Hello Soto: Cubs 14, Pirates 9
by Al on Aug 27, 2008 8:23 AM CDT
in Recaps
336 comments
Well, that was about the most whacked-out game I've seen in quite some time. Consider:
- Carlos Zambrano started the game by throwing a wild pitch on strike three, walked four, allowed eight hits, made a throwing error, smashed a couple of Gatorade coolers, and didn't last long enough to win.
- Alfonso Soriano dropped a fly ball -- this time after dark -- just as he did in the sunshine May 25 in this same ballpark. What are they putting on that LF grass, anyway? (Later, when he caught a routine fly ball, he exhibited what can only be called, pardon the mild profanity, a shit-eating grin.) Soriano, for his part, did have three hits and a stolen base for positive contributions last night.
- Kerry Wood had a brain fart and failed to cover first base on a grounder to Derrek Lee, allowing Nyjer Morgan to reach base. (Morgan had earlier been caught stealing when his foot came off second and he was tagged out by Ryan Theriot after reaching on a bunt single off Sean Marshall in the 7th.)
- Jeff Samardzija and Neal Cotts weren't very good, allowing the Pirates to re-take the lead after the Cubs had overcome a 3-0 first-inning deficit.
And none of that mattered in the end, as the Cubs annihilated the Bucs 14-9 on the strength of Geovany Soto's best game of his career -- Soto smacked his 20th HR, breaking Randy Hundley's team record for HR by a rookie catcher, and also hit two bases-clearing doubles for a career-high, and Cub season high, seven RBI. The Cubs now have four players with at least 77 RBI (D-Lee drove in his 77th last night) and have a real shot at having four with over 90.
That makes the Cubs' record vs. Pittsburgh this year 13-4, and in six of the 13 wins, they have scored ten or more runs. (Can we arrange to play these guys a few more times in September?) The 82nd win of the year clinched a winning season for the Cubs, the earliest calendar date on which they have done that since 1929, when in a 154-game schedule they won their 78th game on August 23 (in 1969 they won #82 on August 30, the earliest they did so in the 162-game era before last night). I wrote yesterday that a win last night would give the Cubs ten straight series wins -- that isn't correct; the win gives them nine consecutive series wins, but the rest of what I posted is right. No Cub team has done this since 1907.
They're 21-6 in those nine series. They're 24-8 since Alfonso Soriano came off the DL on July 23. Since losing to the Cardinals on August 9 they're 12-3 (and two of the three losses were by 2-1 scores).
It's all good, though I worry a little bit about Z, who, as last August, has been shaky this month. Even Z himself is aware of this:
"I have to eliminate August. Once I get past August, everything will be back to normal," Zambrano said. "I was thinking about that after the game. Last August wasn't that good, but I was able to come back, and September and October were good for me. So it's nothing to worry about."
Zambrano said he's just having problems with his delivery. He was fighting himself on the mound, emotionally if not physically.
Maybe he's a little too aware. Z will have one more start in August, on Sunday the 31st. Let's hope he can turn the calendar page one day early.
In the meantime, let's sweep this series -- weather permitting. I'll have the pregame thread up at 10:30 CDT.
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firrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrst!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus
by graceunderpressure on Aug 27, 2008 8:26 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Now that that is out of the way.........
Cubs Win, Hell Yes, BUT….
This is now the official STOP THE HOP thread!
"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus
by graceunderpressure on Aug 27, 2008 8:27 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
oy.
lay off the hop. It’s not the HOP.
In the replay, you can clearly see that Soriano takes his eyes off the ball. THAT is why he dropped it. The hop is irrelevant.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 27, 2008 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 27, 2008 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
as soon as that happened i started thinking about the ways i would defend sori on this board
by cubswynn on Aug 27, 2008 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
well
let’s be clear — I’m not defending him here. He dropped the ball because he looked away, and he shouldn’t have done it.
But it wasn’t the hop.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 27, 2008 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+2
Plus, without the drop we wouldn’t have gotten to see his embarassed “1 out” gesture to the WHOLE TEAM later on. That was pretty funny.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 27, 2008 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not to start something, but.....
think back to when we all played ball (pause for thinking back)
changing your field of vision at the last minute (stupid hop) is NEVER a good thing
It is stupid and it should make you feel the same way you feel when you see the Brewers untuck after a win.
"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus
by graceunderpressure on Aug 27, 2008 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
no one's
asking you to do it.
You can’t possibly be suggesting that Sori change something like that THIS LATE in the season.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 27, 2008 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
so we aren't asking Z to make an adjustment this late in the season?
he is pro ball player, Yes I would go up to him and say hey, can stop freaking hopping.
"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus
by graceunderpressure on Aug 27, 2008 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
plus.....
what is the risk in him changing it, the risk he might suck defensively?
"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus
by graceunderpressure on Aug 27, 2008 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
it's the sort of thing
you do when a player is failing.
You gonna tell me Sori is failing right now?
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 27, 2008 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He IS failing as a leftfielder.........
he is a late inning liability and you’re telling me he is that unathletic. I’m just saying there is no point to it. I just love the thought of having to take him out of the line up in a close game, lose his offense, because he has the attention span of a gnat in the outfield.
"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus
by graceunderpressure on Aug 27, 2008 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Where
exactly, did I say he is unatheletic?
He is NOT failing as a left-fielder. You are projecting, sir, and I am done with this sub-thread.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 27, 2008 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Before you're done.....
Just someone tell me why it is necessary?
Do you like the Brewers Untucking?
Do you like Albert Puljols pointing to the sky?
Did you like Sammy’s hop hop?
It is all crap that we all hate except he is on our team.
"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus
by graceunderpressure on Aug 27, 2008 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't like it either
But I would not try to change it on August 27th.
Current temperature in hell: 44 degrees F - and falling!
by wnielsen on Aug 27, 2008 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
last post on this
because you requested it.
I’m not sure what you refer to about the Brewers Untucking. They are required to meet uniform requirements by MLB; I remember Gagne being told he had to tuck his shirt. There’s no rule in the uniform code about hopping.
Albert Puljols points to the sky? So does Z. So does Cedeno. So do a whole ton of players. A lot of foot-ball players pray when they make a touchdown. So?
Sammy’s Hip-hop — you mean when he hit a home run? I loved it when he did that. It was his Move.
Sori’s hop when he catches a ball is something that HE says HE uses for timing to catch the ball. There is NO EVIDENCE that it effects his ability to catch the ball; that one in PITT earlier in the season was from the sun, he was crouched way down on the ground. The one in St. Louis, he missed utterly. The one last night , HE TOOK HIS EYE OFF THE BALL.
All that aside…
You don’t make your all-star player, best hitter on the team, practically the fastest runner, with the best steal percentage change his routine on AUGUST FREAKING TWENTY SEVENTH WHEN YOU HAVE THE BEST RECORD IN BASEBALL!
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 27, 2008 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mornin', drew
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Aug 27, 2008 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hi, Dan!
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 27, 2008 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Didn't recognize you
I ususally look at the pictures before I look at the screen names.
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Aug 27, 2008 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I notice
that my red avatar really stood out. This one is more blue.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 27, 2008 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Glad to see you a supporter of the blues
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Aug 27, 2008 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
When the Brewers win
They untuck their shirts on the way to the infield to exchange high fives, etc. Apparently this gets other teams (especially the Cards) upset.
Me – the game is over. I don’t really see what the big deal is.
Current temperature in hell: 44 degrees F - and falling!
by wnielsen on Aug 27, 2008 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bizarro BCB covers this in detail
Current temperature in hell: 44 degrees F - and falling!
by wnielsen on Aug 27, 2008 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here is a decent link
Current temperature in hell: 44 degrees F - and falling!
by wnielsen on Aug 27, 2008 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
wtf?
who CARES?
It’s like the outfield bop our guys do at the end of a game. Oy.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 27, 2008 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thank You for replying
I guess we disagree
"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus
by graceunderpressure on Aug 27, 2008 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
All those things you mentioned
are celebrations, just like the Cubs’ outfielder bump. Fonzie’s hop, as far as I know, is a mental thing he feels he needs to do to catch the ball. Just like a batter might always have to tap the plate three times, or a pitcher won’t step on the chalk line to and from the dugout.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 27, 2008 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Where would you put him then?
Second? Short? Left field is really the only option.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 27, 2008 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
my point is... I would keep him where he is at
but ask for him to be better. We aren’t talking about Prince Fielder here or Chris Duncan. He is athletic, he can be better.
"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus
by graceunderpressure on Aug 27, 2008 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
but we know what we’re getting with Fonzie: an average fielder who’s gonna make mistakes, but who can more than make up for it at the plate and will, at times, single-handedly carry this team offensively.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 27, 2008 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Funny
I haven’t heard as much discussion or complaining about Soriano’s faults since we’ve been 24-8 after his return. Out of the woodwork they come.
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Aug 27, 2008 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Blue Mike hasn't been around in awhile...
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 27, 2008 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
blue mike got booted ......
but why should it be so wrong to point out something like this. No one will concede the fact that if he was on another team we would rip him incessantly
"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus
by graceunderpressure on Aug 27, 2008 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He got booted?
As in “banned”?
Yes, sir!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 27, 2008 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah last week i think
"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus
by graceunderpressure on Aug 27, 2008 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He still rears his head every once in
while. He’sout there lurking, you can believe that.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 27, 2008 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Um, that's funny...
…because he just posted yesterday.
Yes, sir!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 27, 2008 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
THANK YOU
i thought maybe i was taking CRAZY pills like mugato
by cubswynn on Aug 27, 2008 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, if that news was true...
…I was going to have some work to do. Renting out McCormack Place for an open-bar celebration doesn’t just happen overnight, y’know.
Yes, sir!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 27, 2008 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This makes me sad :(
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Aug 27, 2008 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
what did he do last week?
i really don’t know the history behind that guy, but i know everyone loved to bash him
by cubswynn on Aug 27, 2008 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't remember all the details,
but I think the word ‘dumbass’ was used by him roughly 8 times…
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 27, 2008 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he hasn't posted much about Sori
since the call to have him publicly humiliated after the long look at the single off the wall.
Sori’s been too good.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 27, 2008 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was fully expecting...
…and anti—Soriano fanpost from him this morning. He disappoints me.
Yes, sir!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 27, 2008 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Z needs to make an adjustment
it’s one that clearly effects his ability to pitch.
The hop doesn’t do that for Sori.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 27, 2008 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
because Sori doesn't pitch?
"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus
by graceunderpressure on Aug 27, 2008 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No - because Z has inadventently made an adjustment
And he needs to get back to where he was before he made this unintentional adjustment.
Sori will be Sori – we know what we are getting. Asking him to stop hopping now is asking for more trouble than we have now. It can easily throw off his timing.
Current temperature in hell: 44 degrees F - and falling!
by wnielsen on Aug 27, 2008 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
it doesn't effect his
ability to play.
Give this up. Sori is never going to be a gold-glove outfielder, but he’s actually been doing quite well lately — he runs for pop-ups, he’s been moving back pretty well, and ONE MISTAKE…
I eagerly await your prescriptive solution for Riot when the line drive goes past his out-stretched fingers.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 27, 2008 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But the hop didn't cause the noncatch.
It was taking his eyes off the ball to eye the runner at first.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 27, 2008 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I appreciated
the shit eating grin he got on his face when he caught the pop up by LaRoche later in the game. It almost looked like he started smiling before he caught the ball.
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 27, 2008 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he was happy about it.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 27, 2008 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He knew what he was gonna get.
That’s why he, seemingly, looked to every teammate to hold up one finger, as if to say, “I got it, guys, I got it.”
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 27, 2008 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
it didn't lose us the game and that's ALL i care about
by cubswynn on Aug 27, 2008 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Amen.
I was frustrated to no end just as everyone else was and had flashbacks of that other game in Pittsburgh going through my head. And it lead to runs which really sucked at the time. But all’s well that end’s well, and he did, in fact, keep a run from scoring with that strike throw to Geo to hold the runner on third.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 27, 2008 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
no one will give him credit for that though, will they?
by cubswynn on Aug 27, 2008 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I did. :D
He gets a lot of crap for his mental mistakes in left, and rightfully so: he’s far from the best fielder in baseball. But, as I stated above, he more than makes up for it offensively and that is why we signed him in the first place.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 27, 2008 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Totally agree.
In this article, Gordon Wittenmyer describes the hop as “unnecessary.” I disagree – I think it’s something Soriano does to feel comfortable and maintain his timing. Therefore, it is necessary – though, admittedly, a bit nervewracking and unsightly at times.
In any case, Alfonso dropped that ball because he assumed it was already within the confines of his glove – causing him to close the glove too early – and he glanced down at the runner.
Yes, sir!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 27, 2008 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm officially done with this (stop the applause)
everyone is treating him like a little league outfielder. “we are just lucky he doesn’t hurt himself out there” I will never be convinced that the hop helps him do squat out there. It goes against any sound mechanics and any logical reasoning. We all will never let Brant Brown, Andre Dawson, so on and so on live down their miscues. People make mistakes, but at least they weren’t hopping around like jack rabbits while doing it. I have ruined my own morning with this crap. But it has been fun none the less
"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus
by graceunderpressure on Aug 27, 2008 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
correction (Leon Durham instead of Andre Dawson)
"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus
by graceunderpressure on Aug 27, 2008 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Al
Najir was thrown out at Second in the 7th. He took Second in the 9th on Fielder indifference.
"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey
by TheRiot Police on Aug 27, 2008 8:27 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
It was right after a bunt single
versus Marshall
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 27, 2008 8:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Confusing!
See how whacked-out that game was?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 27, 2008 8:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll fix the post to reflect that.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 27, 2008 8:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You may also add that the Cubs are averaging almost 9 runs a game on the road since ASG
That the Cubs were 9 games below .500 and now 2 over .500 on the road a move of 11 games against the league where since the final game of the D-Backs series where they lost the first two are 12-1 on the road, their only blemish in FL where they lost 2-1.
