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Marquis Madness: Cubs 9, Mets 5

Yelloncard_tiny by Al on in Recaps

It's kind of weird, this week's worth of "meaningless" games. For one thing, they're not completely meaningless -- the Cubs are facing teams they could possibly face in October, so this gives them a chance for firsthand scouting, in addition to showing they can still beat the Mets and Brewers.

The weirdness is compounded by the fact that by beating the Mets, the Cubs could knock them out of the playoffs entirely -- and the Mets appear to be the team with whom they match up the best. Obviously, they won't lay down, and of course we all want the Cubs to win every day. For one thing, there's still a chance to win 100 games -- a 5-1 mark would do it. Yesterday's 9-5 win over the Mets clinched the best record in the National League, and thus home field for the first two rounds of postseason play.

Jason Marquis -- clearly the best fifth starter in the majors this year -- threw into the 7th inning again, the sixteenth time he has done that in his 28 starts, and was yanked only when he ran out of gas and gave up a homer to David Wright in the 7th. No shame there, as Wright is one of the best power hitters in the game, having 33 homers. Marquis had already one-upped that, hitting his first career grand slam (and second HR of the season) in a six-run Cubs fourth inning that put the game out of reach. It was the first grand slam by a Cubs pitcher since Kevin Tapani connected in Atlanta on July 20, 1998. Derrek Lee also homered, his 20th; the Cubs have five 20-homer men for only the second time (1958 and 2004 were the others) and if Jim Edmonds can hit two more, that'd make six for the first time in club history (Edmonds has 19 HR, but one was with San Diego).

Jeff Samardzija threw well in another possible audition for a playoff spot. But please tell me Gordon Wittenmyer is joking about this:

Outfielder Felix Pie, who made last year's postseason roster for bench speed and late-inning defense, and the Cubs' minor-league player of the year, first baseman/outfielder Micah Hoffpauir, seem to be the front-runners for that opening. Infielder Casey McGehee also is in the mix.

Hoffpauir and McGehee? Those guys shouldn't get into a playoff game without a ticket. To me, it's a no-brainer; Pie appears to have changed his hitting approach during his time at Iowa this year, he can play all three OF positions, and runs the bases well. Neither of the other two have that sort of versatility (or ability, if you ask me).

So the Cubs continue, and if they somehow can run the table and win all six remaining games, they'll have considerable influence on the Mets/Brewers wild card race.

I've spent most of this year trying to avoid the mass media's obsession with the "hundred years" thing. But today is a significant date and worth remembering: it was 100 years ago today, September 23, 1908, that the famous "Merkle Game" took place between the Cubs and Giants. Here's how it happened, as I wrote it in the top 100 profile of Johnny Evers last year:

Evers himself played an important role in the famous September 23 "Merkle's Boner" game that helped win the Cubs the 1908 pennant. From the Evers website:

The Giants apparently beat the Cubs 2-1 in the bottom of the ninth. Fred Merkle, who was on first base, trotted off the field toward his dugout when Evers realized he never tagged second. Evers got the ball and touched second, Merkle was called out and the game was tied up. The Cubs would eventually end up winning that game. Evers was aware of the rule that stated a runner on first still must tag second even on the winning run for the play to be over. Merkle failed to do this and was called out.

The website doesn't do full justice to this play, or Evers. This single play shows all of Evers' competitiveness, abrasiveness, knowledge, and leadership, all produced at the most critical moment. There was, in fact, at the time, some dispute about whether the ball that Evers had used in the play was the actual ball, or was another one that had been thrown to him from the Cubs' dugout.

There had been another play exactly like it earlier that same month -- in the SABR BioProject biography of NL umpire Hank O'Day, it's explained:

In a [September 4] game involving the Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates, a Pirate runner [Warren Gill, who, oddly enough, never played again after the 1908 season] failed to touch second on a game-winning hit. When Evers tried to inform O'Day of the decision, O'Day said he did not see the play and could not do anything. However, the play remained in O'Day's mind.

It's further elaborated upon in the SABR BioProject biography of Evers:

Evers, standing on second, called for the ball and demanded that umpire Hank O'Day rule the play a forceout, which would nullify the run and send the game into extra innings. Gill's maneuver was customary in those days, and O'Day refused to make the call that Evers was seeking. "That night O'Day came to look me up, which was an unusual thing in itself," Evers recalled many years later. "Sitting in a corner in the lobby, he told me that he wanted to discuss the play. O'Day then agreed that my play was legal and that under the circumstances, a runner coming down from first and not touching second on the final base hit was out." Evers' account may not be trustworthy, especially given O'Day's exceptionally reclusive nature and the lengthy period between the event and the retelling, but the incident undoubtedly had a pronounced effect on the umpire, as was demonstrated by subsequent events.

O'Day thought he was mollifying Evers by saying if it happened again, he'd give it to him. Well, guess what, and guess who was the umpire. The play not only wound up helping the Cubs win the pennant and World Series in 1908 (since the September 23 game was ruled a tie, it had to be replayed at season's end, and the Cubs won the replay 4-2), but it resulted in an official rule change, requiring the umpire(s) to make certain that all players touch their required bases on game-ending plays. It is arguably the single most significant play in Cubs history.

Until this postseason, when perhaps another play will top it.

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Cubs playing for pride

 If the Mets can’t beat the Cubs and Marshall with their ace on the mound, in a must win game, they don’t deserve to make the playoffs.

Over time, your quickness with a cocky rejoinder must have gotten you many punches in the face - Al Swearengen

by lemon20pie on Sep 23, 2008 8:26 AM CDT   0 recs

Good morning Cubs fans.

To piggyback on the Merkle anniversary, CSN had an excellent piece on it this morning, talking to historians and Merkle’s daughter. I thought it was pretty good – until they tried to tie in a ‘Merkle Curse’. But aside from that, it was pretty informative.

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 23, 2008 8:26 AM CDT   0 recs

Was it awkward for Merkle's daughter

to be talking about Merkle’s Boner?

Sorry, I know this will probably get deleted, but it had to be said.

by daeviant on Sep 23, 2008 8:52 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

She actually said they never brought it up

sounded kind of said, because they could never ‘use’ their father’s celebrity (I think she meant express their pride about him being a baseball player), because they never knew who would ridicule them for his mistake.

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 23, 2008 9:01 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

You are sooooo...deviant.

The Chicago Cubs: 2008 Central Division Champions

by dat cubfan daver on Sep 23, 2008 11:20 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Heck now

Awkward? At the end of his life, Merkle was feted by the Giants and their fans game him a standing ovation (despite his 3 years with the Cubs).

And the hometown is obviously proud. Watertown, Wisconsin — where Merkle Field is located, right next to the erection of the “Merkle monument.” Give the guy his doo!

by roricka on Sep 23, 2008 12:44 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

First!

Pie should definitely be the one to go, I agree completely. Remember, he lifts the teams’ spirits which is a good thing too for the postseason I think.

by adam316 on Sep 23, 2008 8:26 AM CDT   0 recs

Carrie Muskat

referred to it as “the Fred Merkle ‘Bonehead’ game.” What a boner.

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 23, 2008 8:34 AM CDT   0 recs

Tee hee

The word “boner” probably makes Carrie blush and get all giggly.

by salparadise23 on Sep 23, 2008 9:44 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

According to "Crazy 08"

Cait Murphy’s great book about that ’08 season has tons of fascinating details about the controversy, the least known being how Cubs and Giant management jockeyed to have the game ruled either a forfeit or a Giant victory.

But she makes it clear that for years, the term “bonehead”, NOT “boner” was associated with Merkle. All I can say is, “May the force be with you, Fred.” (Or perhaps, “Use the force, Johnny.”)

by roricka on Sep 23, 2008 12:47 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Hmmm

Wonder when it became “Merkle’s boner” then?

(BTW – I have Crazy 08 on my shelf, just got it for my birthday. Many good reviews, so looking forward to it.)

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 24, 2008 8:39 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Good morning also

Glad for Marquis, the guy takes the ball, seems to never miss a start, and for the most part for a 5th starter keeps the Cubs in the game. I am sure his worth is not under appreciated in the clubhouse.
 Pie is and should be on the roster, no brainer.
Thanks again Al for a nice piece on the history of the Cubs. I troll around other sites, and nothing comes close to the “Blue”

"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"

by Grockcubs on Sep 23, 2008 8:35 AM CDT   0 recs

C'mon now...nobody likes a troll.

The Chicago Cubs: 2008 Central Division Champions

by dat cubfan daver on Sep 23, 2008 11:21 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Merkle

So that is where AJ Pyrzinski learned that dropped third strike play!! Just a slight permutation in application. I knew noone in the White Sox organization was smart enough to come up with that on their own.

by cubssouvenirman on Sep 23, 2008 8:39 AM CDT   0 recs

It's the Merkle Curse.

I insist because it’s so evident. It’s incredible that the national press hasn’t focused on this for so many years. Forget about goats and black cats. If you believe in curses and superstitions (I don’t), then it’s obvious that the Cubs were cursed by Merkle after they won the 1908 World Series. It’s a “You may get to the World Series but won’t win it” curse, from a man villified for a play that denied his team (and himself) the chance to play in the 1908 World Series. The Cubs haven’t won since and if you believe in this sort of things, then your conclusion would be that the Cubs haven’t won another World Series because they haven’t adrdessed the correct curse. Maybe someone should go to the place where the play happened or to Merkle’s tomb and “reverse” the curse.

I won’t and won’t worry because I don’t believe in this. What I can’t understand is why the media relegate this obvious “curse” to focus on cats and goats. I guess those two are easier to explain; and more ridiculous , too

by Fraggin Judge on Sep 23, 2008 8:48 AM CDT   0 recs

The problem with the Merkle curse idea is

that he later played for the Cubs in his career, so if he could curse the Cubs then wouldn’t he lift if once he was on the team?

"Destiny is a matter of choice, not chance"

by MerlinDog on Sep 23, 2008 8:59 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Perhaps he forgot he had cursed the team years before?

I’m kidding. You just made my case as to why I don’t believe in curses. There is always an argument for and another against its existence. In the end, teams win if they are good enough. Obviously, the Cubs weren’t too good for too long.

by Fraggin Judge on Sep 23, 2008 1:27 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

CSN tried to make that case in their piece

in 1956, it was the Cubs worst record, percentage-wise, in their history (IIRC), and also the year of Merkle’s death.

There were a few other things they tried to sneak in 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 23, 2008 9:04 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I think this gives unwavering confidence in Marquis...

…and his ability to take the ball and get the job done in the playoffs, given a starter’s collapse, injury, or inability to finish five or seven innings. Sure, he’s gonna give up a moon shot or two (kinda like Lilly), but is a better choice than some other guys (Howry?), and is sure as hell better than any other team’s 4th or 5th starter.

Pie on the roster is a no-brainer. I can understand Micah, but I like Daryl much, much more in the situations that a Micah or Daryl will be called upon to hit. Casey, hell no. Colin, can I get an “Amen!”?

And on this topic of our first round opponent…it is essentially between the NL East Wild Card winner, and the Dodgers, correct? I would most like to face the Brewers, simply because I think we’ve demoralized them enough that they don’t have any gas in the tank to beat us, but that’s not possible. I would then prefer to face the Mets, and I don’t see the Mets losing their WC spot, or gaining the division over the Phillies.

Essentially we are gonna beat up on the Mets, maybe they will lose their WC slot for now, then we will beat up on the Brewers, and all will be balanced out. At least that’s how I see it.

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 23, 2008 8:57 AM CDT   0 recs

My fear with the brewers is this

If they turn this thing around and make the playoffs wouldn’t that give them loads of confidence? Kind of like the white sox in ‘05, nothing goes your way most of September and the you somehow still make the playoffs. That could make them beleive they are a team of destiny. I think we are a better team then them but the best team doesn’t always win.

"Destiny is a matter of choice, not chance"

by MerlinDog on Sep 23, 2008 9:02 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I honestly don't think the Brewers can be confident in playing us anymore this season...

…after sweeping them in 4 games at their park, beating CC for his first loss, and packing THEIR house with 30,000 fans to the tune of a 2 game sweep against the Astros – and a 18 innings of 1 hit ball! – I don’t think they can possibly be confident in playing us. The little brother syndrome is in full-force, IMO.

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 23, 2008 9:08 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Marquis is the best 5th starter in baseball

which still makes me shake my head, but it’s true. Good for him for finding some rhythm and helping this team out.

Pie needs to be on the roster. In a pinch-running/defensive role, he has the talent to alter innings.

Looking at things now, I agree, I’d take the Mets or Dodgers in a first round series. The Dodgers appear to be the same team if you pitch around Manny. I know Ethier is playing better, but he has always hit the Cubs well. Those two are the only batters in that lineup to fear. The Mets are similar – they have three bats to worry about.

I think we’ll be seeing the Mets again in a week, but Santana won’t be able to throw game 1 because he’ll be needed late in the season to get the Mets into the playoffs, which works in the Cubs favor.

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 23, 2008 9:08 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Wittenmeyer can't be serious...........

…………about McGehee, and Hoffpauir is simply not that good. Both are limited at the plate and liabilities in the field.

Pie makes far more sense. Speed, defense, versatility and perhaps a meaningful stick.

"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

by tville on Sep 23, 2008 9:04 AM CDT   0 recs

I believe Lou is creating competition among the players (Felix, Micah and Casey).

One of them will win the job by their play on ther field.

Sounds like Felix is the front runner but I think making him earn the job is a good idea.

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Sep 23, 2008 9:24 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Yeah. That's what it sounds like to me.

I don’t think mentioning McGehee and Hofpauir was Wittenmeyer’s idea. He just repeated what he heard. And I think this is Lou trying to get those players to compete for a job and not get complacent, especially Pie.

by Fraggin Judge on Sep 23, 2008 1:30 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Maybe all of the Pie suckage up to now

has been building up for his redemption in the playoffs. Hoff and McGehee simply do not have enough suckage yet for this to be their year. Seriously though, the only thing Hoff could be used for is to pinch hit, then likely immediately replaced for defense. It just doesn’t make sense. McGehee over Pie should not even be a thought.

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by tony412 on Sep 23, 2008 9:23 AM CDT   0 recs

Not sure about Marquis

Do you think there is a reason the LaRussa left him off almost every playoff roster when he was with the Cardinals. I would much rather see Lilly.

by ThisOldCub18 on Sep 23, 2008 9:26 AM CDT   0 recs

Surely Lilly is a lock for the postseason roster

I think the Marquis debate is if he could/should be on the postseason roster as a reliever. From what I’ve heard he has not faired well in his career as a reviever.

"Destiny is a matter of choice, not chance"

by MerlinDog on Sep 23, 2008 9:29 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

That's gotta suck for Marquis

if he get’s left off AGAIN. Poor guy, I say let him be on and only used in emergencies.

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by tony412 on Sep 23, 2008 9:31 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

The "leaving him off the roster" thing is a myth.

Marquis’ career stats

Note that he pitched in all three rounds in 2004, and in the NLCS in 2005 (probably would have pitched in the NLDS that year, too, if the Cardinals hadn’t swept it). The only year he was left off was 2006. He also pitched for the Braves in the 2001 postseason.

He was on last year’s Cubs roster, too, just didn’t appear.

He will be VERY valuable to the Cubs if any game goes extra innings.

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

by Al on Sep 23, 2008 9:34 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Ok so much for that

Next Topic! And he can also pinch hit and run. Pretty cool.

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by tony412 on Sep 23, 2008 9:36 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Lets see

A pitcher that can hit, run and throw a few innings if required.

end of discussion

I've been bleeding double blue Cubbies & NY Rangers

by parrotinct on Sep 23, 2008 9:41 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Lost in all of last night's heroics...

Nice to see Riot get back on track. 3-3 plus 2 walks….
DeRo was crushing the ball last night.
DLee hitting one like he used to.

I had to laugh at Marquis’ GS. Not even shocked any more when these things happen this season. LOL.

I think Pie has earned a spot. He looks like a completely different player at the plate. (Speaking of which, that foul ball to the chin HAD to hurt!). I don’t see why you take Micah with so many LH ph’ing options.

Nobody cares about your fantasy league team

by carmen_fanzone on Sep 23, 2008 9:31 AM CDT   0 recs

Riot hitting is key

So is Alfonso getting hot right when the playoffs start. If we get Fonzie in a hot streak, he can win a playoff series by himself.

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 23, 2008 11:13 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Another TEAM victory.

Good to see Marquis’ outing, as well as clutch plate production from DeRo and Lee. There’s always a fear with clinching early but this group seems poised to stay sharp leading up to next Wednesday.

It’s a good time to be a Cub fan.

make*art

by neverAcquiesce on Sep 23, 2008 9:34 AM CDT   0 recs

Now that we have clinched Home Field....

The Cubs new moto – or goal is to win the last game we play this year.

I am really happy for Marquis, he deserves this especially all the hatred that he has recieved.

Anyone notice yesterday after Theriot scored on the GS that Lou was barking something at him and smiling, and Theriot went right over to Lou and they had a discussion? I tried to read his lips but i am not sure if i got it right but it was something along the lines of that is how you F’in do it. Nice job. Then the camera went away.

"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"

by HIGGY on Sep 23, 2008 9:46 AM CDT   0 recs

Is there any chance

we can redo the All Star game? The Cubs vs AL All-Stars? Oh well, for only this reason do I hope the White Sox make it that far.

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by tony412 on Sep 23, 2008 9:54 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

how about

the NL allstars minus dan uggly

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Sep 23, 2008 10:21 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Hell, just don't bring in Billy Wagner

Current temperature in hell: 42 degrees F - and falling!

by wnielsen on Sep 23, 2008 10:37 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Did anyone notice Lou "f'ing and blinding" when Theriot was up

and RJ didn’t run on the hit-and-run call? (Theriot fouled it off.) The Mets announcers picked up on this and they showed him ranting in the dugout. I wondered if it had anything to do with Johnson coming out of the game early even though he had a good day. I realize there were other reasons to take him out, too, but Lou was clearly pissed.

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 23, 2008 10:04 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Lou doesn't seem to tolerate things like

missing signs. He doesn’t tolerate that and that kind of thing will put a players butt on bench pretty quick. That’s what is great about Lou. He won’t tolerate lapses and the players know it.

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

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Sep 23, 2008 10:13 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Anyone listen to WGN Radio?

Since Santo didn’t make the trip to Shea since the Cubs already clinched, it was interesting to hear Pat and Cory Provus calling the game…I thought Cory did a nice job doing color commentary, a role I had never really heard him in before…

"Chase Daniel has more touchdowns (seven) than incompletions (six) the past two weeks. Which is just silly." Pat Forde, ESPN

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Sep 23, 2008 9:51 AM CDT   0 recs

I'm surprised Dave Otto wasn't doing the game

It was probably cheaper since Corey was already there.

Old Style is the nectar of life.

by Mordecai on Sep 23, 2008 10:06 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

And nice for Cory...

Kind of a cool end-of-season thing for him, especially because of the work he puts in every day…

"Chase Daniel has more touchdowns (seven) than incompletions (six) the past two weeks. Which is just silly." Pat Forde, ESPN

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Sep 23, 2008 10:08 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Yeah, I thought Cory did a great job, too.

He doesn’t go overboard with his commentary but usually chimes in with interesting, substantive stuff. Don’t get me wrong, I still love Ron for his comic relief, but it was nice to hear Cory last night.

The Chicago Cubs: 2008 Central Division Champions

by dat cubfan daver on Sep 23, 2008 11:25 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I was thrilled

…to hear about his chicken dinner.

He did a fine job, but I missed Ron’s histrionics.

by sniffy the bee on Sep 23, 2008 11:38 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Ha ha...I heard that part, too.

The Chicago Cubs: 2008 Central Division Champions

by dat cubfan daver on Sep 23, 2008 12:19 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

He reminded me of Harry Doyle's sidekick in major league. Very quiet...

Harry Doyle: Monty, anything to add?

Colorman: Ummm… no.

Harry Doyle: He’s not the best colorman in the league for nothing, folks!

"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 23, 2008 12:07 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Harry Doyle: That's all we got, one goddamn hit?

Assistant: You can’t say goddamn on the air

Harry Doyle: Don’t worry, nobody is listening anyway.

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

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Sep 23, 2008 2:38 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Harry Doyle: [before the playoff game] Monty, anything to add?
Colorman: Ummm… no.
Harry Doyle: He’s not the best colorman in the league for nothing, folks!

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 23, 2008 2:51 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Harry Doyle: In case you haven’t noticed, and judging by the attendance you haven’t, the Indians have managed to win a few ball games, and are threatening to climb out of the cellar.

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

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Sep 23, 2008 2:58 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

TWIS

2 spots up.

"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 23, 2008 2:58 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

my bad.

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 23, 2008 2:59 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I missed #10

I love Ronnie. I always go back to Game Day audio and listen to him for the big highlights. I was looking forward to his grunting and sputtering and hollering during Marquis’ GSHR and was sorry he wasn’t there.

by roricka on Sep 23, 2008 2:28 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I listened to the first couple of innings,

I thought Pat sounded a little lonely and missed Ronny.

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Sep 23, 2008 11:26 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Playoff roster

Here’s what I think…

Rotation….Dempster, Harden, Zambrano, Lilly

Pen….Wood, Marmol, Samardzija, Cotts, Marshall, Marquis (he goes), Howry (I see Lou keeping him), Gaudin (if he is healthy, otherwise Wells)

Bench…Blanco, Johnson Ward, Kosuke (Fontenot is more the defacto starter these days), Cedeno (even though his three brain cells need a talking to every game)

I do see the Cubs going with 12 pitchers. If by chance Lou changes course and Gaudin doesn’t make the cut, then Micah Hoffapauier is along for the ride.

by MDBNIU on Sep 23, 2008 9:59 AM CDT   0 recs

wow.

You just can’t get past this Pie thing, can you.

Shovel?

"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 23, 2008 10:00 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs