Bleed Cubbie Blue: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:

Around SBN: Hoffman Deal Done Bar-right-arrows

Let's Get It Started, Again Thread: Cubs vs. Astros at Milwaukee, Sunday 9/14, 7:05 CT

Yelloncard_tiny by Al on in Game Threads

Chicago Cubs @ Houston Astros


Next Game

Chicago Cubs
@ Houston Astros

Sunday, Sep 14, 2008, 7:05 PM CDT
Miller Park

Carlos Zambrano vs Randy Wolf

Complete Coverage >

At last! Baseball again. By the time the Cubs play tonight, they'll know how their nearest competitors have fared -- I wanted to get this posted early, and some of the games have not yet been completed, plus the Brewers have the second game of their split doubleheader in Philadelphia tonight.

Here's the deal on TV tonight: the Cubs website is correct. The game is on WGN -- but only in Chicago, not on the national WGN feed. HOWEVER. The White Sox just announced that they are giving up the idea of playing a split (1:05/7:05) doubleheader today and are going to start a straight doubleheader as soon as it stops raining -- but that may not be for a couple more hours. The Sox' 2nd game is to be the ESPN game tonight. If the Sox start at 4:00 and play a long first game, I would imagine ESPN will pick up at least part of Cubs coverage. So, tune in... you might see some of the game, at least. Tomorrow's 1:05 Cubs/Astros game will be on CSN, and also on EI.

Here is today's gratuitous picture of Geovany Soto (taken last year in Cincinnati):

1463544227_32c4f3e59b_medium

via farm2.static.flickr.com

Today's Starting Pitchers
Carlos Zambrano
C. Zambrano
Cubs		 vs. Randy Wolf
R.
Wolf
Astros
13-5 W-L 10-11
3.58 ERA 4.45
117 SO 146
64 BB 67
16 HR 19
vs. Hou -- vs. Cubs
W-L G GS CG SHO SV BS IP H R ER HR BB K ERA WHIP
2008 - Carlos Zambrano 13-5 27 27 0 0 0 0 173.1 163 72 69 16 64 117 3.58 1.31
W-L G GS CG SHO SV BS IP H R ER HR BB K ERA WHIP
2008 - Randy Wolf 4-1 9 9 1 1 0 0 54.1 51 25 23 5 20 41 3.81 1.31

The above numbers are Wolf's numbers with the Astros only. For Wolf's full-season stats see the pitcher box above.

Randy Wolf threw a six-hit shutout vs. the Cubs 11 days ago at Wrigley Field. But on May 12, also at Wrigley, the Cubs pounded him. So which Wolf shows up tonight? FWIW, he has pitched twice in Miller Park (vs. the Brewers, of course) since donning an Astros uniform with a 9.72 ERA in 8.1 innings.

Z's last start was 12 days ago vs. the Astros, the game he took himself out of. He says he's feeling great and is ready to go. Z has one of his best career marks vs. the Astros -- 11-7, 2.85 in 25 appearances (23 starts) -- and is 6-5, 3.67 in Miller Park (11 starts vs. the Brewers there). He is also a .267 career hitter in Miller Park and has hit five of his 16 career homers off Astros pitching.

See above for TV information for tonight. For other games today see the MLB.com Mediacenter. I'm not certain, but I believe MLB.TV viewers can watch tonight's game. Field reports would be appreciated, later today.

MLB.com Gameday

Baseball-reference.com game preview

As always, you can find the overflow comment threads, including the first pitch thread, on the right sidebar of both the front page and any interior page in the box headed "RECENT STORIES IN GAME THREADS". Today's first pitch thread posts at 7 pm CT, and the overflow comment threads will post at 8 pm, 9 pm and 9:45 pm CT.

Discuss amongst yourselves.

0 recs | Comment 278 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Display:

Let's ge a win!!!!

At Wrigley North!!!

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Sep 14, 2008 3:03 PM CDT   0 recs

Let's lower that magic number

Bears blew it today.

Lets do it Cubbies

by slocs55 on Sep 14, 2008 3:04 PM CDT   0 recs

And the Brewers lose again!!!!!

Magic number is 9!!!

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Sep 14, 2008 3:08 PM CDT   0 recs

Wow - Yahoo's live boxscore was really delayed

My next sig line quote will also be from Lou Piniella, and the first word will be either "Look", or "Listen", followed by a comma.

by JohnM on Sep 14, 2008 3:13 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

We're

one strike away from 9 being the magic number.

by sniffy the bee on Sep 14, 2008 3:08 PM CDT   0 recs

Isn't it one inning?

And Scott Eyre is on the mound, too…

My next sig line quote will also be from Lou Piniella, and the first word will be either "Look", or "Listen", followed by a comma.

by JohnM on Sep 14, 2008 3:10 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Never, but NEVER, put ketchup on a hot dog.

by CaliCub on Sep 14, 2008 3:08 PM CDT   0 recs

as bad as September has been for the Cubs

… it’s AMAZING how bad the Brewers have been. Wow.

by elgato on Sep 14, 2008 3:11 PM CDT   0 recs

living in LA, why do I have this anger at MLB for not letting this

rain delayed Cub game be shown on the national DirecTV feed of WGN? Does ESPN really think they will get me to watch a White Sux game? Seriously??

THIS IS OUR CENTURY!!

by LAcarl519 on Sep 14, 2008 3:11 PM CDT   0 recs

Blame ESPN

It’s in the contract. It’s almost never an issue. But it is tonight.

by Josh77 on Sep 14, 2008 4:18 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Amusing note from Gordo's Twitter
Astros sticking it to Cubs by every means possible — including forcing the less familiar, bigger, nicer home clubhouse on them.

My next sig line quote will also be from Lou Piniella, and the first word will be either "Look", or "Listen", followed by a comma.

by JohnM on Sep 14, 2008 3:12 PM CDT   0 recs

Funny.

Does it include hot tubs, bidets, piped-in multimedia, and a special throne for Fatso #1 and Fatso #2?

"I'm not much of a chemistry guy, you know. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded"--Jim Frey, Chicago Tribune, 1985.

by zevkalman on Sep 14, 2008 3:17 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Not jusy any American Standard throne

it’s reinforced porcelain with 1" rebar. Get your facts straight.

I have discovered in twenty years of moving around a ball park, that the knowledge of the game is usually in inverse proportion to the price of the seats. ~Bill Veeck

by Employee22 on Sep 14, 2008 4:00 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I doubt it's American Standard...

…seeing as how Kohler is just a few rolls of toilet paper north of Milwaukee.

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

by ballhawk on Sep 14, 2008 5:47 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

As long as the Cubs

stick it to the Asstros on the scoreboard, I could care less.

Current temperature in hell: 44 degrees F - and falling!

by wnielsen on Sep 14, 2008 3:20 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Ouch! How nasty?

Which Cub is assigned the job of “marking” (like a dog) Fatso’s locker?

THIS IS OUR CENTURY!!

by LAcarl519 on Sep 14, 2008 3:21 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

They're flying in Alou from NYC for the ceremonial first leak :-)

"I'm not much of a chemistry guy, you know. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded"--Jim Frey, Chicago Tribune, 1985.

by zevkalman on Sep 14, 2008 3:24 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

NEWS FLASH:

Carl Pavano is injured AGAIN!!!

He left today’s Yankee game with a hip injury.

Truly, one of the worst signings in the history of free agency.

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Sep 14, 2008 3:13 PM CDT   0 recs

Well poop.

I hope ESPN does change to the Cubs game. Wed.‘s game is on WCIU so we won’t be seeing that one either. ::sigh::

GO CUBS!!!

by sue369 on Sep 14, 2008 3:16 PM CDT   0 recs

Any word on if we

can watch the game on MLB.tv?

"Destiny is a matter of choice, not chance"

by MerlinDog on Sep 14, 2008 3:17 PM CDT   0 recs

It's not marked as a national blackout

so I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Sep 14, 2008 3:25 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Looks like it.

The MLB.TV lineup lists both Houston and Chicago feeds and the schedule on Cubs.com lists MLB.TV. Sounds good to me.

by Great Odin's Raven on Sep 14, 2008 5:51 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

The Brewers are falling apart in front of our eyes

Lets stick it to them and the Astros the next two days.