You may also add that now 3 Cubs have 20 HR’s, with three within sites, Lee (18) DeRosa (17) and Edmonds (16)
Cubs lead the league in walks taken and now have reached the ’69 Cubs high water mark.
Cubs vie for their 11 series sweep, THEIR 4TH on the ROAD and second against the Pirates this year!
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 27, 2008 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whacked-out game
One of the few things the Pirates announcers said that wasn’t completely asinine was:
“This is TV — you can’t hide it: this is one of the worst-played ballgames I’ve ever seen.”
by John Q Freejazz on Aug 27, 2008 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What a game
It was like being at King’s Island with all the ups and downs. As you said a few weeks back, Al, nothing this team does surprises me anymore. I think last night reinforced that.
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 27, 2008 8:29 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Great game for Soto...
Big Z, not so much. Hopefully he’ll snap out of it and be ready to roll in Sept/Oct.
You ARE freaking out MAN!
by crw89 on Aug 27, 2008 8:33 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Winning a game like that
There aren’t many Cubs teams in the last 25 years that I can think of that would consistently be able to overcome all the slop in last night’s game. Granted, it was against a mediocre at best team, but still — to play that poorly and still be able to win the game is impressive.
I don’t think anyone expected the Cubs to be this good, even the most optimistic of us. I thought they’d be a solid team, but not as good as Al thought they would be. I never imagined on March 31 that they’d be this good.
If they go 3-2 for the rest of August (lower than their overall winning percentage), they’ll tie the 2007 win total, with 25 to play. Wow.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 27, 2008 8:34 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I never imagined they'd be this good, either.
I am constantly amazed. They play every game seemingly with the attitude, “We’re going to win no matter what.” It’s just great.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 27, 2008 8:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Even Brenly said it last night
in the top of the 7th. He said something along the lines of Having watched this team all year, I am not afraid yet and it is the top of the 7th inning. Those are sentiments that echo exactly what has been said on this blog for many weeks now.
Brenly was right. We were only down by a run and we had two more at-bats. I had no doubt that the final score would not be 8-7
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 27, 2008 8:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I went out for an errand when we were down 8-7
and my wife was at home watching the game. She sent me a text that they had won and to myself, I knew we would prevail. They have no quit, even when they aren’t playing sound defense.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
by BigJohnAZ on Aug 27, 2008 8:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Len Kasper made remarks to the same effect.
(Or maybe that’s who you’re thinking of?) Late in the game, I felt pretty confident the Cubs had another rally or two in them. The Pirates bullpen, which isn’t that good to begin with, was stretched thin and worn out. It was just a matter of time, really.
Yes, sir!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 27, 2008 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe it was Len
I was a little tired at that point and maybe I misremember ;)
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 27, 2008 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We are talking the Pirates here
but I too am amazed on how this team keeps finding ways to win. You never feel that the game is over. Even if the Cubs are down going into the 9th.
"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 8:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You had a higher estimation of them than I did, though
I was in the “Get Roberts” camp. I was wrong.
I thought they would be about an 85 win team again, and the class of a bad division.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 27, 2008 8:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought they could better the 85 wins..
…. and I didn’t think they needed Roberts. Turns out they didn’t, but even I didn’t think they’d have 82 wins before the end of August.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 27, 2008 8:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I also wanted Figgins for CF, but I didn't say much about it
After the season started, I wanted Pie to get a longer shot at it.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 27, 2008 8:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And so did I (regarding Pie).
But it’s all worked out pretty well, hasn’t it?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 27, 2008 8:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pretty hard to find big problems
Minor concerns, yes.
Of course, a Cubs fan can always find the cloud in the silver lining.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 27, 2008 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
As usual
in the BP box in the 2008 season issue under DeRosa, the writer pointed out that getting Roberts wouldn’t be as big of a change as people thought. Turns out that writer was more right than he could have known, as Roberts would probably be a downgrade at this point.
by dakoose on Aug 27, 2008 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The argument for it wasn't the upgrade over DeRosa
It was DeRosa as the supersub being an upgrade over Cedeno. In other words, Roberts an upgrade over Cedeno.
That’s still absolutely true, and DeRo has moved around, anyway — but I wasn’t counting on Fontenot contributing as much as he has.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 27, 2008 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and who really knows how roberts would do on our team
as opposed to baltimore
by cubswynn on Aug 27, 2008 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also a valid point
Although, all we have to go on is his actual performance. But again, had I known LBR would be as good as he had, I’d have said forget Roberts and get a pitcher. Just not one that’s always hurt . . . ;)
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 27, 2008 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You sure about that?
They wrote it in his box and the same writers were touting Cedeno as the best shortstop on the team, not the next second baseman. Either way, DeRosa would be playing once or twice a week with Roberts here, as Lee, Ramirez, Fukudome and Roberts are all every day players and Lou would most likely not sit them a for more than a combined two games a week.
by dakoose on Aug 27, 2008 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and just think
where we might be if not for DeRosa playing every day.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 27, 2008 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sure that's how I felt about it, yes.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 27, 2008 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow is right!
We tried as hard as we could to give this game away last night, but the offense kept rolling. Thanks, Mr. Soto and friends!
IMHO Z’s arm slot is off again, he seems like he’s just flipping the ball up there again. He’s not staying on top.
How ‘bout them Mets? Couldn’t hold a 7 run lead and blew another game in the 9th to lose in extras.
If the Suds Heads beat the Redbirds tonight, I think Tony and his boys are done.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
by BigJohnAZ on Aug 27, 2008 8:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think I'd like to see the Cardinals win today.
That way, WHEN the Cubs win, they’ll be six games up.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 27, 2008 8:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
100% agreed
I think the redbirds are already done, it would be nice to have a bigger lead against the Brewers.
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 27, 2008 8:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed, and then some
Keep my home state team out of the playoffs, because they’re the best competition. On the other hand, I’m starting to think that it might not really matter who the Cubs play. They simply don’t care. They just win.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 27, 2008 8:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed to this too.
A Cubs/Brewers NLCS would be a great series. And I think the Cubs would win it.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 27, 2008 8:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That would be a great series
I know there is still over a month to go, but I want the playoffs to start tomorrow! We are on SUCH a roll right now…
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
by BigJohnAZ on Aug 27, 2008 8:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
All the same
My nerves would be better if it was someone else in there with the Cubs!
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 27, 2008 8:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Same here
The Brewers scare me more than any of the others.
Dodgers have lost 5 in a row, so the Manny factor is over. They still aren’t gaining any ground.
The D Backs are backing into the playoffs this year, last year they were rolling in.
Mets and Phils are slugging it out, again. Love it!
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
by BigJohnAZ on Aug 27, 2008 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
snakes for me
glad webb got drillt by sd last night though
by tim815 on Aug 27, 2008 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
I would hate to get to the NLCS again and lose it, but I would hate it more if we lost to the Brewers. Most of all thought, I think the Brewers are the only real competition for the Cubs.
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 27, 2008 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The only NATIONAL LEAGUE competition yes
The Anaheim Angels worry me.
"ROUS's? Rodents of Unusual Size. Don't worry, they don't exist."
http://margaritagirl11.spaces.live.com/
by iluvryno on Aug 27, 2008 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
True
the Angels do look pretty darn good. I would say that the Rays scare me a bit too, but I think their sweep of the Cubs in Tampa was a bit of a fluke. I don’t think they would be able to do that again.
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 27, 2008 9:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Argeed. The Angels don't have the pitching or the hitting to hang...
with our Cubs. I would hate to see a NLCS of the Cubs vs. the Brewers. How crappy would that be to play a 162 game schedule, win the division, only to have to face the 2nd place Brewers again…
Jimmyeatworld
by Jimmyeatworld on Aug 27, 2008 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting you say that
The Angels pitching staff have the 5th lowest AL team ERA, 3rd lowest OPS, the most quality starts, the most wins, and the most saves. Seems to me their pitching staff is pretty damn good.
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Aug 27, 2008 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
They give up more runs than the Cubs do...
and I happen to think pretty highly of the Cubs staff. The Cubs are the younger, stronger, better team of the two, (2), teams when it comes to the Cubs v. Angels.
Jimmyeatworld
by Jimmyeatworld on Aug 27, 2008 9:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
They also face the DH, though
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 27, 2008 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Saying the Cubs give up less runs than the Angels is quite deceiving
Cubs staff earned runs: 499
Angels earned runs: 502
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Aug 27, 2008 9:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's not deceiving, it's a fact. Even if it is by a 3 run margin.
Jimmyeatworld
by Jimmyeatworld on Aug 27, 2008 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ooookkkkkkkayyyyy
How bout the Angels have played one less game?
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Aug 27, 2008 9:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oky-doky Danny boy.
I still think that the Cubs match up well, and are actually a better team than the Angels. I think the Cubs would do well in the AL with the line-up they have.
Jimmyeatworld
by Jimmyeatworld on Aug 27, 2008 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Younger Cubs staff?
Average age of Angels starting 5 – 26.8
Average age of Cubs starting 5 – 29.2
I’m not disputing your opinion that the Cubs would beat the Angels. But these “facts” aren’t.
Dan
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Aug 27, 2008 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's a lot of confidence
to have. The Angels are a very good team.
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 27, 2008 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The joy of the wild card, my friend
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
by BigJohnAZ on Aug 27, 2008 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hate the wildcard, there is no joy in the wildcard for me...
Jimmyeatworld
by Jimmyeatworld on Aug 27, 2008 9:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The one thing I hate about the WC
is that we are almost playing baseball in November because of the extra series. i guess if we can play hockey in June, we can play baseball around Halloween. lol
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
by BigJohnAZ on Aug 27, 2008 9:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
FWIW
Cubs staff is 2nd lowest NL team ERA, 3rd lowest OPS, 4th most quality starts, the most wins, and the 5th most saves.
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Aug 27, 2008 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't have any data
to support my perception, but it seems we play poorly in the domes. The D Backs have had only, what, 3 good seasons so far and we can’t win in that dungeon at all.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
by BigJohnAZ on Aug 27, 2008 9:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
In 2008 so far
They’ve done ok in Toronto and Milwaukee. Those are retractable, though.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 27, 2008 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Chase is retractable, too
You are correct, we do play well in Toronto and Milwaukee. I guess some teams just have your number at times. That’s sports.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
by BigJohnAZ on Aug 27, 2008 9:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
In Toronto...
… they won when the roof was open and lost when it was closed.
In Milwaukee they swept a series where the roof was open all four days.
Anyone have further numbers on roof open/closed W/L stats for the Cubs in retractable domes?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 27, 2008 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice stats, Al
I didn’t realize that.
I hate when the roof is closed at Chase/BOB. It is a very pleasant place to watch a game when the roof’s open and the outfield “doors” are open.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
by BigJohnAZ on Aug 27, 2008 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Looking it up,
the Cubs are hitting just .236 in domes this year, in 13 games.
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 27, 2008 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
In domes (roof closed)
the Cubs are 3-10 this year. In retractable roof stadiums, the Cubs are 9-10.
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 27, 2008 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So would I -- mainly because of said geography
That, and a fan base that seems to have a chip on its shoulder.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 27, 2008 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let's Beat NL West Champ First
I don’t have any problems talking loud and proud about how the Cubs are going to have the best record in the NL. However, the NLDS matchup could be against the D-Backs. Logic would dictate that the Cubs would win that series. The Cubs are better, and the D-
Backs are worse. That doesn’t mean Arizona won’t win. Sweet Lou’s 2000 and 2001 teams lost to the Yankees in the playoffs. The ’01 Mariners finished the regular season 21 games better than the Yanks.
"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray
by memphiscub on Aug 27, 2008 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've very afraid of the D-Backs
Webb & Haren & Big Unit scare me
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Aug 27, 2008 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's not so much those guys...
… as that awful ballpark in Phoenix, where the Cubs are 13-27 all time (including the two losses in the NLDS last year).
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 27, 2008 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
this time
we’ll have home-field.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 27, 2008 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
True, presumably.
But, still.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 27, 2008 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
resumably?
is there a scenario where we could lose it? realistically?
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 27, 2008 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Probably not.
Just trying to not be overconfident.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 27, 2008 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
gotcha
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 27, 2008 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
certainly
webb beats whoever in game 1
johnson sneaks by in game 3
webb pitches in game 4 in the desert
by tim815 on Aug 27, 2008 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
no
lose Home field advantage. Not lose in the playoffs, which are a crapshoot anyway.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 27, 2008 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Really
Webb is just going to beat whoever – like Harden? At Wrigley, no less.
Webb didn’t exactly look good last night against a lightweight hitting team.
Current temperature in hell: 44 degrees F - and falling!
by wnielsen on Aug 27, 2008 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i hope he has a rugged september
he couldn’t locate at all last night. any finesse pitcher gets drilled when they center the ball over the plate.
if we play webb in game 1, i’m on the ledge
by tim815 on Aug 27, 2008 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Look
we are going to have to beat good teams and good pitchers in the playoffs. There are no gimmies.
Current temperature in hell: 44 degrees F - and falling!
by wnielsen on Aug 27, 2008 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
haren, good pitcher
if he locates and we do well at the plate, we’ll probably outlast him and win over half the time.
johnson in the desert, he really scares me, in that park. in wrigley, we should beat him.
brandon webb is having a sensational year, and may well be the best pitcher in baseball. webb in wrigley, 55-of-100 wins to the snakes. in zona, 70-of-100 snakes.
it’s a josh beckett thing circa 2003
by tim815 on Aug 27, 2008 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My thoughts exactly...
…though I’m still pretty intimidated by Webb, et al. On the plus side, Webb did get beat up by the Padres (?!) last night. Maybe all those wins are tiring him out.
Yes, sir!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 27, 2008 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Assuming
Randy’s back holds up for the next month or so.
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 27, 2008 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He has been pretty awesome since the break...
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 27, 2008 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
agreed
but he’s still 43 and his back has been bad for the last few 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 27, 2008 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Johnson will be 45 on September 10.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 27, 2008 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
pedro also scares me in the postseason
he’s and the unit have the “it” factor that you don’t lose with age
by cubswynn on Aug 27, 2008 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nobody scares me
We have the best team – if the Cubs play to their capabilities – they win.
Current temperature in hell: 44 degrees F - and falling!
by wnielsen on Aug 27, 2008 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
granted...
…..but thet other team DOES have something to say about it…..they aren’t going to lay down for the cubs
by cubswynn on Aug 27, 2008 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the mets pen is so bad
they may consider howry an upgrade
by tim815 on Aug 27, 2008 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
thanks.
i knew he was getting up there. I think we remember his dominant 2001 Playoffs, but his career playoff numbers aren’t that sharp.
In 19 appearances (16 starts), he is 7-9 with a 3.50 ERA. In the LDS, he is 2-8 with a 4.85 ERA.
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 27, 2008 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But he DOMINATES the Cubs...
…which I didn’t realize until earlier this year…14 GS, 13-0, 1.84 ERA, 142 K’s in 102.2 IP….
For some reason, we have NEVER hit him…
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 27, 2008 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
True.
So something’s got to give, then. I think it’ll be Randy instead of the Cubs.
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 27, 2008 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll drink to that!
I know Johnson USED to be a dominant pitcher, and still has ‘flashes,’ but it’s just the thing about sports- sometimes, a guy just always has your number…Wouldn’t be any sweeter redemption than tagging him the next time we face him, WHENEVER that may be (wink, wink, nudge, nudge)
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 27, 2008 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And, judging from his LDS numbers
He hasn’t pitched well against teams he’s presumably had success against in the same year. Maybe he just presses a little more, and that costs him.
Plus, his win this year was against a Soriano-less lineup, which might make a difference.
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 27, 2008 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah that was a weird game...
…Harden pitched so well and lost because of that solo shot he gave up…
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 27, 2008 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Absolutely.
The Deadbirds need to do us a favor and add to the Brew Crew’s loss column. Pujols & Co. got positively pwned last night.
Yes, sir!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 27, 2008 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
cardinals lose tonight
and it’s eliminates them from my mind as being a threat
by cubswynn on Aug 27, 2008 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
They are already 10 back in the loss column
Current temperature in hell: 44 degrees F - and falling!
by wnielsen on Aug 27, 2008 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I've pretty much dismissed them already...
…from mine (uh, mind, that is). It would be nice if they could steal the WC from the Brewers – or at least make Milwaukee really, really sweat for it.
Yes, sir!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 27, 2008 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great game
but the pace of the game was sloooooooow. I thought they were trying to get the pace going faster. The umpire kept granting time with the pitcher in the windup. what is up with that?
"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 8:36 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Interesting how Zambrano thinks he has to get past August.
I heard Derosa on the pre game show saying the same thing at the end of July about getting past July, lets hope Zambrano has the same results as Derosa once he gets past his bad month.
A good day for me is a cubs win and a sox loss.
by diehardmark on Aug 27, 2008 8:37 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
If you believe you're playing well because you're getting laid...
or because you’re not getting laid, or because you wear women’s underwear, then you ARE! And you should know that!
A player on a streak has to respect the streak.
by The Deputy Mayor of Rush Street on Aug 27, 2008 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for clearing that up, Crash.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 27, 2008 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Man it happened again
I go get a cup of coffee and I miss the glory of being #1,
What I liked watching on WGN last night was as we started the 7th Len and Bob made the remark of how not nervous they were. It kinda parralleled how the expectations that we as fans have for this team have changed since the beginning of this year
If the world didn't suck we would all fall off.
by carolinacub on Aug 27, 2008 8:37 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm just glad we won.....
because we would have so much to gripe about over this one. That was the true defintion of an ugly win
"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus
by graceunderpressure on Aug 27, 2008 8:41 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
But I'll take the ugly win
over a pretty loss Any. Day. Of. The. Week.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 27, 2008 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Someone pointed it out in the game thread
Soto’s 7 RBI each plated a different Cub:
4th Inning: Double to RF (Line Drive to Deep RF Line); Edmonds Scores; DeRosa Scores; Fukudome Scores
6th Inning: Lead off Home Run (Fly Ball to Deep LF-CF)
8th Inning: Double to RF (Fly Ball to Deep RF); Lee Scores; Ramirez Scores; Johnson Scores
by Clutch16 on Aug 27, 2008 8:41 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm more of a Republican,
but how Democratic of him to do that! LOL
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
by BigJohnAZ on Aug 27, 2008 8:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
maybe even socialist of him
with the even distribution of runs…
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 27, 2008 9:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well played
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
by BigJohnAZ on Aug 27, 2008 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Coming soon..
to a Jayson Stark column near you.
by The Deputy Mayor of Rush Street on Aug 27, 2008 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A.K.A. the king of the useless stat.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 27, 2008 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I friggin LOVE Stark's columns
That’s what makes baseball statistics so enjoyable – every day of the week you’re bound to see something that hasn’t been seen for 30 or 60 years.
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Aug 27, 2008 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's kind of hard to follow 162 games
without being bored and some of the stuff he comes up with breaks up the daily grind of the games. He’s a much easier read when your team is winning.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 27, 2008 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you mean espn has baseball writers?!
i thought they just covered preseason training camp work out sessions for camp invites
by cubswynn on Aug 27, 2008 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Crazy Game
Credit to Gaudin and Marshall for their roles in stopping the bleeding on the mound.
One observation- Cedeno bunting toward 1st base in the 7th was ridiculous. When fans wonder why he doesn’t play more often, moments like this serve as evidence toward why Lou sits him.
Soto Clutch! Cub’s 8 hole Clutch!
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue." - George F. Will
by Slakkr on Aug 27, 2008 8:44 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
They showed
Lou getting in Cedeno’s face about that one as Cedeno came back into the dugout after that inning. It was a pretty brainless play by Cedeno.
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 27, 2008 8:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow, interesting.
I was actually watching the game when Cedeno made his boneheaded bunt, but I somehow missed seeing Lou yell at him. It was a very disappointing play to say the least. I’m glad to hear Lou took him to task.
Yes, sir!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 27, 2008 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe Dempster can teach him.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 27, 2008 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cedeno
Lou let him have it in between innings, and deservedly so.
Not only did he bunt it to the wrong side, but that was ball 2!
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 27, 2008 8:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know
I was screaming at the screen, what the bloody hell are you doing??? And Bob had just finished saying how you have to bunt to the 3rd baseman so he can only throw to first. Sometimes I wonder how these guys get to the big leagues at all.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
by BigJohnAZ on Aug 27, 2008 8:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and that is why Theriot is the starter at short instead of a more talented Cedeno...
Jimmyeatworld
by Jimmyeatworld on Aug 27, 2008 9:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
are you saying Theriot's brain is scrappy, too?
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 27, 2008 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If only we could morph
ONEDEC’s arm and speed with The Riot’s baseball sense…
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
by BigJohnAZ on Aug 27, 2008 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
At the risk of starting "that"
Theriot hss more baseball sense than Cedeno like Warren Buffett is poorer than Bill Gates. It’s true, but . . .
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 27, 2008 9:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know what you mean
I am not trying to start that debate again, believe me.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
by BigJohnAZ on Aug 27, 2008 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 27, 2008 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think we've all known
for a couple of years that ONEDEC ain’t the sharpest tool in the shed. But he is a tool;)
by thermal54 on Aug 27, 2008 9:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Was there no way
Lou or the third base coach could have communicated to Onedec that the situation called for bunting down the third base line instead of the first? Or do you think they did, and he blew it anyway?
by NWIowaCubFan on Aug 27, 2008 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't you think that he should know
where to bunt in that situation? I think even a high school kid should know where to bunt in a given situation.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
by BigJohnAZ on Aug 27, 2008 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sure
But in the heat of a game situation, brain farts do happen. That’s why we have Quade patrolling at third.
by NWIowaCubFan on Aug 27, 2008 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i can confirm
that you work on that in high school. Even in pregame batting practice, you work on situational bunting (usually) before swinging away.
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 27, 2008 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
not trying to be a jerk (it just comes naturally),
but I don’t believe Cedeno attended any U.S. high school with a program emphasizing fundamentals.
Disposable dixie cup drinkin... I'm hiding out in the big city blinking...
by N Oakley on Aug 27, 2008 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Point taken
But they still do bunting drills during BP. You lay a bunt down, then hit to the right side, then start swinging away. They might not do it every day, but enough throughout the year that Ronny should know better.
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 27, 2008 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You don't bunt your way..
out of Venezuela
by The Deputy Mayor of Rush Street on Aug 27, 2008 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
sorry, now I have an image in my head.
BUNT-tink. The ball rolls. Ronny walks forward a few weary feet and gets into his bunting crouch again.
BUNT-tink…
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 27, 2008 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was thinking the same thing
Since everyone knows Ronny doesn’t have the greatest situational awareness, he NEEDS to be told exactly what to do in this situation. It’s sad that this is the case, but that’s the reality with this guy.
by dedfishflote on Aug 27, 2008 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he's a major league baseball player
no he shouldn’t
by cubswynn on Aug 27, 2008 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm fairly certain...
…Mike Quade did talk to Cedeno before the at-bat. It was during the Pirates pitching change. Now what Quade said exactly I obviously can’t say. Let me just check Gameday here to make sure I’m remembering correctly…
Yes, sir!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 27, 2008 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It wasn't a pitching change...
…it was a coaching visit to the mound. Nonetheless, I distinctly remember Quade pulling Cedeno aside during a delay in the game. So if Quade told him to bunt down the third base line and Ronny opted to bunt to the right side anyway…well, I don’t know what to say.
Yes, sir!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 27, 2008 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
WGN showed Quade talking to him before the at bat
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 27, 2008 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for confirming!
I’m never completely sure whether I remember anything correctly.
Yes, sir!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 27, 2008 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
of course they told him
I’m sure that’s what he tried to do, as well.
Bunting is scary. That’s a hella-fast ball, and you’re squaring up with your hand on the barrel of the bat.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 27, 2008 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Z
just didn’t look focused at all last night. He was bouncing off the mound after his pitches, looking at the mound, catching the ball and pitching again. I know Z likes to work fast, but he was on super speed last night.
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 27, 2008 8:44 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I disagreed with Lou's
usage of the pen last night. I think when he used Cotts and Samarj he should have brought in Marshall, to me i think that was a better option.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on Aug 27, 2008 8:45 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Cotts had nothing
so are we back to Good Cotts/Bad Cotts again? We don’t need another Howry in the pen.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
by BigJohnAZ on Aug 27, 2008 8:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fortunately...
… in five days we’ll have a couple of bullpen reinforcements (Wuertz, Guzman, Lieber).
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 27, 2008 8:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe our middle relief struggles due to lack of use.....
I mean our front and back ends are so strong the middle rarely gets a chance, and when they do, I think I’m glad they don’t get a chance that often. Even though Sean Marshall has been awesome!
"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus
by graceunderpressure on Aug 27, 2008 8:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do we even have a situational lefty?
Cotts
vs L – .217 .309 .457 OPS = .766
vs R – .259 .305 .389 OPS = .694
Marshall
vs L – .238 .327 .524 OPS = .850
vs R – .227 .277 .420 OPS = .697
This is the one hole unaddressed by Hendry (so far, 5 days to go) – and could be one reason the DBacks went out and got Dunn..
by The Deputy Mayor of Rush Street on Aug 27, 2008 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep, I think the Cubs lack a LOOGY.
Yes, sir!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 27, 2008 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
When was the last time
a team got 15 hits, scored 9 runs, had the benefit of 3 errors from the other team, and still lost??
Also, the Pirates announcers were talking about the oddity of their lineup having 7 straight lefty hitters in the top of the lineup.
The the 7 rbis – 7 different players scoring…..
Major whacked-out game!
"ROUS's? Rodents of Unusual Size. Don't worry, they don't exist."
http://margaritagirl11.spaces.live.com/
by iluvryno on Aug 27, 2008 8:45 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Was Zambrano the only Cub to have a good October?
by daeviant on Aug 27, 2008 8:46 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Well,
Lee hit .333. Not so much with men on base, though.
DeRosa also hit .333, but we all remember that double play on ball 4 in game 3.
Zambrano also hit .333 . . . .
The best Cubs reliever in the LDS? Bob Howry. 3 IP, 0 R
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 27, 2008 8:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Soto homered.
He had one, too.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 27, 2008 8:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That was his only hit, though
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 27, 2008 8:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pre-game @ 1030?
I’ll have to go get a Monster, this is gonna be an early one today…
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Aug 27, 2008 8:53 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Hey, is that little Pirates leadoff hitter going to be legit?
"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus
by graceunderpressure on Aug 27, 2008 8:54 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Morgan?
Tough to tell. I’ve seen him a lot in Triple-A, and while he’s good, he’s probably best-served as a 4th outfielder who can come off the bench late in games.
He takes some interesting routes in the outfield, to say the least, and his arm is Damon-esque out there. But his speed adds a fun eliment to the game. At the best, he’s Dave Roberts-lite.
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 27, 2008 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well last night is just a snap shot.....
but he got on base and seriously disturbed all of our pitchers. I just kept thinking esp. Cotts would have faired better if he just concentrated on the dude at the plate. All the pitchers just seemed preoccupied with him.
"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus
by graceunderpressure on Aug 27, 2008 9:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Very true
His speed is his best asset, and if he learns how to use it once defenses adjust to him, he’ll be tough.
Next year, Pittsburgh could have one the fastest outfields around, if they bring up Andrew McCutchen. Both he and Morgan make routine ground outs more interesting with their wheels. Plus, Chris Duffy is down in AAA rehabbing now, too.
So, if they have McLouth, Morgan and McCutchen out there next year, that would be fun to watch.
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 27, 2008 9:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Morgan is 28...
… not really that hot a prospect. His only real asset is his speed. He’s kind of a poor man’s Juan Pierre.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 27, 2008 9:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's a POOR man
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Aug 27, 2008 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
welcome to Pittsburgh.
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 27, 2008 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Brenly and Len
even mentioned how he wears his uniform like Pierre, and says in the media guide that the player he would ‘most like to meet’ is Pierre…Thought that was kinda funny…
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 27, 2008 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i was gonna say dave roberts....
too much credit?
by cubswynn on Aug 27, 2008 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that's who i mentioned above
I think if Nyjer could carve out that kind of career, he’d be very happy.
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 27, 2008 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ah my bad
what do this say about minds that think alike?
by cubswynn on Aug 27, 2008 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
well, usually that they're great.
I’m not sure about this site, though…
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 27, 2008 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
maybe if my mind was so great
i wouldn’t have missed that the first time haha
by cubswynn on Aug 27, 2008 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
3 m's in the outfield?
they should dfa mclouth and deal him to us
by tim815 on Aug 27, 2008 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
there would be riots in the streets if they did that.
plus, they can’t play Morgan everyday, and Duffy is always injured, so while it’d be nice, Neil Huntington won’t do 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 27, 2008 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
just kidding
but mclouth would be a good post-platoon centerfielder, and hendry likes trading with the buccos.
and we like it when he does.
by tim815 on Aug 27, 2008 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i figured you were
I worry about McLouth maintaining his play in the future, but he wouldn’t be a terrible target. But I’m more for giving Pie a full shot.
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 27, 2008 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like McClouth a lot...
…but I wonder whether the Cubs would have the pieces to trade for him. That said, I still want to see Pie get a fair chance.
Yes, sir!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 27, 2008 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he was wearing
real stirrups. That makes him better than a whole lot of other players. :D
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 27, 2008 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Z's next start
quick – somebody photoshop a calendar to show Sunday, September 0, and send it to the Cubs.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Aug 27, 2008 9:00 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Actually, that might not be enough
Remember Labor Day last year against the Dodgers? Not so good . . .
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 27, 2008 9:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, if today's game is rained out...
… they could push everyone back and Z would start against Houston on Monday, September 1.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 27, 2008 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Last game against the Buccos this year
I have a hard time believing that this game gets rained out.
Current temperature in hell: 44 degrees F - and falling!
by wnielsen on Aug 27, 2008 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, unless it pours rain all day.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 27, 2008 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Similarly
I have never seen weather.com say 100% chance of rain, but it says that today and tonight for Pittsburgh. Not looking good for the game.
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 27, 2008 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Looking at the current Pitt. area radar, I think we may be okay
The bigger storm regions are moving to both sides of the city, although rain moving through the area appears inevitable. So what’s your choice for ‘rain delay theatre’?
by The Deputy Mayor of Rush Street on Aug 27, 2008 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Crikey - that does not look good.
Yes, sir!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 27, 2008 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good Morning
Did anyone catch the post game interview with Lou? Did anyone ask what he said to Zambrano when he came out flailing his arms? He looked pretty pissed.
"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 27, 2008 9:06 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Gatorade
When is Gatorade going to stop making these mouthy water coolers??? it is ridiculous that a pitcher has to be taunted by them after a bad outing on the mound…
enough is enough
I'm a reader not a poster, but I'm also a poster so don't get any ideas.
by cozmotaylor123 on Aug 27, 2008 9:11 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Gatorade "Hey Big Z is August getting you down?"
"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus
by graceunderpressure on Aug 27, 2008 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Electric Fans
They’re pretty ruthless too. Cancers in the clubhouse, I tell you.
by daeviant on Aug 27, 2008 9:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It that bright orange
they are just loud
"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 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
maybe it's just me
but i really think z does the whole tantrum thing to show how much he “cares” about winning…..hey z, we know you love to compete, you don’t need to convince us that you are person most mad at yourself
by cubswynn on Aug 27, 2008 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he does it
because he’s hella pissed off.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 27, 2008 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
then why doesn't he go to the clubhouse to do that?
z is very aware of the cameras
i absolutely love that he gets that pissed off, bc that shows how much he cares about preforming…….but i just think he does that to put on a show so people know
by cubswynn on Aug 27, 2008 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he does it
in the clubhouse too.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 27, 2008 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
See: Barrett, Michael.
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 27, 2008 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah he
punched a hole in the wall this year next to his locker, remember? Z like getting maddd…
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 27, 2008 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it's a maturity issue
I doubt it’s to convince the fans that he cares.
If that was his motivation, why would he rip on the fans for booing him last year?
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 27, 2008 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
well the fans and his teammates
i think he is genuienly mad, but he wants everyone to know he expects more out of himself…..we’ll never know, just my opinion
by cubswynn on Aug 27, 2008 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who you callin' mouthy?
Dem’s fightin’ words. Oh, that’s ‘right – it’s go time, buddy!
Yes, sir!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 27, 2008 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What was Iironic last night
The beginning of the game Brenly was commenting that Soto looked a bit out of sync. He had a passball and was dropping balls in the dirt. Then he goes on to have the game of his life.
"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 9:11 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
not really the definition of irony
but i see where you’re going…….
soto really did look out of it though in the first inning and that is the LAST thing z needs (a bad first inning)
by cubswynn on Aug 27, 2008 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
In all fairness
he did say it was “lironic,” not “ironic.”
"Why does that man drop his club before he runs? I would bring it with me." ~Stewie Griffin
by Goodie1969 on Aug 27, 2008 7:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I could be wrong but...........
they looked like maybe they did a little partying the night before. They played like they were hungover.
by Rick B on Aug 27, 2008 9:13 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I was thinking something similar
It was like they were all tripping on acid before the game…
Wasn’t there a pitcher who pitched a shutout while on acid?
by daeviant on Aug 27, 2008 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or maybe the Parrot
sent strippers to the Cubs clubhouse before the game.
by daeviant on Aug 27, 2008 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wells said he was drunk
"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 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe they need a cardboard cutout of Sam Zell
Where after each win they pull a piece of his clothes off.
by daeviant on Aug 27, 2008 9:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
eww
Maybe reverse it. Every time you win, we don’t remove a piece.
Disposable dixie cup drinkin... I'm hiding out in the big city blinking...
by N Oakley on Aug 27, 2008 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
KEEP ZELL CLOTHED!
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 27, 2008 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I keep having images of
Mr. Burns naked.
by daeviant on Aug 27, 2008 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
aw, man!
now I’m having them too!
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 27, 2008 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
a short, pale,
old, Shrek.
Disposable dixie cup drinkin... I'm hiding out in the big city blinking...
by N Oakley on Aug 27, 2008 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
MY BRAIN!
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 27, 2008 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That was when he pitched the perfecto, right?
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
by BigJohnAZ on Aug 27, 2008 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That kind of reminds me of Baseketball
Where that guy was drunk after doing tequila shots with a little kid before the game and he “hit” for the cycle twice.
by daeviant on Aug 27, 2008 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Doc Ellis
who threw the no-hitter for the Pirates
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 27, 2008 9:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
hmmmmm interesting!
Was the Parrot his supplier?
by daeviant on Aug 27, 2008 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Doc may have come up with the Parrot
while tripping.
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 27, 2008 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lunch Bucket Team
Working class hard hats…………..
I last saw Z in Florida working with Larry….. I thought they were making progress …..
I guess not.
Sori’s ….. said …“Maybe I need to concentrate more” ?? how many millions does
it take for this guy to concentrate !!!!!!
by nimblenikelfoos on Aug 27, 2008 9:14 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
STOP THE HOP!!!
"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus
by graceunderpressure on Aug 27, 2008 9:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, even Brant Brown
can’t catch them all! LOL
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
by BigJohnAZ on Aug 27, 2008 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Does anyone have a guess
when MLB.TV will reduce the price again? I hate to sign up today and have it go down tomorrow.
by ryan89 on Aug 27, 2008 9:16 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
figure after Sept 1
just a guess
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
by Ivy Walls on Aug 27, 2008 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here's a crazy, crazy idea...
When Z pitches, Lou should bat him lead-off. Z needs to work off that steam before he pitches. He’s had some pretty good plate appearances and if he makes an out – oh, well, – it will be worth getting him focused for the rest of the game.
by coral on Aug 27, 2008 9:22 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
One problem with that
What happens when he gets pulled from the game and a double-switch isn’t appropriate? Then Lee essentially becomes #2 in the lineup.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 27, 2008 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But if...
… a double-switch isn’t appropriate, the relief pitcher is going to get pinch-hit for anyway.
Better: pull a page from the LaRussa book and hit Z 8th.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 27, 2008 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was at the Bruce Springsteen concert in St. Louis this past weekend...
…and although the tickets said “730 pm”, the show didn’t start until 845 pm. The crowd was getting restless, and I wasn’t enjoying my first Bruce concert.
We find out later – the rumor, at least – that Bruce was waiting for Tony LaRussa to show up after his 18-3 bashing of the Braves. Apparently as soon as Tony took his seat, the show started.
Another reason to spite TLR.
Dan
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Aug 27, 2008 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Boss waits for TLR?
ewwwwww.
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 27, 2008 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, *I'm satisfied.
That’s as good as if Cronkite himself reported it from the floor of the concert.
- facepalm -
by The Deputy Mayor of Rush Street on Aug 27, 2008 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If true, very weird.
I would presume Bruce is a Mets fan anyway.
Yes, sir!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 27, 2008 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the ladies wouldn't like soto hitting 9th
but it might upgrade the pitches he sees before soriano
by tim815 on Aug 27, 2008 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think we should just
give him pre-cracked bats. He gets to break stuff, and he doesn’t injure himself. Maybe someone should market this…
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Aug 27, 2008 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm going to put on my flame retardant suit
I think the parrot mascot is pretty funny. Although I think MLB needs to do something about the pirates sticking him behind home plate. Having a giant parrot dancing around while your pitcher is trying to pitch is worse than batters getting distracted by fans in the batter’s eye.
by daeviant on Aug 27, 2008 9:23 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm really surprised
they let him do that. It has to be distracting.
by sue369 on Aug 27, 2008 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Elimation (magic) number for the pirates and reds
pirates 6
reds 7
"Destiny is a matter of choice, not chance"
by MerlinDog on Aug 27, 2008 9:33 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Not in the division, but
against the Cubs for best NL record:
Giants 7
Braves 7
Current temperature in hell: 44 degrees F - and falling!
by wnielsen on Aug 27, 2008 9:35 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
What channel is Sunday's game on?
The official Cubs schedule only says mlb.tv and has no actual broadcast tv channel.
by dr stabbingworth on Aug 27, 2008 9:37 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
The Tribune sports section
today says it is WGN
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 27, 2008 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Confirmed at wgntv.com
Current temperature in hell: 44 degrees F - and falling!
by wnielsen on Aug 27, 2008 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sunday is on WGN.
Confirmed here. Sunday 9/21 vs. St. Louis will also be on WGN.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 27, 2008 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just finally got around to looking at the schedule
for the last few weeks of the season.
That should be fun!
by jajonez77 on Aug 27, 2008 9:56 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Isn't anyone ready for a
sports psychologist for Z? I mean he was horrible last night and he is his worst enemy! Can we trust him? He looks totally wacked out right now. Does anyone think he’ll right the ship for 5 games in a row?
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 27, 2008 10:01 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
he did last year.
I’ll take my chances that he will 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 27, 2008 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
can we "trust" him?
he’s not babysitting our children.
he’s not investing our money
he’s not performing our heart surgery.
He’s a man, playing a game. He already says he just needs to get through the month.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 27, 2008 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the world needs less psychologist
and less politicians
by cubswynn on Aug 27, 2008 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I felt like I needed a shower after the game.
I was happy to play Go Cubs Go and just let this game fade into the past with the W. Onwards and upwards, and let’s continue to take care of business.
A little help by the Cardinals would help, though…
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 27, 2008 10:07 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
FWIW
Since I got my Project 3000 shirt, people look at it like “Is that a Cubs shirt?” and sometimes ask me about it. Had two people ask me at the Royals game last week, and one at the Bruce concert. It’s a good conversation starter – informing others about Lee and his cause. Go get one if you don’t have one already!
—Infomercial over—
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Aug 27, 2008 10:11 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
The BCB shirt is a fantastic conversation starter
A got a couple questions when wearing it in Mexico. FWIW, the Cubs are 12-3 since I got married on Aug.9 . I’m sure it’s related somehow.
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 27, 2008 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Damn you for the 3 losses!
Current temperature in hell: 44 degrees F - and falling!
by wnielsen on Aug 27, 2008 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Those are on the wife.
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 27, 2008 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
honeymoon's
over!
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 27, 2008 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
As long as she gets to go to a few games a year, she's happy.
Plus, she hasn’t seen the Cubs lose this year if she’s at the game, so I’m definitely bringing her up for Monday’s game.
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 27, 2008 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He learns quickly
Current temperature in hell: 44 degrees F - and falling!
by wnielsen on Aug 27, 2008 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pregame thread up
Current temperature in hell: 44 degrees F - and falling!
by wnielsen on Aug 27, 2008 10:32 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm sure it has been said,
7 RBI’s from the 8-hole, ridiculous. 32 over .500 is this real?
Lets do it Cubbies
by slocs55 on Aug 27, 2008 11:13 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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