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Pregame Thread: Cubs vs. Pirates, Saturday 8/2, 12:05 CT

Yelloncard_tiny by Al on

Pittsburgh @ Chicago


Next Game

Pittsburgh Pirates
@ Chicago Cubs

Saturday, Aug 2, 2008, 12:05 PM CDT
Wrigley Field

Paul Maholm vs Ted Lilly

Sunny. Winds blowing in from center field at 5-15 m.p.h. Game Time temperature: Around 80.

Complete Coverage >

IMPORTANT SITE NOTE!

Since we now have up to five separate comment threads for each game, in an effort to reduce the clutter on the front page -- I don't think it looks good to have all the overflow threads there with just one line -- I'm removing the threads from the front page, starting today. Now, don't worry -- they will still be easily linkable. Go look at the right sidebar -- you will see a box that is titled "RECENT STORIES IN GAME THREADS", right below the FanPost list (or on pages other than the front page, below the "RECENT POSTS" list). The first pitch thread and the overflow threads will all be there. The only game thread that will continue to be on the front page will be this one, the pregame thread, since it has other useful links and the pitcher box. Note, this is not intended to discourage participation at all -- the same number of threads will post at the same times as the last couple of weeks. They'll just be in a different location. Thanks for understanding.

Saturday notes:

Jeff Samardzija has temporarily stopped blogging.

The Cubs are going to ask the city for up to ten more night games, including Friday and Saturday nights.

The NHL has asked for, and the Cubs have approved, a temporary video board to be placed behind the LF bleachers for the Winter Classic on January 1, 2009.

Today's Starting Pitchers
Ted Lilly
T. Lilly
Cubs		 vs. Paul Maholm
P. Maholm
Pirates
10-6 W-L 7-6
4.49 ERA 3.79
124 SO 96
47 BB 36
25 HR 16
vs. Pit -- vs. Cubs
W-L G GS CG SHO SV BS IP H R ER HR BB K ERA WHIP
2008 - Ted Lilly 10-6 23 23 0 0 0 0 134.1 133 70 67 25 47 124 4.49 1.34
W-L G GS CG SHO SV BS IP H R ER HR BB K ERA WHIP
2008 - Paul Maholm 7-6 21 21 1 0 0 0 140.0 138 62 59 16 36 96 3.79 1.24

Paul Maholm has a weird record vs. the Cubs. He's 4-0, but with a 6.15 ERA in seven career starts (six of which the Pirates have won). One of those was on May 25, when he allowed five earned runs in eight innings, but the Pirates won in 11. Curiosity: neither the winning nor losing pitcher in that game is still active with that team -- Damaso Marte is with the Yankees and Jon Lieber is on the DL. Alfonso Soriano homered off Maholm in that May 25 game.

Ted Lilly is leading the major leagues in HR allowed -- 25. This isn't good. He was the starter in that May 25 game vs. Maholm and allowed four ER in 6 IP, including HR by Xavier Nady (OK, he's not on the team any more either) and two by Luis Rivas, who has hit only three all year. Lilly's going to have to do better than this, period. The Cubs need to keep winning series.

Today's game is on cable only in the Pittsburgh and Chicago markets. With the usual Saturday Fox blackouts (END THE BLACKOUTS!!!) it won't be on EI. It should be available through the MLB.com Mediacenter.

MLB.com Gameday (2007 version)

MLB.com Gameday (2008 version)

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 1 pm, 2 pm and 2:45 pm CT.

Discuss amongst yourselves.

0 recs | Comment 78 comments

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Comments

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THIRST!

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Aug 2, 2008 9:07 AM CDT   0 recs

I, obviously, wish our Cubs the best today.

There’s no reason the Cubs shouldn’t win this afternoon’s contest, but there was no reason they shouldn’t have won yesterday, too. That’s the tough part about losing the first game of a series – now they’re under added pressure to win the next two. Ah, well…I’m fairly confident they’ll come storming back.

By the way, I just heard on the radio that short-time-’07-Cub Craig Monroe has been released by the Twins. Worth a look as that much-talked-about right-handed bat off the bench? Yeah, I didn’t think so either.

Last, in my personal BCB note of the day, I crossed the 10,000 comments mark yesterday. I just want to thank all the little posts – the “+1s” and “LOLs” and “LSAs”. I hope you’ve all had as much fun reading them as I’ve had typing them. OK, gotta hit the road here…

GO CUBS!!!

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Aug 2, 2008 9:16 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Self-portrait?

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.

by JohnM on Aug 2, 2008 9:23 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

SEGA!

"Sometimes I feel like as a Cubs fan if I’m not worrying about something, I’m not doing it right." - HalfBlindCubbieGirl

by CaliCub on Aug 2, 2008 9:13 AM CDT   0 recs

"Inch By Inch"

18 1988
22 2004
26 2005
30 2006
40 2009?

Here is what I said about this July 26, 2008:

...the Cubs will end up getting their way and the number of night games will surely increase.

Here is what you (Al) said in response:

Doubt it. 30 games is almost half the schedule—a significant increase from the original agreement, which limited it to 18 (that expired after 2002). I doubt you’ll see the city agree to any increase anytime soon.

If, as the CT says today, the Cubs want to increase the number of night games, the Cubs will get their way eventually.

by DrCrawdad on Aug 2, 2008 9:20 AM CDT   0 recs

Well, we're feeling smug this morning, aren't we?

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

by dtpollitt on Aug 2, 2008 9:26 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Defensive

I only saw Griffey’s first AB in a White Sox uniform. I did not see him make any defensive plays. I understand he made one routine (easy) catch.

It was a very good first game with the Sox though, 2 RBI (2 out RBI for that matter) and 1 run scored.

by DrCrawdad on Aug 2, 2008 10:26 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Cha-cha-change

As Elvis said too it’s, “Inch By Inch” in the changes to the “Wrigley experience” with advertising and night games increasing nearly year by year. At some point in the future at least as respects advertising and day games/night games, the Cubs and Wrigley are going to be on par with the rest of MLB.

by DrCrawdad on Aug 2, 2008 10:58 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Not really. The Cubs have been very careful about "branding"...just like the BoSox.

Their marketing is heavily dependent on their “authenticity” and their unique branding: Wrigley Field. Day games. Wrigleyville. History. Harry, Ron Santo, Tinkers-Evers-Chance, etc.

They know they have a cash cow, and I think they are trying to be somewhat careful about being perceived as “selling out”.

by zevkalman on Aug 2, 2008 11:14 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Correct.

They may get a handful more night games—and approval for a few Fridays and/or Saturdays, which is what this is really all about.

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

by Al on Aug 2, 2008 3:13 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Limit 36; Friday NIght Games Option

I don’t think the Cubs should go above 36 home night games a season. I think they should be allowed to play Friday night home games. That would eliminate headaches of the Cubs having to travel after a Thursday game to play a Friday afternoon game at Wrigley. I don’t favor Saturday night home games.

"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray

by memphiscub on Aug 3, 2008 8:50 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

And here it is a nice August day in DC

I’ve paid my several hundred dollars for EI but do I get to see the Cubs? Of course not thanks to archaic baseball rules.

I hope the Cubs do get more night games on Saturdays. Less chance of stupid blackouts.

by rlpete on Aug 2, 2008 9:23 AM CDT   0 recs

Comment about new interface

First off, this is a good idea, Al, the front does get cluttered with overthread 1, 2, 3, etc…

I would prefer it if the game threads were the FIRST item on the side bar, aka at the top. This is where I get most of my information pertaining to what happened in the game, what plays were good/bad/injurious/etc. Maybe this is my own feeling and not others’, but I for one would prefer it to be on top of “Recent Posts” and “Fanposts”. Just a thought! Thanks for all you do.

Dan

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

by dtpollitt on Aug 2, 2008 9:25 AM CDT   0 recs

Unfortunately...

... the way the site is laid out for me, I have some limits as to where I can put things. The ad has to stay at the top (not my choice), and so I’ve got the game threads as high as I can put them.

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

by Al on Aug 2, 2008 3:14 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

It worked fine

for me today.

Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden. Now that's a pair of Aces.

by sue369 on Aug 2, 2008 5:16 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Glad to hear it.

I’m going to continue doing this. Also, the SBN tech people are aware of the issue (i.e. multiple game threads) and are trying to work out a tech fix for us as well.

