The Top 10 Cubs Games Of 2008
Let's have a bit of fun while we wait for tonight's game at Shea. There are seven games remaining in the regular season (sorry, Astros, but I think you'll be done long before that makeup game would have to be played), and while there may perhaps be a memorable game or two in the next week, I thought I'd put a poll out there so all of you can vote for your favorite or most memorable game of this season and we can tabulate a "top 10".
In the attached poll, I've put nineteen of what I think are the best games of 2008, and one for you in case I left one off that you think is better than the 19 I listed. Vote for your favorite, and if yours isn't on the list, leave it in the comments.
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I like the 4 game sweep of the Brewers; really set the tone for the rest of the season, and stopping their unstoppable force (although he did not get the L) really got us fired up.
But as for sheer lunacy, I’d have to go with my birthday game – September 18 – as completely and wholly unbelievable.
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 22, 2008 8:27 AM CDT 0 recs
I agree with Dan
Your birthday game beats my birthday game (June 12) in my book too, mainly cause I was lucky enough to be at Wrigley. Reading the above list of games gives me goosebumps, this team is very special!
"I'm not an athlete, I'm a baseball player"
-John Kruk
by thinskull on
Sep 22, 2008 8:30 PM CDT
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Agree Brew Crew Sweep
This was at such a piviotal point in the season the brewers breathing down the back of our necks. and we go and not only beat there go to guy but doing it in his first cub brewer game in milwaukee. That game set the tone for the sweep and the season. but in that game we wore down the whole team in a momentum swinging back and forth game
by bizzle4 on
Sep 23, 2008 1:28 PM CDT
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The Z No Hitter
Not only was the no hitter one of the most amazing games I’ll ever see in a regular season baseball game but this game also comforted me (and most Cubs fans) as turning September around. We all had our doubts if we said it or not that the Cubs could collapse with Z and Harden both skipping starts. This performance not only put a smile on my face but allowed me to relax a little watching the rest of the games.
by ak123 on Sep 22, 2008 8:34 AM CDT 0 recs
It wasn't really a specific game, per se...
But it was a moment of pride when my 2 year old sons were able to recognize Geovany Soto on the TV and yell “Go Go Soto” when he was up to bat.
Cubdom is filled with stories like these. I want my story to end like my Grandmother’s… On her deathbed last year, she asked me what the score was. I didn’t have the heart to tell her we were losing… She would have loved this team.
Proud recipient of a hot dog shot from the Iowa Cubs hot dog gun.
by IowaCubs- on Sep 22, 2008 8:35 AM CDT 0 recs
That last comment was pretty touching.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on
Sep 22, 2008 9:37 AM CDT
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+1
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on
Sep 22, 2008 9:39 AM CDT
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Picking a favorite game
is kind of like asking a parent which child they love more. It’s really hard to come up with an answer, I went with Z’s no hitter. I could have just as easily went with the comeback vs the rockies, the miracle comeback vs the brewers, the four game sweep of the brewers, etc… I could keep going on and on. However I feel like the best is yet to come
"Destiny is a matter of choice, not chance"
by MerlinDog on Sep 22, 2008 8:44 AM CDT 0 recs
In compiling this list...
… I felt the same way as you did looking at it. Each memorable game seemed topped by the last.
For me, it came down to between the no-hitter and the Soto HR/Brewer comeback, because they came as the Cubs solidified their division lead on the way to clinching. In the end, the no-hitter was incredible both for itself and how it came about.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Sep 22, 2008 8:48 AM CDT
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Thanks for doing this...
It’s a great reflection on a GREAT season so far. I voted for the Z no-no since it was the first for the Cubs since 72… Also, thought the sweep of the White Sox was great. Didn’t Rami have a walk-off vs them?
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark
by Fishbone2 on
Sep 22, 2008 8:55 AM CDT
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Yes.
That’s on the list — June 20.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Sep 22, 2008 8:55 AM CDT
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Got it!
Sooo many great games this year!
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark
by Fishbone2 on
Sep 22, 2008 8:56 AM CDT
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i agree it was so hard to pick
for me it came down to
the throw back game
aramis hr to beat the white sox
the clincher (which i voted for, probably bc i was there)
i sorta wish you could have done a “rank your top 5 games”
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on
Sep 22, 2008 9:06 AM CDT
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I would have done that if I had the option to.
The current polling structure doesn’t allow that, unfortunately.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Sep 22, 2008 9:11 AM CDT
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i didn't think there was
but what a great problem to have, trying to decide between all these great games!
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on
Sep 22, 2008 10:38 AM CDT
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I didnt vote....
I have three favorites and to pick just one is impossible.
"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 22, 2008 1:48 PM CDT
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I agree with your top two.
I would have picked Z’s no hitter as the most memorable if I had been able to watch the game unfold. I listened to the whole game and watched the 9th on ESPN and loved every second, but had I been able to watch the whole game in person or on TV, I would have been even more into it.
There is just something poetic about a game that has all the gloom and doom of the game on the 18th, end up completely turned into happiness and victory. It’s like a mini version of the history of the Cubs. No game I have ever seen compares with this one!
It has to start some place. It has to start some time. What better place than here. What better time than now. ~Rage Against the Machine
by love the ivy on
Sep 22, 2008 12:38 PM CDT
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How can it be anything else . . .seriously?
I cant believe its really this close. I never expected to see a Cubs no-hitter in my lifetime. I thought I’d see a WS before a no-hitter.
We will see a lot of big comebacks, a lot of big wins against division rivals, a lot of close races . . . before we see another Cubs no-hitter.
It takes the cake. The only bigger will be a win in game 7 of the WS.
peace,
js
by hoosiercubbie on
Sep 22, 2008 11:26 AM CDT
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Had I been able to see the no hitter
on WGN, I would have probably chosen the no hitter as my most memorable game but since I couldn’t see it, I chose the Rockies game which I followed on gameday at work. I posted my feelings on this game below.
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings. ~Earl Wilson
by tucsoncubsfan on
Sep 22, 2008 11:44 AM CDT
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fair enough.
I suppose since I was in Miller Park that night, I’m pretty biased. But still its something I never thought would happen.
by hoosiercubbie on
Sep 22, 2008 11:49 AM CDT
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The reason I didn't vote for it...
was that this No Hitter was a great individual game for Z, I picked the game when I had no doubt that is going to be a great season/team, so I voted for the come back win on August 15th in FL.
by JPetey on
Sep 22, 2008 11:48 AM CDT
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I had the same thought.
Z’s no-no was a surreal and beautiful moment in the season – and Cubs history. But I voted for the July 28 win over CC (I know, I know…CC didn’t actually take the loss) in Milwaukee. I’ll always remember that win – and that series – as a huge turning point in the season, when suddenly the Brewers got a whole lot less scary and the Cubs started to really prove that they were (and are) champions.
The Chicago Cubs: 2008 Central Division Champions
by dat cubfan daver on
Sep 22, 2008 12:09 PM CDT
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That Mil series was huge
I also thought of voting for that game, but nothing real amazing happened in that game, but it was by far the biggest series of the year for the cubs.
by JPetey on
Sep 22, 2008 1:25 PM CDT
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I'm prejudiced toward the No-No
since I was there (and don’t get to all that many games).
But aside from Z’s performance, the game had a lot of timely hitting; the 4-run 3rd saw all the runs score after two were out.
I’d also give a nod to the middle game of the St Louis two weeks ago, and in particular to Lilly’s play at the plate. Even though he was out, that seemed to be the pivotal moment where the Cubs’ September slide was cast aside. It fired up the team and they haven’t looked back.
by ChipSet on
Sep 22, 2008 1:09 PM CDT
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I second that Lilly game....
i have that picture on my cell phone.
by Zakh on
Sep 22, 2008 3:58 PM CDT
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Oh man I hope it doesn't get to Game 7...
make*art
by neverAcquiesce on
Sep 22, 2008 11:48 AM CDT
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hee
I was just picking shorthand for the “last” game of the WS. ;)
by hoosiercubbie on
Sep 22, 2008 11:50 AM CDT
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No worries.
I would seriously be a wreck from the end of Game 6 on.
make*art
by neverAcquiesce on
Sep 22, 2008 12:12 PM CDT
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If there gets to be a 6th or 7th game of WS
I think Cub fans should allowed to buy anti-anxiety meds no different than advil or something like that. Not only for their mental health, but for the mental health of anyone who has to deal with a Cubs fan. LOL
"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 22, 2008 1:53 PM CDT
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Just from game 6 on?
I can imagine my nerves will be fried somewhere around the NLCS, should they get there.
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 22, 2008 2:07 PM CDT
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True.
Any elimination game (God willing there will be NONE) will be intense. Any WS elimination moreso. A Game 7 all-or-nothing could be world-ending.
make*art
by neverAcquiesce on
Sep 22, 2008 2:48 PM CDT
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I'm stock-piling
whiskey, vodka and beer just in case.
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 22, 2008 3:23 PM CDT
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You mean the 4th win
I’m not sure my heart would survive through seven games…
AlaskaFan
"Year after year after year after year . . . . . after year after year after year . . ." - Steve Goodman, "Dying Cub Fan's Last Request"
by AlaskaFan on
Sep 22, 2008 1:44 PM CDT
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Early Indication
I picked the May 30 comeback vs. Rockies because it was early in the season — a primer for other amazing games to come during the season.
Ya gotta love a team with a shortstop named TheRiot ...
by StampMe on Sep 22, 2008 8:47 AM CDT 0 recs
Me three...
I was watching this on Gameday and sensed something cool happening after the Edmonds home run. I left work, got in my car and went to a nearby bar to watch the comeback. After the DeRo homer, we were giving eachother high-fives and jumping around in disbelief.
I kept thinking how amazing that this was happening to the Cubs — a team using mostly reserves.
Proud recipient of a hot dog shot from the Iowa Cubs hot dog gun.
by IowaCubs- on
Sep 22, 2008 8:55 AM CDT
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Hard to choose between the no-hitter and the Rockies comeback
but I chose the Rockies game because that set the tone for the whole season. After that, no matter how far behind the Cubs fell, most of us had faith they’d roar back just as they did with the Rockies. What a season!
That's the beauty of baseball. You never know what's going to happen until the final out -- Lou
by Emelie on
Sep 22, 2008 8:57 AM CDT
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Agree 100%
Living in MN…and working the 9-5, I’ve missed some of these games, although MLB radio has comforted me many a day here. I had to choose the Rockies game, I was working from home…and it was the first game where I had the confidence in this team to do anything.
by jbertram on
Sep 22, 2008 9:26 AM CDT
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Me too
I’m in MN as well and was only able to see a few of these games. The Soto HR vs. Brewers was my favorite, probably because it is the freshest in my mind, but also b/c of its importance to our division clinching run.
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 22, 2008 9:39 AM CDT
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I picked it for the same reasons
I remember the game thread, too — not much ledge jumping, just people hanging around to see what would happen.
In 2003, I was in an interminable meeting (I think it’s still going on) when the Cubs fell behind St. Louis early, and kept following the game, anyway. They chipped away and finally took the lead when I was back at my desk, standing at the computer waiting to see how the inning went before heading to the car. I jumped up when Alou drove in the lead run. That series was what convinced me that team had a chance to be special.
This game was similar (no meeting, though) – but it happened in May instead of September. Once Edmonds got his RBI double, I knew they were going to score more runs that inning.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on
Sep 22, 2008 9:45 AM CDT
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I remember that game
b/c I was convinced Edmonds was a bad pick up and telling someone if he had a bad game it would be only a day or two before the Edmonds Experiment would be over.
Hence why I brought muffins to the meetings :)
"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 22, 2008 1:56 PM CDT
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That was me
I remember the comment
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on
Sep 22, 2008 3:50 PM CDT
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Me 5.
I began to think that this might indeed be a special team….the team showed their stuff in this game, and it was soooo fun :-)
"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 22, 2008 9:27 AM CDT
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Same here.
I picked this game because I was back in Chicagoland visiting my parents that week. My step mother is a huge WSox fan, but claims to root for both, although my Dad and I are skeptical. My Dad and I are the die-hards. That day, when we were down 9-0 or whatever the low point was, my stepmother said “I guess they don’t have it today.” and I said “yeah, there’s always tomorrow.” But we kept the game on, and she went out to the kitchen. Then the comeback started and continued. And while that game was hardly the greatest comeback I’ve seen, it was certainly in the top ten I’ve ever seen.
That was my first clue that this season was going to be special. That was the first of many comebacks this season.
by DWChaney on
Sep 22, 2008 9:38 AM CDT
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That's not nice to Al
The man went to more than 80 games this year. Don’t have him think he missed the biggest game of the season.
by Leon Durham on
Sep 22, 2008 10:44 AM CDT
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It's hard to pick
But since I think one of the few games I attended is on the list, the Z no hitter, that one easily wins. As far as games I listened to, I am still in awe of the two great comeback games on September 18 and May 30. Those still give me chills down my spine.
by McCarron on Sep 22, 2008 8:48 AM CDT 0 recs
I think we're lucky to have so many games to choose from!
In 2006 the only 2 I could think of 2 games (Maddux final start as a Cub/Rich Hill’s Shutout).
For 2007 there’s of course the Aramis walkoff, DeRosa’s 5 hit game, clinch day, the wild pitch that put the Cubs in first against the Phillies…
However 2008 this is incredible!
by ak123 on Sep 22, 2008 8:49 AM CDT 0 recs
For those who criticize Daryle Ward...
… note that he is singlehandedly responsible for winning two of the games on this list.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Sep 22, 2008 8:54 AM CDT 0 recs
I prefer this memory of Ward...
to the two dozen other games where he failed to step up in critical situations. I forgave him for all that after the homer in Florida against Kevin Gregg.
Proud recipient of a hot dog shot from the Iowa Cubs hot dog gun.
by IowaCubs- on
Sep 22, 2008 8:58 AM CDT
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And, truly, those 2 are his only big hits all season....
A lot of failing in between for someone who is supposed to be your #1 PH.
Nobody cares about your fantasy league team
by carmen_fanzone on
Sep 22, 2008 9:12 AM CDT
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thanks for pointing this out
he’s such a cypher to me. I often forget he’s even on the team.
That's the beauty of baseball. You never know what's going to happen until the final out -- Lou
by Emelie on
Sep 22, 2008 8:58 AM CDT
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I really think...
he’ll have a couple big AB’s in the postseason.
Free Ronny Cedeno
by Kansas25 on
Sep 22, 2008 12:22 PM CDT
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I hope you're right...
… I hope that he’s worked out some of his batting issues. He has a very difficult job, so maybe we should give him more credit. I can’t imagine Hoffpauir would fare any better in a tough PH situation.
Proud recipient of a hot dog shot from the Iowa Cubs hot dog gun.
by IowaCubs- on
Sep 22, 2008 12:31 PM CDT
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Singlehandedly?
Was that a 6 run HR he hit against Florida? Come on Al… those were big hits but to say he won either of those game singlehandedly is ridiculous. The fact of the matter is that because he is a PH he gets most of his at bats in critical situations. The blind squirrel actually found TWO nuts this year. Let’s put him in the Hall of Fame.
by lohroffc on
Sep 22, 2008 12:35 PM CDT
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I think you're seriously
underestimating Daryle Ward’s effect on this team.
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on
Sep 22, 2008 12:45 PM CDT
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True
My response was sarcastic. The truth lies somewhere between my hyperbole and Al’s exaggeration.
My point is this… as a PH, even if you’re a bad PH, you’re going to have some critical hits.
Ward is very replaceable.
by lohroffc on
Sep 22, 2008 1:00 PM CDT
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Who would you replace him with?
The Chicago Cubs: 2008 Central Division Champions
by dat cubfan daver on
Sep 22, 2008 1:15 PM CDT
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This year?
I think I’d rather have Hoffpauir, but I was referring to next year really.
I think he’ll get the nod over Hoffpauir and I’m fine with that. I just hope he isn’t our guy next year.
by lohroffc on
Sep 22, 2008 1:46 PM CDT
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Hopefully, the Cubs still have lots of games to play THIS year,
making 2009 far into the future!
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on
Sep 22, 2008 2:54 PM CDT
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DWaryle hasn't had a ton of success this season...
…but he almost always gives you a good AB and, yes, overstated or otherwise, I think he deserves a ton of praise for the two hits Al mentions. I’d still rather have him up there over Hoffpauir.
The Chicago Cubs: 2008 Central Division Champions
by dat cubfan daver on
Sep 22, 2008 12:48 PM CDT
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most definitely
this is almost one of those rare situations to throw (this season’s only) numbers out the window. the approach at the plate is not comparable- Micah Hoffpauer doesnt have the plate discipline to get a meaningful playoff at-bat. when ward comes up, however, you know he will force the pitcher to throw strikes.
by philadelphiacub on
Sep 22, 2008 1:29 PM CDT
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Right now, Hoff has a hole in his swing
you could drive a truck through. DWard will at least give you a good solid AB. I feel pretty comfortable with him in the pinch hitting role.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on
Sep 22, 2008 1:33 PM CDT
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I haven't seen him enough...
…but if so, its amazing AAA pitchers missed that hole as often as they did. He has a beautiful swing, and it could be he is just trying a little too hard at this level.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on
Sep 22, 2008 3:14 PM CDT
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Thrust me, he does. The difference between the two would surprise you.
Scouts are much more precise at the big league level and have a much better book on gys than at AAA. Minor league pitchers are trying to impress with velocity and tend to pitch in the middle of the plate with a lot more fastballs. He seems to be extremely vulnerable with pitches down and in and has swung and missed at a ton of pitches there. I’m sure he will make the adjustment, but I don’t know if he will have enough ABs to do it.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on
Sep 22, 2008 3:20 PM CDT
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THRUST YOU?

The Chicago Cubs: 2008 Central Division Champions
by dat cubfan daver on
Sep 22, 2008 3:21 PM CDT
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Come, on daver. You know I am the foremost authority on
Hoff’’s swing. TRUST ME! I mean it.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on
Sep 22, 2008 3:26 PM CDT
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