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A September To Remember

I went to sleep last night figuring the Brewers had won -- they were leading 4-2 going into the 9th -- only to wake up and discover, happily, that the Reds had won a game in their last at-bat for the second day in a row, beating Milwaukee 5-4, reducing the Cubs' magic number to 15 and making the Cubs' division lead 4.5 games going into the series with the Cardinals tonight.

Yes, the Cubs are cold, 1-5 in September so far. Guess what? So are the Brewers, at 2-6 this month.

One more note for this morning: I keep reading all over this site about who you'd want the Cubs to face in the postseason. Never mind that they have to get there first. Frankly, I don't care who they play -- while you've been debating Diamondbacks/Dodgers, the Phillies have sneaked to within three games of the Brewers for the wild card.

And the Phillies host the Brewers for a four-game series this weekend.

So, don't make too many plans. The cautionary tale is the 2006 Twins. For nearly four months the Tigers led the AL Central, heading for the best record in the league and home field throughout the playoffs. They lost their final five games and wound up as the wild card; the Twins finished first in the Central and drew Oakland in the first round, with home field.

The Twins got swept. Meanwhile, the Tigers won their Division Series with the Yankees and then, without home field as the wild card, swept the A's in the ALCS.

Just get in. Myownself, I'll be happy to see the Cubs in the playoffs two years in a row. Would I rather they had home field throughout? Of course. But wild cards have made the World Series each of the last six years and won it three times. Once you get into the postseason, it's a crapshoot.

Just keep winning and good things will follow.

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First!

Don’t care who they play, just that they play in the post season.

After I hit a home run I had a habit of running the bases with my head down. I figured the pitcher already felt bad enough without me showing him up rounding the bases. ~Mickey Mantle

by Jettero2112 on Sep 9, 2008 8:25 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Kudos to you!

Al, I made that same point a few nights ago; that the wildcard team has won the WS three of the last six years, and was roundly criticized for mentioning it; the dissenters’ opinions were that “them that means the wildcard team didn’t win it the other three years”.

My point was that the division title means nothing; that the Cubs (at that point) were nine or ten games in front for the wildcard spot and therefore had a great chance of making the playoffs. Division title are great, sure, but that’s not what a team strives for when then they take the field for Game One in March or April.

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Sep 9, 2008 8:29 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Go Cubs Go!

Start a new winning streak tonight in Wrigley (Mid)west!

"I got a PBS mind in an MTV world"...Jimmy Buffett

by The Ryno and I Know on Sep 9, 2008 8:29 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

just win

don’t care how. just win.

---AC 00 00 00 - Believe

by mjk83 on Sep 9, 2008 8:30 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Copycat Brewers!

letting 3 runs score in the 9th, where did they get that idea?
Alright, let’s have a great game tonight, and get that “W” flying again. Oh, how I have missed her.

The other sports are just sports. Baseball is a love. ~Bryant Gumbel

by Blue W on Sep 9, 2008 8:32 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Oooh, the Brewers fans were pissed...

They DID NOT like losing that game – at home, no less…

Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!

by DKT on Sep 9, 2008 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Lack of attendance in Miller Stadium?

Are they really drawing 30K fans these days for a playoff team out of a capacity of 40K? Or was that a Day game figure. I see also they drew 32K on the Thurs SD game. I thought they had big support in Milwaukee these days?

by rmonday557 on Sep 9, 2008 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Monday night was the Packers season opener

That’s what is REALLY important in Wisconsin. Baseball just fills the time between football seasons in Cheese-land.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Sep 9, 2008 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

True, just win.

But there’s no denying that losing the division and being the wild card team would be a let down. I don’t want to back up into the playoffs after such a good season. If this team chokes in the final stretch it probably won’t get far in the postseason.

by Fraggin Judge on Sep 9, 2008 8:34 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

That's the spirit!

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Sep 9, 2008 8:37 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Again, read my post.

The 2006 Tigers stumbled into the postseason and then went 7-1 and roared into the World Series. True, then they forgot how to field and lost it. But at least they got there.

Same for the 2000 Yankees, who I mentioned yesterday — lost 13 of their last 15 regular season games but WON the WS.

Now, I’m not suggesting I WANT the Cubs to do this, quite the opposite. But getting in, no matter how, is the first goal.

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

by Al on Sep 9, 2008 8:41 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Locally here in Michigan Al, no one expected anything from the Tigers in the playoffs...

after their BAD play against the Royals at the “Coma” (Comerica Field) at the end of 2006. I think the Yankees came into their playoff series with the Tigers very overconfident- remember, this was just 3 years removed from that DISMAL 2003 Tigers team.

The Yanks won game #1 and thought it would be a cakewalk.

It just doesn’t work that way.

But I completely agree. Yes, I want the Cubs to have the best record in the NL, clinch home field through the NLCS and then win the whole enchilada. But the first step is to GET IN.

To that end, the Cubs Wild Card magic number is 12.

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

by Zeke on Sep 9, 2008 8:50 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Before anyone corrects me, I meant Comerica Park.

It got the “Coma” nickname during the first few years of this decade when you could have dropped the backstop net, played a game and not hit any fans in the stands with foul balls. It was pretty desolate.

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

by Zeke on Sep 9, 2008 8:53 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I expect

the Cubs to play well in St. Louis. Our rotation is coming back into focus. The defense needs to shore itself up, while a few timely hits will get us back on track.

"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue." - George F. Will

by Slakkr on Sep 9, 2008 8:38 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I'd agree with that.

Getting the rotation back on the rails will do wonders for everyone. It’s amazing how touchy these things can be. You’d like to see a better ability to adapt to adversity, but I guess that’s just not possible sometimes. And I imagine every team goes through the same thing.

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Sep 9, 2008 8:40 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree on the defense

bats come and go, but this team is capable of playing superb defense, and there is no excuse for the sloppy play of late

by TC Cubby on Sep 9, 2008 9:17 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think is was genious of the Cubs to let the Reds come back and win Sunday...

…so that they had a bucket load of confidence going to Milwaukee.

OK, that’s not what happened, but in a season of “cosmic karma”, it sure seems like that was the result.

The Reds score 4 in the 9th Saturday, 3 in the 9th Sunday and 3 in the 9th last night. I’m just glad the Cubs are done playing the Reds for the year. Let other teams deal with them for the rest of the month.

Let’s play two!

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

by Zeke on Sep 9, 2008 8:42 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Is that Quade w/ you in your avatar?

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Sep 9, 2008 8:51 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I hope you are kidding....That is Sandberg.

"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey

by TheRiot Police on Sep 9, 2008 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I honestly couldn't tell, with the shadows like that!

Of course, that’s Sandberg in mine, too.

My bad!

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Sep 9, 2008 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It is indeed Ryno. The Peoria Chiefs came to Lansing to play the Lugnuts this past April.

The shadow was compromise you get when you ask a complete stranger standing in the autograph line with you to snap a picture. Ah well…

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

by Zeke on Sep 9, 2008 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Cubs few cold streak this year

end without warning. I remember that funk they were in around the All Star break. Things looked really bleak; the brewers had tied the Cubs for first and we were heading to Milwaukee for a four series that look disastrous. The Cubs seemed to turn it around on that Sunday game against the fish. After that they went on a massive hot streak that didn’t end until the middle of the phillies series. I suspect that they will do the same very soon, hopefully not cooling off and having a hot September and October.

"Destiny is a matter of choice, not chance"

by MerlinDog on Sep 9, 2008 8:53 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I think we are debating two different things

If we end up in the wildcard because we finish the season playing decent ball and MIL runs the table then so be it – at least we head into playoffs healthy and playing solid fundamental baseball. If we limp into the wildcard (or even as division winner) continuing to play uninspiring baseball well that is kind of concerning. I know that regular season streaks don’t necessarily carry into playoffs and just getting there is all that matters, but I’d think that if we playing good ball we won’t care as much who we face.

Of course, personally I’d say ABA (Anyone but Arizona)

by BeltwayCubsFan on Sep 9, 2008 8:57 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I pretty much agree with

everything you said. After all we have done this season, to ONLY get the WC would be a let down, unless we suffered a rash of injuries and we limped into the post season that way.

Lately, we have won consistently on the road until Cincy, but we never, ever play well here in AZ. Personally, I want home field throughout the NL playoffs and take our chances on the road in the WS. Remember the 2001 WS? The home team won every game.

I also agree that if a team gets hot in the playoffs, the home field advantage is negligible. If we get hot in October, and carry it through the entire month, we should win the ultimate MLB prize. If we are struggling, I want to be in the Friendly Confines.

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse

by BigJohnAZ on Sep 9, 2008 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

is pie coming up today?

i would really like to see this kid one more time before we ship him off..

by BelieveinBlue2314 on Sep 9, 2008 9:12 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I'm ambivalent...........

I just get the feel we have another C Pat here. And I’m not really feeling Micah H either. Some guys come up and just look like they belong, no matter what the number are. And other guys dominate the minors and come up and look lost (micah H on sliders)

"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus

by graceunderpressure on Sep 9, 2008 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

but

why not have that extra body on the bench? at some point before the end of the season we’ll need a pinch runner late……we could always use his defense

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Sep 9, 2008 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

yeah, you're right

I just don’t expect much

"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus

by graceunderpressure on Sep 9, 2008 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

from your keyboard

to the mountain top.

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!

by drewishdrewid on Sep 9, 2008 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He's had every opportunity to hit

better than McGehee, though, and has choked it off just about every time.

Though as a late-inning defensive replacement, Pie’s certainly more valuable (and I think we all agree on that).

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Sep 9, 2008 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

not this season

he hasn’t had that chance.

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!

by drewishdrewid on Sep 9, 2008 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sigh...let the great Pie debates begin anew.

Whether 70 PAs this season constitutes “every opportunity to hit” is highly subjective. I don’t think it does. And to say he “choked it off just about every time” (?!) isn’t really accurate either.

He did have 14 hits and drew 4 walks in that span. Yeah, yeah…he whiffed 23 times, too. I don’t think anyone can argue he put on a great offensive performance, but 70 PAs (and early in the season, no less) is still a pretty small sample.

"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 9, 2008 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

How many games did the PA's happen in?

If he had them in less than 20 games, maybe the sample size is enough to reflect his skill. If his PA’s were spread over 25-30 games, IDK.

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse

by BigJohnAZ on Sep 9, 2008 1:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He's played in...

…exactly 30 major league games so far this 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 9, 2008 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

30 games ought to be enough to judge a ballplayers worth - MDBNIU

640K ought to be enough memory for anybody. -Bill Gates

Trust me, these Indians won’t put up much of a fight. – Gen. George Custer

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Sep 9, 2008 1:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Guitar groups are on the way out. --Decca Records exec, England 1962

My next sig line quote will also be from Lou Piniella, and the first word will be either "Look", or "Listen", followed by a comma.

by JohnM on Sep 9, 2008 2:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

So sayeth Decca to Brian Epstein

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse

by BigJohnAZ on Sep 9, 2008 2:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If that was an absolute

Robin Ventura would have never had a career.

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse

by BigJohnAZ on Sep 9, 2008 2:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Corey Patterson looked horrible last night.

He’s hitting .206 and looked bad until the 9th inning when he kept the Reds rally alive with an infield single off the pitcher.

Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!

by DKT on Sep 9, 2008 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Apologies, since I'm sure it's been asked and answered a million times already...

…but when was the last time the Cubs made the playoffs two years in a row?

Wait a minute... who am I here?

by malicedoom on Sep 9, 2008 9:14 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

1907 and 1908

Thier last two World Series wins

"Destiny is a matter of choice, not chance"

by MerlinDog on Sep 9, 2008 9:17 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Two very good years, IIRC

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Sep 9, 2008 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The first two seasons

they were officially “The Cubs.” Baseball Reference lists 1903 as the first year they were called “The Cubs” and that’s probably right, but nicknames were just that back then—nicknames—and different writers called them different things. (Luckily, “the Microbes” didn’t catch on.) In 1907, Frank Chance insisted that every writer call them “The Cubs.” I assume he wouldn’t speak to the writers if they called them something else. But 1907 was the first year someone on the team insisted that they were “The Cubs.”

Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?

by Josh77 on Sep 9, 2008 12:55 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Two in a Row

Would be an amazing accomplishment….this would be the first consecutive post seasons since 07 and 08 if Im not mistaken, correct?

Man that would be great if the Brewers fell flat andmissed the playoffs totally….Cubs v Brewers is really becoming one of the best rivalries in the game…so my disdain for milwaukee is growing year by year (the team that is, never been to the city)

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on Sep 9, 2008 9:14 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Yes, but...

In 1907 and 1908 postseason meant the World Series. Now with the two playoffs rounds and the division championships it’s easier to get into the postseason.

by Fraggin Judge on Sep 9, 2008 6:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What I learned on Sunday

After struggling to gather myself after watching the 9th inning implosion I handed the remote to my wife (so I wouldn’t throw the damn thing). She began watching come creepy show about pageant girls. Anyway, one girl spoke about how her mother would get so nervous watching her compete in pageants. The girl said, “I don’t know what the big deal is, it is going to happen the way it happens.” I never thought I would gain comfort through beauty pageants, but there you go. That being said, I’m truthfully trying to avoid watching the St. Louis series. The Cards series are always hard for me and I don’t want to hear Al Haborsky talking about gaining momentum on the Cubs and all that crap. So we’ll see how I do. After all it will happen how it happens.

"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus

by graceunderpressure on Sep 9, 2008 9:15 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Weekend

Who do we root for this weekend?

I’d say go Phillies.

Go Cubs

by cubstoseriesby100 on Sep 9, 2008 9:15 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Phillies

Lets go Phils!

"Don't worry, Joey. We'll go next year. They're in the World Series all the time" ---My grandfather to my sick father, October 10, 1945

by flyingdonut on Sep 9, 2008 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I say phillies also

But as long the Cubs win this weekend we move closer to a playoff spot one way the other. A philles lose moves us closer to at least a Wild Card and a brewers loses moves us closer to the division. Maybe with some luck all four games will extra innings and put both teams into a nosedive.

"Destiny is a matter of choice, not chance"

by MerlinDog on Sep 9, 2008 9:21 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Opps

that should be a reply to “weekend”

"Destiny is a matter of choice, not chance"

by MerlinDog on Sep 9, 2008 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

True enough, for postseason play.

Traditionally, magic numbers are shown for first place, though. That’s what I’m going with.

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

by Al on Sep 9, 2008 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm good with getting the cold streak out of the way now

Teams simply cannot stay hot for 162 games…..having this slump now then breaking out of it will both energize and build confidence going into the playoffs. While I’m frustrated with the team and having a hard time watching lately, I’m not on the ledge. Weren’t we playing pretty GOOD ball when we went into AZ last year?

"ROUS's? Rodents of Unusual Size. Don't worry, they don't exist."
http://margaritagirl11.spaces.live.com/

by iluvryno on Sep 9, 2008 9:22 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

They were, but my personal opinion on that is they simply ran out of gas. It took them so much to get there, and it took so long to do it, that they ran out of gas. Don’t have anything really to back that up, but that’s what I think.

by nmcubsfan on Sep 9, 2008 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

They've never quit so far

So far this year, every time their backs are against the wall, they come up big. That was the case after the all star break. they had been playing bad, and MIL had caught them, and their backs were against the wall. Lose to the fish, and you lose the lead. Lose to the brewers in the 4 game set, and things look really bad, but the cubs picked themselves up and came through. I expect them to do this. The games from here on out are huge: 6 withSTL, 6 with the brewers, 3 with the astros and 4 with the Mets. Every game counts big, and I think that this is where the cubs will come together, take care of business and get into the playoffs.

by nmcubsfan on Sep 9, 2008 9:23 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

we can be philosophical about this........

but i think it is as simple as if they hit, they will be fine. If they continue to pound balls to the short stop and 3rd basemen and leave half of the world on base. we will fall and fall fast.

"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus

by graceunderpressure on Sep 9, 2008 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's the bane of every team, isn't it?

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse

by BigJohnAZ on Sep 9, 2008 1:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

i don't understand why talking about...

…who you would want to play is a bad thing?!?

to a lot of people, like myself, it’s fun to talk about who you would want to see in the playoffs…..it’s like discussing during the offseason which free agents the cubs should go after

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Sep 9, 2008 9:24 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Fun to talk about..

…. but let’s keep our eyes on the prize, the first step of which is getting in. After that’s accomplished, then speculate all you want about who you’d rather play.

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

by Al on Sep 9, 2008 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

But why, Al?

We are not the ones playing the games. What we think about won’t change a thing. It’s fun to discuss what’s going on and what may come—part of the enjoyment of the season for many of us.

by jdb-44 on Sep 9, 2008 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If ifs and buts were six packs, we'd all be hung over tomorrow

Though I do agree with you – it’s fun to discuss potential and/or hypothetical matchups, but it’s irrelevant unless we’re in the playosffs (and I understand that you understand that).

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Sep 9, 2008 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

sorry but that logic makes no sense

that’s like saying we shouldn’t discuss what we think is going to happen in upcoming games bc it’s irrelevant unless we win

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Sep 9, 2008 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

OK

The Cubs’ potential postseason opponents will not have any chance of actually being the Cubs’ postseason opponents unless the Cubs actually make it to the postseason.

Better?

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Sep 9, 2008 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ergo, my first comment made total sense

Owned.

I was responding to Al’s “first-things-first” comment, saying that ya gotta get there before you discuss matchups. My point was that it’s OK to discuss, regardless. Hell – ESPN has a whole TV series devoted to the “what if?” thing.

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Sep 9, 2008 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

amen

us simply talking about something will make no difference on how the cubs actually play

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Sep 9, 2008 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

"We're so sorry.....Uncle Al..."

we’re so sorry if we caused you any pain…we’re sorry Uncle Albert, but the kettles on the boil and I believe it’s gonna rain."

That said—I agree. As Pop fisher said in my all time favorite movie. “Don’t jinx this thing and lay off the booze….no more booze.”

"Never. Never. Never. Give up."
Winston Churchill

by cubfever7 on Sep 9, 2008 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

c'mon

you actually think you are significant enough to have an impact on how the cubs play?!? you sitting here on some blog will absolutely NO affect on the outcome of this season

this is along the same lines when people say “don’t talk about a no hitter” when you are sitting at home on couch in west des moines iowa…..sorry folks be realistic

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Sep 9, 2008 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Who crapped in your Cheerios?

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Sep 9, 2008 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I thought they were Coco-puffs...

The other sports are just sports. Baseball is a love. ~Bryant Gumbel

by Blue W on Sep 9, 2008 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

now they are coco-puffs

but people are delusional about how much power they have over games simply by the words that the speak

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Sep 9, 2008 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'd agree with that; I guess it's a matter of superstition,

as with the “don’t talk about the no-hitter” rule. Players don’t even sit by the pitcher in the dugout during one.

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Sep 9, 2008 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's the butterfly effect

A butterfly flaps it’s wings in the amazon and starts the chain reaction that causes a hurricane

If the world didn't suck we would all fall off.

by carolinacub on Sep 9, 2008 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

yup- i actually think I'm REAL significant

"Never. Never. Never. Give up."
Winston Churchill

by cubfever7 on Sep 9, 2008 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

you're not, trust me

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Sep 9, 2008 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Again, with the crappy Cheerios...

Go do something to help you feel better about yourself. No one here did anything to you to deserve your crap.

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Sep 9, 2008 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

oh my god i think he knows i was joking back with him

stop being defensive for other people, you’re starting to sound like you are the crabby one

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Sep 9, 2008 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

SIG line...

Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Sep 9, 2008 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You know what you need to do...

…to atone for that typo.

"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 9, 2008 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

head to beach?

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Sep 9, 2008 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Precisely.

"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 9, 2008 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

shit

head to A beach…..great now i’m coming with ya

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Sep 9, 2008 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I was willing to let it go...

…but now that you mention it, yeah, you better drop and start pounding.

"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 9, 2008 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

TWSS

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Sep 9, 2008 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

ready

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Sep 9, 2008 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thnk her name is "Sandy"?

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Sep 9, 2008 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

TWSS

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!

by drewishdrewid on Sep 9, 2008 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Sep 9, 2008 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

LOL.

I knew I shouldn’t have tried to argue about Felix Pie with that kid.

"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 9, 2008 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

haha

swl this was a long time coming

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Sep 9, 2008 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

OK

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Sep 9, 2008 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Seems like someone should make a "small sample" joke here.

"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 9, 2008 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree!

Yes, the Cubs have to just get there, and it probably would be good if they—the ones actually playing the games!—would just “take care of business”, and they would then be “in pretty good shape”, to use a couple of over-used turns of phrase.

However, for us, the fans, cubswynn is right. What we think and hypothesize has ABSOLUTELY NO BEARING ON WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN THE GAMES. If you worry about getting your hopes up and feeling silly if you are having an animated discussion about the World Series, and then the Cubs don’t even make it…OK, I can see that. But it’s not going to affect the team in any way if we start looking forward, and that’s what really counts.

Everyone together, now: curses, jinxes, and karma are make-believe, as is “destiny”.

Nothing is “meant” to happen. The team that plays the best will win.

So let’s hope for the best, and maybe our Cubs will pull it off this year! GOOOOO CUBS!!!!!!!!

by jdb-44 on Sep 9, 2008 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Of cours it's not going to affect the team.

But I’d rather focus on beating the Cardinals this week than who we might play in October.

One thing at a time.

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

by Al on Sep 9, 2008 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think that's the Brewers problem (focus on the here and now)...

Check out what Torres says after the blown save:

http://blogs.jsonline.com/brewers/archive/2008/09/08/torres-words-speak-louder-than-actions.aspx

"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 9, 2008 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Moran

Prolly shouldn’t be blowing saves. Then they prolly would be talking about catching us.

Your 2008 Missouri Tigers! #6 2-0 (0-0). Next up Saturday home vs. Nevada. Chase for Heisman!

by nji232 on Sep 9, 2008 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

“This is a team in trouble. Big trouble.” Love to see that as the last line of a story about the Brewers. I think that he is right.

"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run for Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray

by Archie on Sep 9, 2008 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's from the teams beat writer too.

He has never been overly critical of them, so to hear him say that, the pressure must be pretty thick in the locker room.

"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 9, 2008 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What's the over/under...

…on the number of days until Prince slaps somebody?

"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 9, 2008 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Question

Is that person holding a sandwich or not? ’Cause that will affect my answer.

"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run for Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray

by Archie on Sep 9, 2008 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yep. Veggie hoagie. Go.

"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 9, 2008 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Is Prince upwind or downwind?

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Sep 9, 2008 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Then no

He doesn’t want to take the chance of him dropping the sandwich and spoiling all that perfectly good food…

"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run for Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray

by Archie on Sep 9, 2008 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Prince is in an awful slump: he's hitting .167/.272/.179

(not including yesterday, so it might be worse now).

He should slap his own fat @ss

by zevkalman on Sep 9, 2008 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Prince needs to start eating meat again

Prolly would solve all his problems

Your 2008 Missouri Tigers! #6 2-0 (0-0). Next up Saturday home vs. Nevada. Chase for Heisman!

by nji232 on Sep 9, 2008 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I for one

am a meatatarian.

"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run for Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray

by Archie on Sep 9, 2008 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That new Wendy's commercial

is hilarious…. “It’s a personal choice for me”

Go ahead, Z me.

by tony412 on Sep 9, 2008 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

A Prince-CC tug of war

over a 12-inch Subway.

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 9, 2008 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

TWSS

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse

by BigJohnAZ on Sep 9, 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 9, 2008 1:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hey, I gave 'er a shot

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse

by BigJohnAZ on Sep 9, 2008 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

TWHS

"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 9, 2008 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

TWSS

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Sep 9, 2008 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What took you guys so long?

…waiting…..here it comes…..

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse

by BigJohnAZ on Sep 9, 2008 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I suspect his reaction IMMEDIATELY after blowing the save was mre along the lines of

“shit”.

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Sep 9, 2008 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just win, baby.

Wait a minute... who am I here?

by malicedoom on Sep 9, 2008 9:26 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

... and keep rolling those RPS out there, Neddy!

No wonder they’re pitching CC and Sheets until their arms fall off. Look what happens when they don’t!

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Sep 9, 2008 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Let's get back to winning series...

2 out of 3 in STL, 2 out of 3 in HOU, then come back home and finish the Brewers and sink the Cardinals. Make it happen!

"Remember each day this year, where you were, what you were doing, who you were with, how you felt as the Cubs win their way through it. Because if this does turn out to be the promised land we have all been waiting for, you will want to remember, savor, cherish every moment..."

by CubsBullsBears on Sep 9, 2008 9:27 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Seems like a good three days to stomp on the throat of the Cardinals

Some of their fans down here think they are still in the race for the playoffs given the recent struggles of the Brewers and of course the Cubs. Lets end that silly talk this week.

Your 2008 Missouri Tigers! #6 2-0 (0-0). Next up Saturday home vs. Nevada. Chase for Heisman!

by nji232 on Sep 9, 2008 9:29 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

exactly! +100

Please oh please can we put these guys away once in a freaking blue moon.

"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus

by graceunderpressure on Sep 9, 2008 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cardinals make the playoffs?

"Remember each day this year, where you were, what you were doing, who you were with, how you felt as the Cubs win their way through it. Because if this does turn out to be the promised land we have all been waiting for, you will want to remember, savor, cherish every moment..."

by CubsBullsBears on Sep 9, 2008 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The cards are only 4.5 back in the wild card

but time is running out. Hopefully we can be the nail in thier playoff coffin

"Destiny is a matter of choice, not chance"

by MerlinDog on Sep 9, 2008 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well now they think they are in

The other day LaRussa was leaving at the end of the year to go play GM in Seattle. I want to hear more of that talk.

Your 2008 Missouri Tigers! #6 2-0 (0-0). Next up Saturday home vs. Nevada. Chase for Heisman!

by nji232 on Sep 9, 2008 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

tlr leaves st. louis and that’ll be a HUGE blow to their team……wasn’t there talk of him replacing dusty next year?

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Sep 9, 2008 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

there were some mentions of it

when Krivsky went to Cincinnati after last season. The reports got a little louder once he became GM in May or so.

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 9, 2008 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The current rumor is what I said above

He would go the Seattle and be the GM. Obviously Cincy seems like an obvious landing spot because of his link to their GM.

These are just rumors at this point.

Your 2008 Missouri Tigers! #6 2-0 (0-0). Next up Saturday home vs. Nevada. Chase for Heisman!

by nji232 on Sep 9, 2008 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I would prefer Seattle

lets get him out of the NL Central.

"Destiny is a matter of choice, not chance"

by MerlinDog on Sep 9, 2008 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

please God please

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Sep 9, 2008 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

For those of you who live around st. louis

you know how bad it is to be a Cubs fan around here. The Cards are believing right now and as much as I can’t stand these guys, trust me La Russa and Duncan send those guys out there ready. The pitchers have a game plan that they usually stick to (how Wellmeyer has won, how Loshe has won, etc ) and the team has tenacity. They smell blood in the water the way the bre w Crew and the Cubs are playing, in fact they assume both teams will choke it up. I’m telling you, this series is big (at least in my mind) .

"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus

by graceunderpressure on Sep 9, 2008 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Its big for all of us who have to deal with arrogant Cardinal fans

I can’t wait to trot around campus in my Edmonds jersey shirt tomorrow

Your 2008 Missouri Tigers! #6 2-0 (0-0). Next up Saturday home vs. Nevada. Chase for Heisman!

by nji232 on Sep 9, 2008 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'll be there tonight

my first trip to the new ballpark.

by MOCubsfan on Sep 9, 2008 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And now we also have to deal with

Houston “believing”. 11 out of 12, I’d be believing too. We should go out and buy new hammers since we have a lot of coffin nailing to do this week.

Go ahead, Z me.

by tony412 on Sep 9, 2008 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yep. Per today's updated standings on...

coolstandings.com: Houston still has only a 2.9% chance of making the playoffs. By comparison, the Cards have a 5.1% chance, the Brewers a 75.1% chance and the Cubs a 99% chance. No guarantees; take it for what it’s worth – but still pleasant to read.

"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 9, 2008 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm a Philly Phanatic

this weekend!!!

"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 9, 2008 9:35 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

big d needs to start it off tonight

to get this pitching staff back on track

by BelieveinBlue2314 on Sep 9, 2008 9:43 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I will be at the game this evening.

Looking forward to the beautiful weather and a Cubs victory!

by Scrapptastic on Sep 9, 2008 9:44 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Question?

Found out this morning that work is bringing me to Chicago next week and just in time to catch the Cubs v. Brewers. I understand that this is probably the hottest ticket in town, but what’s the best way to go about seeing this game live? Anyone have extra tix?

by cubbiefanTN on Sep 9, 2008 9:45 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I MAY have an extra for Wed

You can e mail me at jrosner at kino dot com.
In general if you only need one I would wait and see what you can get at box office day of game.
eBay is OK probably not a lot of singles and you need to be very careful on some of descriptions.
Stubhub is more reliable but also more expensive.

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

by Doggie Stalker on Sep 9, 2008 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Odds are this has already been talked about, but just in case

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3577185

Pujols considering that elbow surgery again.

Your 2008 Missouri Tigers! #6 2-0 (0-0). Next up Saturday home vs. Nevada. Chase for Heisman!

by nji232 on Sep 9, 2008 9:46 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

that elbow sure must be hurting him..............

I hate to see him with a good elbow!

"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus

by graceunderpressure on Sep 9, 2008 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Pujols is in line to win the NL MVP, bad elbow and all

Which is really a testament to how great a ballplayer he is.

This isn't 1969...is this 1969?...this isn't 1969, is it?

by MDBNIU on Sep 9, 2008 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If Albert wins the MVP, he has to give it back based on what he said two years ago

Let me get the link to his comments real quick

Your 2008 Missouri Tigers! #6 2-0 (0-0). Next up Saturday home vs. Nevada. Chase for Heisman!

by nji232 on Sep 9, 2008 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Here we go

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2680495

No playoffs, No MVP. His words not mine

Your 2008 Missouri Tigers! #6 2-0 (0-0). Next up Saturday home vs. Nevada. Chase for Heisman!

by nji232 on Sep 9, 2008 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If not Albert Pujols, then who?

My second in line for the vote would be CC Sabathia.

This isn't 1969...is this 1969?...this isn't 1969, is it?

by MDBNIU on Sep 9, 2008 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

After Aramis...

Closes out the season with another 8 HRs and 25 RBI, the MVP is his.

"Remember each day this year, where you were, what you were doing, who you were with, how you felt as the Cubs win their way through it. Because if this does turn out to be the promised land we have all been waiting for, you will want to remember, savor, cherish every moment..."

by CubsBullsBears on Sep 9, 2008 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I would give it to Pujols based on his numbers and the "talent" around him

I am rooting for him to win because of his comments. I would love to see the STL media justify his whining two years ago.

I would give CC my second place vote as well, only if the Brewers make the playoffs.

Your 2008 Missouri Tigers! #6 2-0 (0-0). Next up Saturday home vs. Nevada. Chase for Heisman!

by nji232 on Sep 9, 2008 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well then it's settled.

If Albert wins, he hands it over to Aramis…or Geo. Another interesting quote from that article:

“I thought we were going to sign Soriano, but it wasn’t possible. We also intended to trade for him during the season, but the Nationals wanted too much for him,” Pujols said.

"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 9, 2008 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Funny because Soriano doesn't seem to "respect the game"

And we all know the Albert is the great defender of baseball’s unwritten rules.

Your 2008 Missouri Tigers! #6 2-0 (0-0). Next up Saturday home vs. Nevada. Chase for Heisman!

by nji232 on Sep 9, 2008 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, it doesn't seem like Soriano...

…would have gelled well with Pujols or TLR for that matter. When I think of guys like Glaus and Ludwick, they fit right into the mold of predecessors like Rolen and Edmonds, who had that kind of workmanlike approach to the game. For better or worse, Soriano just doesn’t roll that way. He would have stuck out like a sore thumb on that team.

"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 9, 2008 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Which makes me wonder how K-Rod would work out there

Obviously he would be the answer to their prayers, but his celebrations would cause some real issues.

Your 2008 Missouri Tigers! #6 2-0 (0-0). Next up Saturday home vs. Nevada. Chase for Heisman!

by nji232 on Sep 9, 2008 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

speaking of sir albert........

I thing we have handled him relatively well, but just in case Rothchild doesn’t explain this and the far chance that Cubs pitchers are blogging this AM. Here is my note to the pitching staff. Don’t throw anything to Albert ANYTHING take all the chances you want with Ludwick, Ankiel, Glaus. Don’t throw ANYTHING to Albert. PLEASE!

"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus

by graceunderpressure on Sep 9, 2008 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's pretty amazing...

…that he’s made it this far into the season – and put up the kind of numbers he has – without blowing out that elbow. I figured he’d be done by the All Star Break. Then again, he is Albert Pujols.

"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 9, 2008 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

ECHO, ECHo, ECho, Echo, echo....

This isn't 1969...is this 1969?...this isn't 1969, is it?

by MDBNIU on Sep 9, 2008 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

We ordered tickets

from StubHub for the last series in Milwaukee the end of this month and it took like two days for them to get here.

by sue369 on Sep 9, 2008 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

We should send the Milwaukee bullpen a bouquet of flowers

This isn't 1969...is this 1969?...this isn't 1969, is it?

by MDBNIU on Sep 9, 2008 9:47 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I think your idea is a good one as soon as their bullpen gets off their hallucinatory medications...

You’ve not doubt read that last night (after his blown save) their closer Salomon Torres brashly proclaimed that the Brewers still would catch the Cubs.

by zevkalman on Sep 9, 2008 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If the Cardinals still think they're in the wild card race...

check out the Astros. They are hot and have a pretty soft schedule remaining (with the exception of the Cubs this weekend). It would just be like the Stros to come flying into the playoffs.

by Carolina Cubbie on Sep 9, 2008 9:50 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Stos are hurting though...

Backe, Wandy R. and Wigginton all hurt. They are having problems keeping guys healthy.

"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 9, 2008 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

10-9 Overall, 3-3 Vs. MIL

If the Cubs post both of those records, then the Brewers would have to go 11-1 in their 12 remaining games against teams other than the Cubs to tie Chicago for the division title.

"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray

by memphiscub on Sep 9, 2008 9:54 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Lately...

But if they play the way they’ve been playing the past 5 months, than 14-5 could be possible too.

"Remember each day this year, where you were, what you were doing, who you were with, how you felt as the Cubs win their way through it. Because if this does turn out to be the promised land we have all been waiting for, you will want to remember, savor, cherish every moment..."

by CubsBullsBears on Sep 9, 2008 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Don't you think...

their recent 1-7 record seemed illogical after they won 7 straight?

Things can turn in a hury.

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

by MPH73 on Sep 9, 2008 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

actually Brewers would have to go 12 and 0 against their other oppponents in that case

Since the Cubs would then have the tiebreaker (head to head 9 – 7) and the Brewers would have to beat us by a game to win the division

by TORCO on Sep 9, 2008 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Most important fact of Brewers/Phillies series

Cubs magic number to get into post season via wildcard or division will reduce by at least 2 no matter how they do.

by ak123 on Sep 9, 2008 10:00 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Good point!

So, no matter what happens, by Sunday that number will be no larger than 10.

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

by Al on Sep 9, 2008 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

no, it wouldn't

if cubs lose all games, and if the phills win all games, then our magic # for wild card stays the same at 12, but our division drops to 14,

by JPetey on Sep 9, 2008 3:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No,

if the phillies sweep the brewers this weekend then that would drop 4 off our magic number. So it would be at least 11

"Destiny is a matter of choice, not chance"

by MerlinDog on Sep 9, 2008 3:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's also saying

We lose every game from here until Sunday.

If we were to win the next 6 games and Phillies swept Brewers (with Brewers winning next two against Reds) our magic # could be 4?

by ak123 on Sep 9, 2008 5:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

just dont loose games with Stupid Defense

Play smart, get the lead going into the 8th & 9th innings and have the right guys in the field.

it will be ok !!!

I've been bleeding double blue Cubbies & NY Rangers

by parrotinct on Sep 9, 2008 10:01 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

sure that Cedeno play should have been made.........

pretty awful hop, and if we could hit with runners in scoring position, it wouldn’t have mattered. At this point I would take lazy fly balls over another freaking ground out. Get the ball in the air D LEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! (that felt good)

"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus

by graceunderpressure on Sep 9, 2008 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wasn't that a pretty bad hop, by the way...?

It looked as though it had a lot of topspin, and although CEDENO! took his eyes off the ball for a critical moment, I’m not sure that play could’ve been made even if he hadn’t.

by jdb-44 on Sep 9, 2008 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I believe it was scored as a hit for that very reason.

And no runners on base = no chance for pooched DP ball.

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Sep 9, 2008 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

A lead? What's that?

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse

by BigJohnAZ on Sep 9, 2008 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

NL Central Standings for the Month of September Only

Astros, 6-1
Reds, 4-3
Cards, 3-3
Pirates, 3-4
Brewers, 2-6
Cubs, 1-5

by zevkalman on Sep 9, 2008 10:02 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

2006 Cubs were spoilers

If I recall we knocked the Dodgers out of contention in late September that year.

by ak123 on Sep 9, 2008 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Took 2 of 3 from LA in September.

But, at the end of that series, the Dodgers were still in first place by 1/2 game over the Padres. The Dodgers actually got into the playoffs that year, tying for the division title with SD; they won their last 7 in a row.

SD got the division title on a tiebreaker and LA was the wildcard; they got swept by the Mets.

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

by Al on Sep 9, 2008 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

2006

Feels so long ago…

by ak123 on Sep 9, 2008 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

LET'S FLIP THE SCRIPT

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Sep 9, 2008 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thoughts on Houston series

Any talk in Chicago about the series and the storm ???

I've been bleeding double blue Cubbies & NY Rangers

by parrotinct on Sep 9, 2008 10:22 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

No mention of it in Chicago.

But we’ve been talking it to death here.

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

by Al on Sep 9, 2008 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Storm?

Ha

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Sep 9, 2008 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Fukudome seems to have disappeared since September callups

I like the guy, but he isn’t doing anything with his bat. His defense if awesome, pretty much irreplaceable, but Lou doesn’t care because the team isn’t scoring runs.

I assume that come every 8th or 9th inning with a lead the rest of the year, Dome and Pie will come in for the rest of the game.

Your 2008 Missouri Tigers! #6 2-0 (0-0). Next up Saturday home vs. Nevada. Chase for Heisman!

by nji232 on Sep 9, 2008 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yep, I've had this same thought.

I’m just wondering whether Lou will put RJ in left, too.

"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 9, 2008 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I would like to think he would

Even though I love Alfonso, I would rather have great D once we have the lead late in games.

Your 2008 Missouri Tigers! #6 2-0 (0-0). Next up Saturday home vs. Nevada. Chase for Heisman!

by nji232 on Sep 9, 2008 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Post-Season Match-Ups

No matter how poorly they may have fared lately, I’ll be praying that the Cubs don’t have to face Brandon Webb and Danny Haren in a five-game series.

Z.Z. Zoot

by Zooty Zoot on Sep 9, 2008 10:38 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I fear those two as well

But I’m sure that strikeout happy offense really wants to face Z, Demp, and Harden

Your 2008 Missouri Tigers! #6 2-0 (0-0). Next up Saturday home vs. Nevada. Chase for Heisman!

by nji232 on Sep 9, 2008 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Right now, the DBacks...

…have a lower chance than the Phillies of making the playoffs. They’re still in contention, but they’re far from being the frontrunners in that division.

by cwyers on Sep 9, 2008 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think the Phillies scare me just as much as the D-Bags, if not more

We struggle with them for some reason. They have a great lineup and a solid closer. Maybe I want the Brewers to limp into the playoffs just so we dont play the Phillies.

Your 2008 Missouri Tigers! #6 2-0 (0-0). Next up Saturday home vs. Nevada. Chase for Heisman!

by nji232 on Sep 9, 2008 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

whoops...

was channeling mets for some reason

by tootle on Sep 9, 2008 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Believe Colin's probablities...

…if you believe none else…

Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Sep 9, 2008 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't do my own sim, except for select Cubs series. (Maybe I'll roll out the Predicatron tonight.)

I just use the BP playoff odds report. They do a Monte Carlo simulation of the rest of the season.

by cwyers on Sep 9, 2008 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I really enjoyed your spreadsheet

with the Cubs remaining games and the probability to win that you shared with us perhaps a week or so ago? Right before the slide, I believe…

Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Sep 9, 2008 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I updated it this morning. Last two spreadsheets are the latest win probabilities for the Cubs and Brewers down the stretch.

by cwyers on Sep 9, 2008 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks man!!

Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Sep 9, 2008 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Colin, what are your thoughts on...

…coolstandings.com? I just discovered it recently. It looks like they’ve got the Cubs coming in at around 97 wins.

"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 9, 2008 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Very similar methodology.

They both use a Monte Carlo simulation and Pythagorean win %; BP goes the extra step of adjusting win % by strength of schedule.

Incidently, I just ran the Predict-A-Tron, and Cubs win chances for the series against the Cards:

0.542
0.553
0.648

by cwyers on Sep 9, 2008 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

2 Main Problems with Monte Carlo simulations:

(1) is that you have to somehow assume a given probability density function. In real life, you can model it from past behavior, but it is still past behavior (e.g., if your best two pitchers get injured, it’s no good). In Science, they use things like the normal distribution (for example), if they have a good argument (e.g., law of large numbers).

(2) statistical noise. monte carlo simulations only converge as the number of simulations as 1/sqrt(N) where N is the number of times you do the simulation to find the expectation value. So a question to ask: how many times did you do the simulations to get your answer?

by zevkalman on Sep 9, 2008 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I didn't use a Monte Carlo sim at all.

I used Pythag to figure out a team’s expected record with those starting pitchers – so the Cubs have a higher expected win when Harden pitchen than when Lilly pitches, for instance. Then I used the log5 method.

As for Coolstandings/BP, the PECOTA odds report does adjust for some things. The best way to do it would be to do Pythag win/loss based on a projection of future performance, but that’s a real pain to do. I’ll admit I don’t know a lot about Monte Carlo sims.

by cwyers on Sep 9, 2008 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Interesting, thanks!

"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 9, 2008 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't think that Colin does those simulations...

…but you’re right, I believe Colin more than I would believe most anyone :-)

by zevkalman on Sep 9, 2008 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

See above...

…if you have not checked out the spreadsheets, you should, they are pretty cool :)

Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Sep 9, 2008 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

ssssshhhhh

we’re not suppose to be talking about this…..somehow us talking about this is going to cause the cubs to lose tonight because we aren’t focusing on the next opponent

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Sep 9, 2008 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

speaking of teams that look burnt out...

for all the hand-wringing over the past week about the Cubs, the Diamonbacks have been arguably worse, with Haren and Webb getting beaten (Haren twice in the last week), as Arizona has lost control of a mediocre division.

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 9, 2008 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's what happens when you don't hit

and the pitchers don’t have their good stuff. Webb was horrible the other day, I think he’s tired. His arm slot was low and his sinker simply tailed to the right instead of down. Of course, their BP isn’t anything to write home about, either.

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse

by BigJohnAZ on Sep 9, 2008 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Medicine to cure the funk...

The offense needs to score multiple runs early. They have not been doing a lof that lately. It will take some pressure off both the defense and the pitching…

"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey

by TheRiot Police on Sep 9, 2008 10:38 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Yes, scoring early...and cowbell.

"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 9, 2008 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Fellas, fellas...

we’ve wasted two good tracks now…That last one, was even BETTER THAN THE FIRST!

Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Sep 9, 2008 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I put my pants on just like you - one leg at a time.

Except once my pants are on, I make gold records.

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Sep 9, 2008 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'd be doing myself a disservice

and every member of this band if I didn’t perform the HELL out this!!!!

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse

by BigJohnAZ on Sep 9, 2008 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

We need more cow bell

"We’ve still got a long ways to go, I don’t like to get giggly over things in July. But the team’s playing well, they really are. They’re playing with confidence, and it shows."

by Cubster on Sep 9, 2008 10:50 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Couldn't happen to a bigger prick.

Can’t stand that guy.

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Sep 9, 2008 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well, that prick is having a pretty awful season.

.225/.320/.396 (.716 OPS, 88 OPS+)

"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 9, 2008 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Awful season, great season, whatever - he's a whiny, race-baiting bag of tools.

And I know you weren’t defending him, dcd. I’m just reiterating my distaste for that waste of space (hey – was that illiteration?).

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Sep 9, 2008 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh, I know.

I just took a peek at his numbers and thought I’d share. I seem to recall some scattered talk of him signing with the Cubs to play right field before Dome was acquired. I’m really glad Hendry didn’t go in that direction.

"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 9, 2008 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

"bag of tools" I like it--can't wait to use it on someone

"Never. Never. Never. Give up."
Winston Churchill

by cubfever7 on Sep 9, 2008 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Might I suggest Marty Brenneman?

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Sep 9, 2008 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Priceless!!

"Never. Never. Never. Give up."
Winston Churchill

by cubfever7 on Sep 9, 2008 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And Gagne can't pitch without them, either!

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Sep 9, 2008 11:25 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Ahh! Why didn't the picture appear?

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Sep 9, 2008 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Confiscated by Congress as evidence.

"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 9, 2008 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Seriously - why didn't my pic appear?

Why can’t we just cut-and-paste? DAMN YOU, BILL GATES!!!

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Sep 9, 2008 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

DAMMIT!

How do I do it right? Once I click the icon above this text box, the “http” prompt appears – then what?

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Sep 9, 2008 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh wait - I get it - sorry!

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Sep 9, 2008 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

TWHS

"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 9, 2008 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Drum roll, please...

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Sep 9, 2008 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

DAMN DAMN DAMN

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Sep 9, 2008 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Sep 9, 2008 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

LSA!

"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 9, 2008 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

YAY ME!!!

SWL, I am Kwai Chang to your Master Po

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Sep 9, 2008 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Funny...

Gagne in French means, “win”.

by jdb-44 on Sep 9, 2008 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It actually means "gain", as in "earn".

But close enough…

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Sep 9, 2008 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Isringhausen means "busted sausage"

or something like that. Weird, huh.

The other sports are just sports. Baseball is a love. ~Bryant Gumbel

by Blue W on Sep 9, 2008 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Bow to the master.

"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 9, 2008 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Bow to your Sensei!

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Sep 9, 2008 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Man oh man you're good.

Hysterical – when he says “Grab my hand. The other hand. MY other hand” ’cuz Kip was screwing up. Genius.

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Sep 9, 2008 11:52 AM 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 9, 2008 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sweep the knee, Johnny!

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Sep 9, 2008 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

leg...

facepalm.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Sep 9, 2008 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

But Sensei, I can beat this guy

"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey

by TheRiot Police on Sep 9, 2008 2:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

the cubs

will get in..i dont care if there is still season to play or not..the wildcard is a lock and im not scared to say that because i dont think there will be any jinxing on that one…so i think the division would be huge to have the home field advantage

if people dont think the cubs would have an advantage with being the home team in a 5 or 7 game series then it is crazy…im sick of this stuff like lets just get in and who cares about the division…

the division is huge…i dont want to have to play the first two games in arizona or in LA or in one of the two east teams parks in the first series..the cubs have been much better at home this year and in my eyes i could see home field advantage playing a huge part in our success in the postseason…yes there has been teams who have overcome and won on the road throughout the playoffs but it would be much better if we had homefield…so we need to stop sayin lets just get in and be happy..no this team should have different expecations then others..its on another level then past cub teams ..simple as that

by cubbiepride on Sep 9, 2008 12:25 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

in all seriousness.............

I agree with you. I think all of this talk of “just getting in” is becuase we have lowered our expectations and probably just don’t want to admit it. The last 10 games have definetly altered the view of things hasn’t it?

"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus

by graceunderpressure on Sep 9, 2008 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

yes it has

10 days ago if we said we would just be happy with the wild card we would of sound dumb

by cubbiepride on Sep 9, 2008 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Remember the Sox

Went through this exact phase. I still remember the Jay Marriotti column calling their magic number a “tragic number.”

As Al pointed out quite well the other day, teams go through these late season slumps and still end up winning it all. Doesn’t mean the Cubs will be the next to do so, but nor does the slump mean they can’t or won’t be.

by Orval Overall on Sep 9, 2008 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

his point exactly!

"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus

by graceunderpressure on Sep 9, 2008 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

oh, sorry, your point exactly!

(didn’t realize you were correcting yourself)

"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus

by graceunderpressure on Sep 9, 2008 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

would have*

"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 9, 2008 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

asterisk*

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Sep 9, 2008 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The espn.com preview of tonight's game ended with two encouraging notes:

Lohse is 0-1 with a 6.92 ERA in two starts against the Cubs this season.
and…
Chicago leads the season series 5-4, and has won 10 of its last 15 at Busch Stadium.

The other sports are just sports. Baseball is a love. ~Bryant Gumbel

by Blue W on Sep 9, 2008 12:41 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

not to be a downer, but............

I miss the days when we all just KNEW we were going to win, it is like we are all grasping for freaking straws around here. Man I hope they turn it up a notch.

"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus

by graceunderpressure on Sep 9, 2008 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

Now I am going into tonight’s game not expecting much. Just like the Reds series.

"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 9, 2008 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Damn it, Debbie!

I think you’re right.

The other sports are just sports. Baseball is a love. ~Bryant Gumbel

by Blue W on Sep 9, 2008 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well, I'm not quite to the point...

…where I feel I’m grasping at straws. Going into tonight’s game, the Cubs have Ryan Dempster, who has been among the best pitchers in the National League this year (151 ERA+), and the team still has a very strong offensive lineup.

Plus, they have been playing better on the road of late, and they’re still above .500 on the road at 35-33. Our boys did get blown out by the Reds in game one of that last series, but they responded in kind in game two and if that chopper to Cedeno in game three takes a weaker hop, we would probably all feel a lot more confident right now.

I’m choosing to be cautiously optimistic about this Cards series – don’t call me Debbie Downer, call me On-an-Even-Keel Neil.

"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 9, 2008 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

We may or may not win tonight...

but just having the possibilty of us winning and seeing the look on LaRussa’s face is worth watching for. I’ll give the devil his due as a manager—but do I ever LOVE seeing his vegan butt lose.

"Never. Never. Never. Give up."
Winston Churchill

by cubfever7 on Sep 9, 2008 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Another thing I realized during this bad streak..............

I realized that my 20 month old son doesn’t give two cents if the Cubs just blew a game. You know that feeling we all felt during last Tues astros game and then again right after Sunday’s game. Well then you look at your son running around and pointing at pictures of Clifford in his favorite book and you realize how small this all can be when you place it in perspective. Of course he will someday be a 20 year old crying at the TV after we blow another one. Oh well

"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus

by graceunderpressure on Sep 9, 2008 12:56 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Sep 9, 2008 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

my vote is yours old woodenlegs.

"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus

by graceunderpressure on Sep 9, 2008 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

kind of looks like my son too!

"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus

by graceunderpressure on Sep 9, 2008 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs