Reedapalooza: Cubs 8, Pirates 5
by Al Yellon on Aug 3, 2008 5:13 PM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
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PrintBefore we celebrate today's exciting 8-5 Cubs comeback win over the Pirates (and yes, I call it "comeback" because they seemed to have it well in hand at 5-2 before a bullpen failure in the 8th inning allowed the Bucs to tie the game), a little more perspective.
The win puts the Cubs 22 games over .500 at 67-45. The last time the Cubs were this many games over .500 was October 1, 1989, the last day of the 1989 regular season, when they beat the Cardinals 5-1 in St. Louis to get to 93-69, 24 games over .500, their high water mark of that division title season.
It's taken nearly nineteen years to get that far over breakeven again. Now, if you choose to look at this negatively, you could discuss the mountains of failure over the last two decades, and there's no question that mountain exists.
But this Cubs team is way over that mountain. Today was a perfect example of how this ballclub wins as a team. There was a pretty bad bullpen failure today -- when Jeff Samardzija had to be lifted after throwing 40 pitches in two-plus innings, Neal Cotts (who gave up two hits in facing three batters) and Chad Gaudin (who gave up the game-tying HR to Andy LaRoche) didn't get their jobs done. Fortunately, Gaudin recovered from his failure by striking out Steve Pearce to keep the Cubs tied.
Then, Lou simply took advantage of an inferior team. After the first two outs in the last of the 8th were recorded easily by Craig Hansen (who I suspect the Pirates will install as their closer eventually), Hansen walked Geovany Soto on a very close pitch that got appealed to 1B umpire Ed Montague. It looked to us in the bleachers as if Soto might have swung, but Montague ruled in the Cubs' favor. Lou sent Daryle Ward up to bat, likely with absolutely no intention of having Ward actually hit. As most of you know, Ward hasn't been all that productive as a pinch-hitter this year, and I suspect all Lou wanted was to get the lefty Sean Burnett in the game to face the hot-hitting Reed Johnson, which is exactly what happened.
Johnson crushed Burnett's second pitch deep into the LF bleachers to give the Cubs a 7-5 lead and Alfonso Soriano followed with his 19th of the season, giving the Cubs back the three runs they'd frittered away in the top of the inning. Carlos Marmol, looking like the Marmol of old (15 pitches, 12 strikes), mowed down the Pirates in the 9th for his sixth save. In his postgame press conference, Lou was asked if he'd use Bob Howry to close tomorrow, and he hedged, suggesting that Marmol might be used four days in a row if necessary, for the first time this season. He also said that it's possible that Kerry Wood, who threw a simulated game this morning and was shagging flies in the OF during BP (but without throwing anything back in), could be activated sometime during the Houston series.
Soriano and Aramis Ramirez both hit their 19th HR today. That doesn't even rank in the top twenty in the NL (it's tied for 25th). Even so, the Cubs lead the NL in scoring by a significant margin (currently, 42 runs more than the Phillies, pending Philly's game tonight vs. the Cardinals) -- further proof that this team has learned how to score runs in other ways besides just whacking the ball out of the yard.
About Carlos Zambrano's seemingly too-early exit from today's game: no worries, said Lou in his postgame press conference. Lou explained that Z, having been extended pretty far in his last two starts (125 and 118 pitches, respectively), was "shortened up" this time. He threw 82 pitches in five innings and will have an extra day off this week due to the off day on Thursday (he'll throw vs. the Cardinals on Saturday). Z was in line for the win until the bullpen meltdown, and also contributed with his bat -- the Cubs tied the game in the 2nd on his double play ball, and then he drove in a run with his fourth double of the season. He's now hitting .354 with a .538 SLG. Today is another example, too, of how individual pitcher wins mean little. Chad Gaudin, the pitcher who threw the worst single pitch of the game, the one that tied it up, got the "win" for his record. It's TEAM wins that matter.
So all is well. Today was Jeff's birthday and we celebrated in the bleachers with gooey chocolate cupcakes with red & blue frosting. It was a day worth celebrating. The Cubs did what they needed to do this weekend -- win the series. Onward to tomorrow, and go Phillies! I'll have some of David's photos from both yesterday and today's wins posted tomorrow morning.
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first
what a win go cubs !
Someday we'll go all the way.
by Cubbinstrongsince86 on Aug 3, 2008 5:18 PM CDT reply actions
First
to say WOW I like this feeling of being 22 over .500
"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.
First!
:-)
I think it’s just his face. - dat cubfan daver
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 3, 2008 5:19 PM CDT reply actions
Your first im my book :)
"I guess you had some lean years, and didnt have to beat it hard" - Craig Sager
SORIANO WATCH: AVG: .290 18 HR 47 RBI
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 3, 2008 5:32 PM CDT up reply actions
aren't you a smooth one.
;-)
I think it’s just his face. - dat cubfan daver
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 3, 2008 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Astros are coming in a winning streak...
hope Demps can cool ‘em off tomorrow!
I think it’s just his face. - dat cubfan daver
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 3, 2008 5:20 PM CDT reply actions
actually you are 3rd
"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 3, 2008 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions
who's counting?
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 3, 2008 10:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Eh
I’ve never been first. Not really concerned… :-P
I think it’s just his face. - dat cubfan daver
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 3, 2008 5:24 PM CDT up reply actions
The last time the Cubs were 22 over .500
At this point in the season was 1984!
True.
The 1989 date is the last time they were 22 or more over at ANY point in ANY season.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Oh yeah
I wasn’t trying to correct you or anything. I was just adding to what you said. I’m getting a little too excited!
5 Game Lead Through 112 Games
This is the biggest lead for the Cubs at the 112-game point since that year Armstrong landed on the moon. I think this club is going to do better than that team’s 21-29 in their last 50 games. If the 2008 team goes 29-21 the rest of the way, they will finish at 96-66, which is the inverse record of the 66-96 record posted in 2006.
"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray
Good day!
Late HR to take the lead!
Brewers lose and the White Sox fall out of 1st place!
Favorite Game - 'The Sandberg game" June 23, 1984
living in wisconsin dont care one way or another about sox
but they didnt fall outta first….. they fought their way into 2nd
"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 3, 2008 5:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Wonder how many of them
fought there way to suspension.
And that would be a prime reason why bean ball solves nothing.
I think it’s just his face. - dat cubfan daver
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 3, 2008 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd be willing to bet a few
I’d be happy as hell to be a Twins fan
"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 3, 2008 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions
no kidding
Liriano threw the ball really well too.
The Twins are good. I like the way they play.
I think it’s just his face. - dat cubfan daver
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 3, 2008 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions
And if you care:
I will cover the Cover the Cardinals vs Phillies game on Sunday Night baseball tonight!
I will post the thread at about 6:45 hope to see you all there!
CUBS WIN!!!
"I guess you had some lean years, and didnt have to beat it hard" - Craig Sager
SORIANO WATCH: AVG: .290 18 HR 47 RBI
It is so much fun to watch this Cubs team
Even when they fall behind there is a confidence that they can come back.
And it can come from anyone on the team, including the bench.
What a feeling!
"Every team will win 60 games, every team will lose 60 games, it's what the team does in the other 42 games that decides the season."
Agreed
the “cubbie swagger” is in full force.
Reed knew that ball was gone. it was awesome.
I think it’s just his face. - dat cubfan daver
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 3, 2008 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions
This is much how the '84 team won.
It didn’t seem to matter to them if they fell behind. You just KNEW they’d come back. This team plays that way.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
I wasn't around for the 1984 season
but something about this team feels different than any I can remember. When Gaudin gave up that HR my only thought was “Hm, who’s day to be the hero is it today?”
I can’t remember that feeling ever before.. on any sports team I’ve followed.
I think it’s just his face. - dat cubfan daver
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 3, 2008 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions
The Bulls seemed to have that feeling for me
MJ and Pippen woould be on the bench, and the 2nd or 3rd stringers would be facing the Starter for the other team early in the 3rd.
The bench guys for the Bulls would chip away chip away… The other teams starters would be tired as hell and them
MJ and Pippen back on the floor.
"I guess you had some lean years, and didnt have to beat it hard" - Craig Sager
SORIANO WATCH: AVG: .290 18 HR 47 RBI
I wasnt even much of NBA fan
but to watch MJ and Pippen take over a game, was amazing to see.
My favorite had to be the game where MJ kept making all those 3’s and there is the shot of him just sorta shrugging his shoulders.
"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 3, 2008 6:00 PM CDT up reply actions
+1
That team was the best Cub team I had ever personally witnessed…It’s still shocking they lost 3 in a row in the NLCS.
Let my ashes blow in a beautiful snow from the prevailing 30 mile an hour southwest wind...
When my last remains go flying over the left field wall, I'll bid the bleacher bums adieu,
And I will come to my final resting place, out on Waveland Avenue. --Steve Goodman
Me
I’d put this team a tad ahead of the 84 team. I like the 1-5 rotation better.
Go Cubs
by puckishcubsfan on Aug 3, 2008 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions
I like the offense better too
at every position other than second base over 1984. Maybe CF. Maybe not.
Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?
Dernier had a career year, basically, in '84
Sarge was pretty good in left, too.
The pitching on this club, however, blows away the pitching on that one (apologies to Sutcliffe, of course).
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 3, 2008 6:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Dernier
did have a career year in 1984, and he wasn’t that good. His OPS+ that season was 97. Now OPS+ isn’t the be-all and end-all statistic, but with Reed Johnson at 102 and Jim Edmonds at 145 as a Cub, we’re getting more production out of CF than Jim Frey did with Dernier.
The Sarge was great. I just think Soriano is better. Of course, if you want to take Matthews because he hasn’t missed two months of the season with injuries, I wouldn’t argue it. But with the team on the field right now, the only position player I’d take from the 1984 team is Sandberg.
Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?
by Josh Timmers on Aug 4, 2008 12:40 AM CDT up reply actions
Other than Sammy Sosa...
... Gary Matthews is the only Cub to draw 100+ walks in a season since 1960.
