Playoff Tuneup: Cubs 9, Mets 6
Even when Z pitches poorly, they win.
Even when middle relief fails, they win.
I LOVE THIS TEAM!
Nearly four hours after last night's game began, Derrek Lee dinked a little popup down the right field line, just fair, scoring Ryan Theriot, who had singled and stolen second with two out, and then Aramis Ramirez put the exclamation point on the tenth-inning rally with a two-run homer, his twenty-seventh, and the Cubs beat the Mets 9-6, giving the Mets a body blow in their attempt to win the wild card. This entire series has been somewhat surreal because I think most of you would probably rather have the Mets as a first-round playoff opponent than the other possibilities (now basically reduced to the Phillies and Dodgers), and so the Cubs, having given the Mets two soul-crushing defeats in this series (and clinching the season series, leading 4-1), can turn around and help them get in by beating the Brewers in Milwaukee this weekend.
What a long, strange trip this has been. It may get stranger tonight if the rain that is forecast for the New York area gets there before the game is over -- and even if it doesn't, it looks like the Mets may have trouble getting their weekend series with the Marlins in.
That, however, isn't the Cubs' problem. What is the Cubs' problem is yet another pitching meltdown by Carlos Zambrano. Z threw two good innings before blowing up in the third, walking nearly everyone in the state of New York before giving up a grand slam to Carlos Delgado. Z gave up only two hits other than the homer -- a one-out single to Argenis Reyes in that third inning and another single to David Wright in the fifth, at which point Lou had had enough and yanked him.
The bullpen did OK until Jeff Samardzija decided to do his Z impression (maybe that Second City thing he did last week was on his mind and he's auditioning to be an impressionist?) and walk in a run. That tied the game in the 8th, and no wonder the game was so darn long -- there were sixteen bases on balls issued by both teams, nine by Cubs pitchers and seven by the Mets.
And darned if Bob Howry didn't help save the day by throwing a scoreless bottom of the ninth, getting out of a jam he started by allowing a leadoff triple to Daniel Murphy, setting up D-Lee's and A-Ram's heroics. Kerry Wood finished up with his 34th save.
All wins are good; this one, though it meant nothing to the Cubs in the standings was particularly impressive because it shows that they have maintained their focus even while playing out the string, and they beat a team that is desperately trying to hang on to a playoff spot, and one they may face next week. We can be a little worried about Mark DeRosa, who strained his calf and had to leave the game; he'll sit for a couple of days to rest it, although Lou was going to give him two days off anyway. And Bruce Miles tells us that Lou appears to be leaning toward Ryan Dempster starting game 1 next Wednesday -- and I'd agree with that assessment, and I'd probably go with tonight's starter, Rich Harden, in game 2, starting Z in game three on the road.
We, as always, await developments. Finally, one development you should know about: the games tonight in New York and tomorrow night in Milwaukee, originally scheduled for CSN, will now be on CSN Plus (CLTV in Chicago; if you watch via EI you will not be affected, but I know that some Chicago-area viewers don't get CLTV) -- the White Sox games, more important in the pennant races, have been moved to CSN's main channel.
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Ferrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrst!
Great win! Even when the Cubs try to give away a game, they take it right back.
The Chicago Cubs: 2008 Central Division Champions
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 25, 2008 8:38 AM CDT 0 recs
Like Howry
Gave them a leadoff triple, then took it right back pitching out of a jam. After the triple, he seemed to pitch a lot better. Or maybe the Mets just suck really bad.
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by tony412 on
Sep 25, 2008 8:48 AM CDT
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The mets
helped Howry out alot by swinging at some that they shouldn’t have
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 25, 2008 8:49 AM CDT
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I think it's the beard.
he looked fierce. determined.
by CubFaninNY on
Sep 25, 2008 8:49 AM CDT
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Lots of playoff beards on this team already
the Canadians are taking over!
There's magic in the ivy...
by halfblindcubbiegirl on
Sep 25, 2008 1:34 PM CDT
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As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on
Sep 25, 2008 1:39 PM CDT
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I'd like to see Ted Lilly try and grow a beard.
He should have started in July.
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 25, 2008 1:40 PM CDT
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Are you kidding? Terrible Ted could
grow a beard in about 5 minutes. All he would have to do is threaten those whiskers and they would come running out.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on
Sep 25, 2008 1:41 PM CDT
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It's his one weakness.
Something Ted tells no one, but he gets a 5:00 shadow 48 hours after shaving.
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 25, 2008 1:47 PM CDT
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He needs to channel his inner-DeRosa
who seems to have a 5:00 shadow by noon.
There's magic in the ivy...
by halfblindcubbiegirl on
Sep 25, 2008 1:49 PM CDT
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It's the yin-and-yang of the clubhouse beards
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 25, 2008 1:51 PM CDT
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That's assuming razors can pierce Ted's skin.
Ted doesn’t have a beard cos Ted doesn’t want a beard.
make*art
by neverAcquiesce on
Sep 25, 2008 1:51 PM CDT
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hmm,
i’d never looked at it from that perspective
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 25, 2008 1:52 PM CDT
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not true...he grows one on on each offday...and shaves it off that night.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on
Sep 25, 2008 1:53 PM CDT
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Theodore Roosevelt Moses Lilly?
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 25, 2008 1:54 PM CDT
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Every girl's crazy for a sharp-dressed Cub!
The Chicago Cubs: 2008 Central Division Champions
by dat cubfan daver on
Sep 25, 2008 2:19 PM CDT
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I could try
but it would be patchy and hideous. I tried once during finals week in college, it wasn’t pretty.
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 25, 2008 1:51 PM CDT
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Same.
I went about a solid week when I had time off to move. Two days before I needed to shave I got rid of it. Itchiness + patchiness = fail.
make*art
by neverAcquiesce on
Sep 25, 2008 1:53 PM CDT
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Yep, and bottom of the seventh...
…Mets have runners on first and third with no outs and still can’t score. Good stuff.
The Chicago Cubs: 2008 Central Division Champions
by dat cubfan daver on
Sep 25, 2008 8:53 AM CDT
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The Mets put the leadoff man on in the 5th-9th innings
and scored 1 run. Now, that’s frustrating.
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 25, 2008 8:54 AM CDT
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Kind of nice seeing that happen to the OTHER team, isn't it!
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Sep 25, 2008 8:55 AM CDT
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Yeah, I almost felt a little sorry for some of the Mets fans there last night.
Then I slapped some sense into myself and went back to enjoying the game.
The Chicago Cubs: 2008 Central Division Champions
by dat cubfan daver on
Sep 25, 2008 8:56 AM CDT
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I almost did too--but then NAAHHHH!
After seeing black cat footage—hearing Sutcliffe talk about their fans throwing a black cat from the upper deck inot the bullpen in ’84 and other fond memories—screw ’em.
"Never. Never. Never. Give up."
Winston Churchill
by cubfever7 on
Sep 25, 2008 10:12 AM CDT
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That's what I was going to say -
We know how that feels, don’t we?
"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/
by lostinthevines on
Sep 25, 2008 8:56 AM CDT
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I thought the same thing exactly
Go All In and Enjoy The Ride.
by Jayo525 on
Sep 25, 2008 9:56 AM CDT
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This is posted over at the Met's Blog
Amazin Avenue and it fits right here as well
a man on third and no outs is worth approximately 1.5 runs! oh and hey, bases loaded with 1 out is 1.6 runs! oh and look, first and third with no outs is 1.8!!!
/eats gun barrel
//fires
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 25, 2008 8:58 AM CDT
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Posted that before I was finished
As the announcers said last night, you can’t blame the Mets’ loss on their pitchers when the offense gives up scoring opportunities like this.
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 25, 2008 9:00 AM CDT
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the melancholy/
ennui over there is just hilarious. One thing you CAN give credit to Mets fans for is stinging wit. I certainly know their pain….
by 26.2cubsfan on
Sep 25, 2008 1:53 PM CDT
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Someone just called in to ESPN
and asked something along the lines of ‘Am I the only one who wished that maybe Bobby Howry would screw up the bottom of the 9th to pitch himself off the PS roster?’ I thought about it, and I say there’s no way I wanted him, but darned if I wasn’t expecting it. That being said I still would never want Howry near the mound in any sort of tight pressure situation in the PS.
Go All In and Enjoy The Ride.
by Jayo525 on
Sep 25, 2008 9:55 AM CDT
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It was a blend...
…of Howry not giving them anything to hit, and the Mets hitters being tight as you can be.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on
Sep 25, 2008 10:40 AM CDT
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White Sox??
I’ve heard of them. Are they still playing?
Cubs Win!! Cubs Win!
by Ihatethecards on Sep 25, 2008 8:43 AM CDT 0 recs
Barely
they are getting handled by the Twins right now
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 25, 2008 8:43 AM CDT
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The Twins are a pretty amazing team
…..at least in the regular season, year after year competing, and this year minus Johan, Hunter and Carlos Silva.
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by tony412 on
Sep 25, 2008 8:46 AM CDT
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The Twins
are a model organization for small markets. they lose their best players, but continue to compete, it’s amazing.
You are right about their playoff reputation though, they can’t seem to close the deal once they get there.
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 25, 2008 8:48 AM CDT
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Exactly
I would say the A’s are in the same mold.
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by tony412 on
Sep 25, 2008 8:49 AM CDT
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The team relies on too much youth
due to cost restrictions. Inexperience is a major weakness for both these franchises each time they get to the playoffs.
Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB
by californiachicagoan on
Sep 25, 2008 12:12 PM CDT
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But notice how you say
each time they make the playoffs. Despite the fact that they do not go deep into the playoffs, these teams have found a way to stay competitive year in and year out
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 25, 2008 1:13 PM CDT
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Those paranyas will bite your ass!
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on
Sep 25, 2008 8:49 AM CDT
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but you still have to keep
Believin!
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by tony412 on
Sep 25, 2008 8:50 AM CDT
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Ju got to boleeve, mayn!
"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/
by lostinthevines on
Sep 25, 2008 8:57 AM CDT
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We got to get help from the boopen, ju know!
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on
Sep 25, 2008 9:00 AM CDT
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Apparently, Mark Buerhle called them something else last night.
The Chicago Cubs: 2008 Central Division Champions
by dat cubfan daver on
Sep 25, 2008 8:55 AM CDT
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Winners
"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/
by lostinthevines on
Sep 25, 2008 8:58 AM CDT
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The Sox
did get hosed on one call last night. The Twins runner was picked off second base, but was called safe. That runner scored the Twins second run, IIRC.
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 25, 2008 9:01 AM CDT
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I watched the game, too.
The 2nd base ump was on the other side of the Twins player’s body (Cabrera’s tag was on the player’s left side, towards left field; the ump was more towards 1B line) and couldn’t see the tag actually being applied. He could, however, see the player’s hands tagging the base, so I don’t blame the ump. He was out, for sure, but it wasn’t really a blown call, per se, IMHO.
"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/
by lostinthevines on
Sep 25, 2008 9:06 AM CDT
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Plus, as I said to a friend of mine towards the end of the game
and after being mentioned / blamed by Hawk for the loss, that a good way to combat bad calls is to SCORE MORE RUNS.
"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/
by lostinthevines on
Sep 25, 2008 9:08 AM CDT
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Yup, the MN rookie starter
was out of the game after the 5th. From that point on they got exactly 1 single.
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by tony412 on
Sep 25, 2008 9:13 AM CDT
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At the same time
Who would’ve ever thought the Sox would be in contention at this point of the season?
Go All In and Enjoy The Ride.
by Jayo525 on
Sep 25, 2008 10:03 AM CDT
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No way does Z
deserve that opening start. I’ve said it since last winter, I can’t trust him. His antics on the mound in more like a spoiled 12 year old. Get under control Z, this team needs your best! I don’t think Lou will put up with that and he shouldn’t. Go with Dempster and Hardin.
And, message to Lou: Don’t have Cedeno bunt again. He is clueless how to put one down in the correct area to advance runners.
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 25, 2008 8:44 AM CDT 0 recs
yep start Z in game 3
I think he had control problems last night, but doesn’t want to let on about it.. He was even talking to the Ump about it in the last at bat
Cubs Win!! Cubs Win!
by Ihatethecards on
Sep 25, 2008 8:51 AM CDT
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i've come around on not starting z in game 1
however here are two things to keep in mind
z is clearly a head case, once you get in there it’s hard for him to get back on track…..therefore i would think keeping z away from opposing fans would be a VERY good idea
also rich harden has not made it a secret he likes pitching at night when it’s cooler….if the schedule comes out that game 2 is during the day and game 3 at night, i think it’s a pretty easy decision to go dempster, z, harden
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on
Sep 25, 2008 9:48 AM CDT
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Weather
if Games 1 and 2 are at night, line up the Canadians. (10-day forecast here)
Game 1 – high 65, low 51 – let’s throw Dempster
Game 2 – high 65, low 52 – sounds like Harden weather to me
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 25, 2008 9:51 AM CDT
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I like this setup too.
Demp, Z then Rich.
The other sports are just sports. Baseball is a love. ~Bryant Gumbel
by Blue W on
Sep 25, 2008 9:51 AM CDT
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Yeah, the fact that Cedeno still hasn't figured out...
…the fundamentals of bunting in that situation: ![]()
The Chicago Cubs: 2008 Central Division Champions
by dat cubfan daver on
Sep 25, 2008 8:51 AM CDT
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and was clueless...
covering first on the bunt. Everyone in the workd knew a bunt was coming. Get to 1st on time!!!
Just because I don't care doesn't mean I don't understand. - Homer J Simpson
by MikeOxbyg on
Sep 25, 2008 9:41 AM CDT
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Let's not get too giggly
Things are masking some things that need some attention, need some work.
Same as it ever was.
WOXY.com - The Future of Rock and Roll
by Gibbon Jockey on Sep 25, 2008 8:45 AM CDT 0 recs
Al,
I’m assuming you watched the WCIU broadcast… If you watched ESPN, Sutcliffe pointed out that Koyie Hill was telegraphing Shark’s pitches. Each time he threw a fastball, he shifted his leg outside, whie on breaking pitches, he didn’t.
I don’t know if you blame Shark in that situration, or not, b ut it was an interesting observation.
Moose
Hubbs!
by moose97 on Sep 25, 2008 8:45 AM CDT 0 recs
Wow, that's interesting.
I listened to most of the game on the radio and caught the very end on WCIU, so I didn’t hear that. If what Sutcliffe said is true, Samardzija is lucky all he did was give up a run on a couple hits and a couple walks. And he still got out of the inning with minimal damage.
The Chicago Cubs: 2008 Central Division Champions
by dat cubfan daver on
Sep 25, 2008 8:48 AM CDT
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yes easy to spot his pitches
once Sutcliff pointed it out. I think they knew what was coming.
Cubs Win!! Cubs Win!
by Ihatethecards on
Sep 25, 2008 8:52 AM CDT
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Glad someone brought this up...
It was pretty obvious what he was going to throw. Glad Hill isn’t going to be catching in the playoffs.
"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 25, 2008 9:25 AM CDT
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Good point
We should emphasis that it was Hill catching and giving up the pitch and location.
Cubs Win!! Cubs Win!
by Ihatethecards on
Sep 25, 2008 9:45 AM CDT
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yah not only was he giving up
the pitch, but the location…..shark was hitting 96 last night so i’m not too worried about that
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on
Sep 25, 2008 9:50 AM CDT
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I think last nights game Soto was missed by a variety of the pitchers.
"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 25, 2008 9:54 AM CDT
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I didn't get to see much of the game and what I saw was on WCIU.
That’s a pretty cool observation and shows Sutcliffe can be a decent analyst. Took me a second to register “Koyie Hill” and only on playoff roster in the event of an injury and then as a backup. Whew.
Disposable dixie cup drinkin... I'm hiding out in the big city blinking...
by N Oakley on
Sep 25, 2008 8:49 AM CDT
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I have really
gotten to like Sutcliffe. I enjoy it all the time when the Cubs are on Wednesday night baseball and Rick get to do the color.
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 25, 2008 8:51 AM CDT
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Murray
in the booth was good also. Sut. was on Hills movement behind the plate and tipping pitches. Sutcliffe is a good guy and a good analylist.
Sut. told a good story about Murray in NY, in 1989, Murray bringing “cajun fries” and a Heinkne (beer, spelling sucks), around the dugout, and Murray poking his head into the dugout, asking Sutcliffe if wanted some. Good story if you caught it.
"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"
by Grockcubs on
Sep 25, 2008 8:57 AM CDT
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Does anyone else remember Bill Murray filling in for Harry Caray?
I saw a video on YouTube of Murray and Steve Stone sharing the WGN broadcast booth while Harry was recovering from his stroke. I wouldn’t want to watch that every game, but boy was it fun just that once.
"I see great things in baseball. It's our game - the American game." - Walt Whitman
by hip2bsquare on
Sep 25, 2008 9:00 AM CDT
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