Ever Wonder What The Cubs Do On Road Trips?
by Al on Apr 24, 2009 8:03 AM CDT
in News
150 comments
I had been tipped off by the bartender that a number of Cubs players were hanging at another table in the restaurant. Between courses I decided to take a stroll through the lightly populated restaurant. Sure enough, at a large table in the back, I found Mike Fontenot, Kevin Gregg, Aaron Miles, Rich Harden and Reed Johnson seated with a few other guys (tough to remember everyone as I was waltzing past). At a smaller table next to the large one, Sean Marshall and Jeff Samardzija seemed to be banished to the weeds by the older players.
After another drink, I decided to return and let the boys know that while they would likely prefer anonymity on the road, it was my role to wish them the best over the upcoming weekend. They seemed genuinely appreciative, and in our brief exchange, it struck me that Johnson was the ringleader of the group.
As I returned to the bar to finish my drink, I noticed an older, bald gentleman enjoying a beer at the end of the bar. Sure enough, it was Mike Quade, sucking back a Bud Light, oblivious to the youngsters having dinner in the back of the restaurant. I offered Mike a re-fill, which he politely declined, and at this point I was ready to leave as the Cubs Crew had made their way into the casino.
Seems Alfonso Soriano was already seated at a blackjack table -- a $10 minimum limit table, I might add -- when the dinner crowd caught up to him. I took up a seat across the pit, and while watching these guys, gave back most of my previous winnings. Eventually Soriano left, and according to an informative pit boss, he took $20K in chips with him. Now, that said, he had no idea how much Soriano had bought in at the start, so it wasn't clear if Fonzie was up or down on the night. The crowd thinned to just two guys, Shark and some other guy (don't think this guy was a player), with Jeff playing to a large stack of green checks ($25 chips).
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If ever an early season story screamed
optimism, it’s anecdotes of large numbers of the team hanging out together.
As soon as you start hearing 25 player 25 cab stories, you know the GM screwed up the chemistry.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 24, 2009 8:07 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I should have added, this is a sign
Hendry has a good mix of guys.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 24, 2009 8:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Note that there were both...
… players from last year’s team, and a couple of newcomers (Miles and Gregg) in that group.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 24, 2009 8:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I noted and me likey.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 24, 2009 8:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Oakland A's in the mid '70's........
………ran a steady stream of cabs past the stadium each night, and it didn’t seem to hurt their results.
I think “chemistry” can be valuable, but it’s value is generally vastly overstated.
Nonetheless, the group consisted of the youngsters and the newcomers, relatively speaking, last night. It should be noted Sori was not at dinner (high end steak joint in the casino called “SLeeK”), but the crowd found him in the casino. I did notice a “reserved” sign on the blackjack table, but with 9-10 guys all clustered around, it was hard to see it.
"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 tville on Apr 24, 2009 8:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the report!
I’ll throw my two cents in:
I travel a lot for work… and often work with some of the same group of guys from all over the country once I get there. Sometimes, I know almost everyone on the crew… other times, I only know one or two guys.
Generally, we all go out together. Just about every night, we’ll all do dinner and bars together in say one or two groups… depending how big of a crew it is. We’re all on the road together, and so, we have nobody else to hangout with but ourselves. Some “clicks” tend to form, but even if there’s one or two guys in the group that maybe the “new guy” or just aren’t everyone’s favorite peeps, we all go out regardless. We’re a team.
"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)
.
by SackMan on Apr 24, 2009 9:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The one thing I worry about clique wise
Is whether it’s racial. Unfortunately, I don’t think that’s limited to the Cubs.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on Apr 24, 2009 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No... I wouldn't worry about that.
In my work experiences, cliques form because of common interests.
I could be working with 10-15 other guys. Some cliques form because the guys have been friends for years (ex: long-time veterans of the team). Others form because some guys work closely together all day long (ex: bullpen members). Other cliques form because of common interests: typically, you’ll have your “smokers” and non-smokers in groups. And I’m not talking about cigarettes. You’ll have your married guys, and your single guys.
When we’re in Vegas, you’ll see the group that likes to play craps, all hangin together.
You get my drift?
"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)
.
by SackMan on Apr 24, 2009 9:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
sounds like a fun job
Jack
derv
@themightycub
by derv on Apr 24, 2009 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are right to worry, but from what I've read in
baseball, it starts with language.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 24, 2009 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
I think they are a bunch of good guys. I will give Hendry credit for that. But as I looked at 4th place this morning and a red hot home team this weekend, I am wondering when Lou is going to blow. He cannot be totally happy with this start. The optimist in me says I would rather have the slow start, hot finish than what happened last year.
I would have followed Sori out last night to see if he dropped any chips.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
by mrcubsfan on Apr 24, 2009 8:14 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
mrcubsfan, I don't like seeing 4th place, but
I don’t see a slow start. The team has a .571 winning percentage after 14 games and just lost their first series and 2 games in a row for only the second time.
I think Lou has had sharp words with the team as evidenced to the public by his comments on Bradley needing to be 100% before playing the field and moving down the order on his return and by publicly stating Hoff is not going out to RF anymore because of his lead glove.
This Cardinal team is real, and Cinci sure looked real with talent like Bruce and Votto coupled with that rotation. Pittsburgh is a mirage and will fall, especially with McLouth on the shelf.
Cubs lose two in a row while the Cards, Cinci and Pirates streak.
I’m excited for today. It’s going to be warm and for you golfers, Lou is going with the Cubs version of the lollywagger. After muffing the last two games, he’s being forced to play the next one with his Johnson out in CF.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 24, 2009 8:34 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Sixteen games are not enough to say a team is "for real" or not.
Here are two excellent examples: in 2005, the Dodgers started 12-2 and were 4.5 games in first place after those 14 games.
That team lost 91 games.
In 1980, the Cubs started 11-6 — just half a game worse than the Cardinals are now — and were tied for first place. That team lost 98 games.
I could look up a bunch of others, and I’m not saying the Cardinals are that bad — they’re not, they’re good — but to anoint them as “real” from a 16-game start is folly. The Cardinals have a weak bullpen and the back end of their rotation is mediocre. Every team in the Central has its flaws, including those Reds. Just wait till the Reds go back to GABP and those pitchers have to throw in that launching pad.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 24, 2009 8:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And the Cards have...........
……….outfielders playing in the infield (Mather, Schumaker) and infielders in the outfield (Ducan), so their defense will be suspect all season long. They’re going to need to maintain a torid scoring pace to stay in the hunt, and that’s simply not likely to happen.
"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 tville on Apr 24, 2009 8:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
4th place is a bit misleading
It’s two games back.
And anyway, the standings on April 24 mean about as much as my nipples.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on Apr 24, 2009 8:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't make my nipples angry
You wouldn’t like them when they angry
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on Apr 24, 2009 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Uh oh...they're turning green already.
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 24, 2009 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
egad
"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 24, 2009 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wasn't happy about our performance vs the Cardinals at home.
Sure… we won the series. But, we played poor baseball, and were bailed out by the clutch longball. The bad baseball we played, carried over into the Reds series… and … well, we didn’t hit any longballs to bail us out this time.
They have to start playing better. Period. I’m seeing our opponents execute the fundamentals, and I’m watching the Cubs muff them up.
"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)
.
by SackMan on Apr 24, 2009 8:43 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Disagree
A win is a win. Style points do not count.
And if the so-called “bad” baseball carried over to the Reds series, then something good must have carried over to the first game of said series, since it was their third victory in a row.
I don’t subscribe to the “carryover” theory either way. As Vin Scully said, “Momentum is that day’s starting pitcher.”
But some people see only what they want, and if they want to be miserable, they see that.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 24, 2009 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And I disagree
This isn’t the NBA, style isn’t even a consideration.
This is baseball… and when you can’t execute the fundamentals of the game properly… then you’re playing poor baseball. Period. If you continue to play poor baseball against good competition, you will lose the majority of those games.
We need to start to:
a. actually execute the sacrifice bunt…
b. make sure we take the “sacrifice” out, when the opposition is giving it to us…
c. not get picked off, wandering off the bag at 2nd base…
d. stop making the 1st or 3rd out at 3rd base…
e. stop fumbling the baseball in the corner of the outfield…
"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)
.
by SackMan on Apr 24, 2009 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m seeing our opponents execute the fundamentals, and I’m watching the Cubs muff them up.
And we still have a winning record. Just think how AWESOME it will be when they start playing better!
"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 24, 2009 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So do we have ANY idea how long Bradley is out???
It’s pathetic how poorly mis-managed this Bradley injury thing has been. Is he going to miss another week’s worth of games and leave the Cubs with a short bench for even longer?
My blood shall also boil over if he doesn’t waive his suspension appeal while he is rotting on the bench this weekend. He can shove his principles up his ass at this point for the good of the team. And I don’t want to hear this crap that the player union forces a player to appeal suspension. That’s wrong. There are many examples of players who have waived the right to appeal.
For those not bright enough to grasp the fundamental underpinning of a message board, please take note that "EVERYTHING I state is an OPINION."
by BLou on Apr 24, 2009 8:44 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
BLou has spoken!
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on Apr 24, 2009 8:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So are you basing your assertion that they've mishandled Bradley's injury...
…solely on the suspension? Because, otherwise, I’m not sure I’d say they’ve mishandled it. I think Lou is being ultra-cautious with Milton to try and get him through this groin thing and to the warmer months. That said, Lou’s comments yesterday may indicate some frustration with the situation, but who can blame him for that considering how poorly the Cubs have been scoring runs over the last two games?
From a standpoint of pure practicality, it probably would’ve been better if Milton just served the suspension while rehabbing his groin and gotten it over with. But he obviously feels the need to put up some token resistance.
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 24, 2009 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
as opposed to Blou who
feels the need to put up constant resistance.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 24, 2009 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
isnt new tag line blou has
as least he realizes everything he says is an opinion…. as opposed to something like a fact :)
"So chicks dig guys who TAKE AWAY the long ball, too? " by dat cubfan daver
by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 24, 2009 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good point.
With every new screen name, he becomes a little less forceful.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 24, 2009 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd agree with the basic premise
that Milton does need to be serving his suspension if he is not going to play this weekend. Hopefully someone lets him know this sometime soon. Though if the Cubs want him to be able to pinch hit this weekend, maybe sitting out 2 games in Arizona would be better.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
by Trey2317 on Apr 24, 2009 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
usually
liquid boils over because one keeps a tight lid on top of the pot.
If only.
"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 24, 2009 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Reed Johnson continues to amaze me. He fits in perfectly on this team, I dunno why the hell the Blue Jays would drop him. In my pipedream of a baseball career, he’s just the type of player I wish I could be—hard working, full-blown on every play, and just happy to be playing a kid’s game for money. He did write about his grand slam stealing catch on his blog, Reed Between the Lines.
Dan
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Apr 24, 2009 8:57 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Johnson's blog is well written and funny.
He’s a good chronicler. And, right now, the Cubs need him to be an everyday player.
The Jays apparently cut him because they weren’t convinced he had recovered from his back problems of 2007. Guess they were wrong, and the Cubs benefit as a result.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 24, 2009 9:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the linky
That was a good read and I’m very glad to have him on the team. So we’re not the only ones to pick on the Wonder Hamster huh?
I’m glad they’re doing these blogs, I really enjoyed DeRo’s last year.
Join the BCB Flickr Group: http://flickr.com/groups/bleedcubbieblue
by tony412 on Apr 24, 2009 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I love Reed
and am so happy that he will be playing more now.
by sue369 on Apr 24, 2009 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
sheesh - that was great. Perhaps MB can learn something from Reed
Jack
derv
@themightycub
by derv on Apr 24, 2009 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Really
Do we really need this kind of information? It’s nice to know that some of the guys are friends but, when they leave the park we should give them their privacy. Don’t let this site turn into a TMZ.
by goddess on Apr 24, 2009 9:10 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I guess we don't.
Next time I run into the team, I’ll be sure to keep a lid on it.
"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 tville on Apr 24, 2009 9:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Please don't
We have not always seen eye to eye, but I really enjoyed this first hand account of some of the players hanging out. And for the record this report was not anything resembling TMZ.
"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"
by StevenABQ on Apr 24, 2009 9:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, don't.
They are public figures and were in a public place. If they wanted privacy, they’d stay in their rooms. You were respectful and there’s no “dirt” here, just reporting on something that happened in public.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 24, 2009 9:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree.
These are fun, interesting details of a ballclub’s life on the road. It’s not like tville followed them into their hotel rooms.
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 24, 2009 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually I did...........
………..but I didn’t think that needed to be reported.
I decided to send Al a note on the matter after I made bail earlier this morning……….
"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 tville on Apr 24, 2009 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm gonna check smokinggun.com for your mug shot.
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 24, 2009 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hoping they got my better side!
"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 tville on Apr 24, 2009 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
They are people, just like anyone else
Treat them with respect and there are no issues, period.
by JFCubFan on Apr 24, 2009 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It depends on the circumstances
I was horrified a few years ago when a friend called me to say she saw Maddux and some other Cubs eating dinner at Joe’s Stone Crab and she had gone over with her cell phone to try to get a picture FOR ME and Maddux was not happy and turned away.. I know my friend meant well but I happened to know it was his birthday and he does not like to be bothered outside the ball park area and hotel area. He has made it a point not to be much of public figure beyond his playing and relishes being able to go out with his family unrecognized most of the time. Now I think a group of players in a casino is totally different from them eating as a group in a restaurant. I really enjoyed this report but each case is different.
"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 24, 2009 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Please don't.
I enjoyed reading your comments.
by sue369 on Apr 24, 2009 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like knowing they are humans as well as ballplayers
as to the privacy, they were hanging out at a casino, not a church or library, or trying to buy groceries. Sounds like tville respected their distance and wasn’t annoying.
by TC Cubby on Apr 24, 2009 9:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
We’re all gonna get a telephoto lens and an SLR so we can go all paparazzi on their asses. Calm down, it was an informative report, and as the author of the post would likely point out — if you don’t like it don’t read it. Over the years, alot of folks on BCB have related stories of interactions with Cubs players, and the common thread I have noted is, they never bother the players, they are always polite and non-intrusive, whichs seems to be exactly the opposite of what you are suggesting.
"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"
by StevenABQ on Apr 24, 2009 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm just glad we've made it this far into the thread
Without someone saying, “They just lost! Why aren’t they in their hotels, working on their swings!”
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on Apr 24, 2009 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Holy Crap! Good point!
How can they eat after a game like that! OMG! WTF! DFA! LOL!
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Apr 24, 2009 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I'm sure if they were NOT polite and non-intrusive
they wouldnt have anything to report
Join the BCB Flickr Group: http://flickr.com/groups/bleedcubbieblue
by tony412 on Apr 24, 2009 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The goddess hath spoken.
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 24, 2009 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is it just me or do her legs look
so long as to be out of proportion.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 24, 2009 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
She's a goddess
By definition, she IS in proportion. You’re the one who is off.
Ladies, remember, society wants you to look just like that!
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on Apr 24, 2009 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah! Respect the Goddess or get stuffed!
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 24, 2009 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought you were a guy.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 24, 2009 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Only the part of me
that I can see.
"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 24, 2009 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm a dude, not a guy.
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 24, 2009 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
"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 24, 2009 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just curious with all the goddess stuff
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 24, 2009 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You don't want us posting pics of ourself
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Apr 24, 2009 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
got that right
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 24, 2009 1:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the OP
didn’t follow them back to their rooms. MMM… Reed Johnson’s hotel room…
"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 24, 2009 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You've got to be kidding, right?
Jack
derv
@themightycub
by derv on Apr 24, 2009 2:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's a slippery slope
I’m sure he wasn’t intrusive and they appreciated the encouragement. I’m not attacking tville. A tidbit about seeing the guys out and enjoying a dinner is fine. Reporting who gambled and how much they won or lost is a little much for my taste. It’s just that they shouldn’t have to stay in their rooms to avoid having their after work activities monitored. There is enough happening on the field to talk about.
by goddess on Apr 24, 2009 9:37 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
It's not like he posted pictures of Soriano with
some young thing… oh wait, she did it herself last year. nevermind.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 24, 2009 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually.........
……….Sori was sitting at the table with some dude. He’s certainly not a player, but is likely a close personal friend. All the other players recognized him, so he might be Sori’s equivelent of Sosa’s clubhouse pal (can’t remember that guy’s name).
"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 tville on Apr 24, 2009 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on in here!
"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"
by StevenABQ on Apr 24, 2009 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gambling, you say?
Round up the usual suspects!
"I owe [Dunston] a lot. Nobody would know how good I was at digging balls out of the dirt if it wasn't for him..." -Mark Grace
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
by Clutch16 on Apr 24, 2009 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess that's a fair point about the money.
Doesn’t bother me much – it’s no secret Alfonso is steeped in cash. But I see what you’re getting at. On the other foot, hey, it’s about 10 hours ‘til game time and I don’t think you can blame us for NOT wanting to discuss what happened on the field yesterday.
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 24, 2009 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
$20k for a guy making $20M
is $100 for a guy making $100k.
I have no point of reference, but just guessing betting $100 is not much fun for him.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 24, 2009 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also, with Chicago
not having any Casino’s it’s no surprise they’ll jump all over it when they go to a city that does. Specially after such a bad game, glad they were still able to come together regardless of the place.
Join the BCB Flickr Group: http://flickr.com/groups/bleedcubbieblue
by tony412 on Apr 24, 2009 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Casinos are the only good thing about taking a trip to STL
Much better that Alfonso gambles than goes out drinking at Mike Shannon’s (you know the rest of that story)
www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com
by nji232 on Apr 24, 2009 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also just thinking, his high roller table
may also keep guys in a lesser tax bracket from hanging with him.
Imagine Sorriano asking Hoff to come to his $500 min bet table?
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 24, 2009 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
read the article
Sori was playing a 10$ min table. That should be accesible for all the guys on the team…
Oriole by nurture. Cub by marriage.
by wax eagle on Apr 24, 2009 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I did read and didn't mean min bet, was thinking one thing and typed another.
I was thinking about his stakes if he had $20k in chips. Would you want to play your $10 next to someone playing much bigger stakes. I wouldn’t want to get in the middle of it and risk messing up his hand.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 24, 2009 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Please don't tell me
your a tempent too…
"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"
by StevenABQ on Apr 24, 2009 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Since the pit boss.........
……..didn’t know how much Sori started with, it was impossible to report just how much money was lost or gained. All I said is he left with $20K – likely Monopoly money to him – however it could have been the same amount he took to the table at the onset.
That said, Shark’s stack of green checks looked to be less than $500 in total, and the unrecognizable dude in the group was playing with $5 chips.
Sorry, is this TMI?
"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 tville on Apr 24, 2009 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Probably, but it sounds like
a bunch of professional ballplayers at a convenient casino.
If you reported someone lost millions and left with a hooker, you would have crossed the line somewhere before.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 24, 2009 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Where did you get my photo?
At least it’s my good side.
by goddess on Apr 24, 2009 9:43 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Drew it from memory after you appeared in my opium-fueled dream last night.
Thanks for the advice, by the way. I’ll definitely lay off the processed sugar.
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 24, 2009 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So Geo wasn't with them?
"So chicks dig guys who TAKE AWAY the long ball, too? " by dat cubfan daver
by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 24, 2009 9:47 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Shopping for guyliner in the gift shop.
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 24, 2009 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
must be habitual in stl
a few years back i went to the casino in stl and sat down at a blackjack table, a few minutes later kerry wood and bellhorn sit down next to me. i was in heaven, it was hilarious.
both were chain smokers and kerry was drinking gin and tonics like it was going out of style (he was also starting the next day)
great guys
by neifi on Apr 24, 2009 10:11 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I also have heard Kerry is a smoker
Jack
derv
@themightycub
by derv on Apr 24, 2009 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mark Grace was (maybe still is) a chain smoker.
I wonder why professional athletes do that.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 24, 2009 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I actually hung around Gracie a bit when he was a player...
…he used to frequent a bar that friends of mine managed. He definitely was a smoker.
Jack
derv
@themightycub
by derv on Apr 24, 2009 3:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't get that either.
Long-term health concerns aside, you’d think they wouldn’t want to lose the short-term lung capacity.
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 24, 2009 3:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 24, 2009 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm a dancer...
and I can’t imagine putting that in my lungs. I need those….
by Squeaky on Apr 24, 2009 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I should add something about their attire.
All were dressed smartly, however just Sori and Reed were donning suits. Marshall was wearing a white shirt with cuff links and no tie (a look I kinda dislike), while the blance of the players were dressed more casually.
"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 tville on Apr 24, 2009 10:15 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I've read Soriano always likes to dress up and look "clean."
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 24, 2009 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
(waits for SWL to paste Sori's head on the goddess pic)
"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 24, 2009 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
clubhouse chemistry
from my experiences this past week in the locker room, this team seems to have very good chemistry with the exception of Bradley. the guys i always see together are marmol and ramirez. those two are attached at the hip—their lockers are right next to each other and they’re always chatting it up in spanish. besides that, they all seem to mingle with different people depending on the day. Bradley is the only guy i’ve literally never seen hanging out or even talking to anyone (with the exception of a few words to DLee once, whose locker is next to his). he’s not in the locker room changing beforehand, never at the table eating with the guys, playing chess or messing with the music. seems to already be in his own world. i hope the end of the year story on this guy isn’t that he was a cancer in a clubhouse that had great chemistry last year.
ps. re: their clothes, yesterday when they left for the road trip DLee had a light blue suit, yellow shirt and pink/yellow tie on. an outfit only a 6’5" athlete built like him could pull off, and he did. looked very sharp. one of the writers told Johnson he looked like a hitman—black pinstripe suit with a long, skinny bag of bats over one shoulder that looked like a duffel bag with a gun in it. haha.
by spain2323 on Apr 24, 2009 10:21 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I want to ask more about how you know this stuff, but
don’t want you to give yourself away and get into trouble.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 24, 2009 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i'm a reporter
for mouthpiecesports.com and mlb.com so i’m in the clubhouse every day. not TMZish—it’s the same stuff you might see in a newspaper article. paul sullivan of the trib and a few other writers wrote about bradley’s face-off with us after the game yesterday, too. he seems unwilling to talk to the press but feigns confusion as to why everyone is so hard on him. i had heard his teammates liked him, too, but it seems so far he hasn’t given the guys in Chicago a reason to—injury, lazy plays, not running out hits, etc. i hope he starts to hit well and that helps change his demeanor.
by spain2323 on Apr 24, 2009 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The "not running out hits"....
… likely has to do with the injury. I don’t see him as being “lazy”.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 24, 2009 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hope you can post more tidbits here
and thanks for your insight.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on Apr 24, 2009 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thank you.
I was just curious.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 24, 2009 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lazy?
have you ever had a groin injury?
"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 24, 2009 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Careful, Drew.
You could be in danger of suffering one. She’s a tough lady reporter.
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 24, 2009 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
sadly yes
actually pulled both my groins a couple weeks before state championships of field hockey in high school and also during track junior year in college. definitely really sucks! haha. i’m just not sure how much that groin is still hurting him. i really hope that his sluggishness is leftover from the injury and not the result of frustration with his slow start.
by spain2323 on Apr 24, 2009 1:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Milton should have gone on the DL right after the injury.
That way he’d be eligible to come back by Monday — he’s barely played since that day, and hasn’t contributed.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 24, 2009 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Now we all agree with you, probably Milton too.
Just speculating, but I’m guessing he didn’t want to go on the DL this early with the Cubs and hoped to be back faster.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 24, 2009 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Probably so.
20/20 hindsight and everything. Let’s just hope he doesn’t have to be DL’d NOW, because that puts him out for two MORE weeks.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 24, 2009 2:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Honestly, if two weeks of rest and rehab...
…greatly lessens the likelihood that this will be a recurrent problem, I’d rather we not see him on the field until mid- to late-May. The weather will be more consistently warm by then, he’d have an easier time loosening up and, hopefully, he’d be able to play consistently. It would let this whole anti-media rant of his blow over, too.
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 24, 2009 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And by then he'd have missed another 30 games.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 24, 2009 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I worry about Bradley if that's true.
Previous reports said he was a good teammate.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 24, 2009 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He may be someone
who has to contribute to feel comforable.
I haven’t given up on him.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 24, 2009 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's an excellent point.
He seems very serious about his business on the field, and he might want to “bring something” before he tries to find comaradarie.
"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 tville on Apr 24, 2009 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Some commentators
were saying during a game a little bit ago that Bradley is extremely critical of himself. This would certainly fit the suggestion that he needs to contribute to feel part of the team.
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
by gwood on Apr 24, 2009 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's goin' through a lot of tough stuff right now.
I just hope we can later file all of this under “Milton’s adjustment period.”
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 24, 2009 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Now this is a little TMZ ish
but i LOVE it
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by tony412 on Apr 24, 2009 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting details, thanks.
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 24, 2009 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great info
I don’t blame Milton for laying low right now. i’m sure there is still a feeling out period with him and the other players.
www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com
by nji232 on Apr 24, 2009 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mike Quade
This guy seems like a loner…..he is always alone….watch him after wins…nobody ever goes around him…
by cozmotaylor123 on Apr 24, 2009 10:31 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Could be.
While he tactfully rebuffed my beer offer, it seemed clear he didn’t want any company at the bar.
You’d think a 3B coach would be happy for the recognition, but maybe not.
"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 tville on Apr 24, 2009 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He was probably sad
he hasn’t had many opportunities to wave (or stop, mostly stop) anyone rounding third base lately.
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by tony412 on Apr 24, 2009 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Plane from Sarasota to Chicago
I posted a story in January about seeing Quade on the plane in for the convention. Couldn’t tell you if he was a loner but he did go out of his way to ask me why I helped a White Sox fan put her bag away!
by AndHart120 on Apr 24, 2009 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well that WAS a good question
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by tony412 on Apr 24, 2009 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dunno....
She was kinda cute and the cuteness and sox jersey cancelled each other out and made her a neutral person ;-)
by AndHart120 on Apr 24, 2009 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
maybe
he was just lost.
"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 24, 2009 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That would be
Sinatro…
Oriole by nurture. Cub by marriage.
by wax eagle on Apr 24, 2009 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
maybe
that’s why Quade was drinking alone.
"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 24, 2009 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Very true
waiting for Sinatro to stop using yahoo maps (or whatever they were using last season) and buy a Goram GPS..
Oriole by nurture. Cub by marriage.
by wax eagle on Apr 24, 2009 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I still get a kick out of that story
I drive out of town a lot so maybe thats why it makes no sense to me but….HOW do you get lost going to Cincinnati?!?! It’s pretty easy, and thre are these things called highway signs, they are big and green. lol
by AndHart120 on Apr 24, 2009 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Too true
only thing I can think of is either they were lost in conversation, someone was on a cell phone, or they were really out of it.
Also don’t forget redundant. I don’t know about Chicago to Cinci, but coming into Chicago there are plenty of signs for every major exit…
Oriole by nurture. Cub by marriage.
by wax eagle on Apr 24, 2009 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
In their defense, the glare off his head is quite blinding.
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 24, 2009 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It appears that Fontenot also
hangs out at a Pub in England on his off days:
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
by gwood on Apr 24, 2009 10:37 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Is he too short to be in the picture?
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 24, 2009 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Very cool read.
Thanks for sharing. I wonder where the players will wind up tomorrow night. Last year they went to Edmonds’ place a couple times, at least I know Sori and Gallagher did (and surely others I can’t remember… can’t really see them two just hanging).
by kanderber on Apr 24, 2009 10:49 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Like I said above
Just stay away from Mike Shannon’s place. Nothing good has ever happened to baseball players there.
www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com
by nji232 on Apr 24, 2009 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My first guess is to pick up one of the groupies
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
by blackhawk24 on Apr 24, 2009 11:58 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
can also be called gropies.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 24, 2009 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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