I'll Take The Aramis Ramirez Special, Please: Cubs 7, Cardinals 5
by Al Yellon on Apr 18, 2009 8:14 PM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
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PrintDave said it best as we were celebrating the Cubs' 7-5, extra-inning, come-from-behind, walkoff win over the Cardinals:
"We might wait all year and never see two better games than these."
He was, of course, referring to both yesterday's big win, and today's -- and we're only 11 games into the season. This series already has more intensity than perhaps any regular-season series since the Cub/Cardinal 5-game series in September 2003. Aramis is doing this almost as a matter of routine: since that blast that beat the Brewers on June 29, 2007, and the one that beat the White Sox last June, A-Ram also hit the eighth inning grand slam that defeated the Phillies last August.
And that was after he had looked pretty bad the rest of the day, going 0-for-5 in regulation, grounding out three times and striking out once. But that's been the signature of the Cubs since early last year -- no single person can carry the team. There were other heroes today, who allowed the Cubs to overcome a 4-1 deficit and get the game to extras: Ryan Theriot, whose leadoff triple in the fifth led to a three-run rally, capped by Derrek Lee's double (even though he got thrown out in an ill-considered attempt to take third). Kevin Gregg, putting out a Carlos Marmol fire with two strong innings (after Marmol had gotten Neal Cotts off the hook -- and Cotts has to be on a real short leash after walking the only two batters he faced).
Kudos to Angel Guzman, who got two big outs after a leadoff walk in the 11th, and as a result registers his first major league victory after beginning his career 0-9.
No kudos to Joey Gathright, who could have won the game simply by having a better at-bat and drawing a walk with the bases loaded in the 10th (granted, the HR walkoff win was more exciting). Seriously, what elements does Gathright bring to this team other than speed and a little bit of defense? Once Reed Johnson came into the game, Mike Fontenot had pinch-hit and Milton Bradley had been used up, that left the bench extremely thin. Frankly, I might have rather sent Carlos Zambrano up to bat than Gathright.
The tension had all of us up and down all afternoon, all of us in the bleachers and the rest of the season-to-date's largest paid crowd, 40,878, as virtually every inning put both pitching staffs in trouble; as tough a time as the Cubs' bullpen is having, St. Louis' is having the same sorts of trouble. Today, both pens worked their way out of many jams after the starters struggled. Ryan Dempster blew through the first two innings and then issued four walks in the third, which led to the first three Cardinal runs, and then he gave up a long homer to Khalil Greene, which made it 4-1. Dempster, as he did last Sunday in Milwaukee, gritted it through six innings -- necessary to try to save the bullpen, especially with Marmol having now made seven appearances in 11 games and probably not available tomorrow. Gregg probably isn't available tomorrow, either, after throwing two innings today.
Nothing like putting the pressure on Ted Lilly tomorrow night, right? That is, if the weather cooperates, and right now, it looks pretty sketchy:
Sunday: Periods of rain, mainly after 1pm. Temperature falling to around 44 by 1pm. Northeast wind between 10 and 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Sunday Night: Periods of rain, mainly before 1am. Low around 41. North northeast wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
And if you're thinking they could make the game up on Monday, an off day for both teams, the forecast isn't much better:
Monday: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 48. Breezy, with a north northwest wind between 15 and 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.So, we'll wait and see. As will Bradley, who is appealing the two-game suspension he received for Thursday's incident. This really is ridiculous; read MLB's official press release:
During this incident, Bradley aggressively argued balls and strikes and made contact with Umpire Larry Vanover. Bradley's suspension is scheduled to begin during this afternoon's game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field. Bradley has elected to appeal the suspension, and the discipline issued to him will be held in abeyance until the appeal process is completed.
While the "aggressive" argument clearly happened, if "contact" was made, it was a brief brush of helmet bill vs. cap bill. They can't really be serious about this, can they? Bradley's being singled out here, I'm afraid, because of his previous reputation, and that's not fair. Umpires have got to become less confrontational. They are not the show, and I think many of them don't remember an instruction that goes to each of them under MLB Rule 9:
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.
Larry Vanover disregarded this instruction by filing a report calling for a suspension. "Contact"? Yeah, maybe a brief touch of a cap bill. If you're that sensitive, maybe you shouldn't be a major league umpire, Larry. The suspension will likely be reduced to one game after Bob Watson hears the appeal, but it really should be eliminated.
Meanwhile, the Cubs will savor two huge wins over a very good Cardinals team the last two days; they'll have at least till tomorrow night and maybe all the way till Tuesday, depending on the weather. That will give the ballclub and management time to figure out how to address the already-overused bullpen.
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It could happen.
He may be this year’s Scott Eyre. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Jason Waddell recalled soon.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Eyre...
… had a track record of success, especially once he went on meds for ADD/HD. I will refrain from saying that Cotts has “always been bad”, but leaving aside an okay stint last year and a great 2005, his numbers are not very good. Cotts doesn’t fit the LOOGY role, so why keep him around? If the Cubs are fine going w/o a lefty for a little while I think Jeff Stevens or even Chad Fox would be better options.
Hendry is a big Chad Fox fan.
So that’s a possibility. I’d rather have Waddell.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
not disagreeing...
I’d take any of them over Cotts. My real disappointment was that Wuertz was sent packing over the offseason. He does very well against lefties and is off to a great start in Oakland.
Cotts isn't a LOOGY...
… but Lou keeps using him as one, just like Dusty Baker did with Mike Remlinger.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Cotts isn't a relief pitcher...
… but Lou keeps using him as one.
has he used him as a LOOGY?
Cotts came in today to start out an inning and he walked the first two guys. I can’t really recall the previous appearances but I think Cotts would have stuck around in a few games had he been able to get his first out. I dunno… but clearly its time for him to go.
He has used him as a LOOGY.
Not today, obviously, but yes, in the past, he has. I agree, he’s really not effective at all and needs to be replaced.
I will say that I have heard from people who know, that Cotts is the hardest worker on the team, always running, doing extra workouts, etc. If only that had translated into success on the field.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
but he pitches like Jeff Fassaro
and not the pre Cub version
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
I wouldn't be surprised if I wake up tomorrow and read
Cotts DFA
www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com
Don't think they will get rid of him altogether
I’m not too sure any other team will jump on him, he’ll probably make it back to Iowa.
No.
8 pitches, 0 strikes.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Great win today
Dempster went to the Dumpster for a couple of innings but then he locked it back down. He has to get his control and keep it. Walks to the bottom of the lineup aren’t good.
The offense is getting better, though our RISP hitting is still a problem.
I hope we play tomorrow and win. Take 3 of 4.
www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com
Samardzija...
… is being stretched out to start. IMO we’ll see him up here in a few weeks and Marshall in the pen.
that sounds right
and I like it. I am a big fan of Marshall in the swing role
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
Waddell's a lefty.
And Lou liked him in spring training.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Plus
Jeff Spellcheck is doing well in 3+ innings in Iowa, why commission him to the ’pen when he could become an effective starter?
"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"
we have effective starters
we need bullpen help. I don’t think Shark deserves the #5 spot over Marshall.
"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 19, 2009 12:55 PM CDT up reply actions
Tru Dat
But really, if he can become an “effective starter” then he will be valuable moving forward. If our bullpen woes continue, then hes a likely candidate, but my point is that if his skills serve him a best as a starter, then its a shame not to utilize him in that capacity. Agreed on Marshall.
"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"
The Strikezone
Al, we touched on this during the game, but Dan Iassogna’s strikezone today was perhaps one of the most inconsistent ever. During the first inning Brennaman and Grace commented on the generous pitcher’s strikezone. That lasted for two innings and I even saw one pitch called an outside strike that looked like it crossed into the vacant batter’s box.
The strikezone completely changed in the third inning. Before Dempster really became unhinged there were several balls called that an inning earlier would have been strike three. Then, over the course of the remainder of the game there was just no rhyme or reason to the strikezone. It was totally inconsistent and it was am impact on both sides. Had the strikezone been more consistent the dynamic of the entire game may have been different.
We noticed the strike zone in the bleachers, too.
Tremendously inconsistent. We couldn’t figure out what pitches were going to be called strikes, and apparently, neither could the players — not with 15 walks in the game.
At least A-Ram figured out where one pitch was. Otherwise we might still be out there.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
When the strikezone
changes so dramatically so quickly, do we think that one of the other umpires said something to the homeplate umpire during a break?
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
I wanna curse and scream
but I will simply say I hate the mlb front office and Fox!! I’m in Cardinal country here in Oklahoma and get stuck watching the Yankees/Indians?? My gosh this is getting more ludicrous every season!
I didn't get the players I wanted in the offseason!! Hopefully I get what I want in the Regular Season---The World Series Trophy!! Go Cubbies!!
That really is ridiculous.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Alaska got the Yankee game?
That’s ridiculous. If anything, you should have had the West Coast game. Idiocy.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Houston is the closest MLB city to Austin, and Round Rock Express is just north of me
and I had the same batting practice of a game to watch
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
And again...
… as noted in some of the other threads, with that game a huge blowout by the 2nd inning, they could have switched to the Cubs game — the only close one of the three — in every market except Cleveland and NYC.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
And how about this
The Cubs game was about 25 minutes away from being ‘bumped’ to FX for the NASCAR race.
might have been a good thing
I get FX and might have gotten the game :=)
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
OOOh
i’d have been pissed as hell. I don’t get FX.
Because when it comes to sports, we die harder than Bruce Willis.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Apr 18, 2009 9:01 PM CDT up reply actions
really?
I didn’t listen to a word of commentary on the TV broadcast, but… really?
"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 18, 2009 9:15 PM CDT up reply actions
They should have done that
Apparently, there’s more tension in a game that has an 18-run margin of victory as opposed to a game that goes into extra innings.
Cubs record since April 2004: 4-0
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 18, 2009 10:00 PM CDT up reply actions
Fox
Fox takes whatever game Buck and McCarver pretty seriously as the ‘national’ game, I’m sure they just schedule the other games in case of some kind of a rainout with the main game. Indianapolis ALWAYS gets the Cubs, so at least I don’t have to complain :)
I had to work until 3:00pm
then off to Mass at 5:00pm ( because of work on Sunday), I thought ok, Cub game will be on because the Yanks are getting drilled 22-4, NO Fox and MLB doesn’t even switch the game in extra inninngs. I really couldn’t believe the stupidity.
I live in Delaware, so I don’t get it, Anyways I rant, just love the comeback, I really thought Cubs would have trouble with Loshe, wrong again. I think Cotts is really pressing, I am sure Lou is on his back, and rightly so, Maybe Cotts can’t handle Lou and his ragging on not throwing strikes.
I think with Bradley getting 2 games is wrong. This is a case of Bradleys history, that is all you can say.
I never thought I would say it, but the Cubs starters need to get stronger, need to step it up a bit.
"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"
Fox assumes there are Yankees fans everywhere.
I can’t stand the blackout thing either but it doesn’t seem like there’s any way to fix it.
As much as I wish I could watch on EI or MLBtv, FOX wants their ads seen by people in each market; therefore, if I’m watching a Cubs broadcast on MLBtv in California, I will be seeing Chicago or St. Louis commercials.
How would they fix this?
"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie"
In Selig’s and the owner’s eyes there is ‘no fixing’ the blackout thing. They apparantly like the system the way it is. Its the most shortsited money losing strategy maybe in the history of sports business.
this side of the old Hawks Vision on Sports Channel
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
So it might change
Once they all are gone. Grrrr
by chitownhawkeye on Apr 18, 2009 8:50 PM CDT up reply actions
It will take a team owner saying something
Then perhaps we have some change.
www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com
Maybe Tom Ricketts can be that guy.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Why would a team like the Royals, Mariners, Padres give up thousands of miles of ‘territory’ for nothing? LOL as crazy as it sounds that is their mentality. These old 1960s territories are an asset and they are keeping them. Really crazy thinking.
An asset to what?
They don’t broadcast into those territories any more. So they’re hurting everyone else and not helping themselves. Idiocy.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
exactly
as long as the majorioty tune in to the yankees game like today, Fox will not care, nor will MLB
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
But...
… the “majority” tunes in to the Yankee game, only because they are forced to do so.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
meaning until the TV is turned off, they wont care or notice
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
They'd get better ratings if they showed games that people actually want to watch.
What they COULD do is… let each Fox affiliate poll its viewers to find out what game the viewers want to see. I think some CBS stations do this for NFL games. Why not? They could have a poll ending on Thursdays, and then Fox would send whatever game gets the most votes to that market.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Yes
This has been done with the former NASN, now called “ESPN America”, in Europe. They put up a web poll with a choice of several games to be shown during a prime time slot, and the viewers decide.
"Who's Bob Brenly? The guy that used to be the manager for Arizona?" ~ Alfonso Guilleard Soriano
Theres the main reason I'd have loved
Cuban to buy the team.
He’s not afraid of being fined or speaking the truth.
Because when it comes to sports, we die harder than Bruce Willis.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Apr 18, 2009 9:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Problem with that, though, is...
… maybe he’d have spoken his mind. But would it have changed anything?
Maybe it’ll take someone like Ricketts carefully negotiating behind the scenes to get this fixed.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Maybe
and I hope he does because theres no excuse for the blackout map to be that ridiculous.
Because when it comes to sports, we die harder than Bruce Willis.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Apr 18, 2009 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions
and that is also a part of why MLB Owners would not have voted him in
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
That is the kind of message I'm thinking about
Somebody coming out and having the onions to just rip into Bud and the rest of the MLB.
www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com
As noted above...
… all that would do is piss off his colleagues. We can do this here, but the way to get things done is quietly, behind the scenes, with negotiations.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
I've been thinking a lot about this since yesterday afternoon.
For awhile there, I thought of boycotting Fox Sports PERIOD, even if I’d miss the Cubs games I am lucky enough to receive here in DC…and maybe getting others to do the same (by using the power of twitter or my now dormant non-SBN site to lead the charge).
However, given how hard it is to actually pull a boycott off, I fear the only way to get the dinosaurs at MLB to change is through an old-fashioned letter-writing campaign.
Visit bloggingthebracket.com, SBNation's, bracketology site!
by Chris Dobbertean on Apr 19, 2009 4:17 PM CDT up reply actions
FOX isn't the only one here.
I missed Z’s no no last season, which was aired on WGN to Chicago, because ESPN had the national rights to Sunday night baseball. Couldn’t even watch it on EI — I still haven’t gotten over that one.
"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie"
Yabbut...
… in fairness, that was an unusual situation because it was not supposed to be a Sunday night game originally.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
I am in Austin
and I didnt get it as well, which usually I get Houston games
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
ESPN did put it on for the ninth
and IIRC I was able to get it on MLB.tv
www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com
for about two outs tho
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
I understand, but...
…if people are gonna pay to have baseball games all season, they should AT LEAST let the people who paid for EI see a game that’s being aired on WGN. It was blacked out in the LA market.
"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie"
It would have been bad enough to have started with the Yankees/Indians
But to stay with it once it became a blowout is inexcusable when a nail biter is going on
by chitownhawkeye on Apr 18, 2009 8:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Fox on NFL
they switch games if its a blow out and another is a tight game
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
NFL
The NFL actually has reasonable television coverage and a reasonable blackout rule. Not so much with MLB.
i agree
but the point is I have been home watching the Bears, and it is a blow out, so they flip to another game and move the game back to the NFL Package
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
Which still has issues
since you can’t get Sunday Ticket unless you have DirectTV. But that’s another argument for another day
by chitownhawkeye on Apr 18, 2009 8:53 PM CDT up reply actions
which I have for this exact reason
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
I live in a condo surrounded by trees.
I don’t have that option
by chitownhawkeye on Apr 18, 2009 8:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Me either...
…my condo faces the opposite direction of the satellites and my facsist association forbits satellite dishes. I’m @ the mercy of Cox Cable.
"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie"
in my apartment complex it's written in our lease that no dish
Although in my case it’s ok, b/c cable or dish really isn’t in my budget right now.
"So chicks dig guys who TAKE AWAY the long ball, too? " by dat cubfan daver
by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 19, 2009 2:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Exactly
No excuse for that.
Because when it comes to sports, we die harder than Bruce Willis.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Apr 18, 2009 9:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Hey Al,
there was some kind of ruckus going on in the left field lower deck in the late innings. Do you happen to know what was going on? Everyone was standing on that side and looking to the left but I couldn’t see anything happening. My only guess would be some kind of fight? Did anyone happen to see?
Hey, it's a new century!
Yes, there was.
A fight between two men, looked like both Cubs fans. One gave another a head butt at one point.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
did the Sun Times have a reporter there to catch it and interview them after for tomorrows paper?
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
Where were you sitting?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
No wonder you couldn't see it.
Too close to where you were, probably.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
figghts
There were at least 3 altercations that I could see from the first base side.
"Cubs Win!!"
by northofwrigley on Apr 18, 2009 9:15 PM CDT up reply actions
Unbelievable
I thoroughly enjoyed this game from Aisle 218 and I can say that it is one of the best games I’ve ever been to. Other than Cotts, I thought the bullpen did a helluva job, especially Kevin Gregg. Even Angel Guzman did a great job getting out of the 11th after starting it poorly.
My seat was off to the third base side of home, and I too noticed the wide strike zone in the first two innings before it was squeezed. There were pitches in later innings that I swore were called strikes in the first few. Fortunately it didn’t cost the Cubs.
I couldn’t see anything going on in the stands either, but it almost caused me to miss the double that tied the game for the Cards in the 8th.
"You know, you should be a lot more careful crossing the street like that, otherwise you could die - if that bothers you."
Samardzija
Samardzija’s night is over.
6 IP 1 H 2 ER 2 BB 5 K
He gave up a homer to Reggie Abercrombie and isn’t in line for the win, Iowa down 2-0 in the 6th.
One hit, a HR.
Not too shabby.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Can't we trade Jake Fox to an AL team for some infield help?
You’d think the Angels might be interested, what with Vlad out for a month.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Fox
Is a team really going to trade for a guy like that 14 ML at bats? Fox probably has value as part of a package but I don’t think any team is going to seek him out to fix any short term holes.
Sure, as part of a package, why not?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Remember...
we aren’t asking for a starter or a top prospect, just a utility guy. I think a solid hitter like Fox has that kind of worth, don’t you? (unless Al meant trading Fox for a starter, in which case, never mind)
Koye Hill unavailable to pinch hit?
Why pinch hit Gathright or even think about putting Z out there with Koyie Hill on the bench? I know its a moot point considering A-Ram had the walk off homer, but Hill should have been available. Am I missing something?
He's your backup catcher.
If you use him to PH and the game goes longer and Soto gets hurt, you then have no catcher.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Don't waste the backup catcher
That is the idea. Because that puts the team in a pick pickle the rest of the way. Gathright was a victim of the strikezone.
www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com
Thanks
That makes sense. Don’t want Lou going out there having to catch in the top of the 12th inning…
You're welcome.
Incidentally, click “reply” when you are answering another comment… makes it thread better. I know it’s real tempting just to use the open “post a comment” box, but it’ll be easier to read if you click “reply”. Thanks.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
It's a good omen
that the Cubs can pull it out of thin air two games in a row. Dunno if my heart can take it, though.
And 151 games to go before October 4.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
On a side note...
…what kind of crowds have been showing up to the Captain Morgan Club? Anyone get inside yet? Please tell me it looks better in person than it does in the pics.
"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie"
I imagine
It might be a popular destination for night games? I’ll be at the game on Tuesday if it doesn’t get rained out. I was thinking about checking it out, but I totally hate rum and Captain+Pepsi doesn’t seem very Cubs to me. Al’s review wasn’t exactly glowing, the menu seemed kind of thin. Overall it seems like there are so many other good options in Wrigleyville for eats/drinks I can’t imagine it being very enticing.
Was watching some Mets games on mlb.tv this week and the restaurant options built into Citi field look a lot more enticing- I guess this is the Cubs’ way of trying to keep up with the Joneses in this respect but the whole thing seems like a tumor on the side of the ballpark from the pics I’ve seen.
It's been pretty crowded.
The place was busy even at noon yesterday, 2 1/2 hours before game time. I have been told that there are hundreds of people in line to get in once the game ends.
I didn’t post a review. Not sure where you got that.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Another great win
and this time, the game threads were better. There was still someone who said Lee was “done”, but this time, no unrelenting “we suck we suck we suck”, at least.
and… SUNDAY, SUNDAY, SUNDAY! Will we see Ted Lilly makes Molina his tackle dummy once again? TUNE IN TOMORROW, when we’ll hear Lou say “you can’t predict the weather!”
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
Lovin it!
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
lovin it!!!!!!!!!
you in the game thread here?
http://www.secondcityhockey.com/2009/4/18/843915/game-2-every-game-gets-bigger#comments
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
and when yoy say "nice sport coat"
you mean something that looks like it came from the Goodwill… 5 years ago.
I mean you gotta love a guy who pitches 6 innings and then heads to the Hawks playoff game
New sig currently under construction
in a plaid suit jacket
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
pictures anyone?
"So chicks dig guys who TAKE AWAY the long ball, too? " by dat cubfan daver
by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 18, 2009 11:09 PM CDT up reply actions
absolutely
For those who didn’t see it, Dempster was down on the ice during the 2nd intermission of the Hawks game, participating in some “Shoot the puck” contest. He was dressed in a plaid suit jacket, a polyester button down shirt and a tie, none of which matched.
I hope Demp maintains his level of performance because he just seems to be a great all around guy and its a pleasure to root for him.
I love it!!!
A multi-millionaire who just doesn’t give a damn.
"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie"
or is just too drunk to know better?
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
ESPN's hockey gameday
is really cool.
Because when it comes to sports, we die harder than Bruce Willis.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Apr 18, 2009 9:52 PM CDT reply actions
Wow...
What a great game today. I can only imagine the feeling inside the greatest baseball park in the world today Al! It made me miss Chicago, and Wrigley very much. I love it out here in SoCal, but it definitely isn’t Chicago.
It’s tough to follow my Cubs. Fox and MLB make it almost impossible. I’m afraid that the only solution will be getting rid of that joke of a commish Bud Selig. Fire Bud Selig, save baseball. Really, Selig is a bad joke. He’s a pawn to the owners, can’t make a decent business decision, and routinely buries his head in the sand when situations come up that threaten to ruin the game we all love. I’ve had enough of his money grubbing ineptness.
Fire Bud Selig – Save Baseball.
I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...
Nice write up, great game and win for the Cubs!
I have no praise to offer or blame to assign with this game, it’s just one of 162…but a great one won at that!
I don’t have cable and live in SoCal so I don’t see the games. I saw the highlights on MLB.com and noticed the UA ads on the Aramis HR, did the Cubs settle their dispute with them? Maybe I am confusing sponsors, but I thought UA wanted to back out of their contract and the Cubs were taking them to court?
Hawks win!
What a fantastic day in Chicago sports!!!!
Because when it comes to sports, we die harder than Bruce Willis.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Apr 18, 2009 10:38 PM CDT reply actions
4-0 today
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
you were at the game?
I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...
by Jimmyeatworld on Apr 18, 2009 11:32 PM CDT up reply actions
I hope he was :)
b/c otherwise how did he get a hr ball and where did he throw it ?
"So chicks dig guys who TAKE AWAY the long ball, too? " by dat cubfan daver
by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 19, 2009 12:04 AM CDT up reply actions
Me too.
I just know he’s from Iowa. Not sure if he’s ever been to Wrigley before… What a first time if he caught a HR ball & threw it back.
I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...
by Jimmyeatworld on Apr 19, 2009 12:11 AM CDT up reply actions
I recently moved to Chicago.
Been to plenty of games before, but that was the first time I had a chance to throw back a HR ball.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
lucky you!
You’re going to love Chicago. And just think, you can go to Wrigley any time you want! Here’s to many more HR balls and winning games.
Next time you're in the bleachers....
… stop by and say hi.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
You know...
…I didn’t put this together at the time, but I think I did say hi to you. I was with a friend in the season ticket holder line before the game.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
That was you guys?
Ron’s friends?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Nice to meet you, then.
Next time you’re there, re-introduce yourself.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
About Dempster
I didn’t get to see the game today. How did Dempster look? Did he throw decently with the exception of the three run inning where he walked four guys? Or did he look like he was struggling all day? Great series so far, exciting baseball.
Dempster
He actually did look good except for the lack of control in that one inning. He got a fastball up and Greene hit it pretty hard but it just barely went in the basket. He kept us in the game, control is definitely the key to his game. He doesn’t give up alot of hits.
Another Exciting Game
Gotta love Rami with the walkoff – again!
This will be another roller coaster ride season. The team has so many strengths but a lot of question marks at the same time. I hope the loss of DeRo and all of the versatility that he brought will not come back to hurt the Cubs.
Not trying to be picky
but the Cubs have a lot less question marks than many teams. That’s why I don’t understand so much doom and gloom in some of the posts.
Compare the Cubs to the Cards. Cardinals have no idea what is happening with Glaus. Right now, maybe he’ll be back mid-season. Carpenter, who knows? Their closer is still unsettled. They are hoping Schumaker can convert to 2nd base. Wellemeyer is their #3 starter.
Right now, the Cubs have main 2 issues. Getting Bradley healthy and Cotts. That’s pretty good right now.
You're ignoring the overuse of the bullpen.
Starting pitchers have to start going consistently deeper into games, or the bullpen is going to be burned out by May.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
That brings up another subject: Rich Harden.
Great stuff… dominant strikeout stuff. Yet, the guy can’t eat any innings. He’s got all the makings of a top notch closer.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
Yesterday's win was awesome....
But don’t let it mask the bad baseball this team continues to play at home right now. We can’t continue to play like this against a fundamentally sound team like the Cardinals and expect to win.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
You could just as easily say that if the Cubs can win these types
of games when the play poorly, just think how they do when they play better. These things tend to even out. I don’t think the Cubs are playing fundamentally bad now. They are without one of their best hitters and they are still winning. Hitting with RISP has to improve, but other teams are suffer the same fate.
It’s too early to predict how the team will play over the course of the season. These things don’t always turn into trends. A team that hits poorly with RISP early can turn that around. The most important stats now are team OBP and walks. The Cubs are in the top 4 in the league in both stats and we all know that leading in those catagories leads to scoring a lot of runs. The hits with RISP will come. The most important thing is to have people on base when the hitting improves.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Apr 19, 2009 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm not worried at all about our hitting with RISP.
Yes, we’ve wasted many opportunities in the early going of the season… especially with the bases loaded. However, we’re always on base! Guys will start coming through more often.
However, it’s our lack of fundamentals on offense that bothers me. Everytime we play the Cardinals, we see good fundamental baseball first hand: executing the sacrifice bunt up and down the lineup, hitting behind the runner, and generally putting the ball in play when a man’s on 3rd base.
In close games… those details add up. Yesterday was a close game, and TL always found a way to move a guy to 2B and put him in scoring position. Luckily, that potential winning run, inning after inning, never scored.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
I just read
the VEB threads for yesterday and the day before. They’re somewhat like our threads, except reversed in the attitudes. The Cardinals fans have little faith in their bullpen. We get so wrapped up in our teams, we sometimes forget that other teams struggle with putting all the pieces together as well.
I think we’re going to have a darn good year.
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
oh, and...
they complained mightily about the strikezone as well.
"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 19, 2009 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions
The strikezone was a friggin moving target yesterday. Awful. Just Awful.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
I agree that this series has seen some of the worst umpiring behind the plate
that I have seen in a long time, but why bitch about it. It was bad on both sides, so what good does it do to complain about it? I’m sure the league notices the same thing that we do and I would hope that it does something about it. They never publicize reprimands to umps but it happens a lot more than you think. The strange thing about it is that this crew is one of the top ones in the league. Maybe they are just having a bad series. It’s still early for the umpires too.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Apr 19, 2009 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions
When you say it happens more than we think
what does that mean? I’m not trying to be sarcastic, but who talks to them, and if they continue with whatever inconsistencies that got them the original talk, do they take further action?
I understand the need to deal with umps behind closed doors, instead of a public forum, they take enough abuse without fans knowing that they have a group that has one strike against them (sorry, couldn’t resist), but the system doesn’t seem to have any transparency for the fans, or presumably, the teams. We can just pay attention to the names, and curse when certain ones come up without much hope for improvement.
by chitownhawkeye on Apr 19, 2009 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions
What I mean is that the umpires are graded on their performances and many
factors are taken into consideration. Players and managers are polled and each game is viewed by the league and the umpires are evaluated. Umpires that consistently grade out poorly are not given post season assignments and incidents like the one with Milton are evaluated. The league does not just give a free pass and back the umpires on every incident. If an umpire is found to be at fault, he can be fined or suspended. The difference between the umpires and the players and managers is that an umpire reprimand or suspension is never publicized. Perhaps this practice should be changed. If the umpires know that they are under public scrutiny like the players and managers, their performances may improve.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Apr 19, 2009 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions
if real action was being taken
we wouldn’t see the same names umpiring year after year. CB Bucknor, anyone?
"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 19, 2009 12:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Oh god...
CB is the WORST.
Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Apr 19, 2009 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions
and yet
he is still around. This is what I’m saying.
"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 19, 2009 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Not that it's nice to see that
But when both sides are complaining about it, you know there was a problem.
by chitownhawkeye on Apr 19, 2009 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions
MUCH NEEDED WIN....
Cubs go into the game tonight knowing that they can in fact beat St. Louis …..Most of us knew these games would be close….They can’t give the other team 1 inch….
The cheering by Cub fans when Oquendo got nailed....
……by Albert’s foul ball, was thoroughly disgusting. I am a fan of the Cubs, but fellow Cub fans keep doing things that give good and respectful baseball fans, a bad name. It’s embarrassing sometimes. Again I know it’s not smart to generalize a whole fan base based on a minority, but the cheering in that situation sounded like it was more than just a few people.
Over time, your quickness with a cocky rejoinder must have gotten you many punches in the face - Al Swearengen
I really thought
they were cheering him for shaking it off.
"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 19, 2009 2:33 PM CDT up reply actions
It's hard to sense sarcasm on the internet for me
So I’ll be forward: Seriously? I guess that’s one way to spin it, but I didn’t get that sense of the situation as the cheering began when he hit the ground. Usually a “Shaking it off” cheer is more subdued than that.
I wasn’t there though so I guess it’s possible? I hope you’re right, because cheering when another a member of another team get’s hurt is totally classless.
Over time, your quickness with a cocky rejoinder must have gotten you many punches in the face - Al Swearengen
I had Pat & Ron on the radio
and the TV muted, so it was hard to tell, but I thought that’s what Pat said happened.
"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 19, 2009 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Any weather reports for tonights game?
"So chicks dig guys who TAKE AWAY the long ball, too? " by dat cubfan daver
by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 19, 2009 3:04 PM CDT reply actions
Rain.
Over time, your quickness with a cocky rejoinder must have gotten you many punches in the face - Al Swearengen
Getting ready to head to the park.
Hopefully we get this one in!
Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Apr 19, 2009 4:11 PM CDT reply actions
postponed
according to judd sirott on wgn
by doofus cubs guy on Apr 19, 2009 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Correct.
Day/night doubleheader in July as the makeup, according to Memelo.
Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Apr 19, 2009 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm sorry
that you had to listen to Judd Sirott to find that out.
"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 19, 2009 8:20 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm sorry that he had to listen to Judd Sirott at any time for any purpose.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Maybe we should just issue
a general apology for Judd Sirott.
"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 19, 2009 8:40 PM CDT up reply actions
listening to the 7th inning stretch guests during the 6th use to be my least fav inning
but that beats having to listen to Judd during the 5th inning w/ Ronnie. I miss Cory!
"So chicks dig guys who TAKE AWAY the long ball, too? " by dat cubfan daver
by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 20, 2009 12:31 AM CDT up reply actions
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