Tuesday Morning Headlines

by Al on Sep 2, 2008 8:17 AM CDT in News

Lou may shuffle the lineup tonight. That article also says:
Lou Piniella said he expects the club to bring up at least outfielder Felix Pie and pitcher Kevin Hart from Iowa once they're done with the AAA playoffs.
I've heard different. We'll see.
The Brewers are still whining about CC Sabathia's "lost" no-hitter on Sunday. Now, this does raise a legitimate issue. I have long felt that the official scorekeeping duties should be taken away from writers and clubs and that the scorer should be made a fifth member of the umpiring crew. Maybe this will create the impetus to do that. Here's Carol Slezak's take on this in today's Sun-Times.
There's nothing wrong with Rich Harden, says Bruce Miles:
Rich Harden said Monday he'd rather be pitching but that he agrees with the Cubs' decision to rest him until next Tuesday's series opener in St. Louis.

The Cubs say they're playing it cautiously with Harden's right shoulder, which put him on the disabled list earlier this year when he was with Oakland.

"Yeah, let's make sure I'm feeling good and fresh for the stretch here, the last few games," said Harden, who is 4-1 with a 1.50 ERA as a Cub since coming over from the A's in July. "I've been feeling pretty good. I haven't felt too much strain or anything from throwing the ball.

"With a couple of days off, I definitely feel stronger. It can make a difference, especially late in the season when you get a little tired. I really want to be out there, but I agree with it."
Finally, I posted this in a couple of the threads last night, but once again, I think it bears repeating:
In their last 14 home games, the Cubs are 8-6.

In their last 14 road games, the Cubs are 13-1.

Maybe the home/road split this month will work out after all.

There! That ought to keep you busy till gametime tonight.

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First!

Let’s start winning again!

by bergs55 on Sep 2, 2008 8:18 AM CDT 0 recs

Right now I'm thinking

get wins and Brewers losses to get that magic number dropping fast. I am very anxious to see how Z pitches tonight.

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 2, 2008 8:24 AM CDT 0 recs

Are we sure that Z will go?

Just wondering if a few more day’s rest is in order.

Cubs Win!! Cubs Win!

by Ihatethecards on Sep 2, 2008 8:34 AM CDT up 0 recs

Z is scheduled to go tonight, yes.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Sep 2, 2008 8:36 AM CDT up 0 recs

Any idea what the rotation will be for the next 5 days?

I’ll be at the game on Sunday in Cinci and was wondering who’d take the ball.

After I hit a home run I had a habit of running the bases with my head down. I figured the pitcher already felt bad enough without me showing him up rounding the bases. ~Mickey Mantle

by Jettero2112 on Sep 2, 2008 12:44 PM CDT up 0 recs

Zambrano

According to ESPN

(Take with a grain of salt, but that would be 4 days’ rest.)

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Sep 2, 2008 12:48 PM CDT up 0 recs

The IMPORTANT Magic Number is 15

For a playoff spot.

The division MN of 21 is nice, but relatively insignificant.

Dome-san!!

by Goat Whisperer on Sep 2, 2008 1:31 PM CDT up 0 recs

I disagree

Wild card = no home field advantage in any playoff series
Best NL record = home field advantage in NLDS, NLCS

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Sep 2, 2008 1:42 PM CDT up 0 recs

+1

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!

by drewishdrewid on Sep 2, 2008 1:55 PM CDT up 0 recs

Those would be nice

but when stacked against getting into the playoffs…. relatively insignificant.

Dome-san!!

by Goat Whisperer on Sep 2, 2008 1:57 PM CDT up 0 recs

Yes, getting in is important

See: 2006 Tigers, AL Champions & late collapse to wild card

Still, I don’t think any of us would be happy with losing a 4 1/2 game lead with 24 to play.

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Sep 2, 2008 2:02 PM CDT up 0 recs

...

Wrigley is our secret weapon. I think having home field advantage will mean a LOT to this team.

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!

by drewishdrewid on Sep 2, 2008 2:12 PM CDT up 0 recs

Home field

advantage would be huge for ths team.

by sue369 on Sep 2, 2008 3:44 PM CDT up 0 recs

Considering how well this team...

…has played at home this year, I’m not sure how you can say having home field advantage is even relatively insignificant. Then again, they have improved their road record as of late. In any case, I want them to win the division.

"I see the playoff schedule posted in the paper, and that stuff makes me nervous because you can't take anything for granted. We have a great team. We have a really good team. We're playing well, but we haven't won yet." - Jim Edmonds, 8/31/08

by dat cubfan daver on Sep 2, 2008 2:13 PM CDT up 0 recs

The right strategy is being employed with Rich Harden and Carlos Zambrano

Rich Harden is here to serve as shutdown ace when it counts the most. With a several game lead in the standings and the fallback option of the NL wildcard clearly being handed to a NL Central team?? Yeah, it makes sense to get Harden (and Zambrano) in the best possible physical shape for a lengthy October baseball run.

I want a refreshed Harden when he goes up against Brendan Webb in game 1 of the playoffs. I want a rested and at peace Zambrano when he faces the Big Unit. I want a continuance of the Ryan Dempster we have seen all season when he faces Danny Haren. And for good measure I want Ted Lilly to be the dagger to the heart of the Arizona D’Backs in the event it is too soon for Harden to go again.

by MDBNIU on Sep 2, 2008 8:26 AM CDT 0 recs

+1

I said yesterday in another post Lou was setting things up with rest to go into the final 13 games as strong as he could. With the 3 off days coming up and skipping some turns, this is the only time to rest people. Yes, it may hurt us in the short term, but long term this is the correct gamble.

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 2, 2008 8:34 AM CDT up 0 recs

So you've shuffled both teams' rotations...

From Webb/Haren/Unit to Webb/Unit/Haren…and Z/Demp/Harden to Harden/Z/Demp?

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Sep 2, 2008 9:11 AM CDT up 0 recs

harden/z/demp

is the way i would set the lineup

by cubswynn on Sep 2, 2008 9:32 AM CDT up 0 recs

that puts Dempster pitching

away from home.

Z, Demp, Harden. That ensures Harden is rested, lets Demp pitch at home, and puts our top Ace out there first, bringing the dynamite.

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!

by drewishdrewid on Sep 2, 2008 10:39 AM CDT up 0 recs

Over Dempster's last 10 outings

He is 2-2 with a 3.34 ERA at home and 3-0 with a 1.29 ERA on the road. Your misconceptions about Dempster’s need to pitch at home are vastly overblown.

by WashUBearCub on Sep 2, 2008 11:37 AM CDT up 0 recs

I don't think they are.

Don’t cherry pick. His first ten wins came at home.

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!

by drewishdrewid on Sep 2, 2008 11:39 AM CDT up 0 recs

It's not cherry picking.

Dempster has pitched well the entire season. The fact that he won his first ten games at home have more to do with the Cubs being a far better home team than on the road in the beginning of the year.

Plus, his recent performances are a better indicator on how he will pitch in October than his early season starts.

by WashUBearCub on Sep 2, 2008 11:47 AM CDT up 0 recs

+1

His home-away splits have been vastly overblown. His performance in the away games has not matched his record. The team played poorly in his road losses.

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Sep 2, 2008 11:55 AM CDT up 0 recs

pitching harden first

almost gurantees he will pitch twice

by cubswynn on Sep 2, 2008 12:20 PM CDT up 0 recs

Little fuzzy on the schedule

but if something fluky happens and we need a game 4, doesnt harden have to come back on short rest?

I don’t like that.

The Walk: Weapon of choice for the 2008 Cubs

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Sep 2, 2008 1:20 PM CDT up 0 recs

he keeps forgetting that.

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!

by drewishdrewid on Sep 2, 2008 1:20 PM CDT up 0 recs

My rotation for the playoffs would be

Demps/Z/Harden

unless Z gets his shit together and remembers that he’s Zambrano.

The Walk: Weapon of choice for the 2008 Cubs

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Sep 2, 2008 1:24 PM CDT up 0 recs

Playing along

Harden would throw Game 1 on Oct. 1 versus Webb.
Zambrano would throw Game 2 on Oct. 2 versus Johnson
Dempster would throw Game 3 on Oct. 4 versus Haren
Oct. 5 is Game 4
Oct. 7 is Game 5

So yes, it would be short rest. Better to start him in Game 2, IMO.

