The Beat Goes On: Cubs 12, Pirates 3
by Al on Aug 26, 2008 8:19 AM CDT
in Recaps
422 comments
Neither a Sonny & Cher nor a Britney Spears song, the Cubs nevertheless kept pounding rhythm through our brains with a 12-3 win over the Pirates last night before a crowd of 14,454 in Pittsburgh that seemed, as many road games do these days, about half Cubs fans. It put the Cubs over .500 on the road at 32-31; only four other teams (Angels, Cardinals, Brewers, Phillies) have winning road records this year.
Aramis Ramirez hit his third three-run homer in the last three games, bumping his RBI total to 94, which now ranks fifth in the National League. His 23rd HR of the season was his 22nd career dinger against his former team and his 38th at PNC Park -- even though he hasn't been a Pirate in more than five years and he played home games there for only a little more than two full years (A-Ram's Pirates debut and his first couple of years there were in Three Rivers Stadium, through the 2000 season). The 38 HR ranks fourth among all players at PNC, and two of the other three (Jason Bay and Brian Giles) are no longer Pirates. A-Ram's OPS continued its upward climb last night (to .908), perhaps putting him in position to get some MVP votes, and maybe his most impressive number is .385, his OBA, which would be a career high; he has already drawn a career-high 64 walks.
Four different Cubs (Jim Edmonds, Alfonso Soriano, Derrek Lee and Kosuke Fukudome) had three hits last night; Lee, obviously not bothered by the back spasms that forced him to leave Saturday's game, has started to spray hits all over the place again, as has Fukudome. Dome's three-hit game produced a career-high four RBI (his previous high of three was set with that three-run homer he hit on Opening Day), and though two games are an extremely small sample size, it seems as if Dome has gone back to the approach that got him off to the good start that he had in April. Lou says if he keeps it up, he'll be moved back to 5th in the batting order. I'm not so sure I'd do that -- the Cubs have been very successful with Edmonds hitting fifth and Dome batting seventh or even eighth -- but regardless, it'd be great to get Dome back on track. That article also says that Angel Guzman and Jon Lieber are likely to both be activated from the DL after September 1 and Micah Hoffpauir will be recalled, even though Iowa has made the PCL playoffs.
The rest of the team hit and scored virtually at will last night, piling up seventeen hits and four walks, seven of the hits for extra bases including a triple by Edmonds, his second three-base hit of the year. The pitching staff did as needed -- Ted Lilly gave up two more HR, and that's a bit worrisome as he is leading the majors in HR allowed with 29, but he allowed only seven hits, struck out seven, and Bob Howry (good news!) threw a scoreless inning and Kerry Wood, who normally wouldn't have been used in a 9-run blowout, also threw a shutout inning, mainly because he hadn't thrown since last Thursday. He threw only 13 pitches (9 strikes) so he should be available tonight.
More history: the Cubs are 31 games over .500 for the first time since September 30, 1984, the last day of that regular season; they finished 1984 at 96-65. Their peak that year was 32 games over, at 90-58 on September 15. Before that, the last time the Cubs were 32 games over .500 was on September 2, 1969, at 84-52.
History is being made every day with the 2008 Cubs. I marvel. Keep it going. Onward to tonight.
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Alternate title
“The BeatDOWN Continues”
"ROUS's? Rodents of Unusual Size. Don't worry, they don't exist."
http://margaritagirl11.spaces.live.com/
by iluvryno on Aug 26, 2008 8:29 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
81 Wins Already!
Remember when 81 wins for a whole season was a real accomplishment! The Cubs had better win the majority of the rest of their games to beat out the Brewers. The Brewers are really good. The Cubs are better and will finish on top.
"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray
by memphiscub on Aug 26, 2008 8:29 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
81 wins would have been wonderful in 06....
2008 Cubs: Who needs nine innings, when you only need a 7th?
by Chanman25 on Aug 26, 2008 8:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Only 4 wins to match last season's total
by daeviant on Aug 26, 2008 8:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hope we can match it in the month of August!
Proud recipient of a hot dog shot from the Iowa Cubs hot dog gun.
by IowaCubs- on Aug 26, 2008 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or... 2005, etc.
Proud recipient of a hot dog shot from the Iowa Cubs hot dog gun.
by IowaCubs- on Aug 26, 2008 8:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
One more win...
… and the Cubs will have their FIFTH winning season since 2001 (01-03-04-07-08).
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 26, 2008 8:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
1973-2000
featured a grand total of five winning seasons (84, 89, 93, 95, 98). Five winning seasons out of 28 was not so wonderful.
"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray
by memphiscub on Aug 26, 2008 9:06 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Holy Crap
I didn’t realize that. The Cubs dark age can only be over with a WS title, though.
by daeviant on Aug 26, 2008 9:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My lifetime
I figured it out at one point, in my lifetime (since 1965) the Cubs are roughly 500 games under .500. Might be a reason for my unbridled cynicism.
"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 26, 2008 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A cynic is an optimist with experience...
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE! (#13031 on the Cubs season ticket waiting list...)
by Zeke on Aug 26, 2008 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
See also
90% scar tissue
"Years of academy training, wasted"--Buzz Lightyear (not a flying toy)
by spoiledcubbage on Aug 26, 2008 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The nice part about being a pessimist
when you’re wrong, you’re pleasantly surprised.
The other sports are just sports. Baseball is a love. ~Bryant Gumbel
by Blue W on Aug 26, 2008 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you try to fail and you succeed,
what have you done?
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 26, 2008 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My brain just done exploded.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 26, 2008 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm gonna go write that on the bathroom wall!!
THIS IS OUR CENTURY!!
by LAcarl519 on Aug 26, 2008 3:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Then we wouldn't have
Josh Vitters in our farm system.
Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?
by Josh77 on Aug 26, 2008 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My day is fulfilled
The post game wrap is up!
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
by mrcubsfan on Aug 26, 2008 8:32 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
4th
Dang I go get a cup of coffee and look at what happens
If the world didn't suck we would all fall off.
by carolinacub on Aug 26, 2008 8:32 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Now tonight we need a dominant Z
untracked, unbridled, focused and stifling. I still view his pitching as vital to our end of the season success. We need him to be at his best the rest of the way.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
by mrcubsfan on Aug 26, 2008 8:36 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
+1
There is no reason this team with Big Z starting should lose to the Pirates. Let’s hope we bring it again tonight.
Go ahead, Z me.
by tony412 on Aug 26, 2008 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
poll: does z's self-talk help or hurt?
by nolacubbiegirl on Aug 26, 2008 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Impossible to tell...
…these things. Every player is wired differently, and needs to do what is best for them to stay on their game. Z is an emotional guy and those guys are going to go about things a little differently than those that aren’t.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Aug 26, 2008 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And how about Soto's "no-talk"?
Hilar!
by John Q Freejazz on Aug 26, 2008 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Magic Number to eleminate the pirates and reds
from the division race is now down to 8
"Destiny is a matter of choice, not chance"
by MerlinDog on Aug 26, 2008 8:38 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
So nice to have football...
…starting back up while we’re still high on baseball >8)
by Shawon O Meter on Aug 26, 2008 8:40 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I can't focus on football just yet.
I can see football season out of the corner of my eye, but there is no way I’m taking my attention off of these Cubs. No way.
