Spring Training Is Big Business: Cubs vs. Japan at Mesa, Thursday 3/12, 3:05 CT
by Al Yellon on Mar 12, 2009 12:00 PM CDT
in Game Threads
Email
PrintThis game alone isn't big business, but it ought to draw a near-capacity crowd if for no other reasons than:
- The popular Ichiro Suzuki will be playing for Japan
- Cubs outfielder Kosuke Fukudome will be playing against his major league teammates, facing Carlos Zambrano
The other reason this post has this title are three articles that recently appeared on azcentral.com, the online home of the Arizona Republic newspaper, discussing the two new spring training complexes that opened this year, Camelback Ranch (home to both the Dodgers and White Sox) and Goodyear Ballpark (home to the Indians, returning to Arizona for spring training after 16 years in Florida).
This more general article about amenities and high-priced tickets in the new spring parks contains this stunning note about the stratospherically-priced seats at Camelback Ranch:
For $90 to $100, Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox fans get complimentary in-seat food service, water and sunscreen, souvenirs such as an Ozzie Guillen bobblehead and, get this, mango-scented towels to keep their paws clean. As baseball purists and the budget-conscious were abuzz over the "Home Plate Club," others were busy reserving seats. Stadium officials report that 161 of the 202 seats were booked for last Thursday's Dodgers-White Sox game.
So much for the economy affecting high-priced items. Here's another article about Camelback Ranch, in which some fans lament the closeness and laid-back atmosphere that used to be prevalent at spring training camps (particularly, for Dodger fans at Dodgertown in Florida), disappearing:
"It seemed like Vero Beach was a little more personable," said Dale Dagley, who has been a Dodger fan for life despite living in Bloomington, Ill.
"This is a great facility, but Vero Beach was a fantastic place. There was a lot more player-fan contact there. But I think this is good for the Dodgers. They're closer to their home base, so they're going to get a lot more support here."
Some of the same comments were made by Indians fans about Goodyear Ballpark:
For their part, Indians management is aware of these comments and may make changes:"It's like Fort Knox," said Jennifer Cuenot of Brooklyn.
"They've distanced the players physically from the fans," said her father, Randy Cuenot, who lives in Columbus, Ohio. "Newer isn't better. You can't get near anyone. There's security everywhere."
Bill Russell - a 20-year Indians season ticket holder, not the former Dodgers shortstop - agreed.
He has been attending Indians spring training since the team's days in Tucson.
Before moving to the Valley this spring, the Indians were headquartered in Winter Haven, Fla., since 1993.
"I'm actually insulted here," said Russell, who is the father of 6-foot-8 White Sox pitcher Adam Russell.
"I could care less about autographs, but when you come to spring training you want to be able to get close enough to see who's taking batting practice or stand behind a fence and catch home run balls.
Bart Swain, a spokesman for the Indians, said the team is aware some fans that had experienced Winter Haven's relaxed atmosphere are unhappy.
"It's Year 1," he said. "Like anything, we'll try to adjust some things as we move along. Most of the complaints have been about the complex, not the stadium."
What this has to do with the Cubs is that HoHoKam Park is 12 years old -- that doesn't seem really old in terms of ballparks, but in spring training terms, that's nearly ancient. HoHoKam is a good facility, but the Cubs would probably like to have their minor leaguers closer -- Fitch Park is only half a mile down the road, but in most of the newer complexes, players and management can walk between the fields -- and that might be a subject of negotiation between the Cubs and Mesa when the Cubs' opt-out provision kicks in after 2012 (when, presumably, the economy will have improved). I expect the Cubs and Mesa will continue their now 30-year-old agreement, but I wouldn't be surprised to see the Cubs insist on an either new or upgraded complex.
Now, on to today's game, which once again will have no radio, audio or TV coverage -- you'd think this one would have been a natural for the MLB Network. So, we are all going to be following on MLB.com Gameday again. I'd expect Zambrano to go at least four innings, possibly even five, depending on his pitch count. No pitchers have yet been announced for Japan; it'd be pretty cool to see Yu Darvish or Daisuke Matsuzaka throw, but I'm guessing both of those guys are being held for games 1 and 2 of the second round.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
207 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Hendry
Hendry on the Score in a matter of moments.
Also it was on the Score Z is the opening day starter.
God I hate Mike Murphy but WGN has NU basketball and I can’t listen to basketball on radio.
JIXAVERSARY! March 7, 2000 to March 7, 2009. My avatar refers to me participating in the writing challenge and making it~
by puckishcubsfan on Mar 12, 2009 12:04 PM CDT reply actions
Also
It will be weird to think about Fukudome facing the Cubs.
Does this game count in the spring training record?
JIXAVERSARY! March 7, 2000 to March 7, 2009. My avatar refers to me participating in the writing challenge and making it~
by puckishcubsfan on Mar 12, 2009 12:05 PM CDT reply actions
Please tell me that wasn't a serious question.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Mar 12, 2009 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Oh you bet it was
Oh you bet it was
"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"
LOL
"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 DamonBerryhillsMitt on Mar 12, 2009 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Actually
I thought they weren’t but then they said this morning it does.
JIXAVERSARY! March 7, 2000 to March 7, 2009. My avatar refers to me participating in the writing challenge and making it~
by puckishcubsfan on Mar 12, 2009 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions
In the words of
Johnny Mac: “You cannot be serious!”
But I know you are, and you know what thats what makes you beautiful.
You beautiful, beautiful person, you!
"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"
I was 100 percent sure
I was 100 percent sure it was unofficial and then they said this morning the Cubs hope to even up their spring record.
Well they are 7-8 now so the only way their record would be even upped is with A WIN.
JIXAVERSARY! March 7, 2000 to March 7, 2009. My avatar refers to me participating in the writing challenge and making it~
by puckishcubsfan on Mar 12, 2009 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions
What researching group told the teams to use mango-scented towels?
Papaya and starfruit-scented towels just didn’t make the cut, eh?
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
and Durian scent wasn't a real option either.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 12, 2009 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Oh it is
During construction the port-a-potties utilized that gem of a scent.
"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"
I hope you know this because you're in construction...
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Nope
port-a-pottie tester. Its a side job, I’m really an accountant.
"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"
Either way...
you sometimes have to work it out with a pencil.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 12, 2009 1:51 PM CDT up reply actions
I usually don't like
to be called a “pencil pusher”
"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"
Sometimes a slide rule comes into play.
Don’t ask.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
My passion fruit loofah is to die for.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
Hearing that White Sox fans use mango-scented towels
Sounds, dare I say, “Yuppie?”
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 Bill Potter on Mar 12, 2009 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Ah, the irony.
’Tis richer than Oprah.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
That's mainly for the L-A elite....
L-A fans are referring to it as “Dodgertown – West,” not Camelback Ranch. As what is standard fare for the White Sox, they are now relegated to bystanders in their “own” facility. The irony, is obvious. Always playing second fiddle, wherever they hang their hat.
Since L-A fans outnumber White Sox fans by, oh — about 100-1, I don’t think those towels are being used by those who live — Back O’ The Yards.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Mar 12, 2009 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Two facts...
1. The Cubbies and Dodgers are more popular than the White Sox
2. Cubbie fans care more about being more popular than the White Sox than winning a World Series.
3. Cub fans are secretly White Sox fans without the tatoos
4. I just made up #3
5. DrCrawdad isn’t as funny as he thinks he is
6. Neither am I
8. I skipped #7 on purpose.
IX. It’s hilarious that Dr.Crawdad (a whitesox fan) has over 1600 comments here and only 10 on the South Side Sox Blog.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 12, 2009 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions
11. White Sox fans care more about the Cubs losing than the Sox winning
2008 National League Central Division Champs!!!!!
Actually it's 1A
A DISTANT 2nd is whether or not the Cats, Tribe or Twinkies ever lose.
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
then you must think you're hilarious
cause i think you’re pretty damn funny. (still laughing at the baseball isn’t soccer image)
There's nothing wrong with this team that more pitching, more fielding and more hitting couldn't help......"--Bill Buckner
by laidbackliam on Mar 12, 2009 5:35 PM CDT up reply actions
We weren't joking about #11.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
However, it's not true.
IF it were ever true and ended in 2005 when the White Sox won the World Series. And there is plenty of evidence that Cubbie fans here get all giggly when the Sox lose.
And for all the talk about how I bait people, Cubbie fans here gloss over the times I post positive comments about the Cubbies.
For the attacks I receive, where and when have I come here and celebrated a Cubbie loss?
You win the prize for saying nice things about the Cubs on a Cubs Blog.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 12, 2009 6:15 PM CDT up reply actions
Some people just ...
… can’t take kind words.
I’ve said many more decent, constructive, positive things about the Cubbies here. Apparently you can’t acknowledge a single one without giving a backhanded compliment.
So remind me, who is it that has the issues?
The mere fact that
you replied to my earlier assertion is that YOU have issues, sir.
Obviously, you can’t take a little sarcasm…which, wasn’t intended for you, but for Cubs fans who are the target audience of this blog. If you want to take it personally, it’s on you.
It is unfortunate that some want to bash other teams here….I wasn’t bashing the White Sox, but I just have to call it as I see it.
Had the Sox tried to partner up with — the Reds, let’s say — for a new AZ camp, there’s no doubt the Sox would be the primary tenant.
But you hook up with the Dodgers — you may as well vanish into the ether. (And I don’t mean Andre Ethier.) Because, outside of the reallyreallyreally faithful, you will be ignored in your own camp.
This happened in Peoria, when both the Pads/Mariners were competitive. The place was crawling with M’s fans. SD fans, even though they are closer to AZ — didn’t make the trip. There was no doubt that camp was Seattle’s, and the Padres were mere window dressing. (Since both teams are stuck on hard times, it does seem the atmosphere is more equivalent — I noticed that last year. Less people made the trip from the Northwest and only the hard core SD fan attended.)
Camelback Ranch is evolving into “Dodgertown West,” no matter how people want to put a positive Chicago spin to it.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Mar 13, 2009 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions
my comment was going to SWL, not to you. sorry.
There's nothing wrong with this team that more pitching, more fielding and more hitting couldn't help......"--Bill Buckner
by laidbackliam on Mar 12, 2009 6:15 PM CDT up reply actions
No, and as much are you hang out here and try to bait people into arguments...
you should know that.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 12, 2009 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions
The closeness issue
My first spring training experience was in 1998, seeing a game and also poking around the Astros complex in Kissimmee, FL. There you were easily able to walk amongst the players. In 1999 I spent two weeks knocking around the Cactus League. I was able to go to every park there, some of which were very new parks, others weren’t. There were some huge differences. At the Angles complex in Tempe you were able to get up close to players and interact with them. At the Sox/Dbacks complex in Tucson, however, it was like a fortress. Before games you were not allowed down near the field unless you had tickets to that section. Practice fields were set up so players did not have to go near the fans. There was clear enforcement. Mesa seems to be down the middle.
I think people need to realize that this is just a sign of the times with the sport. Players are paid a ton more, far too many people at spring training are trying to capitalize off of players (collecting autographs that are on ebay within hours). The popularity of spring training is huge, too, and if Mesa, for example, didn’t have a degree of separation between players and fans it would be a madhouse.
I agree, there is a fine line to walk
One of my favorite baseball memories was going to Twins spring training in 1991. Just by hanging out by the fence, I met a rookie who had just found out he made the big league team – turned out to be Chuck Knoblauch.
There definitely needs to be some space between players and fans, but by creating too much, you’re robbing fans of those opportunities to make memories and connect with their favorite players and teams. I would guess that in Cleveland’s camp next year, fans are closer to the action.
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 Bill Potter on Mar 12, 2009 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions
For those who go back 20+ years
…when the Padres trained in Yuma and the Angels played their games in Palm Springs…(but trained in AZ) The players had to walk among the fans to get to their fields, clubhouses, and buses.
You could walk out to all the practice fields in Yuma, and watch the Padres minor leaguers and the visiting team work-out up close and personal.
In Palm Springs, all that seperated you from watching the batting cage action was a simple “snow” wooden fence. (A snow fence in Palm Springs does sound strange, but you know the type of simple barrier I’m talking about) I still have close up shots of Reggie Jackson taking his cuts in the cage. I’m only a feet from him.
I’ve been told the Padres, in 1969 worked out in a Yuma City Park. No dressing facilities. I have no idea how they could have played any games.
The facility that the Padres eventually left — the Ray Kroc Memorial Complex/Desert Sun Stadium, is there, used for an Independent League, and local Yuma JC and HS — and looking at it again, as I once did on my way back to SD from PHX, it’s hard to believe MLB used the facility.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Mar 12, 2009 3:21 PM CDT up reply actions
You're right about the fine line...
… but for fans to call it “Fort Knox”, that can’t be a good sign.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
ya...
… well thats what Electric Park reminded me of, well, now ten years back. At the TEP facility players are able to steer clear of fans and on the Dbacks side of camp, they had vans shuttling players around the complex. I remember ushers an hour before the game keeping fans from entering sections to get near the field. I felt it was more than a bit excessive. I just think that this is an edict from team management and how a team chooses to run its facility. Perhaps some teams will change things but I think this “Fort Knox” feel is not an accident.
I would be happier to see fuku go 4 for 4 and Japan wins 10-0 than an 0 for 4 and cubs win
www.wrigleyexpansion.com
Wait, say that again?
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
How about Fuku goes 4 for 4....
in a losing effort. I want him to do well, but a 10-0 Japanese victory seems to be a bit over the top.
"Don't complain to me about the stormy weather, boys. Just bring the ship into port." --Steve Stone, September 2004
Prior
Good to see the myth dispelled that he had the perfect motion. This was something that Mike Marshall tried to dispell years ago. I think the fact that Tom House, his personal coach at the time, was touting this let too many involved to believe this and ultimately the Cubs were unwilling either tweak his mechanics or look for any areas of improvement.
When all is said and done, Prior’s career will make a fascinating read. Whether his career ends tomorrow or in ten years, I’d love to see him sit down and be totally honest, and have all those involved with his career be honest, too. The story of the greatest college pitcher ever who burst onto the major league scene and was out of the game within a few years… its almost tragic.
Perfect motion
There’s two interesting articles linked in that article about scap loading and the “Inverted W” which are very interesting.
I almost feel bad for Mark, because it seems like House ruined him with techniques he thought would be good, but turned out not to be. But then again, when he says “I’m not changing. I don’t think there’s anything I specifically do that has caused my injuries. No one’s ever going to be able to tell me for certain that it is, either. Look, this is the way I throw.”
Well, the way he throws doesn’t seem to be working anymore. With that attitude, I hope he saved all that money he got before because I doubt he’ll ever pitch a major league game again.
by dr stabbingworth on Mar 12, 2009 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Mike Marshall
I remember several years ago Dr. Mike Marshall sat down with someone at the Daily Herald and they looked at Prior’s so called perfect mechanics. Marshall tore that apart, going frame by frame, pointing out where Prior’s mechanics were very clearly flawed. Marshall has been roundly chided by the baseball coaching fraternity, but as you said, clearly the way Prior is throwing doesn’t work anymore.
Good article
Looks like they blame Baker for Prior’s problems.
by TheHawkRules on Mar 12, 2009 7:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Hendry on Score
Didn’t really say anything we haven’t heard before. Murph spends too much time laughing at his own dumb jokes than doing an actual interview. I think my bichon frises would do a better job.
Murph also seems to be the President of the Micah Hoffpauir fan club and he thinks he should get 500 ABs.
And we have people making really wild predictions. A caller actually made this shocking one that Sandberg will be the next manager.
JIXAVERSARY! March 7, 2000 to March 7, 2009. My avatar refers to me participating in the writing challenge and making it~
by puckishcubsfan on Mar 12, 2009 12:45 PM CDT reply actions
Are we sure Murph doesn't post here?
"I owe [Dunston] a lot. Nobody would know how good I was at digging balls out of the dirt if it wasn't for him..." -Mark Grace
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
I am positive
that he reads this blog everyday. I have seen too many times things discussed here that end up on his show.
by jerry morales rules on Mar 12, 2009 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Shocked Al?
By the amt of people being able to afford these amenities?
There’s certainly a lesser number of people that can afford say a $100 ticket than a $50 ticket, however it’s the critical mass (where a precipitous drop in buyers occurs due to higher prices) teams must be aware of all the time.
Certain teams – the Cubs in particular – will be less affected than the median.
In a side note, with a tip of the hat to good marketing and knowing they’re not yet the Cubs, the Blackhawks have announced 2009-2010 season ticket prices will remain the same. Up front they knew they were going to be affected and made a good decision up front and early to stem the tide.
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
Huh?
“It seemed like Vero Beach was a little more personable,” said Dale Dagley, who has been a Dodger fan for life despite living in Bloomington, Ill.
That’s Not Normal.
"I owe [Dunston] a lot. Nobody would know how good I was at digging balls out of the dirt if it wasn't for him..." -Mark Grace
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
He was just Pekin in on spring training sites.
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
Season-like lineup for this game (on mlb.com)
Soriano, LF
Theriot, SS
Lee, 1B
Bradley, RF
Ramirez, 3B
Fontenot, 2B
Johnson, CF
Bako, C
Zambrano, P
Dang
Aside from the old man behind the plate, that’s pretty much the Opening Day lineup (AFAIC). Lou’s not messing around.
"I owe [Dunston] a lot. Nobody would know how good I was at digging balls out of the dirt if it wasn't for him..." -Mark Grace
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Hasn't Aramis earned enough respect as a star player to keep his cleanup spot?
This is a real slap in the face.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 12, 2009 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions
If his tears cause an E5...
I’ll be sure to write a strongly-worded letter.
"I owe [Dunston] a lot. Nobody would know how good I was at digging balls out of the dirt if it wasn't for him..." -Mark Grace
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Looks like Two-Face from Batman.
The suit is a nice touch. Adds a degree of sophistication.
"Don't complain to me about the stormy weather, boys. Just bring the ship into port." --Steve Stone, September 2004
Modern art makes me want to rock out.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
Aw yeah!
Nice to see another Art Brut fan out there.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
I hope not.
Theriot should be down lower. Among those players, I’d bat Fontenot second, assuming it’s a RHP. I’d put Reed Johnson there against a lefty.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
would much prefer
Lee and Ramirez swapped… and if Lee’s power continues to be absent, I think thats what we’ll see.
Yeah but...
…if his power is gone, why put him in an RBI spot? In that case, he should bat either second or seventh, no?
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
there's only so far they'll drop him
D Lee’s double play propensity would cause me to keep him out of the #2 hole. I’d be fine with him hitting 6th, behind Soto… I just don’t see it happening.
I agree about swapping ARam & DLee.
I think it is only a matter of time before Lou makes the change this season, especially if Lee continues to be a doubles (not DP) machine with lower HR production.
I agree that he would fit better in the #5 or #6 spot. I do believe his DPs will be down in 2009…even a few more Ks would be better than making TWO outs.
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
If Micah were in that game...
…he’d be knockin’ down threes like nobody’s business.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
You beat me to the punch, Sue. I was just about to post the same thing. Of course, being
a Michigan Alum, I’m pretty happy with the score.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Mar 12, 2009 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions
College bball
I am not a big basketball fan. I only follow NU and Illinois. NU is done.
JIXAVERSARY! March 7, 2000 to March 7, 2009. My avatar refers to me participating in the writing challenge and making it~
by puckishcubsfan on Mar 12, 2009 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Looks like a faux rec to me.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
That's a surprise.
Must mean Matsuzaka is going on Saturday.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Aw man, I'd like to see that.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
Has the game even started?
This is why spring training Gameday is all but useless.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
Wait, so he didn't strike anyone out?
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
Oh, nevermind.
You’re talking about the bottom of the inning.
Incidentally to all, I just rediscovered this MLB play-by-play monitor, which is a little more basic but less hassle than Gameday.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
That's the one they have for mobile devices.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Top 2
FO8, FO7, FO7
"I owe [Dunston] a lot. Nobody would know how good I was at digging balls out of the dirt if it wasn't for him..." -Mark Grace
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
That last FO7...
…was Kosuke Fukudome flying out to Alfonso Soriano.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
Just checked in and see Dome
made contact and got the ball up in the air. Not bad…
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
Yeah, I was thinkin' the same thing.
I wonder how deep it was.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
TWSS
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 12, 2009 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Kinda figured that was comin'.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
I suppose I should have expected that, too.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
Depends how accurate Gameday is.
Gonna guess not very. but if it was then it was deep. :D
V.ery D.elusional N.incompoop
Until I think of something better :D
They should really add that to Gameday.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
No telling
"I owe [Dunston] a lot. Nobody would know how good I was at digging balls out of the dirt if it wasn't for him..." -Mark Grace
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
LBR greets Whirling Darvish with a ringing single to Ichiro in right.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
"Whirling Darvish"...
… I like that.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Sounds like something out of the Kama Sutra.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 12, 2009 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions
One-track mind much?
"I owe [Dunston] a lot. Nobody would know how good I was at digging balls out of the dirt if it wasn't for him..." -Mark Grace
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Well, let's just say I know a thing or two about that.
OK, not really.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
Bottom 2
ARam FO 9
Wonder Hamster 1B
RJ 1B
Bako W
Z K
Guess-Hack K
Strand 3, Score None
"I owe [Dunston] a lot. Nobody would know how good I was at digging balls out of the dirt if it wasn't for him..." -Mark Grace
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Wow, total fail.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
You get you chance with men on base Z
this is why u cant bat higher up~!
V.ery D.elusional N.incompoop
Until I think of something better :D
Top 3
1B, FC, 3B (JAP 1-CHC 0), W, PB (JAP 2-CHC 0), FO4, K
Komatsu in for Darvish
"I owe [Dunston] a lot. Nobody would know how good I was at digging balls out of the dirt if it wasn't for him..." -Mark Grace
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Yeah, I kinda wondered about that, too.
Looked like a pretty rough inning all the way around.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
I hate that this game wasn't televised.
You’d think this would have been a natural for the MLB Network.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
I laugh at you Al...
you’re always confused at to why MLB refuses to promote, sell, and market it’s own product.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 12, 2009 4:10 PM CDT up reply actions
Bottom 3
FO8, K, 1B, K
2-0 for the other guys
"I owe [Dunston] a lot. Nobody would know how good I was at digging balls out of the dirt if it wasn't for him..." -Mark Grace
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Top 4
FO4, 2B, Dome FO8, 6-3
Still 2-0 for the other guys
"I owe [Dunston] a lot. Nobody would know how good I was at digging balls out of the dirt if it wasn't for him..." -Mark Grace
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Dome continues to elevate the ball.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
Bottom 4
LBR 1B
WP, runner advances
RJ K
Yamaguchi in for Komatsu
Bako 1B (LBR scores, 2-1 Japan)
Z K
Guess-Hack FC
"I owe [Dunston] a lot. Nobody would know how good I was at digging balls out of the dirt if it wasn't for him..." -Mark Grace
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
LBR continues to own Japanese pitching.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
2 for 2 with a run scored
Not bad at all
"I owe [Dunston] a lot. Nobody would know how good I was at digging balls out of the dirt if it wasn't for him..." -Mark Grace
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Gregg is relieving Zambrano
"I owe [Dunston] a lot. Nobody would know how good I was at digging balls out of the dirt if it wasn't for him..." -Mark Grace
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Top 5
FO8, FO7, 4-3
Quick work.
"I owe [Dunston] a lot. Nobody would know how good I was at digging balls out of the dirt if it wasn't for him..." -Mark Grace
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Dang, I'll say.
Let’s use that momentum to score a few more runs, boys.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
Hello?.......
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 12, 2009 4:50 PM CDT reply actions
Has Clutch16 left the building?
If so, I can do a quick update here.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
Um...thanks...I think.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
Sorry - got a work call
CEO Freakout == No ~PBP. Sorry.
"I owe [Dunston] a lot. Nobody would know how good I was at digging balls out of the dirt if it wasn't for him..." -Mark Grace
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Sorry
I’m really distracted by the slowness of the Gameday to update, and the fact that the Kogi truck is going to be a few blocks away from my office very very soon.
Bottom 5
Ryan Theriot grounds out, second baseman Akinori Iwamura to first baseman Seiichi Uchikawa.
Derrek Lee doubles (1) on a line drive to right fielder Ichiro Suzuki.
Milton Bradley strikes out swinging.
With Aramis Ramirez batting, wild pitch by Tetsuya Yamaguchi, Derrek Lee to 3rd.
Aramis Ramirez flies out to right fielder Ichiro Suzuki.
End of 5, still 2-1 Japan
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
Yep, he's still elevating.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
he's going to do much better this year
mark my words
It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so. -- Mark Twain
Consider them marked
Do we know what he did off-season to prep for this year?
"I owe [Dunston] a lot. Nobody would know how good I was at digging balls out of the dirt if it wasn't for him..." -Mark Grace
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Top 6
Let the defensive substitutions begin!
So ("Very") Taguchi replaces left fielder Alfonso Soriano, batting 1st, playing left field.
Andres (“Andy White”) Blanco replaces shortstop Ryan Theriot, batting 2nd, playing shortstop.
Micah (“I heart Erin Andrews”) Hoffpauir replaces first baseman Derrek Lee, batting 3rd, playing first base.
Doug ("Dirty") Deeds replaces right fielder Milton Bradley, batting 4th, playing right field.
Luis ("________") Rivas replaces third baseman Aramis Ramirez, batting 5th, playing third base.
Bobby ("Lifer") Scales replaces second baseman Mike Fontenot, batting 6th, playing second base.
David ("General") Patton replaces Kevin Gregg, batting 9th.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
Thx.
"I owe [Dunston] a lot. Nobody would know how good I was at digging balls out of the dirt if it wasn't for him..." -Mark Grace
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
No prob. Feel free to resume your duties.
I’m technically supposed to be working here.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
Still yapping
Buy you a beer if you keep up for me.
"I owe [Dunston] a lot. Nobody would know how good I was at digging balls out of the dirt if it wasn't for him..." -Mark Grace
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
twss
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 12, 2009 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Sold!
I can do a few more. I leave at work at 5:30.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
twss
There's nothing wrong with this team that more pitching, more fielding and more hitting couldn't help......"--Bill Buckner
by laidbackliam on Mar 12, 2009 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Luis “The Dread Pirate” Rivas. Or Luis “0-for-3”-vas.
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
Oh, right.
I forgot about those.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
No worries. Just casting them out there for everyone.
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
TWSS
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 12, 2009 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Top 6
Yasuyuki Kataoka flies out to right fielder Doug Deeds.
Norichika Aoki grounds out, third baseman Luis Rivas to first baseman Micah Hoffpauir.
Shuichi Murata walks.
Seiichi Uchikawa walks. Shuichi Murata to 2nd.
Kosuke Fukudome singles on a fly ball to center fielder Reed Johnson. Shuichi Murata scores. Seiichi Uchikawa to 2nd.
Kenji Johjima grounds into a force out, shortstop Andres Blanco to second baseman Bobby Scales. Kosuke Fukudome out at 2nd.
3-1 Japan
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
Bottom 6
Bobby Scales strikes out swinging.
Reed Johnson grounds out, second baseman Akinori Iwamura to first baseman Seiichi Uchikawa.
Paul Bako walks.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Jake Fox replaces David Patton.
Jake Fox grounds out, second baseman Akinori Iwamura to first baseman Seiichi Uchikawa.
Still 3-1 Japan
Angel Guzman on to pitch for the Cubs.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
Also Sam Fuld in for RJ, and Mark Johnson in for Bako.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
Gotta keep at least one Johnson in there
Wait for it…
"I owe [Dunston] a lot. Nobody would know how good I was at digging balls out of the dirt if it wasn't for him..." -Mark Grace
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
TWSS
It’s pretty dead in here. I figured I should just do it and get it over with.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
Speaking of dead
that’s how the Indiana Hoosiers look right now. They’re only down 20 to Penn State…
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
I take it that's an upset?
I don’t really follow college basketball.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
Not an upset this year
any other year, it would be, but IU is god-awful.
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
Not at all
Indiana has no scholarships this year. It’s surprising that they can even find 5 guys to play.
"I owe [Dunston] a lot. Nobody would know how good I was at digging balls out of the dirt if it wasn't for him..." -Mark Grace
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
indiana is just bad
though they may still be looking dead.
bad+dead=reallyugly
Yeah, it's ugly
to the point I’m wondering if they’ve already made spring break plans. Man, I miss spring break.
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
Top 7
Akinori Iwamura singles on a line drive to left fielder So Taguchi.
With Munenori Kawasaki batting, Akinori Iwamura steals (1) 2nd base.
Munenori Kawasaki strikes out swinging.
Ichiro Suzuki pops out to shortstop Andres Blanco.
Yasuyuki Kataoka pops out to second baseman Bobby Scales.
Still 3-1 Japan. Nice to see Gooz pitch a scoreless frame.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
I think that's his second straight scoreless outing, IIRC
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
Bottom 7. Waiting for the Gameday update.
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
You know, given this delay
We might want to cue up some EA photos – Hoffpauir is/was up third this inning…
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
Good plan, but I gotta leave the office now.
Wanna finish out the game? I look forward to hearing about the Doug Deeds walkoff!
Later!
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
Yeah, I can take over some play-by-play.
Enjoy the evening.
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
Oh, why not?
"I owe [Dunston] a lot. Nobody would know how good I was at digging balls out of the dirt if it wasn't for him..." -Mark Grace
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Cubs in the 7th
Taguchi grounds out, 6-3
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
Andrew White singles to left on a liner
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
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 12, 2009 5:32 PM CDT reply actions
That brings up Hoffpauir...
who smacks a ground rule double to left-center.
Blanco to third with 1 out.
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
It's scary how well the EA pics work.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 12, 2009 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions
It's uncanny.
This is why have spring training, I suppose.
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
Dirty Deeds with a liner - but snared by Iwamura.
2 out, men on 2nd and 3rd.
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
Takahiro Mahara in to face The Dread Pirate Rivas
who grounds out, 6-3, to end the inning. Japan 3, Cubs 1.
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
Top 8 - Neal Cotts in to pitch for the Cubs
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
Japan in the 8th
Inaba strikes out swinging, Murata singles to left, Uchikawa grounds into force out – Murata out at 2nd. Fukudome flies out, F8, to end the inning.
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
One more in the air for Dome
1-4 with an RBI on the day
"I owe [Dunston] a lot. Nobody would know how good I was at digging balls out of the dirt if it wasn't for him..." -Mark Grace
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
by mid-may
will we all be whining about dome flying out too much?
It'll beat whining about watching him corkscrew himself into the ground
"I owe [Dunston] a lot. Nobody would know how good I was at digging balls out of the dirt if it wasn't for him..." -Mark Grace
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Scales, Johnson and the pitcher's spot due up in the bottom of the 8th
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
Cubs in the 8th
Scales lines out to 1B. Fuld K. Johnson backwards K.
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
randy wells
I sure would like to see Randy Wells pitch earlier in some of these games. He’s been pretty much perfect but 8th and 9th innings in spring training arent the best test.
Perhaps you missed his outing Sunday...
I was there and saw the ugliness in person, as this was the third straight game our ST tour watched the Cubs lose. The weather was nice though…
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE! (Now #12,966 on the Cubs season ticket waiting list- UP from 13,031...WHOO HOO!)
Check that. I'm mistaken. It was Hart that stunk it up late in Sunday's game.
Sorry Mr. Wells. I apologize.
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE! (Now #12,966 on the Cubs season ticket waiting list- UP from 13,031...WHOO HOO!)
Not so much. The first 2 games, yes...
but we kind of backed off on day # 3. Didn’t matter. We still saw a lethargic Cubs performance.
But it’s easy to sit back and enjoy a lovely malt beverage when it’s sunny and 75 degrees. Here’s hoping we see some of that weather soon here in the midwest…
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE! (Now #12,966 on the Cubs season ticket waiting list- UP from 13,031...WHOO HOO!)
Top 9
6-3, E6, GIDP
"I owe [Dunston] a lot. Nobody would know how good I was at digging balls out of the dirt if it wasn't for him..." -Mark Grace
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
I've been away, but 10 LOB seems like a frustrating day.
Maybe it was better we haven’t been able to hear or see this one. And let’s hope the second team can deliver with men on base in the 9th.
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
3 of those LOB were in the 2nd
Loaded ’em with 1 out, and then a pair of strikeouts (Zambrano and Soriano) killed it. Yeah, frustrating.
"I owe [Dunston] a lot. Nobody would know how good I was at digging balls out of the dirt if it wasn't for him..." -Mark Grace
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Bottom 9
Fox 2B
Taguchi 2B (3-2 Japan)
Blanco FO3
Hoffpauir K
WP (runner advances)
Dirty Deeds K
Game Over, Japan 3-Cubs 2
"I owe [Dunston] a lot. Nobody would know how good I was at digging balls out of the dirt if it wasn't for him..." -Mark Grace
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Holy crap.
Deeds really could’ve hit a walk-off home run. (See my post above.) Damn, so close to Nostradamus-like brillance.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recommended FanShots
Recent FanShots
Cubs By The Numbers
Cubs By The Numbers is a history of the ballclub by uniform number, but the biographies help trace the history of our beloved team in a new way. For everyone who's a Cubs fan, anyone who ever wore the uniform is like family. Cubs By The Numbers reintroduces readers to some of their long-lost ancestors, even ones they think they already know.
Click here to order your copy, available now!
Recent Stories in Ticket Exchanges
Baseball Nation Recent Stories
In Association With
Big League Stew - MLB - Yahoo! Sports
- Photo: Padres fan regrets letting mother capture moment with Trevor Hoffman
- Marlins agree to unretire No. 5 for Logan Morrison, who will honor his father’s favorite player
- Weatherman Derek Holland does Dallas TV
- Ask Alex: Will Julio Teheran or Matt Moore win rookie of the year?
- Ku Klux Klan, umpires and bowling: Why the minor leagues tossed out Jim Evans academy
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
