Bleed Cubbie Blue: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Sports blogs for fans, by fans.
Around SBN: Uga VII, Requiescat in Pace: A Tribute to a Damn Good 'Dawg

Injuries Multiply, But Fukudome Helps Lead Cub Remnants Over Cardinals 10-3

A scary moment for Sori. Fortunately, he seems to have suffered no serious injury from being hit in the head by Todd Wellemeyer on Sunday.

More photos » by Tom Gannam - AP

A scary moment for Sori. Fortunately, he seems to have suffered no serious injury from being hit in the head by Todd Wellemeyer on Sunday.

By the time Derrek Lee left the game in the bottom of the first inning with what was described by Len & Bob as a "neck strain", the Cubs were down to one healthy reserve position player -- Koyie Hill, who eventually did get into the game on a double switch and singled in his first at-bat in 13 days.

But the star of today's 10-3 Cubs blowout of the Cardinals was Kosuke Fukudome, who celebrated his 32nd birthday by going 3-for-4 with a pair of runs scored, his fourth homer of the year and 5 RBI.

Who says the Cubs can't step up when it's most needed? Rich Harden made only a couple of mistakes, both hit for solo homers (if you have to give them up, best with no one on base) and he struck out nine, giving him 37 strikeouts in 21 innings so far this season -- tying him with Johan Santana for the major league lead, despite throwing four fewer innings than Santana.

The Cubs took it right to Todd Wellemeyer in the first inning; the first four Cubs reached base, including D-Lee with a RBI double before he had to leave the game. It appears, as of now, that (like virtually the entire team, it seems) he's day-to-day. Fortunately, word is that Aramis Ramirez and Carlos Marmol could return as soon as tomorrow in Arizona, which would be good news for the offense. That offense could have suffered another blow when Alfonso Soriano was hit in the head by Wellemeyer in the second inning in a play that was eerily reminiscent of the beaning that Sammy Sosa took from Pittsburgh's Salomon Torres almost exactly six years ago, on April 20, 2003. Soriano stayed in the game and later doubled off Wellemeyer and also made several defensive plays with the traditional hop, so he appears to be fine.

Micah Hoffpauir, who subbed for Lee, slammed his second homer of the season off reliever P. J. Walters (wasn't he supposed to be in the Cardinals' rotation?), and Aaron Miles had three hits, raising his average up to the Mendoza Line at .200. All told the Cubs had 14 hits, five for extra bases.

If you are still on the ledge and are in need a couple of bad things to worry about, they're the same things the rest of us have been worrying about -- Joey Gathright pinch-hit and looked bad again, striking out, and Neal Cotts still can't throw strikes, issuing another walk which resulted in the Cardinals' third run (when Lou came out to talk to him while he was facing his first hitter, it appeared to be another "throw freakin' strikes" visit). I wouldn't be surprised if Jason Waddell replaces Cotts soon, maybe even before the series at Arizona.

For the rest of us, think about this: the Cubs denied the Cardinals, the hottest team in the NL, a perfect homestand and have split six games with them so far this season. St. Louis just swept the Mets, who are supposed to be a force in the NL East this year. For a depleted Cub team to play this well and win, I think bodes well for the Arizona series, and it ought to be a pleasant flight for the team this evening to Phoenix. And for me, be happy too. Between batters and innings, I finished both crossword puzzles in the Sunday Tribune magazine. Who says print is dead?

0 recs  |  Comment 347 comments |

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Display:

CUBS WIN!!

Guy at bar: "Do you just like that hat or do you like Chicago?"
Me: "I'm in Love, Obsessed and Addicted to the Chicago Cubs!"

by KC in OK on Apr 26, 2009 4:15 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

So when they win you do REALLY fast recaps ?

When they lose it takes a LONG time . I understand.

"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 26, 2009 4:16 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Its also Sunday

and as he said, the only other thing he had going on this afternoon was the crossword puzzle…

Maybe Al has a life outside this blog???

by bdoubleu on Apr 26, 2009 4:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes.

Just had some time to start writing in the 8th inning… and it looked pretty safe to write that they had won.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Apr 26, 2009 4:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Be Careful

Never trust a 7 run lead with two innings to go when playing the Cardinals

"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 26, 2009 4:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh, I would have changed it if they had lost.

But I figured 7 runs was reasonably safe.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Apr 26, 2009 5:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

and once Cotts was removed

"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru

by LAcarl519 on Apr 26, 2009 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Good game

Is anyone listening to the radio post game? They said they’d have a Derrek Lee update.

"Check the magic of a winning season and there are always reasons beyond the talent." Ned Colleti

by wrigleyrocker12 on Apr 26, 2009 4:18 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Aaron Miles looked better today, which was good.

Micah Hoffpauir’s approach at the plate looks much improved. I have more hope for him.
Hopefully Cotts can build off of getting some LH bats out.
What a difference a 10 run win can make! The biggest positive is that Fukudome has turned our expectations around 180 degrees – just think back to that fanpost the first week of the season…
Get well soon, Derrek!

Derrek Lee is good.

by DGU on Apr 26, 2009 4:20 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

If Miles

can turn into a Riot type hitter, that would be very good.

"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 26, 2009 4:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I like Fukudome's approach at the plate.

He looks, again, like he did during April and May last year. The #2 spot seems to suit him perfectly.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Apr 26, 2009 4:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

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

by Cubbie-Tim on Apr 26, 2009 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

One thing to remember

Cardinals only have 6 losses. Half of those are to the Cubs. With 26 days in April the fact is, Cardinals have played better than Cubs. But despite the fact, Cubs have split the series in Cards. We’ll be OK.

Also, I’m convinced that Harden will be healthy all year but will be completely overlooked in Cy Young and be considered the most underrated pitcher in the NL.

by ak123 on Apr 26, 2009 4:24 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

If Harden is healthy all year...

…. he won’t be overlooked.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Apr 26, 2009 4:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I hope you're right

By the way, how much did I suck at dropping Fukudome on fantasy the first week of the season :)

by ak123 on Apr 26, 2009 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe that's why he's doing so well!

Don’t pick him up again!

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Apr 26, 2009 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

My first pick was Pujols though...

I know I’m disgusted with picking him because he’s a Cardinal but we have to face the facts and I’m in 2nd place in my league (I know it’s early).

by ak123 on Apr 26, 2009 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Overlooked?

Ol’ Jon and Joe just had a list of ML strikeout leaders with Harden nowhere to be seen….Santana – 37 – Greinke – 36 – Lincecum – 35
Doesn’t Harden have 37?

by kodypuckett23 on Apr 26, 2009 7:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

35

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living."

by jkobus on Apr 26, 2009 8:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Deep breath, everyone.

Great game. DOME ROCKS!

"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 26, 2009 4:26 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

This place is a lot more interesting when the Cubs are losing.

If I wasn’t a Cubs fan, I would only come here to read the ridiculous entertainment that goes on when they are floundering.

That said, I hope the Cubs win all year and this site is happily boring with recaps of great Cubs success and people posting about their cats.

by bdoubleu on Apr 26, 2009 4:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Very true...

My cat’s breath smells like cat food.

by CubsWin!Oregon on Apr 26, 2009 5:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

TMI

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Apr 26, 2009 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

:)

It sounds more interesting when Ralphie from the Simpsons says it, I guess :)

by CubsWin!Oregon on Apr 26, 2009 6:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Second pitcher in Arizona

Andy Petit. He’s still playing? We can take that series.

"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 26, 2009 4:28 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Yusmeiro Petit

Replacement while Brandon Webb is on the DL. He’s allowed 5 ER in 10 innings, though he hasn’t been helped by his bullpen at all.

(Andy spells his last name Petitte, I believe; Yusmeiro pronounces his name like “small” in French, I think)

by CubsWin!Oregon on Apr 26, 2009 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

oh, well

that explains it. I thought something was wrong about the name.

"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 26, 2009 6:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

CUBS WIN.....W FLAG IS UP.........

This is the team we knew could do it….Just a bump in the road,,,,Both offense and defense stepped up….Now it’s onto Az …..And more quality wins ..

by cubs north on Apr 26, 2009 4:28 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

By going to school near St. Louis

I have the opportunity to watch the Cardinal announcers every now and then, and was watching them with a few Cardinal fan friends of mine today. When Harden hit Pujols, the announcers went nuts, saying how “he was obviously trying to hit him in the previous at bat, and finally he was able to execute team orders” or something along those lines. They also stated how warnings should have been issued, which I would understand, but how “everyone in the stadium must understand how obvious it was that Harden was trying to retaliate for Soriano’s HBP.” Not sure if it was on purpose, but the Cardinal announcers sure knew exactly what was going on in Harden’s head at the time. But it was nice to have a win like this, I hope D-Lee isn’t out for long.

"The finish line is just the start of the next race."

by Sobenergy on Apr 26, 2009 4:29 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I think it was on purpose

which is fine. Who knows, maybe something happened last year and the Cubs picked a good time to retaliate.

The only problem is that TLR likes to get into beanball wars, so who knows how this will end up. These teams see each other a lot in the first half of the season.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 26, 2009 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Harden did the right thing.....

After Alfonso got hit in the head Harden needed too and did the right thing by beaming a cardinal batter and Poo Hole was the right one to hit. He didn’t aim for the head or try and brush him back with a high and tight pitch. Harden hit him in the butt. Poo Hole reaction to hit was not necessary and what a sally he needs the trainer to come out after taking a fastball to ass. Nice win today now let’s get a streak going!

"Commit to the Indian!"

by Bpatterson83 on Apr 26, 2009 5:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

um...grow up.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 26, 2009 5:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

um....no

"Commit to the Indian!"

by Bpatterson83 on Apr 26, 2009 5:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Okay tool

"Commit to the Indian!"

by Bpatterson83 on Apr 26, 2009 5:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

oh, dear.

"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 26, 2009 5:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What picture is he gonna go with?

A tool shed? I’ve always been partial to the spade.

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Apr 26, 2009 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

just calling it what it is, eh?

"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 26, 2009 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I see what you did there.

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Apr 26, 2009 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

meaningful look over the tops of my glasses

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Apr 26, 2009 6:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Keepin' it classy, eh?

Ok, I’ll do the dumb thing and jump in.

It’s “bean”, not “beam”; this isn’t Star Trek. And it’s only a beaning if the batter is hit in the head, i.e. “bean”. Pet peeve of mine.

As for the rest of it, yeah, grow up a little.

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 26, 2009 5:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

ohh so sorry...

Bean

"Commit to the Indian!"

by Bpatterson83 on Apr 26, 2009 5:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

that's the correction you come away with?

oh, dear.

"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 26, 2009 5:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Bean

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 26, 2009 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I played baseball for 17 years or so...

besides watching it religiously all my life. I can’t say I’ve ever heard that a “bean ball” is only when a batter is hit in the head. It’s possible of course since we tend to misuse all kinds of words, but even so that limited definition is a new one to me.

Btw, I’ve always been curious, if you don’t mind me asking: I assume you went to school in Madison, but what does the Shanghai refer to in your moniker?

by CubsWin!Oregon on Apr 26, 2009 6:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Here is one source for the beaning reference. There are others, but think about where the term would come from. Again, the “bean”.

From 2004 – 2008, I spent a lot of time in Shanghai for work, including an assignment that lasted almost 11 months. I figured it was unique and a user name that likely would be available most places! (And yes, I’m a UW Alumnus). Plus, I like Shanghai a lot, and would jump at a chance to live there for a couple of years.

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 26, 2009 6:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cool.

Thanks for the link.

I haven’t been anywhere in Asia yet (just all over Europe and some in the ME). I’m really curious about China though, especially since my girlfriend in 1st generation (Cantonese). Hopefully I’ll get to Shanghai at some point.

by CubsWin!Oregon on Apr 26, 2009 6:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I've not been to Europe yet; I'll get there

I’ve been to Thailand and Singapore, too, but for much shorter trips.

Shanghai is a fascinating city — it’s got to be like Manhattan was 100 years ago in the sense that you can see it emerging. You’re also not likely to find a place so modern, yet so backwards at the same time.

The worst part about losing my job was not going there; since I’ve got extra vacation with the new job that I have to take in the next two months, I’m going to go for a visit to see some friends.

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 26, 2009 6:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Waitaminute...

…did you just call Albert Pujols a “sally”?

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 26, 2009 5:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

indeed,

that’s exactly what I said to myself, self.

"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 26, 2009 5:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I hate it when I don't pay attention to me

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 26, 2009 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I am a conundrum.

"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 26, 2009 5:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

An enigma, even

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 26, 2009 5:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

puzzling

"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 26, 2009 6:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Quite a question mark.

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Apr 26, 2009 7:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

"I'll never forget how I felt last October." ~Kosuke Fukudome

by Goodie1969 on Apr 26, 2009 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

First off, it’s Pujols. He’s the best player in the game of baseball, treat him like such. The reason the Cubs/Cards rivalry is one of the best in all of sport is because both sides respect and appreciate each other’s traditions and history.

Second off, if you’re going to talk like a child, you’re going to be treated as such. Like daver said, it’s old school baseball to hit someone for a HBP that was unintentional, but to do so to Pujols, in a game like today, with Harden rolling was IMO a silly idea.

Third, you might want to reconsider being a jerkoff to some long time posters here.

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 26, 2009 5:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

so Pujols is untouchable?

He’s one of the best in the game, I just dont understand all the man love for him over here……….

by bheidge on Apr 26, 2009 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The point is, his name isn't "Poo Hole" and this isn't fourth grade

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 26, 2009 6:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

let's just say

we’re fans of the game as well as fans of the Cubs. Anyone who plays baseball as well as Pujols deserves respect.

"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 26, 2009 6:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Good morning from Okinawa, Japan...

Looks like another good day for Dome, right? I’ll go watch some video footage on MLB.com…
Keep it up Dome!

by dragonsfanatic on Apr 26, 2009 4:30 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

yo, Dragon!

"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 26, 2009 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yep

What’s the spelling of this in the English alphabet?

誕生日おめでとう!

Happy birthday to Dome!

Cubs record since April 2004: 4-0

by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 26, 2009 4:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks.

Cubs record since April 2004: 4-0

by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 26, 2009 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Domo arigato

That and “Eigo ga hanasemasu ka?” is the extent of my Japanese, unfortunately. (But the universal language, beer, worked pretty well at the Tokyo Dome.)

by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 26, 2009 4:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

well...

Baseball spoken here and there :-)

by dragonsfanatic on Apr 26, 2009 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hey Dragon...

Ohayou!

I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...

by Jimmyeatworld on Apr 26, 2009 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cubs and Bulls win!!!

I actually missed a portion of the game due to the Bulls. It was worth it.

"Check the magic of a winning season and there are always reasons beyond the talent." Ned Colleti

by wrigleyrocker12 on Apr 26, 2009 4:33 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Yes, it was.

Cubs win + Bulls win = great day.

Did anyone manage to split-screen and watch both games simultaneously?

Cubs record since April 2004: 4-0

by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 26, 2009 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I was for awhile

But in the NBA, it all goes so fast that you need your full attention to it.

"Check the magic of a winning season and there are always reasons beyond the talent." Ned Colleti

by wrigleyrocker12 on Apr 26, 2009 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And Blackhawks romped last night

a very nice sequence over the last several hours!

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse

by BigJohnAZ on Apr 26, 2009 4:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

with 5 minutes to go in the Bulls game

I finally decided to TiVo the Cubs and finish the Bulls game live. It was a good decision. It kept me off BCB today, as I had to catch the Cubs a bit late. But it was fun to watch both games today. All this Chicago success in the last 18 hours (starting with the Blackhawks and including the White Sux losing!!) takes me back to my younger days on the north side.

A perfect day!

"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru

by LAcarl519 on Apr 26, 2009 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I got on the elliptical with "5 minutes to go in the Bulls game"

and parked myself in front of a TV with Cubs-Cards. Little did I know that 35 minutes later the Bulls-Celtics game would still be going on.

by ChipSet on Apr 26, 2009 9:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think I know the reason for this happening

I just got back from a 4 day train trip to Germany. During the trip, we lost. The first full day I get back, this happens.

Therefore, I must never return to Germany. Unfortunately, I’m going back on 3 May. Hopefully since it’s a different part of the country it doesn’t repeat itself.

The day we lose our will to fight - Is the day we lose our Freedom.

by sanantonecub on Apr 26, 2009 4:35 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

No it's because

I wore my lucky socks!

by santo4hof on Apr 26, 2009 4:37 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You have to get out of the trip somehow.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Apr 26, 2009 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wohin...

in Deutschland bist du gegangen?

by CubsWin!Oregon on Apr 26, 2009 6:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Believe it or not

but the Cubs are one of only two teams that haven’t put a player on the DL yet. (The Reds are the other.) But boy, it did seem like 1985 for a while today, except the injuries are to position players rather than pitchers.

This team has problems, but they can be solved and we can still win it all this year. Just got to play through this rough spot.

by Josh77 on Apr 26, 2009 4:38 PM CDT reply actions   1 recs

They haven't put a player on the DL...

But yet they have the most injuries.

"Check the magic of a winning season and there are always reasons beyond the talent." Ned Colleti

by wrigleyrocker12 on Apr 26, 2009 4:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cubbie Ocurrences. :D

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Apr 26, 2009 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You beat me to it

Only the Cubs. (I say this with bemused laughter, nothing else.)

by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 26, 2009 6:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

NO CARDINAL FEED.....

We could not get any of the game from the Cardinal’s booth …Saw it on WGN . Most of the time Cardinals duo is anti Cub, Anti Chicago….Never got to see the Post game

by cubs north on Apr 26, 2009 4:42 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Felt good to see some signs of life from guys like Micah and Miles.

We need them to be on if our regulars are hurt. Dome looks just bloody brilliant so far this season, and I was amazed to see Soriano (1) stay out to run after getting beaned and (2) smacking another few hits later in the game.

Also, Harden pegged Pujols in the arse/hip later in the game. It seemed quite pre-meditated and unnecessary, as Wellemeyer didn’t appear to hit Soriano in the head (duh). Not sure why Harden did that.

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 26, 2009 4:56 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

It's just old school baseball.

Even if Wellemyer didn’t hit Soriano on purpose, he can’t miss so badly with a pitch that he nails a player – and a star player, no less – in the head. That’s pure incompetence, and his team is going to pay. I’m not saying it’s right or wrong – just the way the game has been played for decades upon decades.

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 26, 2009 5:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Incompetence, yes.

Wellemeyer has been wild all year. I doubt it was intentional, but I think Harden did the right thing.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Apr 26, 2009 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You're playing with fire.

Hit Albert a few feet higher and you’ve got his elbow. Not his throwing one, albeit, but still. If a plunk was intentional I have no problem hitting the crap outta the Cardinals, but no one in their right mind thought Soriano’s HBP was on purpose. Someone in the game thread did say it was a smart move by Lou because now both sides are warned—and if the Cardinals retaliate the retaliation (?!), someone wearing red woulda been ejected. Does that make sense?

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Apr 26, 2009 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

and if the Cardinals retaliate the retaliation (?!), someone wearing red woulda been ejected. Does that make sense?

It does to me. Soriano’s was to the head; it could have been a huge loss if he’d really been hurt. Remember Koskie.

This was aimed pretty well, at the least bad part of the body, and was close enough to the end of Harden’s run that it could be explained with loss of control. If there’d been retaliation, the Cards would have had ejections.

Personally, I would have preferred Ankiel, or Ludwick. But that’s because I don’t like those guys as much.

"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 26, 2009 6:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm with Dave on this one

What purpose does it serve?

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 26, 2009 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's just a bizarre, ritualized form of tribal communication.

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 26, 2009 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, I know, but still

1 — With the Cubs having a decent lead, why stir up trouble?

2 — If you’re gonna do it, do it right and get him the first time you try.

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 26, 2009 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Harden did try the first time...

and Albert knew it was coming and was standing off the plate so far that Harden would have gotten run if he had hit him. Harden did the right thing by waiting until Pujols got close enough to the plate that he could throw the butt-ball without getting tossed.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 26, 2009 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I will say that he did it right by hitting him below the waist

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 26, 2009 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Anybody else enjoying the discussion of “Harden”, “Pujols”, and throwing balls at butts?

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Apr 26, 2009 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's not bizarre or a ritual.

It’s letting Cards pitchers know that if they want to throw high and tight they damn well better not miss. It makes sense. If they want to back Cubs pitchers off the plate by throwing high then a Cardinal batter is going to wear one. Simple as that.

by Acapulco Taco Pie on Apr 26, 2009 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well, I happen to think...

…grown men beaning each other with balls is, in some sense, bizarre. And it’s absolutely a ritual IMHO. In fact, what you just described is a ritual.

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 26, 2009 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I guess it's semantics then

I just see it as strategy. If they are going to throw high and tight to your best hitters and miss then they can expect their batters to get it in the back side. There is strategy involved.

by Acapulco Taco Pie on Apr 26, 2009 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, I suppose there's some strategy as well...

…though I’m not sure putting Pujols on base is the greatest strategy – he’s a smart baserunner and he proved he can pull of a steal 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 26, 2009 5:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

we were pitching around him all day

not sure what the difference is if we put him on base with 4 pitches or 1

by bheidge on Apr 26, 2009 6:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

he was gonna get walked

anyway. We only went after him once, when Gregg was pitching, and we lucked into a doubleplay.

"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 26, 2009 6:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Grown men running around...

wearing matching uniforms and playing a game that is primarily played by children. Taking themselves very seriously and we are the fans, most of us former childhood players, take them even more seriously.

Baseball. Its part of the human condition.

by bdoubleu on Apr 26, 2009 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's part of the game...

it’s serves as one of the things that bind a team together. Pitchers protecting their batters. Remember, this isn’t pretend baseball like the AL. Harden will have to take his turn in the batter’s box against the Cardinals again someday.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 26, 2009 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Did you see him hustle out that bunt today!

He ran like a ninja!

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Apr 26, 2009 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

Yeah!

I almost forgot about that! You always like to see guys run out their bunts hard, and Harden looked good running, too. Maybe Lou will use him as a pinch runner like Marquis… haha.

by aldimond on Apr 26, 2009 6:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Understood, but

Again, it was clearly an accident.

I’m all for retaliation when warrented. For example, I really hope Lilly gets a start against the Giants this year.

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 26, 2009 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The hitting him part was, but I see your point

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 26, 2009 5:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

too many hitters around MLB

crowd the plate so much, the inside corner is their elbow. pitchers need to throw inside to get hitters to respect their plate.

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

by Cubbie-Tim on Apr 26, 2009 5:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I completely agree with that

Way too many hitters get their dander up on inside pitches

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 26, 2009 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

there is nothing wrong with a litttle up and in

but it has to be pinpoint, which most pitchers cannot do, beacuse if it gets away, the results can be horrible

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

by Cubbie-Tim on Apr 26, 2009 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

yeah, which is why he shouldn't be throwing up and in

Pitchers can throw inside without throwing it high and inside, that’s my point. Again, imagine if Pujols had been hit in the head. What do you think TLR would have done? I will guarantee they would have been throwing at heads because they’ve done it before. They head hunt even when their players get hit “accidentally” in the rib cage.

by Acapulco Taco Pie on Apr 26, 2009 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

is that the hitters fault for crowding

and hanging over the plate tho? you cannot expect a pitcher to be suxccessful with half a plate to use.

and is used to be (and should be still) and up and in set up low and away

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

by Cubbie-Tim on Apr 26, 2009 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

tim typos strike again

and it used to be***
successful, no x

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

by Cubbie-Tim on Apr 26, 2009 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You can throw up and in without throwing at head

Sori does probably crowd the plate because he’s up at the front of the box but he doesn’t hang over it like a lot of guys do. You would probably see him get hit a lot more if that were the case. Carlos Quentin would be a guy that comes to mind that does that and gets hit a lot. I’m not sure we are necessarily disagreeing here but I think you can pitch inside and back guys off the plate without throwing above the arm pit. I also am positive that LaRussa would have intentionally been hitting people in the head if Pujols took one off the helmet first.

by Acapulco Taco Pie on Apr 26, 2009 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I have not said throw at the head once

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

by Cubbie-Tim on Apr 26, 2009 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I didn't claim you did.

When you say it’s hitter’s fault for crowding plate you seem to be implying they should expect to have the ball thrown at their head. If that’s not what you meant then I misunderstood. As i said before, I’m not sure we are necessarily disagreeing with one another.

by Acapulco Taco Pie on Apr 26, 2009 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

expect inside pitches

that is the pitchers job, to take his palte back.

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

by Cubbie-Tim on Apr 26, 2009 5:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree with pitching inside no question

..just saying that if you don’t have good control as a pitcher you don’t risk hitting someone in the freakin’ skull. You could end a guy’s career.

by Acapulco Taco Pie on Apr 26, 2009 5:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

agreed

and at the same time if a hitter knows he crowds the plate, and the pitcher has been wild, he needs to step back for his own safety. cannot strictly blame a pitcher. No pitcher is going to aim for a head (or atleast I would hope not)

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

by Cubbie-Tim on Apr 26, 2009 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

just curious

Did you think Soriano could have gotten out of the way of that pitch?

by Acapulco Taco Pie on Apr 26, 2009 5:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

not a chance.

"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 26, 2009 6:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well... maybe

If he happened to react differently he may have dodged it. Then again had he reacted differently a pitch that had broken differently could have hit him. I certainly don’t think he was trying to get hit.

by aldimond on Apr 26, 2009 6:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The BCB spellchecker is failing alot today.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 26, 2009 5:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

it is my way of being original

no one can say i stole the line that way :=)

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

by Cubbie-Tim on Apr 26, 2009 5:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

This is the internet....

facts do not apply.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 26, 2009 5:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

lol

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

by Cubbie-Tim on Apr 26, 2009 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Facts...

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 26, 2009 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Right.

I’m not normally in favor of throwing at hitters, but if the Cardinals are doing it, the Cubs have to send some kind of message that they’re not just going to take it.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Apr 26, 2009 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think it was also a little GS payback from Saturday

Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!

by Zeke on Apr 26, 2009 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes, but again...

…it was an unacceptable accident. A pitcher can’t be allowed to go high and tight and miss that badly.

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 26, 2009 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

exactly

…and if their pitchers aren’t good enough to throw that pitch without beaning someone then they should realize there are consequences.

by Acapulco Taco Pie on Apr 26, 2009 5:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

this is one "tradition" I hate

someone could get seriously injured and it’s just childish.

by Emelie on Apr 26, 2009 6:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Right.

I’m not necessarily rejoicing or disapproving of what Harden did. Baseball has a culture all its own and sometimes teams follow these rituals. As long as no one gets (seriously) hurt, I can accept it.

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 26, 2009 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It was only a matter of time before Soriano got nailed.

After Soriano hit that game winning homer against the Cards in the 8th last Friday, it’s not surprising that they were throwing the ball up and in at him. I don’t think Wellemeyer did it intentionally but I’m pretty positive LaRussa told them to get it high and tight on him. That’s how TLR operates. I don’t have any problem with Harden letting the Cards know he didn’t appreciate them beaning his guy. You better believe the Cards would have been throwing at skulls if Pujols had taken one off the helmet like Sori did.

by Acapulco Taco Pie on Apr 26, 2009 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree.

And if Wellemyer would have gone high and tight on Soriano but NOT hit him, the Cubs would’ve probably done nothing. But ol’ Todd can’t miss that badly.

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 26, 2009 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I 'spsose...

Still, hit him the first AB throwing at him!

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 26, 2009 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

"'spsose?"

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 26, 2009 5:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

add that to the BCB dictionary.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 26, 2009 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What's the definition?

"It's been my policy to view the Internet not as an 'information highway,' but as an electronic asylum filled with babbling loonies." - Mike Royko

by DTJchris on Apr 26, 2009 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

'spsose

[SPO-ZEE] vb. to acknowledge another’s point in a minor disagreement, possibly semantically related

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 26, 2009 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

and if anyone knows if Badger and Daver are semantically related

it’s us.

"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 26, 2009 6:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Indubitably

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 26, 2009 6:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Indivisidably.

"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 26, 2009 6:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

One poster, with sand pounding for all

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 26, 2009 6:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Get stuffed.

"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 26, 2009 6:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 26, 2009 6:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I should have said

“Got Stuffing”? Surely, we can get a SWL picture for this…

"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 26, 2009 6:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

We talk funny sometimes.

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 26, 2009 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed

And I’m sure Harden just earned a bunch of attaboys from his teammates for doing it.

Funny that TLR gets in a huff about stuff like this considering one of his franchise’s all-time greatest pitchers (Bob Gibson) used to live on the inside of the plate.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 26, 2009 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

besides

that low and away pitch that Soriano can golf is his bread and butter. You HAVE to pitch those guys high and inside to get them away so that the low and away pitch is available to you.

He just screwed it up too badly to ignore.

"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 26, 2009 6:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I haven't looked into any comments from TLR

towards Wellemeyer, but he’s very anti throwing towards the head, and thinks all MLB pitchers are good enough to not miss that badly. I imagine he had a talk with Wellemeyer, and I’m pretty sure he would never start “throwing at skulls”.

Shaping up to be a good battle this season. it’s good to see intelligent cubs fans, here on BCB, to counter the ones who give the majority a bad name.

by STLRegalia on Apr 27, 2009 3:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

since when..

do the Cards throw at skulls? I’ve seen several comments on here mentioning TLR, and throwing at heads, which he doesn’t do. I know that he is quick to retaliate, especially if you go after one of his best, but he never authorizes anyone to throw at the head. Welly has been wild all year, and I seriously doubt that he meant to hit Soriano. That being said, I’m sure he meant to go up and in, because you have to push Soriano back. The guys head is practically over the plate. I hate the beanball wars, but unfortunately knowing TLR, we’ve just started a new one. He protects Pujols like no other, and I’m sure he was none to pleased about the intentional HBP, in retaliation for a mistake on Wellys part.

by Cardsfan25 on Apr 28, 2009 8:18 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

a lineup suggestion once everyone's healthy

Given that Sori’s going to be leading off indefinitely, Theriot’s hitting well, Lee’s not what he used to be, Bradley will hit sixth when he returns and Dome’s success, what about this lineup against righties:

Sori
Theriot
Fukudome
Ramirez
Lee
Bradley
Soto
Fontenot

I could also see switching Lee and Bradley …

by elgato on Apr 26, 2009 5:10 PM CDT reply actions   1 recs

leave Dome in the 2 hole

he seems to produce well there

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

by Cubbie-Tim on Apr 26, 2009 5:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I initially thought the same thing...

…but he batted third today.

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 26, 2009 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I hear

that’s where your best batter is supposed to go.

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Apr 26, 2009 5:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

So why doesn't Hoffpauir hit 3rd?

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 26, 2009 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

because he is not in Iowa

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

by Cubbie-Tim on Apr 26, 2009 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

a question

Clutche asks himself every night, as he drifts to sleep, holding his Hoffpauir Sekrit Diary. :D

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Apr 26, 2009 6:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

small sample?

ahh the ever so favorite reply to anything here that is based on one 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

by Cubbie-Tim on Apr 26, 2009 5:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

LOSI

our LOSI with Dome in the 3-hole is too significant.

"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 26, 2009 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

LMAO

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

by Cubbie-Tim on Apr 26, 2009 5:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It is a relatively small sample...

…but it’s not like Lou couldn’t make some lineup moves later in the season if he so chooses.

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 26, 2009 5:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

exactly

I actually like it because Theriot doesn’t drop back to the eight hole.

by elgato on Apr 26, 2009 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

i was being smart ass more than anything

I really do not care where anyone bats, as long as they are hitting the ball

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

by Cubbie-Tim on Apr 26, 2009 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

but but but

this is LOU! Once he makes a lineup, it’s written in STONE!

"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 26, 2009 6:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I was

thinking of this same lineup, Dome is hitting well 3rd. Move Dlee to 6th, bat rammi 4th and gameboard 5th.

"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg

by gwood on Apr 26, 2009 8:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sure wish Gregg

Could retire batters, at least every now and then 1-2-3. Even with a 57-run lead, it’s like a Mitch Williams flashback.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Apr 26, 2009 5:11 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

as long as no one scores

I’m ok with it.

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Apr 26, 2009 5:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

making Pujols ground into a double play was pretty clutch...

…I’ll take it.

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on Apr 26, 2009 5:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hoffpauir was in involved...

…so that should be spelled “clutche.”

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 26, 2009 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

LBR made

a pretty good play on the double play to end the game

"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg

by gwood on Apr 26, 2009 8:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He also made a good play on an in-between hop earlier in the game. He flashed some

leather today.

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Apr 26, 2009 8:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

that was awesome.

"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 26, 2009 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

D-backs continue to flounder

now down 4-1 to SF on a Sandoval 3-run dinger….perhaps the Cubs are going to the PHX airplane hanger at the right time, finally….

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Apr 26, 2009 5:18 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, the Cubs need to...

…put the Curse Misfortunes of Chase Field behind them once and for all.

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 26, 2009 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

from your keyboard

to the mountaintop.

"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 26, 2009 6:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nice win for the

Cubs today. I’m thirlled to see Dome playing this well. Hope he can keep it going.

Hope Lee isn’t out very long.

by sue369 on Apr 26, 2009 5:33 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

With the Bulls and the draft going on today

I didn’t see all of the Cubs game.

Can you guys tell me: did we play better fundamental baseball today?

"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 26, 2009 5:35 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

how did the Bears draft look?

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

by Cubbie-Tim on Apr 26, 2009 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

They got 4 of the consensus "Best Available Prospects" at the beginning of Day 2

So, I have to say they did a good job. But, we all know you can’t evaluate a draft until 2 or 3 seasons later.

My link here on Windy City Gridiron

"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 26, 2009 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Good. Progress.

However… Harden is the only guy on our staff who can be counted on to lay down a sac bunt. He’s a very good athlete.

Everyone else has failed miserably at it so far in the early going.

"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 26, 2009 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Dempster's bunting doesn't concern me . . . .

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 26, 2009 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oy vay... U-G-L-Y

"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 26, 2009 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Indeed

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 26, 2009 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Dempster actually successfully sacrificed the other day

However it was hardly textboook. Molina tagged him out in the batters box. LOL.

"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 26, 2009 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If he stays healthy, he'll lead the team in sac bunts

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 26, 2009 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Molina

never would have tried to do that to Ted Lilly.

"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 26, 2009 6:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

yes.

some stolen bases, some very snappy 5-4-3 double-plays, lots of patience at the plate, lots of small ball before the 7th inning.

"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 26, 2009 6:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Fundamentals, from what I saw...

I left for a run once the Bulls game finished; up to that point the defense looked good. Kudos to LBR — I wasn’t expecting a lot out of his 3B work and he’s looked pretty good so far. I didn’t see Hoff’s homer, but I thought his approach was right on when he walked a run in earlier — forced a pitcher struggling with his command to throw him strikes. I think if some of the soft-hit balls early in the game hadn’t dropped in we’d all have been complaining about the lack of patience early on. I don’t recall the inning, but there was at least one AB where Johnson K’d where he expanded his strike zone too much. Riot’s bunt single in the first was OK; he might not have made it if it was covered better, but it was a safe bunt that would have at least moved the runner over.

As far as pitching fundamentals go, they walked four batters (and hit one) but three of the walks and the hit batsman were Pujols. Can’t complain too much. It’s disappointing that Harden couldn’t be more efficient with pitches and go 7 innings with a big lead and a short bullpen.

by aldimond on Apr 26, 2009 7:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cotts

If he’s not gone b tomorrow why don’t they save everyone the trouble and just put 2 runs on the board for the other team?

Jay is our Quarterback. I REPEAT JAY IS OUR QUARTERBACK. Did I mention we have a Quarterback who happens to be named Jay?.

by cubstoseriesby100 on Apr 26, 2009 5:41 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

We could have a useful pitcheron the roster named Vizcaino...

instead of this bum.

"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 26, 2009 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I wouldn't be suprised if no one picks him up

And if he is picked up, by the end of the year, no one here will be wishing the Cubs had kept him

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 26, 2009 5:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Right.

If Vizcaino could throw lefthanded, he’d still be a Cub.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Apr 26, 2009 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I bet he can...at least as well as Cotts does.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 26, 2009 5:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just about anyone here could throw lefthanded as well as Cotts does.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Apr 26, 2009 5:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Viz

is still getting a ML paycheck.

"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 26, 2009 6:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 26, 2009 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Except for the Phillies cap, I think he'd do just fine.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Apr 26, 2009 5:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

While searching for that, I found another reason to reconsider that lefty-righty thing

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 26, 2009 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

bet she can throw lefty as well as Cotts

and look much better doing 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

by Cubbie-Tim on Apr 26, 2009 5:55 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'd have to think the distraction alone would get some hitters out

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 26, 2009 5:55 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'd tighten up in the box.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 26, 2009 5:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

there would be a lot of hard liners i bet

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

by Cubbie-Tim on Apr 26, 2009 5:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

her box

"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 26, 2009 5:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm tempted to try saying

Acapulco Taco Pie 3 times in a row…

but, I’ll scroll back up instead.

"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 26, 2009 6:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

TWSS

"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 26, 2009 6:55 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wow.

"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 26, 2009 5:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What on Earth did you search for to find that?

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Apr 26, 2009 5:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Pitching Mounds

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 26, 2009 5:59 PM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

I think we should use this when Cotts comes in

Like EA for Hoff…

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 26, 2009 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Don't know; I wasn't in the game thread

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 26, 2009 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

not before

We’ve decided that he only gets EA when he actually PERFORMS. It’s a reward, not an incentive.

He got a few pics today.

"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 26, 2009 6:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

worth a shot

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

by Cubbie-Tim on Apr 26, 2009 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If nothing else, something to look at

Especially if he pitches the way he has been…

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 26, 2009 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

hell, I still say sign her

and let her pitch, cant be worse than Cotts

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

by Cubbie-Tim on Apr 26, 2009 6:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ever see fans asking ballplayers to sign

the chest of their shirts?

She’d be the first ballplayer fans would ask to give their autographs on her chest

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 26, 2009 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

any clue who she is?

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

by Cubbie-Tim on Apr 26, 2009 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

None. I tried to find out, but the site only has random pics

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 26, 2009 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I found this, though

Apparently, the distraction factor is real

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 26, 2009 6:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

she has a nice bounce

in her step IMO

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

by Cubbie-Tim on Apr 26, 2009 6:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Um...

Only the balls should bounce?

by northernsails on Apr 27, 2009 3:20 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I love Japanese culture

especially when this girl bows to show her… erm.. respect… to the fans and players.

by bdoubleu on Apr 26, 2009 6:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Aki Hoshino

is her name, btw.

by bdoubleu on Apr 26, 2009 6:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What is it with Japan?

They have a pretty inordinate fascination with schoolgirl outfits over there. They do in the U.S. too, I guess, but they’re mostly stripper types. It seems pretty mainstream there.

Not that I’m objecting, mind you.

"I'll never forget how I felt last October." ~Kosuke Fukudome

by Goodie1969 on Apr 26, 2009 6:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I love baseball.

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Apr 26, 2009 6:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

aw, hell

you never fail to actually get me to l o l. Like, my wife is now looking at me with suspicion.

"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 26, 2009 6:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

lol

Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!

by Zeke on Apr 27, 2009 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Believe it or not, "baseball dogs"

Then I found one pitching without a Phillie hat, but after posting the above, figured there was no point.

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 26, 2009 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I really like this photo

Liked it so much I made it my avatar. :)

by jeff_pico on Apr 26, 2009 6:43 PM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

Outstanding!

Just trying to help the team . . .

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 26, 2009 6:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I notice you didn't get in all of her

face.

"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 26, 2009 6:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

she is cute

but I think I got the best part lol picture probably a little too big for an avatar, but I’ll take it lol

by jeff_pico on Apr 26, 2009 7:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

HELLO, NURSE!

"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 26, 2009 6:55 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Great googli moogli

"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg

by gwood on Apr 26, 2009 8:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Looks like a strike to me

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 27, 2009 7:40 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

One thing so far about Cotts though...

is that he’s been unusually unlucky with balls that are hit in play. His BABIP% is at .394, which is over 85 points higher than one would expect on his career norms. (His BA against him is also at .364,, which is about .110 higher than his career averages)

Obviously, his biggest problem is his command of the zone, but it doesn’t help when he’s also being extremely unlucky. And it could impact his approach to pitching, if he feels like he has to K everyone to get an out. It might make him over-throw and thus struggle with his command. I have no idea of course. But it’s possible.

(Granted, we’re talking only 10 game appearances, so it’s hard to be definitive. But those are the trends right now).

by CubsWin!Oregon on Apr 26, 2009 7:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cotts

Cotts has had 1 great year in the majors with the white sox and then a ‘decent’ year last year. He’s not exactly a proven major league pitcher. I think what we are seeing is just a guy who has lost ‘it’ if his ‘it’ was really anything exceptional to begin with.

by jeff_pico on Apr 26, 2009 7:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Don't get me wrong.

I’m not arguing that Cotts is a great player. But BABIP% doesn’t lie either. He’s been unlucky, to go along with his other struggles.

My point was about the marginal difference between what we’re seeing, and what one would statistically project should happen. If somone wants to argue that he’s gone from ineffective to really ineffective that’s fine, but it still doesn’t disagree with my point.

by CubsWin!Oregon on Apr 26, 2009 7:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

statistical norm

Wouldn’t the ‘statistical norm’ apply to a guy when he is actually playing at his average level?

There is nothing ‘normal’ about the kind of pitching that Cotts has done.

I mean Rich Hill would have never been expected to lose his command if you looked at his past statistics.

Stuff just happen to people. I feel bad for Cotts also and any player that sees their performance level decline so dramatically. He seems to be healthy physically but its just some minor case of Steve Blass disease.

by jeff_pico on Apr 26, 2009 7:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I feel bad for him

he’s obviously struggling. But he’s paid to be a pitcher.

"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 26, 2009 7:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

THANK YOU.

As one of the very few who have dared defend the Undefendable Neal Cotts, I appreciate this comment.

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 27, 2009 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah...

I generally think that people are way too negative on him as well.

by CubsWin!Oregon on Apr 28, 2009 9:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Or if he gave up a homerun every time out

(and had the initials B.H.)

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 26, 2009 5:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What's the difference...

Does it really matter that your pen would be all right-handed, considering Cotts is absolutely 100% ineffective?

"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 26, 2009 5:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not when you can have Jason Waddell in pinstripes by tomorrow.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Apr 26, 2009 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Is Jason Waddell supposed to be good?

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 26, 2009 5:53 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He can't be worse than Cotts.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Apr 26, 2009 5:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

In 8 appearances,

totalling 7.2 innings, given up 9 hits for 3 ER, including a HR, walked two, and struck out 4. Two appearances count for 6 of those hits, both BB, and the runs.

I make his WHIP to be 1.43, which isn’t great… but is a darn sight better than Cotts’ 2.8.

by znohitter on Apr 26, 2009 6:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just as long as Cotts gone... I'll replace him with anyone at this point.

The guy turns a 5 run lead into a nail biter.

"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 26, 2009 5:53 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I hope Cotts doesn't read this site.

If so, he’s probably suicidal by now.

by bdoubleu on Apr 26, 2009 6:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

LOL

I’d rather they wore pinstripes than those blue softball shirts.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Apr 27, 2009 4:41 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

Unless it’s those powder blue road uni’s they used to have with the white pinstripes . . . pajamas.

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 27, 2009 7:37 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

he only gave up one today, no?

"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 26, 2009 6:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Darn it my Fukodome jersey is in the wash!

"It was a wise Man that invented Beer" (Plato)

by LarryCubFan on Apr 26, 2009 6:10 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Maybe you should make that your superstition?

Since Dome had a career day the same day you washed his jersey, maybe…just maybe, he’ll…

Nah who am I kidding.? I dont believe in that mumbo-jumbo.

by northernsails on Apr 27, 2009 3:24 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I wish Lou was wired for that visit to the mound with Cotts today.

You could see Lou’s lips moving at a pretty rapid rate. My guess is he sounded more like Tony Soprano than a manager on that visit.

Soto was trying to stay as far from Lou as possible.

"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru

by LAcarl519 on Apr 26, 2009 6:24 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Probably a lot like

the one-sided conversation Lou had with Dempster in the ninth on a very cold night in Cincinnati at the start of the 2007 season.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 26, 2009 6:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

there was supposed to be

an update in the post-game presser. I didn’t see it, tho.

"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 26, 2009 7:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

DLee is not going on the DL according to Bruce Miles.

Read it here.

"I'm not much of a chemistry guy, you know. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded"--Jim Frey, Chicago Tribune, 1985.

by zevkalman on Apr 26, 2009 8:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cotts DID get

two outs.

"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 26, 2009 7:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The earth is back on its axis: Yankees v Red Sox tonight!

over/under on a 4 hour game?

the first two have run over 4 hours and 15 minutes.

"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru

by LAcarl519 on Apr 26, 2009 6:34 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

If Viagra is a sponsor

I know who should throw out the first pitch . . .

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 26, 2009 6:38 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Bob Dole?

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 26, 2009 6:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well, he does throw left-handed

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 26, 2009 6:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I see the

Cub game has been moved to CSN+ tomorrow night. The Blackhawks are now on CSN.

by sue369 on Apr 26, 2009 7:20 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Thanks for the note, I'll update the left sidebar.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Apr 27, 2009 4:41 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Happy birthday, Fukudome!

Good post, Al. It’s April. Time to observe, correct whatever is in need to be corrected and time to be patient, not to jump off any ledge. We’ve kept the Cardinals under control (except for the previous 2 games), which bodes well for the divisional run.

by Fraggin Judge on Apr 26, 2009 7:25 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Happy Birthday, Dome!

"I'm not much of a chemistry guy, you know. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded"--Jim Frey, Chicago Tribune, 1985.

by zevkalman on Apr 26, 2009 8:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

One negative from this game -

Lou has an absolute blind spot when it comes to Reed Johnson and it seems to really show up in series v. the Cardinals. RJ is just not a good hitter v. RHP. On his career, he’s hit them .269/.328/.384. How in the world do you hit a player with those numbers 5th?

Derrek Lee is good.

by DGU on Apr 26, 2009 8:14 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

LBR

and Soto aren’t hitting any better. Would you hit Miles 5th?

"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 26, 2009 8:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That is the problem.

I think I would count on one of Fonty or Soto stepping up, though, knowing that RJ is going to fall back. Or I would have started Hoff in LF and Sori at 2B in the first place.

Derrek Lee is good.

by DGU on Apr 27, 2009 7:26 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Or I would have started Hoff in LF and Sori at 2B in the first place

Shudder. Because think about it — you have to put Gathright in Left to replace Sori, so you’re not really gaining anything, are you? And think of the cost…

"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 27, 2009 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Methinks Lou has a number of blind spots.

Like “Stevie” Eyre, Bob Howry, Cotts, and others….

"I'm not much of a chemistry guy, you know. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded"--Jim Frey, Chicago Tribune, 1985.

by zevkalman on Apr 26, 2009 8:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cubs are a mess right now

This should be a week where a lot of things come to a head. I would think we will see something happen with both Cotts and Patton. The former is awful, the later has zero business pitching in the majors right now. I also think we may see Bradley shoved on the DL.

Derrek Lee’s injury is a blessing in disguise on some level. I’m tired of the Cubs living in denial over the marked decline of Lee.

Big week for Geovany Soto. He needs to step to the forefront.

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 26, 2009 8:16 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

only BLou

comes off a 10-3 win with a post headlined “Cubs are a mess right now”

Miles came through for us today. Fonty is playing very good Third Base, even if he’s not hitting that well. Soriano is a true trouper. The bullpen only gave up a single run. And look at Kosuke Fukudome, he is CARRYING THE TEAM.

"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 26, 2009 8:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Kosuke is a mess right now

I’m tired of the Cubs living in denial over the fact that he’s been figured out and is nothing more than a glorified… wait…

Derrek Lee is good.

by DGU on Apr 27, 2009 7:28 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

then there's that

guess hack-ducking Soriano…

"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 27, 2009 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm not sure problems of two middle relievers can qualify team as a mess

As I’ve said many times (at least in my head), I know every fan of their own team thinks that all opposing team bullpens have guys with sub 3 ERAs down the line. These guys are in the bullpen for a reason. The Brewers, for example, have one guy in their bullpen with a sub 3 ERA. Others check in with ERAs of 3.09, 3.60, 5.00, 5.59…

by BeltwayCubsFan on Apr 26, 2009 8:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

All these issues can be rendered less significant

If the Cubs just decide to start playing fundamentally sound baseball for the first time this year…

"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 26, 2009 9:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nobody is living in denial over DLee. Everyone can see that he is

struggling at the plate. What do you expect to happen, ship him off to Japan? When was the last time a veteran player of DLee’s stature was banished to the bench in the first month of the season because he started off slow? It doesn’t happen that way and you know it. Veteran ball players are allowed to pull themselves out of slow starts all the time. Just because the team hasn’t done what you want doesn’t mean that they are in denial.

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Apr 26, 2009 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The denial part is when people chalk up Lee's issues to a "slow start"

Some players do start out slow (like Ryno who never seemed to start hitting until June 1).

In Lee’s case though, he hasn’t been producing or hitting for power since mid way through last season.

I love DLee as much as anybody but his decline, to me anyway, has been pretty undeniable.

by bluekoolaide on Apr 26, 2009 9:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm not advocating sending him to the trash heap

I’m not even necessarily saying he should be benched. The main problem has been Pinella’s very stubborn insistence (until recently) of keeping him in the three hole.

There’s nothing wrong with dropping him to fifth or sixth and seeing how he responds. we got away with carrying him last year because he had a lot of guys producing around him. This year’s line-up (so far) doesn’t seem anyhere near as balanced-if we have to start scratching for runs it isn’t going to help Lee or the team to keep him in such a high profile spot.

by bluekoolaide on Apr 26, 2009 10:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I have absolutely no problem with

dropping him down in the order. Obvoiusly, if the 1 and 2 hitters are getting on base and he is not driving them in, put someone there who will. Altough you may not be saying he should be dumped, there have been many post implying just that.

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Apr 26, 2009 11:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Perfectly said. Rec'd, +1'd, and so on.

This post should be copied and pasted regularly at BCB.

Count me among those who also am happy to deny that DLee’s decline is “obvious.” Last year it was “obvious” that Dome was finished and unable to play ball in the U.S. DLee could indeed be in decline. It’s possible.

But he’s a fit 33, not a flabby 33, and a man who cares about his game. It is still a LOT more likely that Derrek Lee has productive years ahead of him than that he doesn’t.

Derrek Lee is good.

by DGU on Apr 27, 2009 7:32 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed; as I've said so far this season, I'm not giving up on Lee

He’s shown flashes of driving the ball, has gone to RF and RC, which is what he does when he’s “on”. He had a good homestand, even ignoring the fact that 2 of his outs would have likely been homeruns on windless days.

And he drove an inside pitch to the LF wall yesterday that got out there in a hurry.

He’s looked a lot better this April than he did last September.

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 27, 2009 7:40 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I haven't figured out if the DLee bashing

is up as a result of Hoff love, or not. I still believe a declining Lee with his offense and defense is better than plugging Hoff in there every day.

If Hoff gets enough at bats and is run out there every day, pitchers will adjust and feed him the breaking stuff. The Cubs have no need for Rob Deer’s .200 30 HR, 45 RBI stat line with 200k’s from Hoff. If Lou can protect Hoff and keep him mostly on the bench and putting him in position to succeed, his stats will make him look like an all star.

if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand

by N Oakley on Apr 27, 2009 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

Cubs starters may not go deep in games

But hard to think of another 5-deep rotation that basically gives team a quality start every time out. Now, as we’ve seen the past two playoffs, that is not necessarily the most valuable asset of a World Series team (i.e. – they didn’t even get to Lilly in last year’s playoffs), but it certainly SHOULD prevent the Cubs from running into any kind of series losing streak. While the Cubs are ‘nicked up’, plenty of other teams have far more serious injury problems in terms of losing players for significant periods of time.

by BeltwayCubsFan on Apr 26, 2009 8:56 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Wow... the Red Sox just stole home

"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 26, 2009 9:01 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

The game went only 3:09.

What’s wrong with them? I thought the Red Sox and Yankees got paid by the hour when they played each other.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Apr 27, 2009 4:42 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

yeah!

great and huge win today. i know its early and hard to call any win big at this point but this is the cubs team we should see all year! go cubbies keep racking up those wins. only 3 back and not 5 WOOOOO

by cooltrev on Apr 26, 2009 9:10 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Couple of thoughts...

1. I m really proud of kosuke.. He is officially off my list of cubs that i cant stand. I thought his AB aginst miller regrdless of how it turned out was really good… If he can be 70% of what he is now throughout the season we have a good CF…

2. Harden is the man. No way around it. He really does look healthy and if he makes all his starts we will be ok and we have a bonafide ace. That pitch Ankiel took out was absurd. That isnt a bad pitch. That is a bad break. I have never seen a ball tomahawked like that.

3. I am worried about Soto…. I cant stress that enough.

4. The same goes for LBR… Our lineup is not nearly what i thought it is if Soto takes a significant step back and LBR doesnt progress..

5. If derek isnt ok tomorrow we need to make a move. We are WAY WAY WAY to thin on the bench. I think i have personally had enough with the car jumper experiment.

6. Am i the only ne who thinks Micah will have a more productive year with the bat then Lee? Or maybe even the first basemen that is playing at Iowa. I never wish injury on any player but it would be intriguing to me to see D LEE go on the DL and bring Fox up and see what happens with Micah and Fox….

7. I was channel flipping all day (Bulls Cubs and Nascar(anyone who watched the last lap of talladega how crazy was the Carl Edwards crash?/ I am now hooke on Nascar i hope the 7 fans are ok)) so i didnt see Harden plunk Pujols. My opinion: I like that our players care about each other enough to stand up for each other even though Wellemeyers pitch was obviously NOT intentional. (Class act by the STL fans to cheer for Soriano when he went to first.) Great rivalry.

8. Am i happy with the season? No but considering the fact that two people are hitting and two people are pitching I will take it. I just hope we play well out west..We can improe quickly. And i am not sold on STL’s pitching. We just need to start hitting.

9. I LOVE Harden

That is all

4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42

by fischisgod on Apr 26, 2009 9:17 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

haha

Have you guys seen the shirt that says " I have a hardon for harden"?

by xene on Apr 26, 2009 9:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Link?

"I'm not much of a chemistry guy, you know. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded"--Jim Frey, Chicago Tribune, 1985.

by zevkalman on Apr 26, 2009 10:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Dome' quote on his birthday:
“I want to celebrate my birthday everyday if I can hit well on that anniversary.”
                                         - Kosuke Fukudome

by dragonsfanatic on Apr 26, 2009 9:24 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

he's got good reason to celebrate today

so happy he’s exorcising the 2008 demons

by Emelie on Apr 26, 2009 9:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Here's detail of his comment:
“(on RBI single in 1st) It was good single after first and second hitter on bases. I knew there was no chance for double play if I hit into first-base hole.
(on 3-run homer) It makes some different impression of me for the rest of this season if I hit one homer against left hander. "

by dragonsfanatic on Apr 26, 2009 9:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

he's aiming the ball.

That’s freakin’ EXCELLENT.

Think of the impression if he hits TEN homeruns against lefties! Dare, Dome! Dare!

"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 26, 2009 9:38 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm so happy

for Dome. I hope he continues with the success he’s having now.

by sue369 on Apr 27, 2009 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What is the Mendoza line about?

What does it mean or refer to? Always wondered that

by northernsails on Apr 26, 2009 9:34 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

wikipedia is your friend

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mendoza_line

"I'm not much of a chemistry guy, you know. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded"--Jim Frey, Chicago Tribune, 1985.

by zevkalman on Apr 26, 2009 9:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Named for the following player

who can see was offensively challenged. Not sure how it started but .200 has become the Mendoza line.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mendoma01.shtml

by rlpete on Apr 26, 2009 9:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

from Wiki

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mendoza_Line

The Mendoza Line is an informal term used in baseball when a position player’s batting average falls below the boundary between extremely poor and merely below-average offensive production, or the offensive threshold below which a player’s presence in the Major Leagues cannot be justified despite their defensive abilities. It is often used to characterize a batting average of below .200. Pitchers are not held to the Mendoza Line standard, since their specialized work and infrequent batting justifies less competence in hitting.

Named for Mario Mendoza, who hit .198 in 1979 playing for the Mariners.

"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 26, 2009 9:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Batting average of .200

I believe named after Mario Mendoza, who was, well… a good defensive shortstop.

by aldimond on Apr 26, 2009 9:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I remember in the old days the newspapers used to publish all the NL and AL batting averages

And they usually “stopped” at the Mendoza Line to save space, and clearly players batting below .200 weren’t eager to see their names posted anyway.

"I'm not much of a chemistry guy, you know. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded"--Jim Frey, Chicago Tribune, 1985.

by zevkalman on Apr 26, 2009 9:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

PS: they published them on Sunday, IIRC

"I'm not much of a chemistry guy, you know. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded"--Jim Frey, Chicago Tribune, 1985.

by zevkalman on Apr 26, 2009 9:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You just brought back fond summertime memories of

fighting over the Trib Sunday sports section with my brother because, in those days, it was one of the only ways to check all of the individual stats.

by bluekoolaide on Apr 26, 2009 9:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

yep

Been a loong time since they listed stats like that in the newspaper. I remember checking them out every Sunday. Thank God we can find them updated on a daily basis at our fingertips today.

by jeff_pico on Apr 26, 2009 9:53 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Another term I've heard used lately is "The Interstate"

ie. any BA that falls BELOW .200, into the .100s. Or I-99, I-94, I-90, for example.

Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!

by Zeke on Apr 27, 2009 9:03 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Welcome to Bleed Cubbie Blue, the Chicago Cubs blog for the SB Nation, created on February 9, 2005 by Al Yellon
Start posting about the Cubs »

Join SB Nation and dive into communities focused on all your favorite teams.

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recommended FanPosts

Small
Reversal of opinion...Bradley will not be moved
P272649reg_small
VERY OT: The BT Football, "Congrats to ballhawk" & "Sorry, sue369" Thread
Yelloncard_small
Baseball Picture Puzzles Overflow 1
Derrick_rose_poster_by_rokasm_small
You know you want him, Get it done Jim!
Yelloncard_small
Baseball Player Picture Puzzles

Recent FanPosts

Yelloncard_small
Milton Bradley Named NL "LVP" By Joe Posnanski
Self-portrait-4_small
Crazy Idea: Rob Quinlan
10424_528302137858_173702948_31567344_967269_n_small
OT: Big Ten Football Thread, Nov. 21
Small
Grabow to sign
Small
SI archive story on Sandberg and Salaries
Small
OT -- Head to Evanston to Root on Northwestern -- 11/21 v. Wisconsin
Dscn2381_small
On Harden and the Players Jim Hendry Lets Go
P1_cub_fan_all_small
Annual Mark Prior Comeback Thread V. 5.0
Chc_small
Options I'd like to see the Cubs explore.

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

FanShots

Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.

Recommended FanShots

FanGraphs calls Grabow a "waste of cash."
Fangraphs hasn't given up on Geo, should you?
Baseball America's Top 10 Cubs Prospects
An animated tribute to the no-hitter that Pirates pitcher Dock Ellis threw on June 12, 1970. Simply...

Recent FanShots

Making Fun Of Tim Lincecum's Hair...
Would you blow up the farm system for Halladay?
Minor League Ball Interview With Billy Beane
Castillo Rumor Won't Go Away
Minor League FA's
The Cubs Debut of Turk Wendell: A Cautionary Tale Of Classic Cubs History
Slightly OT re: Cards
Lincecum wins NL Cy Young
Kansas City Royals new alt cap, to be worn during home day games. My verdict: ugly. Details here.
Aaron Heilman traded to Diamondbacks

+ New FanShot All FanShots >

It Is Only...

Cubs By The Numbers

Cubs By The Numbers is a history of the ballclub by uniform number, but the biographies help trace the history of our beloved team in a new way. For everyone who's a Cubs fan, anyone who ever wore the uniform is like family. Cubs By The Numbers reintroduces readers to some of their long-lost ancestors, even ones they think they already know.

Click here to order your copy, available now!

SPONSORS

Recent Stories in Ticket Exchanges

Yelloncard_small
Ticket Exchanges: Cubs Convention 2010
Yelloncard_small
Ticket Exchanges: General 2009 Ticket Exchange
Yelloncard_small
Ticket Exchanges: September 29-October 4 Homestand

Managing Editor

Yelloncard_small Al

Editorial Cartoonist

Toonmike_small toonmike

Contributors

Dsc_0139_small holy mackerel

100px-boisehawkscaplogo_small Josh77

Small shawndgoldman