Your 2008 Missouri Tigers! #6 2-0 (0-0). Next up Saturday home vs. Nevada. Chase for Heisman!

by nji232 on Sep 14, 2008 3:18 PM CDT   0 recs

BREWERS LOSE!

Current temperature in hell: 44 degrees F - and falling!

by wnielsen on Sep 14, 2008 3:18 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I'm glad its a crappy beer that is getting spilt all over the place

Your 2008 Missouri Tigers! #5 3-0 (0-0). Next up Saturday home vs. Buffalo. Chase Daniel and Jeremy Maclin for Co-Heisman!

by nji232 on Sep 14, 2008 3:20 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Admittedly unlikely

But if we sweep the Stros and Brewers and the Brewers lose tonight we clinch on thursday afternoon.

Go Cubs

by cubstoseriesby100 on Sep 14, 2008 3:25 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Now THAT'S funny.

Not to worry. A hardcore Brewer/Packer fan could fix that situation by righting the can and sopping the beer off the floor with the bun of his brat. Tastes great and just leaves a sticky spot on the floor.

by the nth on Sep 14, 2008 3:26 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Can they fix this?

Current temperature in hell: 43 degrees F - and falling!

by wnielsen on Sep 14, 2008 3:27 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Mmmm Grolsch

’n fijn lekker biertje.

The white road-edge paint stripe is a clue that this photo is from outside the US. The road surface and flatness (and the brand of beer) suggest it’s the Netherlands.

by ChipSet on Sep 14, 2008 3:31 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Probably is

I couldn’t tell you either way.

Current temperature in hell: 43 degrees F - and falling!

by wnielsen on Sep 14, 2008 3:32 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

The Dutch are partial to this porous-y asphalt

that lets water drain through the road surface, rather than puddle up and cause spray. It’s amazing to drive in the rain and not get any spray from cars ahead.

by ChipSet on Sep 14, 2008 3:35 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

You can really beef up your infrastructure

When Uncle Sam is footing the bill for your defense.

by jmomls on Sep 14, 2008 4:36 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Don't think it's Uncle Sam

but it may be some of the taxes on that $9-a-gallon gasoline, the 50% income tax, etc.

by ChipSet on Sep 15, 2008 9:08 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

The Truck and Car in the picture

Also suggest this photo was taken in Europe somewhere too

"I guess you had some lean years, and didnt have to beat it hard" - Craig Sager

SORIANO WATCH: AVG: .287 27 HR 70 RBI

by Galvan316 on Sep 14, 2008 4:48 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

That's good beer.

Far outside the taste range of many a Wisconsin sports fan. But they would be amazed by the sparkly glass.

by the nth on Sep 14, 2008 3:32 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Let's not get uppity

The beer served at Wrigley is not much better. Last time I was at Miller Park one could still get a Sprecher. What’s the microcraftiest brew you can get at Wrigley? In July, all I saw was Dog Style, Amstel, Heineken etc.

And I’ve had plenty of skunky Grolsch. The best thing about it is the the stopper top—makes it easier to sneak out of the bar at closing time.

by jmomls on Sep 14, 2008 4:36 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Actually,

One’s hunting dog would get that Miller.

by jmomls on Sep 14, 2008 4:34 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

My dish network

has Cubs-Astros listed on Alt Channel 445. I usually get those so I’m hoping to watch.

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 Sep 14, 2008 3:20 PM CDT   0 recs

And DirecTV show the game

on FSH channel 678 at 7 p.m. Hope they really are carrying it.

by sue369 on Sep 14, 2008 3:28 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Al are you going to tomorrow game?

"A catchers biggest concern behind the plate is to make his pitcher pitch a little better than he can" Roy Campanella

by Madison Cub Fan on Sep 14, 2008 3:20 PM CDT   0 recs

More like the Deadbirds

They have given up.

Current temperature in hell: 44 degrees F - and falling!

by wnielsen on Sep 14, 2008 3:22 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

BEAT MILWAUKEE HOUSTON!!!!!!!!

The day we lose our will to fight - Is the day we lose our Freedom.

by sanantonecub on Sep 14, 2008 3:22 PM CDT   0 recs

No kidding!

Current temperature in hell: 44 degrees F - and falling!

by wnielsen on Sep 14, 2008 3:22 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

So it was the Astros players even more than McLane that delayed this thing

Per Gordo:

Astros ownership held up a quick resolution by holding firm on keeping the games in Houston if at all possible. In the aftermath of Saturday’s damage and flooding in the area, their positioned softened. But then Astros players, through the union, fought against reversing home-field advantage by playing in Milwaukee.

Berkman and company really didn’t want to go to Wisconsin.

Objections by the Astros players at one point brought St. Louis and Cincinnati back into the discussions, according to sources, but weather forecasts made those poor choices.

Now they’re undoubtedly pissed that things didn’t go their way. So much so that they insisted on using the visitors’ clubhouse which they’re used to, forcing the Cubs to use the bigger, nicer home team clubhouse (see above).

Really bad attitude over the whole thing. They were so hot. Why wasn’t their attitude more like “Bring it On!” “We’ll play the Cubs anywhere, anytime!” I think they’ve blown their own momentum with this thing.

My next sig line quote will also be from Lou Piniella, and the first word will be either "Look", or "Listen", followed by a comma.

by JohnM on Sep 14, 2008 3:23 PM CDT   0 recs

+1

"I'm not much of a chemistry guy, you know. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded"--Jim Frey, Chicago Tribune, 1985.

by zevkalman on Sep 14, 2008 3:25 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Couldn't agree more. Think of the Fish a few years ago, when they just went to the Cell to play.

No complaining, just go anywhere and keep your momentum. I have a feeling that the Ass-tros turned this whole thing into a huge distraction. They should have just left Houston by no later than Friday morning and got all three games in on Sat/Sun/Mon.

THIS IS OUR CENTURY!!

by LAcarl519 on Sep 14, 2008 3:32 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

After a storm like that they're going to have to coax Berkman

out from under his bed to make the plane on time.

by the nth on Sep 14, 2008 3:29 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

they can be angry all they want, it certainly wasnt the Cubs fault

…they gambled on having home games after a hurricane and they are getting what they deserve for doing so.

Boo Freaking Hoo.

"When I got to Chicago, fans came to Wrigley Field just to have fun, now they come to see us win. The expectations have changed, for the players and for the fans. It’s about winning." Kerry Wood, 7/14/08

by JB 23 on Sep 14, 2008 4:15 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Both of you would be saying the exact opposite

if this was a Cubs home game and they had to play in Rangers Ballpark. As a matter of fact, I bet everyone here would cause an uproar.

I mean, shit, they’re playing in a stadium that’s dubbed Wrigley Field North when they come to town. It’s not the Astros fault either, and they’re being punished the most for it.

"Yes it's true. Everyone knows that I've pitched. I make sure of that. I have nine different pitches, all of which are awesome. I have a 0.00 ERA, got one out, throwing all knuckleballs. I don't remember who I faced -- some dude from Ole Miss." - Ryan Theriot

by NittanyCub on Sep 14, 2008 4:57 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I was saying last Tuesday

that the games would be played in Arlington. Check the records. So you lose your bet.

by Josh77 on Sep 14, 2008 5:02 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I forgot you like butting into conversations

"Yes it's true. Everyone knows that I've pitched. I make sure of that. I have nine different pitches, all of which are awesome. I have a 0.00 ERA, got one out, throwing all knuckleballs. I don't remember who I faced -- some dude from Ole Miss." - Ryan Theriot

by NittanyCub on Sep 14, 2008 5:05 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Actually nevermind

lame post on my part

"Yes it's true. Everyone knows that I've pitched. I make sure of that. I have nine different pitches, all of which are awesome. I have a 0.00 ERA, got one out, throwing all knuckleballs. I don't remember who I faced -- some dude from Ole Miss." - Ryan Theriot

by NittanyCub on Sep 14, 2008 5:06 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

The Astros held out for a miracle that would allow them to play these games in their park.

Hope is NOT a strategy! They chose to hope for a miracle and are were left with Miller park as their only alternative.

If they had recognized the reality of the situation days ago, another venue which was more of a nuetral site, may have been an option.

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Sep 14, 2008 5:03 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I'm not at all sure of that.

If, heaven forbid, a natural disaster were to befall Chicago, and (say) the Outer Drive was flooded, the interstates were strewn with cars, Hancock Center had half its windows blown out, the Chicago Police were called in to stop looting, etc., the last thing I would care have a hissy fit about was where the Cubs were going to play.

BTW, at least one Astro fan has pointed out that the Juice Box is regularly patrolled by dozens of cops, and the cops have more important things to do now in Houston than to supervise rowdy fans in a baseball stadium.

"I'm not much of a chemistry guy, you know. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded"--Jim Frey, Chicago Tribune, 1985.

by zevkalman on Sep 14, 2008 5:06 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Never said it doesn't suck for the Astros

but they could have at least tried to put a positive spin on it, just for their own sake. But if it were reversed like you say and the Cubs had just won 14 out of 15 games, I can’t imagine being too worried about where the next game was going to be played…

My next sig line quote will also be from Lou Piniella, and the first word will be either "Look", or "Listen", followed by a comma.

by JohnM on Sep 14, 2008 5:11 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Just spoke to my stepsister

Just spoke to my stepsister. We’re going to the game tomorrow afternoon.

She is a Brewers fan and active on a couple of Brewer fansites. She says the most realistic ones are rooting for the Cubs tonight and tomorrow.

Go Cubs

by cubstoseriesby100 on Sep 14, 2008 3:24 PM CDT   0 recs

Now 6-4 Braves in the 9th

4 run rally off Ayala of the Mets, and still batting…

by The Deputy Mayor of Rush Street on Sep 14, 2008 3:24 PM CDT   0 recs

Now 7-4

2 on, 2 out

Current temperature in hell: 43 degrees F - and falling!

by wnielsen on Sep 14, 2008 3:29 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I'm rooting with a 3 way tie between the NL east and NL wildcard,

forcing 2 playoff games. The first to determine the winner of the NL East and that winner playing whichever NL Central team is tied for the WC. That way, all of their pitching staffs will be exhausted.

And the best outcome would be for the NL East to win the WC and play the Cubs in the first round of the playoffs.

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Sep 14, 2008 3:28 PM CDT   0 recs

Lilly tomorrow

Gordo is a texting fool today:

Lou taps Lilly to start on regular rest Monday vs. Astros. Puts Dempster in opener of big Brewers series Tuesday. 4 minutes ago

My next sig line quote will also be from Lou Piniella, and the first word will be either "Look", or "Listen", followed by a comma.

by JohnM on Sep 14, 2008 3:29 PM CDT   0 recs

So does that mean Dempster, Marquis and Harden for the Brewers series?

My next sig line quote will also be from Lou Piniella, and the first word will be either "Look", or "Listen", followed by a comma.

by JohnM on Sep 14, 2008 3:30 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Sounds good!

If I recall correctly, the Brewers are better against left handed pitching.

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Sep 14, 2008 3:32 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

WHY ?????

Lilly should be saved for the Brewers and Marquis should pitch tomorrow.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry

by Doggie Stalker on Sep 14, 2008 4:36 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I'm think it's Marquis tomorrow.

according to the ESPN Cubs page.

"Yes it's true. Everyone knows that I've pitched. I make sure of that. I have nine different pitches, all of which are awesome. I have a 0.00 ERA, got one out, throwing all knuckleballs. I don't remember who I faced -- some dude from Ole Miss." - Ryan Theriot

by NittanyCub on Sep 14, 2008 4:59 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I was only quoting the beat writer who was texting from the Cubs' clubhouse in Milwaukee

My next sig line quote will also be from Lou Piniella, and the first word will be either "Look", or "Listen", followed by a comma.

by JohnM on Sep 14, 2008 5:12 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Since the Brewers are only a game up

on the Phillies, does Yost start Sabathia tonight or is he going to hold him for the Cubs on Tuesday?

by PhillyCub on Sep 14, 2008 3:31 PM CDT   0 recs

I think CC will now pitch every game for the rest of the season

Current temperature in hell: 43 degrees F - and falling!

by wnielsen on Sep 14, 2008 3:33 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

LOL. Wouldn't doubt it.

I’ll be at the game tonight sporting my bleed cubbie blue shirt!

You oughta stop playing God, case you're not good at it and the position is taken.

by cubbie-swagger on Sep 14, 2008 3:44 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs