A Marquis Opponent: Cubs 2, Rockies 5
by Al Yellon on Apr 15, 2009 5:28 PM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
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PrintLou said it best in his postgame remarks: "He's got to be absolutely sure he can make it in that situation."
Correct, and Mike Fontenot's attempt to take third base on a pitch that didn't quite get far enough away from Rockies catcher Chris Iannetta took the Cubs out of what was a most promising rally, with Geovany Soto at bat, a run in, two runners on and nobody out in the last of the ninth. Some of us could have been forgiven if we saw visions of last May 30's comeback against Colorado; instead, momentum changed, and Geo grounded into a game-ending DP instead, finishing off a disappointing 5-2 loss to the Rockies.
Before I go on, a criticism or two of Fontenot, who I like a lot and who I think is generally one of the smartest players on the team. What advantage would he get from being on third base, three runs down? Sure, a sac fly would score him from there, but that many runs down and the tying run at the plate, staying put would have been a far better idea. Maybe Geo walks... that might have brought Aramis Ramirez out of the dugout to bat for Aaron Miles (A-Ram was, presumably, available to PH and would have batted for the pitcher if not for Miles).
Maybe this game wasn't destined to be won. Jason Marquis threw the kind of game he pitched when he was "on" during his Cub tenure -- sinkers, ground balls, few strikeouts, efficient use of his pitches. Give the guy some credit. I'm sure that he wanted to prove a point to Lou and Jim, and he got his point across. Those who booed him again when he was introduced simply don't understand that he did exactly the job he was asked to do in his two years with the Cubs. Was he overpaid? Sure he was, but no one forced Jim Hendry to dole out that contract. It's not Marquis' fault.
In any case, who looked like a $7 million pitcher today? Marquis, or Rich Harden? Harden had a strange day. Striking out the side in the first inning, he looked dominant, though a bit "effectively wild". Then, after a K and a walk in the second, Harden deflected a grounder that, had he let it go past him, might have been an inning-ending DP. Instead, Troy Tulowitzki beat it out for an infield hit, and after another walk -- Lou said that Harden, after the first, was just "throwing, not pitching" -- and a strikeout, the good-hitting Marquis singled in two runs.
The Cubs might have broken through against Marquis in the first inning had Kosuke Fukudome not made an ill-advised attempt to steal second as Derrek Lee was striking out. After that Marquis didn't allow a hit till D-Lee singled in the fourth. Lee had a nice day, with three hits including his first homer of the year, the one that gave us brief hope in the last of the ninth. It wasn't an easy day to homer, with the wind blowing straight in (listed in the boxscore at 8 MPH, it was stronger than that), but the Rockies' Seth Smith managed one to straightaway CF in the third. Harden's day ended after that inning; he faced 15 batters, and only five of them hit fair balls (of his nine outs, eight were K's and one was a runner trying to take an extra base). After the day started again cloudy -- but far more pleasant than Monday -- the sun came out in the middle innings, to loud applause, and suddenly it felt nearly springlike (at least in the sun; people in the shade still had blankets on).
Good today: the bullpen. David Patton, Luis Vizcaino, Neal Cotts and Angel Guzman threw six innings, allowed four hits and three walks, and struck out six. Unfortunately, it was the extra run that Guzman gave up in the eighth that perhaps prompted Fontenot's scamper; maybe if the Cubs are down only 4-2, he stays put. Also good today: Micah Hoffpauir with a pinch-hit RBI double. The more he does this, the more he sells me that he actually can be a good bench player. Still -- small sample size, since he has exactly four PH at-bats this season.
Anyway, a tip o' the cap to Jason Marquis. Sometimes the other guy is just better than you are; that's what happened today.
Finally, in honor of Jackie Robinson, every player on both teams wore his retired #42 today. That was a nice tribute. It made keeping score interesting, not to mention the occasional comment when #42 got up in the bullpen: "Which #42 is that?"
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It was in Oakland.
Broken up in the last of the 8th by Kurt Suzuki. Wakefield threw a CG, gave up 4 hits and 2 runs, won 8-2.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
With his cranky shoulder
surprised they let him finish it.
Because when it comes to sports, we die harder than Bruce Willis.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Apr 15, 2009 6:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Good point
Because when it comes to sports, we die harder than Bruce Willis.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Apr 15, 2009 8:53 PM CDT up reply actions
Would anyone be more content with Marquis in the rotation and Marshall in the pen?
meh…well shouldn’t dwell..
#34: You'll be missed!
actually yes I would
and I wanted that, I was not happy with the trade, but oh well, nothing can be done now
Friendship is like peeing on yourself: everyone can see it, but only you get the warm feeling that it brings.
good point
Makes Marshall’s start tomorrow that much more interesting. If he gets torched by the f-ing Cardinals ..
Cards are up 12-7 bottom 9 here in the windy desert.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
I hate the Cardinals
The Cardinals seem to have a charmed existence. I’m reminded of “The Simpsons” episode where Ned Flanders asks God for help, gets it, and God says, “Okekely-dokeley.”
The Cardinals are the Ned Flanders of baseball teams.
"Flanders to God, Flanders to God:
Get off your cloud and save my Todd (Wellemeyer).
I hate them too, FWIW.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
Thsy are blessed with...............
one of the best managers and pitching coaches in all of baseball
If you had to choose just one characteristic that would get you through life, choose a sense of humor.
No
Marshall is the better pitcher, and belongs in the rotation. Besides, some of the money freed up by trading Marquis was spent on Bradley, who I’d also much rather have
Some people have 3 layers, like pie. Blog Blog Blog
Don't know if you're allowed to like the Bradley signing here
No one else seems to anyway. :-P
Because when it comes to sports, we die harder than Bruce Willis.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Apr 15, 2009 8:57 PM CDT up reply actions
LMAO
Friendship is like peeing on yourself: everyone can see it, but only you get the warm feeling that it brings.
marquee
is yesterday’s news. what would make more sense to me is is heilman in the starting rotation, marshall in the pen, cotts in iowa & samardzija in chicago..
by brian custer on Apr 15, 2009 10:56 PM CDT up reply actions
1: Heilman isn’t stretched out.
2: Marshall deserves his shot.
3: Cotts does ok.
4: Samardzija is in Iowa to get stretched out to be a starter. Demp, Lilly and Z won’t last forever, and Harden could fall apart at any time.
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on Apr 16, 2009 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions
As we discussed in the game thread yesterday, brian...
…you need to get your facts straight before posting.
As I pointed out then and as drew points out here, Heilman isn’t stretched out to start. Second, Neal Cotts is OUT OF OPTIONS, so he can’t be sent to Iowa. Last, the man’s name is spelled “Marquis.”
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
I said this to the stranger
sitting next to me at the game, “The 13-pitch (it seemed like 20!) AB against Atkins completely unnerved Harden.”
Low and behold, watching his post-game interview – he admitted as much.
I agree, Al. Today was the GOOD Marquis. With two strikes Harden f’d around and put it down the middle with no movement, and Marquis still can hit (and run). The Hebrew Hammer had it going today. Why he was booed I just cannot understand. He was exactly what the doctor ordered in a #5 starter and he personally kicked our ass today.
I am a little apprehensive with our shitty RISP early-season performance and sinker-ball Wainwright squaring off against our young lefty. I hope he intentionally walks Pujols every AB with no one on.
We’ll see. Bullpen good. Starter bad. Offense bad. DLEE comin’ on. Maybe he’ll remain in the #4 spot or lower?
Lee has been hitting the ball hard for the past several games
He’s just been hit-unlucky.
Some people have 3 layers, like pie. Blog Blog Blog
Hitting it hard in the infield?
Maybe – today was a nice sign, and he had nice sac fly in Milwaukee.
But, as I have said, for the last three years his early-season ops has been over .1000 each year.
Agreed about Atkins AB - it was a game killer.
Fortunately, the Cubs have some hitters who can do the same thing. Fontenot did it in Milwaukee.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
Fukudome
Do you think it was a SB attempt or a hit and run? Seems to me that Lou is keenly aware that D. Lee is a double play machine and has put runners in motion in other instances this year to stay out of the DP.
Without a doubt
a missed hit and run. I was sitting really close today in Club Boxes…
Maybe so.
Still… kinda wish he hadn’t been going.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
I dunno...
… a day like today, and seeing how dominant Harden was in the first, getting an early lead looked like a big deal. Even with Harden falling apart it was a very low scoring affair, so with Aramis and Milton out of the line-up, I like Lou trying to manufacture runs. Heck, with those two guys in the line-up the Cubs have struggled a tad to get runs in.
Yabbut...
… it was the first inning.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
You forgot to mention...
that Theriot was on second base in front of Kosuke. Kosuke couldn’t have stolen second without theriot vacating the bag. Which he did on the attempted hit and run.
Lee took a marginal pitch on two strikes instead of swinging at it and perhaps fouling it off.
The insinuation that this was somehow Kosuke’s fault for running the team out of the inning is blatantly wrong.
WOXY.com - The Future of Rock and Roll
by Gibbon Jockey on Apr 15, 2009 8:29 PM CDT up reply actions
agreed
but after his homer dlee gets all the props for the game today when actually he blew it that inning when they had a chance to knock marques around at least a little – he blows that chance but ends up 3 for 4 and its all good for him – but the cubs lose
by doofus cubs guy on Apr 15, 2009 9:23 PM CDT up reply actions
3 out of 4 ain't bad
Being angry Derrek wasn’t perfect is only going to keep you frustrated, doofus.
Because when it comes to sports, we die harder than Bruce Willis.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Apr 15, 2009 9:25 PM CDT up reply actions
not angry about his 3 for 4
but his 0 for 1 was the big at bat – other three at bats came with no one on and two outs and then first up in inning – it’s just that some times the game can be lost early – marques was wobbly in the first and then settled down – it’s not like we haven’t seen that from him before
by doofus cubs guy on Apr 15, 2009 9:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Games can be lost early as well as late
you’re right.
But having your starter get knocked out in the 3rd is a more definite way to do so than having your #4 hitter go 3 for 4.
Because when it comes to sports, we die harder than Bruce Willis.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Apr 15, 2009 9:35 PM CDT up reply actions
face it no matter what DLee does
some peeps aren’t going to like it.
"So chicks dig guys who TAKE AWAY the long ball, too? " by dat cubfan daver
by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 15, 2009 11:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Or, in this case, some doofuses.
Hey, thanks for using my quote in your sig line!
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
I doubt it was a true hit and run
the count was 3-2 on Lee, which is why the runners were in motion – Lou was simply trying to stay out of the double play at the time.
It’s a high-risk, high-reward situation there – and while it didn’t work this time, I have no problem with the aggressiveness shown.
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
Is there any buzz about Harden possibly tipping his changeup?
Everyone was swinging at it in the first inning, but no one was in the second and third. It looked just as good to me from my untrained eye.
Some people have 3 layers, like pie. Blog Blog Blog
I haven't heard any...
… but maybe he was. I’m sure they’ll look at video. That 14-pitch AB from Atkins didn’t help matters any, either.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Someone in the game thread
said Brenly mentioned the possiblity.
But I wasn’t watching so I don’t know.
Because when it comes to sports, we die harder than Bruce Willis.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Apr 15, 2009 6:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes. Brenly
did speculate that Harden might be tipping pitches…prefacing his comment with..
“….I know that Larry Rothchild won’t be happy with (me saying) this……..”
I added the “me saying.”
He added that he was thinking this because of Hardin’s dominant first inning — and that the Rockies seemed to be laying off everything he threw but the fastball, from the second inning on.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Apr 15, 2009 6:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Missing Ramirez and Bradley is why this game was lost
Have those two in the lineup and I think it is a different result versus Jason Marquis. Derrek Lee scares no one.
three hits
and a homerun is inability?
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on Apr 15, 2009 8:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Don't confuse them with the facts.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Apr 15, 2009 11:48 PM CDT up reply actions
that's
a nit to pick, don’t you think, on game 8?
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on Apr 16, 2009 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions
What did you think of Patton's performance today?
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Apr 15, 2009 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions
You don't think he's really going to answer that, do you?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Of course not...lol
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Apr 15, 2009 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Patton
was great today, but I do tend to agree with BLou on this one. I think once the league gets a chance to see him they’ll figure him out and he won’t be very effective. I really hope I’m wrong though, I like him.
I like Patton's arm and mound presence.
I think he’ll be a valuable addition to the staff.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Guzman
did pretty well too. not perfect, but not bad.
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on Apr 15, 2009 8:50 PM CDT up reply actions
viz was a pleasent surprise as well
Because when it comes to sports, we die harder than Bruce Willis.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Apr 15, 2009 8:51 PM CDT up reply actions
I must admit
tis true, tis true.
Also, I’m not sure how I feel about this:
http://pics.livejournal.com/dwer/pic/00017y61/
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on Apr 15, 2009 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Oh, that's just wrong.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
I KNOW
the head coach has bought hats for the assistant coaches as well. I really don’t know if I can do it.
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on Apr 15, 2009 8:53 PM CDT up reply actions
You could always wear a Cubs jacket with your Brewers cap.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
There's a team in the league
called the Cubs, tho. I may have to resort to wearing Cubs underoos.
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on Apr 15, 2009 8:54 PM CDT up reply actions
TMI?
Because when it comes to sports, we die harder than Bruce Willis.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Apr 15, 2009 8:55 PM CDT up reply actions
I, ah...
appreciate that. :P
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on Apr 15, 2009 8:55 PM CDT up reply actions
He's a cutie though
At least he’s not a Met!
Because when it comes to sports, we die harder than Bruce Willis.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Apr 15, 2009 8:53 PM CDT up reply actions
or a cardinal.
I wish he had been a Royal or an Oriole…
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on Apr 15, 2009 8:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah
It could’ve been worse.
It could be a pale hose. :-P
Because when it comes to sports, we die harder than Bruce Willis.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Apr 15, 2009 8:55 PM CDT up reply actions
oh, my god
I never even thought of that.
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on Apr 15, 2009 9:13 PM CDT up reply actions
see?
not so bad. :-)
Because when it comes to sports, we die harder than Bruce Willis.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Apr 15, 2009 9:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Does your son now
have the tendency to be very bitter, feel fairweathered about sports, and battling an alcholic addiction??
#34: You'll be missed!
lol
no. At least, not yet.
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on Apr 15, 2009 9:13 PM CDT up reply actions
Today was BLou's nighmare
Worthless roster hogging rule 5 guy pitches two lights out innings, Jason Marquis shuts the Cubs down AND gets a 2RBI single off of a wild and inneffective Harden who can’t get past 3 innings. Game is kept from being a blow out by a bullpen that gives up one run in six innings and no one named Carlos pitched.
"I daydream just like everybody else, I just do it with my body facing the field, so everybody thinks I'm paying attention."- Greg Maddux
by Doggie Stalker on Apr 15, 2009 11:10 PM CDT up reply actions
I hadn't thought about how Harden is his golden boy
You cant forget that DLee went 3 for 4.
"So chicks dig guys who TAKE AWAY the long ball, too? " by dat cubfan daver
by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 15, 2009 11:34 PM CDT up reply actions
A tip of the hat indeed for Marquis
He looked very good and I bet he feels on top of the world tonight.
Harden baffles me. His line is outlandish. At times he’s untouchable and on a dime, he crumbles. I don’t know if he’ll make the 25-30 projected starts.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
He's projected for 25 starts?
"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
Something along those lines, yeah
But don’t quote me on that.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
It's going directly into my sig...
Not really, but my estimate was that he’d be lucky to get 24 starts. Between giving him longer rests than normal and the chances of him actually being hurt, even that may be optimistic.
Of course, I hope I’m wrong and that he goes every 5th game for the rest of the season, but my bsometer starts pinging wildly whenever I start down that line of thought.
"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 forgot to mention
kudos to marquis for pitching really well. Cubs offense needs to show up though.
by lexmarklover on Apr 15, 2009 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions
"testes"?
I do not think word means what you think it does.
Because when it comes to sports, we die harder than Bruce Willis.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Apr 15, 2009 6:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Try standing up and adjusting yourself.
Ballplayers do it all the time.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
In the good news department:
Looks like we’ll get Mitchell Boggs instead of Carpenter this weekend.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
Any relation?
"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
None.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Apr 15, 2009 6:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Thank you for finding the silver lining for me
I’ve been trying to find something happy all evening, to no avail.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
The bullpen looked really good.
Geo is back. The sun is out.
Other than a crappily played game, today is a-okay.
Because when it comes to sports, we die harder than Bruce Willis.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Apr 15, 2009 6:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Was really nice to have him back.
Hill did a good job, but I hope we don’t have to see him again for a while.
Because when it comes to sports, we die harder than Bruce Willis.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Apr 15, 2009 6:45 PM CDT up reply actions
except
Aramis and Milton.
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on Apr 15, 2009 8:51 PM CDT up reply actions
It would have been fun and challenging to beat Carpenter
Mitchell Boggs had some success as a starter in 2008 against teams not named Mets.
"I knew we were in for a long season when we lined up for the national anthem on opening day and one of my players said, 'Every time I hear that song I have a bad game.'" - Jim Leyland
When he enters the on-deck circle, the Game Thread becomes much prettier
Micah == pretty.
"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 waiting for weeks
If you had to choose just one characteristic that would get you through life, choose a sense of humor.
What is it you're waiting for?
He drove in a run in a losing cause. That’s good. If & when he keeps doing it, I’ll acknowledge that.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
but clutche isnt LOL
"So chicks dig guys who TAKE AWAY the long ball, too? " by dat cubfan daver
by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 15, 2009 11:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Right on both counts!
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
he's
very chiseled?
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on Apr 15, 2009 8:51 PM CDT up reply actions
He looks alright for 29?
Because when it comes to sports, we die harder than Bruce Willis.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Apr 15, 2009 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions
i was genuine.
You asked for a compliment. I gave one.
Because when it comes to sports, we die harder than Bruce Willis.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Apr 15, 2009 10:28 PM CDT up reply actions
I think Al's compliment in the recap was pretty genuine.
It was also honest and accurate. Micah is off to a good start in the PH role, IMHO. That’s at least twice now he’s come off the bench and driven in runs. It’s great. But we still need more than FOUR freakin’ ABs to declare him a raging success.
You’ll be happy to know, though, that he’ll be in the starting lineup today. Per Gordo tweet, he’s batting cleanup and – blurg! – playing right field.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
Right field? Yikes!
My jabs at Al are mostly in jest and I think he knows that.
I agree that Hoff needs more at bats to prove himself.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
Didn't do too well today, 0-for-4.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
I hope Derrek
Continues his mini-hot streak and hits the cover off the ball — so some of these ledge jumpers can be quite.
Tamia Lynn Davis:
Born: August 18, 2008
only takes one DP
and the jumpers would be back on the ledge
Friendship is like peeing on yourself: everyone can see it, but only you get the warm feeling that it brings.
quite....less jumpy?
oh….you….meant….quiet….
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years here is that some posters will never be happy with the whole product on the field. Every batter must bat .330 with power, every pitcher must be in total command, every fielder must field with a gold glove and throw with pinpoint precision. The team must win every game. Clinch early. You get the picture.
Weird Science reference: build a super-model and still find flaws.
This team has it flaws but what team doesn’t? Hey, we could be the Yankees or Red Sox looking up at the Orioles and Blue Jays in the standings. Lots of exciting baseball left, or so they tell me.
"I knew we were in for a long season when we lined up for the national anthem on opening day and one of my players said, 'Every time I hear that song I have a bad game.'" - Jim Leyland
As the old saying goes (and I'm totally paraphrasing)
In baseball, get it right 4 times out of 10 and you’re in the hall of fame.
We need to realize that more often than not, any given at bat is not going to end well. That zero ERA’s don’t happen. And everybody is human, so they make mistakes.
But all in all, I think we’re in pretty good shape. And we’ll know for sure in 6 months, until then, anything can happen.
by chitownhawkeye on Apr 15, 2009 9:16 PM CDT up reply actions
Baseball is the one game where a player can fail 7 out of 10 times
and still be considered a HOF candidate
"I knew we were in for a long season when we lined up for the national anthem on opening day and one of my players said, 'Every time I hear that song I have a bad game.'" - Jim Leyland
Good for Jason.
I never disliked him, and it’s no embarassment to get beat by him when he’s being effective. I wish him well but I welcome the return of Sean Marshall.
The first time Sean faced the Cardinals, just three years and six days ago, he was pretty good for a rookie in a national TV and MLB debut. I believe our catcher had some kind of home run in the 8th that excited a lot of people. Ah, those were giddy times! Ten days later it was all over but the shouting.
But Sean Marshall has remained pretty consistent in whatever role he’s been asked to play since then, and I hope to see him enjoy the rewards of his hard work. Good luck, #45! (And speaking for myself, I could use a nice lead-in to the weekend, so see what you can do.)
"May the sun never set on American baseball." ~Harry Truman
Didn't LBR
Have a bone headed baserunning blunder last year that was similar to today’s. If I recall, it was him trying to score a run on a pass ball late in a game at Wrigley. I still think he is one of the best base runners on the team though
"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb
By the by
The Cubs might have broken through against Marquis in the first inning had Kosuke Fukudome not made an ill-advised attempt to steal second as Derrek Lee was striking out.
Pat and Ron said that it was a hit and run, and Lee was supposed to put the bat on the ball.
Finally, in honor of Jackie Robinson, every player on both teams wore his retired #42 today. That was a nice tribute.
Word is that it was required by MLB.
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
I heard it was "strongly suggested", not "required".
In any case, it’s still a nice tribute.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
I didn't get a chance to see any of the game,
but looking at the pictures posted, did Marquis lose a little weight?
I'm curious if I will follow the Cubs with a different perspective after last year, we will soon find out, thank God!
Question:
I was able to watch the game but am wondering how Marquis’ welcome was at Wrigley today?
"It's been my policy to view the Internet not as an 'information highway,' but as an electronic asylum filled with babbling loonies." - Mike Royko
he got booed a lot
at first just because he’s an ex-cub. But then later because he pwned our lineup.
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on Apr 15, 2009 9:14 PM CDT up reply actions
He was booed by thousands of idiots
not because he was an ex Cub but because he was an ex Cub idiot fans never appreciated. Wood & DeRosa will get justified cheers for their contributions but Marquis got booed both today and Monday. I hated seeing the Cubs lose but I was pleased Marquis haters got their commupence.
"I daydream just like everybody else, I just do it with my body facing the field, so everybody thinks I'm paying attention."- Greg Maddux
by Doggie Stalker on Apr 15, 2009 11:14 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Could not agree more
I don’t understand this irrational hatred of Marquis.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 16, 2009 3:10 AM CDT up reply actions
Neither do I.
I believe I was pretty outspoken that he was a terrible signing and wasted money. Not because he was a bad #5 starter, but that the GM should not have paid the $$$ for a #5 starter and other could perform as well for much less.
He was a good Cub, ate innings, and was good enough with the bat to PH at times.
He performed as a Cub as well as was expected, booing was not warranted and is rarely warranted at an individual.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
The booing of Baylor and Baker is ridiculous, too
I mean, let it go already, people.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Apr 16, 2009 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions
Baylor
you have a point, but I’m not sure I’m ready to let go of my feelings towards Dusty Baker quite yet.
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on Apr 16, 2009 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions
Definitely agree on Baylor.
Now that Dusty is with the Reds, I’m over it.
He can work his magic and coerce Red management to fill the roster with his horses, and trade away young talent, and let professional hitters sign elsewhere. Should help the Cubs for the next 10 years.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
Dusty made a lot of his own mess, but
he also was very good in 2003. Closest the Cubs have been in 64 years.
Plus, it makes the fan base look like a bunch of bitter whiners.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Apr 16, 2009 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions
Totally agreed and rec'd.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
Simon! Simon! Wake up, mate!
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
TOMORROW IS ANOTHER DAY.....
But I for one wasn’t happy with Marquis leaving….And did the Cubs forget he can swing the bat ??? Marquis pitched better Rockies won ..Hope a lesson was learned ……
Of course...
I cheered for the Cubs, but the idiotic fans who booed Marquis deserved to watch him come through at the plate and on the mound. Good for Jason. Hate to see the Cubs lose, but I also hate to be embarassed by other Cub fans. I’m sure Wood and Derosa would get standing ovations, yet Marquis (who did his job effectively) got booed.
Free Ronny Cedeno
same here - marquis shouldn't be booed just because he's
got a a great agent – who got him #3 starter $ to be a # 5 – and arguably one of the top 5 #5’s in the past two years
by doofus cubs guy on Apr 15, 2009 9:53 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd argue probably the best #5 starter
but to be fair, he probably was considered a #4 for a good time of his career here. Still, the irrational hatred made no sense. He was a league average pitcher is almost every way while he was here. He was also probably the most consistent of all Cubs starters in nearly guaranteeing at least 5 innings a start. I think he had the fewest less than 5 inning starts of any of the starters last season.
Totally agree.
I don’t want to make too much of this booing thing, but the more I thought about it, the more it bothered me. All the idiot booers accomplished was:
1. Firing up Marquis – and, in turn, the Rockies, and
2. Quite possibly demoralizing a number of current Cubs players.
I mean, seriously, Marquis was their teammate for the last two years and, besides that brief spring training episode last season, he never did a damn thing but go out there and play as hard as he could to the best of his ability (which, granted, isn’t all that great…but still).
So maybe now a number of Cubs players are thinking, “Is this going to happen to me if I’m traded? I’m busting my ass for this team and these fans and I’m going to come back and get booed mercilessly?” Again, I’m not saying this made or broke the game, but it may well have been a factor. And it certainly made the loss all the more painful.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
Yeah i really didnt get why marquis was booed today.
Also being late and not finding anywhere to sit in the bleachers is a pain! They should make the bleachers standing room only. Fit another 200 people in there or so. Hehe.
Bobby Howry
Just blew another lead!
"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."
i was there, sec 108 row 1
the 42 thing was equally confusing. i looked up at one point a half an hour or so before the game and said, “hey, there’s geo!” then i saw the number, and, forgetting it was jackie’s number and retired throughout baseball, said “oh, it must be some bullpen catcher.” but it looked like geo and i eventually realized what was going on when my friend pointed out that soriano was wearing the number as well.
at least we now know the ultimate question to life, the universe, and everything: who’s on first?
rich harden was a tease. with those 4 swinging K’s in a row i was just about ready to declare the 20 K record broken. lou’s head must’ve exploded, or at least his face must’ve been even redder than patton’s.
i agree that it was classless to boo marquis whenever he was announced, saying “come on, guys. he was a great fifth starter for us last year.” ain’t it the truth?
also, lord voldemort was sitting a few sections back and to my left. i ran into him outside of the ballpark, too. apparently the lady sitting next to him during the game was none too pleased!
i would have twittered during the game but i didn’t have my phone on me and my ipod touch could only find one locked wifi network.
See my sig line.
Add me on Twitter and I’ll add ya back.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
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