Cubs Name Single PA Announcer For 2009

by Al on Mar 7, 2009 7:38 PM CST in Recaps Comment 19 comments

Rather than write another recap of another dull Cubs loss, this time, 2-0 to the Brewers in front of a near-capacity crowd of 10,099 at the Brewers' park in Maryvale, I thought I'd post some actual news.

I have learned that the Cubs are going to go with one PA announcer this year, instead of the triumvirate that's done the games the last four years. Paul Friedman, who has been doing night games only for the last four years (and did nights and weekends for ten years before that), will be the full-time PA announcer this season.

Wayne Messmer and Mike Terson both did good work and had distinctive voices, but I can see why the Cubs wanted to go with a single voice. Expect to still hear Wayne's excellent rendition of the National Anthem from time to time, and Wayne or Mike may fill in occasionally if Paul's not able to do it.

About today's game, not much can be said -- Carlos Zambrano threw well, although he made a fielding error that helped lead to the only two runs of the game (though strangely, both runs were ruled earned, even though the second one scored as a direct result of Z's overthrow). He issued no walks and struck out five. I was also pleased to see Angel Guzman have a solid 1-2-3 inning, and David Patton, who probably won't make the team (likely to be returned to the Rockies, unless the Cubs can make a deal with Colorado which would allow Patton to be sent to Iowa), threw two shutout innings and struck out three.

Random observation from today's 6-5 USA win over Canada in the first round of the WBC -- Philippe Aumont, a 20-year-old native of Hull, Quebec, who spent 2008 in the Midwest League in the Mariners' organization after being their first-round pick (11th overall), is a major, major talent. He throws hard and snapped off some major league quality breaking balls in striking out Kevin Youkilis and Curtis Granderson with the bases loaded. He's probably two years away from the major leagues, but watch for him. And for those who think people don't care about the WBC, the attendance for this game in Toronto was 42,314, more than all but seven Blue Jays home games in 2008. Both WBC games this afternoon were exciting ballgames, particularly the Netherlands' stunning upset of the Dominican Republic. Maybe the WBC is worth it after all.

Tomorrow, Sean Marshall takes the mound at Mesa against the Rangers. Matt Harrison will start for Texas. Don't forget to set your clocks ahead; game time tomorrow will be 3:05 CDT.

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messmer & terson

are probably heartbroken.

by brian custer on Mar 7, 2009 8:30 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

The WBC was great!

Both those games were very exciting. Can’t wait to see Mexico tomorrow.

by Nooblet on Mar 7, 2009 8:41 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

One of the PA guys, not Messmer

Would routinely announce batters a pitch or two into the AB….

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

by Shanghai Badger on Mar 7, 2009 9:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Just don't pitch Guzman

with the lead or score tied.

by Employee22 on Mar 7, 2009 9:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Ah, have faith....

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Mar 7, 2009 11:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Remember most of Arizona does NOT observe Daylight Saving Time

They do not “spring forward” in Mesa. They are always on Mountain Standard Time.

During DST most of Arizona is at the same time as California (Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)). The Navajo Nation, in northeastern Arizona, does observe Daylight Saving Time.

I guess Arizona doesn’t need an extra hour of sunshine.

"Every team will win 60 games, every team will lose 60 games, it's what the team does in the other 42 games that decides the season."

by flachimesa on Mar 7, 2009 10:13 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Aumont was sick

Anyone know more about this guy? Is he a starter?

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Mar 7, 2009 11:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Last year in A ball..

…. he made 15 appearances, 8 starts, after he was signed. I’m guessing the Mariners make him a starter; they restricted the Canadian WBC team to having him pitch only one inning per appearance, though.

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

by Al on Mar 8, 2009 3:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I've got to say...

…I’m never that excited about the WBC going into it, but this is twice now it seems to capture my attention. It’s fun to see these new guys rise up before your eyes. Dice-K last time around, Aumont this time.

Although all it’s gonna take it is someone to run over Geo and tear his shoulder out for me to done with the WBC.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Mar 8, 2009 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's a risk in ANY game.

I saw Mark Ellis, who was ticketed to start at 2B for the A’s in 2004, dive for a popup in short CF vs. the Cubs in a spring game, get hurt and miss the entire season.

It happens. Let’s just hope for good health for everyone involved in the WBC.

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

by Al on Mar 8, 2009 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Completely disagree.

You can’t honestly say that a player would play as hard during a ST game versus the WBC. Anytime you add in the element of national pride, it takes the players competitiveness to a new level, which has a higher risk on injury.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Mar 8, 2009 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Depends on the player, I'd say.

Clearly, Ellis was playing all out that day. I saw the play. He could have let it drop in a meaningless game, instead he put his body on the line and paid the price.

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

by Al on Mar 8, 2009 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe, but not for the majority.

Especially when you get some of these Asian and Latin countries, where national pride means so much. They are more likely to put their bodies at risk for a WBC game versus a ST game.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Mar 8, 2009 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Your point is valid.

I wish you’d acknowledge mine, which is that injuries can happen in ANY game.

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

by Al on Mar 8, 2009 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I said MAYBE!

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Mar 8, 2009 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The inning by Aumont was the only part of the game I got to wtch

He was incredible. Sutt kept saying “Can you believe this kid hasn’t made it past A ball yet?”. Absolutely astounding. Hope he stays healthy. He could be special.

Hide your Molina, Lilly's free!

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Mar 8, 2009 3:18 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Great game yesterday

I thought my boys might actually complete the comeback in the 9th…would have liked to see Morneau make Putz work a little harder. Team Canada can hit, that’s for sure. Votto had a great game, as did Russell Martin, although the Canadian commentators said Martin is “clearly the best catcher in the NL, both at and behind the plate.” I’m guessing McCann and Geo might argue that point.

Shocked by the lack of Dominican offense. Maybe nerves?

I have nothing funny or creative to write.

by Canadian Cubs Fan on Mar 8, 2009 10:25 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Good game indeed!

I was one of those 42,000+ at the Rogers Centre yesterday. To be fair, Aumont was pretty much responsible for getting the bases loaded (two unimpressive hits and a walk) but after a talk to settle him down, he was, indeed, lights out. Votto was definitely impressive, Morneau a bit of a let-down, Martin was solid, and most of the Canadian pitchers did surprisingly well against a good US team.

I don’t know what others thought, but Peavy looked… maybe a bit rusty still. He was good, don’t get me wrong, but he didn’t dominate the Canadians like he probably should have (even the Canadians in the crowd had trouble coming up with information on Weglarz and Peter Orr, the 8th and 9th hitters). Dunn (who was being stalked by pigeons in the middle innings, which was good for some added entertainment) added a solid 2-run shot, but McCann’s homer seemed to be the real dagger. (Though I think even the US fans around us would admit they were a little nervous in the 9th).

I was kind of disappointed that we didn’t get to see DeRosa or Koskie (who got a nice round of applause when his name was announced pre-game). But overall the game was fantastic, as was the crowd. Sure, there was some booing (such as every time Jeter did ANYTHING and someone tried to start a “U-S-A! U-S-A!” chant), but everyone was into the game, and despite a handful of jerks (again, on both sides), my friends and I enjoyed some friendly banter with some visiting fans from the US. (For example, when LaTroy Hawkins’ name was announced, for example, I said, “Really, the Americans couldn’t find anyone better?” and a guy in a Yankees t-shirt behind me said “Everyone else is injured or opted out, so we had to go with the best of the worst.”)

I didn’t really get into the WBC the first time around, but I really enjoyed this game, and getting to watch the first half of the Netherlands/Dominican game on TV before hand. It was good fun.

by daubs on Mar 8, 2009 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs