What This Team Needs Is A Road Trip: Cubs 0, Astros 4
Thursday has dawned gloomy, windy and rainy in Chicago, matching the moods of all of us, I suspect, after the Cubs' fifth straight loss, 4-0 to the Astros, completing a Houston sweep, the first time the Cubs have been swept at home since the Marlins did it at the end of May, 2007 -- just before The Lou Tirade that galvanized that team to start winning. It was also cool and windy after it had been 94 degrees on Tuesday, reminding all of us that fall is coming. Fall baseball in Chicago. Right?
Yes, I'm grasping at straws here. Aren't you?
The Cubs made Randy Wolf look like a 2001-vintage Randy Johnson last night; Wolf threw his first CG shutout since 2004 and the closest the Cubs came to scoring was having Ronny Cedeno gunned down at the plate in the fifth inning after an Alfonso Soriano single.
Ryan Dempster threw well enough; his biggest mistake was hit by Ty Wigginton for a two-run homer, making the score 3-0 in the fifth, but by then the Astros had the only run they would need. Dempster gave up eight hits and three runs in his seven innings and good teams should win 99% of all games where your starting pitcher throws that well. Count this in the other 1%. And how would Dempster get the Cubs out of this?
Dempster has a remedy in mind.
"We've just got to come to the field and have a good day off [Thursday]," he said, "maybe go get some Einstein's Bagels in the morning, go for a nice run, then have a nice plane flight, go have a nice dinner and go to Cincinnati refreshed and put this behind us and just play well."
Einstein's. Well, whatever works. Last night was the first complete game thrown against the Cubs since June 6 in Los Angeles, when the Dodgers' Hiroki Kuroda, a pitcher whose season numbers aren't that much different from Randy Wolf's, shut out the Cubs and struck out eleven. After that game the Cubs won six of their next eight, which is just about exactly what they need right now.
It was a goofy night all around. A fight broke out in our aisle in the bleachers in the first inning over... nothing. No one could figure out how it started or who started it, but there was quite a bit of shouting, several beers spilled, but in the end, no one got hurt or ejected, and a lot of those involved wound up leaving early when the play on the field started clunking along.
Speaking of which, can the Cubs do better for a righthanded bat off the bench than Casey McGehee? I suppose he's here as kind of a "lovely parting gift", because he's almost 26 years old and has a career minor league OPS of .741, but he has seemed overmatched in his two major league AB, and when he batted for Dempster in the seventh inning with a runner on and the score still 3-0, a hit might have galvanized a comeback -- but he hit into a double play (this, after striking out in his ML debut the night before).
Just received an email from fellow bleacher regular Tim, who says:This morning WXRT DJ Lin Brehmer called for the IMMEDIATE stop of that insipid Bon Jovi song they keep playing during pitching changes at Wrigley Field! For the love of God, make it stop! Never thought I'd miss YMCA...
Lin Brehmer is a fellow Colgate graduate -- two years ahead of me, I knew him while I was in school there and I'm with him. The Cubs have 16 of their final 22 games on the road, so clearly, the winning of this division is going to have to be done there. Those of you heading to Cincinnati -- be numerous, be loud, bring us some wins. As I noted yesterday, the Cubs have won 13 of their last 14 road games while struggling lately at home. More numbers: they've started 0-4 in September, but also started poorly in May (1-4); that became a good month at 18-11. I said I'd start posting the magic number when it dropped to 20 -- it's now 19, but I feel that the Cubs ought to at least make it drop by one by winning a game before I put it up there. So -- I hope you can all wait till Friday to see it. Also, BCB reader FragginJudge, visiting from Puerto Rico, sat with us -- it was nice to meet you, but that's a long way to come and not to see even one win (he saw the entire Houston series).
Finally, yesterday BCB reader JohnM posted about the playoff email ticket lottery; this will, I suspect, actually give you a better shot at tickets, as if you get chosen in the lottery, you'll almost certainly get tickets, rather than sitting for hours in the VWR and getting nothing. Most teams are going to this sort of system; sign up here.
And keep the faith. The Cubs are still a good team, and they are still in the driver's seat. They have kept at least a 3.5 game lead since July 30. Yes, we are a little worried about Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden. So, Sean Marshall, who joins the rotation on Sunday, will have to step up. I have confidence in him, and in the rest of this team. Take a deep breath and enjoy the off day -- the Cubs' first since August 18. The best is yet to come.
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362 comments
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Comments
FIRST!
"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 4, 2008 9:08 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Randy Wolf?
It was disgusting to watch him bury the Cubs hitter after hitter.
From the crowd reaction to the replays, it seems Cedeno was safe. Being at the game and not in front of a TV that’s the only way to tell if the ump got it right. Any feedback on that?
"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 4, 2008 9:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It looked like Quintero just got him
You could Cedeno’s nameplate move as Quintero swiped, indicating a tag. But it was very close, and I don’t think the HP umpire had the best possible angle.
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 4, 2008 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No one argued...
… that’s usually the best indication that the right call was made.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Sep 4, 2008 9:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you are right...
and technically from that angle the ump should have called him safe….but 1 run would not have mattered i dont think.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on Sep 4, 2008 9:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agree...he was out...barely
But there was no way that the Ump saw that…He need to be looking at Cedano backside and he was instead looking at his mug.
He should have been safe on the mere principle that the ump was guessing.
"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey
by TheRiot Police on Sep 4, 2008 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe...
the Ump heard the swipe.
"This field, this game...it reminds us of all that once was good, and it could be again." ~ Terence Mann
by chr15 on Sep 4, 2008 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Since the Howard play at first vs the Phils...
seems like the Cubs haven’t gotten a close call.
"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 4, 2008 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
all rightie-lineup
BB mentioned it might’ve been a good idea to stick a few lefties in there and force Wolf to make adjustments.
by rgonzale on Sep 4, 2008 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We Cardinals fans saw this happen too.
The Birds on the Bat got Wolf warmed up for you the other night down in Houston. He only went 6 against us, but in 93 pitches he was able to keep us at 3 hits, 1 BB, and 1 ER.
by stlfan on Sep 4, 2008 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You ask Einstein's?
You should see the way some of them act when KFC is brought into the clubhouse. Heads start popping out of the lockers like little chickens!
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on Sep 4, 2008 9:15 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Little chickens?
Wouldn’t that make them cannibals?
I couldn’t help but notice Dempster’s “Einstein’s” reference last night either. My guess is he just assured himself and his family free bagels and coffee for life. A clever Canadian, is he.
"I see the playoff schedule posted in the paper, and that stuff makes me nervous because you can't take anything for granted. We have a great team. We have a really good team. We're playing well, but we haven't won yet." - Jim Edmonds, 8/31/08
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 4, 2008 9:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
dangit - you are right!
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on Sep 4, 2008 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
As a Canadian
I would have thought he would say Tim Hortons
by madeindetroit on Sep 4, 2008 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Loves me some Einstein's.
Mmmmmmmmmm, bagels….
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
by DKT on Sep 4, 2008 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's better to stay positive, ut the best that I can do is...
…“At least we are still in first place, for now.” The Prior and Wood rotation part 2…A slumping offense that for whatever reason appears to have lost the productivity from its no. 3 hitter…It’s a team game and maybe someone will get hot and a pitcher or two will perform well?
by DudeVf11 on Sep 4, 2008 9:16 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Heading for Cincy this weekend
Myself and the entire family will be at GABP this weekend. We’ll be loud! Let’s turn this thing around!!!
by OhioCubFan on Sep 4, 2008 9:17 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Cincy is going to be very tough, but at least they don't have Dunn anymore...
…I’d hate to see Dusty get the satisfaction of kicking us while we are down, so I hope you and your family can bring the Cubs good luck. Have fun!
I can just hear Dusty distancing himself from Zambrano’s workload, he won’t even have to be asked about it: “If he’s a real man, Big Z could have taken his own damn self out f games if he was tired. I am a tough guy, not a mind reader!”
by DudeVf11 on Sep 4, 2008 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeabut...
Houston didnt have Carlos Lee and look how that went!
2 of 3 is all i ask. Preferrably winning the first one to end the slide. Win every series from here on in!
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on Sep 4, 2008 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have false optimism...
…I actually expect the Reds to sweep us.
by DudeVf11 on Sep 4, 2008 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If we take 2 of 3 .............
we will lose ground in the standings to the Brew Crew. After the last week , we need a sweep. However going into the weekend with Lilly, Marquis and Marshall isn’t inspiring confidence in a sweep, esp after two strong starts from Marquis, he is due for a dud.
"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus
by graceunderpressure on Sep 4, 2008 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We may lose ground -
But we will gain it when we play the Brewers.
I know i am going out on a limb but i will say that the Cubs will average 7.5 runs per game this weekend.
Crazy i know.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on Sep 4, 2008 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You may be right.
The Reds are not the Pirates, but are as close as the Cubs get this month.
Disposable dixie cup drinkin... I'm hiding out in the big city blinking...
by N Oakley on Sep 4, 2008 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
only if the Brewers
win. They haven’t been any better or any worse than we have.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Sep 4, 2008 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
New Fall Programming on WGN
You guys see this new show, it is called the Amazing Disappearing Offense
Jingle: One day they are studs, the next they are duds
It is the Amazing Disappearing Offense
One day it is WOW! the next it is HOW?
It is the Amazing Disappearing Offense
But don’t you worry, we are in no hurry, it wouldn’t be fun unless we actually could score a run,
It is the Amazing Disappearing Offense
Friday night’s episode. B Arroyo shuts us done…………..Again……..ha ha ha
"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus
by graceunderpressure on Sep 4, 2008 9:21 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I thought it was cool that Buddy Guy did TMOTTBG last night
as I said yesterday
1) 4.5 game lead.
2) the failures of past cubs teams doesn’t have anything to do with this year’s team….
repeat those two lines in your head as often as neccesary
oh and go padres.
---AC 00 00 00 - Believe
by mjk83 on Sep 4, 2008 9:25 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
go padres..............yeah really holding my breath on that one?
"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus
by graceunderpressure on Sep 4, 2008 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have a feeling
San Diego will win 3 of 4.
Why? I don’t know. The sweep by the Mets helped. I really, really would have liked the Phillies to sweep the Nats, though, and cut the Brewer wild card lead to 2 1/2. They’ve shown a lot of trouble responding to pressure, and I’d have liked that spot to tighten up more on them.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Sep 4, 2008 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Padres/Brewers
The only pitching matchup that clearly favors Milwaukee is tomorrow, Sabathia vs. a rookie, Josh Geer.
Even tonight, I like Shawn Estes’ chances vs. Suppan.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Sep 4, 2008 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And CC has to pitch bad sometime, right?
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Sep 4, 2008 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, you'd think.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Sep 4, 2008 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
*Awkward silence.*
"I see the playoff schedule posted in the paper, and that stuff makes me nervous because you can't take anything for granted. We have a great team. We have a really good team. We're playing well, but we haven't won yet." - Jim Edmonds, 8/31/08
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 4, 2008 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Looking at Big Pitcher precedent,
it may not happen until after he gets his big deal (See Pedro, Santana, etc.)
Disposable dixie cup drinkin... I'm hiding out in the big city blinking...
by N Oakley on Sep 4, 2008 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Plenty of reasons
…why Milwaukee isn’t going to dismantle San Diego. Ryan Braun isn’t the same since he hurt his rib cage. The league has caught up to Prince Fielder in some part. The rest of their lineup is even more streaky than the Cubs and still strikes out at an alarming rate. After Sabathia, and on many days Sheets, the rest of their rotation is hit and miss…at best. Their bullpen could be considered the shakiest of all teams contending for the playoffs…perhaps even using the word “bad”. Their infield defense remains a source of constant worry, particularly on the right side.
It just depends upon what side of the fence you’re on. Look around…contending teams everywhere have flaws in one way, shape or form. Don’t count out San Diego before the first pitch of the series is even thrown, particularly when they’ll throw Peavy and Chris Young in the final two games of the series.
Who needs a stinkin' tag line? What are they for anyway?
by krummy12 on Sep 4, 2008 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Braun's doing just fine
Check out the last week for him.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Sep 4, 2008 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think he was referring....
to the tear that Braun was on prior to him getting hurt. It slowed him down a little.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on Sep 4, 2008 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It may have - but he wasn't going to maintain that, anyway
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Sep 4, 2008 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Buddy
I realized it would be him doing the Stretch when CSN queued up “Damn Right I Got the Blues” during a break.
That was the highlight of the evening.
by thermal54 on Sep 4, 2008 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
but I thought a blues musician fit perfectly as a way to end this home series.
"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 4, 2008 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why are some people so happy to be first, then do nothing with it?
I hope this is just a team funk, because come on, really now, Randing-F’ing-Wolf? Are you kidding me?
Of course, they swung for the fences instead of hitting the ball hard (see the ’stros HR for an example of just trying to hit the ball hard).
This has to change and change before October 1st. Because you’re not going to see Randy-F’ing-Wolf in the playoffs. You’re gonna see Cole Hamels (see pre-Rami granny last Thur), or Yohan Santana, or Danny Haren, or Brandon Webb, or CC Sabathia.
Come on boys, let’s go back to that latest hot streak.
Who’d a thought 6 weeks ago the Cubs would want to get on the road ASAP?
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
by blackhawk24 on Sep 4, 2008 9:26 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Maybe what's really needed is...
to go opposite of instinct. Let’s see the Magic Number, Al.
"This field, this game...it reminds us of all that once was good, and it could be again." ~ Terence Mann
by chr15 on Sep 4, 2008 9:28 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I also vote for the magic number....
…I want to at least have that memory before we fade out of first place…
by DudeVf11 on Sep 4, 2008 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you might be on to something...
Al reluctance to put it up might have something to do with the losing streak? :)
Maybe by putting it up we change the streak to a good one!
Think of it as a confidence builder.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on Sep 4, 2008 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm going to post a frontpage poll about this.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Sep 4, 2008 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't want it up before, but maybe it is time to "stare the goat down"
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Sep 4, 2008 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I've reversed my position on this...
…and voted “yes.” I originally said I didn’t want to see the magic number until it got to 10 but, eff it, we need to stand back up and start swingin’. The magic number exists and it will go down.
"I see the playoff schedule posted in the paper, and that stuff makes me nervous because you can't take anything for granted. We have a great team. We have a really good team. We're playing well, but we haven't won yet." - Jim Edmonds, 8/31/08
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 4, 2008 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll check the votes later this afternoon...
… and if the “yes” votes carry the day, I’ll post it.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Sep 4, 2008 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There's always this site...
I heart the riot. (www.riotshirts.com)
by RIOTSHIRTS.com on Sep 4, 2008 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
After last nigh't game...
…and an ill-advised visit to the game thread immediately following the loss, I told myself I would make this a “no baseball” day. No reading the sports section. No visiting any baseball sites. And no BCB. Well, here it is not yet 9:30 and I’ve done all three. I guess I just need the support.
I agree with pretty much everything you’ve written, Al. This team does need a road trip. The other day someone mentioned that perhaps this losing streak is a regression to the mean following a seven-game win streak. I think perhaps it’s a regression to the mean in light of the team’s stellar home record this year. More home losses were likely to come sooner and later – they just came in a bunch.
Here’s hoping the team can regroup and take advantage of hitter-friendly GABC in Cincinnati tomorrow. I have not given up on the 2008 Cubs. Not by a long shot.
I’d also really love it if the Cubs dropped that Bon Jovi song. Not so much because I think it’s cursed or anything, more because I’d rather take a fungo to my outer ear than listen to Bon Jovi.
OK, seriously, I’m gonna take a break from baseball today. No, really…
"I see the playoff schedule posted in the paper, and that stuff makes me nervous because you can't take anything for granted. We have a great team. We have a really good team. We're playing well, but we haven't won yet." - Jim Edmonds, 8/31/08
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 4, 2008 9:28 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
If home losses have to come at all...
… better now than next month.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Sep 4, 2008 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1 Al
Lets get them out of the way
Cubs Win!! Cubs Win!
by Ihatethecards on Sep 4, 2008 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Bon Jovi goes then I hope they
take the Village People w/ them. I mean YMCA, seriously?
Go All In and Enjoy The Ride.
by Jayo525 on Sep 4, 2008 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, there have got to be more inspiring (and more current) musical options.
"I see the playoff schedule posted in the paper, and that stuff makes me nervous because you can't take anything for granted. We have a great team. We have a really good team. We're playing well, but we haven't won yet." - Jim Edmonds, 8/31/08
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 4, 2008 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I actually prefer Bon Jovi over YMCA
I heart the riot. (www.riotshirts.com)
by RIOTSHIRTS.com on Sep 4, 2008 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I toook one yesterday during the day for the most part
It did help, plus I got a lot done.
"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 4, 2008 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm still trying to take one today...
…but, as you can see, it’s not really working.
"I see the playoff schedule posted in the paper, and that stuff makes me nervous because you can't take anything for granted. We have a great team. We have a really good team. We're playing well, but we haven't won yet." - Jim Edmonds, 8/31/08
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 4, 2008 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You raise a good point about McGehee
With Hill now available as an emergency catcher, why not just use Blanco in that situation? He’s no Wonder Hamster, but he is having a career year – I really hope that Lou will start using him to pinch-hit against LHP more often, rather than resorting to Cedeno or McGehee.
"I see great things in baseball. It's our game - the American game." - Walt Whitman
by hip2bsquare on Sep 4, 2008 9:29 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree.
McGehee looked every bit as overmatched last night as he did in his first AB. Again, I don’t want to pile on a minor leaguer getting his first cup o’ joe but, c’mon, now is not the time. At least Hank White has been facing major league pitching all season and can work a decent AB.
"I see the playoff schedule posted in the paper, and that stuff makes me nervous because you can't take anything for granted. We have a great team. We have a really good team. We're playing well, but we haven't won yet." - Jim Edmonds, 8/31/08
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 4, 2008 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
As I mentioned during the game thread, if Lou would have known where Big Z was hiding
last night…he could have sent our best hitter Z up to the plate instead of McGeHee…Big Z knows how to hit big-league pitching.
by zevkalman on Sep 4, 2008 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Brewers Have Blown Golden Opportunity
The Brewers were 4.5 games back going into Monday’s game. The Cubs then lost three more games in a row. The Brewers then lost three in a row themselves. Had the Brewers taken two of three from the Mets, they would have been only 2.5 games out and very much in the thick of the NL Central race. You could have made a case the Brew Crew would have been favored to win the division had that happened because of the weak remaining schedule of Milwaukee and the strong remaining schedule of the Cubs.
There’s a big difference between being 4.5 back and 2.5 back this late in the season. The Brewers still have six games left with the Cubs to make up ground, but Milwaukee really hurt its chances getting swept by the Mets.
"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray
by memphiscub on Sep 4, 2008 9:34 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I like this kind of thinking.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Sep 4, 2008 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Me too.
5 losses, pitcher rumors and who knows what else. The Brewers have to be killing themselves to be watching the Cubs struggle and not be making up more ground. Here’s hoping this puts more pressure on the team 90 miles north.
Disposable dixie cup drinkin... I'm hiding out in the big city blinking...
by N Oakley on Sep 4, 2008 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Even more pressure could be applied if...
the Magic Number was displayed for countdown.
"This field, this game...it reminds us of all that once was good, and it could be again." ~ Terence Mann
by chr15 on Sep 4, 2008 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Subtle.
I agree with posting the number, however, I want the pressure applied to the Brewers. Just guessing posting the number will apply more pressure to me.
Disposable dixie cup drinkin... I'm hiding out in the big city blinking...
by N Oakley on Sep 4, 2008 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Metaphysical pressure...
is the strongest. Flood the mindset. We’re just 90 miles away!
"This field, this game...it reminds us of all that once was good, and it could be again." ~ Terence Mann
by chr15 on Sep 4, 2008 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And I'm less than 2 miles away, as the crow files
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Sep 4, 2008 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are you feeling a change in karma or mojo already...? :-)
by zevkalman on Sep 4, 2008 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes
Now all of you chant “give Shanghai a raise . . . give Shanghai a raise” Let’s see if that gets here, too.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Sep 4, 2008 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There is some precedent for this
Looking at the last 4 World Series champions, it looks like they’ve all hit a bit of a rut in September.
2007 – Boston lost 4 straight (9/16-19) versus New York and Toronto.
2006 – St. Louis lost 6 straight (9/20-26) versus Milwaukee, Houston and San Diego.
2005 – CHW lost 7 straight in August (8/12-20) and 4 straight in Sept. (9/8-9/11).
2004 – Boston lost 3 straight in September (9/18-20).
So it does happen. I think the road will be a good place to regroup and get the train back on the tracks.
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 4, 2008 9:47 AM CDT reply actions 4 recs
Thanks for doing this research.
Reading stuff like this does help ease my mind a little.
"I see the playoff schedule posted in the paper, and that stuff makes me nervous because you can't take anything for granted. We have a great team. We have a really good team. We're playing well, but we haven't won yet." - Jim Edmonds, 8/31/08
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 4, 2008 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's partially why I do it, too.
That, and I’m a stats dork.
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 4, 2008 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The White Sox looked really bad in September 2005 until the last week of the season.
Starting on September 28 they went 17-1 (won the last six games of the regular season and went 11-1 in October).
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Sep 4, 2008 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, thank you very much Trey
I needed that
by 23Ryno on Sep 4, 2008 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Im rec this post....
You get some BCB points for this :)
"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 4, 2008 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seconded.
"I see the playoff schedule posted in the paper, and that stuff makes me nervous because you can't take anything for granted. We have a great team. We have a really good team. We're playing well, but we haven't won yet." - Jim Edmonds, 8/31/08
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 4, 2008 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
at the end of the day
do i get to redeem them, like at chuck-e-cheese? because i’ve had my eye on this nerf basketball set for my office for a while now…
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 4, 2008 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You'd have to live
at Chuckocheese for like 3 years, bedding down inside the habitrail thing, to ever get enough tickets for the nerf set, man!
"We are not equations with hats." -Dean Young
by Kegler on Sep 4, 2008 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ladies and gentlemen, WE HAVE GREEN!
"I see the playoff schedule posted in the paper, and that stuff makes me nervous because you can't take anything for granted. We have a great team. We have a really good team. We're playing well, but we haven't won yet." - Jim Edmonds, 8/31/08
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 4, 2008 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Give McGahee a break
Are we really saying that a guy who looks overmatched his first two at bats is not ready to contribute offensively? A-ROD went 0-3 in his professional game and his career has worked out ok. I’m not saying this guy will be a stud but lets allow for a slightly larger body of work before deciding he isn’t up to the challenge.
by BeltwayCubsFan on Sep 4, 2008 9:53 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm not sure people are saying he's hopeless
I think they’re saying now is not the time to find out. He’s an unknown.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Sep 4, 2008 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It would have also been better for him if he didn't have to be at the plate during high-pressure
situations for his major league ABs…now everyone loses: he may have lost his confidence after a K and a DP, and clearly, the team didn’t benefit by his pinch-hitting….
by zevkalman on Sep 4, 2008 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactamundo.
"I see the playoff schedule posted in the paper, and that stuff makes me nervous because you can't take anything for granted. We have a great team. We have a really good team. We're playing well, but we haven't won yet." - Jim Edmonds, 8/31/08
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 4, 2008 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He has a larger body of work.
He has, in fact, 2,822 minor league plate appearances. Now, you take a guy that’s had a below-average OPS for his entire time at AAA, and what do you expect him to do in the majors? Well, me for one I’d expect him to suck like a Hoover.
by cwyers on Sep 4, 2008 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow. Didn't know he had so many of those....
2,822 plate appearances are really enough samples to really describe someone’s expected “true batting average” (for example, the 95% confidence interval changes inversely by the square root of that number). So the guy really does have an expected below-average talent level….
by zevkalman on Sep 4, 2008 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's a bit more complicated than that with minor league numbers...
…because you’re combining a guy’s Age 20 A-ball stats with his Age 25 AAA stats.
But at no point in his career has McGehee had a year on par with what, say, Jake Fox has done, and Fox is the sort of player who has probably already had his major league career pass him by.
by cwyers on Sep 4, 2008 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There's no reason McGehee shouldn't have a ML at-bat or two...
… as a reward for his service to the organization.
But those AB belong in a meaningless game or situation, not the high-pressure ones Lou has given him.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Sep 4, 2008 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like Jake,
but I think his career died in right field in San Francisco last year when Brenly ripped him pretty good.
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 4, 2008 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It should have been Dubois
The argument for the 40 man roster spot is mute since they had to make room for Casey. Dubois (sp) has major league experience already….and has some power. He is not a world beater but he is a better option than Casey.
"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey
by TheRiot Police on Sep 4, 2008 9:59 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Damn Reply button...
"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey
by TheRiot Police on Sep 4, 2008 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Moot, Lou, moot!
:)
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Sep 4, 2008 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
Also need Pie’s speed and late innning defense
I've been bleeding double blue Cubbies & NY Rangers
by parrotinct on Sep 4, 2008 10:00 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I gave Z the benefit of the doubt
but after reading various Trib bits I’m less sanguine. It bothers me to no end that he’s gone MIA and Lou has no idea what’s going on.
This high-maintenance diva turn does not become the man. C’mon Z, grow up.
by Emelie on Sep 4, 2008 10:01 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
This is so Sosa...
Cue the parking lot cameras
"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey
by TheRiot Police on Sep 4, 2008 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, please.
Not even close.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Sep 4, 2008 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He does not show up for an MRI
The manager does not know where he is. We are in the middle of pennant race. He is putting himself before the team…same things that Sosa did at the end of 04
"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey
by TheRiot Police on Sep 4, 2008 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Meh...I still think you're pushing it.
Big Z did show up for the physical exam, he just wasn’t “available” for the MRI. (And we still don’t know what that means.) There’s apparently an injury involved here, which makes it a very different situation. Oh, and it’s also not the last day of the season.
"I see the playoff schedule posted in the paper, and that stuff makes me nervous because you can't take anything for granted. We have a great team. We have a really good team. We're playing well, but we haven't won yet." - Jim Edmonds, 8/31/08
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 4, 2008 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The various reports
had it that he had a time conflict and couldn’t dedicate the extended time necessary for the MRI. They can take a while.
I’m going to give Z the benefit of the doubt on this.
Disposable dixie cup drinkin... I'm hiding out in the big city blinking...
by N Oakley on Sep 4, 2008 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can't buy...
…a time conflict. What would be more important then getting this procedure done?
I think his reason is related to not wanting to be laid up from the side effects of the contrast, or he absolutely can’t stand the needle and talked the doc into an MRI without contrast.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Sep 4, 2008 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
family?
who knows? Just because Lou hadn’t been told by the end of the game doesn’t mean it’s not a valid reason.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Sep 4, 2008 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Plus...
Z’s already going to miss a start. If it’s minor, 24 hours is just another day of rest. If major, what does 24 hours matter?
Disposable dixie cup drinkin... I'm hiding out in the big city blinking...
by N Oakley on Sep 4, 2008 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It probably doesn't...
…but the manager likes to know the status of these things ASAP. And, if Z balked at the contrast, its possible the regular MRI will miss something the contrast could show. If there is something there, it behooves the Cubs to find out right now, not after 2-3 weeks when he tries to pitch and has problems again, because he chose not to get the contrast with the MRI now.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Sep 4, 2008 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
All I keep hearing is he
had a family conflict that did not give him the time to have the MRI. Where is the “balking at contrast” speculation coming from?
Disposable dixie cup drinkin... I'm hiding out in the big city blinking...
by N Oakley on Sep 4, 2008 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And keep in mind...
… that Lou made those comments before the game, right? Maybe he found out later. While we may be on a 24/7 news cycle, other people don’t always have the information available immediately.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Sep 4, 2008 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I say that because...
…I don’t believe Lou didn’t know why he didn’t get the MRI yesterday. If he talked to the trainer (like he said), the trainer would have known because he either was with Z at the exam or talked to the doc right after it was completed.
Lou seemed a little miffed and I think he was because Z might have not gone along with the fact that the doc wanted to use contrast and Z didn’t go along with it for the possible reasons I already stated. I am speculating here, but I really think Lou knew what was going on and he didn’t want to come out and say Z didn’t want to do what the doc thought was best.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Sep 4, 2008 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It just seems like a big stretch.
Disposable dixie cup drinkin... I'm hiding out in the big city blinking...
by N Oakley on Sep 4, 2008 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
TWSS
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Sep 4, 2008 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You could be right...
…time will tell.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Sep 4, 2008 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
is this better?
ESPN 1000 Chicago reported late Wednesday night that Zambrano missed the MRI appointment to attend to a family matter.
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 4, 2008 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the ESPN ticker this morning
listed his absence due to ‘family matters’ – I don’t know what that means exactly, but if something came up in regard to his family, I’m not going to begrudge him.
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 4, 2008 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
Give the guy a break. I’m sure he’ll do it today.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Sep 4, 2008 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and, if he's hurt
what difference does one day on the MRI make? If he’s DL-ed, it will be retroactive to Sept. 3 anyways.
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 4, 2008 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He Was Busy Watching Urkel Reruns?
"Sometimes I feel like as a Cubs fan if I’m not worrying about something, I’m not doing it right." - HalfBlindCubbieGirl
by CaliCub on Sep 4, 2008 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm picturing Z after breaking someone else's bat
“Did I do that?”
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Sep 4, 2008 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
When the act occurred does not matter
It is the action. Unless, he comes out with a really good reason why he missed the MRI, he put himself before the team. Whether this happens in April, or the last day of the season, it is him not holding up to his end of the bargain to his teammates. They deserve to know what is going on with him so they can move past it if it is a serious problem.
"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey
by TheRiot Police on Sep 4, 2008 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That headline doesn't reflect the contents of the article.
“Zambrano’s season is in jeopardy”? On what basis did the headline writer write THAT?
That said, you’re right. If something’s wrong with Z, he, and the club, need to find out.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Sep 4, 2008 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Downey's column was garbage, too
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Sep 4, 2008 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Does that surprise you?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Sep 4, 2008 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nope.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Sep 4, 2008 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It sounds to me this may just be a simple miscommunication.
Until we know, let’s not jump to conclusions.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Sep 4, 2008 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
agreed
Hopefully Z was not trying to be superman on Tuesday when he sould of taken the day off.
Loosing does funny things to you, but then so does winning
I've been bleeding double blue Cubbies & NY Rangers
by parrotinct on Sep 4, 2008 10:06 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
We need someone to spark this team
I’m not sure who it will be but it seems like Lou is hoping it’s McGahee. The hitting sure looks like it did against AZ last October. Let’s get it out of the way now.
I really expected Dempster to be our stopper at home last night. He was for the most part but the fact that the offense failed to score a single run for the second time in three games was really surprising. The clutch hits can’t come too soon.
Everybody cross your fingers for Z and Harden OK?
by Mapmaker on Sep 4, 2008 10:08 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
There's a naive part of me that longs for the imaginary and fantastic so I am hoping that
somehow, by some miracle, Angel Guzman and Hart might get the opportunity to step up to the mound, and help our battered pitching staff. I know, silly fantasies….
by zevkalman on Sep 4, 2008 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Z's injury....
…is another reminder to NEVER sign a pitcher to a long-term, big money contract UNLESS there is a clause that guarantees the club a certain discount because of pitching-related injury. It is the only fair thing to do. In the worst case, if Z turns into another Prior, then the Cubs are still on the hook for $91 million? Ridiculous. And who pays the salary? Why the fans, of course through ever-escalating ticket and concession prices. If these money-hungry pitchers and their agents won’t agree to such terms, then let another club take the risk. Seems al these contracts are too one-sided.
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse
by ronsanto10 on Sep 4, 2008 10:16 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
No self-respecting player, agent, or union in baseball
would guarantee a contract with that kind of clause. The act of throwing a baseball that hard isn’t a natural motion, which causes deterioration in the arm of any pitcher.
Unless you could have a rotation of pitchers under the team’s control (under 6-year players), I don’t know how competitive and feasible that would be.
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 4, 2008 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Magglio Ordonez signed exactly that type of deal with the Tigers.
Granted, he isn’t a pitcher, but there is precedent for an injury-protection contract.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Sep 4, 2008 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks, Al.
I’d forgotten about that.
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 4, 2008 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mags had an existing injury and the clause only applied if THAT injury reoccurred.
If he suffers a different injury, the clause does not apply.
That seems like a different situation and is similar to a player signing an incentive laden contract when they are coming back from injury.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Sep 4, 2008 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
MLB contracts are insured...
To what level, his is don’t know. Even if he were to never pitch again, the Cubs are not on the hook for all of the remainder of his contract.
"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey
by TheRiot Police on Sep 4, 2008 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Z did not take a physical before he signed his contract,
so I don’t think his contract is insured.
I doubt any insurance company would insure a contract without a physical.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Sep 4, 2008 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
take it easy there
id rather have zambrano and have the cubs be on the hook for 90 mil than not have zambrano at all. he is one of the most consistent pitchers in the majors as far as staying healthy and giving a team quality innings. if you were going to give that contract to anyone itd be zambrano.
bring up felix.
by kylejo on Sep 4, 2008 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It is odd
That the entire offense seems to go cold at the same time – which tends to lead to the spurts of offensive ineptitude. Of course this happened against AZ in the playoffs last year and it is hard to figure out because it doesn’t seem connected to any particular type of pitcher or any other obvious factor. What I hope Pinella can do – and this is what Dusty was so bad at – is to figure out which psychological and tactical strings to pull to prevent a 4-5 loss slide (which all teams have) to becoming a long losing streak where confidence is eroded.
by BeltwayCubsFan on Sep 4, 2008 10:18 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I think a good approach (and Brenly frequently mentions this) is to start being aggressive
Start stealing more (with the right personnel—not Theriot) and using hit-and-run. Bring up Pie and let him pinch run in important steal situations….let ONEDEC play more, and put a lot of speed on the bases…
by zevkalman on Sep 4, 2008 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I mentioned this last night...
…Lou needs (and I think he will) start putting guys in motion to put pressure on the defense. Now, I do think he will play this by ear in Cincy, because that is a park where the long ball comes into play.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Sep 4, 2008 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
There is no reason that Pie is still in Des Moines right now. Outside of a handful of Des Moines residents happy to have baseball into September, there is no reason to have a viable bench candidate as a pinch runner or defensive replacement, playing CF in some mythical AAA playoff series. None whatsoever.
Who needs a stinkin' tag line? What are they for anyway?
by krummy12 on Sep 4, 2008 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
More stats....
Its not like the other contending teams haven’t lost 5 in a row this year (except the Angels). Here are the other contending teams longest losing streaks this year. I did not include the DBacks or Dodgers due to their not so impressive records….
Tampa Bay- 7
Boston- 5
White Sox- 7
Minnesota- 6
LA Angels- 4
NY Mets- 5 (twice)
Philadelphia- 6
Milwaukee- 6
St. Louis- 5
by AndHart120 on Sep 4, 2008 10:20 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
And if you did want to include the Dbacks and Dodgers...
Dbacks – 5
Dodgers – 8
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Sep 4, 2008 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
LOL
After I posted that I was wondering why I didnt take the extra 5 seconds to look that up as well!
by AndHart120 on Sep 4, 2008 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
After watching the last 5 days
I admit i’m discouraged in the quality of play, after the first two games of the Phillies series. It’s like a lightswitch got turned off.
All I know is we get to play three games in that bandbox that is the Great American Ballpark, against our old buddy Dusty Baker and his Cincinnati Reds. I think that is the cure for what ails us.
I really think we put a hurting on the Reds and win at least two of three by huge margins. I refuse to believe this baseball team is as bad as they have shown the last 5 games. They’ve bounced back all year.
They were playing out of their minds well for the month prior to the 5 games they lost. Things have a way of balancing out, and I think losing 5 in a row was a way of fate righting the scales a little bit. It’s bump in the road, not a road block.
We win big in Cincy. I can feel it.
by DWChaney on Sep 4, 2008 10:33 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
by lightswitch going off i think you mean...
…they started playing LIKE the phillies. watching them fail to execute any clutch hits became contagious to the Cubs.
I heart the riot. (www.riotshirts.com)
by RIOTSHIRTS.com on Sep 4, 2008 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Other than last nights game...
they were in 4 of the 5 losses. Games could have gone either way.
"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 4, 2008 1:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
A clutch hit here or there would have turned all of those games.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Sep 4, 2008 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And the starting pitching was generally good.
"I see the playoff schedule posted in the paper, and that stuff makes me nervous because you can't take anything for granted. We have a great team. We have a really good team. We're playing well, but we haven't won yet." - Jim Edmonds, 8/31/08
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 4, 2008 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Getting away from Wrigley will
help. I think they will relax and lay some wood on Dusty’s dudes.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Sep 4, 2008 1:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
Derosa said the other day on TV that the Cubs fans won’t let the team take a day off. Maybe the players were starting to feel a little too much pressure. Hopefully getting out of town and playing in front of 10,000 – 15,000 Cubs fans instead of 40,000 will take the pressure off a bit.
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 4, 2008 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't see the value of Pie at all
He doesn’t make contact at the plate, and Cedeno is fine enough as a pinch runner. If they really need a defensive late-game replacement they can always shift or insert Dome in CF.
by BeltwayCubsFan on Sep 4, 2008 10:35 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I hate to open up a can of worms here...but I'd like to see a defensive replacement for Sori in the
late innings now that we have expanded rosters. It would be sure nice to see a fast and smart left-fielder make great defensive plays to back up the pitcher in the late innings….Pie playing CF and Edmonds or Johnson playing LF in the 9th (for example) would be nice….
by zevkalman on Sep 4, 2008 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Something tells me...
…you will see that in the playoffs.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Sep 4, 2008 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
From what I've read it sounds like they will bring Pie up
AFTER the AAA playoffs. They didn’t want to take all of the I-Cubs players off the roster.
"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 4, 2008 1:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
now that Fuld
has been called up from AA, they may move Pie faster.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Sep 4, 2008 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Huh?
You did see Cedeno get thrown out from medium deep LF last night didn’t you? Among his many shortcomings, Cedeno can’t run either. If he’s the best pinch runner available in the system, the system is barren of anyone that can run. Pie is infinitely faster than Cedeno and arguably much more adept at actual baserunning in general.
Who needs a stinkin' tag line? What are they for anyway?
by krummy12 on Sep 4, 2008 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You make it sound like it was a boneheaded play.
Theriot was at the dish waiving him in (which, well, I won’t comment.) It’s not like he was running through the stop sign or anything. Looking at the replay I’m still not certain he was tagged.
by cwyers on Sep 4, 2008 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I watched the replay a few times...
…he was barely brushed on the back of the jersey. Still not sure how the ump saw that. Plus, he couldn’t slide, as the path to the plate was completely blocked. He needed to just take out the catcher completely.
I heart the riot. (www.riotshirts.com)
by RIOTSHIRTS.com on Sep 4, 2008 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Was Theriot going to help him?
Because 6 foot, 180 pound shortstops don’t have a lot of luck trying to bowl over a 5’9", 215 pound catcher.
by cwyers on Sep 4, 2008 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well it wouldn't hurt!
Just have the riot kneel down behind the catcher, while ronny pushes him over…
I heart the riot. (www.riotshirts.com)
by RIOTSHIRTS.com on Sep 4, 2008 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
All depends...
…on how you go about it. A runner has a fullhead of steam coming in and the catcher is just sitting there. That offsets the weight difference quite a bit.
If you are going to try and run through the catcher, you need to make up your mind early, when you notice he isn’t giving you any of the plate.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Sep 4, 2008 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What if Ronny went for the throat?
That would buy him a second or two, if I recall correctly from last night’s thread…
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 4, 2008 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Neck, I think.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Sep 4, 2008 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I just watched...
…the play again, and I agree. On the first replay (immediately after the play), you can see Cedeno’s jersey move when the catcher’s glove hit it. However, I don’t see how the ump could have seen that either.
"I see the playoff schedule posted in the paper, and that stuff makes me nervous because you can't take anything for granted. We have a great team. We have a really good team. We're playing well, but we haven't won yet." - Jim Edmonds, 8/31/08
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 4, 2008 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Theriot was telling Ronny to slide at the plate,
Mike Quade (3rd base coach) was waving him home.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Sep 4, 2008 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And the little voice inside his head was asking...
“Who is Maloo…and why are we skipping to her?”
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Sep 4, 2008 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ummmm..... I don't quite get your joke.
I must be missing something.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Sep 4, 2008 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Skip to my loo, my darlin'
or would it be “Skip to my Lou..?” ~Pinella.
The other sports are just sports. Baseball is a love. ~Bryant Gumbel
by Blue W on Sep 4, 2008 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My 2 pennies
I think that if we would have won on Tuesday night, we probably win yesterday. I think the late inning/extra inning lack of a single clutch hit on top of 3 losses in a row may have sapped a little swagger. I think if we win that game, we take a deep breath of relief and we relax on Wednesday. I know the Astros are smokin’ hot right now, but Tuesday night was hard to watch, and to watch Lou make some dumb moves as well. That’s baseball, and we are still in the driver’s seat.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
by BigJohnAZ on Sep 4, 2008 10:36 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
To me that extra inning loss was a lot more to take than last nights loss. I am real hopeful for this weekend as well with the way this team is (and Im going Saturday so that makes me REALLY hope im right!).
by AndHart120 on Sep 4, 2008 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
but, I gotta give credit to
Oswalt and Wolf. Oswalt was nasty all day Monday. And Randy Wolf? I didn’t see that pitching performance coming, but ya gotta tip your cap to the man. He was in control all night yesterday.
We got caught by two pitchers who had good stuff, and we were offensively cold enough to not be able to do much with them.
by DWChaney on Sep 4, 2008 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I think you do have to tip your hat to Wolf
He pitched to the conditions. Aram would easily have hit one to Waveland, had he not hit one into the teeth of the wind.
I heart the riot. (www.riotshirts.com)
by RIOTSHIRTS.com on Sep 4, 2008 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agree With Your Point, But
I still cringe when I hear “tip your hat to the opposing pitcher”. Maybe because I heard that all too often during the last 10 days of 2004.
"Sometimes I feel like as a Cubs fan if I’m not worrying about something, I’m not doing it right." - HalfBlindCubbieGirl
by CaliCub on Sep 4, 2008 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Eh, i think the bookend games were far more disturbing
At least the Cubs put 7 runs on the board that game and showed fight to get back in the game and overcome Howry being a complete train wreck. Bookend shutouts are far more alarming.
And I totally disagree on Pie-McGahee. How quick we all forget that Pie looked overmatched in 90% of his at bats and that was over a MUCH larger sample size than two AB. He was completely overmatched at the plate.
by BeltwayCubsFan on Sep 4, 2008 10:38 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Pie's body of work in the minors is a lot better than McGehee's
Pet peeve time — sorry. If you’re going to tell a group of people that they’re wrong about someone, at least spell that someone’s name correctly.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Sep 4, 2008 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And someone has to...
… tell PA announcer Paul Friedman that it’s pronounced “McGee”, not “McGee-Hee”.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Sep 4, 2008 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Calling Deep Goat!
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Sep 4, 2008 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Give me a break with your spelling complaints
I’m not telling anyone they are wrong. According to your definition anyone who expresses an opinion is automatically telling others they are wrong? Read the title of my post: it says “I THINK”. It doesn’t say anyone is wrong it says this is what I think. And your counter point about minor league statistics – oh boy. Where to begin. Does the name Rich Hill ring a bell?
by BeltwayCubsFan on Sep 4, 2008 10:48 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
How about my complaint about your inability to use "reply"?
Honestly, settle down. You make it sound like I reply to all of your posts and edit them, and that we’re all out to get Casey.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Sep 4, 2008 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You mean we're not all out to get Casey?
what am I going to do with all of these signs?
The other sports are just sports. Baseball is a love. ~Bryant Gumbel
by Blue W on Sep 4, 2008 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Paint "Theriot" over his name?
I keed . . . .
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Sep 4, 2008 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here I spent all morning making torches for the townies to carry.
Disposable dixie cup drinkin... I'm hiding out in the big city blinking...
by N Oakley on Sep 4, 2008 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
did you bring the pitchforks?
cause i have the stocks and tomatoes to throw…
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 4, 2008 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Okay, fine.
There are two leagues full of minor league players at AAA alone, the majority of which will never play in MLB. Of all of the players to see whether or not he could handle the show, why pick the guy who can’t handle AAA?
by cwyers on Sep 4, 2008 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
-1
Pie would of scored last night on that close play at the plate
This team has not done anything on base for a while.
Hell they were giving Dero 2nd two nights ago in the 11th and he never moved
I've been bleeding double blue Cubbies & NY Rangers
by parrotinct on Sep 4, 2008 10:50 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'll certainly agree with the argument that the base movement has stalled
You are absolutely right on that and certainly Pie is someone that can help there, but…I don’t want him in the starting lineup or getting any at bats so you are talking about a narrow, late-game window where his speed would be of value.
Moving runners is worth a shot, because if that isn’t tried you are forcing the offense to hit their way out of a slump rather than making it a little easier for them.
by BeltwayCubsFan on Sep 4, 2008 10:53 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
never said he had to bat.
I've been bleeding double blue Cubbies & NY Rangers
by parrotinct on Sep 4, 2008 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Somebody please remind me...
…to never read the “Comments” section at the Trib:
Dave G
Plattsburgh, NY
Now with Harden complaining about pain in his shoulder, the season is over.
Lou Holtz
Edmond, OK
I’d love to see the Domer with the name you can’t spell take Zambrano’s place in the starting rotation.
by sniffy the bee on Sep 4, 2008 10:53 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Is that second comment really in there?
Lou Holtz / Notre Dame…took me a while to figure out what a Domer was
The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been . . . baseball.
by Weeghman Park on Sep 4, 2008 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually,
I just figgered it now. I thought he was referrng to Kosuke. He meant The Shark, though.
by sniffy the bee on Sep 4, 2008 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Either way,
both of those suggestions are so crazy I can barely stand it…
Why don’t I just dress up like a fish and jump in a bear’s mouth?
The other sports are just sports. Baseball is a love. ~Bryant Gumbel
by Blue W on Sep 4, 2008 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't see whats so crazy...
about thinking about throwing Samarzdija into the rotation? He has been a starter his whole career until he got the big leagues… he has three effective pitches, and he is fearless… At this point, why not?
by Hard4Harden on Sep 4, 2008 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
I heart the riot. (www.riotshirts.com)
by RIOTSHIRTS.com on Sep 4, 2008 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd give him a pretty short leash -- have
Marshall or Gaudin ready to go at the beginning of the third inning no matter what.
But it might be worth the risk.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Sep 4, 2008 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We threw Gallagher into the deep end, right?
Why not the Shark?
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
by BigJohnAZ on Sep 4, 2008 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
At this point in the season,
I could possibly see Shark in maybe a long relief spot, but not start. I just don’t see how throwing him into the grinder would be good for anyone.
But heck, maybe I’m the one who’s crazy.
…Where’s my salmon suit?
The other sports are just sports. Baseball is a love. ~Bryant Gumbel
by Blue W on Sep 4, 2008 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You do this and you better hope
that Guzman is really back. Otherwise, we are back to using Howry or Hart in the 7th inning since Gaudin is currently not available
"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey
by TheRiot Police on Sep 4, 2008 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're right about fearless
At this point he probably has more mental maturity than Z for what it’s worth in the bigs
The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been . . . baseball.
by Weeghman Park on Sep 4, 2008 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think I'd rather see Marshall or Lieber
I just don’t know if Samardzija is stretched out enough right now. Plus, his fastball is pretty straight, and after a trip or two through a batting order, that would concern me a lot.
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 4, 2008 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
His fastball is pretty straight?!?
His fastball moves like Greg Maddux’s except its at 95 mph!!!!
by Hard4Harden on Sep 4, 2008 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
if he starts
he can’t air it out at 95. that’s why the bullpen role has been better for him. and one of the problems he had in the minor leagues was throwing a straight fastball.
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 4, 2008 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i've thought some more about it
Saying his fastball can be straight probably isn’t the right word. Sometimes it just seems as if it’s not sinking like it should, and I think Houston showed that on Monday.
I just think that starting him will expose him (and his off-speed pitches) more, and keeping him in the bullpen with the power arm is what’s best for the team right now.
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 4, 2008 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree.
I’d rather keep the Shark in the pen and go with Marshall. Sean Marshall is an experienced major league starter, the Shark is not. And let’s be honest, if Marquis weren’t around, Marshall would likely be the Cubs No. 5.
"I see the playoff schedule posted in the paper, and that stuff makes me nervous because you can't take anything for granted. We have a great team. We have a really good team. We're playing well, but we haven't won yet." - Jim Edmonds, 8/31/08
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 4, 2008 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The key...
…with Marshall is he is a lefty and he has had some success/experience in the starters role. It really is a no brainer.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Sep 4, 2008 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let's not forget...
… that Chad Gaudin made 34 major league starts last year. It’s an option.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Sep 4, 2008 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He is not an option till he himself is healthy
There has not been much on that either…minor or major back issue? The can hide it more because of the expanded roster
"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey
by TheRiot Police on Sep 4, 2008 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Apropos of nothing...
…I’d really like to see you, Hard4Harden, and reed’sjohnson get into an argument. Please carry on.
"I see the playoff schedule posted in the paper, and that stuff makes me nervous because you can't take anything for granted. We have a great team. We have a really good team. We're playing well, but we haven't won yet." - Jim Edmonds, 8/31/08
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 4, 2008 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're probably right about keeping Samarzdija in the pen...
We all saw what ended up happening to Joba in New York… and I don’t think that this team could use another arm injury… like the arm “cursitis” that seems to be going around right now..
by Hard4Harden on Sep 4, 2008 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just to offer a contrarian point of view...
Shark is going to be a starter for someone, someday. He’s got the mental attitude that the Cubs need now. It would be nice to get through the first inning without any opposing runners on base. He does throw some hittable strikes but I would rather have that and put the ball in play than these guys who nibble all over the plate and walk men on base, with two outs. If he gets racked in the third, we’ll probably be agonizing over it here but he won’t. And he’ll go out the next time and pitch as hard as he can. It seems like with every other one of our pitchers we’re scared to death as soon as they take the mound, “is their arm OK? Is there head OK?” Sorry, I just like seeing that kid go to the mound and pitch without all the drama. (DISCLAIMER: If I were really the manager of the Cubs, I would probably leave him in the pen.)
The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been . . . baseball.
by Weeghman Park on Sep 4, 2008 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
To bolster the lets not take him out of the pen argument
You would have to pick from these band of brothers to replace him in his role
Gaudin (back issues), Hart (killed all year by MLB hitters), Howry (nothing to see here folks), and Wuertz (Dr Jerkyl and Mr Hyde).
"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey
by TheRiot Police on Sep 4, 2008 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I forgot Guzman (Tommy John Refugee)
"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey
by TheRiot Police on Sep 4, 2008 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What about Guzman?
The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been . . . baseball.
by Weeghman Park on Sep 4, 2008 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He is a possibility
If he pulls it all together
"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey
by TheRiot Police on Sep 4, 2008 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You beat me too the reply button
Angel looked pretty good the other day for a TJS refugee
The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been . . . baseball.
by Weeghman Park on Sep 4, 2008 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bruce Levine reported this morning
that Z was upset w/ some of his teammates during his start, specifically pointing out Theriot for his botched play on Pence. I guess some of them (the teammates) weren’t taking it very lightly either. This is all per Bruce Levine, so if I hear anything else I’ll let you know. I might have to check the podcast later to verify what he actually said though.
Go All In and Enjoy The Ride.
by Jayo525 on Sep 4, 2008 11:08 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I've never known Bruce to make crap up like that....
that is disturbing (and refreshing in regards to the criticism of Theriot) to hear.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Sep 4, 2008 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh brother
Please tell me Z didn’t take himself out of the game just because he was upset at the rest of the team!
"Sometimes I feel like as a Cubs fan if I’m not worrying about something, I’m not doing it right." - HalfBlindCubbieGirl
by CaliCub on Sep 4, 2008 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I doubt that.
but he might have been upset if he felt he was pitching through pain only to see his defense not back him up.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Sep 4, 2008 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he did the same in Pittsburgh
He looked pretty upset when Fukudome didn’t come up with a sinking line drive because he broke back first, if i recall correctly.
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 4, 2008 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not surprising...
…we know Z is very emotional and he has always let this stuff get the better of him. Could he have yanked himself from the game because he was pissed? I hope not, but this also solidifies my theory that he didn’t get the MRI on his own accord, not because he had a family matter.
Look at it this way, Z has been accustomed to being the number one guy here for quite a while. Now, you have 2 pitchers that have outpitched him and I think that frustrates him. I am not trying to bash the guy, but you can’t ignore how emotional this guy is and how it has come out in the past.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Sep 4, 2008 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that's an awful lot of speculation.
I’m not necessarily saying you’re wrong, I just don’t know how you could know you’re right.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Sep 4, 2008 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Has anyone seen the Z we all have grown to love...
since that stellar outing in Milwaukee? He has seemed to be a shell of himself since that game…
by Hard4Harden on Sep 4, 2008 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Didn't say I was right...
…I am just looking at Z’s makeup and this particular circumstance and doing some good old fashion speculation.
Lastly, if people are worried stuff like this will derail a team, crap happens all the time within a ballclub, most of which you don’t hear about.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Sep 4, 2008 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am with you....
this happens all the time – and i cant lie i pitched, and i was very emotional as well – Theriots mess up probably did aggervate Zambrano – and might have cost him some quality pitches because of the mental side.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on Sep 4, 2008 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
With More Cachet Than Colin
A guy of Z’s stature criticizing Theriot’s defensive limitations might prompt the brass to at least put in a late inning defensive replacement in October – and at most explore other options for SS in ’09.
"Sometimes I feel like as a Cubs fan if I’m not worrying about something, I’m not doing it right." - HalfBlindCubbieGirl
by CaliCub on Sep 4, 2008 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
True.
The counterpoint is, however, that no matter what Z thinks of the defense behind him, he has to also make his pitches and do his job.
ISTR Steve Trachsel, in his first Cub stint, getting the worst looks on his face every time there was an error made behind him.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Sep 4, 2008 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good Point Al
By no means should Z be excused for a lack of execution (short of injury). And I can well remember Jack Morris glaring at his Tiger teammates when they botched a grounder.
"Sometimes I feel like as a Cubs fan if I’m not worrying about something, I’m not doing it right." - HalfBlindCubbieGirl
by CaliCub on Sep 4, 2008 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
Z still needs to grow up…sadly. I thought he turned a corner this year.
The only stats I care about are the ones on the back of a baseball card
by carmen_fanzone on Sep 4, 2008 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Z wants a Cy Young Award
He has to become a smarter pitcher to get to a 20 game winner
What is his high 15 – 16 on good teams
I've been bleeding double blue Cubbies & NY Rangers
by parrotinct on Sep 4, 2008 11:14 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I think he throws to hard and uses sooo much energy when he pitches that he falls off more then most
when it comes to august/september. His falloffs look alot worst too because of how good he plays previous to those months
"This balls got a chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannce, GONE!" - Pat Hughes
by SouthsideCUBSfan on Sep 4, 2008 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Um, he looked pretty good...
…in September and October of last year, remember?
"I see the playoff schedule posted in the paper, and that stuff makes me nervous because you can't take anything for granted. We have a great team. We have a really good team. We're playing well, but we haven't won yet." - Jim Edmonds, 8/31/08
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 4, 2008 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
definitley
I was going to say just August above, but he has added his tired arm to the september woos
"This balls got a chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannce, GONE!" - Pat Hughes
by SouthsideCUBSfan on Sep 4, 2008 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He was absolutely horrible
in April of last year and fine in september/october…so this theory does not hold much water.
"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey
by TheRiot Police on Sep 4, 2008 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
my theory is like a cactus
short, sharp, obvious when looked at….. there for it doesnt need much water… haha
"This balls got a chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannce, GONE!" - Pat Hughes
by SouthsideCUBSfan on Sep 4, 2008 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
To debate this a little bit more
The trend for this year is that he has thrown less fastballs and increased his offspeed stuff. At least early on, he was trying to pitch instead of just throwing.
http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=305&position=P
"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey
by TheRiot Police on Sep 4, 2008 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yea he was pitching more rather then throwing the living hell outta the ball
His patience may have worn a little thin, as he gets more and more excited about playoffs and big winning streaks, he seems as if he just wants to mow hitters down, rothschild needs to sit down with him, and i am sure he already has, and figure out EXACTLY what he is doing wrong in comparison to how he was in say, june. Kind of like how they did with Marmol, that seemed to be a winning solution
"This balls got a chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannce, GONE!" - Pat Hughes
by SouthsideCUBSfan on Sep 4, 2008 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are you sure it's a 'theory' your
referring to?
Go All In and Enjoy The Ride.
by Jayo525 on Sep 4, 2008 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can't stand all this uncertainty and speculation!!!
All Cubs players and management should have to spend a day in the lives of one of their diehard fans so they understand how hard it is to go through a day like today, just waiting and wondering what the F is going on… I seriously cannot think straight ! !
by Hard4Harden on Sep 4, 2008 11:30 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Anyone else notice our near .500 record on WGN!!
WGN: 28-27
CSN: 49-18 (includes CSN+)
Ok so I got a solution:
Win = RoadGames + CSN – Negative Attitudes – Injuries + Einsteins bagels + new Reed Johnson facial hair + no longer pitching Howry + batting fonty 2nd and Theriot 8th
"This balls got a chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannce, GONE!" - Pat Hughes
by SouthsideCUBSfan on Sep 4, 2008 11:45 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I was told
there would be no math?
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Sep 4, 2008 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
with only 6 more WGN games to go, I like our chances :)
I heart the riot. (www.riotshirts.com)
by RIOTSHIRTS.com on Sep 4, 2008 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The broadcast schedule breaks down this way
(numbers are the date of the month, since all remaining games are in September)
CSN/CSN+: 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 18, 19, 22, 23, 25, 26
WGN: 7, 9, 14, 21, 27, 28
WCIU: 17, 24
Fox: 20
Speculation: ESPN may pick up the Wednesday games vs. Milwaukee on the 17th and 24th; if they do, those who can’t get WCIU will be able to see them.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Sep 4, 2008 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
well I like how that broadcast schedule is going
considering we do way better oon CSN
"This balls got a chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannce, GONE!" - Pat Hughes
by SouthsideCUBSfan on Sep 4, 2008 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Last time that ESPN
picked up the game and it was on WCIU it was blacked out on ESPN and I couldn’t get either. I have Dish Network in Iowa. Now that really sucked.
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 4, 2008 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought the Cubs had filled their quota of ESPN broadcasts for the year?
I heart the riot. (www.riotshirts.com)
by RIOTSHIRTS.com on Sep 4, 2008 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know I've filled mine.
"I see the playoff schedule posted in the paper, and that stuff makes me nervous because you can't take anything for granted. We have a great team. We have a really good team. We're playing well, but we haven't won yet." - Jim Edmonds, 8/31/08
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 4, 2008 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
L O L !
Wait a minute... who am I here?
by malicedoom on Sep 4, 2008 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Only the Sunday quota is filled.
Other dates don’t have a quota.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Sep 4, 2008 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Road Trip
I agree, It work for the fellas at “Animal House”
Bagels hell, few warm Old Styles and some stale Nacho’s
Lets have a good weekend, guys looked quite tight at home, get on the road and play ball, have some fun.
"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"
by Grockcubs on Sep 4, 2008 11:50 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm here for Fawn...
Disposable dixie cup drinkin... I'm hiding out in the big city blinking...
by N Oakley on Sep 4, 2008 1:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's a fun game, let's have some fun
The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been . . . baseball.
by Weeghman Park on Sep 4, 2008 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We can talk about pitching all we want
But the fact is – the way Z pitched in August – Marshall isn’t going to be much of a dropoff. 5-6 IP, 3-4 runs. So the conversation should really be about the offense. Our pitchers, for the most part, will keep the opposition to 4 runs or less. If our offense can muster 5+ runs we will win.
by BeltwayCubsFan on Sep 4, 2008 11:56 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Daytona Cubs Get It Done
I could not stand the pain ….. i guess so I took a night off from watching Da Wrigley melt
down………….. I went to the Daytona Cubs playoff game…….. wild crazy game …… they beat
mini Card 10-9………………. Ryan Harvey looks ready to hit Wrigley Bleachers…..
by nimblenikelfoos on Sep 4, 2008 11:58 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
We thought this was the season that Zambrano "grows up" and puts it all together
Well, we were wrong. As much as I am huge fan of Zambrano and what he means to this ballclub it is troubling to see his antics and emotions rear their ugly head once again. At precisely the worst point in a playoff chasing season too!! If Zambrano is upset with his teammates then he needs to deal with that inside the tent.
The Cubs and Zambrano would be infinitely better off if he could grow out of the drama queen phase of his life. Sorry to be harsh (and I’m sure I’ll hear about it from the peanut gallery), but that’s how I feel on the subject. This is TERRIBLE time for all this garbage to be surfacing. Zambrano may have legitimate gripes, but man up and address those gripes in house.
by MDBNIU on Sep 4, 2008 12:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
What 'gripes' does Big Z have?
I’m seriously asking. I thought he was just having some arm issues – is he feuding with someone in the clubhouse or something?
Wait a minute... who am I here?
by malicedoom on Sep 4, 2008 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why don't wait to find out what the facts are instead of speculating what is going on?
That seems to be the only fair way to evaluate the situation.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Sep 4, 2008 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you have ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA
what’s going on with Z. All you have is idle speculation and a series of repeated phrases — which is all you ever have.
Zambrano has matured as a pitcher this year. You can tell it in the way he’s playing the game — pitching instead of just throwing.
So take your speculation and some sand, and… you know the rest.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Sep 4, 2008 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pound, baby. Pound.

"I see the playoff schedule posted in the paper, and that stuff makes me nervous because you can't take anything for granted. We have a great team. We have a really good team. We're playing well, but we haven't won yet." - Jim Edmonds, 8/31/08
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 4, 2008 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can't see how it's supposed to fit up there.
Disposable dixie cup drinkin... I'm hiding out in the big city blinking...
by N Oakley on Sep 4, 2008 1:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Sep 4, 2008 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Sep 4, 2008 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"I see the playoff schedule posted in the paper, and that stuff makes me nervous because you can't take anything for granted. We have a great team. We have a really good team. We're playing well, but we haven't won yet." - Jim Edmonds, 8/31/08
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 4, 2008 1:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Sep 4, 2008 1:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"I see the playoff schedule posted in the paper, and that stuff makes me nervous because you can't take anything for granted. We have a great team. We have a really good team. We're playing well, but we haven't won yet." - Jim Edmonds, 8/31/08
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 4, 2008 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
![]()
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Sep 4, 2008 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Folly for the day....
Mark Cuban purchases the Cubs (which I won’t like), decides to make big splash and meets Scott Boras’ asking price of $200 million for 1st baseman Mark Texiera. Derrek Lee is traded.
by MDBNIU on Sep 4, 2008 12:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Can MT hit to the opposite field?
The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been . . . baseball.
by Weeghman Park on Sep 4, 2008 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
...and the next day trades for Miguel Tejada to be the Cubs new SS.
WGN offers Theriot a contract, but instead Ryan retires to be a color guy for ESPN.
by zevkalman on Sep 4, 2008 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ryan would want to be Erin's cameraman
The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been . . . baseball.
by Weeghman Park on Sep 4, 2008 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I Try To Take a Vacation, I Come Back, The Whole Operation's a Shambles
(that’s what Jerry said in a Seinfeld episode when he had just come back from visiting his parents in Del Boca Vista) So… if you guys can catch me up, does anyone have the latest latest latest on what the Harden and Zambrano situations are? I can’t seem to google a straight answer.
Also, I think, Z-wise, we could have a playoff rotation of Demp-Harden-Lilly-Marq and still win it all. Z is shaky anyway, as we’ve seen. What exactly is wrong with Harden?
Also, it does SUCK that if we face ARIZ we are staring right down the barrel at have the EXACT same thing happen as last year, Webb trumps everything we have, and, their other guys seem to come thru. (Exact, except for games 1-2 being here). I fear just a full panic mode if we like, lose Game 1 at Wrigley to Webb 4-1 or something…
by nervousCUBlover on Sep 4, 2008 12:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
PAAAAANIC!!!!
AHHHHH…….
"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella
by Lou In Blue on Sep 4, 2008 1:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Why pannic?
The Cubs are almost a lock to make the playoffs-at the very least as the Wild Card.
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse
by ronsanto10 on Sep 4, 2008 1:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
better to have troubles now.................
then oct
by nervousCUBlover on Sep 4, 2008 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not panicing
I’m just amusing myself…
"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella
by Lou In Blue on Sep 4, 2008 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's not panicking about the Cubs...
…he just found out that Britney Spears will be opening this year’s MTV Video Music Awards.
"I see the playoff schedule posted in the paper, and that stuff makes me nervous because you can't take anything for granted. We have a great team. We have a really good team. We're playing well, but we haven't won yet." - Jim Edmonds, 8/31/08
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 4, 2008 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sue...as my running mate
I can’t have you flying off the handle like that….we need to work together as a united front if I’m going to win this thing.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Sep 4, 2008 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
She's just being a pitbull.
"I see the playoff schedule posted in the paper, and that stuff makes me nervous because you can't take anything for granted. We have a great team. We have a really good team. We're playing well, but we haven't won yet." - Jim Edmonds, 8/31/08
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 4, 2008 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Put some lipstick on yer dog
honeybunny.
"We are not equations with hats." -Dean Young
by Kegler on Sep 4, 2008 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sick Balls Chopper!

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Sep 4, 2008 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I call Attorney General!
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Sep 4, 2008 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I got Secretary
of Funk!
"We are not equations with hats." -Dean Young
by Kegler on Sep 4, 2008 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
fine...but HBCG gets secretary of pole dancing....
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Sep 4, 2008 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I predict
unanimous consent by the Senate.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Sep 4, 2008 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Carlos Zambrano apparently calling out Ryan Theriot is bush league
If there is any truth behind this story then Zambrano is flashing once again his severe lack of maturity and professional teammate skills. You dont’ whine and pout for the public to see. Rather you shut the fuck up and deal with things internally.
by MDBNIU on Sep 4, 2008 1:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
whoa whoa whoa
Easy with the F-bombs, buddy.
"I see the playoff schedule posted in the paper, and that stuff makes me nervous because you can't take anything for granted. We have a great team. We have a really good team. We're playing well, but we haven't won yet." - Jim Edmonds, 8/31/08
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 4, 2008 1:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agree the F-bombs...
…are not necessary, but I can’t disagree with the overall message.
What Carlos has to get at some point, is it isn’t about him. Do his teamates stare him down when he walks a batter or gives up a long ball? I admire his fire, but getting miffed at teamates for an error is just a tad unproductive.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Sep 4, 2008 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Zambrano is in danger of creating irrepairable fissure in the Cub clubhouse
It’s time for him to grow up. It’s high entertainment and all to punch Michael Barrett for the world to see. It’s also extreme bush league. If I were Lou Piniella right now I would be jumping down the throat of Zambrano. If I were the clubhouse leaders on this team (to include presumably Derrek Lee and Kerry Wood) I also would be have stern discussion with my teammate. Before the damage becomes too great to fix. If it is already not at that point.
by MDBNIU on Sep 4, 2008 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sure they will talk to him
This is one of those things, that if true, comes up during the course of a year. After 140 games, guys will get sick of each other from time to time.
I’m sure Theriot understands what he did wrong on the play and feels badly about it and told Z, “my bad” coming back into the dugout.
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 4, 2008 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
proof.
provide it. now. or admit that you’re BSing at the highest level.
Right… FREAKIN… NOW.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Sep 4, 2008 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't believe...
…it is a leap to say Zambrano has tendency to get miffed at his teamates when plays are not made in the field. If you watch the games you can see it, and it has been heavily reported by those who follow the club.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Sep 4, 2008 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and to date
when has it created an “irreparable fissure”?
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Sep 4, 2008 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1 for correcting BlueMike's spelling
"I see the playoff schedule posted in the paper, and that stuff makes me nervous because you can't take anything for granted. We have a great team. We have a really good team. We're playing well, but we haven't won yet." - Jim Edmonds, 8/31/08
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 4, 2008 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well...
…they had to ship one guy out (which was a good thing), but to think this isn’t pissing off his teamates is being a bit naive. None of them will ever say anything publicly, but it is not a good idea to show up a teamate at anytime, simply because everyone (including Zambrano) have bad games.
I never said it would keep the Cubs from winning, but it certainly is not something you want to see from one of your key players.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Sep 4, 2008 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Barrett needed to go
IMO.
I’m not suggesting that it isn’t pissing off his team-mates. I’m suggesting that it’s not going to bring the team crashing down, and there’s not even any proof that it’s his fault.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Sep 4, 2008 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That ship has really sailed. You know Lou couldn't stand that
guy. He probably would have carried him out of town on his back.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Sep 4, 2008 2:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agree completely on Barrett...
…they guy was the worst catcher in MLB for several years. In regards to it not being his fault – I don’t quite follow what you mean, but he should take responsibility for when he overeacts to a teamates error.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Sep 4, 2008 3:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did someone say "fissure"?

"I see the playoff schedule posted in the paper, and that stuff makes me nervous because you can't take anything for granted. We have a great team. We have a really good team. We're playing well, but we haven't won yet." - Jim Edmonds, 8/31/08
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 4, 2008 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
knew that was coming
Disposable dixie cup drinkin... I'm hiding out in the big city blinking...
by N Oakley on Sep 4, 2008 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ha - I would hate to disappoint.
"I see the playoff schedule posted in the paper, and that stuff makes me nervous because you can't take anything for granted. We have a great team. We have a really good team. We're playing well, but we haven't won yet." - Jim Edmonds, 8/31/08
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 4, 2008 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
stop projecting
you continue to speak about that which you know not. I recognize that you don’t prize credibility, but your stock is sinking faster than a certain Alaskan Governor.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Sep 4, 2008 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dude.
Seriously. I know you don’t like him, but he did say apparently, and was commenting on something that someone else said. Did you call out the person who first posted it?
And can everyone please stop with the politics? This isn’t the place. You do realize that you don’t know who you’re offending on this blog with the political shots, right? You’re not the only one doing it, but it’s old.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Sep 4, 2008 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes, I did.
and Z did not “apparently” call out Ryan Theriot. There is a rumor. That’s it.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Sep 4, 2008 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Then I missed it
My second paragraph still stands.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Sep 4, 2008 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, you didn't
Jayo reported what Bruce Levine said — and that included Zambrano apparently calling out Theriot. You responded to someone else’s response.
I think you add a lot to the discussions here, but you seem to be obsessed with blasting MBDNIU, no matter what he says.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Sep 4, 2008 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Psst...
…we’re just trying to get him to tell us to pound sand up our asses. C’mon, it’s an off day!
"I see the playoff schedule posted in the paper, and that stuff makes me nervous because you can't take anything for granted. We have a great team. We have a really good team. We're playing well, but we haven't won yet." - Jim Edmonds, 8/31/08
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 4, 2008 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sounds much more proper is you use the "arses."
Disposable dixie cup drinkin... I'm hiding out in the big city blinking...
by N Oakley on Sep 4, 2008 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Naw, for this one its asses.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Sep 4, 2008 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
rotator cuff tendinitis for Z, he will maybe miss 1 start
by drodd on Sep 4, 2008 1:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Source?
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Sep 4, 2008 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
link?!
source?!
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 4, 2008 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
here
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 4, 2008 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ten-twelve days
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Sep 4, 2008 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
how long is a twelve day?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Sep 4, 2008 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You know. Like the twelve-day of Christmas.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Sep 4, 2008 1:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So Z is rehabbing
with the five maids a milking?
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 4, 2008 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
or 8 maids-a-milking?
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 4, 2008 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Daver sings, "Five World Series rings!"
"I see the playoff schedule posted in the paper, and that stuff makes me nervous because you can't take anything for granted. We have a great team. We have a really good team. We're playing well, but we haven't won yet." - Jim Edmonds, 8/31/08
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 4, 2008 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Four Theriot Threads"
Disposable dixie cup drinkin... I'm hiding out in the big city blinking...
by N Oakley on Sep 4, 2008 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Two outs on a DLee groundball to 3B
The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been . . . baseball.
by Weeghman Park on Sep 4, 2008 1:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And a pitcher on the DL.
"I see the playoff schedule posted in the paper, and that stuff makes me nervous because you can't take anything for granted. We have a great team. We have a really good team. We're playing well, but we haven't won yet." - Jim Edmonds, 8/31/08
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 4, 2008 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Oh I hope not..."
Jose Jiminez
The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been . . . baseball.
by Weeghman Park on Sep 4, 2008 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bringing out the old dusty references!
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Sep 4, 2008 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So I heard the Chicago distributor of tooth picks went out of business...
The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been . . . baseball.
by Weeghman Park on Sep 4, 2008 2:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not that Dusty.....you are a funny guy!
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Sep 4, 2008 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry, I just assumed...
The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been . . . baseball.
by Weeghman Park on Sep 4, 2008 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I always wondered about
those 6 geese-a-laying. Those geese know how to party!
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Sep 4, 2008 1:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What's good for the goose...
The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been . . . baseball.
by Weeghman Park on Sep 4, 2008 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just heard the report...
on ESPN Radio 1/2 hour ago. Sounds like the best news we could have heard…
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
by DKT on Sep 4, 2008 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
here's hoping
the Cubs get their act together in the next 10 days and basically have the division wrapped up. I’d be more than OK with resting Z until around the 20th that way.
by elgato on Sep 4, 2008 1:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I still believe
we will win this division; but a five game losing streak still pisses me off. They are experiencing some adversity right now, problems with the pitching rotation. It happens to most teams; the good teams overcome it. I’m hoping our guys will do that and take care of business.
Lou looked like he was getting a little pissy about the losing streak in the postgame last night when he told the reporters to “ask Harden yourself” about what Harden thinks the problem is with his arm. Hey, why don’t we put Howry into the starting rotation? (note sarcasm)
by qccub on Sep 4, 2008 1:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Cubs will go as far in the playoffs as Rich Harden can take them
I really do believe that. He is the dominant starting pitcher on this staff who will be counted upon to shutdown the opponent, stem the bleeding and be the biggest face of the Cub pitching staff in October.
by MDBNIU on Sep 4, 2008 2:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Hey, are you a Rich Harden fan?
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Sep 4, 2008 2:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
In other news, Water is Wet.
Disposable dixie cup drinkin... I'm hiding out in the big city blinking...
by N Oakley on Sep 4, 2008 2:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ryan Dempster might have something to say about that.
(This message brought to you by Einstein Bros. Bagels.)
"I see the playoff schedule posted in the paper, and that stuff makes me nervous because you can't take anything for granted. We have a great team. We have a really good team. We're playing well, but we haven't won yet." - Jim Edmonds, 8/31/08
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 4, 2008 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
but, you know.
not pitch on normal rest.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Sep 4, 2008 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
At most he'll
pitch what one game per series? There are 3-4 other pitchers on this team who will do exactly as Harden. To say that the Cubs will go as far as Harden alone can take them is silly.
by sue369 on Sep 4, 2008 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm breathing easier
Besides the good Z news, I think the day off, the change of scenery AND the fact that the Brewers didn’t gain much ground will make the Cubs relax. Plus, playing the Reds in that bandbox of a park should help the bats.
I’m not usually among the optimists on this site, but the worst MIGHT be over now.
by elgato on Sep 4, 2008 2:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Just wanted to say...
fuck.
(oh, and GO CUBS!!!)
:)
Wait a minute... who am I here?
by malicedoom on Sep 4, 2008 2:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Good news...
…or at least as good as could be expected for Big Z.
Not thrilled with the AP wire piece on MLB:
Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano has right rotator cuff tendinitis and inflammation, an MRI confirmed on Thursday, a blow to Chicago’s chances of winning the World Series for the first time in a century.
Granted, it goes on to say that if all goes well, they expect him to start next week. But that sentence really pisses me off.
by sniffy the bee on Sep 4, 2008 2:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
The AP is, to my mind, not a respectable feed
this only underscores their bias
by Emelie on Sep 4, 2008 2:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Emelie...I really need a strong person to serve as my Secretary of State....
would you consider joining Sue, HBCG, Drew, Kegler and I? Together, we can make a difference!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Sep 4, 2008 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just gotta say
you gotta mighty fine cabinet, Herr Prez. Now let’s proceed to BOOGIE!
"We are not equations with hats." -Dean Young
by Kegler on Sep 4, 2008 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm with you, Em...
…but Agence France-Presse can only do so much baseball coverage!
by sniffy the bee on Sep 4, 2008 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just rest Z until the playoffs...
no sense taking chances.
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse
by ronsanto10 on Sep 4, 2008 3:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I am kinda with you
maybe give him one start to work out any kinks.
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 4, 2008 4:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Crane Kenney was on
CTL tonight. He was asked about Mark Cuban and his bid to buy the Cubs. Crane said, “If Mark is indeed the highest bidder I expect him to be approved to buy the team.”
He also said there will be concerts at Wrigley next year.
by sue369 on Sep 4, 2008 6:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
"Ah the (college) road trip...
what better way to spread beer-fueled mayhem?"
Greatest line ever.
*Synth intro to "Jump"*
by SouthsideCub on Sep 4, 2008 6:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
What Bon Jovi song do they play?
2008 Cubs: Who needs nine innings, when you only need a 7th?
by Chanman25 on Sep 4, 2008 9:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Livin On A Prayer?
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Sep 4, 2008 10:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The crappy one?
"I see the playoff schedule posted in the paper, and that stuff makes me nervous because you can't take anything for granted. We have a great team. We have a really good team. We're playing well, but we haven't won yet." - Jim Edmonds, 8/31/08
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 4, 2008 10:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

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