Yes, that’s right. Look it up. Kosuke Fukudome has a shot at 100 walks this year and the team may break the club record (650 in 1975).
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Your post prompted me to look up Ron Santo's numbers
since I knew he drew plenty of walks.
Although he never surpassed the 100 mark, he came close 5 straight years, drawing 95+ BB from 1966-69 and 92 in 1970.
Again, why is he NOT in the HOF?
"Every team will win 60 games, every team will lose 60 games, it's what the team does in the other 42 games that decides the season."
You're Right
I hadn’t given it much thought.
Soto over Jody, D-Lee over Durham, Sandberg over DeRosa/Fontenot, Theriot over Bowa/Dave Owen, A-Ram over Cey, Sori over Sarge, Edmonds/Johnson over Dernier, and Dome over Moreland.
Maybe, this team will eclipse 1984’s 96-win total. I want the 2008 team to get those 11 postseason wins after that.
"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray
Agreed...
...I meant the best I had seen to that point in my life…solidified my Cub fandom…
Let my ashes blow in a beautiful snow from the prevailing 30 mile an hour southwest wind...
When my last remains go flying over the left field wall, I'll bid the bleacher bums adieu,
And I will come to my final resting place, out on Waveland Avenue. --Steve Goodman
Yes and we don't have Leon Durham playing first either.
So thats a good thing.
(J/K)
Theriot, Fonty, and Johnson = The Scrappy Pyramid of Victory
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Aug 3, 2008 6:14 PM CDT up reply actions
working in indianapolis
i see leon durham whenever the toledo mud hens. it takes every ounce of restraint to keep from asking him about the ground ball…
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
Stop Kicking Bull
Yes, there was THAT ground ball. Durham was an above-average defensive first baseman. We’ve been spoiled rotten by the great defensive play of Mark Grace and Derrek Lee at first since then.
"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray
Exactly right
The way this team comes back reminds me of ‘84. (Of course, the Sandberg Game being the definition of that.)
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 3, 2008 6:17 PM CDT up reply actions
84 vs. 08
This team (08) is probably better overall than 84, but I’d take Dernier and Sandberg over DeRosa and Johnson or Edmonds. Dernier had a career year, brought speed on the bases and covered a lot of ground in CF (nothing runs like a deer, we used to say).
As a “daily double” of 1-2 hitters, Soriano and Theriot are close to equaling the 84 Dernier and Sandberg.
"Hey hey, kiss it goodbye! That one's in Milwaukee! Man oh man did he hit it. Isn't that something?" - Lou Boudreau, May 17, 1979
Lets hope the 2008 team
Doesnt have the same results in the post season as the 84 team :)
"I guess you had some lean years, and didnt have to beat it hard" - Craig Sager
SORIANO WATCH: AVG: .290 18 HR 47 RBI
Lou's got a bench he trusts.
He won’t ride his regulars into the ground. So they should have some gas left down the stretch.
I think it’s just his face. - dat cubfan daver
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 3, 2008 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't see San Diego
making it to the playoffs, so there’s not much chance of the same thing happening.
So many highs and so
amny lows and then highs again. Whew!!! It’s great how every game it’s new players to pick up the slack for the others. I guess that’s the sign of a great team. Let’s keep this momentum going.
Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden. Now that's a pair of Aces.
Al
Al you might be the only one here who’s been to more games than I have particularly this season.
How do you compare the electricity around the park?
It’s electric. Just a feeling of joy and excitement building at Wrigley. Like we’re all on this magic carpet ride together.
Go Cubs
Reed was giving a post game interview
w/ L&B and he said that the emotion of Wrigley was unlike anything he’d ever imagined.
I think it’s just his face. - dat cubfan daver
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 3, 2008 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions
It is
It is the most electric I’ve ever seen even more than 84.
Go Cubs
by puckishcubsfan on Aug 3, 2008 5:35 PM CDT up reply actions
2003 was similar, IMO, to..........
............what’s happening now.
"Happiness? A good cigar, a good meal, a good cigar and a good woman - or a bad woman; it depends on how much happiness you can handle." ~ George Burns
This is way better than 2003.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Agreed. The 2003 team didn't have a great 7 months
They had an ok April – August and got hotter then hell in September. Other than mid-June through mid-July, this team has been consistently much better.
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 4, 2008 6:44 AM CDT up reply actions
I find it hysterical
that cupcakes were brought into the bleachers. Well done!
Even after this game was tied, I never felt that we were out of it.
Dan
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
Normally
A lot of times it can be tough but sometimes ushers that know you let you through.
We bought cupcakes earlier this season for my husband’s birthday,
And if it wasn’t for kids running after ice cream I might have met Al yesterday. We saw him ahead of us while walking out and I was just about to call “Hey Al!” but then my kids decided to take off after some ice cream.
Go Cubs
by puckishcubsfan on Aug 3, 2008 5:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Not just cupcakes, but.............
.............cupcakes SERVED BY AL as Jeff ushered Al around the bleachers, dropping off the birthday treats.
“Hello. My name’s Al and I’ll be your server”.