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

by Al on Aug 2, 2008 5:49 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

video board behind LF bleachers?

damn – so much for puckhawking… ;-)

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Aug 2, 2008 9:41 AM CDT   0 recs

video board?

did i miss something?

by cubswynn on Aug 2, 2008 12:57 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

for the Blackhawks game at Wrigley

Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden. Now that's a pair of Aces.

by sue369 on Aug 2, 2008 5:17 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Question About FanShots

How do I set up a FanShot without any links or photos or videos? Say I wanted to create one just talking about good restaurants around Wrigley Field…would I click on “Quote” or “Chat” or one of the other buttons at the top? Thanks for your help!

"Sometimes I feel like as a Cubs fan if I’m not worrying about something, I’m not doing it right." - HalfBlindCubbieGirl

by CaliCub on Aug 2, 2008 9:41 AM CDT   0 recs

Correct!

There are buttons for links, quotes, etc. You can make it a quote… but if it’s longer than just one paragraph or so, a FanPost would be better.

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

by Al on Aug 2, 2008 3:14 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

FWIW

I don’t like the increase in night games. No big long analysis on it, but the day games are part of what makes the Cubs unique. It sure can’t be because they can sell more tickets, hell, every game just about sells out. And blaming the Pirate loss on the Friday day game is lame. Like Piniella and Edmonds said, give Karstens credit, he beat them.

Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Aug 2, 2008 9:47 AM CDT   0 recs

my guess is TV viewership is better at night (so ad revenue is higher)

...it’s all about the Benjamins.

THIS IS OUR CENTURY!!

by LAcarl519 on Aug 2, 2008 10:51 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

It about TV

as you guessed. The Cubs can sell out any game. But TV ratings are much higher for the night games.

Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?

by Josh77 on Aug 2, 2008 11:51 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

The Cubs ARE unique already!

they need more night games. EVERY OTHER TEAM in baseball has adopted more night games on Friday and Saturdays. The Cubs are also “unique” in that they have not won it all in 100 years. ANY additional pluses to help them assist them FINALLY win a World Series should be considered.

I’m all for it.

by The E-Man on Aug 2, 2008 11:03 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

i'm reluctantly for it

as a traditionalist, i like day games, but my desire for the cubs to win makes me think players play better at night…..so they’ve officially got my endorsement, i know they were waiting on it

by cubswynn on Aug 2, 2008 12:56 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Les Walrond

It may have been mentioned in the numerous game threads yesterday but he was recalled by the Phillies. He’s back in the major leagues.

by rlpete on Aug 2, 2008 9:48 AM CDT   0 recs

then the cubs can't play the phillies soon enough

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Aug 2, 2008 10:42 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

But, of course,...........

..........the Phils are in St. Loser this weekend.

The Cards simply crap horse shoes.

"Happiness? A good cigar, a good meal, a good cigar and a good woman - or a bad woman; it depends on how much happiness you can handle." ~ George Burns

by tville on Aug 2, 2008 11:02 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

maybe they'll keep les around

until the end of the month.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Aug 2, 2008 11:09 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Les!

I can’t believe it. Walrond made his way back to the major leagues. Congratulations! Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.

Of course, the Philles are doomed now, but hey.

Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?

by Josh77 on Aug 2, 2008 11:52 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Oh, good lord.

What are they THINKING?

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

by Al on Aug 2, 2008 3:15 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

WGN

In Memphis, WGN, FSN and SportsSouth are the places I can see baseball when I don’t like what ESPN is showing. I’m pleased to see that WGN’s schedule for today includes:

1) Noon – Paid Programming
2) 1pm – Soul Train

Gotta take the leap and get mlbtv…...

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

by iluvryno on Aug 2, 2008 9:58 AM CDT   0 recs

Or...

...muted Soul Train with GameDay audio?? haha…

Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 2, 2008 10:05 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

MLB TV is giving away 5 free days

You could use that perhaps.

"I guess you had some lean years, and didnt have to beat it hard" - Craig Sager

SORIANO WATCH: AVG: .291 18 HR 47 RBI

by Galvan316 on Aug 2, 2008 10:42 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Just got MLB.TV yesterday

I spent all night watching games. I would totally recommend it! It’s only $20 for the rest of the year, but I would say to spend the $30 and get the premium package with the Mosaic. It’s REALLY really cool. I bought the $20 one and watched the cubs game yesterday and it was really nice, but it was almost like crappy youtube quality, so I dropped the extra $10 and upgraded and man was it worth it.

I would highly recommend it.

Now if the NFL would get off it’s ass and put games online, I could watch all the Bears games up here in Canada!

by BeboThoughts on Aug 2, 2008 11:26 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Man it's tough...

