
"...the internet is not something you just dump something on. It's not a truck. It's a series of tubes." - Sen. Ted Stevens
+1
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 15, 2008 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions
"pretty good the last few outings..."
If you mean the last 2 outings, sure. But over his last 11 IP, he’s given up 12 earned runs with 5 gopher balls.
Nobody cares about your fantasy league team
by carmen_fanzone on Aug 15, 2008 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions
5 homers in 11 IP
We’re talking Glendon Rusch territory here
"Hey hey, kiss it goodbye! That one's in Milwaukee! Man oh man did he hit it. Isn't that something?" - Lou Boudreau, May 17, 1979
a starting pitcher can give up a 3 run home run
and get a “Quality start”. He’s pitching 5-7 innings and gives his offense a chance to come back.
When reliever comes in for one inning and gives up a three run home run, it’s usually late in the game, and there are limited opportunities to rebound.
Which is why, I suppose, I’m ok with Howry coming into game situations where he could walk the bases loaded and give up a HR and the Cubs are STILL winning, but no other circumstances.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 15, 2008 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions
Dempster talked about this...
…How he’s more comfortable starting than relieving. That if he has a bad inning a a reliever (See Mets; 2007) he blows the game and its an L. On the other hand, he know that if he has an inning as a starter where he doesn’t have a good feel for his stuff, that he can walk a couple of guys, give up a hit or two, and maybe a couple of runs and still be okay.
We’ve seen him do it this year, where he’ll have a “off-inning” where he walks a few guys and gives up some runs, but if he pitches 5 or 6 otherwise scoreless innings, its not a big deal.
My point being, the expectations are different. A reliever is judged over ~ one inning and ideally 3-5 batters, as a starter you’re judged on 5-7 innings and quite a few more ABs. Marquis can give up 3-5 runs and give his team a good chance to win. If Howry is giving up several runs, he’s hurting the Cubs chance to win to a higher degree.
"...the internet is not something you just dump something on. It's not a truck. It's a series of tubes." - Sen. Ted Stevens
IMO a reliever
is considered a specialist. You don’t go to your optometrist and judge him based on how he cleans your teeth. If his job is to go out and get 1 batter, then he should be able to do that most of the time. A starting pitcher, even a 5th starter such as Marquis, is allowed to give up more hits and walks and even runs and still be considered as having done his job so long as he pitches long enough and keeps his team in the game.
Go ahead, Z me.
Seriously, Hope to Duplicate '03 Performance
The Cubs took two of the three games in the ’03 NLCS at Dolphins Stadium or whatever it was called back then. I would be happy if the Cubs took two of three in this series.
"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray
i'll be at all 3 games
with my father
disappointing we’re missing out on Harden on Sunday, but absolutely the right decision to go with Marshall on Sunday.
I haven’t left this stadium feeling good in a long time, so i’m hoping that changes with Big Z on the mound tonight!
by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 15, 2008 8:59 AM CDT reply actions
Marshall is going Saturday. They pushed Dempster to Sunday
He has some personal issue to take care of in Chicago. Hope it’s not something that is going to take his mind away from the game.
"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
ahh good info
So i’ll see Sean on Saturday and Demp on Sunday
was hoping for Z, Demp, Harden, but i’ll take getting to see 2 of 3!
Especially since I got to see Harden’s debut against SF anyway
by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 15, 2008 9:03 AM CDT up reply actions
He was originally scheduled for Sunday, not Saturday.
Nobody cares about your fantasy league team
by carmen_fanzone on Aug 15, 2008 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions
Demp has a personal matter and can't get back for his start on Saturday.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 15, 2008 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions
It's a great feeling...
turning on the game and KNOWING they will win. In my 31 years I have never been more confident in the Cubs. Now if they could just go on a tear and get in position to clinch when I take my son to his first game Sept 18th.
Just because I don't care doesn't mean I don't understand. - Homer J Simpson
Friday night fish fry, anyone?
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
Needs vinegar
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
I'm freaking hungry now
And it’s only 9:15 AM.
Thanks a lot.
yeah, me too
While it looks good, I’m thinking 915am is a mite too early for fried fish
I'll have to wait until tomorrow, when I head to the pub for the matches.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
Sorry guys!
I spent a few extra seconds making sure I had the most attractive plate of fish, just to whet the appetites of all my fellow BCBers.
Dan
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
Dan I liked the idea enough that I called one of my buddies
and asked if he had Friday night plans and if he’d want to do fish and baseball.
So Mark than thanks you for the suggestion LOL
"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 15, 2008 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions
+1 to you fellow Badger
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
Fish and chips it is, then.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 15, 2008 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions
I just caught myself staring at that food for a while,
needless to say it looks delicious.
Lets do it Cubbies
I havent went out for fish in a while
is what I am pondering over my breakfast cereal
"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 15, 2008 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions
Looks good..
Now, I’ll have to take some walleye out of the freezer.
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
Brewers are stuck with Jason Kendall for next year.
With his 100th start yesterday, his option for 2009 vested, at 4.25 Million. The guy is absolutely horrible, so I’m glad to see them having to suffer at the hands of the bad contract they gave him. His OPS+ right now is 71. Pathetic.
It doesn't help that Yost sends him out for nearly every single game
Thats a good way to burn out your catcher by August
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
Their backup isn't very good.
Mostly, what Mike Rivera does is catch ceremonial first pitches. He has caught only 13 games this year, starting 12 of them.
Comparison point: Henry Blanco has started 19 games and caught in 35 — meaning Lou has given Geovany Soto a break whenever he could.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Really Al?
Why would you say Rivera isn’t very good?
In the limited playing time he’s received, he’s put up an OPS+ of 131. In his limited playing time last year, he put up an OPS+ of 141. When he’s gotten time, he’s played extremely well. Many fans over on brewcrewball want Rivera to be the starter.
Point taken.
If that’s true, why won’t Yost play him more?
Oh wait. I think I’ve answered my own question.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
There's a reason the phrase "getting Yosted" has legs...
by sackings108 on Aug 15, 2008 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions
Yost is a players coach
and contractually the more Kendall plays the more Money he gets…I am thinking this could be a reason.
"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
And in 2003
he put up an OPS+ of 33…hmm…
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 15, 2008 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions
What's more relevant?
His 53 at bats from 2003, or this season, which is currently being played, during which he has been good?
by sackings108 on Aug 15, 2008 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions
Not good this year.
18 hits in 54 at bats? Also 9 K’s…OPS+ tends to be inflated the fewer at bats you have, because his ONE homerun (for instance) weighs so much more…Even throw a handful more homer-less at bats, and that OPS+ starts to shrink…Come on man…We talking about Mike RIVERA here. Practice man! We talkin about PRACTICE!
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 15, 2008 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
He's been better than Kendall, and I'm not sure why
you would claim that a line of .333/.400/.481 is not good. Perhaps you would prefer Jason Kendall’s line of .243/.326/.319?
by sackings108 on Aug 15, 2008 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions
Trust me
as someone who SUFFERED through Jason Kendall, I do not want him. Do not want…I can see your point though about Rivera, not trying to quibble here, I just don’t always see the merit of OPS+ in every situation…
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 15, 2008 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions
just for the record.
18-54 is right at .300 … just saying.
by ThisIsResolute on Aug 15, 2008 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions
I know, the basis of my argument
was not the statistics themselves, but the fact that I considered them insignificant because of the small sample used to obtain them…He does have good numbers this year though, I will say that…
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 15, 2008 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions
Hahahaha
that OPS+ of last year COULD NOT BE MORE IRRELEVANT since he only had 13 AB’s!!!!
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 15, 2008 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions
Obviously, which is why I said in limited playing time.
Al’s comment was that the Brewer backup was bad, and I was simply asking him why he thought that, while showing evidince that at least over the course of this year, he’s been fine. There’s a reason Brewer fans want Rivera, and it isn’t because he’s bad.
by sackings108 on Aug 15, 2008 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions
AND
you can’t claim that someone is good, or even “fine” based on 13 AB’s…I think it is kind of absurd to try and justify an argument with statistics from that small a sample size…If they only get 13 AB’s in a season, it’s probably because they are BAD.
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 15, 2008 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions
Okay, try this. Re-read my original post.
I said: In the limited playing time he’s received, he’s actually played very well. That was in reference to this season. Now, let’s break down my comment.
In the limited playing time he’s received- okay, we can start with that. He’s gotten 54 AB’s, so I’d consider that limited playing time.
He’s actually played very well-.333/.400/.481 with a 131 OPS+. That’s pretty good.
But, I guess you’re trying to say that Jason Kendall’s 71 OPS+ is somehow better. Okay, got it, makes sense. Please enlighten me further.
by sackings108 on Aug 15, 2008 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions
But you can have decent numbers in small doses
and still not be very good. Seriously man, we can argue about his numbers this year, but please don’t think that he is some unsung hero who is going to make or break the Brewers…If he were, then he would be playing more. Don’t try to use the numbers that can be considered “flukey” because they aren’t based on much, to claim that he is a good player.
Technical Balk for defending Rivera. Umps score 1.
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 15, 2008 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't think he's an unsung hero, and I don't think
he would make or break any team. I was responding to Al’s comment that Rivera has been bad, because he hasn’t. That’s it.
by sackings108 on Aug 15, 2008 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions
There is alot of
nitpickery around here lately….
And yes, I said nitpickery
"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 15, 2008 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions
Oh, the irony here is just delicious.
"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 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions
Well
we aren’t arguing how to properly phrase a threat…Actual statistics…
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 15, 2008 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions
LOL
"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 15, 2008 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions
School's out.
"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 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions
If you think that was the gist of my
argument yesterday, and not simply a footnote to it, then I can’t help you.
"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 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't know, too many footnotes...
…Didn’t want to read a thesis paper, just was looking for baseball chatter….
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 15, 2008 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions
Then leave me alone, and go chat about baseball.
"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 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm bored at work
haha. Nothing but time on a beautiful Friday.
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 15, 2008 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions
I just wanted to say
Nitpickery to be honest…. :)
"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 15, 2008 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions
Sure has... You would think the Cubs were actually 27 games under .500
"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
Well since Purple and I are arguing about the Brewers backup
catcher, I’m not sure why that would give anyone the impression that the Cubs are doing poorly.
by sackings108 on Aug 15, 2008 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions
Haha...
…But I LIKE arguing about statistical analysis…It actually makes me think, and we are actually debating baseball, right? I mean, it’s good fun, right Sackster?
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 15, 2008 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions
And that's why it's a good argument to have.
This should be a place for baseball discussion and argument, and I’m glad many normal posters aren’t here to jump on either of us for arguing.
by sackings108 on Aug 15, 2008 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions
You know,
didn’t Rivera have a little tussle in the dugout with Yost last season? Or was that Estrada? If it was Rivera, maybe that is part of why he’s not playing.
"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 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions
Brewers
love fighting each other…But if anyone could wipe that perpetual smirk off Yost’s face, I would be all for it…
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 15, 2008 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, I just checked.
I’m going to go with the simple reason that it’s Ned Yost
"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 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions
SPECIAL NOTE
At one time, Rivera was tradedfor Gene Kingsale, who happens to have a career OPS+ of…That’s right campers…69. Me likey…haha.
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 15, 2008 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions
I have been in here just as much as you have this year...
but since I’m not a “normal” poster, maybe I don’t have the right to say that.
"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
Fishbone for what it worth....
I thought your comment about 27 under made good sense. You had the right to say that
But from reading their comments, I think there conversation was based around catchers on another team. Not something Cub related
"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 15, 2008 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions
And Yost's generally implied stupidity.
haha.
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 15, 2008 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions
Thanks...
I know it was about the Brew. But in general the overall thread is pretty negative. If it’s not about one player it’s about another. The other day was the same thing… “this guy’s over-hyped.” “This guy shouldn’t be playing.” The Cubs have won 8 in a row on the road, just swept the Braves and it feels as though they didn’t… That’s all. I should have prefaced that and shouldn’t put it in between a conversation between the 2 of them.
"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
I think it's a good thing
if the Cubs are playing SO well that we are analyzing the statistics of the Brewers backup catcher…Just my opinion…
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 15, 2008 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions
Ahh ok... something we should all remember
You want to just enjoy this magical season for what it is. So do I. With all the past failures… its difficult not analyze the things that are wrong.
"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 15, 2008 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't think there is anything
“normal” about the posters to this blog!
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 15, 2008 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions
Amen...
"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
Thanks 'bone!
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 15, 2008 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions
Brett Butler?
I seem to remember Brett Butler hitting for the cycle against the Cubs at Wrigley. Have I been making that up in my mind all these years? I just checked and can’t find a record of it.
Whatever, the Butler did it.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 15, 2008 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions
Depends on which ending you go with...
"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 15, 2008 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions
Ah yes, Lesly Anne Warren. Definitely in
my favorite slutty actress catagory.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 15, 2008 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions
Second only to
Susan Sarandon in the high GMILF quotient category
"Years of academy training, wasted"--Buzz Lightyear (not a flying toy)
by spoiledcubbage on Aug 15, 2008 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions
Don't tell me that G stands for grand.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 15, 2008 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions
What is the age cutoff?
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 15, 2008 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions
The ILF committee has stated 53.75.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 15, 2008 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions
I'll factor that into my choices.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 15, 2008 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions
"A Night In Heaven"
Oh what joy for a teenage boy…
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
Hopefully, the Dodgers
can give the Brewers a little more competition than the Padres did.
Manny's been tearing it up for the Dodgers, I hear...
and we can forgive him his call of nature delay on taking LF right? :)
I thought she was a stripper.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 15, 2008 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions
Hey there Willie...
where’d you just come from? A scotch ad!!!
"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
Naw, I just dropped in from St. Copius. Goin' for my law degree you know.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 15, 2008 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions
Sweet. Say "hi" to Chuck Shick for me.
"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
We're having a little lunch together. Maybe have a little low-grade dog food.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 15, 2008 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions
Without D-Lee's injury in '05
He would be joining Rammy on that list of at least 20 HR/30 2B for 5 straight…Nice stats from your 3/4 guys…
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 15, 2008 9:29 AM CDT reply actions
(2006, not 2005)
and that is somewhat based on a presumption of productivity that year…but still…I think he would have done it
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 15, 2008 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions
Morning
I’d like to see Big Z bounce back today. Keep the runs to within 8 today Carlos!
"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
i have a feeling
that z will absolutely dominate today
"Without spikes, psychologically it plays havoc with the other team, when they realize I don't even wear a uniform--they don't know what to expect." Bill Murray
by billmurrayforowner on Aug 15, 2008 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions
I agree
and i think Z hits one out of that yard
Who wouldn't take an 0-4 night
at the bat from Z but a dominant pitching performance?
At this point we could use 7+ innings from Z. That bullpen can use an un-eventful night after playing three games in two days. Save the bullpen for the last two games.
THIS IS OUR CENTURY!!
Me too
but like Al said, Florida makes me a little nervous. Can’t have a let down with the Brewers in LA facing a hot dodger team. 2 of 3 in Florida should pad our lead.
"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
He has awful numbers in August for his entire career
I think he has something like a 7.5 ERA in august over his career. Hopefully he lowers that tonight
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
Zamrano?
It’s 4.06 in August for his career.
Nobody cares about your fantasy league team
by carmen_fanzone on Aug 15, 2008 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions
Really
Tribune made a big graphic out of his bad August numbers last Sunday. I thought it said over his career, but now im thinking it was talking about last season.
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
It was.
Z had a 7.06 ERA in August 2007.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
He better man up the rest of the way
Don’t need a repeat of that Big Z.
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
Yeah, it was last year....
Nobody cares about your fantasy league team
by carmen_fanzone on Aug 15, 2008 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions
Wow
Didn’t know that…
"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
Or else what?
"Ted Lilly, who threw a decent but not great game last night, hit Yunel Escobar in the upper arm with a pitch in the sixth inning. Lilly says it wasn’t intentional. The Braves say it was. It had better be the last time.
Ryan Theriot got picked off for the second day in a row. It had better be the last time."
What are you going to do Al? Big words from a big… oh hyperbole? Oh okay, thanks for adding that.
Glad you saw the alert.
Maybe I should have made it bigger.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Just fanning the flames.....
:)
"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
Theriot/Cedeno
I’m not saying that Theriot shouldn’t start. His BA and OBP have been much better than anyone could have expected. I do hope though that the “Cedeno is stupid” comments end. Based on this season, I’d say Cedeno is a smarter ballplayer than Mr. Scrappy.
by rlpete on Aug 15, 2008 9:48 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Cedeno should get a chance to start. His glove is just SUCH an upgrade, and he actually has
some power in his bat.
It is a great problem to have
But both are lacking when it comes to smarts on the basepaths.
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
I just didn't want to start the discussion again
I just dislike the Cedeno is dumb comments. I still think he is a major league shortstop. Not necessarily an All-Star but he still has potential.
It's hard to sit a guy
who is 7th? (IIRC) in the league in BA. I have a feeling Cedeno will add a spark in October.
"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
For all superstitious fans out there
- If we get to play in October
"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
i would like to see next year....
giving ronny the starting ss job, theriot to second, derosa everyday right and fukudome to center
egad
so we
1) Break our promise to our everyday RF-er?
2) Put our second baseman in Right field?
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 15, 2008 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions
and...
3) Replace and above-average defensive outfield with a subpar one.
4) Move a player from a position where he outperforms offensive expectation to one where he’ll underperform.
"...the internet is not something you just dump something on. It's not a truck. It's a series of tubes." - Sen. Ted Stevens
so many technical balks...
…the umps are having a field day…
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 15, 2008 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Those are the counclusions
I was trying to get to, but my brain stuck at making DeRosa a full-time RFer
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 15, 2008 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions
You mean the position that DeRo doesn't even want to play?
Remember when he was promised 2B?
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
i could keep going with my list...
but the negative ramifications of the move just keep going to an extent that its hard to wrap my mind around them all…
"...the internet is not something you just dump something on. It's not a truck. It's a series of tubes." - Sen. Ted Stevens
okay but drew look at it this way...
1. upgrade the range/defense at ss
2. upgrade the range/defense at 2nd
3. upgrade the range/defense in center (dome doesn’t care where he plays if you ask me)
4. and upgrade the outfield’s offensive production
maybe i’m crazy….could be the reason why i’m blogging about the lineup instead of making the ACTUAL decisions haha
but remember i don’t think we are bringing back edmonds next year so something will have to be done about centerfield
This is really OT
Saw this on awful announcing just a second ago. NBC’s gymnastic analyst watching the competition from last night. This is great stuff.
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/k4q5mvCIuDaYlDJpqq
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
oh man
That’s funny but I wouldn’t say awful. He’s the former olympic coach for the US and not a broadcaster. I guess NBC couldnt find another “expert” to team up with Costas.
Go ahead, Z me.
Yeah, you can't fault a man for being enthusiastic about the sport he obviously loves...
Nobody cares about your fantasy league team
by carmen_fanzone on Aug 15, 2008 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions
plus the fact that his wife is the current coach
If the world didn't suck we would all fall off.
by carolinacub on Aug 15, 2008 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions
They have a ranch
in Texas where the girls go to train just before the Olympics and he loves being on the ranch fishing and taking care of it. He handed the coaching over to her to be able to do those things. It’s great to see him still get so excited over the great talent our country has.
Good luck Shawn Johnson, Lolo Jones and Doug Schwab. Bring home the gold!!!
Sorry I think it is great
That’s Bela Karolyi. He’s not really considered a regular analyst. He’s there because of his name. He was truly excited. I liked it.
Im not saying it was awful.
Even the blog said they loved it, I have no problem with a former coach rooting for his team. I find it fascinating that somebody could watch that sport and be such an expert that he reacts to the moves the way he did.
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
Yeah,
for the most part, I can’t tell one routine from another unless somebody falls or has an obvious mistake
Go ahead, Z me.
I'll admit this
never thought I was going to get THAT into these Olympics besides the Swimming, but EVERYTHING, including GYmnastics, has had me HOOKED. I’ve got Olympic fever, and the only perscription, is more U.S. gold…
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 15, 2008 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions
i've really enjoyed this year too...
the swimming has been a lot of fun to watch, as well as the gymnastics…. i’m enjoying the beach volleyball as well.
"...the internet is not something you just dump something on. It's not a truck. It's a series of tubes." - Sen. Ted Stevens
This year just seems
special. I think for me it’s because I knew what Phelps did in 2004 and the thought of him getting 8 golds this year made it that much more exciting. Of course one of the main draws was Shawn being an Iowa girl. This state and especially Des Moines is Shawn crazy.
Good luck Shawn Johnson, Lolo Jones and Doug Schwab. Bring home the gold!!!
i didn't realize that she was from iowa until yesterday...
they mentioned that she’s been training at state in Ames since she was like 6. my little sister attends there. nice area… relatively
"...the internet is not something you just dump something on. It's not a truck. It's a series of tubes." - Sen. Ted Stevens
I agree
it’s more on the side of great, like he was watching his own kids out there. If NBC wouldn’t have shown us that side of him, then we’d only see hear the accent about a sport most of us don’t care about. But thats excitement and passion for a sport I think we can all relate to.
Go ahead, Z me.
Béla Károlyi is a gymnastics icon...
… he was Romania’s coach in 1976 when Nadia Comeneci got the perfect 10. He later became Coach of the U.S. team. He’s a well known critic of the judges and has been heavily criticized for harsh training techniques. If he were a baseball manager he’d give Lou and Bobby Cox a run for their money as far as ejections go. That was today’s gymnastics moment- sorry I spent some time in sports photography and get excited when I know something.
"Baseball is like church- many attend, few understand." ~ Leo Durocher
I agree with you.
He showed what was in his heart.
Good luck Shawn Johnson, Lolo Jones and Doug Schwab. Bring home the gold!!!
Our Magical Offense!
How about the Cubbies offense here lately, makes me forget how it vanished in July after the all star break, I sure hope we don’t have one of those dry spells this year again!
by graceunderpressure on Aug 15, 2008 9:55 AM CDT reply actions
One nice thing
We head back to Wrigley guaranteed to still be in first, regardless how this roadie ends. I like that.
"Years of academy training, wasted"--Buzz Lightyear (not a flying toy)
by spoiledcubbage on Aug 15, 2008 10:03 AM CDT reply actions
Hopefully
a precursor to Septembers road schedule. Not looking forward to that at all!
"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 15, 2008 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions
Agreed
I’m stocking up on bicarb and new age CDs for that month…it’s gonna be harsh.
"Years of academy training, wasted"--Buzz Lightyear (not a flying toy)
by spoiledcubbage on Aug 15, 2008 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions
I wonder if Bob Howry gets whacked in deference to Jon Lieber coming off the DL ??
Or do the Cubs milk it along until the roster expands on September 1st? Bob Howry is nothing more than lit match next to an open 55 gallon drum of fuel. I guess he can serve a purpose by pitching in blowouts until September 1st???
He's been a good soldier
since he has been here and has contributed mightily. It would be a shame to DFA him now when the Cubs are so close to winning it all.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 15, 2008 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions
Secret Internal Memos Revealed (all in the spirit of hyperbolic fun)!
These were just found, memos from the inner circle of the Lou-Is-Always-Right Camp, leaked to the media and posted in part here as a BCB EXCLUSIVE:
“This has been a bad week for us – yes, the Cubs are winning, but we’ve been looking bad, attacking Fukudome now that he’s hitting again. Worse the argument for Lou’s performance=play is barely tenable given Bob Howry…”
"…Talking Points:
- Lou’s public attack of Fukudome was genius managing.
- Lou’s the reason Dome has turned it around.
- Without Lou, Dome would be an utter ML flop.
- We were just backing Lou’s play when we criticized Dome; we always knew he would turn it around because Lou is his manager.
“…regarding Howry there’s not much to do but redirect the conversation, try baiting them by bringing up Felix Pie…”
This is simply shocking, I say. Shocking!
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.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 15, 2008 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions
Those things blasting off?
TWSS
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 15, 2008 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions
Nice
The judges awarded me a four-rocket hyperbole alert, with only .8 deduction for abrupt post conclusion (need to stick those landings)! Awesome – do the alert pics get bigger for more hyperbolic hyperbole? If so, let me just say that your hyperbole alert was the greatest hyperbole alert I have ever seen – no doubt, it was the greatest in not just Internet history, but its communicative value surpasses most of the Great Books in the American Literature canon and I’m not just talking about the Transcendentalists.
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.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 15, 2008 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm moved up to a 6 Gold Medal Gymnast rating.
Let’s see how this statement rates hyperbolically: “Those young ladies all look to be at least 16 years old; surely some are even 17.”
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.
the guy who offered them candy and his hotel key
thought they were 18.
…that’s what the coaches argued to the judges. :-)
THIS IS OUR CENTURY!!
Are all those rockets real?
Or are they just hyperbole?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
What a week for LOU!!!!
1. single handidly breaks Dome’s slump
2. coaxes an apology out of Sori.
3. gives complete faith to Howry again!
that is a week to remeber.
by graceunderpressure on Aug 15, 2008 10:53 AM CDT reply actions
My buddy and I were talking last night
and I would LOVE to hear Lou talking to Sori, Rammy and some of the other guys in Spanish…I think it would be highly entertaining…
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 15, 2008 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions
I think it would be more entertaining
to hear Sori talk to Dome in Japanese.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 15, 2008 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions
hyperbole?
I don’t believe you’re correctly using hyperbole. Hyperbole is an exaggeration. It sounds more like proselytizing.
Me fail english? Thats umpossible....
"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 15, 2008 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions
About the pics,
it’s the alert that matters, not the accuracy of said alert. Who can ignore a 6-gymnast alert, especially when they’re all obviously of legal age?
About Al’s use of the term? He is exaggerating his seriousness and his use of threats against players in his post.
"We are not equations with hats." -Dean Young
Winning the first game is so key here
Kinda like Rocky finally drawing blood on Drago
"Years of academy training, wasted"--Buzz Lightyear (not a flying toy)
by spoiledcubbage on Aug 15, 2008 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions
What ever he hits......he destroys!
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 15, 2008 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions
Re: "Home Run Howry"
“Bob Howry is nothing more than lit match next to an open 55 gallon drum of fuel.”
WOW! Now THAT is severe!
He indeed has been bad almost the entire year. Lou has really been trying to “get him going…” as he stated before the AS Game.