Loved it. Thanks for the treat, Al, and happy 29th (again) to Jeff.
"Happiness? A good cigar, a good meal, a good cigar and a good woman - or a bad woman; it depends on how much happiness you can handle." ~ George Burns
Hey, it was his birthday.
I’ll have you know that the Cubs have never lost on my birthday.
(It’s in November.)
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Mine either...............
...............since I’m a November birthday as well.
In fact, I’ll be a “turkey” this year.
"Happiness? A good cigar, a good meal, a good cigar and a good woman - or a bad woman; it depends on how much happiness you can handle." ~ George Burns
you and I share the same birthday then
"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 4, 2008 9:23 AM CDT up reply actions
this weird I've never known anyone else w/ my bday
we have pumpkin pie and angel food cake for dessert at my parents.
I don’t really believe in astrology but I do fit sag pretty darn well.
"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 4, 2008 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions
I've known a couple/few other people with my birthday...
...my best friend’s brother, for one. It’s interesting to note the similarities and differences.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
JIMI HENDRIX!!!!!
If alive, he’d be a turkey this year too!!
"Happiness? A good cigar, a good meal, a good cigar and a good woman - or a bad woman; it depends on how much happiness you can handle." ~ George Burns
And I'm the day after this year...
Calling all archers!!!
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
I didn't think Soto's holding up on the pitch was close on his BB before Reed's dinger.
I actually think it would have been highway robbery not to award him the base.
IF IT TAKES FOREVER!!
Agreed
In fact, it probably wasn’t even close enough for an appeal.
Who needs a stinkin' tag line? What are they for anyway?
Either way...
... it was still a pretty close pitch.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
me 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.
Genious
Lou sent Daryle Ward up to bat, likely with absolutely no intention of having Ward actually hit. As most of you know, Ward hasn’t been all that productive as a pinch-hitter this year, and I suspect all Lou wanted was to get the lefty Sean Burnett in the game to face the hot-hitting Reed Johnson, which is exactly what happened.
If this is true, that is one hell of a coaching move to try and win a ballgame! This is why we brought in sweet Lou: to win the division and hopefully further. He is such an amazing coach, and the team LOVES to play for him. Go Cubs go, and if any of you havent seen this video on you tube about Piniella, you shoud because it is hilarious.
"This balls got a chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannce, GONE!" - Pat Hughes
by SouthsideCUBSfan on Aug 3, 2008 5:47 PM CDT reply actions
Lou just flatout
out managed the Bucs manager in that sequence. Everyone knew that once the LOOGY was brought in, someone else would’ve PH.
I think it’s just his face. - dat cubfan daver
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 3, 2008 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions
I dont know why...
but I really like Ward, even when he is not playing so well. Maybe its just that he seems to know his job, and he also looks like a fun guy in the clubhouse
"This balls got a chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannce, GONE!" - Pat Hughes
by SouthsideCUBSfan on Aug 3, 2008 6:00 PM CDT up reply actions
I like Ward too
but he hasn’t been the most effective PH this year.
But Ward always has a smile on his face. I like that.
I think it’s just his face. - dat cubfan daver
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 3, 2008 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions
I like Ward
and one of the reasons is that I really liked his dad on the Twins.
Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?
by Josh Timmers on Aug 4, 2008 12:43 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't understand it
Couldn’t John Russell just put in another pitcher when he saw Reed Johnson up? It was a smart move by Piniella, yeah, but he took advantage of an idiot.
"I think Hendry still has a few years to serve on his 'grand larceny' sentence before he can shop in Pittsburgh again" - ballhawk
Burnett had to face him, if i've got my rules right
pusuant to Rule 3:04.b, “If the pitcher is replaced, the substitute pitcher shall pitch to the batter then at bat, or any substitute batter, until such batter is put out or reaches first base, or until the offensive team is put out, unless the substitute pitcher sustains injury or illness which, in the umpire-in-chief’s judgment, incapacitates him for further play as a pitcher.” which i think is a long way of saying, burnett had to face ward or whomever replaced him (Johnson)
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
Well, shit.
"I think Hendry still has a few years to serve on his 'grand larceny' sentence before he can shop in Pittsburgh again" - ballhawk
yeah, thanks
i was curious, so i checked the rules. now we know.
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
No
You aren’t allowed to do that.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 3, 2008 8:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Am I mistaken?
I thought Johnson’s shot came on an 0-2 count. Either way, what a clutch homer! I really love that guy…
"Fear is the path to the Dark Side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering." ~Master Yoda
No mistake. The pitcher grooved an 0-2 pitch, and Reed jumped on it.
IF IT TAKES FOREVER!!
by Cubfansince1957 on Aug 3, 2008 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions
I dont know why but now just the sight of Steve Goodman makes me happy...
I dont even need to here the song, his picture just reminds me of who started the gossbump applicator “Go Cubs Go”... 
"This balls got a chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannce, GONE!" - Pat Hughes
by SouthsideCUBSfan on Aug 3, 2008 5:58 PM CDT reply actions
"hear" not "here"... sorry
"This balls got a chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannce, GONE!" - Pat Hughes
by SouthsideCUBSfan on Aug 3, 2008 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions
goodman
Was just listening to his songs yesterday with my son. Who could forget “A Dying Cub Fan’s Last Request?”