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 Sep 2, 2008 1:24 PM CDT up 0 recs

you guys are right

are we all agreeing lilly doesn’t get a starting spot in the playoffs?

by cubswynn on Sep 2, 2008 3:15 PM CDT up 0 recs

Depends

If you started Harden in Game 1, I think you have to throw Lilly in Game 4 (if necessary), especially if you’re playing in a big park (like Dodger Stadium).

If the Cubs made the NLCS, I could throwing him in Game 4, depending on the situation.

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 Sep 2, 2008 3:19 PM CDT up 0 recs

which is one reason

you don’t start Harden in game one.

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!

by drewishdrewid on Sep 2, 2008 3:24 PM CDT up 0 recs

Oh, I know

I’ve been building case for him throwing Game 2.

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 Sep 2, 2008 3:26 PM CDT up 0 recs

Why not worry about the playoff rotation in mid-to-late September?

You know, when we’ll all have a much better idea about whom the Cubs will be playing. Yes, right now it appears to be Arizona, but plannning a playoff rotation on September 2 seems a little foolhardy.

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 Sep 2, 2008 9:13 AM CDT up 0 recs

bc it's 9 hours til game time

and we need something to discuss

by cubswynn on Sep 2, 2008 9:32 AM CDT up 0 recs

understandable

but I hate this playoff projection business, especially coming off a loss. Stirs the nervous Cubs fan in me.

Personally, I’m pulling for LA to get into the playoffs. So can we talk about the merits of Lowe/Kershaw/Kuroda/Billingsley/Maddux?

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 Sep 2, 2008 9:35 AM CDT up 0 recs

I answered the question about resting Harden and Zambrano

Implied within is getting best prepared for October baseball. Cubs are not in a mode of looking at each game as a must-win right now.

by MDBNIU on Sep 2, 2008 9:42 AM CDT up 0 recs

well then don't read it!

by cubswynn on Sep 2, 2008 9:43 AM CDT up 0 recs

and good morning to you, sir.

guess i should have put the sarcasm sign up somewhere along the way.

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 Sep 2, 2008 9:47 AM CDT up 0 recs

me too

haha

by cubswynn on Sep 2, 2008 9:49 AM CDT up 0 recs

here we go

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 Sep 2, 2008 9:51 AM CDT up 0 recs

i don't get it

by cubswynn on Sep 2, 2008 9:51 AM CDT up 0 recs

see now you're getting me confused

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 Sep 2, 2008 9:54 AM CDT up 0 recs

picture pwnage

by dat cubfan daver on Sep 2, 2008 10:57 AM CDT up 0 recs

Totally agree.

The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.

by DGU on Sep 2, 2008 1:47 PM CDT up 0 recs

Three-Game Losing Streak

It’s nice to still to be up by 4.5 games after losing three in a row. It’s better to have a three-game skid now than in the playoffs.

"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray

by memphiscub on Sep 2, 2008 8:28 AM CDT 0 recs

+1

and, the magic number still went down (ablbeit by only 1 during that time).

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 Sep 2, 2008 9:02 AM CDT up 0 recs

that was exactly what i said yesterday

“well, if we’re gonna struggle in Sept, lets get it over w/ now”.

The Walk: Weapon of choice for the 2008 Cubs

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Sep 2, 2008 1:21 PM CDT up 0 recs

Ready to win

Man I’m surprised I haven’t seen the old jumping off the Sears Tower post yet

If the world didn't suck we would all fall off.

by carolinacub on Sep 2, 2008 8:29 AM CDT 0 recs

I'll be racing up Sears Tower

in November… I’ll let you know if I spot our regulars along the way. I hope not, instead I hope they’ll still be celebrating our phantasmagorical 08 season.

by Emelie on Sep 2, 2008 8:57 AM CDT up 0 recs

I think I see my dad.

by Clutch16 on Sep 2, 2008 2:00 PM CDT up 0 recs

I can see

my house from here!

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!

by drewishdrewid on Sep 2, 2008 2:12 PM CDT up 0 recs

I'm waiting for a comment about Harden's quote...

“I haven’t felt too much strain or anything from throwing the ball.” Someone will over analyze.

I am also excited to see Z pitch tonight, he needs to have a good first inning to ensure he doesn’t have an early anger attack.

Lets do it Cubbies

by slocs55 on Sep 2, 2008 8:36 AM CDT 0 recs

+1

it really helps z to get out of the first inning clean

by cubswynn on Sep 2, 2008 9:08 AM CDT up 0 recs

Wow, surprised to see Al's more informed about Sept call ups than Lou

Lou Piniella said he expects the club to bring up at least outfielder Felix Pie and pitcher Kevin Hart from Iowa once they’re done with the AAA playoffs.

I’ve heard different. We’ll see.

We have every right to dream heroic dreams. Those who say that we're in a time when there are no heroes, they just don't know where to look.
Ronald Reagan

by snley on Sep 2, 2008 8:44 AM CDT 0 recs

Al, you mentioned that you heard something different,

I’m curious, what have your heard? (Or is it top secret?)

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Sep 2, 2008 9:01 AM CDT up 0 recs

Just that he won't be recalled.

FWIW, the PCL playoffs could go on until September 14, and if Iowa wins it, till September 16.

I can’t see them bothering to call up those two for the last 10 days. Kind of pointless.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Sep 2, 2008 9:07 AM CDT up 0 recs

I imagine...

That HE refers to Pie?

One thing you learned as a Cubs fan: when you bought you ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth.
Joe Garagiola

by Ryan at Cubshub on Sep 2, 2008 9:58 AM CDT up 0 recs

Why would a vauluable player (IMO) like Pie stay in AAA for the playoffs?

…I mean the AAA playoffs are totally meaningless exercise, so is that due to a shortage of players?

If so, that speaks volumes about how Lou feels about Pie.

"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 2, 2008 10:57 AM CDT up 0 recs

Agreed.

Bring Pie up to pitch run or play defense late.

Lets do it Cubbies

by slocs55 on Sep 2, 2008 11:19 AM CDT up 0 recs

they literally cannot play

if he’s not there, they only have three outfielders.

I don’t know enough about the AA system to say if they can call someone up to replace him or not.

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!

by drewishdrewid on Sep 2, 2008 11:31 AM CDT up 0 recs

I think Sam Fuld is available down in AA

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 Sep 2, 2008 11:34 AM CDT up 0 recs

and the conundrum is exposed! :P

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!

by drewishdrewid on Sep 2, 2008 11:39 AM CDT up 0 recs

Good morning to you, too!

Very nice comment.

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Sep 2, 2008 9:12 AM CDT up 0 recs

it's fun to come back and win games

but i’m ready to see us jump out to a 5-0 lead within the first three innings

by cubswynn on Sep 2, 2008 9:10 AM CDT 0 recs

100% agree

that is all we should need tonight is 3 or 4 early runs for Z.

"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus

by graceunderpressure on Sep 2, 2008 9:53 AM CDT up 0 recs

Yeah, I'm getting a little tired...

…of waiting around for the Comeback Cubs. Let’s hope that tonight they start being the Get-ahead, Stay-ahead Cubs.

by dat cubfan daver on Sep 2, 2008 11:00 AM CDT up 0 recs

Just thinking out loud this morning

what do people think about a six man rotation for the month of Sept. to get our guys a little extra rest?

The Cubs want to be cautious with Harden, and it would probably help Z’s tired arm a little too. Throw marshal out there every sixth day and give all of our starters a little extra rest.

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 Sep 2, 2008 9:11 AM CDT 0 recs

I think we are effectively gonna get a 6 or 7 man rotation

With various starters being pushed back and shuffled around. Marshall or Lieber may start a game or two. I’m sure it will be hard to know what the regular “rotation” is until those last series against the Mets and Brewers, setting up for the playoffs.

Dan

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Sep 2, 2008 9:14 AM CDT up 0 recs

The four and a half game lead

allows us to be a little more flexible. I, personally, would like to see Marshall and/or Lieber out there for a couple starts each this month. I think it will help all of our pitchers down the stretch.

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 Sep 2, 2008 9:18 AM CDT up 0 recs

it's a thin line

sure we want to rest our guys as much as possible, however i don’t want to see us let our foot off the gas and lose home field advantage bc of it

by cubswynn on Sep 2, 2008 9:43 AM CDT up 0 recs

+1

There is still a lot of time left and I don’t want the Cubs to back into the playoffs. Be cautious but things can change quickly. If the Mets didn’t pull that victory out yesterday there would be a lot of Cubs fans jumping off the ledge right now with the lead shrinking to 3.5 games.

Lets do it Cubbies

by slocs55 on Sep 2, 2008 11:22 AM CDT up 0 recs