And, re the Marquis banter above – my $.02 – grudgingly, I have to admit he has done a nice job over the entire year as a 5th starter. Which is what his true color is. I am too lazy to look it up, but I would guess he is one of the best #5’s in the NL this year – HAS to be top 5, I would think.
In fact, with the addition of Harden, our starters are well slotted for the most part, imo.
In addition
the main argument is that he gets paid more than a 5th starter should, but I think we all agreed on Hendry overpaying for him from the get go.
Go ahead, Z me.
Right.
But it’s a contract he’s stuck with. They’re making the best of the situation they’re presented with, and Marquis, thus far, has impressed me as our number five.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 15, 2008 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions
Coming off the disasterous
2006 “Arms Losses”, I understood his thinking. He wanted a dude who could “pitch innings” (never mind that then ones he pitched weren’t that great), and Marquis has a career that shows he can.
I have posted this before, but purely from memory, Hendry had the following from which to choose as FA’s:
Marquis, Meche, Lilly, Schmidt, Padilla, Lohse, Bedard, Zito
And you guys above are complaining about him “overpaying” Marquis?
These sound about right
Marquis, Meche, Lilly, Schmidt, Padilla, Lohse, Bedard, Zito
And you guys above are complaining about him "overpaying" Marquis?
I agree with you, from the market and situation at the time, Marquis is not all that bad.
Go ahead, Z me.
that's kind of fair and it isn't
it pre-supposes the judgment was made based solely on the need to acquire someone
because you could throw Sean Marshall, etc into the mix as potential options which would’ve cost far less.
with that said I think the complaining about Marquis’ contract has largely been subdued by the success of the rest of the team. I dont think anyone minds overpaying Marquis when we’re playing baseball like this…
by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 15, 2008 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions
okay so we overpaid marquis....
so what? has overpaying him caused us to not sign anyone else we wanted? i can’t think of any examples….
leave the guy alone
Uh, no you couldn't
“because you could throw Sean Marshall, etc into the mix as potential options which would’ve cost far less.”
In 2006, the generally young awful starters were the likes of Jerome Williams?(the dude from Hawaii we got from the Giants who is no longer in baseball), Marmol, Guzman, Mateo, MArshall (who was on the DL a couple times, 2006), and I am sure severl others I am forgetting.
No one is pre-supposing. It is LOGICAL to ascertain that Jim Hendry did not want to repeat the ugliness that his own lack of preparedness in gathering suitable replacement arms, caused the season before. Therefore, my conclusion, and his admissions, have been that he was looking for more “DL-Free” type players. In interviews, Hendry kept alluding to the fact that “Marquis has always eaten up alot of innings in his career…” blah, blah…
Oh - and you are pre-supposing
that Marshall, in a full year, would have done as well in 2007 as Marquis – when he was on the DL a couple times the year before.
I'm shocked
to find people defending Marquis in here. There is a reason he was left off two consecutive playoff rosters.
by Robert F. Wagner on Aug 15, 2008 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions
He was on the 2007 playoff roster
He just wasn’t used.
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 15, 2008 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions
and
there is a reason for that. He is serviceable in the event that Marshall, SamNinja, or any of the scores of potential replacement starters in the AAA or AA ranks suddenly immolate themselves in a paroxysm of explosive glee.
by Robert F. Wagner on Aug 15, 2008 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't think people are
defending him as a pitcher – at least not me.
He has demonstrated he’s purely a #5 starter – which is less than what Hendry had him pegged for in 2007 when signed.
A .500 pitcher as a #5 is about as good as it gets…
And, indeed you are right: he won’t be in the playoffs this year either!
once we come to the realization
that he’s a #5, no matter what he’s getting paid…
well, what can you do? As a #5, he’s competent.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 15, 2008 1:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Yep. Agreed.
We actually – well – I can speak for myself – I get nauseated when I find out, due to the roll of the dice, he pitches one of the games I am attending.
But it really is my own fault for expecting more out of a #5 pitcher, as you say.
He is not Cy Young, nor his brother Sid.
But again, as we say – a “competent #5”
I'm going to the game on the 23rd of August
I’m hoping he doesn’t pitch. On the other hand, I did go to a game Demp was pitching at home — and it was one of his few home losses. So, that’s baseball!
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 15, 2008 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions
True. So True...
All of the expectant Cub fans who were in attendance last Saturday when Z faced the Redbirds, can attest to that fact!
I Miss LouInBlue's Old Avatar
His wife is a real cutie.
"Sometimes I feel like as a Cubs fan if I’m not worrying about something, I’m not doing it right." - HalfBlindCubbieGirl
LOL
Thanks….. I think
"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 15, 2008 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions
cnnsi.com is reporting adam dunn will seek....
$100 million this offseason…..lol
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jon_heyman/08/15/scoop.friday/index.html
maybe he and Manny...
can go play in the EuroNBA with Kobe and LeBron
"...the internet is not something you just dump something on. It's not a truck. It's a series of tubes." - Sen. Ted Stevens
Adam Dunn
is a terrible baseball player.
by Robert F. Wagner on Aug 15, 2008 1:06 PM CDT reply actions
He's Jack Roberts of 2008
Nothing more, Nothing less.
Theriot, Fonty, and Johnson = The Scrappy Pyramid of Victory
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Aug 15, 2008 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions
Wrong
I do not understand this myth.
Adam Dunn currently has a .373 OBP and .528 SLG for an OPS of .901 and an OPS+ of 129, right around his career average OPS+ of 130. That OPS+ puts him right around Aramis and Soriano this year.
He may be a bad defender, but he is a very valuable hitter.
by John Q Freejazz on Aug 15, 2008 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions
I agree. Dunn is very good power
hitter who strikes out a lot but also gets a ton of walks. He’s an excellent run producer. He’s a well below average fielder who could thrive as a DH. You could do a lot worse than those numbers and most teams do. The Padres would love to have a player producing his numbers.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 15, 2008 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions
but willie....
…..$100 million for a DH?!?! i never said he wasn’t a good batter, i’m just saying he ain’t worth that kind of jack!
Amusing Fan
I’m sitting at O’Hare killing the 2-hour delay in my flight to SD. Currently the gate is boarding a flight to Tampa. The gate agent says:
“Now boarding Group 3 and 4. If you are a Yankees fan you will board in Group 7.”
then
“Boarding all rows, boarding all groups to Tampa. Yankee fans may now board the plane.”
Also spotted:
A boisterous group of 10 year old boys in Little League uniforms trailed by a coach carrying a humongous glass trophy. God, I love summertime.
Go Cubs!
Funny Emelie!
I love “public sense of humor”. We are so bereft of it these days.
One time many years ago, I remember a conductor on the El (we can’t afford “Conductors” anymore), was somewhat known on his runs for stating, “This is CTA train XXX. There is no radio playing, shouting, spitting, smoking, or "Colmbo” (referring to the evil weed) He cracked up everybody, every time.
Haha
earlier this month at a family wedding in Boston, the Red Sox and Rays were BOTH mentioned during the service…A crowd favorite…
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 15, 2008 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions
That is just great!
I love it! HA!
People are so afraid of “offending”, I think, that these things can get repressed.
Now we see the violence inherant in the system!!
by Shawon O Meter on Aug 15, 2008 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions
SHE TURNED ME INTO A NEWT!
i got better.
Theriot, Fonty, and Johnson = The Scrappy Pyramid of Victory
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Aug 15, 2008 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions
I say we take off
and nuke the site from orbit.
It’s the only way to be sure.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 15, 2008 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions
They're everywhere, man!
Game over man, GAME OVER!
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 15, 2008 3:02 PM CDT up reply actions
That's it man, game over man, game over! What the ____ are we gonna do now? What are we gonna do?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 15, 2008 3:02 PM CDT up reply actions
first pitch thread want you to join it
http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2008/8/15/594318/first-pitch-thread-cubs-vs
Good luck Shawn Johnson, Lolo Jones and Doug Schwab. Bring home the gold!!!
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recommended FanShots
Recent FanShots
Cubs By The Numbers
Cubs By The Numbers is a history of the ballclub by uniform number, but the biographies help trace the history of our beloved team in a new way. For everyone who's a Cubs fan, anyone who ever wore the uniform is like family. Cubs By The Numbers reintroduces readers to some of their long-lost ancestors, even ones they think they already know.
Click here to order your copy, available now!
Recent Stories in Ticket Exchanges
Baseball Nation Recent Stories
In Association With
Big League Stew - MLB - Yahoo! Sports
- Marlins agree to unretire No. 5 for Logan Morrison, who will honor his father’s favorite player
- Weatherman Derek Holland does Dallas TV
- Ask Alex: Will Julio Teheran or Matt Moore win rookie of the year?
- Ku Klux Klan, umpires and bowling: Why the minor leagues tossed out Jim Evans academy
- The Cardinals Hall of Fame can now be found at Bill Clinton’s library in Arkansas (Huh?)
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
