Thank you Friars! Cosmic Retribution!

by Zeke on Sep 5, 2008 7:06 AM CDT

Hmmmmm. Maybe there is some cosmic retribution occurring on behalf of the Cubs. Their lead this morning stands at 5 games. 9 in the Wild Card.

The Mets take three straight from the Brewers in Milwaukee. We all know what the Mets did to the Cubs in 1969.

The Padres make it 4 straight losses for the Brew Crew by taking game one of their four game (slightly elongated) weekend series. Three more games to go. We know what happened to the Cubs in San Diego in 1984.

The Cardinals play three this weekend against the Marlins. In 2003 the Marlins...well, let's not get into that. And the Cards still have four games with Arizona, and last year Arizona…well again, let’s move on.

And the Cubs can exact a pound of flesh on their own later this month in the Big Apple.

…and lastly, the West leading D-Backs get the Giants for TWO series (remember 1989 “cough”).

And as Wild Card contenders, Philadelphia not only gets the Brewers, but they get the Mets this weekend and have TWO series with Florida still to play. OK, as a nod to how hot the Astros have been lately, they have a pretty easy schedule from here out- the only exceptions are the upcoming series with the Cubs and another with the Marlins.

So it will be very interesting to watch this month unfold and see all these teams beat the living tar out of each other…Cosmic indeed.

I’m just sayin’…, enjoy this Cubs fans. It’s gonna be OK! J

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation, Bleed Cubbie Blue, or Al Yellon, editor-in-chief. FanPost opinions are, however, valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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Went late last night to check scores

and laughed out loud when I saw the Pads won. Being a Cub fan is not too comfortable right now, but being a Brewers fan would be agonizing watching the Cubs struggle and the BrewCrew losing ground.

Disposable dixie cup drinkin... I'm hiding out in the big city blinking...

by N Oakley on Sep 5, 2008 7:39 AM CDT 0 recs

Just wondering

Five games up in the division, 9 games up in the WC, with 22 to play and you’re not “comfortable”? I guess you’ll never be “comfortable” as a Cubs fan then….?

Who needs a stinkin' tag line? What are they for anyway?

by krummy12 on Sep 5, 2008 8:15 AM CDT up 0 recs

Have an Old Style and a colonic, it'll do wonders for you. You will

be comfortable for the rest of the weekend.

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

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Sep 5, 2008 8:22 AM CDT up 0 recs

An Old Style colonic?

Wouldn’t Schlitz be better?

Disposable dixie cup drinkin... I'm hiding out in the big city blinking...

by N Oakley on Sep 5, 2008 8:27 AM CDT up 0 recs

Old Style has a bit

more bite to it. It really cleans those walls.

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

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Sep 5, 2008 8:28 AM CDT up 0 recs

Blatz 'sounds' like it might work as well...

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Sep 5, 2008 5:06 PM CDT up 0 recs

You might also try...

…pounding sand in your ass. Someone recently recommended I try this.

"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 5, 2008 9:34 AM CDT up 0 recs

Hot sand mind you, hot sand.

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

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Sep 5, 2008 9:56 AM CDT up 0 recs

well, of course.

cold sand, THAT would be terrible!

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!

by drewishdrewid on Sep 5, 2008 1:11 PM CDT up 0 recs

Ouch

Just ouch.

Go Green! Go White! GO STATE! (#13031 on the Cubs season ticket waiting list...)

by Zeke on Sep 5, 2008 2:25 PM CDT up 0 recs

Probably true. If Z and harden were 100% (or as close as any pitcher gets in September), I’d be better. However, I am never comfortable until anything is clinched.

Disposable dixie cup drinkin... I'm hiding out in the big city blinking...

by N Oakley on Sep 5, 2008 8:26 AM CDT up 0 recs

Have to agree- as a Cubs fan being "comfortable" is a relative term...

…I’ll be “comfortable” only after the Cubs have clinched the WS by being ahead of their opponent on the scoreboard after getting the full 27 outs in whatever game gives them four WS wins…

…of course, being a Cubs fan, I also have to allow for the need for MORE than 27 outs figuring opposing players reaching base on a dropped 3rd strike, extra innings, a full moon, insect infestation, etc.

Go Green! Go White! GO STATE! (#13031 on the Cubs season ticket waiting list...)

by Zeke on Sep 5, 2008 8:47 AM CDT up 0 recs

Don't forget frogs, boils and the occasional river turning to blood.

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

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Sep 5, 2008 8:49 AM CDT up 0 recs

Remember,

Insects so last year.

Disposable dixie cup drinkin... I'm hiding out in the big city blinking...

by N Oakley on Sep 5, 2008 8:53 AM CDT up 0 recs

one of my favorite commentaries on comfort with curses came

a few years back on the daily show of all places.

correspondant rob corddry was sent to cover the seventh game of the alcs. this was after the bosox had beaten the yanks four in a row. corddry, a bostonian, was paranoid, convinced that derek jeter would hit an ‘after the fact’ seven run home run and the yankees would still go to the world series.

about a week later, corddry was all giddy about covering a person of importance’s death, because the sawks had won the series the night before.

we will forever be skittish……until we no longer need to be.

by tim815 on Sep 5, 2008 10:05 AM CDT up 0 recs

Rob Cordry is hilarious.

by dat cubfan daver on Sep 5, 2008 10:13 AM CDT up 0 recs

Two good series this weekend

with Phil/NY and LA/Ariz.

I will be flipping from the Cubs occasionally for the Mets and Phillies.

by rlpete on Sep 5, 2008 7:54 AM CDT 0 recs

yes, go LA

and hopefully we can put the nail in Arizona’s coffin by sweeping them out of contention when we meet up. Honestly, I cant stand those guys, and with Cub Destroyer Adam Dunn on the team it just makes me hate them more.

bring up felix.

by kylejo on Sep 5, 2008 10:26 AM CDT up 0 recs

It's that Augie Ojeada guy I hate. I'm glad

we don’t have any of those scrappy opposite field singles hitters who can’t run the bases. Those guys just screw up a team. That’s the last type of player we…..wait….who’s our shortstop….never mind!

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

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Sep 5, 2008 10:37 AM CDT up 0 recs

We could've had Augie, y'know.

I has a blog. | Ask a sabermagician!

by cwyers on Sep 5, 2008 10:50 AM CDT up 0 recs

We've had him already and it was wonderful!

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

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Sep 5, 2008 10:55 AM CDT up 0 recs

The Cubs lost 5 straight

but only lost 1in the standings. Cubs caught a break.

At least this team is still better than the 69 team.

by daeviant on Sep 5, 2008 8:15 AM CDT 0 recs

The 69 team. Now there's a team I want to join!

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

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Sep 5, 2008 8:22 AM CDT up 0 recs

Bring your toothbrush

by dr stabbingworth on Sep 5, 2008 11:35 AM CDT up 0 recs

The Square Root of 69...

is eight-something (ate something)….

"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 5, 2008 11:37 AM CDT up 0 recs

arrgghh!

The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been . . . baseball.

by Weeghman Park on Sep 5, 2008 11:39 AM CDT up 0 recs

twss

by dat cubfan daver on Sep 5, 2008 11:51 AM CDT up 0 recs

69 Mets Took Advantage

The 1969 Mets were 5 games back of the Cubs after play on September 3. After play on September 15, they were 4.5 games ahead of the Cubs. During that stretch, the Mets were 12-2, and the Cubs were only 1-10. That was a 9.5 game turnaround.

The Brewers have actually lost a half-game in the standings to the Cubs since the end of play on Sunday. That’s amazing considering the Cubs have gone winless since then. The 2008 Brewers are not as good as the 1969 Mets. I believe the 2008 Cubs are better than the 1969 club.

"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray

by memphiscub on Sep 5, 2008 1:05 PM CDT up 0 recs

As much as I loved that '69 team

this 2008 version of the Cubs is a MUCH more complete ballclub from the top on down.

I remember that September 1969 stretch all too well. It seemed like one of the “darkest” periods of my teen years. Day after day, hoping things would turn around and every day seeing another loss and Met win.

God it was awful. Slow torture over a two week period, then the realization that a miracle was not going to happen (at least for the Cubs).

On his TV show the morning after the Mets clinched, Ray Raynor wiped clean the chalkboard that he kept the NL East standings on (well, the Mets and Cubs anyway), wished the Mets well and then choked up (no pun intended)- then we all shed a few tears together.

Go Green! Go White! GO STATE! (#13031 on the Cubs season ticket waiting list...)

by Zeke on Sep 5, 2008 2:34 PM CDT up 0 recs

That was really the first horrible disappointment in my life...I could not believe it was happening at the time.

OK, so I had a cushy life until then as a kid. Everything now seems to be dated before or after the summer of 1969. Tomme Agee was out.

The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been . . . baseball.

by Weeghman Park on Sep 5, 2008 2:42 PM CDT up 0 recs

I'm with both of you.

That’s exactly how it felt.

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

by Al on Sep 5, 2008 3:04 PM CDT up 0 recs

Al, I think we're pretty close in age...

except you have my dream of Cubs season tickets… ;)

Go Green! Go White! GO STATE! (#13031 on the Cubs season ticket waiting list...)

by Zeke on Sep 5, 2008 4:42 PM CDT up 0 recs

I intentionally tuned baseball out last night.....just like the Cubs, I needed a day off...

….I was delightfully surprised this morning when I saw the Cubs magic number was down to 18.

Thank you Padres!!

"When I got to Chicago, fans came to Wrigley Field just to have fun, now they come to see us win. The expectations have changed, for the players and for the fans. It’s about winning." Kerry Wood, 7/14/08

by JB 23 on Sep 5, 2008 8:50 AM CDT 0 recs

The best thing about the Padres win...

… was that Shawn Estes won it. If you all remember, after mediocre pitching most of the year, he started this game in Cincinnati on September 24, 2003, a key game the last week of the season, and threw a shutout.

It was the last game he pitched as a Cub. He helped us then… and helped us again last night. Thanks, Shawn!

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

by Al on Sep 5, 2008 9:23 AM CDT 0 recs

I watched part of this game last night...

…and the Padres appear to have morphed into a classic last-place September ballclub. For the most part, they’re fielding a bunch of young, hungry Triple A guys who are just out there gaining experience and having fun. Third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff also had a spectacular defensive night, despite going 0-5 at the plate.

I don’t want to get too carried away, but I could actually see the Pads splitting this series with the Brewers. Maybe even stealing a series win. Things obviously look pretty dim tonight, with CC on the mound. Then again, maybe a bunch of young players will go into a game against Sabathia thinking, “Well, we’re not going to hit anything anyway, so let’s just relax and see what happens,” and, BOOM!, CC gets lit up. Hey, a guy can dream, can’t he?

by dat cubfan daver on Sep 5, 2008 9:48 AM CDT 0 recs

The only game in which Milwaukee has a clear pitching advantage...

… is tonight. Saturday it’s Peavy vs. Sheets and Sunday Chris Young vs. Manny Parra.

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

by Al on Sep 5, 2008 10:12 AM CDT up 0 recs

Yeah, it should be interesting to see...

…how (and whether) Sheets’ health holds up. And I could definitely see Young beating Parra if the Padres can scratch out four or five runs.

by dat cubfan daver on Sep 5, 2008 10:14 AM CDT up 0 recs

Plus, I read that Parra is 22+ innings OVER what he has ever pitched.

"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 5, 2008 11:15 AM CDT up 0 recs

And frankly, CC is due for a down start...

…perhaps the recent flap over the “no-no that wasn’t” in Pittsburgh will have a negative hangover effect on the team.

Well, I can dream I suppose…

(Is there a POSITIVE hangover effect? Not that I’ve found…)

Go Green! Go White! GO STATE! (#13031 on the Cubs season ticket waiting list...)

by Zeke on Sep 5, 2008 10:17 AM CDT up 0 recs

Sure there is

You enjoy it that much more when the headache goes away.

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Sep 5, 2008 10:33 AM CDT up 0 recs

I notice the Brewers haven't won since they whined about not getting the no-hitter.

Serves ’em right.

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

by Al on Sep 5, 2008 11:30 AM CDT up 0 recs

Talk about a wasted effort and taking your eyes

off the prize. Trying to accomplish something that’s never been done in baseball during a pennant race was real smart. Leave to Yost to find a way to distract his team away from what is really important. Like making the playoffs!!!

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

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Sep 5, 2008 11:35 AM CDT up 0 recs

Shall we file this under "just desserts" ?

I think so.

Go Green! Go White! GO STATE! (#13031 on the Cubs season ticket waiting list...)

by Zeke on Sep 5, 2008 11:59 AM CDT up 0 recs

just desserts?

i think i feel prince and cc rumbling towards you 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 5, 2008 12:52 PM CDT up 0 recs

Uh oh. Gotta go boys!

I’ll leave the food on the table.

Go Green! Go White! GO STATE! (#13031 on the Cubs season ticket waiting list...)

by Zeke on Sep 5, 2008 12:55 PM CDT up 0 recs

That's why I was so happy about the fuss

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Sep 5, 2008 12:33 PM CDT up 0 recs

I'm sticking with my prediction

Of SD winning 3 of 4

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Sep 5, 2008 10:33 AM CDT up 0 recs

From your keyboard to God's ears...

…or his/her inbasket, mailbox, small space between the storm door and the front door, whatever…

Go Green! Go White! GO STATE! (#13031 on the Cubs season ticket waiting list...)

by Zeke on Sep 5, 2008 11:19 AM CDT up 0 recs

I hope you're right...

I would like to see nothing more than a Brew loss Sunday… I got duped into going to the game Sunday (B-day party for my Fiancee’s sis-in-law). I really want to wear my Project 3000 shirt BUT not sure I want to take the brunt of being heckled and swore at all day.

"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 5, 2008 11:20 AM CDT up 0 recs

I saw a couple of Cubs shirts on Tuesday there

For the most part, people will leave you alone unless you’re looking for trouble.
Usually.

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Sep 5, 2008 12:34 PM CDT up 0 recs

It's crazy though. Lately I have gotten a comment wherever I go...

Had a Cubs hat on, went to the drive-thru at my bank. Lady cashier helps me out and when she delivers the cash back to me she says, “Have a good day… Hate the hat though!” I was speechless. Then on Monday (same hat on) I was at a Pick N Save in the deli and a guy waiting behind me was talking to his girlfriend muttering under his breath, “WTF!?! I thought we were in Milwaukee!?!” his girl said something to him then he responds the her with, “no shit… I thought he would try and talk smack to me!”

I was surprised. I have had a lot of these episodes lately AWAY from the ball park. I get tired of it.

"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 5, 2008 12:50 PM CDT up 0 recs

You should have heard all the comments I got

at Taste of Chicago this summer when I wore my Michigan State shirt!

The number of “Go Blue” comments people made to me (or “booos” as they walked past) had me thinking that Ann Arbor just bused all their Spring Term dropouts to the Windy City.

KIDDING!

Most u-m fans never attended the university.

KIDDING!

Well, not really based on my experience.

In all seriousness, the ribbing was good natured and my family had fun with it (for the most part).

Go Green! Go White! GO STATE! (#13031 on the Cubs season ticket waiting list...)

by Zeke on Sep 5, 2008 1:01 PM CDT up 0 recs

I don't hear much.

I intentionally wore a Cubs shirt the last day of the last Brewers series and some woman in the cafeteria refused to serve me, but she was messing around. And I gave her crap right back.

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Sep 5, 2008 1:04 PM CDT up 0 recs

Maybe I shouldn't let it bother me and just roll with it.

I want to wear my colors Sunday… Get a pict with my BCB shirt in front of Miller Park and post it on DigitalBen’s fan post.

"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 5, 2008 1:11 PM CDT up 0 recs

I think that's a good approach

You’re going to hear some things, just be prepared for it.

I wore my 2007 NL Centeral champs hat to a Reds-Brewers game earlier this year. When I noticed people looking at the hat and thoughts slowly forming in their minds, I just looked them right in the eye.

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Sep 5, 2008 1:27 PM CDT up 0 recs

I know I'll hear things... Get this...

Another grocery store episode. It was right before the Cubs swept the Brewers when the Brewers got close a game back… Younger college guy with a Brewer hat comes up to me and says with a smile on his face, “Hey, did you guys win last night?” (already knowing that the Cubs lost and the Brewers won) So I had to say “no”… then the sweep came. I have gone back every week hoping to see the guy.

"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 5, 2008 1:34 PM CDT up 0 recs

He was afraid to see you...

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Sep 5, 2008 2:24 PM CDT up 0 recs

Obviously :)

I picture him sucking his thumb in the corner of the produce section!

"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 5, 2008 2:47 PM CDT up 0 recs

wonderful synopsis....

all i could add is that we now catch the reds who were managed by dusty (oh never mind) who only has one good starter, volquez. we miss him. the brewers don’t in the next series.

by tim815 on Sep 5, 2008 10:08 AM CDT 0 recs

San Diego has some payback coming

No one on this thread has mentioned why San Diego especially wants to put some hurt on the Brewers. The Brew Crew knocked them out of the wild card spot last year ON THE LAST DAY OF THE SEASON. We are lucky to have this extra motivation working for us.

by vonde6 on Sep 5, 2008 10:37 AM CDT 0 recs

Of the nine players in the starting lineup last night...

…five of them are playing their first major league season. Only Giles, Kouzmanoff and Estes played for the Padres last year. (And to be frank, I don’t think Estes cares about the playoffs so much as just keeping a job.)

I don’t think that’s a factor at all.

I has a blog. | Ask a sabermagician!

by cwyers on Sep 5, 2008 11:15 AM CDT up 0 recs

Hi Frank.

I think you are right about Estes. From that perspective, he’s playing as a September call up, though expensive and experienced, showcasing his “talent” for next year.

Disposable dixie cup drinkin... I'm hiding out in the big city blinking...

by N Oakley on Sep 5, 2008 11:20 AM CDT up 0 recs