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California, Here We Come: Cubs 1, Brewers 3

I have only one word to say about today's game:

What on Earth is Bob Howry doing on a major league roster, much less a playoff roster?

OK, that's 17 words, but you get my point. Ryan Braun smacked a game-winning homer in the 8th inning off Howry and the Brewers beat the Cubs 3-1, and when the Marlins beat the Mets 4-2, the Mets were eliminated and the Brewers won the NL Wild Card, sending the Cubs into a first-ever postseason matchup with the Dodgers.

Bob Howry. What is Lou thinking? Howry has allowed 13 home runs in 70.2 innings -- a horrendous ratio for a relief pitcher (comparison point: in 66.1 innings, Kerry Wood allowed three home runs all season). It was the first homer, granted, that he had allowed since August 14 in Atlanta, when he came into a game the Cubs were leading 11-4 and made it close enough that Wood had to come into a non-save situation in the 9th inning.

The Cubs, obviously, didn't play today's game like a regular game -- it was more like the first day of spring training, where no pitcher goes more than two innings. And until Howry, everyone else threw pretty well, except Sean Marshall, who was charged with the tying run when Michael Wuertz, who also didn't throw very well, issued two walks, one with the bases loaded. And now, Mr. Wuertz, you know why you spent most of your summer in Des Moines.

The Cubs did have a shot at tying the game of CC Sabathia in the 9th -- I had just said, to the TV (no one else was here watching with me!), "Say, maybe Theriot should take off for second", thinking Derrek Lee was a DP candidate. Sure enough, he grounded to second, starting a game-ending double play, his 27th of the season, ending the regular season by tying Ron Santo's team record, which had stood since 1973. Maybe a runner on 2nd would have put Salomon Torres into the game, and the Cubs have hit Torres very hard this month.

The bottom line was, the Brewers needed the game more than the Cubs did, and this doesn't reflect what might happen, a couple of weeks down the road, when the Cubs and Brewers could meet in the NLCS. Actually, I'd look forward to that -- it would be a heck of a series.

But first, there are Dodgers to defeat; I'll have more to say about that before Wednesday. Since the TV moguls were probably waiting to see if their crews had to wait to head to LA or NY for the Cub series games 3 (and 4, if necessary), now that the NL matchups are set, game times should follow in short order (it shouldn't really matter to them whether the White Sox or Twins go to Tampa, for game time purposes, and that won't be known till at least tomorrow).

In the meantime, enjoy a couple of days off. We all need them, I think. (And Lou, you still have time to put someone else -- Gaudin, Wuertz, ANYONE -- on the postseason roster instead of Howry.)

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any thoughts on times

first by the way

Bleeding Cubbie Blue since 1985.

by Bricks and Ivy on Sep 28, 2008 4:28 PM CDT   0 recs

i would have to guess with us playing a team from the west coast

they wouldnt make them play a day game in chicago. That would be a morning game for them out west. My guess is we know will get the evening game

by kodypuckett23 on Sep 28, 2008 4:30 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Morning, ONLY if it's 12:30 Chicago time.

They could have a 3:00 or 4:00 Chicago time game. We’ll see.

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

by Al on Sep 28, 2008 4:58 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Wouldn't a game featuring...

..teams from the 2nd and 3rd largest media markets in the country best be shown in primetime? Seems the networks would prefer it that way.

"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields

by calicubfan on Sep 28, 2008 8:55 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

We should be the later games

4pm or 6pm i cant remember what the time is. Not fair to Dodger fans for games to start in the morning.

Your 2008 Missouri Tigers! #3/4 4-0 (0-0). Next up at Nebraska October 4th. Live on ESPN in primetime. Chase Daniel and Jeremy Maclin for Co-Heisman!

by nji232 on Sep 28, 2008 4:30 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Angels

The Angels have played road games in the first series, so I don’t think it matters what time zone the Dodgers are in…my guess is the Cubs are the first game Wednesday.

by jeff_pico on Sep 28, 2008 4:32 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

just last year

Angels and Red Sox played at a 2:27pm start. So MLB doesn’t factor in west coast fans in the decision. It would be 11am on the west coast so its not like they would have to set their alarms.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/BOS/BOS200710030.shtml

by jeff_pico on Sep 28, 2008 4:39 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

AL series is LATE at night

The slot we had for games one and two last year. We will have the dinner time slot IMO. The morning slot is supposed to go to NL Wild Card series.

Your 2008 Missouri Tigers! #3/4 4-0 (0-0). Next up at Nebraska October 4th. Live on ESPN in primetime. Chase Daniel and Jeremy Maclin for Co-Heisman!

by nji232 on Sep 28, 2008 4:35 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

sort of related question

what affect do the Wrigleyvlle ordinances about night games have on the playoff schedule?

There's magic in the ivy...

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Sep 28, 2008 4:36 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I believe they don't apply during the postseason and MLB can schedule night games at will

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 28, 2008 4:47 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

That is correct.

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

by Al on Sep 28, 2008 4:58 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Thanks.

There's magic in the ivy...

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Sep 28, 2008 5:02 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Also not fair

to us Cubs fans who live in LA either.

by JFCubFan on Sep 28, 2008 5:01 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Howry can go away

Please please please. If I see him in the playoffs I think I will suffer a heart attack.

Your 2008 Missouri Tigers! #3/4 4-0 (0-0). Next up at Nebraska October 4th. Live on ESPN in primetime. Chase Daniel and Jeremy Maclin for Co-Heisman!

by nji232 on Sep 28, 2008 4:31 PM CDT   0 recs

Sigh

Chances Guzman becomes Marmol part 2? I like him a lot and he doesn’t seem to be a very good starter.

There's magic in the ivy...

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Sep 28, 2008 4:32 PM CDT   0 recs

spring training

Have to wait til spring training 09 to see how he does, my guess is he has as good a shot as any of the second tier pitchers to make the team next year.

by jeff_pico on Sep 28, 2008 4:36 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Yeah

I was just watching him today and remembering how much Lou loves “power armed guys” and someone with good stuff who could spell Marmol when we have stretches of close games would be fantastic.

There's magic in the ivy...

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Sep 28, 2008 4:37 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Howry

The only pitching he should do in the playoffs is during BP.

A Cub fan in Cardinal territory.

by FSArkCubsFan on Sep 28, 2008 4:33 PM CDT   0 recs

we'd be hittin all sorts of BP home runs

2008 National League Central Division Champs!!!!!

by BradB311 on Sep 28, 2008 4:38 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

For the most part...

…Howry has been throwing BP during the game. If he every threw anything offspeed, it would cause “shock and awe” with the hitter and he wouldn’t know what to do. I continue to be baffled why someone who has the talent to be a major league pitcher, still can’t master at least a mediocre offspeed pitch.

I understood why Lou was giving Howry an opportunity to see if he could find himself (although I think he went overboard with it), but I really think Howry is reaching the end of the line.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Sep 28, 2008 4:40 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

We can only hope the end of the line is TODAY.

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

by Al on Sep 28, 2008 4:59 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

But again, if not Howry then who ????

Evidence suggest that Guzman is being shutdown for purposes of his continuing rehab. Wuertz and Hart suck, and Gaudin has really sucked since coming back from the back thing (today notwithstanding). So the question you have to ask yourself is if you were Lou Piniella and Larry Rothschild then who replaces Howry on the playoff roster. But alas, this blog will devolve into extreme Lou bashing and precisely the point in time where we should be singularly focused on this team getting to the World Series. Because Lord knows, it should be so blindingly obvious to dump Bob Howry.

Oh please let this dubious bullpen be good enough in the playoffs...

by MDBNIU on Sep 28, 2008 5:11 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

A.B.H.

Anyone but Howry.

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

by Al on Sep 28, 2008 5:12 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

+1

insert foul language here

That's the beauty of baseball. You never know what's going to happen until the final out -- Lou

by Emelie on Sep 28, 2008 5:13 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I agree AL. There is no way Lou can march Howry out

there again. if he does and he gets rocked again, Lou will never hear the end of it.

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

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Sep 28, 2008 5:14 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

this won't go down well

But MDBNIU you were actually right about Howry way before most of the rest of us were. Yes indeed he was the ‘glorified mop up man’ this season.

by jeff_pico on Sep 28, 2008 5:13 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Excuse me ?

I have been ranting against Howry since July and got mocked most of the time because " I just did not understand " things the way Lou did. I was told by more than a few that he was a “vet” who Lou “trusted” and didn’t walk anyone. I claim the prize as #1 Howry attacker on BCB and I LIKE the guy , I just don’t think he can pitch and I was REALLY pissed Lou let go of Eyre to keep him ( Oh yes everyone who defended Howry said I was crazy for that too because Eyre was a situational lefty and we did not need him. Check out his UNDER 1 ERA.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry

by Doggie Stalker on Sep 28, 2008 5:18 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Answer the question !!!

If not Howry (who SUCKS by the way) then WHO ? Because if there was obvious answer then it would take Lou and Larry 1/10th of a second to go with that obvious answer. It would seem clear that Guzman is being shutdown. Hard to argue with that given his promising future and the fact that he is still rehabbing from major hunky dory surgery.

Oh please let this dubious bullpen be good enough in the playoffs...

by MDBNIU on Sep 28, 2008 5:15 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I don't know who.

Howry seems to be our version of Eric Gagne. I dont’ have the answers.

But to say that QUESTIONING Lou’s decision = bashing is lame. Even for you.

There's magic in the ivy...

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Sep 28, 2008 5:17 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I won't bash Lou.

Just plead with him to do the right thing.

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

by Al on Sep 28, 2008 5:19 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Well I will

and have. He is a “great” manager as long as he has great starting pitching the minute he goes into the bullpen before the 8th inning he is Dusty Baker only walks don’t " clog the system" they have him put in Howry
over ANYBODY ELSE.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry

by Doggie Stalker on Sep 28, 2008 5:25 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Guzmán wasn't shut down.

No pitcher was scheduled to throw more than 2 innings today and that’s what Guzmán threw.

by Fraggin Judge on Sep 28, 2008 7:11 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Bring on the Dodgers...

If we pitch and hit the way we’re capable of, we can beat anyone (especially a barely .500 team from a AAA division).

"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 4:39 PM CDT   0 recs

Dodgers

We played well against the Dodgers this year for the most part, but they are a different team than we faced with Furcal back, Manny Ramirez and Casey Blake. Its going to be a tough series but I have complete confidence they can win.

I think the bullpen is our only weakness, so we just need the starters go get it done.

by jeff_pico on Sep 28, 2008 4:41 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I hope Lou doesnt under estimate the Dodgers like you do.

They are 30-23 with Manny. That’s a 92 win team over a full year. Thats as good as Philly and better than the Brewers. And its not just him. Nomar, Ethier, Hu have all been on fire. Their bullpen has been great. It’ll be tough.

Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB

by californiachicagoan on Sep 28, 2008 7:05 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Underestimate? How?

If we play the way we are capable of playing, I believe we are the best team in baseball and can beat anybody. That statement has nothing to do with the Dodgers. No team should be taken lightly in the playoffs because the playoffs are indeed a crapshoot. The Dodgers are a dangerous team, but I have the utmost confidence in our team.

However, you can’t take their record in the last 53 games and project that out over a full year, that is complete nonsense. That’s like taking the Cubs’ September and saying that they’re an 81 win team; your logic sucks. Take a look at who they’ve been playing the past month, an NL West loaded schedule.

"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 29, 2008 9:16 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Is Howry's spot guaranteed?

I’d really much rather have Gaudin in the playoffs, despite his recent struggles.

"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 4:40 PM CDT   0 recs

I'd rather have Henry Rowengartner

than Howry

2008 National League Central Division Champs!!!!!

by BradB311 on Sep 28, 2008 4:42 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Did he have an offspeed pitch?

Friend: Soto for Mayor of Chicago!
Me: Yeah! Just because we don't live there doesn't mean they won't let us vote!

by znohitter on Sep 28, 2008 4:43 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

haha

not sure. I’ve got an off speed pitch. you think i can take Howry’s spot?

2008 National League Central Division Champs!!!!!

by BradB311 on Sep 28, 2008 4:44 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Depends on... yes, yes you can.

Friend: Soto for Mayor of Chicago!
Me: Yeah! Just because we don't live there doesn't mean they won't let us vote!

by znohitter on Sep 28, 2008 4:45 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I pitch slow pitch softball

I only gave up one run last week. That automatically makes me better than Howry, No?

2008 National League Central Division Champs!!!!!

by BradB311 on Sep 28, 2008 4:47 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Send me your numbers

and I’ll do some sabermetrics.

Friend: Soto for Mayor of Chicago!
Me: Yeah! Just because we don't live there doesn't mean they won't let us vote!

by znohitter on Sep 28, 2008 4:50 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

The underhand Floater!

Could be considered a nasty changeup.

"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 4:44 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

or an eephus

according to bob brenly.

by nathew on Sep 28, 2008 5:01 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Only if Daniel Stern can throw out the first pitch.

I always thought he was cute.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry

by Doggie Stalker on Sep 28, 2008 5:37 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Breakings news

paul asenmaucher is coming back. mlb is allowing him to be on the post season roster.

from the mouth of Uecker:

"Am I the only one who’s glad it’s only a 4-game series? If was a 9-game series, I think the Cubs would win them all."

by cubsluver22 on Sep 28, 2008 7:22 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Pleeezzzz Lou -- We Beg of You

As you said Al — absolutely no reason to put Howry on the post season roster. Other than the Brewers, the game mattered not today. But Howry was give a chance to show once again why he has no business in the post season. Just as Braun was stepping into the box, I said to my wife — If Howry throws one of his mediocre fastballs anywhere near the strike zone, Braun will hit Bernie the Brewer. So lo and behold — Bruan missed Bernie but he did not miss that pitch.
Lou may have told Howry that he was going to be on the roster but promises are made to be broken … and this is one promise that has to be broken. Guzman, Gaudin, anybody who even has a chance of retiring a batter without the resultant heart attack — which almost happened on Durham’s drive.
Roster spots are for contributors and those who have the potential to contribute. Howry is neither of these.
Let’s hope this was his last appearance in a Cub uniform.

by ceegeewow on Sep 28, 2008 4:42 PM CDT   0 recs

Shades of John Madden there...

“Contributors are those who contribute” Good point about Howry though.

"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 4:43 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

One thing about Howry...

…I wouldn’t be shocked if he went to Lou and said; “I understand if you need to go with someone else”. I am not saying it will happen, But he is a stand up guy.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Sep 28, 2008 4:45 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

That, I do know of him.

He might actually do that. Gaudin, Guzman, Wuertz, even Hart would be better choices.

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

by Al on Sep 28, 2008 4:59 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Please...

…no Wuertz, but any of the other 3 would be fine.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Sep 28, 2008 5:02 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

After Guzman's performance today,

why have we not seen more of him?

Friend: Soto for Mayor of Chicago!
Me: Yeah! Just because we don't live there doesn't mean they won't let us vote!

by znohitter on Sep 28, 2008 5:03 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Godd question. I was hoping Lou would put him through

his paces this entire month to see what he had. He could be the missing arm, but we will never know because he hasn’t pitched enough. Kind of a waste.

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

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Sep 28, 2008 5:12 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Agree with Howry call

I would put Gaudin on. We can only hope Howry will not be used in a game that the Dodgers are within 10 runs. It is really tough to understand, Lou basically ran Eyre out of town, but Howry remains.

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

by Grockcubs on Sep 28, 2008 4:44 PM CDT   0 recs

Be very, very careful of Manny. Otherwise we'll kick their dodgers.

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 28, 2008 4:44 PM CDT   0 recs

Be careful folks

Dodgers have played well the whole month. This will be tough, there bullpen is strong.

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

by Grockcubs on Sep 28, 2008 4:46 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Yes I agree

Its going to be a very tough series its a totally different team than what we played earlier in the year, however the Dodgers have had a history of doing what the Cubs did last year in the playoffs, not putting up much of a fight.

I’ll say Cubs in 5 :)

by jeff_pico on Sep 28, 2008 4:47 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

For some reason...

…the Dodgers remind me a little of the 03 Cubs after they got Ramirez and Lofton to balance out the offense.

With that said, the Cubs just need to play their game and they should be fine.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Sep 28, 2008 4:48 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Look closer.

The Dodgers have had a cakewalk September. Take away the three games against the DBacks (who are one game over .500 at the moment) and they didn’t play a single game against a team with a winning record this month. They played San Diego 9 times this month.

by kanderber on Sep 28, 2008 4:51 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

still

Still they’ve got a good team and no one should say this series is a lock or a formality. Its going to be a tough series.

by jeff_pico on Sep 28, 2008 4:53 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

exactly

we’ve played average and playoff teams and they’ve played their division. Their division is aweful

2008 National League Central Division Champs!!!!!

by BradB311 on Sep 28, 2008 4:53 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

As you might imagine I watched the Dodgers a LOT this month.

Hitting is VERY erratic but they do have a lot of power beyond Manny and they are smart runners. Bullpen is good but not great
so probably a toss up. Only one starting pitcher ( Lowe) will have post season experience. Do NOT underestimate them. I would much rather have played the Mets.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry

by Doggie Stalker on Sep 28, 2008 5:28 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I agree

Too many people are underestimating the Dodgers, they are going to be tough.

by jeff_pico on Sep 28, 2008 5:29 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

The good news is...

… the Dodgers have a bad road record, 36-45. The Cubs need to put the pressure on them by winning the first two at home.

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

by Al on Sep 28, 2008 5:49 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

+2

Friend: Soto for Mayor of Chicago!
Me: Yeah! Just because we don't live there doesn't mean they won't let us vote!

by znohitter on Sep 28, 2008 5:53 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Right on Al.

If you look up Howry on Wikipedia, I think it says ‘Awful’. Gotta go with Samardzja or Wuertz, insted of Howry. Looking forward to playing LA – pitch around Manny, please.
Go CUBS!

by jselinger24 on Sep 28, 2008 4:53 PM CDT   0 recs

One note here about NLDS

FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION

by nervousCUBlover on Sep 28, 2008 4:53 PM CDT   0 recs

Wuertz

I said it in the game thread but he’d be my last pitcher on the roster over Howry. I’d not have him in there in a bases loaded situation because he walks guys. But his o