The Harden They Come, The Harden They Fall: Cubs 5, Reds 0
In a season filled with superlatives, Rich Harden almost gave the Cubs a memory to savor forever. On the 39th anniversary of Kenny Holtzman's no-hitter vs. the Braves at Wrigley Field, Harden had good enough stuff to throw one -- mowing the Reds down easily, retiring the first ten batters he faced before Jeff Keppinger lined a single to center to break up any mid-game thoughts of perfection.
Harden finished with two hits allowed and ten strikeouts in seven outstanding innings, and the Cubs dispatched the Reds efficiently 5-0, increasing their division lead to its largest of the season, six games, when the Brewers lost to the Astros in Milwaukee last night.
Harden, who told Lou he'd rather throw at night in cooler conditions -- presumably he's used to that from growing up in British Columbia and pitching in Oakland -- was pushed back to this series from the humidity in Florida, and got his wish. It was Septembrish-cool at Wrigley last night, with the wind blowing in and the ball not carrying at all. And Harden's 94 pitches averaged just over four pitches per batter (comparison point: he threw 92 pitches in five innings in Atlanta, 94 in seven last night). It was the second time in his seven Cub starts that he walked no one, and the fourth time he struck out ten. The only other hit off Harden was a sixth-inning single by Reds rookie Chris Dickerson (it's weird seeing the Reds without Adam Dunn and Ken Griffey Jr. -- those two had been Reds teammates for nearly seven years), and Kerry Wood allowed one more single in a non-save situation in the 9th.
Meanwhile, the Reds' Johnny Cueto was also throwing a nice game, thanks in part to some really questionable baserunning by Cubs. In the third, Mark DeRosa led off with a double. Harden failed to advance him via bunt, and then, inexplicably, DeRosa got caught off second base on a routine ground ball to short. Alfonso Soriano was safe on that grounder, but he promptly got picked off, his second pick in as many games. Two innings later, Harden made up for his poor third-inning bunt by laying down an excellent safety squeeze following a Geovany Soto triple and walk to Kosuke Fukudome. Soto waited till Reds 3B Edwin Encarnacion committed to throwing to first, then broke for the plate and scored when Joey Votto's throw home was off line, giving the Cubs a 1-0 lead.
With Harden, Wood and Carlos Marmol, who threw the 8th (and probably could have thrown the 9th, too, getting out of the 8th with only 11 pitches), throwing as well as they were, one run would have been enough; but the Cubs tacked on four more in the 8th after Cueto was pulled for a pinch-hitter. Dusty Baker did something so familiar to all of us, yanking reliever after reliever, playing "the book" in switching off pitchers for supposed platoon advantage, yet none of it worked. The two biggest blows in the inning were a rocket double down the line by Aramis Ramirez, and then after an intentional pass to Soto, Fukudome singled in the final two runs.
When Marmol was facing Corey Patterson, I said to Mike, "This is one of the biggest pitcher-batter mismatches you'll see all year." Mike, who waited years before he caught a HR in the bleachers, got his first in 2004, a Patterson shot in the 12th inning of this game on September 7, said that Patterson would probably prove me wrong by hitting one. Wrong, at least in this miserable year for Patterson -- Marmol struck him out on a nasty slider.
For Harden's part, I'm happy to say that those who wanted him here were right -- he appears to be keeping healthy, and some of the reasons can be found in Gordon Wittenmyer's article in today's Sun-Times. The Cub staff is doing everything right, I think, in managing Harden's workload and preparation so he stays that way.
The Cubs are 29 games over .500. The next milestone is 32 games over .500, last reached on September 2, 1969 -- that's the most games over .500 since 1945. Yes, it has been a long litany of failure. But this year is erasing many numbers from the past. May it continue deep into October.
Geovany Soto triples in the fifth inning
Rich Harden lays down a bunt in the fifth inning...
Kosuke Fukudome nearly screwing himself into the ground swinging and missing in the 8th. He later singled in two runs in this at-bat
New on the scoreboard last night...
... the words to "Go Cubs Go"!
Click on photos to open a larger version in a new browser window. All photos by David Sameshima. More photos of last night's game by BCB reader Damen Jackson can be found here.
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859 comments
Comments
Go Cubs Go!
I’m starting to get more and more excited, incrementally, with each passing game. This is gonna be big.
Keep rollin’!
"We are not equations with hats." -Dean Young
by Kegler on Aug 20, 2008 8:40 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Except for the too-often-seen Kosuke Spin.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 20, 2008 8:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good name for it
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on Aug 20, 2008 8:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe we should get a deal going...
…where everyone in the stands spins around when Kosuke corkscrews….
by Shawon O Meter on Aug 20, 2008 9:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's akin
to the wave. Synchronized fan activity at Wrigley doesn’t seem to catch on very often. Plus, that would almost be like cheering for Kosuke’s strikeouts
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on Aug 20, 2008 9:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's too bad...
…that I was very serious about this.
by Shawon O Meter on Aug 20, 2008 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, I don't know...
…it could mean “laughing my ass off forthrightly.”
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 20, 2008 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A lot of positives
Lee drove the ball well his last three AB’s, Soto’s baserunning was great, and the 8th was exactly how it’s supposed to work — the big boppers get the runs home after the table was set. Fukudome had a couple of good AB’s, including the 8th — when he did NOT strike out as the caption says — he hit a 2-run single.
Harden was fantastic, too.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 20, 2008 8:44 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Didn't get to watch the game,
only the highlights, but Harden’s pitches looked electric last night. He was blowing fastball after fastball by the Reds’ hitters, it was fun to watch
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on Aug 20, 2008 8:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's one of the best games I've seen pitched by a Cub in many years.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 20, 2008 8:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm still waiting
to watch Harden on live TV (other than just highlights on Baseball Tonight). Seems that none of his games are on WGN (or ESPN/Fox) for those of us outside IL without EI or any of that. I was jazzed about being able to watch his last start, but it was the rain out. He sounded just about perfect last night.
"We are not equations with hats." -Dean Young
by Kegler on Aug 20, 2008 9:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Check out MLB TV on line
Cost for the remainder of the season is less than $30.
Dome-san!!
by Goat Whisperer on Aug 20, 2008 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And you can watch the archived games for free.
All you have to do is sign up.
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Aug 20, 2008 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What is this "El" that everyone always mentions??
"I love when they play that Go Cubs Win song."
by BMoney79 on Aug 20, 2008 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not sure if your kidding or asking a legit question.....
but the “El” is the term for “Elevated Train”…the mass transit system in Chicago.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 20, 2008 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the MLB Extra Innings package you could purchase
is one of the EIs referred to around here
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 20, 2008 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Harden...
…proves just how important having a good change up is in today’s game. When you have a good one, it just makes your fastball that much more electric and Harden’s is good on it’s own.
I don’t think it is a coincidence, that the vast majority of the best major league pitchers have exceptional changeups (or a pitch like it – splitter, etc.) that really helps to keep a hitter’s timing off balance.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Aug 20, 2008 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Problem is, if you have a good but not great change.
It gets absolutley hammered.
Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB
by californiachicagoan on Aug 20, 2008 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Especially if you leave it up in the zone.
"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
by Fishbone2 on Aug 20, 2008 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nothing wrong...
…with a guy with a live fastball and a good change, as that will service to put plenty of uncertainty in a hitters head.
My point was, the vast majority of dominant pitchers all have command of a very good change. As a hitter, those pitches are very difficult to lay off and the change in speeds have you absolutely befuddled at what may be coming next.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Aug 20, 2008 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
thank you Billy Beane
Once again, thank you Billy Beane for being the genius that allowed the trade of Harden to our Cubs.
wccubfan
by wccubfan on Aug 20, 2008 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We really need a pic
of Harden, Ramirez, and Lee with the caption, “Gotcha!”
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 20, 2008 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Still can't believe Beane made that trade.
The only possible reason I can think of is money. He is part owner now, I believe. But still…..
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Aug 20, 2008 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gallagher got lit up last night...
…Murton is in Triple A and Patterson is with the club but hitting an abysmal .200/.303/.262 (.564 OPS). All I can guess is that Beane sees bright futures for all three under the tutelage of his coaching staff. Otherwise, that trade – as of right now, at least – looks too good to be true.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 20, 2008 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he made the deal
because Harden has one more season to FA, and Gallagher is a 22-yo that was already on the major league level, with about 6 more seasons under team control? Not to mention all the love Gallagher was getting from his stint in last years’ AFL.
Notwithstanding the clunker last night, this is a classic Billy Beane move.
by The Deputy Mayor of Rush Street on Aug 20, 2008 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Injury fears
He made the trade because Harden had lost some velocity and Beane was already paranoid of yet another Harden injury. So far he was wrong.
Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB
by californiachicagoan on Aug 20, 2008 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
OT
Who was the BCB’er walking west down Waveland about 30 minutes after the game with a BCB shirt on, next to someone with a Zambrano jersey? I waited a second to long to try to call out as you walked past . . .
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 20, 2008 8:46 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Wasn't me...
… I didn’t see him either.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 20, 2008 8:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You sure got out fast!
I was in the UD box, section 404 — you left right after the last strike, didn’t you? Can’t blame you, given your work hours.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 20, 2008 8:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, stayed to see the Go Cubs Go words on the scoreboard...
… then down the stairs and out.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 20, 2008 8:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The whole song?
Do they display ALL the lyrics? It’s funny to see so many people on TV just moving their lips to parts they don’t know…. while trying to dance while balancing themselves on the bleachers while holding a W flag.
Go ahead, Z me.
by tony412 on Aug 20, 2008 8:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, all the lyrics are displayed.
Last night was the first time they had done that.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 20, 2008 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that is really cool
I think it’s just his face. - dat cubfan daver
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 20, 2008 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Only watched this year on TV myself
and I’ve managed to learn all the lyrics.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 20, 2008 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I downloaded the song off I-Tunes before the playoffs last year...
didn’t get to sing much then.
by graceunderpressure on Aug 20, 2008 9:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Haven't been to Wrigley in a while
so the photos of the confines are a nice bit of nostalgia for me. Thanks for those. And I love that the words to ‘Go Cubs Go’ are displayed. Pretty damned thrilling to have our own song.
And I want the chorus as my ringtone. Srsly.
"Years of academy training, wasted"--Buzz Lightyear (not a flying toy)
by spoiledcubbage on Aug 20, 2008 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
there's a fanpost
that allows you to do exactly that.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Linky, pls and ty
"Years of academy training, wasted"--Buzz Lightyear (not a flying toy)
by spoiledcubbage on Aug 20, 2008 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Much tanks
I’m firewalled from doing it at work (dammit), but I’ll see if I can pull it off at home.
"Years of academy training, wasted"--Buzz Lightyear (not a flying toy)
by spoiledcubbage on Aug 20, 2008 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And it begins :)
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 20, 2008 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
no kidding
N/A you were at it early today, huh?
I think it’s just his face. - dat cubfan daver
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 20, 2008 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
was that the really big W flag you speak of?
If so, that’s us and we know all the words without it being on the screen. We’re season ticket holders, and I think Al will vouch for our cubs knowledge.
I was surprised to see that, we did notice that more people were singing the 2nd and 3rd verses, then turned to see the words on the screen. As long as we don’t have to post the words to “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” like other stadiums.
by gp1966 on Aug 20, 2008 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, maybe we should post TMOTTBG
Harry sung it wrong, and so do most Cubs fans.
It’s take me out WITH the crowd, not TO the crowd . . . .
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 20, 2008 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What do you think of
Ditka’s rendition? (Real Player Audio)
There’s also a lot of Cracker Jacks, and ever instead of never.
Go ahead, Z me.
by tony412 on Aug 20, 2008 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He was better than Ozzy . . .
You’re right about the other errors.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 20, 2008 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Only slightly better than Ozzy
Very slightly.
"Years of academy training, wasted"--Buzz Lightyear (not a flying toy)
by spoiledcubbage on Aug 20, 2008 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
See, now...
…I’m definitely under a different impression. Perhaps it’s partly because I’ve always sung it that way, but I think it’s “take me out TO the crowd”. Singing “take me out WITH the crowd” gives me the visual of 41,000+ trying to cram into a stationwagon circus clown-style. You’re being taken out to the ballgame…being taken out to the crowd…both in the same location.
Can I get an official review of this, please??
And, yes, before anyone digs me for it: I do it circus clown-style. >8)
by Shawon O Meter on Aug 20, 2008 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
this says “with the crowd”.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thaaaaaaat's....
…what I was after. Thankya.
Hard to believe I’ve been wrong all these years…
Have a look out your office window in my building’s direction, Drew. I am now going to throw myself out the 6th floor window.
by Shawon O Meter on Aug 20, 2008 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that's gonna leave a mark.
on the pavement.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
speaking of getting the lyrics wrong
I was in my late teens before I realized the true lyrics weren’t “root for the cubbies”… i’d never heard it any other way.
I think it’s just his face. - dat cubfan daver
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 20, 2008 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
FYI -- it also doesn't end with
“Let’s get some runs”
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 20, 2008 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No complaints....
Except one. Not to ruin my good vibe on this day with how well the Cubs are playing, but Soriano getting picked off again makes me slightly concerned that we are seeing the blossoming of Manny Jr. Am I wrong? I hope the more attention this team gets doesn’t equate to more and more hotdogging on his part. Just play the game the right way and we’ll all be ok.
by graceunderpressure on Aug 20, 2008 8:50 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I think
he’s just happy he can run again, and he’s getting a little careless. Hopefully, he’ll fix that.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 9:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sori
may think that the third base coach and other staff may be trying to protect his legs too much and giving him the stop sign where they wouldn’t give it to others. Or he is trying to prove that his legs are better than the staff thinks.
Either way, I hope he doesn’t get into the habit of disregarding the 3rd base coach. He got lucky this time. Most times the 3rd base coach is going to be right
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on Aug 20, 2008 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's a good point.
Plus, other teams know about Sori’s leg problems. Maybe Quade holding up the stop sign is just a ruse to get the defense to relax and get caught offguard when Fonzie comes barreling home.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 20, 2008 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are you suggesting that
the Cubs enter bizzarro reverse world when Sori is on the bases to confuse the other team? A place where stop means go and no means yes. ;)
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on Aug 20, 2008 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A place on Clark and Addison.
Two streets that conveniently intersect, in the Twilight Zone.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 20, 2008 9:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I noticed that Soriano...
…was visibly frustrated – presumably with Quade – after scoring in the eight inning.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 20, 2008 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes I saw this too
He waved his hand in Quade’s direction (as if to say the heck w/ya). And he was shaking his head in the dugout as he was high-fiving teammates.
by TheRamZamDLEE on Aug 20, 2008 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He did seem a little miffed...
…and frankly, I don’t think Quade has had a good year with his judgements in regards to sending runners.
On the surface, I understand playing it safe with Ramirez coming up, but Soriano hesitated around third and made it without much difficulty.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Aug 20, 2008 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
but if a good throw had happened
he’d be crucified on here for it. Its one of those plays thats only good if it works.
I think it’s just his face. - dat cubfan daver
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 20, 2008 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This was my thought exactly last night.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 20, 2008 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agree.
Sori’s legs (and/or confidence in his legs) are back. He has stolen a bunch of bases. Only been caught once. (Odd I thought pickoffs counted in the CS catagory, can anyone cite a site that includes pickoffs?) The league is catching on, and actually paying attention to him now. Sori has to adjust to that now.
Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB
by californiachicagoan on Aug 20, 2008 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
when i looked it up
i had to go boxscore by boxscore. even the Major League Baseball Portal doesn’t keep pickoff stats for position players.
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 20, 2008 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just have nightmares
of Sori pulling the hammy again while diving back to first.
"Years of academy training, wasted"--Buzz Lightyear (not a flying toy)
by spoiledcubbage on Aug 20, 2008 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How is getting picked off = hot dogging?
Give me a break.
Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB
by californiachicagoan on Aug 20, 2008 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agree.
It’s a separate annoyance, and something he needs to work one. Though I will add that I am ecstatic that he’s running and stealing again. Maybe he’s getting picked at first cos he’s overanxious.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 20, 2008 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can't stress how bad I feel for the Reds
They had a real solid foundation at the start of the season, and that was before they knew Volquez was going to be a Cy Young guy.
I’m not saying that its Dusty’s fault, but like Steve Stone said yesterday he took a mediocre team with promise and made them a last place team in just one season.
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Aug 20, 2008 8:51 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
who is Steve Stone with, where did you hear him?
by graceunderpressure on Aug 20, 2008 8:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He is on 670 the Score 3 or 4 times a week
If you go on their website they have podcasts of all his interviews. They aren’t always the kindest towards the Cubs, but his Dusty stuff was pure gold. He makes sure everyone knows he hates Dusty.
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Aug 20, 2008 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Stoney sure got bitter
He used to be a lot more insightful before he let this get to him. It’s like someone who keeps ripping on an ex . . .
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 20, 2008 9:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Although, to be fair...
…he did say in June that he thought the Cubs were going to win the division HANDILY, and he has stuck by those words…
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 20, 2008 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He hasn't ever wavered in his thinking that the Cubs are a great team
He more just was getting on Dusty.
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Aug 20, 2008 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And, gosh
who doesn’t love getting on Dusty? ;-)
"Years of academy training, wasted"--Buzz Lightyear (not a flying toy)
by spoiledcubbage on Aug 20, 2008 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
TWSS
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Boom City.
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 20, 2008 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
His Wife!!
Zing!!
Old Style is the nectar of life.
by Mordecai on Aug 20, 2008 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+32
Was also reached by the 1984 Cubs, the last time on September 15, 1984, when they were 90-58.
I said it two months ago, and I stick by it – this is the best Cubs team since 1935.
"Don't worry, Joey. We'll go next year. They're in the World Series all the time" ---My grandfather to my sick father, October 10, 1945
by flyingdonut on Aug 20, 2008 8:51 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
You're right. I'll fix that.
But I agree with you re: 1935.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 20, 2008 8:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How much were...
…your season ticket bleacher seats back then, Al? >8)
by Shawon O Meter on Aug 20, 2008 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
HEY!
I’m not THAT old!
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 20, 2008 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
what
you didn’t lay the cornerstone at Weegham Field?
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's WEEGHMAN.
But no.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 20, 2008 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
hah!
but you know the correct spelling! :P
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, sure.
I read it in a book.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 20, 2008 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Remember books?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 20, 2008 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There you go again...
…with your crazy wives tales.
by Shawon O Meter on Aug 20, 2008 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
kids today
with their hair and their venture capitalists… I TELL YOU!
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
With the hipping, and the hopping...
…and the bipping, and the bopping…They don’t know what the JAZZ is all about!
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 20, 2008 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Damn skippy
"Years of academy training, wasted"--Buzz Lightyear (not a flying toy)
by spoiledcubbage on Aug 20, 2008 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
(handing AI his Zimmer frame)
and waits for him to tell those kids to get off his lawn ;-)
"Years of academy training, wasted"--Buzz Lightyear (not a flying toy)
by spoiledcubbage on Aug 20, 2008 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Damn kids!
;-)
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 20, 2008 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 20, 2008 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Outstanding
This is now my computer wallpaper…
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE! (#13031 on the Cubs season ticket waiting list...)
by Zeke on Aug 20, 2008 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
Mine too. Perfect.
"Years of academy training, wasted"--Buzz Lightyear (not a flying toy)
by spoiledcubbage on Aug 20, 2008 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Same here...
Is that Dempster pitching?
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Aug 20, 2008 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't know...
but looking at the picture…it cannot be very recent.
a) the field has not been replaced (see the infield cutouts)
2) the bleachers haven’t been expanded
d) the left-fielder is playing out of position relative to the right-handed batter.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 20, 2008 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No Under Armour ads...
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 20, 2008 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No Batters Eye Suites
Go ahead, Z me.
by tony412 on Aug 20, 2008 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Where's the...
…Eamus Catuli sign when ya need it?!
by Shawon O Meter on Aug 20, 2008 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good win.
Nice to see the Cubs beating up on the teams they should be. Also great to see Harden go a wee bit deeper as we inch towards Autumn (referred to as such in lieu of any jinx-worthy verbiage – “the fall” could be taken the wrong way).
Take the series tonight, sweep em tomorrow.
Go Cubs Go.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 20, 2008 8:52 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Soriano
picked off first again, and runs through Quade’s stop sign in the 8th, w/ 4,5,6 to follow in the order. Some discipline or focus would be nice to see out of Sori.
Likewise, Geo Soto’s energetic play is a pleasure to watch. Aside from his baserunning, he was mad at himself for a passed ball w/ nobody on in the ninth. Love this kid!
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue." - George F. Will
by Slakkr on Aug 20, 2008 8:52 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Did you see
him shaking his head after he scored, as if to say “Quade shouldn’t have tried to stop me”? A tad arrogant, but it all worked out.
*Synth intro to "Jump"*
by SouthsideCub on Aug 20, 2008 8:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought it was more "Boy, I got lucky"...
…when he shook his head.
The only stats I care about are the ones on the back of a baseball card
by carmen_fanzone on Aug 20, 2008 9:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you have seen any
interviews done by Soto he is anything but arrogant. None of us have no idea why he was shaking his head.
Good luck Shawn Johnson, Lolo Jones and Doug Schwab. Bring home the gold!!!
by sue369 on Aug 20, 2008 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he was...
…referring to Soriano, not Soto, Sue.
by Shawon O Meter on Aug 20, 2008 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Applies to Soriano
In interviews I have heard (very few, because he doesnt seem to like the spotlight) he has been painfully shy and humble. I think people are projecting things on him that are false.
Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB
by californiachicagoan on Aug 20, 2008 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ah, ok. Sorry
Good luck Shawn Johnson, Lolo Jones and Doug Schwab. Bring home the gold!!!
by sue369 on Aug 20, 2008 1:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
none of us have no idea?
intriguing
by sackings108 on Aug 20, 2008 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Soriano ran through that stop sign because
1) his leg would have fallen off if he tried to stop and 2) he scored rather easily.
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Aug 20, 2008 8:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
pat and ron
thought sori made a good call running through the stop sign….he scored so i agree with those 3
by cubswynn on Aug 20, 2008 8:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There was nobody out...
… that’s the likely reason for the stop sign. We’d have been all over Sori if he had been thrown out, but he scored, so he got away with it.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 20, 2008 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
understood
and not listening to your 3rd base coach is a problem if it keeps up, but i can’t remember the last time he did this…..hopefully this doesn’t empower him to keep making his own decisions
i’m just glad he was safe so we didn’t have a 30 minute argument about how sori sucks and isn’t worth his money haha
by cubswynn on Aug 20, 2008 9:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
The point is that no other player on the team would disregard the sign. There hasn’t been too much to be concerned w/ the past 2 weeks on this team, but one relative consistency has been Soriano’s mental gaffs. He stands apart from his teammates in this regard. I love the player, but like to see him clean this up.
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue." - George F. Will
by Slakkr on Aug 20, 2008 9:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mental gaffs is polite
He is a hot dog plain and simple. I like what he brings to the team, but he is a prima dona and we all know it.
by graceunderpressure on Aug 20, 2008 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ok so this stuff is starting again
Soriano isn’t a prima dona. He has never ever ever ever done anything but go out and play. People don’t like him because he will take some plays off and doesn’t always hustle (which is a flaw).
You want a prima dona go see A-Rod or Barry Bonds, even Sammy Sosa. Soriano is not one of them.
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Aug 20, 2008 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
great point
he’s a prima dona relative to the rest of the cubs, but in the grand scheme of things he is not…..very good point nji
and lets not forget another main reason people don’t like him is his contract…they feel he’s overpaid, i don’t
by cubswynn on Aug 20, 2008 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
fact is
he gets the job done. He may, right now, be in the best shape he’s ever been in as a Cub. He blew the game open with that run.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 9:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Take some plays off?
How much are the Cubs paying him for these plays he is deciding to take off?
by graceunderpressure on Aug 20, 2008 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think he takes plays off
I think he’s efficient. He doesn’t run any faster than he needs to — and his amazingly long legs make him look like he’s moving slower than he is.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bottom Line
If he was on another team, no one here would defend him.
by graceunderpressure on Aug 20, 2008 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't agree with that, either
For example: I think Manny does just fine.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he's my favorite kind of hot dog/prima dona
one that can back it up…..maybe i’m just not old school enough, i see the exact same things you guys do (he is a show boat), but it does not bother me as long as he can back it up
by cubswynn on Aug 20, 2008 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This probably boils down to semantics...
…but I don’t think he’s a hot dog either. I think he plays the game aggressively and with a lot of confidence. Sometimes that leads to spectacular failures, but it leads to much spectacular success as well.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 20, 2008 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is it being a hot dog if you back it up?
Muhammad Ali said “It’s not bragging if you can back it up.” While I am not equating Soriano to Ali, the sentiment is valid. If he helps the team by giving it a shot of emotion, where is the harm? Sori is a smart enough player to know when to back down and when to turn it on. Last week he stood and watched a hit a little too long – and apologized to his team. I think sometimes it gets forgotten that this is a game and there are emotional highs and lows from inning to inning. So one of the best runners on the team runs through a stop sign – OK – is this the first time, the second, the twelfth? If it becomes a habit, it might be a problem, if not – enjoy! Remember – it could be worse – it HAS been worse.
Football and basketball are just things to do between baseball seasons.
by MetsSuck on Aug 20, 2008 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, that was Dizzy Dean
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 20, 2008 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
MYTHBUSTERS!!!
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 20, 2008 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
on a roll….
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 20, 2008 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nope, Ali.
Football and basketball are just things to do between baseball seasons.
by MetsSuck on Aug 20, 2008 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 20, 2008 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
-1
Out and out false. Stop projecting your stereotypes on him
Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB
by californiachicagoan on Aug 20, 2008 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that he's a prima donna
that he doesn’t try
that he insists on hitting first
that he eats babies
that he, not Darth Vader, is Luke’s Father…
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
damn dominicans....
always eating babies at cockfights while rolling crepes.
something never change i guess
"...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 20, 2008 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
don't forget
how tightly they role those crepes, either. shoddy craftsmanship.
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 20, 2008 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think Soriano is great personally.
but that doesn’t really answer my question. what kind of person are those stereotypes for?
by sackings108 on Aug 20, 2008 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
other players
have run through signs before.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He scored and it wasn't even close
I don’t think we can rip Fonzie for this one. He was right and Quade made a mistake holding him.
Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?
by Josh77 on Aug 20, 2008 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder if Quade is gun shy after a few bad sends recently
This wasn’t the first time in the last week that I’ve thought that . . .
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 20, 2008 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Could be...
since he sent Lee? home in one of the Brewer’s games he’s been overly conservative.
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Aug 20, 2008 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought Quade was very conservative in the Marlins series...
In the 2-1 loss he held Soriano on a ball i thought he could have scored on.
"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
by Fishbone2 on Aug 20, 2008 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was there (1st row, over 3rd base) and say no way he scores
CF Alfredo Amezaga had the ball in hand as Soriano rounded 3rd.
As I recall, Soriano made the turn but Quade had both hands up standing half way to home plate. With two outs, that was the wise choice. That would have run us out of the inning had he been out at home. Instead, it left the bases loaded for soon-to-be-announced PH Derrek Lee.
"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 20, 2008 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The throw was also well up the line at 3rd and nowhere near home plate.
"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
by Fishbone2 on Aug 20, 2008 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
After the fact, yes.
Neither a coach or a runner can predict a bad throw. Nor can they predict if a catcher will misplay the ball.
A thrown ball travels faster than a player runs. A good throw beats him.
"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 20, 2008 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I give you that BUT
part of you job as a coach/baserunner is to gauge those types of things and I don’t think Quade has been all that good at it lately. Been solid all year just seems like lately his judgement one way or the other has been off.
BTW, Congrats on your promotion.
"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
by Fishbone2 on Aug 20, 2008 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That brings up a question I have never settled.
Who really has the final say? If your third base coach holds you up when you know you can score at what point is it right to go ahead and score? How many times did we wish runners had stopped even though Waving Wendell said go? Its easy to shirk any responsibility and just listened to your base coach and let him take all the blame if he makes the wrong decision, but at some point the runner should include his own judgement in the decision making process.
For example, if the stop sign comes up too late for you to slow up, you go. I had a very fast player on my softball team blow thru my sign. He told me later I was late on the stop sign even though I had started when he was just past halfway to third. He was just that fast.
He scored by the way.
Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB
by californiachicagoan on Aug 20, 2008 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You almost never...
…see a runner hold up around third when a coach has waved him in. Players are taught to pick up the third base coach and follow his lead unless the play is in front of you.
When a guy runs through a stop sign, it is because they aren’t paying attention or have seen something the coach has not. 99% of the time, a guy trying to score from second (like last night) does not have the same ability to view the play as the third base coach. I’ll bet Soriano went because he picked up Quade too late and he just said the hell with it.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Aug 20, 2008 2:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
or, you know
maybe Quade was wrong. Quade also signaled Soto to slide into third long before Soto actually slid. And I bet Quade woudln’t have sent Soto on that bunt, either.
I think Sori running through that sign SHOWS discipline and focus. He KNEW he could score, so he went and did it.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You must be kidding
I suppose turning a double into a single also shows discipline and focus. Does gettting picked off first show focus and discipline?
I will agree to disagree.
Maybe Quade was wrong… If Lou calls for a pitch out, should Soto decide whether or not to call for it?
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue." - George F. Will
by Slakkr on Aug 20, 2008 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
good point
but i think what drew was saying is everyone makes mistakes (including coaches), so i think the person that was ultimately right depends on what lou/quade would say after the game
if they side with sori and say it was a good call for him to run, then sori was right….if they would say it wasn’t worth the risk, then sori was wrong
by cubswynn on Aug 20, 2008 9:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't move the goalposts.
we’re not talking about getting picked off at first, or watching what would have been a HR in almost any other park bounce off the wall.
We’re talking about him running through THIS SIGN. I think he knew he could score. I saw him turn his head to look and see where the ball was, and he realized he could go through. He hesitated for a second, then went for it, and scored pretty easily.
His legs are finally better. He’s got his confidence back. It was the right decision.
Quade is not Lou, and running through a sign is not ignoring your manager call a pitch-out.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 9:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
When Soriano hits the walk off homer to win the WS in game 5
Maybe people will finally accept him.
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Aug 20, 2008 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
nah
he’ll only be doing it to pad his own stats…
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 9:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
it probably won't be far enough
i mean he DOES make $136 million
by cubswynn on Aug 20, 2008 9:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
btw game 5?
is that some kind of prediction???? spooky
by cubswynn on Aug 20, 2008 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Its the last game we can have a walk off homer to win the WS
So it has to happen then
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Aug 20, 2008 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that will be at the AL park
remember, the ASG game matters.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
road game
I want the game over on this homer that hasn’t even happened yet. Otherwise people will not give Soriano credit.
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Aug 20, 2008 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you never said home game........
i figured that’s what you meant
by cubswynn on Aug 20, 2008 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I give
You’re right. Soriano displayed focus and discipline when running through the stop suggestion.
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue." - George F. Will
by Slakkr on Aug 20, 2008 9:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
don't be pissy
it’s just a different opinion.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
sounds like a debbie downer
kidding!
by cubswynn on Aug 20, 2008 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Totally agree.
These instances are really apples and oranges.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 20, 2008 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But Drew...
…if we don’t move the goalposts this season, the Bears MIGHT NOT SCORE AT ALL.
by Shawon O Meter on Aug 20, 2008 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd much rather...
…have Quade be conservative in this scenario (no outs, middle of the order coming up) and be “wrong” on the safe side for a change.
by Shawon O Meter on Aug 20, 2008 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Harden's stuff
continues to amaze me. His changeup sometimes actually looks like a slider/curveball. In spite of how much he needs to be babied, he’s worth it.
I’ll echo the comment above. I feel bad for Reds fans. They got NUTHIN.
I’ll be at the game tonight expectin g a win.
*Synth intro to "Jump"*
by SouthsideCub on Aug 20, 2008 8:52 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I actually liked how he held back a little last night...
He was throwing his fastball around 90-92 last night (according to the Comcast gun) and then in the 7th his last pitch he hit 95. I think he was trying to get his command under control (something he had a problem with last start) and still be effective and he was.
"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
by Fishbone2 on Aug 20, 2008 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
comes off the same arm slot and release point
thus the batter can’t recognize it until it is too late.
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 20, 2008 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which is why I love it so much
For the first 10-15 feet out of Harden’s hand, the fastball and changeup are in the EXACT SAME plane, which is sick. I can’t remember the GIF i saw of this, but it explains why batters get so far ahead of the changeup.
*Synth intro to "Jump"*
by SouthsideCub on Aug 20, 2008 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How about the Reds batter...
…who was so out in front and fooled by the Harden changeup that his bat ended up out by Theriot at short? And that swing was with only one strike!
by Shawon O Meter on Aug 20, 2008 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What?
Theriot can field anything…

by Damen Jackson on Aug 20, 2008 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He picked up that bat...
…and hit a single with it. Seriously. I saw it!
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 20, 2008 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
to right field,
of course
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep, oppo as always and then...
…wait for it…he got caught stealing.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 20, 2008 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is there such a thing as a 2-seam change?
Cuase thats what it looks like sometimes.
Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB
by californiachicagoan on Aug 20, 2008 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I believe there are any number of change up grips
I don’t know how Harden throws his, but I’m fairly certain the change-up relies less on pressure on the seams as opposed to how you hold the ball in general.
by dr stabbingworth on Aug 20, 2008 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
who was covering for ron during ATL series?
dave otto? can’t remember… but whoever and pat were talking about this, how there is dozens of different change up grips and that it is just a matter of what works for that pitcher.
the goal is to find a grip that allows you to maintain arm speed and motion, mimicking a fastball with the delivery. i believe they said that glavine accidentally “discovered” his change up grip while playing long toss in the outfield before a game.
"...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 20, 2008 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So true...
…the whole key is to find the right grip that allows you to use the exact same arm motion as a fastball, but causes the ball to decelerate about 7-10 mph slower than your fastball. If a pitcher masters this pitch, it is devastating for hitters and really messes with your head.
For those with young kids who pitch, have them work to master a change vs a breaking ball. It is harder to master, but a lot less demanding on the elbow.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Aug 20, 2008 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The slider works at an earlier age.
I think thats why it becomes the go to pitch for most pitchers. A changeup is only worth while when you start throwing hard.
Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB
by californiachicagoan on Aug 20, 2008 4:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You don't have...
…to be a hard thrower for a change to be a killer pitch. It is all relative, anything that messes with a hitters timing, limits the hitters ability to hit the ball hard.
Look at Maddux, he has a fastball that is 83-84 and a very effective change.
Regarding the slider, I think it has become a more commone pitch since the mound was lowered in the late 60’s and its easier to command than the old 12-6 curve ball.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Aug 20, 2008 4:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Steve Goodman
probably never expected his song to be sung by fans after every single Cubs victory at home and on many away games. The song is a bit cheesy by today’s standards, but it brings a tear to the eye when you think about who he was and what a devoted fan he was. I was only 8 when he died, but I remember buying the .45 before the 84 playoffs.
by daeviant on Aug 20, 2008 8:56 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Oh, it's totally cheesy.
But it’s ours.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 20, 2008 9:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks
NA. I’ll have to tell my wife that. She commented again last night about how cheesy the song is. My response then was, “But it’s Steve Goodman!” Her reply? “Who cares?”
Blasphemy!
"We are not equations with hats." -Dean Young
by Kegler on Aug 20, 2008 9:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anything does
"Don't worry, Joey. We'll go next year. They're in the World Series all the time" ---My grandfather to my sick father, October 10, 1945
by flyingdonut on Aug 20, 2008 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Does that mean...
….when we beat other teams and get to sing, they’ve been “Steve-Rolled”?
by Chadnudj on Aug 20, 2008 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
**TOTALLY** beats out...
…“Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey on the cheese-o-meter, though >8)
by Shawon O Meter on Aug 20, 2008 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tony Soprano: dead or alive?
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 20, 2008 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agree.
Unless Meadow axed him.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 20, 2008 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
She may have accidentally...
…run him over with her car backing out of that parking spot after dinner.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 20, 2008 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The dangers of parallel parking.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 20, 2008 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I do miss 'Jump", though
when the Cubs take the field
"Years of academy training, wasted"--Buzz Lightyear (not a flying toy)
by spoiledcubbage on Aug 20, 2008 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
never really liked jump
but it was MUCH better than bto…..i’ve always thought it should be sweet home chicago
by cubswynn on Aug 20, 2008 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Too mellow for me
The team should take the field to something that gets the crowd fired up
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 20, 2008 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Where did I comment on the merits of Jump?
But since you asked, no. I love blues music, but it’s not something that conjures up images of an athletic event.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 20, 2008 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i was asking....
jeez i heard badgers were mean little guys, but i guess it’s true
by cubswynn on Aug 20, 2008 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hard to tell
but your reply was a bit defensive.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 20, 2008 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I suppose "Born Under a Bad Sign" would be pretty inappropriate.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 20, 2008 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sweet Home Chicago
would be my second choice for a Win song, after Go Cubs Go, of course.
"Years of academy training, wasted"--Buzz Lightyear (not a flying toy)
by spoiledcubbage on Aug 20, 2008 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Robert Johnson? Magic Sam? The Blues Brothers?
I’m partial to the Magic Sam version myself.
by hokie316 on Aug 20, 2008 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Me too
but the general public prolly would identify more with theBlues Brothers’ version
"Years of academy training, wasted"--Buzz Lightyear (not a flying toy)
by spoiledcubbage on Aug 20, 2008 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Buddy Guy for me...
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Aug 20, 2008 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Reminds me...
…too much of going to Sox games in the 90’s
"...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 20, 2008 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1,000,000
especially the Blues Brothers Version!
"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 20, 2008 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
does anyone else have something even close to this?
i can’t think of anyone that has a “theme song” like we do…..sure boston has sweet caroline and LA has i love LA, but none of those songs are specific to the actual team
by cubswynn on Aug 20, 2008 9:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not sure
But I would like to see them display the lyrics to the “hey hey holy mackerel” song before games. What’s that song called anyway. haha
by daeviant on Aug 20, 2008 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, the original title is the Chicago Cubs Song
Even though it’s “Hey Hey Holy Mackerel” on the new CD.
BTW — that CD was made by local Cubs fans in my hometown — the booming metropolis of Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Some of you know it as the northernmost suburb….
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 20, 2008 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I want the CD
I lost the .45 for Here’s to you, men in blue.
by daeviant on Aug 20, 2008 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like the new version of the Cubs song
But I really like the classic 60’s version better. Even though the band that performs it on the CD is also from Kenosha . . . they did a great job, but I miss the piano.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 20, 2008 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hokey theme songs were common
in the 1960s. The Cubs had the “Hey, hey, holy mackarel” song. The Twins had “We’re gonna win Twins, we’re going to score, we’re gonna win Twins, watch that baseball soar” etc. The Angels had “California Angels A-OK, California Angels, all the way.” Pretty much all of these songs were intended to introduce the radio broadcasts of the team’s games (as was, to be honest, “Go Cubs Go,” which WGN radio commissioned in 1984 for the radio broadcasts).
None of these songs quite reached the level of popularity and fan ritual like “Go Cubs Go” has reached this season though. Most of them were forgotten by the 1980s (and to be honest, “Go Cubs Go” was forgotten too.)
Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?
by Josh77 on Aug 20, 2008 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's crazy to think
that with as much tradition as the Cubs have that something new was created this year – last year, technically, but it’s truly caught on this year.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 20, 2008 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What do they sing at those English soccer matches?
That sounds pretty awsome with about 100,000 people singing.
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Aug 20, 2008 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mainly obscene chants
One of the nice things about US sports is the mix of people in the crowd.
by Stan Cox on Aug 20, 2008 2:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Meet the Mets?
I can recall the Columbus Clippers having quite a little song.
In other sports…
The Blackhawks had a radio jingly-thingy that played for years…Heard it over and over in NHL 94 on my sega (that team DOMINATED)
Bear Down
Hail to the Redskins
That’s just off the top of my head
by JCD on Aug 20, 2008 3:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here Come the Hawks?
They’re playing that again — part of the big WGN campaign. They play it before every Cubs game. Reminds me of the Spider-Man theme from the 1970’s.
(Bobby Hull, Bobby Hull. Friendly neighborhood . . . sorry, that’s just silly)
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 20, 2008 3:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
West TN: Kudos to SportSouth
I have complained for years about the lack of availability of Reds games on local cable TV in west TN. The Reds are blacked out here on Extra Innings. With the Braves on PeachTree TV last night and FSN South picking up the FSN Midwest feed for the Cardinals game. SportSouth was free to pick up the FSN Ohio feed for the Reds-Cubs game. To my incredible surprise, the Commercial Appeal even had it printed that the game would be on SportSouth last night.
The Cards and Braves have both FSN South and SportSouth locked up in west TN this evening, so I won’t be able to see the game. I’m hoping the Reds-Cubs game will be on either FSN South or SportSouth here on Thursday afternoon.
"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray
by memphiscub on Aug 20, 2008 8:59 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
How was Thom Brenneman last night?
He usually is good for about 5 really strange comments per Cubs-Reds game.
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Aug 20, 2008 9:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Small Ball and Base Running Comments
Brennaman commented that the Cubs make too many baserunning mistakes after DeRosa was caught off second base on a grounder to shortstop and Soriano got picked off first. He also said the Cubs don’t play small ball very well. That was after Harden failed to get a bunt down in the middle innings. There was the comment that the Cubs didn’t steal many bases. Chris Welsh said that the Cubs had scored three runs or less in 50 games this season. George Grande is supposed to be back for the Thursday game.
"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray
by memphiscub on Aug 20, 2008 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ok so not all the bad of stuff
Though I would say if we had a non-AL pitcher in we could play small ball. Of course I should be shocked that they even know what small ball is considering who manages that team.
Nothing compared to the early May series against them where he was saying Soto was on roids and a team on a 95 win pace “should have a better record”
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Aug 20, 2008 9:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
LOL - the Cubs don't play small ball well.
Geo scoring from third on Harden’s bunt was the definition of small ball. And the Cubs didn’t hit any home runs last night yet still shut out the Reds 5-0. Suck it, Brennaman.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 20, 2008 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Brennaman on Encarnacion
He blamed that run being scored on Encarnacion not turning around to look Soto back to third. Thom called it a “mental mistake”. I don’t deny that Encarnacion should have paid more attention to Soto, but no credit was given to Geo for hustling down the third base line to score.
"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray
by memphiscub on Aug 20, 2008 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or Harden's hustle...
…to first that drew Encarnacion’s full attention.
by Shawon O Meter on Aug 20, 2008 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You can't look some one back to third
WHEN NO ONE IS COVERING THIRD!
Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB
by californiachicagoan on Aug 20, 2008 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But! Cueto!
he was pointing! To… someone in the stands?
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cracked me up...
…when I paused that wide shot during that play. Cueto was pointing to Soto at 3B while the catcher was pointing to 1st. Wouldn’t have shocked me if Encarnacion would have thrown it to 2B in all that confusion >8)
by Shawon O Meter on Aug 20, 2008 2:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cease and Desist
Dear Al,
Please refrain from using corny taglines involving the players’ names. That is my shtick.
Chris Berman
by WashUBearCub on Aug 20, 2008 9:06 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Please no!
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on Aug 20, 2008 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It could...go...all..the...ZZZzzzzZZZzZZZz
(well, he is getting up there)
"Years of academy training, wasted"--Buzz Lightyear (not a flying toy)
by spoiledcubbage on Aug 20, 2008 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's like no one here's
ever posted on a message board before!
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 20, 2008 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Quit Yellon at Al
about corny taglines involving names.
"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray
by memphiscub on Aug 20, 2008 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You've been dying
to use that one haven’t you? ;)
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on Aug 20, 2008 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Best ever?
I once saw Berman refer to a certain over-worked, soon-to-have-dead-arm, large pitcher from up north as CC “Splish, splash I was taking” Sabathia….
by Chadnudj on Aug 20, 2008 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Amazing to compare...
…the team handling of Harden vs. Sabathia since their respective trades:
Harden: 7GS, 42.0 innings, very conservative pitch counts
Sabathia: 9GS, 5CG, 73.0 innings, and massive pitch counts (130 pitches in his last start, for example)
Amazing record and performances aside, it makes you kind of wonder if CC’s arm is going to fall off before, during, or after the playoffs…
by Shawon O Meter on Aug 20, 2008 9:11 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
That's the difference between a rent-a-player
and a guy you have under contract next year.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 20, 2008 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yup yup yup.
Feels good.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 20, 2008 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Too early?
Or did she say it?
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 20, 2008 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
it's NEVER too early
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
TWSS
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 20, 2008 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ooh, the classic trap.
Well played, sir.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 20, 2008 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think there are quite a few "She"s
that would say that sometimes its is too early. That’s why they make drugs for it.
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on Aug 20, 2008 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I believe PLTW was taking "early" to mean "in the AM"....
not “length of time”.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 20, 2008 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Correct, sir...
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 20, 2008 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ha!
I read that like you implied the drug to combat the earliness problem is, in fact, roofies.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 20, 2008 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yah, but...
rent-a-player or not, you’ve got to figure that the Brewers feel good about their chances for the wildcard. The rate they’re burning him up, he might be rolling the ball to the plate in October…
by Shawon O Meter on Aug 20, 2008 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
which isn't exactly going to help them in the post
they need him to get there, but then they need him to WIN, too.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
CC got tired in '07 and the RedSox sat on his fastball
Milwaukee doesn’t care they are using rented property and now are 6 games back (7 in the loss column ) with less than 38 games remaining.
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 20, 2008 9:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which makes think they'll ride CC even HARDER
now that they basically have to win every one of his starts in order to make up 6 games in six weeks. If the Brewers had even a resaonable bullpen, CC wouldn’t have to throw 120 pitches every time out.
Between CC now being expected to throw a complete game every time out, and Big Ben having a slight (cough) tendency toward injury, we’ll have to wait and see how that 1-2 punch is punching at the end of September.
*Synth intro to "Jump"*
by SouthsideCub on Aug 20, 2008 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Haha...ride CC even harder...ha.
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 20, 2008 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
(snicker)
CC Rider
(snicker)
"Years of academy training, wasted"--Buzz Lightyear (not a flying toy)
by spoiledcubbage on Aug 20, 2008 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You might be right
but that would be stupid. The Brewers are in a strong position to win the Wild Card. They ought to take it and be happy with it. Lots of teams win the World Series as wild card teams these days, and no one cares they didn’t win the division when they hoist the flag.
Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?
by Josh77 on Aug 20, 2008 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
my money would be on during...
should the brewers make it. just like it did in last year’s ALCS. I’d hate the be the gm who wants CC for the next 5-7 years and is watching the Brewers kill him.
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 20, 2008 9:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Two things: Cubs won another first game of a series and essentially Cubs '08 tied with '45 and '69
If you look at the record 77-48 versus 77-47 (one tie) this essentially is roughly the same pace. They are playing very well and developing a late season personality offensively where they explode into a big inning and take a close game out.
Winning the first game of a series is key for it puts pressure on the opponent because the Cubs have such a strong rotation. Trying to beat Lilly and Zambrano back-to-back is more than a tall order.
Hope Ted puts pressure on Z to move off the 12th win snide by winning another grinder tonight!
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 20, 2008 9:12 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Make no mistake Rich Harden is the true ace of the Cub staff
With all due respect to Carlos Zambrano, Ryan Dempster and Ted Lilly….Rich Harden is the guy who you want pitching in game 1 of the playoffs and the guy you want pitching in the most critical game of the playoffs as well. Harden is dominating. Just keep him healthy and relatively rested so you can step on his accelerator come playoff time.
by MDBNIU on Aug 20, 2008 9:12 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Ok Harden is awesome, but Dempster is the game 1 guy.
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Aug 20, 2008 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dempster in Game 1 or 2
assuming home-field, of course.
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 20, 2008 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No
Just like Boston would make sure Josh Beckett is on the mound for game 1 the Cubs need to do the same with Rich Harden. He is the dominator on this staff.
by MDBNIU on Aug 20, 2008 9:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't trust Harden's arm to be able to go on 3 days rest if needed.
Dempster is much more likely to be able to do that.
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Aug 20, 2008 9:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1 +1 +1
Rich Harden is great, but I wouldn’t even trust his arm to go on FOUR days rest.
Any playoffs lineup runs Demp, Z, Harden if at home, Z, Harden Demp if away, but someone else pitches in game 5 if it gets to that..
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 9:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We are all forgetting of course that Z will be Z again in September
Meaning that he will be the game 1 starter.
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Aug 20, 2008 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
I think it’s just his face. - dat cubfan daver
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 20, 2008 4:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Depending on where the Cubs play...
… you might want to throw Harden at home in a night game.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 20, 2008 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
well, they're all night games
in the post, right?
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Rays or Twins will be playing during the day
No way Cubs play day games
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Aug 20, 2008 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
They play some afternoon games during the Divisional Series
by Clutch16 on Aug 20, 2008 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Cubs MIGHT get a day game in an NLDS...
… depending on who the other teams are, and how they get scheduled.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 20, 2008 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Especially for the 'nostalgia' factor..
But I think the stations would rather have the Chicago market for a night game, especially if the Cubs played LA in the NLDS.
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 20, 2008 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that would be ironic
considering we lost home field advantage in 1984 playoffs because we didn’t have lights at the time :
by DWChaney on Aug 20, 2008 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
MYTH BUSTERS!
That’s not true. 1984 was the NL West team’s turn for home field advantage.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 20, 2008 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who ya gonna call?
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 20, 2008 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol
Perfect when discussing 1984, too….
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 20, 2008 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
MYTH!!!
I exploded this myth in my article on the 20th anniversary of the first night game in “Wrigley Season Ticket”. It’s too long to repeat here, but the bottom line is: THE CUBS DID NOT LOSE HOME FIELD IN THE 1984 NLCS. At the time home field rotated between East & West, same as the WS. The NL East had home field in the 1983 NLCS. It was the West’s turn in ’84. The Cubs lost nothing — except the series.
They WERE going to lose home field in the WS if they had made it.
But the story that they lost home field in the ’84 NLCS — 100% false.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 20, 2008 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And even if it were true
That’s no excuse for losing the NLCS. Cripes, can’t win 1 of 3 from an inferior opponent?
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 20, 2008 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But it's true they were threatened, correct?
That, had they made it to the Series, their home games would have to be played at Busch.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 20, 2008 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That was rumored in subsequent years
In 1984, the NL had home advantage — the league would have given it to the Tigers.
Busch Stadium was talked about for 1986, I think. As Lou would say, it turned out to be a “mute point”.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 20, 2008 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Busch was supposedly going to happen in 1985.
Season ticket holders got letters about this from Dallas Green. The 1985 NLCS WAS played in Busch Stadium, when the Cardinals won the East.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 20, 2008 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And what was the opinion at the time?
Get lights, play at Busch, or plead for day games?
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 20, 2008 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Day games #1...
… lights #2…
Busch #8,358
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 20, 2008 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well done. ;)
But was day games throughout the postseason something MLB actually considered?
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 20, 2008 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're not the only one who thinks that
Ron Santo still believes it. He mentioned it on-air last week.
And we all know how much research Ronnie does . . . .
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 20, 2008 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
whats really amusing is
I’m fairly certain I read Al’s piece about the myth, and I still goofed it up – that’s how ingrained in my memory it is.
by DWChaney on Aug 20, 2008 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not a chance
The Cubs are going to be the #1 draw in the playoffs this season. The Yankees are unlikely to make it and the Red Sox might not either (and besides, Red Sox/Angels doesn’t have the same zip as Red Sox/Yankees.) The broadcasters are going to want the Cub games in prime time.
Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?
by Josh77 on Aug 20, 2008 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Harden did make clear during the postgame...
…that he prefers pitching at night. I believe Lou mentioned that Rich prefers cooler weather, too. Not to get ahead of myself here, but that sounds like a perfect October pitcher to me.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 20, 2008 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
I’d want Harden for the first game too. Nice to get that 1st. win out of the way.
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Aug 20, 2008 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Harden in the playoffs
Last appearance Oct 13 2006 at Detroit. Pitched 5 2/3 innings. Walked 5. Gave up 3 ER, including a dinger. Lost. Only start in the playoffs.
2 relief appearances in 2003 vs Boston. 1 1/3 innings, 2 ER. 2 walks.
Total playoff stats: 6.43 ERA. 7 innings, 7 walks, 5 ks.
Harden looks great. But I would rather have Z and Demps in a pressure spot right now, and thats not even including the bullpen usage problem.
Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB
by californiachicagoan on Aug 20, 2008 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's it...it's all over...
I say no way does Harden make the playoff roster…
by Shawon O Meter on Aug 20, 2008 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree in some respects but that's a pretty
broad statement to make with six weeks to go in the season. When Z is on, his stuff is just as dominating as Harden. Let’s see where we are at the end of September.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 20, 2008 9:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I disagree
There is no debate in my mind. Rich Harden is a dominant pitcher. Teams that win World Series have that one dominant stud in the rotation that nobody wants to face. As good as our other starters are, Harden is head and shoulders the guy I want on the mound when it most counts.
by MDBNIU on Aug 20, 2008 9:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's your mind. I need to see a few more
starts over the next few weeks to make that kind of a statement. What would you say if Z gets hot and reels off 3 or 4 starts in a row where he dominates. I just don’t see a big of a gap between the two pitchers as you do.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 20, 2008 9:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Point is being lost
I’m not disputing the talent and effectiveness of Zambrano, Dempster or Lilly. Fact is they are all highly effective pitchers. Zambrano’s ability and success speaks for itself. But the question isn’t who is the better pitcher… the question is who I want on the mound in the most critical playoff games…..and my answer is Rich Harden 100%.
by MDBNIU on Aug 20, 2008 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
nobody asked!
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, he's entitled to his opinion.
Many of us happen to disagree.
But IF the Cubs chose Harden for a game 1, I don’t think any of us would have a problem with that.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 20, 2008 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're right. This is a great problem to have. It's not like you would
have much drop-off from 1 to 2. I certainly would’t bitch if Harden started game 1.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 20, 2008 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The inherrant problem
is you don’t want Harden back up in three or four days in a must-win situation. I’d much rather have Z or Demp go again.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 20, 2008 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not sure you can control that. You can
nurse Harden along in the regular season, but in the playoff, he’s got to pitch. I don’t think you pitch him on three days rest, but on four, he’s got to go.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 20, 2008 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
True,
but you’re only exacerbating that if you start a series with him. Best to err on the side of caution.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 20, 2008 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I still think your two best guys
need to pitch twice in the series. Don’t go down with bullets left in your gun.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 20, 2008 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe.
Glad I don’t have to make these decisions.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 20, 2008 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Forget about Dempster and Lilly. Demp is having a good year but
he is not in the class of Harden and Z stuff-wise. All I am saying is that the choice between the two is not that clear-cut if Z is on his game.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 20, 2008 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dempster would prolly be the guy right now IMO
Z will fix his stuff and be the guy in the end.
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Aug 20, 2008 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Demp has better numbers than Z, but
he is behind Z if Z is on. I still rate him as the third best pitcher on this staff.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 20, 2008 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let's put it this way
It could be argued that last year Zambrano was the 2nd (or 3rd) best starter on the Cubs, yet he was still considered the ace and was the first pitcher in the series.
by John Q Freejazz on Aug 20, 2008 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And when it came down to it, he
pitched the best game in the series. Lou pulled him when he shouldn’t have, but he pitched the best.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 20, 2008 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Stuff is only half of pitching.
Demps handles pressure well. Seems like he loves it. And with the split finger added to his arsenal he has been a great all around pitcher this year.
Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB
by californiachicagoan on Aug 20, 2008 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think being a closer
has helped Dempster in pressure situations. He’s been there, done 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
by Fishbone2 on Aug 20, 2008 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
BlueMike is just taking for credit...
…for something he had nothing to do with.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 20, 2008 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, we know
there’s no debate in your mind. There never is.
Z has the stuff to be just as dominating a Harden, AND he can go much deeper in the game. I’d be very surprised to see Harden have a CG in the playoffs, I would be much less surprised to see Z or Demp have one.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I doubt you'd see ANYONE...
… throw a CG in the postseason.
Anyone know when the last one was? I can’t remember one for quite some time.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 20, 2008 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Beckett
He had at least one in 2003. I think the clincher of the WS he went CG.
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Aug 20, 2008 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, it did.
If that’s the last one, it’s been five years.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 20, 2008 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow that is 5 years ago now
how time flys
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Aug 20, 2008 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
White Sox had a slew of them...
…in their WS run.
by Shawon O Meter on Aug 20, 2008 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh yeah forgot about that
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Aug 20, 2008 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, I agree
but it’s still even less likely for Harden.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The 2005 ALCS
the sox threw 5 straight complete games if I remember correctly. The bullpen was never used in the entire series
by stadiumguru on Aug 20, 2008 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pretty close...
Contreras went 8.1 the first game for the L…Besides that, all CG’s. A bit easier to do in the AL, with the DH though.
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 20, 2008 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ok, my bad,
I thought he pitched a CG in game 1 as well. Still, 4 CGs is very impressive. Yes, it is a lot easier in the AL
by stadiumguru on Aug 20, 2008 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
haha, i CERTAINLY
was not trying to correct you- after you mentioned it, I just thought I would look it up…I had no idea!
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 20, 2008 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
All Glories To Cheatzynski
"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 20, 2008 1:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nope.
Harden’s pitch count limitations mean he is more likely to tax our bullpen than any of our others “aces” (Are you allowed to have 3 “aces”?). I’d pitch him before a travel day if at all possible. I would say Demps is our best pressure pitcher, as demonstrated by his stint as a closer. But this year Z has gotten his occasional hyper-ness under control. He is still the Game 1/7 starter in my book. Plus he goes deepest into games.
Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB
by californiachicagoan on Aug 20, 2008 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Cubs had five aces in '04. Sigh...
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 20, 2008 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But They Played Them As "1"s instead of "11"s
"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 20, 2008 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which makes you about $1000
on your average Deuces Wild video poker machine
"Years of academy training, wasted"--Buzz Lightyear (not a flying toy)
by spoiledcubbage on Aug 20, 2008 1:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
One negative comment amidst the wondrous positiveness of right now
Alfonso Soriano is in another one of his patented stupid streaks. Case in point, how many times does he need to get picked off of first base?
Lets just hope he gets his hot dogging and that stupid streak out of his system before the playoffs arrive.
by MDBNIU on Aug 20, 2008 9:14 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'll take the numbers and deal with the careless baserunning. I think he
is taking those chances because his legs feel better. I don’t expect to see those types of things in the playoffs.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 20, 2008 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Getting your ass repeatedly picked off 1st base has zero to do with healthy legs and everything to do with a 10 cent head
He’s in one of his stupid streaks right now.
by MDBNIU on Aug 20, 2008 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
numbers?
is twice a repeated pattern? yes, no one likes seeing him picked off, but if the worst that happens is 2 POs and 1 CS this season, I’ll take it.
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 20, 2008 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You've got to work pretty hard...
…to get two POs in two games.
by Shawon O Meter on Aug 20, 2008 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought it was three games
that’s what Len said last night. Still not good.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
but it's not a trend.
over the course of 162 games (I realize Soriano won’t play that many), 2 you can live with.
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 20, 2008 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hitting for two cycles...
…in two consecutive games isn’t a trend either – it’d be as amazingly remarkable as getting picked off first two (or three, Drew) games in a row is amazingly sloppy.
by Shawon O Meter on Aug 20, 2008 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
indeed.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
sloppy, sure.
but at least he feels comfortable enough to push the envelope and use his speed. it’s just another weapon for this team.
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 20, 2008 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are over exagerating. He doesn't have a history of running into
a bunch of outs. Don’t let your opinion of him color the facts. I know you don’t like him but he’s not that bad of a baserunner.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 20, 2008 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Contradiction, exaggeration, repetition.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 20, 2008 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wrong.
It has everything to do with his healthy legs. He is finally running like he wants too. The league just hadnt noticed. Now they are paying more attention to him at first. Attention he isnt used to, because he hasnt been a running threat most of the year. Now he has to adapt.
Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB
by californiachicagoan on Aug 20, 2008 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't you mean "amen brother"?
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 20, 2008 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ok, I did some research
Combing through every game in which Soriano has played, he has been picked off 4 times this season, one of which was a POCS, so he was running when Tom Glavine threw behind him. Honestly, just as the hand-wringing over two bad Zambrano starts has begun in earnest, I guess so to has the worry over Soriano’s baserunning.
Honestly, I think it’s being a tad nit-picky. If he can run, I say run. The pick-offs are a result of his feeling better about his legs.
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 20, 2008 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
LSA.
Just another ugly reminder of BlueMike’s neverending vendetta against Soriano.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 20, 2008 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
4 pickoffs, 1 caught stealing versus ...
… say 13 caught stealings? Oh but Soriano is a hot-dog.
Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB
by californiachicagoan on Aug 20, 2008 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
it's because
his uniform doesn’t get so dirty.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i don't think either one is a hot dog
though after some extensive research (I read a book on my vacation), stolen bases are fairly overrated. unless they’re stealing at over a 70-percent clip, it’s not really worth it to be running.
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 20, 2008 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wood in 9th
When he blew that high 2-seemer past Bruce in the 9th (first pitch?), I muttered, “Son, you’re never gonna hit tht ball up there.”
by thermal54 on Aug 20, 2008 9:15 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I would feel better if we could get Wood into some 1 run games in the 9th...
It’s great that the Cubs burst out to a late 5-0 lead last night. But I want to see Wood pitch in pressure cooker situations right now so he is best equipped to handle them in the playoffs. I’m still not convinced that Wood can handle real pressure cookers without walking guys, hitting guys and otherwise melting down. Let’s get him RIGHT right now.
by MDBNIU on Aug 20, 2008 9:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
LOL!
he’s talking about a pitcher who at a 20K game… and Woody doesn’t know how to pitch under pressure???
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, I wholeheartedly agree.
The Cubs should NOT score runs late in games so that Kerry Wood can “handle real pressure cookers.” BRILLANT!
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 20, 2008 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There's just no pleasing some people.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 20, 2008 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My ulcer likes the five run lead just fine
by graceunderpressure on Aug 20, 2008 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So does my heart
"Years of academy training, wasted"--Buzz Lightyear (not a flying toy)
by spoiledcubbage on Aug 20, 2008 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol
Good luck Shawn Johnson, Lolo Jones and Doug Schwab. Bring home the gold!!!
by sue369 on Aug 20, 2008 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, Sue
off-topic, but there was a great column about Shawn Johnson in today’s Washington Post that I thought you might appreciate: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/19/AR2008081901389.html
by bjs on Aug 20, 2008 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What do you call last Friday's Game
Big 3 run homer to take the lead by 1 in the top of the 9th. Have not won their 3 years. Facing the top of the order in a power hitting lineup. Not sure it gets more pressured back than that during the regular season.
He also has done this in STL, vs Dodgers at home, etc, etc….
He has pitched in multiple playoff games…I think he has been tested and has been found worthy of the job
"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey
by TheRiot Police on Aug 20, 2008 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
OT on synchronized fan activity
And to distract from the budding Soriano debate above . . . .
Can we please stop the “Let’s Go Cubbies” chant and replace it with the much more assertive “Let’s Go Cubs” chant that used to be more common before fans confused the organist playing the tones for “Fu-ku-Do-me”?
Also, can we not chant when the Cubs are in the field? That’s like doing the wave when the offense has the ball in football.
Ok, rant over.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 20, 2008 9:19 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I always wanted to hear a
Go! Cubs! Go! chant.
Someone should work on that at the next game. Try to get a new trend started.
You’re right, though. The Let’s Go Cubbies chant is getting old. And we also need to start losing the “Cubbies” name and go more with the traditional and less cute “Cubs”
by daeviant on Aug 20, 2008 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly
I know “Cubbies” fits the rythym of TMOTTBG better, but other than that . . . .
It really sounds like a bunch of children pleading — “C’mon Cubbies! Let’s go! Pleaaaase?” Someone cue the late Mr. Carlin…
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 20, 2008 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know I am in the minority but
I think the “Go Cubs Go” song and the wave of “W” flags is getting a bit corny. It is getting to be like the “rally monkey” or the “tomahawk chop”.. IMHO. I am also tired of the Dan Plesac “blue train”. Give me a win and a little K.C. “do a little dance”… and off to our next win!!
"We’ve still got a long ways to go, I don’t like to get giggly over things in July. But the team’s playing well, they really are. They’re playing with confidence, and it shows."
by Cubster on Aug 20, 2008 9:26 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
A bit corny?
Maybe. But it’s fun.
And you’d rather play disco . . . .
:)
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 20, 2008 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
it's not any cornier than anything else out there
“New York, New York” and “Dirty Water” by the Standells are both staples, too. But I’d much rather hear “Go Cubs Go” – at least it pertains to the team.
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 20, 2008 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
For those who were around in 1984
Go Cubs Go is too sentimental to dump. It really is cheesy. But as someone said in an earlier post, It’s cheesy but it’s ours.
by daeviant on Aug 20, 2008 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I happen to agree with you
I have started to shake my head at the obnoxious celebration level at Wrigley. There is difference between diehard exultation for a Cub win and acting like you can’t handle your liquor and haven’t been there before. I think other baseball teams and their fans shake their head at us. Unfortunately, I think a lot of baseball fans around the country are learning to hate our guts.
The singing and hanging over the rail and the flag thing has all become a bit much.
by MDBNIU on Aug 20, 2008 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
"We’ve still got a long ways to go, I don’t like to get giggly over things in July. But the team’s playing well, they really are. They’re playing with confidence, and it shows."
by Cubster on Aug 20, 2008 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
-1
for "+1"ing a post about agreeing with your post. If you are from Chicago, you should be more adept at voting twice without being obvious!
Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB
by californiachicagoan on Aug 20, 2008 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
-1
“…a lot of baseball fans around the country are learning to hate our guts.”
Wake up and smell the Old Style. They already do.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 20, 2008 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
then don't do it.
are we to the point where Blue-Mike gets to tell us how to celebrate?
When Ward hit that homerun in Miami the other night, did you sit and calmly golf clap?
I jumped up and went running through my house screaming “YES! WARD! ALRIGHT! WOOO-HOOOOOO!”
And I really could not give a turd if anyone doesn’t like it.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That is great
I was doing the same. I was jumping up and down…. but I did not need to start whipping out a W flag and singing a corny song.
"We’ve still got a long ways to go, I don’t like to get giggly over things in July. But the team’s playing well, they really are. They’re playing with confidence, and it shows."
by Cubster on Aug 20, 2008 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
anybody who starts waving the W flag and singing before the game is over deserves to be hit in the back of the head
Show some brains and wait till we actually have won.
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Aug 20, 2008 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ok I agree with this one
I was kind of embarassed in Florida when people were whipping out the W flags before the Cubs even won, and the Marlins got 2 on and the whole time I’m thinking… if the Cubs blow this, it’s going to be really embarassing.
by daeviant on Aug 20, 2008 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
I love the tradition of singing “Go Cubs Go” after a win – but only after a win. And premature W flag flappers bug me as well, but they’d probably just say we’re being overly superstitious.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 20, 2008 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think it's superstitious, though
I think the early celebration is obnoxious.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 20, 2008 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, that's true, too.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 20, 2008 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not superstitious, im only a little stitious
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Aug 20, 2008 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
Office quotes are always +1.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 20, 2008 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
premature flagulation
is strictly prohibited. I don’t like the people that have the W flags and signs up in the first inning. Our flag stays under wraps until the last out, we even had to lock the backpack of the flag holder during one game to ensure this happened. Very superstitious
by gp1966 on Aug 20, 2008 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree on ANY premature celbration of wins as being low class and wrong
whether at home or on the road. But I do NOT agree that the “Go Cubs Go!” singing is corny. As a lifelong Cub fan living in LA, I can tell you that I think it is great that we are al enjoying the ride…no matter where it ends. Let’s just enjoy it.
But there is no reason to celebrate games or wins UNTIL the last out is recorded. That activity is low class. The true fan of the game does not do that. But any great year like this will bring out newbies who do not understand the culture of the game. let’s not let that destroy all that we enjoy about this season.
THIS IS OUR CENTURY!!
by LAcarl519 on Aug 20, 2008 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
not at home, no
and not before the end of the game.
But it’s become part of the Win experience. I like it.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't understand
How is singing after a victory acting like you can’t handle your liquor?
I guess it’s so tasteless for fans to celebrate a win in unison.
by daeviant on Aug 20, 2008 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
why does someone always have to complain about something?
i cannot believe people are against singing go cubs go
by cubswynn on Aug 20, 2008 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
When the someone is BlueMike...
…it’s about as surprising as rain in Seattle.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 20, 2008 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If I'm fortunate enough
to get to see the Cubs win at Wrigley you can bet I will be singing “Go Cubs Go” along with the other Cub fans there. There will be no liquor involved either.
Honest to God you have to be the unhappiest man in the world.
Good luck Shawn Johnson, Lolo Jones and Doug Schwab. Bring home the gold!!!
by sue369 on Aug 20, 2008 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
...as opposed to the Most Interesting Man in the World.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 20, 2008 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Stay thirsty, my friends....
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 20, 2008 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
TWSS
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
His charisma...
…can be seen from space.
by Shawon O Meter on Aug 20, 2008 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Aliens have asked HIM to probe THEM.
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 20, 2008 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
When he goes swimming - dolphins gather.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 20, 2008 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He once knew a call was a wrong number...
…even though the person on the other end wouldn’t admit it.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 20, 2008 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
His legend precedes him the way lightning precedes thunder.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 20, 2008 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he is right-handed . . .
and left-handed
the pink hat guy is my father
by joeschmitt on Aug 20, 2008 1:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He once punched a majician -
that’s right, you heard me.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 20, 2008 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Like Milton
His organ donor card also lists his beard
by JCD on Aug 20, 2008 3:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
When he order a salad, he gets the dressing
right there on the salad, where it belongs, where there’s no turning back.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 20, 2008 3:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Um, no.
Sorry.
In fact, I’d get rid of your avatar before anything you mentioned. ;)
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 20, 2008 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
That avatar needs to go.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 20, 2008 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and that Ivy, c'mon what a gimmick.
A basket … really? Whats with singing during the 7th inning stretch, cracker jacks? Talk about corn ball! and what stadium doesnt have a jumbotron! Get rid of that relic of a scoreboard. Corny!
Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB
by californiachicagoan on Aug 20, 2008 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're entitled to your opinion
but isn’t K.C. and the Sunshine Band even more corny?
Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?
by Josh77 on Aug 20, 2008 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
wouldn't that make
70’s night the corniest promotion in baseball? I mean, God sent a severe storm to Wrigley this year, just to break it up…
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 20, 2008 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Naw, man...they're groovy.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 20, 2008 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe "A Little Less Conversation"
"We’ve still got a long ways to go, I don’t like to get giggly over things in July. But the team’s playing well, they really are. They’re playing with confidence, and it shows."
by Cubster on Aug 20, 2008 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey my 20 month old son loves Go Cubs Go, back off buddy!
by graceunderpressure on Aug 20, 2008 9:28 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Sorry dude
Just my opinion. I like the song too. Just a bit corny.
"We’ve still got a long ways to go, I don’t like to get giggly over things in July. But the team’s playing well, they really are. They’re playing with confidence, and it shows."
by Cubster on Aug 20, 2008 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
I love hearing it at Wrigley because it means the Cubs have posted a win.
But let’s be honest—it’s awfully corn-ball and twangy. If the Brewers or Cardinals played a similar tune, most Cub fans would mock it mercilessly.
Dome-san!!
by Goat Whisperer on Aug 20, 2008 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
let them
have the best record in baseball and they won’t care if we mocked.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
a lot of things at wrigley are corny
by cubswynn on Aug 20, 2008 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the corn dogs
the corn chips in the nachos
the corn on a stick
the popcorn
caramel corn
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bump, set, spike
US volleyball team has nothing on you guys.
Dome-san!!
by Goat Whisperer on Aug 20, 2008 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ain't that terrible luck?
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Five game playoff series rotation?
I would go:
Harden
Dempster
Zambrano
Lilly (if needed)
Harden (if needed)
"We’ve still got a long ways to go, I don’t like to get giggly over things in July. But the team’s playing well, they really are. They’re playing with confidence, and it shows."
by Cubster on Aug 20, 2008 9:41 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
My God
We have a chance……
"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 20, 2008 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
completely disagree
don’t wait until game 3 to get z out there
i think we learned from last year that you can’t plan for the next game, rather you need to win today
by cubswynn on Aug 20, 2008 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 20, 2008 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
flip Harden and Z.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Disagree.
All of this handwringing about Big Z is likely based on two rough starts this month – one really bad and his last outing, which wasn’t all that bad. Bear in mind that Carlos had a rough August last year as well – remember his gestures to the Wrigley fans when heading back to the dugout? OK, now think about how he pulled things together in mid- to late-September and in Game One against the D’Backs.
Big Z will be back to form soon and, assuming the Cubs make the playoffs, he will be at the top of the rotation in the postseason. Depending on the matchups, Lou might start Harden in the first game of a playoff series, but Carlos will be next then Dempster.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 20, 2008 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you beat me to it
the only reason i could see lou going with harden in the first game is to give him ample time to rest if he needs to go again later in the series
by cubswynn on Aug 20, 2008 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly
"We’ve still got a long ways to go, I don’t like to get giggly over things in July. But the team’s playing well, they really are. They’re playing with confidence, and it shows."
by Cubster on Aug 20, 2008 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
so i'm still disagreeing with you
i would go
harden
z
dempster
by cubswynn on Aug 20, 2008 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and then who pitches after Dempster?
it’s nice to think that we can sweep the first round, but we have to be smart.
Pete’s sake. We’re discussing who is the worse pitcher, Z or Harden. What a problem to have.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 20, 2008 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
didn't mean to imply a sweep
thought it was obvious we go with lilly in game 4
by cubswynn on Aug 20, 2008 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
but if we went with Z first
Z could go again in Game 4.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yah my feeling on that would be
determined on how z finishes the year…..if he is the monster we all know he is, then i agree with you…..if he continues to stumble, i think lilly should go game 4
by cubswynn on Aug 20, 2008 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
no, no MUST DECIDE NOW!!!!
:P
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Assuming Cubs have HFA...
I’d go
Z
Dempster
Harden
Pitch Demp at home.
Dome-san!!
by Goat Whisperer on Aug 20, 2008 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, I changed my mind.
I dont even wanna talk about this topic until we clinch a playoff spot.
Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB
by californiachicagoan on Aug 20, 2008 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's what
I was thinking all morning. You all need to chill and just enjoy for another month or so. I’ll start fussing over playoff rotations when our Magic Number hits 0, not a moment before.
"We are not equations with hats." -Dean Young
by Kegler on Aug 20, 2008 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
sorry
but i am not superstitious…..i don’t believe that posting some stupid thing on bcb has ANY effect on the way the cubs play…..NONE, ZERO, ZIP
it’s a fun topic to discuss, if you don’t want to read about it, keep scrolling down
by cubswynn on Aug 20, 2008 3:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We already know
that stuff talked about on this board often leaks into the broadcast booth. If it gets too prevalant among the Cubs fans, it will get into the media, and if it gets inot the media it can get into the clubhouse and if it gets into the clubhouse the players can lose focus.
Win today, and the next today, and the next and things tale care of themselves
Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB
by californiachicagoan on Aug 20, 2008 4:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
OT Usain Bolt aka my new favorite Olympic athlete actually runs hard for a whole race
and Breaks Michael Johnson’s WR in the 200M.
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Aug 20, 2008 9:46 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Was that before or after
his homerun turned into a single?
I kid, I kid.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 20, 2008 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The thing with Bolt is, he could have gotten a triple even if he did hot-dog the whole way
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Aug 20, 2008 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
is bolt really his name?
or is this like when weather men rename themselves to something like joe winter
marketing 101 say what!
by cubswynn on Aug 20, 2008 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have no idea, but I imagine it is his real name
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Aug 20, 2008 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That no good
guess-sprinting hot-dog.
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 20, 2008 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jamacia should trade him right now
He isn’t helping them at all
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Aug 20, 2008 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seriously.
Just get rid of him. Re-build for 2012.
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 20, 2008 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you mean he didn't SAVE his energy?
by graceunderpressure on Aug 20, 2008 9:49 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
reply feature is your friend
Good luck Shawn Johnson, Lolo Jones and Doug Schwab. Bring home the gold!!!
by sue369 on Aug 20, 2008 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Excellent Game Last Night
Excellent start to what I hope will be an excellent homestand/next 9 games.
And by excellent, I mean – I hope we win 9 out of 9 :)
Harden’s been solid, hasn’t he? I was thinking about this last night – that while CC gets all the ESPN love, I think Harden’s been the better pitcher. I mean, I have no hard facts to base this assertion on (I’m too lazy to look ‘em up) but it seems to me that Harden has allowed fewer runs, struck out more, been more dominant than CC. Sure, CC has thrown a bunch of complete games (why was he throwing 130 pitches up 9-2 the other night?) but he has to because the Brewer pen sucks eggs. We don’t need Harden to pitch deep into games because we have the guys in the pen to bridge the gap.
I think I’d rather have Rich Harden over CC Sabathia.
by DWChaney on Aug 20, 2008 9:51 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't know
I still think the health issue favors CC. Harden has never put a ton of starts together before ihis arm starts barking.
by graceunderpressure on Aug 20, 2008 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Read the Sun-Times article...
…Al linked to in the recap for a little more background on Harden’s health history. I’m not saying my mind is completely at ease regarding his injury risk, but I’m not going to worry about it until I have a reason to.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 20, 2008 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That article did explain a lot.
So far, I think the Cubs have done exactly right by Harden in keeping him healthy.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 20, 2008 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I was either unaware...
…or failed to remember that much Harden’s injury history was related to a strain he suffered trying to field a ball – not throw one to the catcher. I applaud Lou’s efforts to keep Harden rested and fresh.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 20, 2008 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Only worry to me is
Us v. Karstens…other than that, it’s all good.
"Years of academy training, wasted"--Buzz Lightyear (not a flying toy)
by spoiledcubbage on Aug 20, 2008 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, I should think we'll have
“the book” on Karstens by now…
by DWChaney on Aug 20, 2008 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
OT- Sorry if this has been posted already...
…But I had not seen it. Great NY Times article about Dempster, including this comment from DeRo- "I hope he stays, because his decision will impact other people’s decisions on whether they want to play here — because they enjoy being around him so much," DeRosa said. "He’s one of the driving forces behind our chemistry. To take him out of the clubhouse would cause a huge rift."
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 20, 2008 10:14 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Read it too. The line to the bank
is filled with guys who said they wouldn’t go to a team because some guy leaving would upset the “chemistry”. Do you think there are potential FA’s out there saying, “I’m not going to the Cubs if they don’t sign Ryan Dempster.” I don’t think so.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 20, 2008 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, but I think DeRo
more meant guys that are already on the team, who may have deals that are up…That’s just how I interpreted it…
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 20, 2008 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the same holds true. Players make
those statments, but they understand that it’s a business. If the best decision is to let Demp go to free agency because the team has a viable alternative, they may gipe a bit but they will get over it.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 20, 2008 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
sure
but I gotta figure that if we do go… all.. the.. WAY! then you do what you can to have the exact same team next year… capture lightning in that bottle twice.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You have to watch for the Gary Gaetti effect.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 20, 2008 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
I worry about that with Edmonds
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 20, 2008 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We got Pie
to take care of that.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If they keep him
I hope they do. Not sure they will.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 20, 2008 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know.
but they’ve been more wrong than right this year — even in trading Gallagher, which I thought was a terrible idea at the time. So, I’ll hope.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Speaking of Gallagher...
…sad news from Minneapolis last night. Sean got lit up for 10 ERs by the Twinkies. And apparently the bullpen was tired because he was left in the game through five innings.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 20, 2008 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Eh, I've though about this...
…but Gaetti only played 37 games as a Cub in ‘98 when he was so awesome…And for me, I don’t really see Edmonds’ defense, ESPECIALLY in Wrigley Field, falling off too much if he is back next year. I think the offensive rejuvenation has been more of an added bonus, especially the power.
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 20, 2008 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It may be a moot point. If the Cubs
win it all, Edmonds will probably call it a career. I don’t really see a need for him to hang around unless he gets infected with the MJ-Brett Favre bug.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 20, 2008 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Were I a betting man (and I'm not)...
…I’d wager that we’re witnessing Jim Edmond’s final season – particularly if the Cubs go deep into the postseason. Just a hunch based on comments he’s made in interviews.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 20, 2008 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
IIRC, Edmonds said his game started coming back..
when he stopped taking his concussion meds. (Which got his bat going again around the time the Padres DFA’d him) If that’s the case I would think he has another season or two in him, health permitting. His .970 OPS as a Cub isn’t too shabby after all.
I suppose he might be in the position to ‘retire on top’ if circumstances present him that chance, but very few athletes can resist coming back for that ‘one more season’.
by The Deputy Mayor of Rush Street on Aug 20, 2008 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
but if he doesn't take his meds
his concussion might come back! Those are highly contagious, ya know… :P
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Like mono.
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 20, 2008 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought I had...
…mono for an entire summer once. Turns out I was just really bored.
by Shawon O Meter on Aug 20, 2008 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hahaha.
Every time I was tired/feeling sick at school, immediately it was blamed on mono. Turned out I was just hungover.
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 20, 2008 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
which would you rather have.....
face the brewers in the playoffs and yost still gets to manage next year
or
we don’t have to face the brewers in the playoffs, yost gets fired, and we no longer get to take advantage of his managerial skills
by cubswynn on Aug 20, 2008 10:28 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
the second one.
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Aug 20, 2008 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
option B
because there’s no gaurantee the brewers would hire a competent manager, given the choice again.
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 20, 2008 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I'll vote for B, too.
Yost is going to go sooner or later anyway.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 20, 2008 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think the brewers are going to be any good next year anwaya
No Sheets. No CC. Yiardo coming off ACL surgery…
It could get dicey up north.
I think it’s just his face. - dat cubfan daver
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 20, 2008 4:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Remember when Jay Bruce first came up and people went nuts because he had a nice first week?
At least 5 people I know told me that Jay Bruce would take the ROY from Soto. Seeing him last night striking out and misplaying that flyball, I just laughed remember when all of that junk I was told.
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Aug 20, 2008 10:43 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Bruce will be an all-star one day
Today is not that day.
Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?
by Josh77 on Aug 20, 2008 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Was that really a safety squeeze?
If I recall correctly, a safety squeeze is when the runner breaks for home on contact. Soto didn’t make his break for home until the ball was thrown to first. It was brilliant baserunning by Soto, not a squeeze play (which requires much less of a decision on the baserunner’s part). Probably nit picking, but I wanted you to know I actually read what you wrote ;)
by lohroffc on Aug 20, 2008 10:43 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
That was my thought.
And even if the throw had been perfect I still think Geo’s safe. Rookie of the Year all the way.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 20, 2008 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess
since a runner is supposed to “break on contact” in a safety squeeze, it would technically be a sacrifice bunt? Still could be called a squeeze though I suppose, since the runner scored…
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 20, 2008 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
In last night's case
it’s a sacrifice either way since Dome advanced to 2nd (and then to 3rd on the play at the plate). But I agree that it didn’t look like a safety squeeze, more a smart play on Soto’s part to notice that no one was stopping him from following the 3B down the line, which left him within striking distance to dash home on the throw to first. Excellent fundamental baseball.
I’m under the impression that a traditional safety squeeze means that the runner at 3rd gets a good lead on the pitch, then breaks for home right after he sees the bunt is down, so you don’t risk the ‘suicide’ aspects of a missed, or popped-up bunt.
And how about some kudos for the camera crew that just managed to keep Soto in frame so we could see that play develop!
by The Deputy Mayor of Rush Street on Aug 20, 2008 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sacrifice and great base running.
Soto must have noticed before the play how the SS was up the middle looking for the double play, leaving no one to cover third if the bunt comes to his side. Great baserunning comes by always thinking and anticipating possibilities. Just an awesome job there by Geo. And at the time it looked like it could be a 1-0 game, so it was huge for us, and probably demoralizing for the Reds.
Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB
by californiachicagoan on Aug 20, 2008 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
OT: Season Ticket Holders
Did the Cubs send out invoices for post season tickets yet?
by madeindetroit on Aug 20, 2008 10:46 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Traditionally arrives around Labor Day weekend
Current temperature in hell: 45 degrees F - and falling!
by wnielsen on Aug 20, 2008 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That confirms it
The Tigers are liars. They said that MLB made them send me an invoice for postseason tickets (due 9/2) even though they are 10 1/2 games out of playoff contention.
by madeindetroit on Aug 20, 2008 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I believe the Cubs could invoice now if they wanted to
MLB notifies the teams in contention that they “can prepare for postseason play.” Only those teams can send invoices, etc. Not sure when MLB notifies the teams, but my guess is that it has already happened. The Cubs historically choose to wait until right before Labor Day. Now they have not had a lead this big (6 games) for a long time, so it will be interesting to see if they do it earlier this year.
Current temperature in hell: 45 degrees F - and falling!
by wnielsen on Aug 20, 2008 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the info
I think MLB might have got the address wrong when notified the Tigers :)
by madeindetroit on Aug 20, 2008 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
...or the year
"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 20, 2008 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So, I'm guessing
that since tonight’s game is on WCIU, I have EI and won’t have access to the Cubs ‘cast – which means I get to watch the Reds broadcast. Luckily I have XM and can catch the words from Pat and Ron. I was hoping this game might get picked up on ESPN. C’est la vie.
I wish EI would find a way to carry the CIU broadcasts -they somehow manage to carry the Rangers and Astros local station casts.
by DWChaney on Aug 20, 2008 10:55 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
If you watch the Reds broadcast, make sure to note all of little Thommy's comments
I’m sure after last night he will be quite bitter.
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Aug 20, 2008 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hope I can
get the Reds broadcast since I don’t get WCIU. I can make good use of the mute button.
Good luck Shawn Johnson, Lolo Jones and Doug Schwab. Bring home the gold!!!
by sue369 on Aug 20, 2008 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i can't wait
for some sweet fsn ohio action tonight. maybe i’ll just start hitting myself in the head with bricks now so i can save myself the pain.
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 20, 2008 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Off-topic
Not that any of you care, but I found out today that I made the promotion list to Staff Sergeant!! Woooohooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!
by sanantonecub on Aug 20, 2008 11:22 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Congratulations!
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 20, 2008 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sir.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 20, 2008 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
EVEN THOUGH
you are a Huskers fan, congrats!!!
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 20, 2008 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't call me Sir!
I’m not an officer… I work for a living! :)
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!
by sanantonecub on Aug 20, 2008 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What's a military discussion
Without good-natured ribbing between the NCO (select) corps and the Officer corps?
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!
by sanantonecub on Aug 20, 2008 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My dad respected but hated when he had to salute
some snot-nosed 2nd Lieutenant 18 years his junior. My dad was a Master Sargeant. I used to giggle when he saluted the young officers.
"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 20, 2008 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The one upside is
By the time that snot-nosed butterbar became Captain, he probably realized just how much the SNCO’s know and were willing to teach him. We can just hope he remembers 15% of that knowledge that was passed on.
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!
by sanantonecub on Aug 20, 2008 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Congrats!
My mom’s SFC.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 20, 2008 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Congrats.
Does this mean I have to do pushups?
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 20, 2008 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
10 pushups for every Cubs victory
better get cracking!
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!
by sanantonecub on Aug 20, 2008 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Crikey, 770 and counting!
On the plus side, I’M GONNA BE RIPPED!
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 20, 2008 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
See, there's an upside to everything :)
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!
by sanantonecub on Aug 20, 2008 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm actually trying to do this:
http://hundredpushups.com/index.html
but I’m afraid I’ll end up with massive arms… and still a 40" waistline.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That looks cool
thanks for the link. I might give this a shot myself.
Go ahead, Z me.
by tony412 on Aug 20, 2008 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well done soldier!
Are you going to become a celebrity too?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 20, 2008 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not soldier... I passed high school
I’m an “Airman” :)
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!
by sanantonecub on Aug 20, 2008 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And regarding celebrity status...
Not gonna happen, considering I’m male :)
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!
by sanantonecub on Aug 20, 2008 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
what do three up
and three down mean to you, airman?
End of an inning.
:D Congrats
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That, or Harden is pitching :)
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!
by sanantonecub on Aug 20, 2008 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Niiiice >8)
Big dogs! Big dogs! Landing on my face!
I don’t know what that means…
by Shawon O Meter on Aug 20, 2008 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Congrats!
Means more $ too. E-5 or E-6 right?
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Aug 20, 2008 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, more money
It’s a promotion to E-5 (4 stripes). Base pay will increase about $200/mth, plus increases in overseas cost of living allowances, etc. I should hopefully sew on April-May timeframe

There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!
by sanantonecub on Aug 20, 2008 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Congrats!
Good luck Shawn Johnson, Lolo Jones and Doug Schwab. Bring home the gold!!!
by sue369 on Aug 20, 2008 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thank you, good Sue!
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!
by sanantonecub on Aug 20, 2008 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are so welcome.
Good luck Shawn Johnson, Lolo Jones and Doug Schwab. Bring home the gold!!!
by sue369 on Aug 20, 2008 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you look like you need a drink
Here’s an old style. I also have quality liquors available :)
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!
by sanantonecub on Aug 20, 2008 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Baileys...yum
Good luck Shawn Johnson, Lolo Jones and Doug Schwab. Bring home the gold!!!
by sue369 on Aug 20, 2008 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
plenty of that here!
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!
by sanantonecub on Aug 20, 2008 1:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
is there a bad Sue?
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, she did say shit a time or two instead of poop..:)
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Aug 20, 2008 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
if that's bad
I don’t wanna be good!
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think there is
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!
by sanantonecub on Aug 20, 2008 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Only when Geo is in the room.
Then she’s nasty!
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 20, 2008 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
it's Mz. Sue
369 if ya nasty!
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you guys :D
Good luck Shawn Johnson, Lolo Jones and Doug Schwab. Bring home the gold!!!
by sue369 on Aug 20, 2008 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
nice medals
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 20, 2008 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder if she
gets teased about her name?
Good luck Shawn Johnson, Lolo Jones and Doug Schwab. Bring home the gold!!!
by sue369 on Aug 20, 2008 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
my wife and i were discussing this
she was pretty sure that Nastia would have heard plenty of “Nasty-a” names through the years.
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 20, 2008 2:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sure they're both very nice...
…but my wife and I have respectfully removed “Nastia” and “Misty” from our list of contending names for our upcoming li’l Cubs Fan.
by Shawon O Meter on Aug 20, 2008 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I bet...
…no one’s teasing her now…
by Shawon O Meter on Aug 20, 2008 2:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Her name? I doubt it....
her five-head? Most definitely.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 20, 2008 2:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
are you suggesting
Nasty-a has a larger than normal forehead?
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 20, 2008 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
She does
but it does not distract form how very pretty she is.
Good luck Shawn Johnson, Lolo Jones and Doug Schwab. Bring home the gold!!!
by sue369 on Aug 20, 2008 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can't wait
until she and Shawn Johnson and the rest of the team get awarded gold medals retroactively once the IOC decides that 3 of the Chinese team members are ineligible due to being 14.
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 20, 2008 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wish there
was a way to prove it.
Good luck Shawn Johnson, Lolo Jones and Doug Schwab. Bring home the gold!!!

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