“Do they still play the blues in Chicago, when baseball season comes around
When the snow melts away, do the Cubbies still play, in their ivy-colored burial ground?”
"Hey hey, kiss it goodbye! That one's in Milwaukee! Man oh man did he hit it. Isn't that something?" - Lou Boudreau, May 17, 1979
Needless to say....
I’m a Goodman fan….
Let my ashes blow in a beautiful snow from the prevailing 30 mile an hour southwest wind...
When my last remains go flying over the left field wall, I'll bid the bleacher bums adieu,
And I will come to my final resting place, out on Waveland Avenue. --Steve Goodman
Send the picture to the Pirates TV announcers.
They were mad at the fans for singing Goodman’s song (“Go, Cubs, go”).
by Fraggin Judge on Aug 4, 2008 1:22 AM CDT up reply actions
Not entirely sure
but it seems other teams’ announcers don’t like us.
It could have to do with winning and playing in front of a packed house, two foreign concepts in Cincinnati and Pittsburgh.
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
by Curtain Jerker on Aug 4, 2008 8:49 AM CDT up reply actions
Today was his first
curtain call too. He said he was pretty excited about it. He loves the fans.
Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden. Now that's a pair of Aces.
Could have gotten dirty if you used his other name.
:)
Theriot, Fonty, and Johnson = The Scrappy Pyramid of Victory
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Aug 3, 2008 6:57 PM CDT up reply actions
this is the first time
his major heroics have come at home.
but really. great pickup Mr Hendry!!
I think it’s just his face. - dat cubfan daver
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 3, 2008 7:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Excellent pickup.
The Cubs have a useful CF platoon for a total price of about $1.6 million.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
wish sori would have gotten one right after that
would have been a cool moment in my opinion…...but yah i love the curtain call
Nice win
I’m usually fairly pessimistic, but I felt they would win today when the Bucs tied it at 5. Felt like the Cubs were basically in control of the game all the way.
Hopefully this doesn't get lost in the shuffle,
but I don’t want to make a whole fanpost. Great game today. I saw a really cool shirt – looked like the soldiers raising the flag at Iwo Jima, only it was ballplayers raising a W flag. I looked all over the place after the game, but couldn’t find one – anyone have any idea where I might find it?
This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again.
by HectorVillanueva on Aug 3, 2008 7:30 PM CDT reply actions
That sounds kind of cool on first read..
but then I think of all the veterans that lost their lives fighting on that little island. I’m on the fence on this one. What does everyone else think?
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
What the hell are you talking about?
"I think Hendry still has a few years to serve on his 'grand larceny' sentence before he can shop in Pittsburgh again" - ballhawk
Yeah, thats a little much
I think it’s just his face. - dat cubfan daver
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 3, 2008 10:00 PM CDT up reply actions
Me or Hector?
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
it's called 'reply' for a reason
if you click on it to post your responses, it’s easier to see who’s shouting at who… ;-)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Well, I replied to Hector...
So I assume Nittany replied to me, but I wasn’t quite sure. It’s an easy enough conversation to follow, so I’m not sure why there would be any confusion on his part.
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
I thought the same thing too (about the vets that dies there),
but I went to th game with my mom today. Her uncle fought in the South Pacific, and that’s who we were looking for the shirt for. I know he’d love it.
This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again.
by HectorVillanueva on Aug 3, 2008 8:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Well, if he loves it, that's what matters most I guess.
An interesting topic though. I’d be curious to see what other vets of that era think.
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
You really need to hit the Reply button more
"I think Hendry still has a few years to serve on his 'grand larceny' sentence before he can shop in Pittsburgh again" - ballhawk
I'm usually quite good at it actually...
Been a long day.
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
It happens
"I think Hendry still has a few years to serve on his 'grand larceny' sentence before he can shop in Pittsburgh again" - ballhawk
Jim Henry
Brought in Johnson and Edmonds for zip in a New York minute of their releases…..... I’ll take Harden over C.C with a year left on the contract…..... Give him a mulligan for Dusty and glad we have Lou…..... DeRosa an unknown to many Cub fans from the AL last year still paying off….... and the the minor leagues looking good…... Nice going, Jim….!!!!!
LOL!
Made me laugh!
"Drink,Drugs and shagging models...the rest I wasted." George Best on where his millions went
Don't forget Gaudin!
Yeah, he had a bad game today. But otherwise he’s been a lifesaver for us in the pen.
Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?
by Josh Timmers on Aug 4, 2008 12:46 AM CDT up reply actions
holy cow, did that rock or WHAT?
talkin’ about
’’If somebody had told me we were going to lose Soriano for eight weeks, lose [Carlos] Zambrano and Kerry Wood for a couple of weeks apiece, and then at the same time lose [Reed] Johnson, and then when we played the American League not have a DH [then-injured Daryle Ward], and be in first place by two games, I’d tell you we were pretty fortunate.’’ Lou Piniella (7/23/08)
how does everyone feel about...
......jimmy ballgame wearing the cards jersey under the cubs…...this is why he still hasn’t won over everyone
He could wear...
a pink tutu under his jersey…as long as he plays like he has been playing and helps the Cubs win, I have no problem with that.
Kasey
See the Cubs 2008 schedule (with TV schedule & game-by-game results) at http://ignarski.tripod.com/sched2008.html
Some proof, please?
Link? Picture? Anything?
"Happiness? A good cigar, a good meal, a good cigar and a good woman - or a bad woman; it depends on how much happiness you can handle." ~ George Burns
Agreed.
I have not heard nor seen anything about this.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
At a Wrigley "behind the scenes tour" a few years ago
one of the clubhouse attendants was talking about fulfilling special requests for players. He was asked about the more interesting ones, and he mentioned Jim Edmonds asking for a special purchase from a vendor outside the stadium: a “F—- The Cardinals” T-shirt.
about the same way we feel
when people make things up about others just to spread lies.
Baseball is too much of a sport to be a business and too much of a business to be a sport.
William Wrigley Jr
by bubbamike the one and only on Aug 4, 2008 7:45 AM CDT up reply actions
I have a really hard time believing this is true.
Yeah, let’s see some evidence or at least a reputable source.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
actually the fact that he's an ex card had
almost nothing to do w/ me not liking him in the beginning. I just thought he was d-o-n-e.
He could wear fishnets under his uniform and if he hits and plays solid defensively i couldn’t care less.
I think it’s just his face. - dat cubfan daver
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 4, 2008 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions
Fishnets - that's so Giambiestic
"Every team will win 60 games, every team will lose 60 games, it's what the team does in the other 42 games that decides the season."
Observations from this weekend
1. Derrek Lee continues to play this season like an old man. There is no debating his high qualities and positive things he brings to this ballclub. But his bat is getting shockingly slow. And he runs out of the batter’s box like his legs and back must ache. We might be staring at a rapid decline phase ballplayer, ala Paul Konerko on the southside.
2. Reed Johnson is a ballplayer. That is the highest compliment I can give a player. If you can’t love Reed Johnson then you don’t love the game of baseball, the sabermagicians be damned!
3. The bullpen worries me. I look at our pen and have nightmares of it being the principal reason for a painful playoff demise in 2008. A lab experiment in Jeff Spellcheck (whoever came up with that name should win an award), a hanger on in Scott Eyre who has nothing left to provide, a lefty starting pitcher who we can’t seem to figure out a bullpen role for in Sean Marshall, the forever suspect Neal Cotts and a gas can in Bob Howry. Oh, the forever ominous shadow of Kerry Wood’s health added into the mix for good measure.
4. Sweet Lou showed today, once again, why he is one of the absolute best in the business. God I love Piniella.
you just
cannot be happy.
Derrek Lee is just as much a ballplayer as Reed Johnson.
’’If somebody had told me we were going to lose Soriano for eight weeks, lose [Carlos] Zambrano and Kerry Wood for a couple of weeks apiece, and then at the same time lose [Reed] Johnson, and then when we played the American League not have a DH [then-injured Daryle Ward], and be in first place by two games, I’d tell you we were pretty fortunate.’’ Lou Piniella (7/23/08)
by drewishdrewid on Aug 3, 2008 9:16 PM CDT up reply actions
Aren't they all ballplayers?
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
Oh, I see...
...so now Sean Marshall is a starting pitcher. Seems to me you went on record many times saying he was a two-pitch pitcher who would never be worthy of a spot in the rotation. Repetition. Contradiction. Repetition. Contradiction. Repetition. Contradiction. Repetition. Contradiction. Repetition. Contradiction. Repetition. Contradiction.
Oh, and newsflash: Sean Marshall does have a bullpen role. He’s the long man. Great job paying attention.
And what do “sabermagicians” have to do with Reed Johnson? He was projected to have decent numbers and he’s producing them. You’re swinging madly at ghosts. You can’t even get the spelling of “sabre” right.
FAILNanika Ga Okoru!
Leave him alone..his opinions are as careless and made up as anyone
from ESPN or this board.
Theriot, Fonty, and Johnson = The Scrappy Pyramid of Victory
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Aug 3, 2008 10:12 PM CDT up reply actions
So did you get into a fight this weekend?
Theriot, Fonty, and Johnson = The Scrappy Pyramid of Victory
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Aug 3, 2008 10:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Indeed!
Speak to us with your prowess at fisticuffs, Blue Mike!
’’If somebody had told me we were going to lose Soriano for eight weeks, lose [Carlos] Zambrano and Kerry Wood for a couple of weeks apiece, and then at the same time lose [Reed] Johnson, and then when we played the American League not have a DH [then-injured Daryle Ward], and be in first place by two games, I’d tell you we were pretty fortunate.’’ Lou Piniella (7/23/08)
by drewishdrewid on Aug 3, 2008 10:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Nope
But did have wonderful day enjoying a great game at Wrigley on Saturday. Funny how a couple of “invitees” didn’t RSVP in person. But that’s how these things go I guess. Very easy to call liar and asshole on an anonymous chat board, very hard to say those things directly to a person’s face. The Internet makes a lot of cowards and dregs of society into puffy chested name calling warriors I guess.
Don't take this stuff to personal
It’s the crappy thing about the internet. People talk conversationally but you can’t read their body language or hear the inflection in what they say. It causes a great deal of confusion especially when some folks on this board like to use “Frat Boy” humor in their comments.
For what it is worth most folks here seem to be pretty cool, including you. I don’t always agree with you but you’re fun to read.
Try not to take this stuff personally. Just call a spade a spade and let it lie (I know it is much easier said then done). I’m glad you a had a great day at Wrigley with your daughter. Since the Cubs won that mean you have to take her to all the games now :)
Keep up the fun posts.
Theriot, Fonty, and Johnson = The Scrappy Pyramid of Victory
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Aug 3, 2008 10:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Anonymous?
I’ve posted pictures of my wedding and honeymoon. People know what I look like, where I live, my wife’s name, my name, where I live…
anonymous = giving vague, incorrect details about a mystical college baseball career that can’t be confirmed.
’’If somebody had told me we were going to lose Soriano for eight weeks, lose [Carlos] Zambrano and Kerry Wood for a couple of weeks apiece, and then at the same time lose [Reed] Johnson, and then when we played the American League not have a DH [then-injured Daryle Ward], and be in first place by two games, I’d tell you we were pretty fortunate.’’ Lou Piniella (7/23/08)
by drewishdrewid on Aug 4, 2008 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions
So that must make you
a puffy chested name calling warrior when you called me a name in that foul language laced post last year. You are the champion name caller on here and I will prove it if you want (and I’m not just talking about what you called me) . What you called me is many times worse than liar and asshole. Stop trying to play the victim here. You bring all of this on yourself. You did threaten bodily harm to people on here Friday and I think that’s against the law.
Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden. Now that's a pair of Aces.
No, Sue, this man is a nihilist, there's nothing to be afraid of.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 4, 2008 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions
You, sir,
are the definition of a glass half empty!
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 3, 2008 10:42 PM CDT up reply actions
2 and 4 were both positive?
Theriot, Fonty, and Johnson = The Scrappy Pyramid of Victory
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Aug 3, 2008 10:45 PM CDT up reply actions
It is a great nickname, at that.
Reminds me of how, in a couple of Harry Turtledove’s books, anyone in the military with a name that was filled with consonants from the end of the alphabet would be given the nickname “Eyechart.”
Before each game, please remember to feed the bats.
Poor Harry
he hasn’t written a decent book in ages. I’m trying to read his latest Videoss book and it is a real task. Considering how much I liked the earlier ones it is a real disappointment. I think he lost it writing so much crap in his WWI, WWII and other stuff. To many endless series.
Baseball is too much of a sport to be a business and too much of a business to be a sport.
William Wrigley Jr
by bubbamike the one and only on Aug 4, 2008 7:47 AM CDT up reply actions
I've only read some of his stuff...
Guns of the South, Days of Infamy/End of the Beginning, and the “Timeline-191” series. I enjoyed them a lot, although some of the 191 books could be tough to get through at times.
Before each game, please remember to feed the bats.
Far be it from me to defend BlueMike
... but what did he type that is incorrect (besides spelling “sabre”)? Sure the Cubs won a series against Pittsburgh, but with a team this talented, their sights must be set on/over the horizon. And the bullpen is a great concern. And Lee is a concern, albeit less of one.
Dome-san!!
by Goat Whisperer on Aug 4, 2008 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions
My heart goes out to his family
He went way too soon.
Theriot, Fonty, and Johnson = The Scrappy Pyramid of Victory
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Aug 3, 2008 10:13 PM CDT up reply actions
Phils now up on the Red Birds 5-2!!
Theriot, Fonty, and Johnson = The Scrappy Pyramid of Victory
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Aug 3, 2008 9:23 PM CDT reply actions
Uh, not so much....now 5-4 on Glaus homer
Let my ashes blow in a beautiful snow from the prevailing 30 mile an hour southwest wind...
When my last remains go flying over the left field wall, I'll bid the bleacher bums adieu,
And I will come to my final resting place, out on Waveland Avenue. --Steve Goodman
Cards Lose!
and the Old Lidge comes back to life to give me a heart-attack.
God I hate that guy!
Theriot, Fonty, and Johnson = The Scrappy Pyramid of Victory
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Aug 3, 2008 10:14 PM CDT up reply actions
Standings:
Brewers 5 GB & Cards 7 GB in the L column.
Very cool!!
I think it’s just his face. - dat cubfan daver
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 3, 2008 10:15 PM CDT reply actions
The Cubs also have a 5 game lead for
Best Record in the NL (Third in the Pros percentage points behind the Rays)
Theriot, Fonty, and Johnson = The Scrappy Pyramid of Victory
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Aug 3, 2008 10:21 PM CDT up reply actions
now that is really cool!
I think it’s just his face. - dat cubfan daver
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 3, 2008 10:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Remember when
Lidge/Dotel/Wagner was the most feared 7/8/9 in the NL? Seems like forever since those days…
"Fear is the path to the Dark Side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering." ~Master Yoda
Soon to be replaced by
Shark/Marmol/Wood
Now Playing!
"I guess you had some lean years, and didnt have to beat it hard" - Craig Sager
SORIANO WATCH: AVG: .295 19 HR 48 RBI
I'm never surprised with the way this team can comeback at any time....
Z is the horse we’re riding to the Pennant and WS people!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 3, 2008 10:44 PM CDT reply actions 3 recs
LMAO
I think it’s just his face. - dat cubfan daver
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 3, 2008 10:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Please don't tell your boyfriend I'm the reason his favorite body part is missing.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 3, 2008 10:47 PM CDT up reply actions
ha
its a good thing i’m single… otherwise you’d have some ‘splainin to do. :-P
I think it’s just his face. - dat cubfan daver
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 3, 2008 10:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Who's your boyfriend?
Theriot, Fonty, and Johnson = The Scrappy Pyramid of Victory
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Aug 3, 2008 10:48 PM CDT up reply actions
LMAO!
I just choked on a hot wing and spit it on my computer screen.
Thanks SWL now I have to clean BBQ sauce out of my keyboard :)
Theriot, Fonty, and Johnson = The Scrappy Pyramid of Victory
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Aug 3, 2008 10:47 PM CDT up reply actions
leave it...it'll make your intertubez faster.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 3, 2008 10:49 PM CDT up reply actions
Brilliant!
Fontenots even short enough to be a jockey too
by cubsonWGN4ever on Aug 4, 2008 12:39 AM CDT up reply actions
Great!
And it’s nice to see Soriano leading the pack.
by John Q Freejazz on Aug 4, 2008 7:35 AM CDT up reply actions
excellent!
I haz blurg: hotbeans.wordpress.com
by digitalbenjamin on Aug 4, 2008 9:12 AM CDT up reply actions
Well, crud...
...my trifecta picks just went out the window.
by Shawon O Meter on Aug 4, 2008 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions
Looks like the Cubs had a little extra inspiration in Milwaukee
Erin Andrews fired em before Wednesday’s game:
http://www.norwichbulletin.com/sports/columnists/x1370764220/Mike-Nadel-Blonde-bombshell-cant-distract-red-hot-Cubs
Need your guys help
Hey all,
I need your guys help in locating a cubs flag, 3’x5’ that I can put up here in the section. I have a major here who put up his tennessee stuff, and he’s jaw jacking all over the section now, so I need to temper that. I don’t have a college team(unless I get a Notre Dame Flag) so I figured cubs. Besides one of the civilians that works here is a cubs fan as well and we were talking this morning. He related a funny story about how he was upset because in 82 he was in chicago and had just got a cush job allowing him to get to wrigley everyday, but then the cubs went on strike and he was never able to take advantage. By the time they came back from the strike, he had a school gig, and couldn’t go.
So if you guys know of a web site that I can go to, and one that ships to APO addresses, please let me know. Any help would greatly be appreciated. Saw the box score this morning, was glad to see that the cubs won and the brewers and cards lost. So they got the game back that they gave them on friday.
Have a great day guys, go cubs!
You mean a flag with the Cubs logo?
Check the Cubs website. Haven’t looked, but I’m sure they have one and large sites like that can generally ship to APO addresses. Good luck!
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Here's one you can check.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Yes.
They’ll do whatever they have to in order to get this one in. The Astros are in Cincinnati on Thursday so the game couldn’t be made up then. They do return at the beginning of September and have a common off day on 9/4. But I imagine the Cubs don’t want to postpone unless it’s absolutely necessary.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Not to mention...
I would HATE to deal with 2 days off this week!
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 4, 2008 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions
That's what I thought, I was looking for a cosigner.
Thanks Al. Maybe it’ll be a little cooler at 6:00 tonight when they play the game. It’s supposed to be pretty darn hot today.
Jimmyeatworld
by Jimmyeatworld on Aug 4, 2008 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions
Great week
in Chicago. Family ( wife, two daughters) in the city from Monday to Sunday. The sweep of the Brewers, and two out of three from the Buc’s. I have been to the city and ballpark 4 other times, for the family there first. They loved the city and Wrigley. Energy at the park was tremendous, only Friday was a downer. My only complaint is the organ trying to get people to clap and some yahoo trying to get the wave started in section 204. Let the game breath, enjoy the sounds. God I love Wrigley, did not want to leave, that is including my family.
The City is great, We all were impressed with the friendliness of the people. Great food, great sites to see. Great time. RoSals is a must for Italian.
Go Cubs
"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"
My colleague here at work was there on Friday for the first time....
...With that being the only loss of the week, I have asked him never to return ;-)
Let my ashes blow in a beautiful snow from the prevailing 30 mile an hour southwest wind...
When my last remains go flying over the left field wall, I'll bid the bleacher bums adieu,
And I will come to my final resting place, out on Waveland Avenue. --Steve Goodman
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