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Gorgeous: Cubs 5, Pirates 1

That title describes both the day's weather -- beautiful, sunny, with the wind blowing in (and that was important, as at least two or three fly balls hit by Pirates today off Ted Lilly would have been on the street on most other days), and the baseball played by the Cubs, in another solidly played win, 5-1 over the Pirates this afternoon.

This truly has been a team effort all season long -- no one's really having a monster career year, but everyone is contributing. Today it was Reed Johnson's turn -- he had three hits, two runs scored and a stolen base. Since the All-Star break Johnson is hitting .452/.500/.742 in 31 at-bats -- obviously, he's not going to keep up that pace the rest of the season, but the Cubs have an excellent platoon arrangement in center field, and Lou has been able to rest other starters (today, Kosuke Fukudome didn't start, but pinch-hit and singled in the 8th inning).

This, for those of you too young to remember, is what didn't happen in 1969 -- the '69 team, which was 69-41 (with one tie game) after this point, 111 games played in that year, was ridden till it collapsed from exhaustion in early September, because Leo Durocher simply didn't have bench players he could trust (or, depending on what you believe, didn't choose to trust in them). Lou Piniella has an excellent bench and bullpen and is using them wisely. That will keep D-Lee and A-Ram and Geo and Alfonso Soriano, fresh for the stretch run, and, we hope, the postseason.

Ted Lilly didn't start off very well in this game. In the second inning he walked two and allowed Pirates pitcher Paul Maholm to dribble a single to deep short that Ryan Theriot couldn't handle (I would have scored it an error, but it wasn't), allowing the Pirates' only run to score. I wasn't counting pitches but it had to be a huge pitch count early, as the scoreboard on the upper deck showed 80 pitches in the fourth inning. But darned if Lilly didn't settle down and mow through the Pirates in the fifth and sixth, and finally had to be removed with one out in the seventh, to a warm ovation. The final pitch count of 111 included 70 strikes, and no further walks after that second inning.

Meanwhile, the Cubs were putting together one of their most efficient offensive displays of the season. In all three of their scoring innings (2nd, 4th and 5th) they got the leadoff man on base and scored him -- and twice got the first TWO runners on and scored both of them. Even D-Lee's 22nd DP ball of the year had a positive aspect, as it came with nobody out and a runner on third, so it scored the fourth Cub run of the game. Geovany Soto drove in two runs and now has sixty RBI. The CF message board indicated that Soto's 17 HR are the most for a rookie catcher since Mike Piazza hit 35 in 1993.

We all cringed when Bob Howry came in to throw the 8th, and as he did on Thursday in Milwaukee, he was a bit shaky, allowing two hits; but he got out of it with a foul popup, and Carlos Marmol threw perhaps too many pitches (22) in a non-save situation, meaning if a closer is needed tomorrow, it'll probably be Jeff Samardzija.

There was a large bachelorette party seated in front of us. One of them had some sort of novelty "challenge" book, things that the bride-to-be is supposedly supposed to do during the party time. One of the "challenges" was to kiss a man with a mustache. No, it wasn't me! (I've got a goatee, not a mustache.) PHIL was the designated kissee; he was a good sport about the smooch, which was done to general laughter from section 301.

And we are all in that sort of mood. Happy, laughing, smiling. May it continue for three more months.

Finally, a bit more humor. Here is the top of the scorecard from the current series, which appears to indicate that the Cubs had played over 2300 games vs. the Pirates in the last 15 years:

Don't you mean <strong>1893?</strong>
click on image to open a larger version in a new browser window

Wow. I know the Cubs had played the Pirates a lot earlier this year, but I didn't know it was that many times. (And no, the home record isn't 467-4; that's just where my scan cut off.) Enjoy the evening; go Braves, go Phillies.

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Must have been a good game, sorry I missed it

FURST I guess

Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."

by Ivy Walls on Aug 2, 2008 3:49 PM CDT   0 recs

Yo!

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Aug 2, 2008 3:58 PM CDT   0 recs

Maybe no one is having a career year on offense

But clearly Ryan Dempster is having a career year in the rotation, not to mention what we’ve received so far from Harden.

Some people have 3 layers, like pie.

by berselius on Aug 2, 2008 3:58 PM CDT   0 recs

True enough.

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

by Al on Aug 2, 2008 4:07 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

And even without career years on offense...

... the Cubs are leading the league in runs scored. That’s impressive.

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

by Al on Aug 2, 2008 4:07 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I think Soriano is playing phenomenal offensively

He has 18 home runs this year, with missing more than A MONTH of play. That’s something else.

"I think Hendry still has a few years to serve on his 'grand larceny' sentence before he can shop in Pittsburgh again" - ballhawk

by NittanyCub on Aug 2, 2008 4:10 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Cubs record with him starting is phenomenal

even on the road….

Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."

by Ivy Walls on Aug 2, 2008 4:13 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I'd say one guy is having a career year on offense...

