Improving Weather, Improving Bradley: Cubs vs. Cardinals, Friday 4/17, 1:20 CT
by Al on Apr 17, 2009 10:00 AM CDT
in Game Threads
168 comments
We'll find out later if Milton Bradley will be suspended for cap-tipping (no relation to cow-tipping) with plate umpire Larry Vanover yesterday. Frankly, I think a suspension for an incidental cap-tip is ridiculous, and once Bob Watson reviews the tape, I suspect Milton will simply be fined. More importantly, will Milton be able to play in the field today?
The longer-term big issue involving Bradley is how quickly he'll be ready to return to the lineup. Asked if it could be today, [Lou] Piniella said: "I don't know. When we come to the ballpark, we'll find out how he feels."
Even if Bradley says he's ready, the rule of thumb with an injured player is to give him one more day off.
Bradley passed his most strenuous test since suffering the injury Sunday night when he ran at about 75 percent strength before Thursday's game, under the trainer's supervision.
The original return date for Milton was supposed to be tomorrow, but the Cubs could use his bat. The weather is supposed to be pleasant (near 70, little or no lake breeze), so maybe it'd be worth putting him out there, even if he has to be pulled after three at-bats.
Interesting Rich Harden note from Bruce Miles:Checking with the Elias Sports Bureau, the Cubs found this tidbit about Rich Harden's 3-inning performance Wednesday:
Harden faced 17 batters, allowing 5 hits and 4 walks and striking out eight. In other words, every batter he faced got either a hit, a walk or a strikeout. No other pitcher over the past 80 years had faced as many batters in a big-league game with each batter getting a hit, a walk or a strikeout, according to the research.
Thirty-five years ago today, on a gusty, windy afternoon, one of the wackiest games in Wrigley Field history was played. Catcher George Mitterwald had a career day, hitting three homers and driving in eight runs. The Cubs hit six homers in all and the Pirates had three, and the Cubs won 18-9 (they led 18-4 going into the ninth). It was Steve Blass' final game -- he had almost no control, and walked seven. And can you imagine a pitcher in 2009 being allowed to throw a 16-hit, nine-run complete game, as Burt Hooton was?
The story, perhaps apocryphal, is told that Mitterwald's big day happened on a day he wasn't supposed to play -- he had been told the day before he was to have the day off, so he went out for a late night of partying ... and may have had the best day of his career nursing a hangover. He hit only four more homers the rest of 1974.
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Z is 9-6, 3.25 in 22 appearances (21 starts) in his career vs. the Cardinals. Though Albert Pujols has hit five homers off him, Z has generally handled him pretty well (14-for-54, .259). The Cardinal who gives him fits is Skip Schumaker (7-for-19, .368, two doubles, a triple, a HR). Z has thrown well in his two starts so far this year. Lou says he knows how to deal with Albert:
"You put him on base with men in scoring position, and you try to have a guy like Albert not beat you," Piniella said. "I think that's the best approach. He's a force. You're very careful."
It must be working. The Cubs are one of only four NL teams (Philadelphia, Florida, San Francisco the others) to hold Pujols to under a 1.000 OPS against them.
P. J. Walters is making his major league debut today. He turned 24 last month and last year, split between AA and AAA, he was 10-6, 4.50 in 29 starts with a lot of walks (70 in 158 innings). Here's hoping the Cubs have a good scouting report on him and actually use it, because these seem to be the kind of pitchers that give Cub teams nightmares.
Today's game is on WGN, again on FSN Midwest and at the MLB.com Mediacenter.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
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Whoo Hoo!
A glimpse of summer! Maybe Spring has finally arrived in Chicago?
Go Cubs Go!
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Apr 17, 2009 10:03 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
We'll take the nice weather when we can get it.
We know there are still many drizzly, cold May days to come.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 17, 2009 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
FYI
This post is up an hour earlier than usual because there had been some issues with scheduled posts not appearing at the proper time (as happened on Wednesday). I just wanted to make sure this posted before I left for the game. Tomorrow, back to the usual two-hours-before-game-time preview posting time.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 17, 2009 10:08 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I had noticed
and was appropriately confused…btw, love the blog
Oriole by nurture. Cub by marriage.
by wax eagle on Apr 17, 2009 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
excellent
maybe we’ll get up to a thousand comments before the first-pitch thread. :D
"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 17, 2009 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yay for broken scheduling!
I get one extra hour of this!
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on Apr 17, 2009 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
no boo for the extra hour.....(at least for me)
as I slept in already, and the thought of Friday morning vegging out on here is just to appealing.
"So chicks dig guys who TAKE AWAY the long ball, too? " by dat cubfan daver
by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 17, 2009 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
let's go let's go let's go!
"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 17, 2009 10:09 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Z on TV! I'm in Cubs Heaven
Those Harden stats certainly raises eyebrows.
Bradley… well, you know:
Why doesn’t anyone stay here?
Why do they leave me?
Don’t they realize I’m a porcelain doll?
Lost, alone, unsure
Kind, demure, small
Fragile, helpless
Breakable
Breakable
Milton "Porcelain Doll" Bradley.
by Emelie on Apr 17, 2009 10:12 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'd like to see you quote those lyrics
to his face. :D
"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 17, 2009 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
maybe if she smiled sweetly he'd be ok with it
"So chicks dig guys who TAKE AWAY the long ball, too? " by dat cubfan daver
by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 17, 2009 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Like delivering bad news
in a cheery and upbeat manner?
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
by gwood on Apr 17, 2009 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What's that from?
n/t
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on Apr 17, 2009 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
judging by the lyrics
an emotive young thing named Megan McCauley. Never heard of her.
Milton "Porcelain Doll" Bradley.
by Emelie on Apr 17, 2009 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Never heard of her...
I got stuck in my music rut way back in the day…
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on Apr 17, 2009 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
carpenter out 4-8 weeks
Torn Oblique.
Over time, your quickness with a cocky rejoinder must have gotten you many punches in the face - Al Swearengen
by lemon20pie on Apr 17, 2009 10:15 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
ouch.
"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 17, 2009 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
betcha it's longer than that
Milton "Porcelain Doll" Bradley.
by Emelie on Apr 17, 2009 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
History's on your side.
Never wanna see that, even for a Cardinal.
remember
Sammy Jankis
by neverAcquiesce on Apr 17, 2009 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
neither would I
Milton "Porcelain Doll" Bradley.
by Emelie on Apr 17, 2009 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just a thought
Is it possible to put a link to the opposition’s SB Nation site in these Game Threads? I like getting the opponents view point and a link would make that nice and easy.
by MissouriKev on Apr 17, 2009 10:25 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
A link would work
as would just going over to the site yourself and clicking on the link.
Over time, your quickness with a cocky rejoinder must have gotten you many punches in the face - Al Swearengen
by lemon20pie on Apr 17, 2009 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here's the
red bird’s site. Their game thread isn’t up yet for today’s game.
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
by gwood on Apr 17, 2009 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I perused it yesterday.
Some good talk, but also a bit of “Chicago is full of drunks” and “jokes” on Kosuke’s name.
remember
Sammy Jankis
by neverAcquiesce on Apr 17, 2009 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
they still aren’t as bad as the brewer’s site
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
by gwood on Apr 17, 2009 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No kidding.
I’m glad work blocks their site otherwise I’m sure I’d’ve been kicked out already.
remember
Sammy Jankis
by neverAcquiesce on Apr 17, 2009 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Your work blocks their site but not this one?
Maybe your work posted over there and they banned your work.
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
by gwood on Apr 17, 2009 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ha!
Yeah, it’s weird. If I click on an SBN site it’s a crapshoot whether it will work or not. Case in point, I tried to access the Angels site to add my condolences but it wouldn’t work.
As long as BCB continues to load it’s all good.
remember
Sammy Jankis
by neverAcquiesce on Apr 17, 2009 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll try to put the SBN sites in the posts...
… at least for the first game of each series.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 17, 2009 5:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That situation with Bradley and these idiot umpires....
really sticks in my craw. You watch a player who has a “reputation” among the umpires in the league, and you don’t really realize how they get jobbed until they are playing for your team. It’s the same thing with Dennis Rodman when he came to the Bulls and you saw first hand how the officials were trying, probably subconsciously, to make him mad so they could toss him out of the game.
That being said, knowing full well that the umps have it out for him, Milton has to be able to walk away from these potential dust-ups with them. We can’t afford to have him spend twenty or so games over the course of the season serving suspensions. And this report was supposedly going to be filed by the SECOND BASE umpire who was not even the one arguing with Bradley? Please. This is simply a case of the umps trying to establish their superiority over a player they don’t like, but Bradley, unfortunately, has brought a lot of this on himself. Composure, Milton! We need you, buddy.
"Don't complain to me about the stormy weather, boys. Just bring the ship into port." --Steve Stone, September 2004
by ctcoff99 on Apr 17, 2009 10:27 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
the 2b Ump
only said a report would be filed.
I like the fact that a player who got jobbed is going to say something about it. The umps have gotten out of control.
"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 17, 2009 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
The umps still need to be told when they royally screw up like the home plate umpire did yesterday.
I would imagine (and hope) that Milton’s reaction would have been different if he had not simply been pinch hitting.
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
by gwood on Apr 17, 2009 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The umps think the game is about them
I didn’t pay $50 for a ticket just to see some slob blow calls a little league umpire could make. But of course, MLB is clueless from the top, and since the money is rolling in, all is well.
by dr stabbingworth on Apr 17, 2009 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Perfect example of umpire as "Showboat"
Vanover wanted to control the game, plain and simple. As much as I hate bitching about balls and strikes, that was a HORRIBLE call that, conceivably, changed the whole complexion of the game.
No way should Bradley have been expected to just walk away after he and the Cubs had been royally screwed like that.
And now this nonsense about a possible suspension is making me genuinely think that the umps do have it in for him.
by bluekoolaide on Apr 17, 2009 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
With a suspension i think you can safely say...
…"conceivably, changed the whole complexion of the game series.
by AndrewJStone on Apr 17, 2009 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I say this only because I am an optimist
but maybe the suspension would be a blessing in disguise as it would force the Cubs to rest Bradley and his groin a little longer, making him even stronger when he returns
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
by gwood on Apr 17, 2009 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
but he was already hurting.......
so it might not change it quite as much.
"So chicks dig guys who TAKE AWAY the long ball, too? " by dat cubfan daver
by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 17, 2009 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If he is suspended...
…he’ll appeal. I don’t think a suspension would affect this series.
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.
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 17, 2009 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Then he will serve the suspension during one of his injury downtimes
"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
by flachimesa on Apr 17, 2009 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If he is suspended I'll call moose poop
Milton "Porcelain Doll" Bradley.
by Emelie on Apr 17, 2009 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
UMPS.....
I think MLB needs to make strike calls, out calls, and safe calls all uniform. I think the umps try and make the game about themselves. My issue with yesterday is after he tossed Bradley, he walked away, but yet the umpire took a few more steps towards Bradley. Why?? You displayed your power not go back to calling the game.
The bill of the hat bumping, come one, the ump doesnt need to take his mask off in my opinion. To me him taking his mask off is provoking enough. And that is just it i think the umps like to provoke many of these players, just so they can show everyone their power.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on Apr 17, 2009 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
there was a lot of complaining last season about how the umpires are too big a part of the game these days, this being solely due to their own efforts. My opinion has always been that if I know the umpire’s name, there is something wrong (cough – Angel Hernandez-cough). It seems like the umps are baiting and challenging both players and managers too much.
Don’t get me wrong, Bradley deserved to get tossed yesterday, but there was no need for the ump to rip off his mask and follow Bradley toward the dugout.
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
by gwood on Apr 17, 2009 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I should have said that....
Bradley totally should have been tossed. No doubt.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on Apr 17, 2009 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who manages the umpires?
Do they govern themselves?
remember
Sammy Jankis
by neverAcquiesce on Apr 17, 2009 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
They manage themselves through committee
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on Apr 17, 2009 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cheers.
So they’re only accountable to themselves. Sounds like Congress.
remember
Sammy Jankis
by neverAcquiesce on Apr 17, 2009 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Darn straight
It’s the only way to roll. No-one wants to be held accountable for their actions nowadays.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on Apr 17, 2009 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
we don't get to vote
for umps.
"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 17, 2009 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting quote from the Rules
talking to the umpires
You are the only official representative of baseball on the ball field. It is often a trying position which requires the exercise of much patience and good judgment, but do not forget that the first essential in working out of a bad situation is to keep your own temper and self-control.
comment to Rule 9.05
I do not think that ripping off your mask and following the player or manager to the dugout is keeping your temper and self-control.
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
by gwood on Apr 17, 2009 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Damn right.
It’s been said before (and above) but the game is not about the umps. The best umpire (or ref) is the one so good you don’t even notice him.
Are umps on bubblegum cards? Do I put on OfficiatingCenter in the morning?
remember
Sammy Jankis
by neverAcquiesce on Apr 17, 2009 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
RE: OfficiatingCenter
HAHA!
Every soccer-obsessed country (read: every country in the world bar the U.S.) has a TV show which analyzes the ref’s calls during the week. I haven’t decided if it fosters better understanding of the game and craft, or hatred towards the individuals.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on Apr 17, 2009 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Really?
God, if I ever needed to fall asleep at 3 in the morning, a replay of officiating analyzation would sure do the trick.
Now I wouldn’t be opposed to MLBN breaking down good and bad performances on a nightly basis, but a whole show?
remember
Sammy Jankis
by neverAcquiesce on Apr 17, 2009 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
As if soccer alone doesn't already cure my insomnnia ;-)
"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 spoiledcubbage on Apr 17, 2009 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Boo to you
nt/
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on Apr 17, 2009 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wha...wha'd I miss.
Sorry, I drifted off there for a bit ;-)
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
by DMCub on Apr 17, 2009 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's still 0-0, 40 minutes into the second half
"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 spoiledcubbage on Apr 17, 2009 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
tin plate dictators
& egomaniacs; the whole lot of them. they ruin 10X more games than they help
by brian custer on Apr 17, 2009 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It looks like
the Umpires are under the supervision of the Vice President of Baseball Operations.
He is an executive of MLB, so the umpires are ultimately governed by MLB, or am I missing something?
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
by gwood on Apr 17, 2009 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Harden's game
Every ball hit fair against him went for a hit, then? That’s pretty crummy luck. Albiet with a very low sample size (4 balls hit in play, not counting the home run).
So he walked a lot of batters, gave up a homer, and had some slightly flukey luck on balls hit in play. Pretty wild that only four balls were even hit in play by 17 batters — does that make Harden a “Three True Outcomes” pitcher? I guess it’s really the walks that are the most concerning thing there.
by aldimond on Apr 17, 2009 10:27 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
TOmorrow's game on Fox or WGN?
On the tribune’s website it shows tomorrow’s game on WGN, but on Cubs.com it says FOX.
Over time, your quickness with a cocky rejoinder must have gotten you many punches in the face - Al Swearengen
by lemon20pie on Apr 17, 2009 11:02 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
FOX
And we’ll probably get Joe Buck.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on Apr 17, 2009 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
second only to Morgan/ Miller
"So chicks dig guys who TAKE AWAY the long ball, too? " by dat cubfan daver
by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 17, 2009 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't forget Steve Phillips!
The new member of the “Triumvirate of Doom.”
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on Apr 17, 2009 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Could you imagine a booth of:
Morgan, Miller, Phillips, and Buck?
Wow is all that could be said.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on Apr 17, 2009 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
With Brennaman as the man in the stands!
remember
Sammy Jankis
by neverAcquiesce on Apr 17, 2009 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm pretty sure tomorrow's team is Brennaman and Grace.
Awful.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 17, 2009 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That'd be great.
We could lock the door and remove all of them at once.
by chitownhawkeye on Apr 17, 2009 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
wow, imagine the horror if they
share a booth calling a Cubs/Cards game.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 17, 2009 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We get them Sunday night
and my SportSynch radio hasn’t come in yet…
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on Apr 17, 2009 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was thinking Buck/Morgan,
as for Miller, he’s full of wind, but it’s Morgan that makes the team unbearable.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 17, 2009 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
(Shudders)
It would be a good marketing move by the Cubs to offer local secondary audio for the nationally-televised games and the postseason. I know there must be millions of ($) laws prohibiting doing so, but if GolTV and other lowly cable channels can do it, so can WGN/CSN/FOX/TBS.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on Apr 17, 2009 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Joe Buck + Cubs/Cardinals =
A full day of Chicago bashing!!!
(oh wait he finds a way to make fun of Chicago even when he is doing football games)
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on Apr 17, 2009 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes it's on FOX, Thanks.
Just checked and I actually will be able to see it in AZ.
Over time, your quickness with a cocky rejoinder must have gotten you many punches in the face - Al Swearengen
by lemon20pie on Apr 17, 2009 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Where do you check?
I wonder what game I egt in Seattle?
by Seattle Cubs Fan on Apr 17, 2009 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Your local Fox website should list which game you're getting.
remember
Sammy Jankis
by neverAcquiesce on Apr 17, 2009 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I checked on AOL.com
Under Television and put in your zip code.
NFL on Fox has a regional map which shows what part of the country gets what game by color coded, but haven’t been able to find one for Baseball as of yet.
Over time, your quickness with a cocky rejoinder must have gotten you many punches in the face - Al Swearengen
by lemon20pie on Apr 17, 2009 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Viewers in Seattle with be subjected to....
…..Indians Vs. Yankees game.
Over time, your quickness with a cocky rejoinder must have gotten you many punches in the face - Al Swearengen
by lemon20pie on Apr 17, 2009 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great
At least there is EPSN on Sunday. . .
by Seattle Cubs Fan on Apr 17, 2009 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
for the dyslexic?
Milton "Porcelain Doll" Bradley.
by Emelie on Apr 17, 2009 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or factually incorrect.
We are talking Joe Morgan here.
remember
Sammy Jankis
by neverAcquiesce on Apr 17, 2009 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've got a serious case of spring fever.
I really wish I could ditch work, hop on the red line, and enjoy the game. I’m feeling a big win today.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Apr 17, 2009 11:17 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
yeah me too man, Then we can steal the soriano banner together.
by xene on Apr 17, 2009 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Haha. If only they still had it up!
I’m pretty sure the last time I looked, that wall was blank.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Apr 17, 2009 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Cubs are now the gold standard for failure, apparently
by dr stabbingworth on Apr 17, 2009 11:29 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
You slay me internet dorks.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Apr 17, 2009 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anybody have a clue of what this Walters guy throws?
Just standard two seam Dave Duncan crap and a junk breaking ball or does he have some special pitch?
www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com
by nji232 on Apr 17, 2009 11:32 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
According to the St Louis Dispatch:
Walters was impressive in his first start for Memphis. He pitched seven shutout innings and struck out six against two walks. The righthander has a plus changeup that, early in his professional career, was actually described by scouts as a "screwball." Walters rejects that description, and he has more velocity on his fastball that expected from a starter who steadily climbed the system with his changeup.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Apr 17, 2009 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
these are the kind of guys the Cubs have historically had trouble with (the unfamiliar)
please Cubs, prove me wrong!!!
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
by LAcarl519 on Apr 17, 2009 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bradley out again
Fontenot moved down to 7th in lineup.
Over time, your quickness with a cocky rejoinder must have gotten you many punches in the face - Al Swearengen
by lemon20pie on Apr 17, 2009 11:32 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Reed and Dome?
or Hoffpauir in again?
"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 17, 2009 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Hoff
Over time, your quickness with a cocky rejoinder must have gotten you many punches in the face - Al Swearengen
by lemon20pie on Apr 17, 2009 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
christ.
"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 17, 2009 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, he's on the bench.
remember
Sammy Jankis
by neverAcquiesce on Apr 17, 2009 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ar ar
"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 17, 2009 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lineups:
CARDINALS
2B Skip Schumaker
CF Colby Rasmus
1B Albert Pujols
RF Ryan Ludwick
LF Chris Duncan
C Yadier Molina
3B Joe Thurston
SS Brian Barden
P P.J. Walters
CUBS
LF Alfonso Soriano
CF Kosuke Fukudome
1B Derrek Lee
RF Micah Hoffpauir
3B Aramis Ramirez
C Geovany Soto
2B Mike Fontenot
SS Ryan Theriot
P Carlos Zambrano
Over time, your quickness with a cocky rejoinder must have gotten you many punches in the face - Al Swearengen
by lemon20pie on Apr 17, 2009 11:34 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
So is this Duncan guy
this years Ankiel for them? They’re just a recycling factory down there.
Join the BCB Flickr Group: http://flickr.com/groups/bleedcubbieblue
by tony412 on Apr 17, 2009 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
well
maybe Z can get some hits.
"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 17, 2009 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Colby Rasmus?!
Is he gonna play after robbing a stagecoach?
remember
Sammy Jankis
by neverAcquiesce on Apr 17, 2009 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting
Barden has a good day at the plate, so they move him to shortstop in place a Greene. Interesting to see if that affects the Cardinal defense at all
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
by gwood on Apr 17, 2009 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How much longer
do we have to endure the tyranny of Micah in the #4 slot?
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on Apr 17, 2009 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
pray
Bradley comes back tomorrow.
This must mean that Gathright is in Lou’s dog-house; I just can’t imagine what he did to get there. As in, he’s barely played.
"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 17, 2009 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe not so much of the doghouse
but Lou’s mancrush on the Hoff.
remember
Sammy Jankis
by neverAcquiesce on Apr 17, 2009 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
get that manager
some glasses.
"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 17, 2009 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, defensively speaking, Gathright in center and Dome in right would be excellent.
But I have to guess Lou wants run production. Hoffpauir didn’t do much yesterday, but Walter is essentially a Triple A pitcher – and we all know how well a certain 29-year-old rookie hits Triple A pitching.
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.
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 17, 2009 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right.
I wonder how many times Hoff has faced him.
Over time, your quickness with a cocky rejoinder must have gotten you many punches in the face - Al Swearengen
by lemon20pie on Apr 17, 2009 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hits em like he hits on EA.
remember
Sammy Jankis
by neverAcquiesce on Apr 17, 2009 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough
For all we know, Hoff is the only one who has seen this kid.
I also wonder if Lou wants to give Milton and the umps another day away from each other.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on Apr 17, 2009 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Starting with Soto
That is 5 players that phoenetically end in “O” in a row, including Soriano
"There are no curses here...Games are won and lost on the baseball field" - Lou Piniella
by El Borto on Apr 17, 2009 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
my mom was preggo with me.
"So chicks dig guys who TAKE AWAY the long ball, too? " by dat cubfan daver
by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 17, 2009 1:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ok that should be one down LOL
"So chicks dig guys who TAKE AWAY the long ball, too? " by dat cubfan daver
by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 17, 2009 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thirty-five years ago today
I was a sophomore in engineering at SIU. Pretty frightening.
by thermal54 on Apr 17, 2009 11:38 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I was -9.
remember
Sammy Jankis
by neverAcquiesce on Apr 17, 2009 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
3
"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 17, 2009 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
-9 as well.
Greg Jennings.. Future All Pro
by mkcubs21 on Apr 17, 2009 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
-7 for me
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
by DMCub on Apr 17, 2009 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
OK, all you minus sign guys are pissing me off!!
Not really. How great to be so young!!
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
by LAcarl519 on Apr 17, 2009 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've always been 13,
i.e., intellectually stuck in jr. high.
by thermal54 on Apr 17, 2009 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My action figures agree with you.
remember
Sammy Jankis
by neverAcquiesce on Apr 17, 2009 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
do you still make GI Joe
sit in the passenger seat of Barbie’s pink minivan? Barbie ALWAYS drives…
"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 17, 2009 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
my barbies
had a pink convertible. much cooler that the minivan.
"It was a tough first 10,000 wins. I hope the next 10,000 are easier."
-Ryan Theriot
by lindz221 on Apr 17, 2009 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
See, when I think GI Joe
I think the 3.75" multi-posable guys.
remember
Sammy Jankis
by neverAcquiesce on Apr 17, 2009 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
4
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.
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 17, 2009 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was 13.
Now get off my lawn!
"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 spoiledcubbage on Apr 17, 2009 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Morning Everyone
Heres hoping for a Cubs victory and a consistent strikezone today!!
Funny how loneliness sounds so good, until you hear the echoes of your soul burning a hole in your shirt. -DJM
by heine41 on Apr 17, 2009 11:55 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
YAY!!! I'm finally done with Jury Duty..
so i get to enjoy the game with you guys today!!! Go Cubs Go!!!!
by KC in OK on Apr 17, 2009 12:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Did you convict or aquit?
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Apr 17, 2009 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the problem
with having the first game thread up early is that it seems like SO MUCH LONGER before there’s baseball!
"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 17, 2009 12:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I hate the fact
that I know if I faked an illness I could go home and watch.
remember
Sammy Jankis
by neverAcquiesce on Apr 17, 2009 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My boss went golfing
so I could go home and watch the game to . . . damn guilt!!
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
by gwood on Apr 17, 2009 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We won't tell.
remember
Sammy Jankis
by neverAcquiesce on Apr 17, 2009 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Some info on Cards starter PJ Walters
Our own toonsterwu recently wrote in this edition of Josh’s minor league wrap:
PJ Walters – I love the fact that he majored in LEISURE SERVICES at South Alabama. That just sounds interesting to me. Anyhow, he has an excellent changeup and is currently starting in AAA for Memphis. Solid first outing, going 7 scoreless, getting 6 K’s, giving up 2 hits and a walk. A guy who could be of much use to the Cardinals directly this year.
Here are his stats from the Memphis Redbirds site (thanks, memphiscub).
Here’s a pretty comprehensive scouting report I dug up.
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.
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 17, 2009 12:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
So he is a Rightie
Surprised Lou didn’t hit Zambrano 8th and Fontenot 6th….That’d give him a lineup of
R
L
R
L
R
L
R
L
R
Over time, your quickness with a cocky rejoinder must have gotten you many punches in the face - Al Swearengen
by lemon20pie on Apr 17, 2009 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lets kick some redbird ass!
#34: You'll be missed!
by Chanman25 on Apr 17, 2009 12:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
How about pluck some feathers?
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Apr 17, 2009 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Grab them by the back of the neck, twist and jerk and watch them run around headless
I really hate the Cardinals.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on Apr 17, 2009 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let's do this:
remember
Sammy Jankis
by neverAcquiesce on Apr 17, 2009 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
God, Hoffpauir hitting 4th really pisses me off...
Arguably our worst hitter (easily our most inexperienced) batting cleanup. Ugh!!!
by kanderber on Apr 17, 2009 12:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
certainly
with Rami back in and Miles on the pine.
"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 17, 2009 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ugh, Miles
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on Apr 17, 2009 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Must be Lou's
woody for RLRL, etc.
Except that he moved LBR down in place of Soto? Why not then put Rami 4th, Soto 5th, Hoff 6th? I know his answer would be that he doesn’t want to flip the whole lineup…but is that any worse than having your worst hitter batting cleanup????
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
by DMCub on Apr 17, 2009 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow, we're quiet today
I thought we would’ve passed the 500 comment mark about now…
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on Apr 17, 2009 12:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
George Mitterwald?
I haven’t heard that name since I was a Twins fan back in Iowa
"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 spoiledcubbage on Apr 17, 2009 12:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Anyone else getting silence on gameday audio?
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Apr 17, 2009 12:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
WGN America
I only watch WGN during the baseball season. When did they drop the creepy eyes logo?
by goodstuff96 on Apr 17, 2009 1:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Not soon enough
"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 spoiledcubbage on Apr 17, 2009 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Information on the rebrand here.
I’m one of those clowns in marketing (not at WGN, though).
by redward on Apr 17, 2009 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Woot
I am still getting the WGN Feed behind enemy lines….Hopefully it lasts.
"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb
by TheRiot Police on Apr 17, 2009 1:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Where are you?
n/t
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on Apr 17, 2009 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Near Edwardsville IL
about 11 miles from the STL Border
"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb
by TheRiot Police on Apr 17, 2009 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't know
If FSN MW will block it once the game starts. I have not quite figured out why sometimes they block the WGN Feed and sometimes they don’t.
"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb
by TheRiot Police on Apr 17, 2009 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm in Northern MO...
…and I’ve never had WGN blacked out.
by goodstuff96 on Apr 17, 2009 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Blackout rules
He’ll probably get blacked out on WGN.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on Apr 17, 2009 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I always do.
With a fancy 70s-ish screen to boot.
remember
Sammy Jankis
by neverAcquiesce on Apr 17, 2009 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Looks like I am good
Thank god…I hate listening to the Cardinal’s Broadcast
"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb
by TheRiot Police on Apr 17, 2009 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wind is blowing out slightly today
hopefully that means good things for us
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
by gwood on Apr 17, 2009 1:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Kim Bauer would like the Cubs to start winning games again.
Wait a minute... who am I here?
by malicedoom on Apr 17, 2009 1:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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