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Pregame Thread: Cubs vs. Marlins, Friday 8/15, 6:10 CT

Yelloncard_tiny by Al on in Game Threads

Chicago Cubs @ Florida Marlins


Next Game

Chicago Cubs
@ Florida Marlins

Friday, Aug 15, 2008, 6:10 PM CDT
Dolphin Stadium

Carlos Zambrano vs Josh Johnson

Partly cloudy with a 40-percent chance of rain. Winds blowing in from center field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game Time temperature: Around 85.

Complete Coverage >

Replay is coming soon to a ballpark near you. They promise it will be used only:

to determine whether a ball leaving the field is fair or foul, or whether it actually went over the fence. It would not be used on close plays on the bases, or to determine balls and strikes.

That's fine with me. If they can use it to get some of the egregiously bad calls made earlier this year right, that's a good thing. I presume that if there are plays where the replays don't show conclusively one way or the other, then, as in the NFL, the ruling on the field would stand.

Now, on to Florida, which has been a house of pain for the Cubs the last two years -- they haven't won in Miami since July 10, 2005 -- it wasn't always that way. Through the 2005 season the Cubs were 29-27 all-time in Miami, and won two of three there in the 2003 NLCS. It's way past time to turn it around.

Today's Starting Pitchers
Carlos Zambrano
C. Zambrano
Cubs		 vs. Josh Johnson
J.
Johnson
Marlins
12-5 W-L 3-0
3.22 ERA 3.19
101 SO 28
48 BB 14
14 HR 3
vs. Fla -- vs. Cubs
W-L G GS CG SHO SV BS IP H R ER HR BB K ERA WHIP
2008 - Carlos Zambrano 12-5 23 23 0 0 0 0 151.0 140 57 54 14 48 101 3.22 1.25
W-L G GS CG SHO SV BS IP H R ER HR BB K ERA WHIP
2008 - Josh Johnson 3-0 6 6 0 0 0 0 36.2 38 13 13 3 14 28 3.19 1.42

Josh Johnson threw well two weeks ago at Wrigley Field, and left with a no-decision in a game eventually lost by Bob Howry. That's not likely to happen again tonight. Johnson allowed homers to Reed Johnson and Geovany Soto that day -- the only runs the Cubs scored.

Z had his worst start of the year in his last outing vs. the Cardinals, so he needs to turn it around tonight. He beat the Marlins at Wrigley Field on July 24, and is now 6-4, 3.38 on the road this year. His only loss to the Marlins (in the regular season) was on July 1, 2002; that was before Z became the Z we know now, and there's no one left from that long-ago Marlins roster still on the team (for that matter, have a look at that day's Cub lineup for some laughs).

Today's game is an all-cable extravaganza on CSN Chicago, the Sunshine Network, and EI. Also see the MLB.com Mediacenter.

MLB.com Gameday

Baseball-reference.com game preview

Once again, a reminder that you can find the overflow comment threads, including the first pitch thread, on the right sidebar of both the front page and any interior page in the box headed "RECENT STORIES IN GAME THREADS". Today's first pitch thread posts at noon CT, and the overflow comment threads will post at xxxx pm CT.

Discuss amongst yourselves.

0 recs | Comment 154 comments

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Happy Friday to everyone...

…and a very happy fish-frying weekend to all!

by Shawon O Meter on Aug 15, 2008 4:01 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

+1

Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 15, 2008 4:01 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Almost time for BASEBALL!!!

Let’s get Game 1, Cubbies!

Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 15, 2008 4:00 PM CDT   0 recs

I have a new game at work

called, “Guess what time Al will put the pregame thread up.” Scintillating, I know…

Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 15, 2008 4:01 PM CDT   0 recs

I just obsessively hit

refresh.

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!

by drewishdrewid on Aug 15, 2008 4:03 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

LOL

Guess I’ll just have to keep you guessing!

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

by Al on Aug 15, 2008 4:12 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Al, I've got nothing but time haha...

Challenge hereby accepted!

Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 15, 2008 4:14 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Now!

No, wait…now!

make/art

by neverAcquiesce on Aug 15, 2008 4:19 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

First?

"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 4:02 PM CDT   0 recs

Sorry, brah

Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 15, 2008 4:03 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

-50 BCB Points for the use of "brah"

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 15, 2008 4:05 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

The umps concur.

1.5 technical balks.

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!

by drewishdrewid on Aug 15, 2008 4:32 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Oooooh, -50 points!!

You’re not going to be able to buy ANYTHING in the BCB store now!!

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Aug 15, 2008 4:34 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I meant

Put the children first!

"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 4:08 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Im going out for it tonight w/ a friend lol

They have fish fry and EI…… perfect for a Friday night supper

"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 5:05 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

What to look for tonite.

Mike Jacobs the 1st baseman could not hit a ball above his belt if his life depended on it.
Still they throw him low splitters around his ankles and he has over 20 HRs. He has a golf swing down pat.
Which proves the watching film is a bunch of CRAP.
I Iive in FL and watch these guys a lot…. going to the games tonite and Sunday courtesy of my ESPN buddies………….. Johnson is one of the toughest pitchers in the NL.

by nimblenikelfoos on Aug 15, 2008 4:10 PM CDT   0 recs

Johnson is tough; Marlins are 6-0 in the 6 games he's started this year

I, too, live in South Florida. I listen to the Marlins on ESPN Radio 760 when in the car. They’re coming off a rough series against the Cards.

I hope that Tropical Storm Fay stays way south of Cuba or we’re in for some serious rain and wind from the feeder bands late Sunday or Monday. Most current forecast shows west coast of Florida getting hit Tuesday. Spaghetti models have it all over Florida.

"Every team will win 60 games, every team will lose 60 games, it's what the team does in the other 42 games that decides the season."

by flachimesa on Aug 15, 2008 4:33 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Spaghetti Models....

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 15, 2008 4:41 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

mmmmm

spaghetti!!

by daily2b on Aug 15, 2008 4:43 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I'd like to

use my chop-stick…

nevermind…

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!

by drewishdrewid on Aug 15, 2008 4:43 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

This gives a new meaning to pasta-diving Theriot!

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 15, 2008 4:47 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Unlimited Free Image and File Hosting at MediaFire

"Every team will win 60 games, every team will lose 60 games, it's what the team does in the other 42 games that decides the season."

by flachimesa on Aug 15, 2008 4:59 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 15, 2008 5:00 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Whatcha lookin at Willis?

"Every team will win 60 games, every team will lose 60 games, it's what the team does in the other 42 games that decides the season."

by flachimesa on Aug 15, 2008 5:01 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Unlimited Free Image and File Hosting at MediaFire

"Every team will win 60 games, every team will lose 60 games, it's what the team does in the other 42 games that decides the season."

by flachimesa on Aug 15, 2008 5:00 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Good news and bad news

Good news: AFN Game! AFN Game!

Bad news: I don’t know if I want to stay up for the midnight start and entire game…

There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!

by sanantonecub on Aug 15, 2008 4:11 PM CDT   0 recs

I'll be happy with anything but getting swept.

Even one win has to be considered a road victory in Florida. Best to do it tonight.

Go Cubs.

make/art

by neverAcquiesce on Aug 15, 2008 4:13 PM CDT   0 recs

me too...

i think if we can win tonite (good odds with Z going) that we have a pretty good chance of taking 2 out of 3. Especially if team carry-overs some of the positve momentum from the ATL series.

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

by bobby h on Aug 15, 2008 4:18 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Oh, I agree.

But if we leave Florida with one win I won’t be deflated, unlike the trouncing we took at Tampa’s hands.

Hell, I want all three, and would still be ecstatic over winning the series. But I’m also realistic of how the Cubs play there (Arizona as well – go Dodgers!).

make/art

by neverAcquiesce on Aug 15, 2008 4:22 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Oh I know

and I would have said the same thing before this current 8 game road winning streak, but it just feels different. This is a new swagger on the road, and in a special season, it is a VERY special development as of late…Let’s hope we keep it rolling!

Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 15, 2008 4:23 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Plus, a win gets us to .500 on the road.

And taking the series guarantees it through the weekend. Pretty sweet.

make/art

by neverAcquiesce on Aug 15, 2008 4:24 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Love it.

Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 15, 2008 4:25 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

First

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 4:16 PM CDT   0 recs

Alou, McGriff, Sosa....

Murderer’s Strikeout Row

These guys were mostly all-or-nothing, weren’t they? I guess I remember Alou having a pretty good average with lots of strong hits, doubles in the gap…..he was Mr. Clutch back then.

Thank God it’s NOT 2002.

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

by iluvryno on Aug 15, 2008 4:22 PM CDT   0 recs

For sure

only Sosa and McGriff were hitting over .250

A ugly win is better than a pretty loss-Lou

by NIUcubbie on Aug 15, 2008 4:35 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

This team's on a roll

I don’t see Zambrano stopping it. 6-2 Cubs tonight.

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Aug 15, 2008 4:23 PM CDT   0 recs

+4

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 4:25 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

LQTM

Exactly.

make/art

by neverAcquiesce on Aug 15, 2008 4:27 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

LQTM?

stumped

"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 5:07 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

i was thinking something

the marlins.

"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 5:12 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

It's Gonna Happen!

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 15, 2008 4:27 PM CDT   2 recs

Best one yet

I like this better than Murton on a unicorn

"There are no curses here...Games are won and lost on the baseball field" - Lou Piniella

by El Borto on Aug 15, 2008 4:28 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

TWSS

Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 15, 2008 4:35 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

creative use of the twss

APPROVED

"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 5:08 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

My hero!!

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

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 15, 2008 4:32 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I think we need some type of

ceremony where we officially make Milton the mascot of BCB.

Also, I think we should all go on a worldwide search for Milton, and then do a ESPN: Outside the Lines – The True Story of Milton.

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Aug 15, 2008 4:37 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

It was 2003

The NLCS was over. Would Milton ever be able to hold his head high again?

Next, on Outside the Lines… after these messages.

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!

by drewishdrewid on Aug 15, 2008 4:38 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I read that

with the “Behind the Music” voice in my head.

“Milton was on top of the world. But little did he know that soon, it would all come crashing down.”

make/art

by neverAcquiesce on Aug 15, 2008 4:40 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

YES!

With the Bartman debacle behind him, MIlton looked to rebuild his sign, and his hopes for next year. But would the Cubs be able to deliver? Milton didn’t know it then, but he wouldn’t taste real comeback success for over four years…. next, on Outside the Lines.

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!

by drewishdrewid on Aug 15, 2008 4:43 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Times were bleak...

…The future, little did Milton know, would be bleaker…After a disappointing campaign in the 2003 NLCS, 2004-2006 teams sent Milton over the proverbial ledge…Would he pick the sign up, dust it off, and provide the intangibles the 2008 Cubs needed to make it in the long haul? We tell you next…

Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 15, 2008 4:44 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Milton just couldn't stop eating

…and eating and eating and eating. His blue Cubs shirt barely fit anymore. He was growing an extra chin. “I know”, he thought, “I’ll grow a porn ’stache and wear a Cubs hat.”

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Aug 15, 2008 4:46 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Milton's journey began in the small town of Vincennes, Indiana.

The son of a coal miner, life wasn’t always easy in the Burbank household. His mother, Eunis, explains:

“We didn’t have much. Jasper worked from sunup to sundown, and I kept house best I could. But Milton…there was just a gleam in his eye. He made you feel good about yourself.”

But then came the day when Milton’s father brought home the brand new television. Milton gazed into the magnificence of the screen, onto which Channel 9 shown brightly. WGN. Home of the Cubs.

make/art

by neverAcquiesce on Aug 15, 2008 4:47 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

hahaha

Eunis and Jasper Burbank…nice.

Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 15, 2008 4:48 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Cheetos.

His favorite food. Back before trans and saturated fats, Cheetos were king.

So sat he did, Milton, by the boob tube, with his Cheetos and WGN.

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Aug 15, 2008 4:49 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

On Monday, the next off day...

…can we do an entire thread about this? I am intrigued…And I can only imagine the possibilities…

Brian McRae's 5 O