Ryan Theriot is currently producing at a level above even his best years in the minor leagues. He just doesn’t hit for power.

by SouthernCub on Aug 2, 2008 4:10 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

We don't need him to hit for any power...

Just keep gettting singles, and playing solid D. Just wish his arm would get stronger somehow.

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Aug 2, 2008 4:12 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

actually a solid balanced attack

this appears to be a Lou day, scoring on the outs from 3rd, I see a sac fly, a score on a DP and a score on a FO…..3 runs without a hit…..Cubs won 5-1….tomorrow the ace horse named Break-Over-Thy-Knee pitches.

Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."

by Ivy Walls on Aug 2, 2008 4:15 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

more impressive is the differentials

Cubs are no slouch in giving up runs and as Harden’s starts accumulate they will reduce the runs per game as well. Piniella & Co still need to rest Lee and Ramirez….good to see Fukudome rested and Cedeno given a few starts.

We will need Howry as September creeps toward us. That said it will be interesting to see how the the Cubs manage their active roster as Wood heals and Lieber works his way back.

Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."

by Ivy Walls on Aug 2, 2008 4:11 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

This year's club...

...really proves the importance of having a balanced offensive attack. Hendry had a tendency to put together one dimensional lineups, and I think Lou’s influence has been a real positive in this area.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Aug 3, 2008 1:06 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Jason Marquis is the Sean Estes of this year's rotation...

Otherwise the other 4 are great, even Lilly has 11 wins, with only 6 losses.

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Aug 2, 2008 4:00 PM CDT   0 recs

Not even close

Marquis is far better than Estes was. Estes’ only shining moment was that complete-game shutout he threw down the stretch in Cincinnati in 2003.

If you’re saying Marquis is to this rotation the equivalent of what Estes was to the ‘03 rotation, that’s one thing. But I’d much rather have Marquis ‘08 than Estes ‘03.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 2, 2008 5:10 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I would agree with both your statements.

He’s the rotation equivalent… and he’s also better.

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

by Al on Aug 2, 2008 5:28 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

You're a true diplomat, Al

And you’re absolutely correct. :)

by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 2, 2008 5:55 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

A's are really struggling against the Yankees this series

"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 2, 2008 4:06 PM CDT   0 recs

I meant game... not series.... I shouldnt multi tast

"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 2, 2008 4:08 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

The A's have been in a free fall

since unloading Harden, Guadin and Blanton. Makes sense, but still must be frustrating for the fans.

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

by Curtain Jerker on Aug 2, 2008 4:09 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

2-8 in the last 10 games

"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 2, 2008 4:19 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Gallagher's still playing good over there

He has a 3.22 ERA since he’s been with them in 12 IP. He’s gonna be a force next year.

"I think Hendry still has a few years to serve on his 'grand larceny' sentence before he can shop in Pittsburgh again" - ballhawk

by NittanyCub on Aug 2, 2008 4:21 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Ugh, 22.1 IP is what I meant

"I think Hendry still has a few years to serve on his 'grand larceny' sentence before he can shop in Pittsburgh again" - ballhawk

by NittanyCub on Aug 2, 2008 4:22 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

That's great to hear.

I’m so glad he’s getting to play and doing well.

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

by slcathena on Aug 2, 2008 4:28 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

The Yankees are playing the Angels

Oakland is playing Boston.

Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?

by Josh77 on Aug 2, 2008 4:40 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

ugh... your right

I should lurk when I am involved organizing somehting.. not post.

"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 2, 2008 4:44 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Amazing.

I wouldn’t have given the Braves a chance today, given the pitching matchup. Hang in there Braves!

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

by Al on Aug 2, 2008 4:08 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Brew Crew down to 9 more outs being shutout

after scoring 9 yesterday

Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."

by Ivy Walls on Aug 2, 2008 4:18 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Has anyone seen the FOX commerical for October?

"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 2, 2008 4:16 PM CDT   0 recs

Fukudome's game tying HR

and Big Z staring down?

Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."

by Ivy Walls on Aug 2, 2008 4:18 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Black cat walking thru the commerical... and how they is no ruin for curses in post season

part of the ocmmerical. ” grrr”

"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 2, 2008 4:20 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Curses are not real. It's made up crap to make people feel better.

It’s also a way for Fox/MLB to market the game. It makes for good hype.

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Aug 2, 2008 4:22 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Preaching to the choir

the curse I expected….... but the black cat going across the screen. bit overkill

"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 2, 2008 4:23 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Could have been worse

could have been a goat

Old Style is the nectar of life.

by Mordecai on Aug 2, 2008 5:00 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Al,

the ball to Theriot in the 2nd inning was a slicer, that hit right on the lip of the outfield grass, it would have been a tough error to hang on him. I doubt he could have thrown him out anyway.

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Aug 2, 2008 4:19 PM CDT   0 recs

Maybe so.

But remember, it was the pitcher running. Sometimes hometown scorers give pitchers a break on their ERA with stuff like this.

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

by Al on Aug 2, 2008 5:29 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Abreu with a homer, 5-2 Yankees.

The Angels might lose for once in this season.

"I think Hendry still has a few years to serve on his 'grand larceny' sentence before he can shop in Pittsburgh again" - ballhawk

by NittanyCub on Aug 2, 2008 4:23 PM CDT   0 recs

Try Jose Molina

His first of the year.

Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?

by Josh77 on Aug 2, 2008 4:42 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Dang

Well he did have a homer earlier to make 4-2.

"I think Hendry still has a few years to serve on his 'grand larceny' sentence before he can shop in Pittsburgh again" - ballhawk

by NittanyCub on Aug 2, 2008 4:44 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

His name is Prince and he is chunky.

Fielder with a HR, 1-1, top of seven.

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Aug 2, 2008 4:27 PM CDT   0 recs

Stupid Brewers

Stupid Fat Guy

"I think Hendry still has a few years to serve on his 'grand larceny' sentence before he can shop in Pittsburgh again" - ballhawk

by NittanyCub on Aug 2, 2008 4:29 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

With all that weight violently jostling around in his swing...

...I always think somewhere in the universe a black hole just ripped open.

"And heeeere cooome the pretzels!"

by NightPutting on Aug 2, 2008 4:30 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

LOL.

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Aug 2, 2008 4:31 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Actually, I wonder...

...if Fielder and Sabathia collide on a play at first, we might just discover that pesky dark matter…

Let my ashes blow in a beautiful snow from the prevailing 30 mile an hour southwest wind...
When my last remains go flying over the left field wall, I'll bid the bleacher bums adieu,
And I will come to my final resting place, out on Waveland Avenue. --Steve Goodman

by NotSure on Aug 2, 2008 8:10 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

ah, not throwing fits today, I see

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

by slcathena on Aug 2, 2008 4:32 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

No worries. :)

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

by slcathena on Aug 2, 2008 4:46 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Sorry I missed the end of the game,

sounds like it was fun. :)

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

by slcathena on Aug 2, 2008 4:32 PM CDT   0 recs

It was.

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

by sue369 on Aug 2, 2008 5:53 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Sabathia pitching another incredible game

7 IP, 5 H, 1 BB, 8 SO

"I think Hendry still has a few years to serve on his 'grand larceny' sentence before he can shop in Pittsburgh again" - ballhawk

by NittanyCub on Aug 2, 2008 4:46 PM CDT   0 recs

How many pitches?

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

by slcathena on Aug 2, 2008 4:50 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Only 85 pitches

He’ll be out for the eighth. It would be stupid not to.

Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?

by Josh77 on Aug 2, 2008 4:53 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Yost has a bit of a Dusty in him

I wouldn’t have been surprised to see Sabathia go back out with 100.

by AceCubbie on Aug 2, 2008 4:54 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

85 pitches

is not a lot.

Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?

by Josh77 on Aug 2, 2008 4:56 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Particularly for a dude who routinely throws over 100

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

by slcathena on Aug 2, 2008 4:56 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

You're right.

I’m talking about the cumulative pitches thrown since he got to Milwaukee…

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Aug 2, 2008 4:59 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Agreed

Ned Flanders is going to burn out CC’s arm if he’s not careful. And don’t think Sabathia won’t remember how he was handled when it comes to the offseason.

"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 5:27 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Well, there's about zero chance of CC pitching for the Brewers next year

so I don’t think what Sabiahia does or doesn’t remember is going to matter. As long as the Brewers are close, CC is going to take the ball every 5th day with the expectation of throwing a complete game. He’s enough of a horse that he could come out of it relatively unscathed. I would think though, that CC’s agent is keeping a close eye on the situation, and rightfully so. That’s what agents are for.

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

by ballhawk on Aug 2, 2008 5:46 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Good Point

Sabathia just wants to compete so he’ll gladly take the ball. His agent, on the other hand…..

"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 5:48 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

how'd you like to be an opposing gm

and see sabathia consistently put miles on the arm under the watchful eye of ned yost? buyer beware.

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 5:39 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Did You Do The Game Streaming Today, Trey?

You’re the guy that works for the Buccos, right?

"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 5:45 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I'm actually in Indianapolis

so I get to watch the AAA team a fair deal. it’s actually where i’m at right now. so if anyone wants the low-down on the International League’s second-worst team, i can provide details all night.

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 5:46 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

4-1 Brewers now.

The chunky one with another HR.

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Aug 2, 2008 5:00 PM CDT   0 recs

Hendry for Exec of the Year

What would this team be if he hadn’t grabbed Johnson and Edmonds from the scrap heap?

by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 2, 2008 5:11 PM CDT   0 recs

Certainly not where they are now.

Not with Pie’s AAA bat in the line-up. ED & RJ have won many important games for the Cubs this year.

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Aug 2, 2008 5:14 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

50 plus games still to go

A lot can happen good and bad

Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."

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