...being a Cubs fan up here, isn’t it?

by sniffy the bee on Aug 2, 2008 11:36 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Yes it is

WGN helps, but it’ll go in like week long stretches without a game. Where are you at?

by BeboThoughts on Aug 2, 2008 11:49 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Halifax

...and I can’t get WGN here. Not without subscribing to an extra tier.

Fortunately, a nearby tavern has Extra Innings.

by sniffy the bee on Aug 2, 2008 11:52 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Good Morning all!!

Heres to a Cub victory this afternoon!

"I guess you had some lean years, and didnt have to beat it hard" - Craig Sager

SORIANO WATCH: AVG: .291 18 HR 47 RBI

by Galvan316 on Aug 2, 2008 10:37 AM CDT   0 recs

Morning Galvan.

Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden. Now that's a pair of Aces.

by sue369 on Aug 2, 2008 11:07 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

+1

Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden. Now that's a pair of Aces.

by sue369 on Aug 2, 2008 11:08 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

MLB Gameday 2007 question

Sorry if this has been mentioned elsewhere, but is the 2007 version of MLB Gameday not available anymore? The link in the thread just redirects me to the 2008 version.

by jking79 on Aug 2, 2008 10:42 AM CDT   0 recs

Agreed.

I also would ike to know this; it hasn’t worked for me yet, either as of lately.

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

by dtpollitt on Aug 2, 2008 10:43 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Thanks for letting me know.

I’ve been posting both of them all year. If the 2007 version really just redirects, I can delete it. Someone please email me and let me know for sure.

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

by Al on Aug 2, 2008 3:15 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I hope they show

more spunk than they did yesterday. They played like I felt but today’s a new day.

Good luck Ted Lilly!!

Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden. Now that's a pair of Aces.

by sue369 on Aug 2, 2008 11:09 AM CDT   0 recs

yesterday

was understandable considering the energy expired to sweep milwaukee. however, some energy and clutch hitting today would be fantastic. it’s not like the pirates are that good.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Aug 2, 2008 11:11 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I totally expected the

type of game they played. And contrary to some new posters (not you) on here it wasn’t the end of the world. BB just had a good explanation on the pregame about the game yesterday.

Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden. Now that's a pair of Aces.

by sue369 on Aug 2, 2008 11:50 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

It wasn't even close to the end of the world!

They threatened a few times, they got shut down. It happens. We just need to take care of business today.

These are the saddest of possible words: "Tinker to Evers to Chance"

by slcathena on Aug 2, 2008 11:56 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

indeed

Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden. Now that's a pair of Aces.

by sue369 on Aug 2, 2008 11:59 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I'm sure he did and I'm

sure he had their attention.

Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden. Now that's a pair of Aces.

by sue369 on Aug 2, 2008 11:50 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Agreed

Nothing like a Lou “talk” combined with the power of a shutout to (hopefully) get this team’s attention.

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

by Curtain Jerker on Aug 2, 2008 12:03 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

So if I sign up for the 5 day free trial of MLB.tv

will this game be on? It says games starting after 1:10 eastern, and this game is starting at 12:05….

by Texas Wahoo on Aug 2, 2008 11:18 AM CDT   0 recs

Where is everyone??

Game starts in a half hour and not many people around. Either way go Cubbies!! Lets start another win streak

"Go Cubs Go"

by mkcubs21 on Aug 2, 2008 11:33 AM CDT   0 recs

todays lineup

A. Soriano
R. Theriot
D. Lee
A. Ramirez
R. Johnson
M. DeRosa
G. Soto
R. Cedeno
T. Lilly p

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

by El Borto on Aug 2, 2008 11:39 AM CDT   0 recs

Good morning everyone.

Is everybody ready for a Cubs win? I’m sure you are. GO CUBS GO!!

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Aug 2, 2008 11:54 AM CDT   0 recs

Good morning Jimmy.

You ready for a Cubs win today?

Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden. Now that's a pair of Aces.

by sue369 on Aug 2, 2008 11:56 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Predictions

for this nine-game home stand?

by sniffy the bee on Aug 2, 2008 11:56 AM CDT   0 recs

prediction

by the end of the homestand, the Brewers are within one game of the Cubs.

by horace tarbox on Aug 2, 2008 12:03 PM CDT   0 recs