The other sports are just sports. Baseball is a love. ~Bryant Gumbel
by Blue W on Aug 26, 2008 8:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Me either.
For me, football will start in November this year.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 26, 2008 8:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1 !
….it doesnt help that the Bears will win about 6 games this year…but I could care less about football right now!
"When I got to Chicago, fans came to Wrigley Field just to have fun, now they come to see us win. The expectations have changed, for the players and for the fans. It’s about winning." Kerry Wood, 7/14/08
by JB 23 on Aug 26, 2008 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
why not play rex
at least he’ll make things interesting lol
by cubswynn on Aug 26, 2008 9:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
With the way the Cubs and the Sox are playing
I doubt many Chicago sports fans are turning their attention to the Bears just yet.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 26, 2008 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
something the Bears should be grateful for
They stink, and management should be happy that the Cubs and Sox will camouflage the smell for a while.
by SuperContext on Aug 26, 2008 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Halas Hall
has to be full of the biggest Sox/Cubs fans right now. Anything that might distract the city from that awfulness has to be at the forefront for them.
The Walk: Weapon of choice for the 2008 Cubs
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 26, 2008 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Except that sadly,
football may already be over in this city, by November. But I digress, back to the Cubs…
"I love when they play that Go Cubs Win song."
by BMoney79 on Aug 26, 2008 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No it won't...
…Northwestern will still be playing in November, and they’ll be going for an upset Big Ten Championship.
GO CATS!!!
by Chadnudj on Aug 26, 2008 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have no idea
what is going on with football. My fantasy draft tonight will likely reflect this.
Go ahead, Z me.
by tony412 on Aug 26, 2008 8:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
draft Frank Gore
Proud recipient of a hot dog shot from the Iowa Cubs hot dog gun.
by IowaCubs- on Aug 26, 2008 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
False.
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 26, 2008 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right now, football to me is
Baseball highlights held hostage
"Years of academy training, wasted"--Buzz Lightyear (not a flying toy)
by spoiledcubbage on Aug 26, 2008 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice game to start a three game road trip...
Also great to see we were able to solve Karstens, who the rest of the league is kind of figuring out after two really good starts.
A question about Aramis – of his 65 walks this season, how many were of the intentional variety? 64 is a great total, I was just curious as to how many he has had which were intentional.
by DWChaney on Aug 26, 2008 8:41 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
It's fun playing the Indianapolis Indians
While the Pirates are a scrappy bunch, I have a feeling Z should dominate tonight. Every year, it seems like the Pirates string together 8-10 losses as part of a second-half swoon, so now would be a good time for that.
There are far too many holes in the Buccos, and anytime you are forcing Jason Davis to pitch a few innings, you’re doing something right. Let’s get them 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 26, 2008 8:42 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Indy Attendance
How often do the Indians sell more than 14,000 tickets for a game at Victory Field? The “crowd” or lack thereof in Pittsburgh last night was embarrassing.
"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray
by memphiscub on Aug 26, 2008 8:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually only twice so far this year
however, Victory Field only seats 14,500 (with number being adjustable for lawn seating). However, they’ve brought in over 10,000 fans 22 times this year, which isn’t too shabby. So their percent-capacity is dominating Pittsburgh right now.
I don’t mind so few fans being in Pittsburgh – it makes it easier for Cubs fans to get tickets. I know if I could drive over there today I would.
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 26, 2008 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I actually really love Victory Field
a GREAT way to kill a boring summer day in Indy.
The Walk: Weapon of choice for the 2008 Cubs
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 26, 2008 2:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How about 7?
They’re at 5 in a row now. Up next for them is Milwaukee.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 26, 2008 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll take it.
In fact, here’s the headline from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette today: Summer’s swoon shaping up for Pirates? (and I just looked this up instead of plagarizing)
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 26, 2008 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here's the link
Here. The writer just sounds depressed. I kind of feel bad for 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 26, 2008 9:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He did, didn't he?
Well, I hope they get hot starting on Friday. The Pirates play the Brewers 6 times before the end of the year.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 26, 2008 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sounds like a plan to me.
The unfortunate things is, they’ve lost 12 straight at Miller Park. Hopefully they’ll hold up their end in Pittsburgh this weekend.
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 26, 2008 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This means they are due for a win
Two, in fact.
Current temperature in hell: 44 degrees F - and falling!
by wnielsen on Aug 26, 2008 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully by late September it won't matter
But if they could win 2 of 3 this weekend, I’d gladly 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 26, 2008 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A few Brewers fans told me
That they felt Milwaukee was lucky to sweep the last time — a lack of timely hitting, but got lucky with homeruns.
I don’t know about that, but I do know that they very easily could have lost 2 of 3 to Pittsburgh last weekend. The end result is they didn’t, and I don’t know if that means they were just good enough or lucky – but the next 8 games might be interesting for them. 2 @ STL, 3@PGH, 3 vs. NYM.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 26, 2008 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
funny things is my Brewer fan friends
Dont seem to bring up baseball around me anymore.
"We've had our ups and downs, but as long as you have a reason, something to fall back on and a plan, that's all there is to it," Soto said.
by Madison Cub Fan on Aug 26, 2008 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You have friends?
That is funny.
:)
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 26, 2008 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep and my friends don't even double as employees either :)
"We've had our ups and downs, but as long as you have a reason, something to fall back on and a plan, that's all there is to it," Soto said.
by Madison Cub Fan on Aug 26, 2008 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Clients?
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 26, 2008 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ok, that was bad, even for this banter.
Sorry
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 26, 2008 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
your a pig
"We've had our ups and downs, but as long as you have a reason, something to fall back on and a plan, that's all there is to it," Soto said.
by Madison Cub Fan on Aug 26, 2008 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, a Badger.
The other sports are just sports. Baseball is a love. ~Bryant Gumbel
by Blue W on Aug 26, 2008 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You sound like Ronnie ;)
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 26, 2008 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lets get fukudome back out there
and keep him hot
by cubswynn on Aug 26, 2008 8:44 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
And the Brewers and Cards
play each other tonight and tomorrow, in St. Louis. Man, it’s a shame one of those two teams has to win these games. I wish they could both lose….
by DWChaney on Aug 26, 2008 8:45 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
That would be the perfect solution.
It’s tough to try to root for either of them.
But I think I’d rather see St. Louis win …just to give a little more breathing room at the top of the division.
The other sports are just sports. Baseball is a love. ~Bryant Gumbel
by Blue W on Aug 26, 2008 8:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree, as much
as it pains me to root for the Cardinals.
I’d like to see the Cards get back closer to that WC lead, and knock the Brewers out of that, too. Just because the Brewers are putting all their hopes on getting into the playoffs as the WC team. I’d find it really funny if they got CC and didn’t make the playoffs.
by DWChaney on Aug 26, 2008 8:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm rooting for a two game sweep
and the odd thing is I don’t care who does it. Lets assume (big assumption) that the Cubs sweep the pirates. If the cards sweep the brewers then the brewers will be 7 games back. If the brewers sweep the cards then the cards are 11 back in the loss column. Either case is great for the Cubs.
"Destiny is a matter of choice, not chance"
by MerlinDog on Aug 26, 2008 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
of course you do but in reality you know one will lose
You remind me of the movie Amadeus when Mozart couldn’t choose which wig to buy
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 26, 2008 8:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
TWSS
Theriot, Fonty, and Johnson = The Scrappy Pyramid of Victory
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Aug 26, 2008 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
nicely done, sir!
