The Final Tuneup Thread: Cubs vs. Brewers, Sunday 9/28, 1:05 CT
by Al Yellon on Sep 28, 2008 10:00 AM CDT
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PrintChicago Cubs at Milwaukee Brewers, Sep 28, 2008 1:05 PM CDT
The weather forecast above notwithstanding, I would guess with the cooler weather, the roof at Miller Park will be closed today, as it was yesterday. When the schedule came out for this season, I know a lot of us thought today's game might be important for both teams. Instead, the Cubs are using it as a tuneup -- Carlos Zambrano was going to start, but he decided he'd rather throw on the side:
Cubs manager Lou Piniella said Zambrano told team officials he'd rather throw a side session in the bullpen instead of working the first couple of innings Sunday. If Zambrano had started, he would have been pitching on three days' rest.
"He would rather long toss," Piniella said. "That's his preference. He feels that's a better scenario for him, and what we're interested in is what's best for him."
That's fine with me too. Angel Guzmán hasn't started since 2006 -- and still has no major league wins -- but this is a fine opportunity to show Lou what he has, to look forward to next year as the Brewers desperately try to win the wild card.
Today's Gratuitous Geo Photo is courtesy of BCB reader Brad Zurcher, who took it in Cincinnati on September 16:
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The above stats are Sabathia's with Milwaukee only -- see the pitcher box above for his full season stats.
The ESPN article linked above says that no Cubs pitcher will likely go more than two innings today -- so Guzmán, who has yet to win a major league game, won't get a chance to win this one, either. It's anyone's guess who will follow him, though I'd expect to see Bob Howry and Jeff Samardzija, who didn't pitch yesterday, as well as possibly Sean Marshall.
Sabathia has a 1.78 ERA since coming to Milwaukee, but against the Cubs it's 4.61 in 13.2 innings, his worst against any NL team in 2008. Expect to see the Cubs' regular lineup (except Mark DeRosa, still nursing a strained calf muscle), and Alfonso Soriano in particular loves to hit CC (12-for-33, .364, 2 doubles, 5 HR).
Today's game is on WGN and FSN Wisconsin. Also see the MLB.com Mediacenter.
Baseball-reference.com game preview
Once again, a reminder that you can find the overflow comment threads, including the first pitch thread, on the right sidebar of both the front page and any interior page in the box headed "RECENT STORIES IN GAME THREADS". Today's first pitch thread posts at 1 pm CT, and the overflow comment threads will post at 2 pm, 3 pm and 3:45 pm CT.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
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First!
Let’s end the regular season in style with a W!
"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
Cubbie Kool-aid recipie:
1. Mix equal parts faith, hope, and love for the Cubs.
2. Add simple syrup to counter bitterness from previous letdowns and stir.
3. Strain to remove pulp, insults, and other Southside impurities.
4. SLOWLY (and we do mean slowly!) pour over rocks bricks. Add ivy to taste.
5. Chase with sixer of Old Style.
Repeat until Cubs win Series.
Standings: -EEEEE
Me: "EEEEE!"
Yum! I like that recipe.
"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.
well done, sir
That's the beauty of baseball. You never know what's going to happen until the final out -- Lou
I was at Miller Park last night
It was so damn hot in there. They kept the roof closed because there was rain in the forecast, but it didn’t even rain until like 9pm. I jokingly asked a Brewers fan to call his team and ask them to open the roof.
Let's win this game so I won't have to see this kind of behavior on the field
"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.
Amen!
Demp and Rich: proof that people that live in igloos and say "eh" can contibute!
by Canadian Cubs Fan on Sep 28, 2008 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions
Also, there was a guy with Braun jersey next to a guy with a Sheets jersey
And I joked that they have Braun Sheets because they just crapped the bed.
Anyone see any new updates of significance on DeRo?
…Couldnt find anything regarding in the Trib today.
"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
DeRo
Im guessing it’s status quo maybe we’ll see him today.
Thngs of worth are worth fighting for regardless of the odds.
by puckishcubsfan on Sep 28, 2008 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions
You won't see him today.
He needs at least a couple more days rest. Expect to see the regular lineup except for him, though.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Thanks
Thanks Al. Also I don’t know if you caught my question earlier about game 2 of the NLDS.
I got a bleacher seat for the game. Was hoping to finally meet you. Are you going to be in your regular place or does the assigned seating move you somewhere else?
Thngs of worth are worth fighting for regardless of the odds.
by puckishcubsfan on Sep 28, 2008 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions
I just worry
I’m just worry that he’ll be rusty on Wednesday.