The Walk: Weapon of choice for the 2008 Cubs
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 26, 2008 2:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Either way
one magic number will drop by at least one, guaranteed. Let’s hope it’s the bigger one.
"Years of academy training, wasted"--Buzz Lightyear (not a flying toy)
by spoiledcubbage on Aug 26, 2008 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kind of think that one AB and a Piniella session did a EMODUKUF
as Harry would say…..another turnaround.
Actually a hot Fukudome is better in the 5th spot in that he often acts as a lead off hitter in the second inning and has speed, where an Edmonds with power and pop in the 7th hole acts like a second #3 hitter behind DeRosa and Soto as the clean up in the 8th spot.
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 26, 2008 8:46 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Fukudome appears to be driving through the hitting zone
He could have a September like DeRosa had an August, what will be needed is DLEE having an October like DeRosa’s August.
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 26, 2008 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
as long as one of the big boys is hot in October
everything will be cool. Everyone was ice cold last year.
The Walk: Weapon of choice for the 2008 Cubs
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 26, 2008 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can't imagine
DeRo AND DLee AND Rami AND Sori AND Soto all being cold at the same time.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 26, 2008 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know
but…
The Walk: Weapon of choice for the 2008 Cubs
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 26, 2008 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
but if they do
LBR, Riot, Dome, Ward, and Z can pick them up.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 26, 2008 3:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
As can the umpires.
Since GLORIOUS, GLORIOUS replay is HERE!!! Evolve, or get back in the cave. Boom-city.
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 26, 2008 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know
this line up is much deeper than last years.
The Walk: Weapon of choice for the 2008 Cubs
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 26, 2008 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Fukudome is truly out of his slump
It just proves once again that this team has balls. They seem to bounce back from just about everything, from bad stretches to injuries. I seriously thought the Cubs were going to be done after the 4 game series in Milwaukee, but they ended up proving me wrong yet again and sweeping that trip. Maybe I shouldn’t be so pessimistic.
by daeviant on Aug 26, 2008 8:53 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Don't you change a thing!
that pessimistic attitude has gotten us this far.
The other sports are just sports. Baseball is a love. ~Bryant Gumbel
by Blue W on Aug 26, 2008 8:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Beatings Go On...
Dum spiro spero! (While there is life, there’s hope!)--Leon Trotsky
by alec on Aug 26, 2008 8:53 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Until morale improves
"Years of academy training, wasted"--Buzz Lightyear (not a flying toy)
by spoiledcubbage on Aug 26, 2008 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Listening on XM last night...
it was SOOOOO quiet!. I know the park wasn’t very full (our low A Midwest League Lugnuts have drawn comparable crowds), but there was NO crowd presence on either the field microphones or bleeding through over the Pirates announcing team’s microphones. It was eerie to listen to.
And when the game quickly got out of hand, the announcers had a nice laugh-filled conversation between themselves for the duration of the game- so it was hard to tell what was going on half the time.
At least tonight’s game is on WGN.
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE! (#13031 on the Cubs season ticket waiting list...)
by Zeke on Aug 26, 2008 8:55 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I listened to the first two innings on XM on the way home from work.
The announcers were horrid – they simply had NOTHING to talk about other than the media prep “Mark DeRosa has hit homeruns in the last 4 games” type of stuff. They did talk a BUNCH about what a good hitter Z is then went rambling on about old Pirates pitchers.
"ROUS's? Rodents of Unusual Size. Don't worry, they don't exist."
http://margaritagirl11.spaces.live.com/
by iluvryno on Aug 26, 2008 8:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What about their long discussion
about why wasn’t Ted Lilly #26 because Teddy Roosevelt was the 26th president? Then oh, it’s retired for Billy Williams. Who else has their number retired for the Cubs? Does Sandberg? Does Santo? What other #26 are retired? Gene Autry? Why in the world does Gene Autry have #26 retired? Maybe that was the age of the horse he stuffed. (That was Roy Rogers, guys, not Gene Autry.) Can someone google it? Oh, there are 25 men on the Angels and Autry was their 26th man.
Just stream of consciousness nonsense. It was like listening to two drunks at a bar. I think I can remember Harry doing stuff like that in terrible years. I don’t think Vince Lloyd and Lou Boudreau ever did though.
Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?
by Josh77 on Aug 26, 2008 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, that was pretty "streamy"...
I do have to admit that I didn’t know why Gene Autry would have #26 retired until the “26th man” came up. I thought that was pretty nice on the Angels part. Sucking up to the (former) owner is always a winner…
But for them to sound as clueless as they did on the retired Cubs numbers was a bit of a surprise…
I don’t remeber Vince or Lou ever being that bad.
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE! (#13031 on the Cubs season ticket waiting list...)
by Zeke on Aug 26, 2008 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Except the Angels retired it
when Autry was still the owner, back in 1982. So it was just sucking up to the boss.
Now to be clear, the Cowboy was beloved by Angels fans. When they won it all in 2002, there was a huge Gene Autry banner that fans were hanging over the left field wall.
Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?
by Josh77 on Aug 26, 2008 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A nice gesture though
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE! (#13031 on the Cubs season ticket waiting list...)
by Zeke on Aug 26, 2008 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like that you've commited this stream to memory
and likely won’t ever forget it.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 26, 2008 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Forget what?
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE! (#13031 on the Cubs season ticket waiting list...)
by Zeke on Aug 26, 2008 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Where...where am I?
Yes, sir!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 26, 2008 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
2006 wasn't that long ago
Cubs’ broadcasts aren’t exactly rollicking when the team sucks, either.
Let’s enjoy the ride and not take it for granted — don’t forget that for most of the lives of most of us, the Cubs have been bad. Let’s not get like Braves fans who found winning passe.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 26, 2008 9:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I did try and take the broadcast
in the spirit of a Ron & Pat broadcast when the Cubs are being blown out. You now, sailboats on Lake Michigan, old sweaters, etc. So it wasn’t awful, but I just wanted to know what the Cubs were doing (other than the offhand comment in the middle of their conversation that "so and so doubled and scored so-and-so… ")
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE! (#13031 on the Cubs season ticket waiting list...)
by Zeke on Aug 26, 2008 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sure, I can understand that
It’s not surprising that you didn’t get that info, though. They probably can’t WAIT until the season ends.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 26, 2008 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep. We've certainly been on the other end of that stick often enough...
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE! (#13031 on the Cubs season ticket waiting list...)
by Zeke on Aug 26, 2008 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
twss
"We've had our ups and downs, but as long as you have a reason, something to fall back on and a plan, that's all there is to it," Soto said.
by Madison Cub Fan on Aug 26, 2008 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I loved the Ramirez home run
The Pirate announcer went “line drive. . .left field. . .home run” without raised his voice or changing his inflection.
After seeing the home run, I kind of understand how it came out that way, but it was funny listening to it that way in the car.
Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?
by Josh77 on Aug 26, 2008 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just heard it replayed on the radio.
And it was pretty hilarious. But I kind of feel bad for all the people who see this team on a day-to-day basis. It must get miserable seeing the same script year after year
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 26, 2008 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
See the Chicago Cubs circa 1990's
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 26, 2008 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
at least we had '98
these guys haven’t seen a winning season in 16 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 26, 2008 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That home run was pretty remarkable.