Thngs of worth are worth fighting for regardless of the odds.
by puckishcubsfan on Sep 28, 2008 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions
Good luck to the Cubbies
and all here! I have a game to play myself, but will be rooting for a Cub win!
I don't know who I want to get in. Don't like the Brewers and hate the Mets.
Let’s just win and let the chips fall as they may.
Wuertz
Sorry if this was said yesterday but I was pleasantly surprised the way he came in and looked like his old selp, throwing sinkers and inducing ground balls. He could still be an important piece to the pen if he returned to pre ‘08 form. It doesn’t look as though he’s going to make the roster but if anyone fails in the NLDS he could be in.
Keep attacking and let’s pound the Brewers just for fun. One word to describe yesterdays game is relentless. Let’s keep up that attitude.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
is there a cubs confidential on today?
cubs = love
what a great day for sports
i’m pumped to lay in my bed and enjoy every minute of it
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
Finish on a strong note - pick up win number 98 on the way to more.
Hope Guzman flashes the potential today for his 2-3 innings.
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
Wuertz
Does anyone think Wuertz punched his ticket to the playoff roster with yesterday’s performance?
Thngs of worth are worth fighting for regardless of the odds.
by puckishcubsfan on Sep 28, 2008 11:36 AM CDT reply actions
This weekend
I’m just glad for my heart and my stomach to not be a Brewers, Mets, White Sox or Twins fan today.
Can you picture this site today if it was bleedbrewerblue or bleedmetsorange or bleedwhitesoxsilver or bleedtwinsgoshicantthinkoftheircolorsright now?
Thngs of worth are worth fighting for regardless of the odds.
by puckishcubsfan on Sep 28, 2008 11:39 AM CDT reply actions
Today's purpose...
…have your regulars get a few looks at CC (just in case they see him again in the playoffs) and everybody stay in one piece.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Going to Bears tonight
Going to relax enjoy the game and some football this afternoon and keep an eye on the Mets, Twins and Sox then head to the Bears tonight.
I want the Bears to win but my old tutoring pupil McNabb to have a good game. Problem is I can’t see the Bears offense able to overcome a good game from McNabb,
Thngs of worth are worth fighting for regardless of the odds.
by puckishcubsfan on Sep 28, 2008 11:43 AM CDT reply actions
Have fun at the game tonight
and….
E-A-G-L-E-S…………..EAGLES!!!!!!!!!!
Boooo!
"Remember each day this year, where you were, what you were doing, who you were with, how you felt as the Cubs win their way through it. Because if this does turn out to be the promised land we have all been waiting for, you will want to remember, savor, cherish every moment..."
by CubsBullsBears on Sep 28, 2008 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Are we rooting for a Sox win and Twin loss?
I just thought it would be nice to hear ol’ Hawk bit— and moan about the Umps after the Sox lose again and then the Twins win.
I'm in the minority here
but I’d like to see the Sox advance. To do so they have to not fall another game behind the Twins today, and if so then they play Detroit tomorrow. They’ve blown the chance to win the division without the Detroit make-up game.
After the Detroit game, if they’re tied with the Twins, they have a play-in on Tuesday. It’s still possible the Sox beat the Twins without a play-in, but that would require them winning today and tomorrow (at Detroit) plus the Twins losing today – then the Sox win the division by one game.
How's this for a scenario?
The Sox and Twins both lose today, forcing the makeup game tomorrow.
That’d make a combined nine losses in a row for the Twins and Sox.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Remember...
if the Sox don’t make it, we can’t beat them in the you know what!
One season-162 heart attacks!
regular season is over...
hard to beleive
2008 Cubs: Who needs nine innings, when you only need a 7th?
I know...
it seems like I remember watching Kosuke’s 3 run shot on Opening Day a couple of hours ago!
One season-162 heart attacks!
I followed almost every game yet I have very few memories of this season!!
The poll asked which games we remember most, one of them was the Colorado game, where the Cubs came back from a 9-1 deficit. I had zero recollection of that game. I must be getting old…
I'll guess...
Fukudome – RF
Cedeno – SS
Dwarlye – 1st
Hoffpauir – LF
Fontenot – 2nd
McGehee (sp?) – 3rd
Pie – CF
Hill – C
Guzman – P
"Remember each day this year, where you were, what you were doing, who you were with, how you felt as the Cubs win their way through it. Because if this does turn out to be the promised land we have all been waiting for, you will want to remember, savor, cherish every moment..."
by CubsBullsBears on Sep 28, 2008 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions
I just hope...
Everyone stays healthy today. I can’t wait ’til Wednesday.
"Remember each day this year, where you were, what you were doing, who you were with, how you felt as the Cubs win their way through it. Because if this does turn out to be the promised land we have all been waiting for, you will want to remember, savor, cherish every moment..."
by CubsBullsBears on Sep 28, 2008 12:07 PM CDT reply actions
CUBS
Soriano LF
Theriot SS
Lee 1B
Ramirez 3B
Johnson CF
Hoffpauir RF
Cedeno 2B
Blanco
Guzman
One season-162 heart attacks!
hmm...no Soto either, thats kind of scary..
2008 Cubs: Who needs nine innings, when you only need a 7th?
Yeah, kind of surprising.
I don’t understand why Fukudome isn’t playing today, either.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
I hope Hoff isn't in RF come Wednesday..
2008 Cubs: Who needs nine innings, when you only need a 7th?
but I could very well see Lou playing DeRosa in RF and Fontenot at 2b
2008 Cubs: Who needs nine innings, when you only need a 7th?
During the playoffs, sure.
As long as it’s not a lefty — Fontenot won’t play vs. LHP.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
I couldn't see that...
For game 1. Maybe game 3 or 4 if Dome struggles in the playoffs.
"Remember each day this year, where you were, what you were doing, who you were with, how you felt as the Cubs win their way through it. Because if this does turn out to be the promised land we have all been waiting for, you will want to remember, savor, cherish every moment..."
by CubsBullsBears on Sep 28, 2008 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Philosophical question...
Can this be the “A” team if DeRo isn’t playing???
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
Question: say if the Brewers lose and the Mets game is rained out
Mets have a .5 game lead, do they make it up?
2008 Cubs: Who needs nine innings, when you only need a 7th?
I would think so...
B/c if they lose the makeup then they’d be tied.
"Remember each day this year, where you were, what you were doing, who you were with, how you felt as the Cubs win their way through it. Because if this does turn out to be the promised land we have all been waiting for, you will want to remember, savor, cherish every moment..."
by CubsBullsBears on Sep 28, 2008 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes, they'd have to.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
an evil ploy by mets management
to force their game to be played later than milwaukee’s in order to know their status
by kodypuckett23 on Sep 28, 2008 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions
Looks like it's stopped raining on the radar.
I’m guessing they start within 1/2 hour or so.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
They are expecting more rain
According to Sports NY…
I'm no meterologist
But that’s what they reported on TV.
However it looks like my towns gonna get some more rain…
Guzman started in 2007
I’m pretty certain he made a few starts in 2007. I recall seeing him pitch in a game in Philly last year. Cubs scored like 7 runs in an inning, there was a rain delay, then Phillies scored 7 runs off Eyre/Howry.
You are correct
Guzman had 3 starts in May of ’07
Vs. the Mets, Phillies, and Nats
Nobody cares about your fantasy league team
by carmen_fanzone on Sep 28, 2008 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Can't believe it
Mets are sending out Oliver Perez today….they sure hope we win today
2008 Cubs: Who needs nine innings, when you only need a 7th?
who would you recommend?
that kid lefty we shredded?
well thats the thing...
the mets starting rotation is putrid right now.
2008 Cubs: Who needs nine innings, when you only need a 7th?
simple Math
Sabathia + win today = ESPN goes crazy for him causing him to win the Cy Young (like they are also seriously pushing for Howard)
Sabathia + no win today = no Cy Young and no playoffs haha!
2008 Cubs: Who needs nine innings, when you only need a 7th?
Sounds like a plan.
"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.
Mets-Marlins are underway.
"Earthly fame is naught but a breath of wind, which now comes hence and now comes thence, changing its name because it changes quarter." -- Dante, Purgatorio, Canto XI
I think it was foolish of the Cubs to bring Z back for this game, even if for 2 innings.
Apparently someone with some sense prevailed, maybe some wrote down on a list…Prior, Wood, Zambrano, Marmol….Yikes!
It looks like Howry rewarded Lou for that vote of confidence on the roster. If not for that he probably would have given up 10 today.
Okay that’s my last bit of venting—the Cubs have had an excellent season, let’s hope they can play well in the playoffs. Go, Cubs!
Final regular season got turned upside down!
A beer-stained “M” instead of a Beautiful Blue Old Style “W” (:
Let’s go for eleven BleedCubbieBlue W’s starting on Wednesday!
You never know how fortuitous that the final matchups may turn out.
Thanks for a GLORIOUS and most Memorable regular season Cubbies!
You played as Champions!
Someday is getting NEAR!
GO CUBS GO!!!!!!!!!!!
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