The pitch looked about two inches off the ground when Aramis hit it, and the ball seemed to teleport instantly into the left field bleachers. He went down and got that one.
Yes, sir!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 26, 2008 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, that was funny...
Kind of like when Toad goes into the liquor store in American Graffiti to try and order some “hard stuff”.
Very nonchalant.
“I’d like a comb, a snickers bar, some licorice, a pint of "Old Harpers”, line drive. . .left field. . .home run, and some juju fruits please.
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE! (#13031 on the Cubs season ticket waiting list...)
by Zeke on Aug 26, 2008 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1 for the quote
Here’s another: “This one’s for justice!”
by jdb-44 on Aug 26, 2008 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
XM calls these home run calls, "Priceless"
in honor of Jim Price’s (Tigers) call of Kevin Mench’s home run a few years ago.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 26, 2008 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good turnaround by Fuku
I agree, keep him near the bottom though. In a week or two if he keeps it up, then talk about moving him up.
by lamentir on Aug 26, 2008 9:00 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
both lee and lou learned japanese...
and encouraged fookie when he was on the bench. now if only we could learn japanese and channel it to our favorite asian right-fielder…..
by nolacubbiegirl on Aug 26, 2008 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think they're learning Japanese. I think they're learning Japanese.
I really think so.
"Years of academy training, wasted"--Buzz Lightyear (not a flying toy)
by spoiledcubbage on Aug 26, 2008 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
sadly I actually had that record
"We've had our ups and downs, but as long as you have a reason, something to fall back on and a plan, that's all there is to it," Soto said.
by Madison Cub Fan on Aug 26, 2008 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Without looking, who is the artist?
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 26, 2008 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the Vapors?!
The other sports are just sports. Baseball is a love. ~Bryant Gumbel
by Blue W on Aug 26, 2008 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I had to look -- but yes, you are correct
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 26, 2008 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've never won anything before!
where do I claim my wonderful BCB prizes?
The other sports are just sports. Baseball is a love. ~Bryant Gumbel
by Blue W on Aug 26, 2008 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Outside the seaon tix entrance to the bleachers
Al, tell Blue W what he (or she) has won . . .
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 26, 2008 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
LOL
1000 BCB points!
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 26, 2008 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are "BCB" points like the points given out
during “Who’s Line is it Anyway?”
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE! (#13031 on the Cubs season ticket waiting list...)
by Zeke on Aug 26, 2008 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+17 BCB Points for making that connection.
-200 BCB Points for being a Michigan State fan.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 26, 2008 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, they pay the mortgage...
Got my degrees there. Met my wife there. My son is an undergrad there now.
Spartan green through and through my friend.
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE! (#13031 on the Cubs season ticket waiting list...)
by Zeke on Aug 26, 2008 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
-1000 BCB Points for marrying one as well.
-5000 BCB Points for sending your child there and passing the disease on to another generation.
I keed!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 26, 2008 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
-1000 for keeding around.
Where do you think you are?
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 26, 2008 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pure bred Spartans!
Prediction-
MSU 27
Cal 16
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE! (#13031 on the Cubs season ticket waiting list...)
by Zeke on Aug 26, 2008 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
From the album "New Clear Days"..
I had that album! And our intramural basketball team’s name was the “Vapors”. LOL.
The only stats I care about are the ones on the back of a baseball card
by carmen_fanzone on Aug 26, 2008 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fukudome to 5th in the lineup
seems to reflect long-term concerns for the players the Cubs are committed to in 2009, more than what’s best for the team in 2008. Lou’s not going to move Sori/Riot/Lee/Rami from 1-2-3-4, but wants to reward Dome for getting it back together. Pre-season, Lou really wanted to split those four righties up, but isn’t considering that now, which is also interesting.
In a certain sense, the Cubs lineup is so deep that it really doesn’t matter who you bat where. Geovanny Soto isn’t a #8 hitter if you’re thinking of a traditional lineup.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
by DGU on Aug 26, 2008 9:03 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I think at the start of the season..
Lou really wanted Brian Roberts, so he’d have a third lefty to put in the lineup (Roberts, Dome, and Pie – probably hitting 1, 5, 7). If Dome gets back to where he was at the start of the season, you could bat him 2 – but Riot is pretty much a classic #2 hitter, with a great OBA in front of our boppers. So lefties at 5 and 7 works best for this group of players – neither Dome or JEd would really work in the clean-up spot, even if you wanted to drop Lee down in the order.
by The Deputy Mayor of Rush Street on Aug 26, 2008 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey Deputy I heard the Outfit had an Outlet for Viagra on Rush, that said: you make a good observation
Piniella’s engineering of trying to preempt lefty/righty situations and forcing pitchers to change angles has turned out to be a not necessary with this lineup.
Actually what makes the Cubs so dangerous is not the top of the order which is traditional with good clubs but the bottom of the order that can take out teams or pick up this team where often we see the left-handed hitters. Edmonds, Fukudome and sometimes Fontenot (although sometimes he is in the 2 hole) have been quite successful framed with big boppers of DeRosa (17 HR’s) and Soto (19 HR’s) of course power has also been exhibited by Edmonds (16 HR’s), Fukudome (9 HR’s) and Fontenot (8 HR’s and almost half his hits being extra base).
It is non traditional almost like how the Cubs best relief arm is their set up in Marmol or their lead off hitter is their #2 power guy in Soriano.
Back to Rush Street someone asked me how it once was living in Chicago with the ‘Outfit’ and I said well they simply expanded the market place of goods and services. I explained that there was a needed market for conventioneers in Chicago who would focus on Rush Street after boring conventions by day, get a drink and then find a pharmacy that they didn’t need a prescription where if they got lucky or had other enterprising persons introduce them to pay as you go parties.
It was understood.
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 26, 2008 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lou may have...
…wanted Roberts, but I don’t think he was banking on Pie being out in CF everyday. He knew there was a good chance he wasn’t ready.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Aug 26, 2008 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
cracking into this starting lineup demands a potential ROY level performance
just look at Soto. The rest of the lineup is set with players like Fontenot pushing for time at 2B. If Pie comes north next year he will have to emerge from performance out of platoon situation into a bona fide starter.
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 26, 2008 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I imagine so, but he didn't have Johnson/Edmonds right off the bat..
Pie pretty much was going to get a chance (as it turns out, 4 games before Reed was in the starting lineup).
Ivy – great point about the balance of the lineup 1-8 (with generally good hitting pitchers). Compare to the Crew.. they probably have a better “heart of the order” with Hardy, Braun, Fat and Hart – but they have 4 players hitting under .260 surrounding them, (although Cameron’s heated up recently) which gives opposing pitchers some easy innings. You don’t get that with the Cub order, and it’s one reason I don’t get so worked up about hitting Sori leadoff anymore.
And for the record, my influence begins and ends with the fine drinking establishments of my constituents ; )
by The Deputy Mayor of Rush Street on Aug 26, 2008 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Deputy Mayor
Balance…balance….balance
And even His Honor Jr. has his back channel communications with those of the 1st Ward.
True story I was entertaining some clients back in the early ’90’s in a real Italian joint in the West Burbs (Benvenuti’s) and I looked around and said there are some fellows here actually packing.
Instead of scarring these CA types they said it was exciting so they wanted to go to some other places I took them to the Italian Village in the 1st Ward and the best was a place called My Favorite Inn up in Highwood IL, no sign in front, no English and they were totally amazed.
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 26, 2008 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lou's desire for a second lefty
extended beyond Roberts up until the emergence of Edmonds. For some time, he was sending signals that he wanted Dome in the 2 slot.
And if Dome is re-emerging, he is a better hitter than Theriot at 2. Theriot hits best when someone is on first base – which means hitting behind Soriano is one of the worst lineup spots for him. Dome is also more versatile in what he can do with the bat (he’s really an excellent bunter).
All that said, when every hitter is an asset with the bat, it’s hard to put a bad lineup out there.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
by DGU on Aug 26, 2008 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
fwiw
I have to wonder if Soriano is starting to emerge as more of a traditional lead-off hitter. I can’t remember the last time he hit a lead-off home-run, and he got three singles yesterday.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 26, 2008 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Soriano's also walking more
but I’ll believe he’s changed when I see it for 3 months.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
by DGU on Aug 26, 2008 2:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anyone know what time Wrigleyville Sports closes?
Sorry OT. I need to walk down there and buy a flag for my brother in Kuwait.
by daeviant on Aug 26, 2008 9:25 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Wrigley Field location:
M-F 9-9
Sat 10-8
Sun 10-6
Thanks to your brother for his service!
by The Deputy Mayor of Rush Street on Aug 26, 2008 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Brewers/Cards
It kind of sucks that one of these 2 teams will likely be the Wild Card if we can hang on to first. I know the NL east still has a shot at the Wild Card but the NL outside of the central seems to suck big time this year.
Go ahead, Z me.
by tony412 on Aug 26, 2008 9:31 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I think it justifies how good the Cubs really are...
…that the competition is so tough in the central. It makes me even more proud of what they’ve accomplished.
Proud recipient of a hot dog shot from the Iowa Cubs hot dog gun.
by IowaCubs- on Aug 26, 2008 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
keep in mind
the third place team in the central, would be fighting for the division titles in the east and west
by cubswynn on Aug 26, 2008 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Astros would be in contention in the west.
by hokie316 on Aug 26, 2008 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow
thats the eye opener. Well lets hope we can build a nice lead going into September where we play all but 3 games within the division.
Go ahead, Z me.
by tony412 on Aug 26, 2008 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
sorry all but 4 games
vs the Mets.
Go ahead, Z me.
by tony412 on Aug 26, 2008 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Best Record
not just the central but the whole league! And so good at home, and now much improved on the road. Quite the accomplishments there that I’m also very proud of.
Go ahead, Z me.
by tony412 on Aug 26, 2008 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
All of the above is impressive.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 26, 2008 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
16-6 in August with 6 game remaining, 24-12 since the ASG, 12-5 on the road and 12-7 at home
gaining 12 games on the league and expanding their lead over their chasers…..
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 26, 2008 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I must say that everything is looking peachy......
until (not to get ahead of things) you think of possibly facing the DBACKS in the first round. Go Dodgers GO!!!!
Complete disclaimer about counting the chickens before they hatch, I know, I know it isn’t even Sept yet.
"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus
by graceunderpressure on Aug 26, 2008 9:48 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I wish the Dodgers...
…would get going again. They looked positively dead in the water vs. the Phillies.
Yes, sir!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 26, 2008 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Brewers Mailbag
This little nugget is not really a big surprise but something all Cubs fans should brace for should the season come down to this:
What will the Brewers do with their starting rotation if they reach the postseason?
— Erik L., Oconomowoc, Wis.
That’s going to depend how they are positioned going into the final week. Yost surprised me Sunday morning by mentioning that Sabathia, Bush and Sheets are currently lined up to start the final regular-season series against the Cubs at Miller Park. That means he’ll be juggling Bush’s spot somewhat to line up Sabathia to pitch a potential postseason opener Oct. 1.
I hope to make it up to Milw for this series even if it’s just standing room only.
Go ahead, Z me.
by tony412 on Aug 26, 2008 9:55 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'll be at the
Sat. game so looks like I’ll be seeing Bush pitch. Wonder who it will be for the Cubs?
by sue369 on Aug 26, 2008 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully the Cubs will be far enough up in the division
so that these games won’t even matter.
But still, we beat their best last time we were in Mil., who’s to say we couldn’t take 2 out of 3?
The other sports are just sports. Baseball is a love. ~Bryant Gumbel
by Blue W on Aug 26, 2008 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right now we have a 5 game lead
If we can just maintane that the last weekend series will be meaningless. The brewers would have to pull within 3 games to make it meaningfull and then they would need a sweep (however if they both clinch a wildcard spot, a 3 game sweep might not be enough). A 2 game lead would still mean the brewers would need a sweep. If the game is meaningless I except both teams to not put in thier big guns. Of course the Cubs could have clinched and the brewers might still be fighting for a wild card spot. In which case the Cubs might try adjust thier rotation for the post season. The Cubs may not put out thier A lineup while the brewers will.
"Destiny is a matter of choice, not chance"
by MerlinDog on Aug 26, 2008 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If the Cubs are in and the Brewers are still fighting
The Cubs will be obligated to play their starters for at least part of the series. Otherwise it gives an unfair advantage to the Brewers — it’s an unwritten rule of the game.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 26, 2008 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
They might play thier everyday players
but if they’ve clinched they will adjust thier rotation to set it up for the postseason.
"Destiny is a matter of choice, not chance"
by MerlinDog on Aug 26, 2008 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, I agree with that
And they won’t go all out, either.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 26, 2008 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
we will expand that lead before the final week
unless the Brewers do something amazing like sweep the Cards which they did before, (and I think LaRussa & Co will not have happen again) the Cubs might return home with a 6 or 7 game lead in the loss column.
Brewers are 23-12 since the ASG…..playing 657 ball they have lost 1/2 game to the Cubs who are playing .666 ball.
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 26, 2008 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm going Sunday
I too am hoping for a meaningless game in terms of the standings.
When you're eight games behind, it's like eight miles; when you're eight games in front, it's like eight inches. ~ Ron Santo
by gwood on Aug 26, 2008 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It will be interesting to see what happens......
…if the Cubs have already clinched the division but the Brewers are still battling for the Wild Card spot. Would Lou rest the starters and start the “B Team”? The Brewers might not have the lugury of setting up their rotation for the postseason. Advantage Cubs.
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
by DKT on Aug 26, 2008 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's standard practice in those situations...
… to start the regulars. For one thing, you don’t want them to get rusty. For another, would you want the Brewers to beat up on the Cubs’ “B” team? I wouldn’t.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 26, 2008 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Another way of looking at it
would be to give some playing time to Ward, Cedeno, Fontenot, etc… to keep them sharp. An extra day of rest isn’t going to hurt Aram or DeLee. Imagine the outcry if Soriano were to pull a hammy in LF and the game meant nothing to the Cubs. All things to think about if and when the playoffs roll around…
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
by DKT on Aug 26, 2008 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Correct...
…even if the Cubs were to clinch 1 or 2 days before the Milwaukee series, Lou will pretty much play his regulars in the final weekend. He will clearly lineup his rotation and he may spot rest 1 or 2 starters for 1 game, but he will want to avoid hitters losing their edge by sitting for 2-3 days.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Aug 26, 2008 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dont think so
It’s a risky call. Imagine if you play the B team, get beat and the Brewers make the playoffs, then down the road you end up losing to the Brewers. I think you play to stay sharp and to win.
Go ahead, Z me.
by tony412 on Aug 26, 2008 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ultimately
I think the Cubs will approach every game down the stretch the same way, regardless of the standings. I hate it when a football team clinches the division, they rest their starters the last game, they have a bye week and then lay an egg when the finally play.
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
by DKT on Aug 26, 2008 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Big example of this is the Dallas Mavericks getting beat by Golden State
a couple of years ago in the playoffs. They could have eliminated the team that knocked them off in the first round of the playoffs and they chose to sit their regulars in one of the last regular season games.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 26, 2008 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Colts in 1999, 2005 and 2007...
pretty much any time they clinch a 1st round playoff bye early. They shut it down, lose their edge and get beat in their first playoff game. Compared to 2006 (sorry Bears fans), when they had to play hard every week.
IMHO, this is why wild-card teams have had success in the MLB playoffs. They get on a late season roll and carry it thru the postseason.
by hokie316 on Aug 26, 2008 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think it helps
(and I’m still shaking my head at the Colts). The wild card race is generally closer, forcing teams to carry their intensity directly into the playoffs, whereas the division winners generally have a few days to sit back and relax, which can turn around and bite them.
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 26, 2008 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Baseball tradition
is to play your regulars against contenders, as a sort of courtesy to the teams competing against them – whether you’re in the penthouse, or the cellar. If you had a scenario where the Crew needed the game, and we were setting up for.. future play, I imagine you’d get a regular lineup (there isn’t the huge risk of injuries in baseball like there are to football teams that concede late, meaningless games)
The difference is that the starting pitcher would likely get pulled after 5 IP or 90 pitches, and then it would be up to the bullpen to take it home.
by The Deputy Mayor of Rush Street on Aug 26, 2008 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Cubs clinch the day before the Brewers series and
Lou is trying to get his pitching match ups right for the play-offs, could we see the following headline in the Tribune:
“Harden pulled from duel with Bush”
We can all dream of the day…
THIS IS OUR CENTURY!!
by LAcarl519 on Aug 26, 2008 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Even better.... heh heh heh
Is if he strikes out 12 and pounds him.
Disposable dixie cup drinkin... I'm hiding out in the big city blinking...
by N Oakley on Aug 26, 2008 3:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hope they saved
some runs for tonight and tomorrow night. I love this team.
by sue369 on Aug 26, 2008 9:56 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I hope they saved some runs for Wednesday
Marquis is starting.
by daeviant on Aug 26, 2008 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop with this team
and aside from an occasional bump in the road, it hasn’t happened. This is the best team I’ve seen top-to-bottom since I became a fan in the early 80s, imho, even better than ‘03. Attitude, talent, teamwork, support—it’s all there. If any Cubs team deserved good things, it’s this one.
"Years of academy training, wasted"--Buzz Lightyear (not a flying toy)
by spoiledcubbage on Aug 26, 2008 9:59 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Best team top to bottom since '35, '45 not withstanding
That comes before my time, this team is better than ‘69-’70, better than ’84 and ’89 and of course ’03 or ’07.
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 26, 2008 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
BTW in baseball no team deserves anything, they merely work for the opportunity to take it
there is no massive ledger sheet in the sky
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 26, 2008 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 26, 2008 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My father-in-law who lived in Davenport
Recalls the ‘45 team as very good led by Cavaretta batting over .350 and the venerable Stan Hack at 3B hitting over .320 and the newcomer Andy Pafko who came up to hit 12 HR’s and get over 100 RBI’s, but that team didn’t hit many HR’s. He did tell me they had 4 solid starters.
My father who was 9 in ‘35 remembers the ’35 having good to great players at every position where Cavarretta came up as a 18 year old rookie to play 1B, but the team was led by big H’s, Stan Hack, Billy Herman, Gabby Hartnett where much of the lineup hit over .300, yet an forgotten OF Klein led the team with 21 HR’s. They also had 5 really good starters led by Bill Lee and Warneke and where the old Charlie Root was in the bullpen and got a lot of wins when the team would come back.
Both mostly listened to the games on the radio or had to read the newspapers. My father did go to a few and even to the WS in ’35, ’38 and ’45.
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 26, 2008 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My dad remembers the '35 team too.
That’s probably the best team since 1910, although the ’29 team was pretty good, too.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 26, 2008 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
They must have some interesting stories to tell
My grandparents have had Packer season tickets since 1959 and both of my grandparents had such interesting stories from then that I just loved to listen to
"We've had our ups and downs, but as long as you have a reason, something to fall back on and a plan, that's all there is to it," Soto said.
by Madison Cub Fan on Aug 26, 2008 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So they remember Favre's rookie season? Wow!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 26, 2008 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
actually my grandpa ended up in intensive care this last winter
When he came to after he asked where he was, the second question was whether he missed the Super Bowl or not. He wanted to talk football w/ the nurses. LOL
"We've had our ups and downs, but as long as you have a reason, something to fall back on and a plan, that's all there is to it," Soto said.
by Madison Cub Fan on Aug 26, 2008 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The 1929 team was great
they just ran into one of the greatest teams of all time in the 1929 Athletics. And don’t even get me started on Howard Ehmke. Even then, the Cubs had to blow an eight run lead in Game four.
Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?
by Josh77 on Aug 26, 2008 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd say the closest comparison is to the '84 club..
the starting lineups are pretty even, at least offensively.. but this current team has the edge in bench, relief pitching, and starting pitching once Harden came over.
by The Deputy Mayor of Rush Street on Aug 26, 2008 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This team is better than 84
all around. That team had Larry Bowa dragging the offense down the tubes. I think the only position player on the 1984 team that would take a starting job away from one of this year’s starters is Sandberg over DeRosa (and DeRo is going to hit more home runs, believe it or not.) Maybe they put Denier in CF over our platoon.
Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?
by Josh77 on Aug 26, 2008 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What players from '69
would crack the 2008 starting lineup?
"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 26, 2008 12:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Man, we did this a few weeks ago
I think we came up with Santo. (As good as Aramis is, Ronnie was even better.) Normally you’d take Billy Williams, but he had a down year by Williams standards in 1969. But you’d might rather take him because of his durability as compared to Fonzie. But Fonzie’s having a better year with the bat than Williams did, just with less playing time.
I mean, certainly Jenkins and Hands, at least, would be in the starting rotation. But among position players, only Santo cracks the lineup for sure. Williams if you count Fonzie’s injury against him.
Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?
by Josh77 on Aug 26, 2008 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks....
Did not see any previous post. What about Banks over Lee? Lee is having a marginal year but I suppose ’69 was not Banks better performances either
"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 26, 2008 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're not budging on this avatar thing, are you?
Yes, sir!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 26, 2008 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Cubs lose 2 in a row
I promise to change it. Too superstitious to change now.
"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 26, 2008 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
havent' they lost two in a row
since you started using it?
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 26, 2008 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Excellent point!
Change it now, please.
Yes, sir!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 26, 2008 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What?
you guys can’t bare to see a girl cry?
"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 26, 2008 2:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've already explained...
…why I hate the picture – and why you should, too. If that girl herself were here, she’d probably say, “Dude, take my picture off your frickin’ profile.”
Yes, sir!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 26, 2008 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I personally don't care either way
but the conditions you set had already been met before you set them. That’s all I’m saying.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 26, 2008 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
:facepalm:
You’re obviously getting off on this.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 26, 2008 2:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did she say that? I think she did.
TWSS.
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 26, 2008 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He obviously has a facepalm fetish.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 26, 2008 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You mean 'bear'
but since you said it, you could change it to a pic of that naked chick that wraps herself around the W flag.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 26, 2008 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
See, that I would have no problem with.
Yes, sir!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 26, 2008 4:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Banks before '67 but not in '69, he was turning into a part time player
Santo by a push, because of his glove and a few AB’s, Williams I would have moved to RF and played Fukudome in CF and that is it.
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 26, 2008 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How about Kessinger?
Switch hitter with better range then the riot? Had 181 hits.
"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 26, 2008 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you know you are right
Better defensive SS,
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 26, 2008 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He could really pick it.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 26, 2008 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kessinger
was probably a better defensive shortstop than Theriot, but it isn’t clear from the stats. Bill James, in Win Shares, ranked Kessinger’s defense as a “C-” for his career. That’s probably low, but Kessinger’s defensive reputation is probably greater than he actually was. No one really knew how to grade defense back then. (Heck, we’re just learning now.)
Not that I’m wild about the Riot, but I’d take him. The offense is better. (But on defense, Baseball Prospectus just said the Cubs were the best team in baseball in turning a ball hit into play into an out. I don’t think you can do that if your shortstop stinks.) But if you wanted to make the case for Kessinger, I wouldn’t say you are crazy.
Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?
by Josh77 on Aug 26, 2008 2:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
interesting
I had no idea the Cubs were the best in baseball at turning a ball in play into an out. It seems the defense gets overlooked with all the offense (unless someone is talking about the merits of Fukudome when he’s in a slump), but that’s just another facet of this team that should help it into the playoffs (knock on wood).
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 26, 2008 2:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, I wasn't being critical of you asking
I was just trying to remember what was said. It was deep in a discussion and easy to miss.
And to be honest, Ernie Banks wasn’t a very good ballplayer anymore in 1969. He was ten years past his prime. As hard as it is to say this, if Leo Durocher had gotten his way and replaced Ernie Banks with Orlando Cepeda like he wanted to, the Cubs not only might have made the World Series in 1969, they might have made it in 1968 or 1967.
Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?
by Josh77 on Aug 26, 2008 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did not know that
about Leo wanting to bring in Cepeda. Thanks for the tidbit. I hear that it was all the day games, double headers and bench that finally did that team in. This team is fortunate to have more night games IMO.
"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 26, 2008 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Cubs offered
San Francisco Dick Ellsworth for Cepeda in the spring of 1966. Cepeda was injured most of 1965 and that allowed Willie McCovey to move in from left field, where he was pretty bad, and Cepeda was pretty much out of a job there. Durocher wanted him badly, but the Giants preferred Ray Sadecki from the Cardinals to Dick Ellsworth. (Probably a horse a piece on them. Sadecki had the longer post-1966 career, but Ellsworth had at least one great season left in him.)
The point is though, if Durocher had gotten Cepeda, Banks would have been a bat off the bench and would have probably been traded eventually. At the latest, he would have gone to San Diego or Montreal to start the 1969 season when expansion hit.
Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?
by Josh77 on Aug 26, 2008 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am sure it would have been hard
to trade Mr. Cub. Even though they did eventually trade Santo, Jenkins and Williams.
"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 26, 2008 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hard for who? The Wrigleys. Give me a break. If they got
they right deal, he would have been out of town on the first think smoking.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 26, 2008 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think you know Phil Wrigley
Phil Wrigley wasn’t concerned about winning. He was concerned about making a good family atmosphere and having the right kind of people on his team. Good citizens were more important than good players. This is why we haven’t won a world series in 100 years.
Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?
by Josh77 on Aug 26, 2008 2:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So you are saying that Wrigley would have
not traded Banks for any reason because he liked him so much? I know that Wrigley didn’t always put winning first, but he was still a business man.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 26, 2008 2:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes
He was a businessman. His business was selling chewing gum. The most important thing to him was that the Wrigley name be held in high esteem and respect. That sold chewing gum. The Cubs were just a way to improve that name.
Wrigley also thought people would attend ballgames because of the beautiful park and friendly players more than with winning baseball.
Let me point this out. Wrigley bought the best minor league team in baseball, the Los Angeles Angels. He then passed a policy that the team had to be run independently—no player could be sent from LA to Chicago without the Angels being fairly compensated with players and or money. Also, no players could leave LA once the season started.
Does that sound like someone who is trying to win baseball games?
Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?
by Josh77 on Aug 26, 2008 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I never said he would trade Banks because
he wanted to win at all cost. I said he would have traded Banks if it was good for the financial well-being of the team. Yes, he did all those things you mentioned, but he was still a businessman.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 26, 2008 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wrigley did not care about the
financial well-being of the Cubs, as long as it didn’t lose money. It was his dad’s hobby and a PR device for him. If Ernie Banks had held up a liquor store and high-tailed it to Iowa with a white woman, then sure, he’d have been gone for the good of the Wrigley Corporation. But the Ernie Banks of the real world was too good an ambassador for this little PR device for him to trade.
Why else would he trade him? Because he made too much money? This was before free agency and arbitration. Even Banks made squat.
I don’t know about some hypothetical world you’re talking about where Ernie Banks would be a liability to the Wrigley Corporation. In the real world, Wrigley never would have traded Ernie Banks. That Durocher almost got Cepeda to replace him was almost a miracle.
Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?
by Josh77 on Aug 26, 2008 4:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He was also a racist
So maybe he would have traded Banks.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 26, 2008 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wrigley's racial attitudes are more complex
For example, he famously stood up against a movement to ban black people from buying land on Catalina Island.
To just make a blanket statement that Phil Wrigley was a racist really isn’t fair. The Cubs were a racially-regressive team, although it’s hard to know whether that was PKW or the people he hired. Wrigley had zero close friends and only his wife really knew what he thought. He liked it that way.
However, it is clear that Wrigley thought Cubs fans were racists, and that having black players on the team would drive white fans away from the ballpark. The way the team did everything it could to keep Gene Baker from playing on the team for as long as possible was pretty disgusting.
The bottom line is that Wrigley loved Ernie Banks and he was probably his favorite player. He would have hated to see Ernie go. That doesn’t precluded the notion that he did in fact have some racist attitudes, although pretty much all white people of his era did. in many ways, Wrigley was more progressive on race relations than others in his position. In other ways, he wasn’t very progressive at all. These things are just a lot more complex than a simple declarative statement like that.
Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?
by Josh77 on Aug 26, 2008 4:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Was Gene Baker
our Jackie Robinson?
"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 26, 2008 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sort of
Baker got signed in 1950, but the Cubs sent him to the minor leagues (Los Angeles Angels) and let him sit there for almost four years while Roy Smalley stunk up the joint at Wrigley. Meanwhile Baker is playing very well in the PCL, but the Cubs won’t call him up. Why? No one knows for sure, but the general feeling is that Wrigley wanted to sign a black player to get the activists off his back, but was afraid that Cub fans wouldn’t accept a black player and might stop going to games if he actually played in Chicago.
Eventually, Wrigley felt that Chicago was ready for Baker in 1953. Either that, or Smalley got so bad he had to be replaced. Probably both. But the problem was: Who was going to room with Baker on the road? You couldn’t ask a white player to share a room with him and you couldn’t let his stay by himself. (He might listen to bebop, or something.) So the Cubs signed Ernie Banks out of the Negro Leagues to be a roommate for Baker. They were called up to the majors together.
Yes. Maybe the greatest player in Cub history was signed to a contract because the Cubs wouldn’t let Gene Baker share a room on the road with a white player.
Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?
by Josh77 on Aug 26, 2008 5:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks again
for the great insight into Cub history
"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 27, 2008 8:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's a great response
And I didn’t realize the bit about Catalina Island – thanks!
Yes, I agree — my blanket statement was dangerous. But looking the other way or acquiescing to it is no less reprehensible than overt racism.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 26, 2008 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, Phil Wrigley never would have agreed to it
any year other than 1966. Durocher got a blank check then for a lot of reasons too long to go into here. After Durocher didn’t replace Banks that season, he never was really given another chance to do it, even though he wanted to.
But you also need to remember, Ernie Banks wasn’t called “Mr. Cub” in 1966. I remember reading someone doing research on this recently, and they found one example of Banks being called “Mr. Cub” before 1969. That nickname really took hold in 1969 and 1970. So while very popular, it wasn’t like he was trading the icon that Banks would become.
Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?
by Josh77 on Aug 26, 2008 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can you give quick overview
as to why ’66 was different? I find it facinating.
"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 26, 2008 3:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Without getting too far into it
because this is part of a larger project. But 1966 was different because Durocher hadn’t lost 103 games in 1966 yet. That cut back on the blank check he had gotten.
Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?
by Josh77 on Aug 26, 2008 4:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cool
It is interesting to see and better understand how/why the Cubs have been perpetual losers. I knew it could not be as simple as a goat not entering the ’45 series.
"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 26, 2008 4:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It wasn't a goat
It was Philip K Wrigley.
Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?
by Josh77 on Aug 26, 2008 4:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is the goat story true?
I heard it as the owner of Billygoat Tavern wanted to bring in a goat to the ’45 series. I think it is true but the lines between urban myth and the truth are sometimes blurred.
"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 26, 2008 4:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's sort of true
Bill Sianis bought a ticket to the World Series for himself and his goat for the 1945 series. He was actually let into the stadium with the goat as a publicity stunt for his tavern. He was even allowed to parade around the field with it with a procession of fans. But the game was delayed by rain, the goat started to smell and then ran back onto the field. At that point, the Cubs thought that having a goat in the stands wasn’t a good idea. Since this was a publicity stunt, Sianis left very loudly.
But he didn’t “put a curse” on the team. In fact, there was no mention of a curse being connected with Sianis until the late sixties. No contemporary account makes any mention of him cursing the team. Why would he? Both he and his customers were Cub fans.
Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?
by Josh77 on Aug 26, 2008 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
O/T
Is the Philies/Cubs game on Sunday NOT on TV?
by Carolina Cubbie on Aug 26, 2008 10:41 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Good question
My guess is they just haven’t updated because of the time change. The September 21 game isn’t listed, either.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 26, 2008 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Both those games are going to be on WGN.
At least, that’s the way I understand it.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 26, 2008 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're right
According to TV YOU CAN’T IGNORE!!!!
Watch us — ‘cause we’re watching you!
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 26, 2008 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
nightmares.
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 26, 2008 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You can almost hear the WGN execs' wheels turning
“CBS has one eye in its logo—let’s do them one better!”
"Years of academy training, wasted"--Buzz Lightyear (not a flying toy)
by spoiledcubbage on Aug 26, 2008 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I suppose with "Psych", USA could add a third . . .
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 26, 2008 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm just afraid to hear them say
“Now, if only we could get rid of this damn baseball.”
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 26, 2008 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No matter where I move in the room...
…those eyes follow me.
Yes, sir!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 26, 2008 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you can expect to hear from Sam Zell (the garden gnome)
and his party of attorneys shortly (literally) for using their image!! :-)
THIS IS OUR CENTURY!!
by LAcarl519 on Aug 26, 2008 3:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wrote in
1:20 on my schedule. I must have seen it somewhere to have written it in. I may be wrong too…not that that has ever happened before. :D
by sue369 on Aug 26, 2008 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Then there is no reason to think you're wrong now, right?
1:20 it is! Sue has spoken! Let it be done!
The other sports are just sports. Baseball is a love. ~Bryant Gumbel
by Blue W on Aug 26, 2008 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I also have that written on my white board
"We've had our ups and downs, but as long as you have a reason, something to fall back on and a plan, that's all there is to it," Soto said.
by Madison Cub Fan on Aug 26, 2008 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Since I was watching the Padres miraculous win last night, I didn't get to post this in the game thread.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 26, 2008 10:49 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
This simply must be flown after any and all Cub wins over the Bucs
from this point on.
The other sports are just sports. Baseball is a love. ~Bryant Gumbel
by Blue W on Aug 26, 2008 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This would actually be
a much better color and logo for them. Get a couple players missing teeth and an inch of eye black and they might actually scare some people. Ofcourse then they have to play the game, hit and pitch well too.
Go ahead, Z me.
by tony412 on Aug 26, 2008 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The silly side of me
was thinking of an ahrR instead of a W
(puts down the cold medication)
"Years of academy training, wasted"--Buzz Lightyear (not a flying toy)
by spoiledcubbage on Aug 26, 2008 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like the concept...
…but shouldn’t the background of the flag be white and the bones & skull blue?
Yes, sir!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 26, 2008 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No.
Go make your own if you don’t like mine.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 26, 2008 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was just thinkin'...
…that would be more consistent with the actual W flag.
Yes, sir!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 26, 2008 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pirate Flags, like Pirates, are unconformist by their very nature.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 26, 2008 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ay, matey!
That much…
…is true!
Aw, damn. I forgot that SBN fixed the Graybar bug.
Yes, sir!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 26, 2008 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Fixed" implies something was wrong with it.
They merely did away with what they deemed undesirable. Fascists.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 26, 2008 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I mourn the graybar bug too, daver
Arrgh.
by Emelie on Aug 26, 2008 4:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He sails the seas of our memory now.
I’m pouring out a bottle of grog in Pirate Graybar’s memory. Arrrrrr….
Yes, sir!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 26, 2008 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But it'd be less anatomically correct!
“Captain Bluebones”
by John Q Freejazz on Aug 26, 2008 2:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cubs fans get bashed by screwball candidate
href=“http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2008/08/barack_obama_white_sox_serious.html” >
"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."
by Itchy on Aug 26, 2008 10:59 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Please don't call him a screwball candidate. I don't necessarily agree with
your politics, but I would not call your candidate a screwball, Even though this is a Cubs bogs, it’s not necessary to call non-Cub fans names.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 26, 2008 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he was making a "baseball" pun....not just trying to disparage Obama...
I took it as just good-natured ribbing.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 26, 2008 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll accept that. I just don't want to get into a name-calling contest
just because a candidate is not a Cub fan.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 26, 2008 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Fairness Doctrine compels me to post this.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 26, 2008 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs