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Chase Field Is Still The Cubs' House Of Pain: Cubs 2, Diamondbacks 7

Maybe Lou will be happier tonight when several of his regulars return to the starting lineup.

More photos » by Matt York - AP

Maybe Lou will be happier tonight when several of his regulars return to the starting lineup.

There isn't a whole lot more to say about the Cubs' 7-2 loss to the Diamondbacks than is expressed in the headline to this post. The Cubs are now 14-28 all-time in Bank Holding Company Ballpark, and that doesn't even include the two NLDS losses in 2007.

Having to wake up at 3:30 am for work, I shut the TV off after the fifth inning when it was 5-1; Dan Haren seemed to have the makeshift Cub lineup (Reed Johnson hitting cleanup? Seriously?) baffled. Only Mike Fontenot broke through after that, capping a 12-pitch at-bat with a solo homer. Another solo homer, Alfonso Soriano's third leadoff jack of the season (and 52nd of his career; his next one will tie him with Craig Biggio for second on the all-time leadoff home run list behind Rickey Henderson), provided the only other Cubs run.

Can we now knock off all the Soriano-has-to-be-dropped-from-leadoff talk? He produces in that spot. He hits better in that spot. The Cubs don't have a reasonable alternative. And guess who's leading all MLB leadoff hitters in runs scored? That's right, Soriano, who now has 19 (Brian Roberts -- ever heard of him? I haven't -- is leading AL leadoff hitters with 18 runs.)

It's also difficult to win when three of your best hitters are out with injuries. Milton Bradley will be back in the starting lineup tonight, and hopefully, so will Aramis Ramirez. Fontenot has done as good a job as possible filling in at 3B, but he doesn't really have the arm for the position. Justin Upton beat out an infield hit in the fourth inning -- I think Ramirez would have thrown him out, and the next hitter, Ryan Roberts, flew out. That would have ended the inning -- instead, the D'backs went on to score four runs, after Ted Lilly loaded the bases with a walk and Dan Haren, who threw the first CG against the Cubs since CC Sabathia threw one on the last day of the 2008 regular season, doubled in two runs and then Chris Young doubled in two more. The inning should have ended in a 1-1 tie; instead, the game was essentially over.

Thus, I want to spend the rest of this post discussing something that has begun to bother a number of regular posters here who have contacted me, and it's also bothering me, too. That issue is the large number of FanPosts that involve tired old topics that have been discussed over and over and over, or posts that discuss a mishmash of things in one single post. "Cub fan rant" from yesterday is, unfortunately, an example of both. Touching on the Milton Bradley issue, the bullpen, and the DeRosa and Marquis deals all in one quick paragraph, it was both unnecessary and went over ground that we have covered over and over and over and Peavy.

We have a lot of new members here since the SBN-Yahoo partnership was announced. And I welcome all of you, and I know all the longterm regulars do, too. However, I want to call everyone's attention again to the Community Guidelines, specifically to this portion that has to do with FanPosts:

Some of the qualities that the most popular FanPosts often have in common are:
  • They expand upon the main idea with supporting examples, or statistical data, or a link to a relevant article, or a "thinking question" for others to consider, etc. -- something beyond just the main idea itself. Don’t just post a large quote from an article and say "What do you think?" Post your own opinion, too.
  • They explore a topic, idea, or question that has not been explored recently, or at all, at BCB. Please check both the FanPost and FanShot recent post lists to see if your topic is already being discussed.
Keep in mind that if your post contains only one point or idea that is not developed, expanded on, or supported with arguments or data, it is really not a FanPost -- it is a comment that should be posted in an existing thread, or posted as a FanShot. (emphasis added, not in original post)

Some examples of good recent FanPosts can be found here, here, here, here, and here. All of those posts explore interesting ideas that had not been discussed previously or recently, are written well, and don't simply regurgitate something from another source (that might be better as a FanShot). There are several posts permanently on the right sidebar that give good tips on how to write and format good posts, under "BCB Specials & Site Info"; if you are new here (or even if you aren't, for a review), please read these carefully before you post. It's simple courtesy when you join a new internet community, to find out the customs of that community before you dive in -- I've heard from many people who have told me they lurked here for many months before posting. It's simple courtesy and those who have been here a while will be happy to help you out if you're new.

Finally, a reminder, related to the above: BCB is not a message board. If you just want to post a rant or a one-line comment, post it under an existing post -- don't start a new one. Thanks for understanding.

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Heard it was ugly

All I can say is: Patience

They’re sorting through injuries and inconsistent play. I honestly believe Lou is using this as an extended spring training, just like 2007.

Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.

by blackhawk24 on Apr 28, 2009 7:52 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

As long as the result...

… a division title… is the same as 2007, I’m fine with it.

(Needless to say, wins in October would be nice, too.)

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

by Al on Apr 28, 2009 8:01 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Will 85 wins this year get the Cubs a division title or the Wild Card?

"People shouldn’t bust your chops just because you’re a Sox fan on a Cub board — but I know it happens. FWIW, I think sites like this are more interesting when fans of other teams join in the conversation." by Shanghai Badger on Mar 13, 2009

by DrCrawdad on Apr 28, 2009 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not likely, but paces in April aren't all that meaningful

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 28, 2009 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

This is one game I'm glad I couldn't get on TV

listening to Pat & Ron’s gallows humor was painful enough. Ron: “Oh jeeze, sheesh, gosh darnit.” Pat: “This was one ragged inning.”

by Emelie on Apr 28, 2009 8:25 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

IS YOUR W FLAG STILL BY THE DOOR ????

Get it ready Cubs do better tonight and on Wednesday,,,,,,

by cubs north on Apr 28, 2009 8:36 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

it is ... although

It got all tangled up in the wind and it’s going to take some doing to untangle… a worthy task, however, if it serves the cause

by Emelie on Apr 28, 2009 8:41 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Tangled?

Maybe THAT’S the problem! Untangle it post haste!

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

by Al on Apr 28, 2009 8:47 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Em forgot to take her W flag down yesterday.

That’s the real reason we lost. We all agreed in the game thread last night. You should change the recap to reflect this!

/s

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

by dtpollitt on Apr 28, 2009 8:48 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You outed me!

forfend! and… yeah, I had a bad feeling when I drove up and saw the sorry state of the flag.

by Emelie on Apr 28, 2009 9:05 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks, Al

Looking at the standings, its a long time since the Cubs have looked up several positions in the standings to the Pirates. Ugh!

IF the Cards put 9-10 games of distance between us, I will “go out on a limb” and say, Wild Card is going to be a more realistic opportunity in 2009.

But the way the team has been been playing this season even healthy, I have to keep reminding myself, “It’s early…” “Only April…”, “Just the First month…(stomach in knot)”

by The E-Man on Apr 28, 2009 8:02 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

It IS only April.

Here’s a good example. On April 24, 2007, the Cubs were 7-13, in last place, and six games out of first place.

Stop worrying so much. The Brewers, who were 13-7 that day, finished 83-79.

Last year’s Diamondbacks started 21-9. Remember? When they came into Chicago at 23-12, everyone was conceding the NL West to them. The Cubs swept them and they finished 82-80 and missed the playoffs entirely.

Long way to go.

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

by Al on Apr 28, 2009 8:19 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I know, I know

patience has been my forte, but there is a part of me saying maybe this team is just not as good as many cubs fans thought over the off season. After winning two division titles in a row maybe we all thought this was going to be easy, and maybe the players did too. I know the injuries have played a big part the past week but our relief pitching doesn’t seem in tune with a 162 game season and our bench is lacking, plain and simple. Our starting pitching can do better.

While I know there is a lot of season to be played and we will be getting healthy soon, maybe this team just isn’t as good as we thought. Not ready to say wild card yet but I do know the Cardinals looked positioned to be in this for the long run.

This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).

by mrcubsfan on Apr 28, 2009 8:20 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Cardinals ...

…. still have rotation and bullpen issues, and they can’t possibly hit this well all year.

Meanwhile, the Cubs have been playing with a 21-man roster the last two days. Will it be easy? No, but it’s not supposed to be easy.

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

by Al on Apr 28, 2009 8:31 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's never easy Al,

because we’re Cubs Fans!

This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).

by mrcubsfan on Apr 28, 2009 8:33 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well, that goes without saying.

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

by Al on Apr 28, 2009 8:40 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Why can't a lineup that includes Pujols, Ankiel, Ludwig, et al continue to hit very well???

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 28, 2009 8:41 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

They very well could. Teams have done more with less than those three, but

those three have to produce because the rest of that roster doesn’t have a lot of pop. If you don’t let those three beat you, they can be stopped.

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

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Apr 28, 2009 8:45 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cards team OPS .854

basically tied with Boston for best in all of baseball. Barden, Duncan, Thurston, Molina all doing well. Rasmus isn’t exactly terrible either. Greene and Schumaker aren’t slap hitters.

by ol Pete on Apr 28, 2009 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well it is a matter of degree

I don’t think anyone expects they will continue to hit .300 as a team. They should continue to be a decent hittng team though.

by rlpete on Apr 28, 2009 8:46 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

i disagree about the rotation issues...

They seem pretty solid to me, going forward at least.

"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"

by HIGGY on Apr 28, 2009 8:43 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Why do you think the Cards offense will fall off?

Aside from Barden (who is a platoon player and will be replaced by the All-Star Glaus once Glaus is healthy), only Molina is hitting out of his mind so far. And Ankiel has slumped out of the gates. The team may drop off a tiny bit, but that offense should be at or near the top all year. Pujols, Glaus, Ludwick, and Duncan (versus RHP) are mashers, Ankiel is pretty solid, and Schumaker is a very good OBP guy.

by SouthernCub on Apr 28, 2009 8:46 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes, those are all good hitters.

But they cannot sustain their present level. No team can.

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

by Al on Apr 28, 2009 8:47 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

As I asked before, who is playing over their heads?

For them to fall off dramatically, somebody has to fade big-time, right? Pujols is Pujols, Ludwick is really good, Duncan is a great platoon hitter and is matching his 2006 numbers. They’ll replace the 1.000 OPS at 3B with a .900 OPS guy in Glaus, and they’ll get more out of Ankiel and less out of Molina. The rest seem on their usual paces.

The team is on pace for 900+ runs. I suspect they’ll end up with ~900 runs, which would be tops in the NL. That offense is really really good. They upgraded at several spots this offseason (Duncan over Miles/Kennedy and Greene over Izturis). They’ll keep scoring, I think.

by SouthernCub on Apr 28, 2009 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I still think the biggest question is whether

Carpenter’s injury is short term. If brief, he can still be a big factor.

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

by N Oakley on Apr 28, 2009 9:06 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's an entirely separate issue...

Al said their offense will fall off. I simply asked for a better rationale as to why, other than “no team can score 6 runs per game.”

Carpenter’s injury is going to be problematic for them the longer it lingers. If he’s back soon and stays healthy, they are real trouble. They’d then have arguably the two best starters, a strong #3, and an adequate #4 and #5. And they’d have a mashing offense. If Carpenter doesn’t get/stay healthy, they’ll have to do it with a bit of smoke and mirrors from the #5 pitching slot.

by SouthernCub on Apr 28, 2009 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'll admit this is entirely conjecture

but if I was a Cardinals fan (shudder) I’d count Carpenter out. He looks to be made from the same mold as The Employee and I doubt he ever pitches a fulltime starting rotation schedule again.

remember
Sammy Jankis

by neverAcquiesce on Apr 28, 2009 9:14 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He may be done, but Carp came back from major arm

surgery to win a Cy Young for the Cards while under a cheap contract. All without whining.

I see no comparison to Mr. “Perfect Mechanics”

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

by N Oakley on Apr 28, 2009 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think you're right on both counts...

I think this team is not as good as many thought, but I don’t think that will necessarily preclude us from winning the division, either. We’re still a very talented team – just not a team that is as able to withstand injuries as we were last year.

Hopefully the lineup will get healthy and start producing soon.

by SouthernCub on Apr 28, 2009 8:31 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

There are alot worse things

than being 9 and 9, and a fairly tough schedule to date. As a wise cub fan once said “Some see the glass as half full, some as half empty. Some Cubs fans see it as half full of Kerosene and on fire”

"I won't be like A-Rod" - Z, 3/17/09

by Ihatethecards on Apr 28, 2009 8:19 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I've heard a version of that glass half full, half empty where for Cub fans

it’s “when will it tip over?” Right now I’d like to see the on fire(in a good way of course).

by katie casey on Apr 28, 2009 9:00 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Last night was the perfect storm. Very weak lineup, a ballpark

that we have had little success in and a pitcher that gives us fits. Does Haren have one of the funkiest motions you have ever seen? I get sick just watching the guy pitch.

On a positive note – Dome. This guy is really playing well. He looks so confident now. He has that air about himself that he knows exactly what he’s doing and he’s going to do it. He’s a really good defender and I really hate to see him leave RF when Milton comes back.

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

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Apr 28, 2009 8:25 AM CDT reply actions   1 recs

Wasn't that a nice catch

and throw out at the plate last night. Simple execution, something some teams cannot do. I hope Fuk keeps this up because when he plays like this he is a very nice player.

This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).

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

Yep. He's as a really smooth player. Very little wasted motion and everything moving in the

right direction. He makes it look so effortless. He’s not out there diving and stumbling around. If you want to be an outfielder, just watch him play.

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

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Apr 28, 2009 8:35 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

If we just play some better fundamental ball (I know I’m harping on this in all my posts), we could turn this into a positive week.

We already faced Haren, so that’s out of the way. We come home to play Florida (who’ve dropped 7 in a row) for 4 games, and won’t have to face Josh Johnson. That’s a plus.

Then, we get 2 games vs the Giants, vs their #5 (Sanchez), and unfortunately Lincecum.

On a side note… we play the Giants for 6 games. 2 at home and 4 on the road. Why on earth do they schedule it like that? Same thing with Florida: 4 at home, 2 on the road. It’s just stupid. Split it up evenly.

"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 28, 2009 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Colorado, too

Two at home, four in Denver.

I try not to make sense out of the schedule anymore. The old couple in Pennsylvania (or wherever) who used to do it was better at it than the computer. Putting St. Louis and Arizona on the same road trip is silly. I think STL and San Francisco form a road trip later in the season.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 28, 2009 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Someone at MLB

should brush up on their travelling salesman problem skills

Oriole by nurture. Cub by marriage.

by wax eagle on Apr 28, 2009 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes, gettting back to last night's baseball contest...

…it wasn’t so much a game as a pitching and base-stealing clinic put on by the illustrious, industrious Arizona Diamondbacks. There’s really no shame in getting beat by Dan Haren – he’s one of the best No. 2s in the league. I just wish the Cubs hadn’t given up seven runs to those light-hitting speedsters.

I thought David Patton had a bounceback appearance of sorts. The wild pitch was obviously a killer (not to mention Fontenot’s error), but he got some ground balls and a couple of Ks. I think Patton could still turn out to be a decent middle-innings-eater for the team. We’ll see. The Shark did OK in the ninth, too.

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by dat cubfan daver on Apr 28, 2009 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Cubs were close

To turning this into a real pitcher’s duel. Get Haren out in the fourth and who knows what would have happened.

That said, Lilly wasn’t particularly sharp. He’s had two good starts and two bad ones. But he’s 1-1 for both halves. Baseball is funny sometimes.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 28, 2009 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, Lilly - as always - deserves points for gutting it out.

His control was off all game. Unfortunately, once again, Chris Young made him pay.

Ah, well. This is a six-game road trip. They still have a shot at breaking even.

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 28, 2009 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

THE B TEAM.....

Should watch and learn from Dome…That was a perfect throw to the plate ….

by cubs north on Apr 28, 2009 8:39 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Cubs are a team with multiple issues

We can keep hoping that when the calendar flips to May it will be the dawn of better baseball. But I think any good Cub fan can objectively see that the 2009 version of this ballclub is flawed to the point where you have to begin questioning things.

I’ve said this multiple times, but bottom line the 2008 Cubs were blessed with an inordinate number of players producing excellent seasons and remarkable overall team health.

A starting infield that included Mike Fontenot, Aaron Miles and Micah Hoffpauir on a ballclub that supports a $140 million payroll about says it all.

Meanwhile, the Cardinals seem intent to perhaps run away with the NL Central. They are a fine ballclub despite the protests of Cub fans who insist we are a much better team on paper and it is only a matter of time before the Cardinal pitching implodes.

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 28, 2009 8:40 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

There's no question that the Cardinals are playing well now.

I question their ability to sustain this pace, that’s all. Remember, as I wrote above, everyone was saying much the same things about Arizona at this time last year. How’d that work out?

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

by Al on Apr 28, 2009 8:41 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well...

Your post is classic denial statement. Instead of objectively looking at the Cubs too many of us have been distracted into trying to find fault with the Cardinals. It’s a slippery slope my friend. And a trap that too many of us fell into hook line and sinker in 2004. Instead of trying to find fault with the Cardinals I’m much more inclined to be deeply and increasingly concerned with what is wrong with this Cub team.

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 28, 2009 8:44 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's not denial.

It’s reality. The Cardinals are a good team. So are the Cubs. Neither is playing to its true level.

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

by Al on Apr 28, 2009 8:48 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

But ARE the Cubs a good team???

Sure, there are core strengths on this ballclub. But there are also profound issues.

1. The bullpen sucks. There, I said it. Hoping for material improvement out of Patton and Cotts is silly. Gregg is what he is. Heilman can’t pitch any better than he already is, and his history shows that he melts as the season progresses. Marmol is carrying the burden for an entire bullpen, which at some point shall where on his effectiveness.
2. Sean Marshall isn’t a starting pitcher.
3. Geovany Soto is completely lost. I’m not going to be silly enough to say it is Rick Wilkins redux, but clearly he is in line for a dramatically reduced production level from 2008. So what is his real ability as a hitter? Have pitchers adjusted?
4. Derrek Lee plays like he is 43 instead of 33 and has become a critical problem in a lineup card that insists he bat 3rd.
5. Milton Bradley is off to the worst conceivable start imaginable, and unless he REALLY gets going and carries this team the Wrigley boobirds are going to be withering in the dispense of their venom. How will Bradley handled that given his, ahem, history?
6. SO MANY career years in 2008.
7. SO FEW injuries in 2008.
8. A wretched bench situation.
9. No Mark DeRosa.
10. No Kerry Wood as closer.
11. A Lou Piniella in the dugout who looks as though he increasingly wants to be sitting poolside in Tampa Bay and taking the Steinbrenners up on their offer to serve as Special Advisor to the Yankees.
12. A farm system largely barren of immediate solutions to what plagues the big league club.
13. A NL Central that is A LOT better.
14. A Mike Fontenot who has no busines being an everyday player.

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 28, 2009 8:57 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

They are a good team...

they just aren’t as good as last year’s team, which was REALLY good.

Some of your points are not permanent things (like #3 and #5), and several are VERY debatable (#s 2, 6, 13, and 14).

The 2009 Cubs aren’t as good as the 2008 team was. But they are better than you are giving them credit for being, and the NL as a whole (with the exception of St Louis) isn’t as dramatically improved as you are suggesting.

by SouthernCub on Apr 28, 2009 9:01 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Fine

I wish I had transcripts of this board from 2004 at about this time. There is an awful lot of rationalization that we as Cub fans are engaging in right now. Too much. And if you dont’ think Pittsburgh and Cincinnati are better, then you aren’t paying attention. Will they compete with St. Louis for division supremacy? No, but they are teams on the definite rise.

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 28, 2009 9:03 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Pittsburgh and Cincinnati are better - no question...

but they’re nowhere near as good as the Cubs, which was my point. It’s a two-team race in the NL Central, so talking about Pittsburgh and Cincy is pointless.

You are quick to cede supremacy to the Cardinals – I disagree. They’re very good, no doubt. But the Cubs are absolutely better than they’ve shown thus far in a very small sample size.

by SouthernCub on Apr 28, 2009 9:07 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe I'm wrong....

…but neither the Pirates or Reds’ lineups scare me.

I think they’ll both fade after the All Star break.

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on Apr 28, 2009 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+2

… for both teams.

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

by Al on Apr 28, 2009 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wow, you're being generous.

I expect them to fade by the time I finish this comment.

by znohitter on Apr 28, 2009 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

LOL

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on Apr 28, 2009 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wow.

Reading that, you’d think the Cubs were 0-18 instead of 9-9.

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

by Al on Apr 28, 2009 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

At least Blue Mike is giving reasons why he thinks there bad

instead of name calling or telling us to pound sand.

"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."

by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 28, 2009 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He really is trying, isn't he?

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

by N Oakley on Apr 28, 2009 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

of course

he’s being increadibly hypocritical about 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 28, 2009 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

9-9

I don’t think that’s a bad record at all considering the injuries the Cubs have had. I am actually encouraged that the Cubs have been able to split the six games with the Cards so far under the circumstances.

"The big possums walk late." - Harry Caray

by memphiscub on Apr 28, 2009 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What troubles me is the rotation - which has sustained no injuries

I have lost all faith that Zambrano can be the ace of this or any staff. He just does not have the mental make-up to do it. Dempster is likely to be good, but he will almost certainly regress. Harden is being treated like a porcelain figure. And there have been some pretty awful performances so far form each pitcher.

by dr stabbingworth on Apr 28, 2009 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Why is the rotation the troubling thing?

I understand what you mean about Z. I just don’t have the same confidence in him anymore. Harden has surprised me, aside from that one start he has been awesome, and hasn’t gotten hurt yet. Ted is Ted and will finish the season with 15-19 wins and 2-3 catchers plowed over.
Dempster is the problem for me, he doesn’t have control like he did last year and we are locked into him for the next 4 years.
Marshall is and will be fine. As the fifth starter a 6-7 IP 2-3 run effort is stellar.

Bullpen/Lack of ability to hit will doom this team.

www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com

by nji232 on Apr 28, 2009 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It troubles me because they haven't pitched particularly well, or deep into ballgames

Pitching is king (heh) and this team could really use some stronger Haren-esque pitching performances. Especially considering how weak the bullpen is.

by dr stabbingworth on Apr 28, 2009 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

True they do need to get deeper into games

A complete game this week would do wonders for the team, but if we don’t score runs it won’t matter.
As long as this team sits around and waits for Soriano or Aramis to bail them out there will be no success.

www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com

by nji232 on Apr 28, 2009 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The rotation doesn't trouble me

too much. I remember seeing a stat the other day (don’t remember it exactly), but our starting rotation has put together a relatively high percentage of “quality starts”. What this leads me to believe is that our offense is not producing.

What I know is that we have a few guys on our team right now that have a track record of producing that are not producing, Lee, Soto and Bradley to be specific. These guys are likely to get back on track, and when they do, we will start winning a lot of ball games because our rotation is producing those quality starts.

"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg

by gwood on Apr 28, 2009 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Huh?

Care to give some examples of these awful performances? Because, by and large, I’ve seen a starting staff that’s been pretty consistent (in a good way) throughout the season thus far.

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 28, 2009 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

WHIP for Marshall/Zambrano/Dempster - 1.417/1.5/1.417

Averaging 6 innings per start (Z is slightly higher)

I would agree that they have pitched some good games, but consistency has not been this staff’s theme. And with the majority of the offense out, they really need guys like Z to step up.

by dr stabbingworth on Apr 28, 2009 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Absolutely they need to step up.

But it’s early and guys are building up their arm strength. There’s really not much point in looking at WHIP or ERA at this point in the season.

Maybe I just have low standards, but if a starter goes 6 innings and gives up 3 or fewer runs, I thank him and hope the bullpen can hold it together. Sure, some seven or eight inning starts – and, dare I say, a CG here or there – would be nice. But I still think the starting staff has been one of the bright spots thus far.

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 28, 2009 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Harden

went six in St. Louis, and against the Reds at home. He won’t go eight, but he’s doing fine.

"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 28, 2009 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's mostly Z and Dempster

Neither have been particularly good this year. And if Lou is going to baby Harden, then other guys have to take up the slack. The bullpen is not particularly good, and they’ll be a lot worse if they get tired.

by dr stabbingworth on Apr 28, 2009 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree.

I admire the Red Sox out of jealousy. They always seem to develop some star talent out of there system and fill in the holes via free agency. Pedroia, Varitek, Ellsbury, Papelbon, Lester, Youklis all came out of their system. Not all were drafted by the Red Sox, but they picked up some talent via trades and gave some quality talent up (Hanley Ramirez, etc.).

I haven’t seen much quality out of the Cub system other than a few players either produce with the Cubs or develop into something elsewhere after a trade. I see this indicating a problem in the organization.

My single largest hope is that new ownership allows the Cubs to add staff to improve the minor league system and scouting operations.

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

by N Oakley on Apr 28, 2009 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Even leaving Prior & Wood out of the equation...

… this year’s Cubs have Zambrano, Guzman, Marshall, Marmol, Theriot, Soto and Hoffpauir on the 25-man roster, all products of the farm system within the last 10 years. That’s a decent enough haul, maybe not as good as the Red Sox, and there’s no doubt the Cub farm system needs help. But it HAS produced in recent years.

FWIW, Jason Varitek is not a product of the Red Sox farm system. He was drafted by the Mariners and included in a major league trade to Boston in 1997 (for Heathcliff Slocumb; how’s that for a lopsided deal?).

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

by Al on Apr 28, 2009 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Derek Lowe and Varitek

for Heathcliff. Maybe Dan Duquette’s best move as Red Sox GM.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Apr 28, 2009 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Probably the worst trade in Mariners history.

Imagine how good that 2001 team would have been with Lowe and Varitek.

That happened while Lou was managing there, too. Wonder if he had any input on that deal.

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

by Al on Apr 28, 2009 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

They were in his doghouse, most likely....lol

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on Apr 28, 2009 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And Varitek was a switch-hitting catcher

right up Lou’s alley (though Dan Wilson was firmly entrenched as Lou’s catcher).

I wonder if Lowe struggled as a youngster with Lou’s intensity.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Apr 28, 2009 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Very possible.

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

by Al on Apr 28, 2009 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Lou

He sure as hell did…. that’s what happens when Lou doesn’t get a bullpen. He goes indiscriminately crazy and demands that every prospect get traded to get him the bullpen help he needs. That year, he also had his GM Woody Woodward trade Jose Cruz, Jr. to the Toronto Blue Jays for RHP Mike Timlin and LHP Paul Spoljaric.

Now, Timlin had the World Series hero pedigree and was rather effective for the Mariners while he was there, although not lights-out. Spoljaric, however, sucked absolute rocks. Cruz was supposed to be the savior of the franchise from the weather-vane like rotation of left-fielders since Junior Griffey had started his brilliant run in centerfield. He was a top 5 draft pick for the team and had already hit 12 home runs for them with an .856 OPS in 49 games that season. He would go on to hit 14 more home runs with Toronto the rest of the season. He went on to have a mediocre career, but not one that is without its highlights. The Mariners, however, have still never had a consistent leftfielder… and no Raul Ibanez doesn’t count… he should never have been a leftfielder in SafeCo Field.

Lowe had a couple bright spots that season, but was an unproven rookie. Varitek had struggled to cement his place as Wilson’s eventual replacement. That wasn’t seen as the ridiculous trade it was until year’s later, mostly because Slocumb did save a lot of games for the Mariners the rest of the 97 season, leading them to the AL West title and a first-round exit at the hands of the Baltimore Orioles. Slocumb, Spoljaric and, to a lesser extent, Timlin would all under-perform for the rest of their Mariners careers.

Piniella and a bad bullpen are a volatile combination… potentially franchise crippling. When we see Josh Vitters traded for a less-than-Brad Lidge-type bullpen arm just so Hendry won’t have to hear Mt. Lou erupt in his ear everytime he has to use Neal Cotts, you’ll all find this out.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just North of Wrigley Field

by jameslcrockett on Apr 28, 2009 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Lowe

Had a great quote about Lou that he as a hitter he never really trusted pitchers period. I think it is a huge problem.

"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 28, 2009 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

well

Lou was able to hit them from the get-go. We talk about how that makes him give up on hitters who struggle (Pie), but it also probably informs his opinion on pitchers in general.

"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 28, 2009 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

yes and no

There are lots of hitters such as Varitek that he grew impatient with… but he also showed a lot of patience with Cruz and then used him when he got him. He also showed a lot of patience with AROD, who sucked on his first couple trips to the bigs. He also believed in Edgar Martinez, when a lot of people in the organization had given up hope of him staying healthy… and never really gave him a chance to be the run producer he could be in the first place… making him sit behind Jim Presley for years before finally getting his chance.

His real blind spot is with the potential of his young pitchers. He has absolutely no patience for their short comings and burns out the ones he gets his hands that produce or has them traded. He burned through so many “cant-miss” pitching prospects in the early-mid 90s. The two most glaring errors under his watch were getting nothing from Mike Hampton (traded for Eric Anthony) and Derek Lowe… all because they had a couple of bad outings when they were rookies.

It’s his most glaring weakness as a manager and a personnel man. On pretty much every other issue, I’d go to war with him on my side.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just North of Wrigley Field

by jameslcrockett on Apr 28, 2009 4:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Dont forget...

Hanley Ramirez was a BoSox.

"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"

by HIGGY on Apr 28, 2009 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Right.

The Red Sox got pretty good value in return for him, though.

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

by Al on Apr 28, 2009 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Doh

totally forgot Tek was a Mariner, but was only looking at last 5 years in my what have you done for me lately.

Cubs produce Marmol (very good), Guzman (tbd), Marshall (just getting a chance), Theriot (very good leaving 2b vs SS out of it), Soto (very good) & Hoffpauir (TBD).

Of the 5 Cub outfielders, 1st Base, 3rd Base & #2, #3, #4 starters or Closer, not one came from the system or was with the organization below the majors, other than rehab.

Even more surprising, I can’t think of a single star player to come up recently with another team who was included in an acquisition of talent after the Pierre deal. Given the nature of the interwebz, this is the opportunity for 100 responses showing me the one I forgot.

My examples may not be perfect, but there is not much talent to get excited about within the system and unless a team has a Yankee budget, teams win with low cost emerging superstars.

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

by N Oakley on Apr 28, 2009 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Um.

1. Not really. The closer role is still poorly defined, but there are quality arms in the pen.
2. So? We have several other guys to plug in as needed.
3. What? No he isn’t. He just hasn’t started hitting quite yet. His defense is still first-rate.
4. Ummm… no.
5. Worse than starting, say, Joey Gathright? I don’t think so.
6. Irrelevant.
7. Also irrelevant.
8. Minor injuries happen. Give it a week,
9. Trades happen.
10. Ditto.
11. So you want to replace the guy who is 2-0 in winning the division with an unknown quantity? Really?
12. FAIL. Not even close. We may not have a replacement MLB team stashed at Iowa, but there are guys who can come up and play in the bigs and be competitive while doing it.
13. Beyond our control and therefore not worth worrying about.
14. See number 8.

by znohitter on Apr 28, 2009 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

GOTTA AGREE........

On every one of your 14 points….But to me Lou looks lost in the dugout …….Like Why am I even here ???

by cubs north on Apr 28, 2009 9:11 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well, if I were playing without my 3-4-5 hitters

and losing 7-1, I’d have the same look.

The fact of the matter is, without Lee, Bradley and Ramirez, the Cubs are built for small ball. But if they can’t get on base, then their offense is beyond mediocre.

Give Haren credit – he settled down after Soriano’s homer – and hope for a return to health for the middle of the order. Any team that loses their 3-4-5 hitters is going to struggle, and the fact that the Cubs are 9-9 despite their injuries bodes well for the future.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Apr 28, 2009 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Haren has had an outstanding start this year.

His ERA was 1.38 coming into last night’s game. Give the guy credit, all right.

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

by Al on Apr 28, 2009 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Exactly.

He did exactly what he should do, especially against a lineup without its 3-4-5 hitters.

Looking at the Cubs lineup last night, you had a feeling it was going to be a low-scoring game, and if the Cubs could scrape across a few runs they had a shot. Unfortunately they didn’t, and Lilly looked shaky.

Hopefully, Ramirez and Bradley return tonight, lend some balance to the offense, and the Cubs score some runs.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Apr 28, 2009 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

They should.

Petit is no Haren.

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

by Al on Apr 28, 2009 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ted did not look good last night....

….all his pitches up. Curveball not as sharp as normal. When that catcher for the DBacks hit that homer, I figured we need to score some runs or this one’s a goner.

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on Apr 28, 2009 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

His stuff was up

Rob Drake didn’t help him any, either, according to Gameday.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Apr 28, 2009 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The strikezone

was all over the place again if Gameday is accurate. Patton got screwed on a few calls and Harren was getting some gifts, especially on pitches that looked up and away to right handers.

"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg

by gwood on Apr 28, 2009 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Gameday at the Major League-level is accurate

they use the same pitch f/x technology is every park.

Now, at the minor league-level, the stats inputters mark the pitches, which can lead to some interesting strike zones.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Apr 28, 2009 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

big surprise

Drake is a real corn-dog.

"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 28, 2009 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Drake's the one who tossed Sinatro & Piniella last season

during the Marlins series.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Apr 28, 2009 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I hate that guy

"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 28, 2009 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

um...

he’s the guy who tossed Lou at the White Sox game down at not-Comisky for no reason.

"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 28, 2009 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

true but what difference does it make

if the 3 and 4 are not hitting in the line up?

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 28, 2009 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Even when Bradley wasn't hitting

he was still working counts and getting on base via walks, so that helps. Just think back to the Houston series – you could see his impact, despite a lack of hitting.

And just the way pitchers have to pitch to Lee and Bradley makes a big difference. Pitchers aren’t afraid of Reed Johnson hitting cleanup.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Apr 28, 2009 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

agreed

but when your #3 and #4 hitter both have an OBP below 300, it is hard to make an argument about missing them when they are not in the line up, right?

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 28, 2009 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I miss them, but I understand your point

The nice thing is, Fukudome has been a revelation, especially in the No. 3 hole. And I still think Bradley’s intensity when he is on the field helps this team.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Apr 28, 2009 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

no doubt

it is truly a damned if you do damned if you dont scenario

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 28, 2009 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

At this point it is.

Though things are bound to improve, hopefully beginning tonight.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Apr 28, 2009 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

we hope.

there is the chance that the Lee we are seeing at the plate, is the true Lee. It happens with players over time.

Again I am not anti Lee, and I want him to produce when in the line up, just as I want every Cub to produce.

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 28, 2009 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I really do have hope for Lee

Admittedly, I"ve not seen all the games, but his approach looks better — hitting to the opposite field, driving the ball more. We’ll see.

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 28, 2009 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That was Lee's comment on Sunday

that he put a good swing on the ball, drove it to left, and then he gets neck spasms – it’s just been that kind of start to the year for him.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Apr 28, 2009 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I just hope there's no causality...

…between DLee hitting deep fly balls and getting neck spasms.

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 28, 2009 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I wouldn't bet against it

I hope it’d been aggravated by something else, but when you swing a bat, tendons and muscles in your neck move.

"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 28, 2009 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Lee said something

about sleeping funny the night before that game that made his neck hurt.

"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg

by gwood on Apr 28, 2009 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

yes

I remember. But I had a pinched nerve/muscle in my neck and back last week, and every time I moved my arms, it flared.

"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 28, 2009 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

based on my history with the spine

(note, I am not the same athlete he is, nor do I have the access to medical experts he can afford)

I have had a torn lumbar muscle, pinched nerves in the neck and back, two herniated discs in the lower back, and am getting a MRI on my neck which has been diagnosed prior to being “military neck” and have had spasms in the neck due to it. Once you injure any part of the spine it never is the same. It can act up out of no where from something as stupid as a sneeze. It is no laughing matter as well. I felt for Sammy when people ripped him about back spasms, because i have had them.

That (the neck) is my #1 concern with Dlee, and I fear it is causing him to not hit like he is expected and should be. This is why I have been pro Hoff, to allow Dlee to stay healthy and be effective when needed, as well as to see what he has before its too late (i.e. trade deadline).

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 28, 2009 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I hope not, either.

If there is, then I think a DL stint needs to be seriously considered.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Apr 28, 2009 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You're projecting.

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 28, 2009 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sure. Or like R2D2.

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 28, 2009 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thankfully

the Cubs are not at their most desperate hour yet.

remember
Sammy Jankis

by neverAcquiesce on Apr 28, 2009 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Help me

Obi-Lou ku Dome! You’re our only hope!

"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 28, 2009 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

wrong

Obi-Fu-Ku-Dome 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 28, 2009 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

1) No, it doesn’t. Heilman is pitching well. Gregg is doing ok. Marmol should come back soon. Guzman has some real heat. Patton was put into a very difficult situation and really only made one big mistake against the best hitter in baseball.
2) Really? Cause he’s in the rotation.
3) Too early to say.
4) The card insists? Plucky card.
5) Too early to say.
6) Yes, and?
7) Yes, and?
9) Who, currently, is hitting below the Mendoza line.
10) NO KERRY WOOD? YOU FREAKIN’ HYPOCRITE! YOU INSISTED THAT THE CUBS DUMP HIM! You said “No way do I sign Kerry Wood!” Good lord.
11) You lack the knowledge and credibility to make this statement.
12) Josh certainly has plenty of people to talk about regularly.
13) Maybe.
14) Perhaps the only really smart thing you’ve said in this post. We need a backup infielder who can help us with second, short and third.

"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 28, 2009 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Last year..

after 20 games the Cards were 13-7 only one game worse than they are now, and they finished 86-76 4th in the Central. The Marlins started this year off 11-1, and I am sure people started thinking they could run away with the East, and now they have lost 7 in a row. My point – It’s EARLY!

by 23Ryno on Apr 28, 2009 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Reply is my friend,

that was a reply for BLou. Trying to get the hang of posting here more often. Sorry.

by 23Ryno on Apr 28, 2009 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

been there done that

you will catch on, just post often and it becomes second nature

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 28, 2009 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

and some day, you, too, may have 20,000 comments!

I aspire to catch Daver some day…

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 28, 2009 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Dare to dream!

I’m only at 10K . .. but I’ll get 11 in the next week or so.

It’s ok to call that pathetic . . . I won’t be offended.

And, welcome.

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 28, 2009 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

im over 5k now

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 28, 2009 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Go! Go! Go!

Get to 10 by September

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 28, 2009 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

should not be a problem

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 28, 2009 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I wish you the best of luck man.

Nope, I don’t think it is pathetic at all.

Thanks

by 23Ryno on Apr 28, 2009 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Drew & Daver say there's cake, but

I don’t believe them. I believe there is just a webcam feed to the SNL VIP green room and all you see is Elliot Gould naked.

Don’t walk toward the light.

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

by N Oakley on Apr 28, 2009 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I want to know if EA pops out of the cake

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 28, 2009 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Eric Allen?

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

by N Oakley on Apr 28, 2009 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Earl Anthony?

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

by N Oakley on Apr 28, 2009 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Eric Anthony?

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just North of Wrigley Field

by jameslcrockett on Apr 28, 2009 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Emelia Airhardt

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 28, 2009 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yikes

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 28, 2009 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I have 24,609

Didn’t realize I had that many.

by sue369 on Apr 28, 2009 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sue has the powah!

"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 28, 2009 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I can't wait to see what 25,000 is

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 28, 2009 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I hear it's like seeing God.

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 28, 2009 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

race ya.

"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 28, 2009 2:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Way, way wait...

…you have more than I do, Sue?!

My Queen, I bow before you!

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 28, 2009 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

All Hail!

"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 28, 2009 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You are like the Hank Aaron of BCB

You quietly go about your job day in and day out. Then all of a sudden, BAM!, you are the record holder.

"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 28, 2009 5:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I just wanted to say...

… that the above comment was the 666th in this thread. I felt the thread needed another one, so here it is.

The pregame thread will be up at 6 pm CDT.

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

by Al on Apr 28, 2009 5:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

so does that make a certain other poster who's made no bones about wanting to be the all-time BCB poster...

…the Barry Bonds of BCB?

I think it’s time we check Daver’s computer for post-enhancing software…

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Apr 28, 2009 6:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You'll have to get past my attorney.

Yo, BLou!

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 28, 2009 11:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

catch me if me can!

"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 28, 2009 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Good luck!

I run post like the wind!

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 28, 2009 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

hah

I passed me easily.

"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 28, 2009 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh, I'll get there.

I both know it.

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 28, 2009 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I would agree with you if you were talking about another team.

I cannot stand LaRussa (mainly because he is the Cards coach), but honestly i respect the heck out of him. He gets it done. And he gets the best of his players.

"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"

by HIGGY on Apr 28, 2009 8:46 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

They won 86 games last year

and I did not think that was a good team. Tony La and Duncan are not to be taken lightly. They win 4 or 5 more, we lose 4 or 5 more than last year, we have a race. I don’t like them at all but I do respect what they can do with a ball club.

This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).

by mrcubsfan on Apr 28, 2009 8:48 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It blows my mind...

I mean i am giving LaRussa all the credit possible, and yes it does help that he has Pujols in the lineup everyday, but still, some of the supporting cast is like a turnstyle every year and he always makes it works.

Dont even get me started with Duncan, i wish Rothchild was half as good as Duncan.

"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"

by HIGGY on Apr 28, 2009 8:51 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hey mapmaker

long time no see. :)

"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."

by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 28, 2009 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I've been around here and there

Just haven’t posted much. Nice to hear from you.

by Mapmaker on Apr 28, 2009 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just a week ago, people were crowning the Marlins.

They’ve dropped 7 in a row since.

"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 28, 2009 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

My only hope at this point...

…is believing Jim Hendry is NOT sitting in his office twittling his thumbs. And I think Lou is probably getting frustrated, too. I’ve said it before, but this was the first off-season I was very disappointed in Jimbo’s moves.

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

by dtpollitt on Apr 28, 2009 8:46 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm sure Jim and Lou are both trying to think of ways to fix the problems.

Getting four key performers back in the next two days would be a start. You can’t win with a 21-man roster with three key hitters and one key reliever unavailable.

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

by Al on Apr 28, 2009 8:49 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I’ve said this multiple times,

Your truest statement.

A starting infield that included Mike Fontenot, Aaron Miles and Micah Hoffpauir on a ballclub that supports a $140 million payroll about says it all.

Injuries happen. Either you get the team through them, or you give up and quit.

"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 28, 2009 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

true

but each of those you name aer professional players, and still need to produce. They are not Lee/Aram/Font/Riot, but still have to get on base, work counts, and field their positions to the best they can. No one took a walk yesterday, that is recockulous!

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 28, 2009 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

"No one took a walk yesterday, that is recockulous!"

You cannot take a walk if it’s not given. Haren was dealing yesterday and was pounding the K (though inconsistent) zone. You cannot rely on walks all the time.

by cubsnlinux on Apr 28, 2009 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

i agree to an extent

when you are swiging at the first and second pitch time and time again, that is helping Haren as much as it is hurting yourself.

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 28, 2009 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

we know

they all press when they get nervous. It’s some kind of team-mind-lock.

"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 28, 2009 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I never know

how the players strike the balance between being aggressive and trying to work the count.

It seemed that our hitters took the approach to be aggressive last night and swing at the first strike you see because it may be the best pitch you get to hit. That was probably the best approach given how well Harren was throwing last night.

"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg

by gwood on Apr 28, 2009 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

that happens when the opposing pitcher is on the top of his game

You have to try to get on base some other way.

1. TheRiot should stop hitting the ball in the air and should just concentrate on line drives and his inside out swings.

2. Soto seems to be getting his timing back but should look to hit center, right-center more often and should hold off onto pulling everything until he gets back in the groove.

3. ReJo..well what can I say? He looked completely over matched yesterday. Anyways he was in the lineup because of all these injuries.

4. Fontenot had a couple of nice at-bats but he will do fine as a backup then as an everyday player.

5. Fukudome…Repeating April 2008 and doing a bit more. I really like his approach at the plate. He doesn’t try to swing for the fences every at-bat. His motto looks to be get on base at any cost.

6. Miles..Argghhh.. but again we are seeing more of him only because of injuries.

by cubsnlinux on Apr 28, 2009 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree

especially with #1. Theriot seems to be showing off his warning track power and trying to pull the ball recently. Maybe that is to try and keep the infield defense honest, but he has so much success poking the ball between 2nd and 1st, why change anything?

"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg

by gwood on Apr 28, 2009 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

also happens when in a slump

everyone wants to get the big hit to wake the team up

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 28, 2009 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

So who's the second baseman then?

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 28, 2009 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Theriot?

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

by N Oakley on Apr 28, 2009 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I thought we had Roberts by now

:P

"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg

by gwood on Apr 28, 2009 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I my dreams maybe.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 28, 2009 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The lack of walks yesterday can also go to Haren

he was on, for the most part.

I think some of the guys – Johnson for one – are pressing a bit, trying to do a little too much with so much of the thump out of the offense.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Apr 28, 2009 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Really frustrating because he's hitting the ball well....

…it’s just right at somebody every time.

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on Apr 28, 2009 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He seems to be

swinging at a lot of bad pitches at the same time. In the few games I have actually been able to watch with Johnson playing, he is swinging at a lot of pitches up above the strike zone.

"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg

by gwood on Apr 28, 2009 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

the last two games

I’ve noticed that, too.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Apr 28, 2009 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's hard to take walks

when Harren is pumping strikes over the plate at will. Harren pitched a very good game yesterday.

"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg

by gwood on Apr 28, 2009 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed.

Two of those three guys are starting because of injuries. I still believe Fontenot can perform reasonably well at an everyday level, though, granted, he has not proven it quite yet.

The home run last night was a positive sign. He worked a deep AB against a pitcher who was flat-out dominating and then drove the ball deep into the stands. It made no difference in the outcome of the game, but it was something.

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 28, 2009 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well the Cardinals pitching has imploded a bit

They aren’t pitching that well, their offense is carrying them. That bullpen is still questionable and the 3-5 starters aren’t good major league pitchers.

www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com

by nji232 on Apr 28, 2009 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Somes I have a difficult time finding the balance between complaining about worthless posts...

…and coming off like a jerk. It’s hard to interpret someone’s jokes or sly comments on a forum unless you are familiar with them ahead of time (like “pounding sand” or “GameBoard” or “TWSS”). I don’t like to come off like a thread police, but there has been an increase of posts that are either worthless or demeaning in one way or another. I definitely attribute this to the direct pipeline to Yahoo!. I come here for fun, interesting, worthy posts about baseball, but frankly, when it’s just complaining because we lost one single game, it’s just a waste of everyone’s time.

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

by dtpollitt on Apr 28, 2009 8:45 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Well said, especially

The line gets crossed when posters declare the season over than resort to insults and profanity when faced with facts like the season ends October and it’s flippin April.

These same posters then adopt the posture that all they are doing is trying to engage in “debate” in the archaic term i.e., strife; contention.

by Emelie on Apr 28, 2009 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

than = then

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

by N Oakley on Apr 28, 2009 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Totally agree.

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 28, 2009 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I like the comment

“Please document your fan retirement elsewhere”. Well said.

by rlpete on Apr 28, 2009 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Rec'd

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

by Al on Apr 28, 2009 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

X2

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 28, 2009 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

make it green

and it is also wrong, when someone posts something and is attacked by people (new and old) in a hateful manner instead with respect. you disagree with someone, show some respect, just like you would want them to show you

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 28, 2009 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

"Your argument is flawed and without merit.

Verily, I declare you are incorrect."

remember
Sammy Jankis

by neverAcquiesce on Apr 28, 2009 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

i declare a thumb war

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 28, 2009 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You forgot to say

1-2-3-4

"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg

by gwood on Apr 28, 2009 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Al, to me, this is the gist of it
Those used to message board mentality don’t seem to take well to suggestions of civility or procedure. I’m certain these are the exceptions, but they are the obvious, and vocal, newcomers.

I don’t think that those exceptions stick around long enough to even read the suggestions.

And,

Those of us long time lurkers and frequent posters may need to do a better job welcoming new people

Absolutely. I’m not calling anyone out and wasn’t the last time I commented on that, but way to often, someone thinks a valid way to dismiss someone’s point is to say they only have X comments. How does that encourage anyone new/lurking to jump in?

Finally, some of the civility is gone. There’s a lot more name-calling and personal attacks if a comment strikes someone the wrong way, or sometimes just because of who the poster is.

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 28, 2009 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

and the negative attacks on new or old posters

and biuckering back and forth instead of keeping it civil, IMO reflects on the site as a whole, not a particular poster. No one will say “man, x on BCB is a jerk” but rather “stay away from BCB, they are brutal”

I think everyone needs to think twice sometimes, since Al is the big man on campus, we should all ask ourselves when getting into a debate “is this post something that will reflect bad on BCB, and should I reword it to show some respect”

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 28, 2009 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

WWAD?

What Would Al Do? ;)

You’re right, though — and it’s the same logic as to why I cringe when Cub fans act like jerks, or when I see Americans oversees being jerks, etc. . . it reflects on a larger group.

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 28, 2009 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

+USA USA USA

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 28, 2009 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And my homonym misuse is getting bad

too/to . . . and that should have said, “overseas”.

Argh.

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

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 28, 2009 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

with the typos I post

I can read them no problem. I look at the typos as reading drunkenese

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 28, 2009 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Badger that point was a direct and excellent point..........

I won’t even playfully mock your homonym misuse

"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."

by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 28, 2009 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

but here you HAVE to be positive. You CAN’T criticize any player during a game thread.

That’s not true. There’s a big difference between saying “oh, no, Lee GIDP” and saying "well, there goes DP Lee again, the season is over’.

"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 28, 2009 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

This is exactly what I'm talking about.

So what if someone calls him DP Lee? Who cares? Do you think you’re going to change someone’s opinion about a player by getting into an argument within a game thread with them? Why can’t people ignore posts they don’t like? I’d rather ignore 5-10 posts about the season being over than have to scroll half a page down during a game thread to skip all the bickering back and forth about people being “negative” and not real fans.

by LerxstCub on Apr 28, 2009 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

you're missing the point.

it’s not necessarily the “DP Lee” part, although I think calling him that is pretty stupid.

It’s the “the season is over” part. Cubs fans have an ability to magnify a bad game into being a metaphor for an entire season — and then take that metaphor literally.

I don’t want the gamethreads contaminated with people calling the season over in April. I don’t want the gamethreads contaminated with people calling Milton Bradley weak, or Soriano mental, or calling anyone a f@g or a whatever.

Feel free to scroll on by. I choose a different way.

"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 28, 2009 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

for me it is the

“you are an idiot” type replies. those never lead to a good conversation or debate.

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 28, 2009 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I try very hard

to not descend to that level. I don’t always succeed.

"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 28, 2009 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

im not point a finger at you

i am just talking in general

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 28, 2009 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I know

but I sometimes deserve that finger pointed at me.

"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 28, 2009 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I hate these too

and there are a lot of “regular” posters that do that. Or the classic “Watch much baseball?”. Seriously, I don’t see this kind of thing on other sites. I don’t know why we have this problem here.

by LerxstCub on Apr 28, 2009 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It happens on other sites

one thing to keep in mind is that BCB has, by far, the largest number of members on SBN. our numbers for everything are increased.

"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 28, 2009 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

so we cant claim small sample?

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 28, 2009 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

our LOSI about other sites is high

but our LOSI about BCB is low.

"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 28, 2009 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Help me out

LOSI?

"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg

by gwood on Apr 28, 2009 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

or how I like to think of it

Lack
Of
Sanity
Irrevelant

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 28, 2009 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Lack

Of
Statistical
Information

We have a high LOSI about Bradley as a Cub.

"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 28, 2009 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thank you

"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg

by gwood on Apr 28, 2009 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

what sites?

Im not familar with many others. I would be curious to read what others put and see if that is something that would fit with Al’s policies.

"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."

by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 28, 2009 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'd like to see....

… everyone try to be nice to each other, avoid the personal attacks, keep the profanity level to near zero, and if the Cubs have a crappy game, talk about it without ledge-jumping.

That shouldn’t be that difficult.

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

by Al on Apr 28, 2009 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

LOL - then you haven't spent much time on "other sites."

Believe me, I’ve seen far, far worse than what goes on here.

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 28, 2009 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Do you see

how policing the game thread makes it less enjoyable to read? I agree you should get called out for attacking individual posters but saying a player sucks, well that is just part of being a fan. Why get worked up if people think Bradley is weak. Who cares what they think? If they aren’t attacking you or someone else on the board why do we need to turn the thread into a “Bradley’s weak” – “No he isn’t” debate?

by LerxstCub on Apr 28, 2009 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

so I shouldn't stand up for my team?

it’s ok for other people to say what they want but not ok for me to say what I want?

Um… I have a problem with that, I do.

"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 28, 2009 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

why is Bradley weak?

If someone states the reasons instead of just saying he was a dumb signing. I am willing to listen to factual reasons on why he sucks. You put that in the comment…….. you will be less likely to have someone complain about you being negative.

"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."

by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 28, 2009 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1 (hr)

"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 28, 2009 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Because we're real people.

We have feelings and opinions – you can’t just come here and dump your negativity on us without getting some back.

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by dat cubfan daver on Apr 28, 2009 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

because each of deserve to be respected

and there are mature ways to debate differences

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 28, 2009 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Absolutely.

But mature debates rarely arise when someone walks into the room whining and yelling like a six-year-old.

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 28, 2009 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yet, my 6 year old would disagree.

In a loud, whiny voice while crying, but disagree anyway.

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

by N Oakley on Apr 28, 2009 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Mine, too!

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by dat cubfan daver on Apr 28, 2009 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

hell

mine’s 11, but he’s right up there.

"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 28, 2009 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

But that plays into it

The best way to deal with trolling is to ignore it. Responding prolongs it. Ignoring it works every time.

by dr stabbingworth on Apr 28, 2009 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

except it doesn't.

"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 28, 2009 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Eh?

Responding provides another opportunity for a reply. If trolls get the idea that nobody is listening, they’ll find somewhere else to troll.

by dr stabbingworth on Apr 28, 2009 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

but they don't

a few days ago, there were two guys (actually I think it was one guy and his sock-puppet) came onto the pre-game thread. They started off suggesting that the cubs would lose. One would post, then the other would reply, like clockwork. They even followed us onto the first-pitch thread. It took an email to Al to shut them up.

"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 28, 2009 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That was the worst

Seems like an epic waste of a person’s time, but whatever.

www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com

by nji232 on Apr 28, 2009 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Take a look through the game threads

The people who troll constantly get more replies than any other legitimate post. People have to stop feeding it.

And for the dedicated bozos, you ignore them, and send Al an email. Problem solved.

But you can’t say ignoring trolls doesn’t work when so many people here fall into the trap.

by dr stabbingworth on Apr 28, 2009 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

How often do people say the season is over?

I assume that’s hyperbole, but then I wonder what people you think “contaminate” threads.

by ol Pete on Apr 28, 2009 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Seems like every time the team is behind by 2 or more runs

and a professional baseball player does not get a hit or base on balls,

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

by N Oakley on Apr 28, 2009 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

oh

if only I’d take your bait, you hope…

"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 28, 2009 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

if you ask me its trolling

to refer to fellow Cub fans as contaminants along with an exaggeration.

by ol Pete on Apr 28, 2009 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

we both know

what trolling is.

"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 28, 2009 2:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Season over? That's just silly.

The Cubs are suffering thru underwhelming starts by a few players AND injuries to key players. In spite of that the Cubs are 9-9. There are 144 games left.

Season over? Season over my …

"People shouldn’t bust your chops just because you’re a Sox fan on a Cub board — but I know it happens. FWIW, I think sites like this are more interesting when fans of other teams join in the conversation." by Shanghai Badger on Mar 13, 2009

by DrCrawdad on Apr 28, 2009 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I saw Alexei got his first grand slam the other night.

Man, he looks good hitting those.

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 28, 2009 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Alexei hit 4 slams last years and now he’s got 5 in his short career. When Pujols hit the slam I heard the announcers say that it was is 7th (or maybe it became 8) anyway whether Pujols now has 7 or 8 it made me realize what an accomplishment that is for Alexei.

Alexei has started out for slowly for the Sox, in spite of the slam. I’d bet that he’ll start doing better, just as I expect the Cubs to turn it around (not that they’re really all that badly off).

But these last two posts of mine, more examples of how all I do here is blast the Cubs – as I’m often accused…

"People shouldn’t bust your chops just because you’re a Sox fan on a Cub board — but I know it happens. FWIW, I think sites like this are more interesting when fans of other teams join in the conversation." by Shanghai Badger on Mar 13, 2009

by DrCrawdad on Apr 28, 2009 4:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Seriously

any attempt to talk up the Sox is actually bashing the Cubs :P. You are guilty.

"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg

by gwood on Apr 28, 2009 4:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He started slow, but what he displayed

last year definitely earned him a grace period.

He’d look really good on the northside.

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

by N Oakley on Apr 28, 2009 4:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Y'know they say he reminds a lot of people...

…of a young Alfonso Soriano. I was about to say he appears to be a much better infielder but, shockingly, his UZR numbers at 2B don’t look particularly good (-8.3/-10.6 in 1017.1 career innings thus far). He looks like a natural shortstop – I guess we’ll see how he does there.

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 28, 2009 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not wanting to end the comradery but...

… Alexei was a much better 2nd baseman than Soriano was.

"People shouldn’t bust your chops just because you’re a Sox fan on a Cub board — but I know it happens. FWIW, I think sites like this are more interesting when fans of other teams join in the conversation." by Shanghai Badger on Mar 13, 2009

by DrCrawdad on Apr 28, 2009 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't think

you are going to get much argument there. Soriano is a better left fielder than second baseman, I think.

"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg

by gwood on Apr 28, 2009 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And Ramirez had a good rookie year...

… but I won’t compare him to Soriano, who’s been an offensive force for years.

"People shouldn’t bust your chops just because you’re a Sox fan on a Cub board — but I know it happens. FWIW, I think sites like this are more interesting when fans of other teams join in the conversation." by Shanghai Badger on Mar 13, 2009

by DrCrawdad on Apr 28, 2009 4:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I was strictly

comparing them defensively as well. I don’t think there is much comparison offensively.

"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg

by gwood on Apr 28, 2009 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Way to step way, way out on the limb there Doc.

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

by N Oakley on Apr 29, 2009 8:27 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cubs could have had Alexei...

… and he might be available. The Sox are very high on Gordon Beckham, a SS. They also are high on Getz too but not as much as Beckham. That leaves the Sox with 3 middle infielders – someone has to move.

"People shouldn’t bust your chops just because you’re a Sox fan on a Cub board — but I know it happens. FWIW, I think sites like this are more interesting when fans of other teams join in the conversation." by Shanghai Badger on Mar 13, 2009

by DrCrawdad on Apr 28, 2009 4:55 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I hear the Cuban Missile may be pointed towards center field...

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Apr 28, 2009 4:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You may be right. Somebody is moving...

… moving to the bench, moving to a different position or moving to a different team. Guillen has said that Beckham won’t be up this season. If Beckham continues to hit, he’ll be up.

"People shouldn’t bust your chops just because you’re a Sox fan on a Cub board — but I know it happens. FWIW, I think sites like this are more interesting when fans of other teams join in the conversation." by Shanghai Badger on Mar 13, 2009

by DrCrawdad on Apr 28, 2009 5:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, he's just one of those players who has caught my attention in the last year or so.

Carlos Quentin, too.

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by dat cubfan daver on Apr 28, 2009 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm surprised you noted Quentin last year as

he flew so low below radar. :P

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

by N Oakley on Apr 29, 2009 8:27 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think Drew is agreeing that you can call him DP Lee if

that makes you happy. It’s the people declaring the season or a player a failure at 18 games as being a little overstated.

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

by N Oakley on Apr 28, 2009 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

and saying I'm giving up on the Cubs.

Thats fine but writting a whole rant on why on the other hand and then coming back to the post on commenting on it…. annoying.

"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."

by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 28, 2009 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think most of us are saying you can criticize and

complaining and criticizing are a normal part of a season, especially during a putrid game (like last night).

It’s okay not not like a certain player and believe they are overrated, under skilled, a guess pitch hitter, etc. I may be in the minority, but I see there being a line.

If people want to declare the season over, a player done, or the Cards as World Champions in April, that’s not complaining or discussing possible solutions. That’s firing for impact and most of those posters don’t hang around to back up their bombs.

How can anyone know if Lee’s career/season is done after 18 games, or if Bradly won’t play 100 games, or that Dome will keep this up all season? Let alone state it as fact.

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

by N Oakley on Apr 28, 2009 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

well that sums it up nicely

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Apr 28, 2009 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Andrew

You rock! I realize small sample size…. but you are one of my new fav posters with a post like that!!!

"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."

by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 28, 2009 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And here I liked his avatar

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

by N Oakley on Apr 28, 2009 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

True

but these people feed off of the BCB police. I don’t care if you are posting positive things or negative things but it’s the endless back and forth during game threads that ruins it all for me. It’s not fun to read and it never changes anything. If you have a problem with a poster and you think they should be removed from BCB for being antagonistic then tell Al. Don’t clog up a game thread with a discussion about how DLee can’t be moved to AAA. You just can’t argue with some people.

by LerxstCub on Apr 28, 2009 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You've got that right

You just can’t argue with some people.

There hasn’t been a more true statement made.

"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg

by gwood on Apr 28, 2009 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Very true...

… and very, very unfortunate, especially seeing as how the fact that we are here should mean we are FANS first.

I guess i’m guilty of forgetting not everyone is “glass half full”.

by AndrewJStone on Apr 28, 2009 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I just like your avatar

:P (btw rec’d your comment too)

"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg

by gwood on Apr 28, 2009 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Added a rec.

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 28, 2009 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

As a follow up...

… here are some interesting policies from elsewhere in the SBN world…

From the Chicago Bears blog:

Relentless negativity will not be tolerated. What constitutes "relentless negativity"? It’s simple: simply posting the Bears’s suck 100 percent of the time without reasoning or proposing solutions. There is nothing helpful about someone who constantly says that their team "sucks" and complains. We’re all fans and we all get frustrated when the team doesn’t perform or has bad luck, but regurgitating the same venom over and over again doesn’t help anything or anyone. WCG (blog) is aiming to be better than that. If you continue to do nothing but post negativity, you may lose posting privileges without warning. There’s a difference between someone who aims to point out flaws and be constructive and someone who is destructive. 10 Fanposts, or 10 comments, in a row about how the Bear’s stink with no reasoning or proposals is basically trolling and that’s how it will be treated. The goal is to make this community fun for everyone.

And from SBN’s welcome guide:

When you’re ready to start recommending, commenting and posting, join blogs. In SB Nation we believe every team and sport community is unique. Each blog sets its own guidelines for you to follow.

This keeps flame wars to a minimum so you can enjoy intelligent conversations on the subjects you care about. Every community moderates itself.

Now, BCB is its own beast because of its size and number of active members, and i doubt we’ll ever see Al get as ruthless as the WCG guys at least claim to be, but it is stated that this is a community that moderates itself. That does NOT seem to be an endorsement of the “BCB Comment Police” or whatever, but it does also pretty clearly show that if one member continuously irks the rest, he’s in violation of this site’s policies.

The most important thing seems to be this: The goal is to make this community fun for everyone. A few obnoxious people can ruin that.

Just a little something for thought…

by AndrewJStone on Apr 28, 2009 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

Why, thanks!

That means a little more coming from somebody with such an undeniably awesome avatar… Iowa ’07 here!

"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"

by AndrewJStone on Apr 28, 2009 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Disagree.

Most of the regulars here can accept constructive, reasonable criticism of a player and the team as a whole as long as it’s tempered with some indication that the new person is, well, reasonable. The problem I see is a lot of people come here to use BCB as their own personal barf bag – regurgitating all their bile, angst and frustration on the very real people who are here on a regular basis.

Sorry, I don’t come here to ignore – I come here to participate. If you post something I disagree with, I’m probably going to let you know about 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 28, 2009 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

that's

exactly how I feel. And it’s not because we’re the same person, either.

"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 28, 2009 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

i often do get you two confused :-P

Funny the way it is, how a kid walks ten miles to school while another is dropping out

by heine41 on Apr 28, 2009 6:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Exactly...

… if for nothing else than the health of my scrolling finger alone, a balance needs to be reached. I’m gonna get carpel tunnel with all the scrolling past worthless / pointless / valueless comments i’m doing!

Nobody is at Wrigley screaming ever 10 minutes about sending DLee to AAA. Why would we accept it here as if its reasonable?

by AndrewJStone on Apr 28, 2009 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

you are stockpiling bonus points.

If they are… they are the type that give Cub fans a bad name

"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."

by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 28, 2009 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Andrew, you

are quickly becoming my new hero.

by sue369 on Apr 28, 2009 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You had to bring it up?
Whether the chance to come back is ruined by a bunt attempt with two outs in the ninth

That HAS to be referring to the Neifi bunt against the Nationals in 2006. I was at that game. It was Woody’s return from injury, he looked nasty in the first inning (2 k’s and groundout), but then proceeded to give up the long ball like it was his job. Then came the bottom of the 9th, runners on the corners with 2 outs, and Neifi decides to lay down a bunt. I was at the game with a buddy of mine who’s a Sox fan, and I remember just looking at him with this incredulous look on my face, and he just kinda shrugged and laughed. I tried to erase that game from memory, but you brought all the nightmares racing back.

For all the people morbidly depressed about this year’s team, I give you the line up from that game:

Juan Pierre
Matt Murton
Todd Walker
Michael Barrett
Jacque Jones
Neifi Perez
John Mabry
Ronny Cedeno
Kerry Wood

GROSS

Ron Santo should sing TMOTTBG everyday. Period.

by Schwa on Apr 28, 2009 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

that is an awesome line

if we want to somehow be as bad as possible

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 28, 2009 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I thought that game was an excellent example of

appropriate complaining. If you can’t complain when a player screws up something that basic, what else is there?

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

by N Oakley on Apr 28, 2009 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Absolutely right

I have little patience for whining. We seem to get a lot of that.

Sometimes I react to the whining badly, but the torrents of it that seem to follow every loss, or even every bad play, is beyond the pale.

But if I see BS, I’m going to call it. Feel free to do the same to me.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 28, 2009 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I am struggling with the

F this team, this game is over (in the 4th inning), where debating to some means I’m right your wrong, etc. It has made the game threads miserable for me.

by sue369 on Apr 28, 2009 1:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well after the Young double yesterday

Fangraphs had the Cubs chances of winning at 9%, so its hard to blame somebody for giving up on the game.

www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com

by nji232 on Apr 28, 2009 2:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wait,wait, wait...

The Cubs still had a chance?

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

by N Oakley on Apr 28, 2009 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

i guess not since we got 1 more hit

www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com

by nji232 on Apr 28, 2009 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Geez, remind me to stay off Fangraphs during the games.

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 28, 2009 2:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

They can send you a tweet after every play

That shows the change in % chance to win. Its really useless for anything beside comedy most of the time.

www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com

by nji232 on Apr 28, 2009 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

lovely

that could be really uplifting or really depressing.

"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 28, 2009 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh man...that's too much info.

At least it is during the game. I like Fangraphs a lot otherwise.

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 28, 2009 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm terribly addicted to checking our win probability after every inning now @ FanGraphs.

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

by dtpollitt on Apr 28, 2009 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

2003

last time we won a series in Arizona.

I suspect a lot of that had to do with Randy Johnson, who the Cubs have never beaten, but still, inexcusable.

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 28, 2009 8:50 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I refuse to believe the Cardinals rotation is for real.

Wellemeyer, Lohse, Pineiro, and whoever else they throw out there simply isn’t going to get the job done.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Apr 28, 2009 8:58 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

IF Wellemeyer has a good year...

It is time to dump Rothchild.

"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"

by HIGGY on Apr 28, 2009 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Point being...

Duncan can take our old pitchers and make them good (assumption Wellemeyer has a good eyar) Rothchild has developed what pitcher? Oh thats right none.

"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"

by HIGGY on Apr 28, 2009 9:17 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

..and how many other pitching coaches are like Duncan in developing pitchers?

Oh, that’s right, none. Fire ’em all!

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on Apr 28, 2009 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

True...

They are not many but at the same time how many teams have young pitchers that contiune to get better and better?

How many young pitchers have we had in the past 5 years that continued to get better and better over their career?

"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"

by HIGGY on Apr 28, 2009 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well, name some other pitching coaches that are good at developing pitchers...

Maybe it’s not the pitching coach, maybe it’s the talent of the pitcher himself. You can’t compare Rothschild to Duncan. You can’t compare Duncan to anyone else in MLB.

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on Apr 28, 2009 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

So we just happen to have all the

low talent pitchers?

"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"

by HIGGY on Apr 28, 2009 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No

We have had pitchers with a lot of talent, but hey tended to be injury prone (Wood, Prior, Guzman to name a few).

At the same time though, we have Zambrano, Marshall, Marmol who have all gotten better as the years have gone by. Granted with marmol it may be a little early and he is freakishly talented.

"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg

by gwood on Apr 28, 2009 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Isn't that what Rothschild was doing

with Marquis? It can go both ways.

"I'll tell you what's helped me my entire life. I look at baseball as a game. It's something where people can go out, enjoy and have fun. Nothing more." - Harry Caray

by goodstuff96 on Apr 28, 2009 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What.....

what did Rothschild do for Marquis that was so great?

"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"

by HIGGY on Apr 28, 2009 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He had some really good starts and ate alot of innings

Last week people were sure upset he is no longer on the team.

"I'll tell you what's helped me my entire life. I look at baseball as a game. It's something where people can go out, enjoy and have fun. Nothing more." - Harry Caray

by goodstuff96 on Apr 28, 2009 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I dont disagree with you at all...

I personally though gettin rid of him was a bad move but i am not in the Cubs organization.

What i am saying is who has Rothechild brought into the MLB and developed to become a strong pitcher?

"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"

by HIGGY on Apr 28, 2009 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I was saying that he was going to be a bigger loss than most thought

months ago. He was a better pitcher than people give credit, and it is not his fault Hendry pver paid for a #5.

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 28, 2009 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

My bad

I thought your point was that Duncan was takin Cubs castoffs and making them all-stars.

But I would say Zambrano has done pretty well for himself.

"I'll tell you what's helped me my entire life. I look at baseball as a game. It's something where people can go out, enjoy and have fun. Nothing more." - Harry Caray

by goodstuff96 on Apr 28, 2009 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

As has

Marshall. Hill was doing well until his brain got in the way and he lost the strike zone entirely.

"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg

by gwood on Apr 28, 2009 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No not really my intent...

It is just upsetting that we have not really developed a pitcher, it just seems we go out and buy them all (Minus Zambrano and the verdict is still out on Marshall)

"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"

by HIGGY on Apr 28, 2009 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I would change the question...

What reclamation projects has Larry R made successes out of? Or which veteransor underachievers has he improved?

Duncan’s list seems endless. Look at last year’s and this year’s current rotation as examples.

Larry R… I’ll give him credit for Dempster. Great job there. And, he got just about the same out of Marquis that Duncan got. He developed Marmol into a dominant arm. Excellent job.

"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 28, 2009 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

does Larry get credit for

making Woody a pretty good closer?

"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 28, 2009 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well... Woody was already a helluva pitcher anyway.

So… how do you judge that?

"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 28, 2009 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't know.

All of these guys are skilled — they have to be, to get to the Show to begin with. Anything a pitching coach does is building on what they already have.

"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 28, 2009 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

There is just no other

pitching coach out there that seems to be able to maximize a pitcher’s (lack of) talent the way Duncan does.

Nothing against Larry, all the knowledgeable people say he is an excellent pitching coach. He is just at the top of the second tier of coaches while Duncan holds the top tier all to himself.

"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg

by gwood on Apr 28, 2009 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And sustaining it...

Duncan and TLR have a philosophy/style of baseball they want their players to adhere to.

Duncan takes guys like Wellenmeyer and Lohse and Looper, and gets them to drop their pitching ego and buy into the philosophy. They’ll pitch to their strengths and get ground balls… and let the defense do the work, as opposed to trying to be the stud they think/wish they were.

"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 28, 2009 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

i like this statement a lot.

Agree 100%.

"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"

by HIGGY on Apr 28, 2009 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Very well said.

Their coolers must be filled with kool-aid instead of Gatorade.

remember
Sammy Jankis

by neverAcquiesce on Apr 28, 2009 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

They never seem to have a lot of guys

with dominating stuff.

They just get experienced arms, to pitch to their strengths, and not foolishly challenge good hitters with their “less than stellar” best stuff.

"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 28, 2009 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He's proven time and again

to get the absolute best out of what he’s got. It may not be pretty but it gets the job done.

And it’s frustrating as all hell.

remember
Sammy Jankis

by neverAcquiesce on Apr 28, 2009 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Case and point for me

has been Kyle Lohse. What Duncan did with him last year was amazing.

"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg

by gwood on Apr 28, 2009 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And you can't say the same for our coaching staff.

We just buy top talent, and rely more on the talent itself, than overall philosophy and baseball identity.

And, that’s bothered me a lot over the years. We’ve changed regimes so often, that we don’t have a philosophy/identity.

"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 28, 2009 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Was Larry here when Woody came up?

"I'll tell you what's helped me my entire life. I look at baseball as a game. It's something where people can go out, enjoy and have fun. Nothing more." - Harry Caray

by goodstuff96 on Apr 28, 2009 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I beleive he was with Florida.

That was a loooong ass time ago.

"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 28, 2009 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

In ancient times, Riggleman walked the earth.

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

by N Oakley on Apr 28, 2009 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What about Ryan Dempster?

He resurrected his career with the Cubs.

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Apr 28, 2009 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Exactly

I don’t think Larry is the best pitching coach around, but I do think he’s better than average.

Comparing him or anybody else (short of Leo Mazzone, perhaps) to Duncan is foolish.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 28, 2009 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I beleive... and correct me if I'm wrong... but

We won more games from the #5 spot with Marquis, than any other team in the NL during his two years here.

Great production.

"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 28, 2009 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Indeed

I thought Marquis was the best No. 5 pitcher in baseball last season. Of course, someone should have pointed out your statistic to the idiots who kept chanting “Marquis sucks!” when the Rockies were at Wrigley earlier this month.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 28, 2009 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Duncan being good at what he does...

… does NOT justify us firing anybody on our staff. Unless you have suggestions of who we could replace Rothchild with?

Actually asking, not mocking… i’d love to hear ideas.

"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"

by AndrewJStone on Apr 28, 2009 2:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Greg Maddux.

"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 28, 2009 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Actually an intriguing idea...

… any chance you listen to the BS report?

Same idea floated for the Yankees by Bill Simmons today. “Why wouldn’t they just give him 11 million to come teach their guys?”

I know he’s an idiot, but its an entertaining work podcast in an office full of people who get grumpy if i try to bump any tunes…

"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"

by AndrewJStone on Apr 28, 2009 5:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I for one

would love to have Greg Maddux on the roster as the 13th pitcher, even if he never throws a pitch. His influence on the pitcher’s around him is unquestioned.

"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg

by gwood on Apr 28, 2009 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Mike Harkey.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Apr 28, 2009 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well he sucks this season

The Wellemeyer gig is going to be up soon.

www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com

by nji232 on Apr 28, 2009 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well, it hasn't been a great couple of weeks, that's for sure.

But this is baseball and every team goes through that. We just happen to be going through it very early on and, because of it’s occuring so soon, many can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. We’ve had a lot of bad timing already with the injuries and bad playing happening simultaneously.

Look at it like this: we haven’t played at full strength since the first week of the season. And how did that first week go? 4-2 in two packed-house series’ on the road.

remember
Sammy Jankis

by neverAcquiesce on Apr 28, 2009 9:01 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

good point....

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on Apr 28, 2009 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Cubs have lost 9 games in April.

If they do that every month they will only win 108 games.

by Rick B on Apr 28, 2009 9:21 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

good point...

buuuuttt you do see the flaw in your statement right? I am just saying….

(i am not worried or a jump ship kinda guy so dont take it that way)

"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"

by HIGGY on Apr 28, 2009 9:23 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Umm...

They’ve also only WON 9 games in April. So by that same logic, we’ll finish 54-54 this year, right?

by SouthernCub on Apr 28, 2009 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I am not anti Derrek Lee but

with neck spasms that date back to 2007 (at least), and his lack of a bat so far, how long do the Cubs continue to hang on him hoping he can rediscover his bat before placing him on the DL which is likely what he needs right now?

Hoff is not a hack playing at 1B defensively, but he has also not been given a true chance to prove he can man it daily at the MLB level. I say give Hoff about 2 weeks to see what he has, and let Lee rest and truly evaluate the amount of damage to the neck (if it is a budging disc, then he needs the time off, think Blanco last season).

None of us should care if he is 47 or 17, as long as he is able to produce, and help the Cubs win now.

I am not saying Hoff is the 1B for the next 10 years either. I am strictly talking about the now. If he has one season, and it happens to be this season, why not take advantage of it, at least until Derrek Lee can return and produce.
  
PLEASE Do not reply AAAA player, or 29 year old rookie, give some valid reasons.

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 28, 2009 9:40 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

If Lee needs some DL time...

… yes, Hoffpauir appears to be a valid replacement on a temporary basis. At least he can play 1B; he can’t play the outfield.

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

by Al on Apr 28, 2009 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I have never once said he is an OF

and nver will. He is an emergency OF at best, and that is still a drastic emergency.

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 28, 2009 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wish Lou would have listened to you.

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

by Al on Apr 28, 2009 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'd be fine with that if Lee needs more time to heal.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Apr 28, 2009 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

and if Lee does not get his bat going again

by June, then what?

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 28, 2009 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think we'll see him getting some days off

and Hoffpauir will be playing. Kevin Kennedy mentioned yesterday that the toughest thing for a manger is handling an aging star (he was talking about David Ortiz) and finding a way to get more at bats for a younger player while not alienating your star.

While I don’t think Lee is there yet, I’m sure if he doesn’t hit, it’ll force Lou (and Jim Hendry) into some tough decisions.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Apr 28, 2009 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

which is when the contract amounts come into play

often you see an aging star playing more based on contract size as well. sometimes the finances blind the team.

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 28, 2009 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't think Lou will be blinded by this

he seems more performance-oriented than anything else.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Apr 28, 2009 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

In that circumstance it's not so much blinding as

being handcuffed. I love DLee, but truly hate no trade clauses.

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

by N Oakley on Apr 28, 2009 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

-NTC

those and back loading of contracts

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 28, 2009 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm not so concerend with back loaded contracts.

Other guys get old, retire, move on and those contracts remain in line with market as they age (historically, not sure about 2009). Its pairing up that contract with the NTC that cripples a team.

Wow, I guess this therapy the last two days at BCB has me thinking maybe I don’t like Hendry. I thought I did like him, but reviewing my comments on the farm system, outfield and bullpen over the last 40 hours, it sure reads like I don’t like him.

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

by N Oakley on Apr 28, 2009 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

back loading contracts

can hurt future signings and trades at the deadline, based on the “Set” salary by ownership.

NTC hurts more, but it is a combo that handcuffs 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 28, 2009 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

back loaded contacts are a major pet peeve of mine

for a variety of reasons. I know I’m living in a dream world, but I would much prefer insentive-loaded contacts as the years of the contact went on.

"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."

by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 28, 2009 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I would much more prefer "non-guaranteed contracts"

"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 28, 2009 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

True but with either of our ideas.....

as good as they are the players union would NEVER go for them in a MILLION YEARS. :(

"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."

by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 28, 2009 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

BTW...

Jay Cutler’s gonna slice up all your cheese 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 28, 2009 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

but if an owner

no longer offers them, nothing the Union can do. If all the teams say “we will not offer a NTC” then the players either sign without one, or go unsigned.

same with the over the edge contract sizes.

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 28, 2009 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

or they can strike

and that would kill 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 28, 2009 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

owners can agree not to offer a NTC

without saying so publically, right?

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 28, 2009 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

that's collusion, isn't it?

if they all agreed in private to not offer any NTCs, that’s basically price-fixing, and it’s illegal.

"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 28, 2009 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

As long as there are the Yankees or Red Sox...

the owners will NEVER be unified enough to attempt something like that. I also find it somewhat humorous that the owners are the only entities we think of when we mention collusion in baseball. The union has done more collusion in the past 25 years than the owners could ever hope to do.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 28, 2009 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

the whole point of a union

is to be able to bargain collectively. When the members of a union say “we won’t accept less than X” that’s not collusion, that’s the union doing what the union is supposed to do. Collusion is when the owners secretly plan to do something the union would oppose if it were public. It’s to protect the worker.

I recognize that the MLB Players’ Union isn’t a traditional union as such.

"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 28, 2009 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Or scream collusion

"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg

by gwood on Apr 28, 2009 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+6

remember
Sammy Jankis

by neverAcquiesce on Apr 28, 2009 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

especially if the packers store all the cheese

in a night club.

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

by N Oakley on Apr 28, 2009 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cubbie_Tim

I then must apologize. From the comments of yours, I took it to mean that you thought he had potential to be a big star and that the Cubs just weren’t giving him a proper chance to see that.

"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."

by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 28, 2009 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I do not care about next year

until next year. If a player can contribute this season, that is what I look for.

And no prob, we have all misunderstood a post before, it happens.

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 28, 2009 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Meanwhile,

I bypassed last night’s debacle for the Blackhawks. That’s why I’m in a good mood. Many more of you should have joined me…

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Apr 28, 2009 9:54 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I was posting Hawk updates here

and loved the Game. Bring on Vancouver

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 28, 2009 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Bring em on but man...

Luango is tough….

"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"

by HIGGY on Apr 28, 2009 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

gonna be a hell of a series

Vancouver may be the hottest team in the NHL right now. They swept a good St Louis team.

Khab will need to stand on his head again to move on 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 28, 2009 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Khabby is big time...

I was at the game on Saturday, that was extremely fun!

Everyone wanted Khabby gone at the beginning of the year, but last time he was in a contract season he won a stanley cup. How about 2?!!!

"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"

by HIGGY on Apr 28, 2009 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

and to think Hawks tried to move him

now they have to try to resign him 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 28, 2009 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

totally agree.

"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"

by HIGGY on Apr 28, 2009 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It was awesome

and Burish scored a goal too. :D

by sue369 on Apr 28, 2009 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Very good point about

the rec’s they could be very beneficially used. A question though (not so much for you as anyone that knows):

Is there a way to increase the number of rec’d FanPosts/Fanshots that show up on our sidebar?

"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg

by gwood on Apr 28, 2009 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Another suggestion...

… from the programming side of the site, at least for fanposts, maybe something could be incorporated that, before you finally publish your fanposts, pops up on your screen with one last warning / plea for civility.

Probably wouldn’t work for game threads, as the volume of replies would preclude an extra step…

by AndrewJStone on Apr 28, 2009 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

if we could use it to cut down on the number of FanPosts

it might be enough.

"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 28, 2009 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

To be honest, the volume isn't a problem for me...

… but i’m also fortunate in my work to have a decent amount of down time.

I’d be fine with the current volume of fanposts, or even MORE, if they had some sort of value. I’d like to see a more stringent reminder of what they are for NOT to cut down in general, but to cut down in the garbage.

I suspect a lot of what is posted there is reactionary and not well thought out… perhaps after you hit post, it sits on the server for 30 minutes and then SBN fires you an email with the content you write, asking you to confirm the post but first asking you to make sure it adheres to the rules of Fanposts?

"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"

by AndrewJStone on Apr 28, 2009 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

This is an interesting idea.

Maybe I’ll send it along to SBN.

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

by Al on Apr 28, 2009 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks Al...

… and i don’t mean to get all up in your business on how to run this thing. Heck, its already my second most visited site, so you are clearly doing a dandy job as is… hopefully its not interpreted taht way

I did a lot of freelance web design for a few years before my current job, which still allows me to spend a lot of time thinking about online communities, and how to shape and work them to my advantage. I’ve also been at the helm of a blog or two that gotten rowdy, often due to the passion of the readers more than their collective ignorance. Everybody gets excited, and while there are exceptions, for the most part people participate in that community because they WISH to contribute something to it. The internet is an easy place to lash out, and a few positive reinforcement “speed bumps” seem to discourage that better than banning and / or warnings.

"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"

by AndrewJStone on Apr 28, 2009 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well stated.

Thanks for your well-thought-out posts in this thread.

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

by Al on Apr 28, 2009 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Interesting discussion.

It would slow the flame wars, but would certainly take away the positives of the game threads and limit the real time dialogue that makes this site so great.

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

by N Oakley on Apr 29, 2009 8:30 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I have a nitpicking observation...

How come when people say “+1” in response to a post, everyone jumps on them and says "USE THE REC!’ “WHY DON’t YOU JUST REC IT,” etc, etc…

But THEN, whenever someone rec’s something, they also reply to the post and say “rec”….seems like the same thing to me as saying “+1”

Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Apr 28, 2009 11:06 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

To be fair...

you can’t really tell who has rec’d a post unless they reply and tell you they have.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 28, 2009 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No, but it's nice to know.

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 28, 2009 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed.

Ron Santo should sing TMOTTBG everyday. Period.

by Schwa on Apr 28, 2009 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well the difference between saying "rec'd" and actually reccing (that does not even look close to a word)

a comment is that actual rec’s will make the comment go green – hence, stand out. With FanPosts/Shots, actually reccing a post will make it move into the Recommended Section – meaning it will stick around longer, be read by more people, and stand out compared to the junk that no one wants to read. Just saying +1 to a FanPost is kinda pointless if you don’t actually rec it. At least that’s what I think.

Ron Santo should sing TMOTTBG everyday. Period.

by Schwa on Apr 28, 2009 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1 is the dumbest thing ever.

You agree with something, awesome. Can you really not come up with anything more intelligent to say to communicate that than “plus one?”

And is it even really necessary to say “I agree” to begin with if that’s ALL you’re going to say?

by kanderber on Apr 28, 2009 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+ agree

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 28, 2009 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I am probably not alone

in feeling that if I say something substantive and people agree with me, I would like to know that people agree with me. I would also like to know who agrees with me, so posting “+1” or “rec’d” below the post is encouraging.

"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg

by gwood on Apr 28, 2009 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

 :-)

"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 28, 2009 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I would go with +English Lady

personally

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Apr 28, 2009 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I concur.

remember
Sammy Jankis

by neverAcquiesce on Apr 28, 2009 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Again, sometimes it's nice to know others support a statement you've made.

Granted, it does get repetitive, but imagine if we were all sitting around a bar talking about the Cubs. I’m sure there would be repeated instances of people saying stuff like, “Yeah, totally.” and “I agree.” and “Definitely!” It’s a natural part of conversation and – again – nice to hear (or in this case “see”) 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 28, 2009 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Right.

Same goes for “lol” or its various aka’s. If I make you laugh let me know about it!

remember
Sammy Jankis

by neverAcquiesce on Apr 28, 2009 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

define "necessary"

a lot of what we say in game threads, for example, is banter back and forth, that has almost nothing to do with the game.

If we were all in a big room in person, you wouldn’t even notice half of 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 28, 2009 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That would be awful though.

Turning your head every four seconds to acknowledge something was said, even if you only listen to half of it.

remember
Sammy Jankis

by neverAcquiesce on Apr 28, 2009 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

wha?

wha?
wha?
wha?

"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 28, 2009 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Think of the bulging

neck discs. Maybe this is Lee’s problem, he tries to listen to too many conversations at one.

"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg

by gwood on Apr 28, 2009 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The banter back and forth and nothing to do with the game

is sometimes the most humorous. I’ve gotten some good laughs here at work reading some of the back and forth comments. And of course, some of the pictures are just hilarious.

I don’t comment or post to often here but I am here quite a bit just reading what everyone has to say. I do get bothered by some of the negativity but I tolerate it because there is more good here than bad.

A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings. ~Earl Wilson

by tucsoncubsfan on Apr 28, 2009 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

-1

I don’t agree with your statement.

by sue369 on Apr 28, 2009 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus

by graceunderpressure on Apr 28, 2009 11:08 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Recommend.

Click on ‘actions’ under a comment, and Rec is there. Or at the end of a FanPost/Shot there’s a link for it as well.

Ron Santo should sing TMOTTBG everyday. Period.

by Schwa on Apr 28, 2009 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I wonder if we could cut a deal with Arizona

Cubs get a 1-2 record from the Chase Field series and they don’t even play the games. This way the Cubs get the outcome that will happen almost every time, and we don’t have to watch that awful stadium.

www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com

by nji232 on Apr 28, 2009 11:11 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

have I mentioned

that I hate that stadium?

"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 28, 2009 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

do the cans pop

from the lack of air pressure?

"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 28, 2009 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Git 'er done, Jimbo!

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 28, 2009 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Can we trade

Lee for a 1-2 record from Chase Field :D. That way we don’t have to try and send him to AAA.

BTW sarcasm

"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg

by gwood on Apr 28, 2009 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

My two cents (for anyone who cares)

I don’t mind a 9-9 start (i would love a 12-6 start) but I’m not losing sleep. I have been following baseball for 25 years and many here for much longer, so we all know that april is April and as long as you don’t start 2-15 you are relatively ok. For God sakes Joel Pinerio is 4-0 and the fighting fish started 11-1 to go on to lose 7 straight. It is April (oh please don’t let the Piniero and Marlins think come back to haunt me). What does bother me is the lack of competiveness about this team at times. Injuries or no injuries, I hate that feeling that we all know (playoffs in 07, playoffs in 0-8, and the last week) where this team makes no adjustments, games are over after two innings (you can tell, you don’t even have to watch). Our pitchers know the margin for error is slim and the minute runs are on the board it is over. Even though it is April I will tell you that I have watched almost every Cardinal game this year (because I’m sick) and I can tell you how many games this team played where they didn’t compete and have a chance to win. ONE TIME, Sunday afternoon against the Cubs was the only game they have played where they weren’t in a position to win. I’m just saying that our Cubs at times totally lose the ability to compete, adjust, pick it up a notch, etc however you want to say it. We all know how it feels, and last night was the perfect example. And it is not just because we are missing our entire meat of the order. We were healthy last year in the playoffs and the year before. You all know what I speak of and it is an intangible ability to win when you aren’t at your best. Two cents cashed.

"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus

by graceunderpressure on Apr 28, 2009 11:21 AM CDT reply actions   1 recs

Friendly advice:

If you’re going to write a lengthy post, use a couple of paragraph breaks. It’s much easier to read, more people will read it, and you’ll get more responses.

Ron Santo should sing TMOTTBG everyday. Period.

by Schwa on Apr 28, 2009 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

you are right, I could improve the way I said what I said, but.....

what I said was true

"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus

by graceunderpressure on Apr 28, 2009 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Excellent post!!

I get the same feeling about the lack of competitiveness at times. I too, have seen a lot of the Cardinal games and see that they always compete and take advantage of the other teams’ lack of fundamentals(ie. Pujols stealing 2nd on sleeping Marmol and costing us the game).

"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."

by Itchy on Apr 28, 2009 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

well, would love to keep chatting

but I am off to play human tampon (weeee, what fun an MRI can be).

take care all, chat later tonight

GO CUBS!!!!!

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 28, 2009 11:29 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

best of luck, man

"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 28, 2009 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Human tampon?

Not a visual image I needed right now, thanks :P

"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg

by gwood on Apr 28, 2009 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeahhhh...looks like I'll be putting off lunch for a couple more hours.

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 28, 2009 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Then spread your wings and fly.

Oh, I shouldn’t have said that…

remember
Sammy Jankis

by neverAcquiesce on Apr 28, 2009 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

lol

nice one

"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg

by gwood on Apr 28, 2009 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

good luck

Now they have the open ones, they still are suck but at least I think it’s not as bad.

"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."

by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 28, 2009 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Are you referring to MRI?

I hope.

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

by N Oakley on Apr 28, 2009 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't wanna know.

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 28, 2009 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

open ones work well

but the closed ones get the best scan results. I asked for open, adn was denied

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 28, 2009 6:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

OT: Listening to The Score right now...

Dan Hampton is BRUTAL…Dear lord…

Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Apr 28, 2009 11:39 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

yeah he isn't good

Its a shame bc his partner is really good, but when Hampton tries to talk it just annoys me. Also he can’t say Zambrano.

www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com

by nji232 on Apr 28, 2009 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, I like Laurence Holmes.

But I agree. So annoying.

Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Apr 28, 2009 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I like Hampton a lot

Holmes seems to love to be inflammatory. The morning guys are great.

by ol Pete on Apr 28, 2009 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The is a problem with your comment

you said “listening to the Score right now”. That’s were you went wrong. :P.

Dan Hampton has been beaten in the head far too often (between football and wrestling) to be able to be anything other than brutal, IMO.

"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg

by gwood on Apr 28, 2009 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Haha, good point :)

Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Apr 28, 2009 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Jampton didnt wrestle

that is Steve McMichael you are thinking of

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 28, 2009 6:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thank you

you’re right

"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg

by gwood on Apr 28, 2009 8:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

you seem to be mistaken about the nature of the site.

it IS private. It’s privately owned, by Al. He chooses to allow it to be accessed relatively publicly.

We’re happy to hear from people with a different POV, if they can support their assertions. That’s usually the problem — they can’t, and Soriano ends up being “mentally weak”, and Bradley is “a problem”.

"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 28, 2009 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No, its not.

Whatever the ownership structure, he’s syndicated it through SBN and (as he repeatedly says) licensed a deal through Yahoo that brings in many more people. Its not your private club if anyone off the street can come in and join. Thats the definition of a public forum. If Al wants to keep other users out, he has the tools for doing so. Until then, accept that hundreds of people who aren’t your beloved old-timer regulars have the right to come here and post.

by Orval Overall on Apr 28, 2009 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

"right"

you don’t seem to understand what that word means. There is no “right” to post on BCB. Posting here is a privilege.

"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 28, 2009 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

it's not my fault

that you don’t understand the words that you’re typing.

There is no “right” to post on BCB. The first amendment does not apply here.

"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 28, 2009 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What are you, a lawyer?

Not a very good one if you think the sole meaning of the word “right” in the sentence “hundreds of people . . . have the right to come here and post” is a constituitional liberty interest, as opposed to an action permitted by the rules of the site. BCB and SBN allow people to come off the street and post here subject to restrictions on profanity, etc. Its not a “i can take you to court for trampling on my liberties” kind of right if its taken away. But its a right all the same.

by Orval Overall on Apr 28, 2009 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

no.

it’s not.

Words have meaning.

People have the ability to register here easily. SBN and Al give them the privilege of posting here.

But it is not a right.

"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 28, 2009 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just ask bluemike.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Apr 28, 2009 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Al seems to have a blind spot with BM.

and at least Blue Mike sometimes has something to say. Not often. But sometimes.

"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 28, 2009 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

In your opinion

Blue Mike frequently posts interesting stuff here. He gets repetitive, but whatever. I appreciate his posts, and I know many others here do too.

I don’t understand why you frequently harass him. He never responds to you because there’s no winning. As soon as his name pops up, it’s just a matter of time before finding the drew post that rips him.

If one poster singled me out and constantly ripped on my posts, I’d probably tell him to pound sand as well.

by dr stabbingworth on Apr 28, 2009 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

you got it part right.

Blue Mike frequently posts

He has been saying, essentially, the same thing for at least two and a half years.

"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 28, 2009 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He's a Johnny One-Note

over and over and over again. And always, unceasingly negative, even if the facts on the ground do not warrant it.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 28, 2009 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Bangs head against the Wall

Really? Words have meaning. Look up “Right” in a law dictionary and you’ll find about 50 entries, only a handful of which are the kind of right you are describing. The “Right” to post on BCB is not a fundamental right, not an inalienable right, certainly not a constitutional right … but it is a right of usage conferred by the rules and the organizers of the site.

by Orval Overall on Apr 28, 2009 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

the word you're looking for

is privilege.

"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 28, 2009 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I have

words have meaning. Use them properly.

I will allow you to get in the last comment, to preserve your feeling of victory.

"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 28, 2009 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Drew just a quite thought

You know I think you rock….. I’ve known you for what 2 years? We’ve agreed on lots of stuff and you’ve made me laugh many a time

But IMHO condensending to him (even if he deserves it) isn’t showing the board how knowable of a fan you really are.

Let a person like him who wants to be difficult show his true colors and then let Al deal with him. Won’t that maybe be simpler?

"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."

by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 28, 2009 12:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm a big fan of the phrase

“you reap what you sow”. I give every poster a chance. I have my buttons, tho, and he’s hit them.

"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 28, 2009 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wow

you really think your above some of the other posters here don’t you?

by tizzle on Apr 28, 2009 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wow

you’re the king of putting words into people’s mouths aren’t you?

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 28, 2009 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I’m hungry.

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

by dtpollitt on Apr 28, 2009 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Your #4 with sprouts will be arriving shortly...

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

by Jimmyeatworld on Apr 28, 2009 1:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Are you thinking of

Erbert and Gerbert’s or Jimmy Johns?

"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg

by gwood on Apr 28, 2009 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I cheated.

$5 footlong for me today.

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

by dtpollitt on Apr 28, 2009 2:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

are you a Chuck fan?

"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 28, 2009 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

not sure who you are asking at this point,

but I never miss an episode

"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg

by gwood on Apr 28, 2009 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

there's some kind of

Subway Footlong campaign thingy to keep Chuck on the air by buying meatball subs. Somehow.

"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 28, 2009 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Is there a threat of chuck

leaving?

"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg

by gwood on Apr 28, 2009 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

being cancelled

apparently.

"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 28, 2009 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not really. But I did work at Best Buy for 6 years during high school/undergrad.

But I do prefer Jimmy John’s over Subway.

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

by dtpollitt on Apr 28, 2009 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

well

of course!

"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 28, 2009 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I

call it like I see it.

by tizzle on Apr 28, 2009 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

nope

I know for a fact that I don’t know as much about baseball as some of the other people here. Cwyers, Josh77, dtpollitt, Daver come to mind. Nor do I have the longevity as a fan that others do — ten years, as opposed to the lifedtimes of Al, Sue, etc.

but I’m also someone who understands the english language very well. Poorly written, unsupported comments are highly annoying.

I fully admit — Orval pushes some of my buttons. That’s my fault to bear. But that doesn’t make him any less wrong on the nature of this site.

"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 28, 2009 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks for including me...

…but I think I’d lose that Jeopardy match.

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 28, 2009 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Famous Davers for $200, Alex

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Apr 28, 2009 2:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You have understandings of the innerworkings of

a Brewers’ baseball club. That’s valuable insight.

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

by dtpollitt on Apr 28, 2009 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

lol

he has another game today, and it looks like the weather will hold out for it. I even cleared the SD card in the camera so I can take real pictures.

"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 28, 2009 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

“And the Brewers fall a half game back…”

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

by dtpollitt on Apr 28, 2009 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe I should post a pre-game thread. :P

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

by drewishdrewid on Apr 28, 2009 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

English should be capitalized

Orval actually supported his comment and you simply declared yourself correct.

by ol Pete on Apr 28, 2009 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

you may feel free to believe that

as much as you believe anything else that isn’t true, and as a Brewers fan, I presume that’s a lot.

"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 28, 2009 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think this is where the train gets derailed.

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

by dtpollitt on Apr 28, 2009 3:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

im not trying to push anyone's buttons

but you’ve basically confirmed (along with Madison) everything I was saying. There’s a circle of about ten of you who seem to think the only legitimate views are ones expressed by yourself, Al, or the other 10 regulars. Anyone else posting is abusing a “privilege” and think Al should “deal with him [or her]”

That, in a nutshell, is 90% of whats wrong with this site.

by Orval Overall on Apr 28, 2009 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

well, it's not my fault

that you can’t read what other people are saying. Your assessment could not be further from the truth. Having said that, however, why are you still here, then?

"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 28, 2009 1:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

because in most posts

the other people have something interesting to say. Which is why i imagine they are here as well. Sorry it offends you so much, but as I said, you can always form a private club elsewhere.

by Orval Overall on Apr 28, 2009 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

you can take your faux outrage

and get stuffed. This is just like how Lou goes out to Neil Cotts and says “just throw strikes.”

MAKE GOOD POSTS. Even Shanghai, Daver and I don’t agree on everything all the time, and Blue Mike thinks we’re SOCKPUPPETS of each-other, for pete’s sake.

Make good posts. Support your assertions. Respond to comments on your ideas with facts, not profanity. If that Sean character had said “Soriano’s Body Language When He Strikes Out Indicates That He’s Unhappy Batting Third”, and then included some pictures or video, that could have been an AWESOME post, and while I likely wouldn’t have agreed, that post wouldn’t nearly have gotten the reaction that it did.

And make sure that the words you use mean what they do, as opposed to hoping that they mean what you want them to.

"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 28, 2009 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

You're right

Nothing to see here, move along, move along. Its not that we have a problem with other people contributing to our party, its that they dont do it as well as we do.

Now that its been settled, I’ll be sure to ask the hundreds of people who dont meet your standards to do a better job.

Or not to post at all, because isn’t that really the point?

by Orval Overall on Apr 28, 2009 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

no, it's not the point at all...

and I’m at a loss as to why you’re having so much trouble figuring “the point” out.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 28, 2009 2:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

argh

no. Just put a little THOUGHT into it.

Cripes. Put the chip on your shoulder down. You know, your Micah Hoffpauir post was EXACTLY the sort of thing I was talking about above. I still disagreed with it, but you used reason, and facts, and everything.

"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 28, 2009 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

So let's get rid of those 10 and everything will get fixed!

Send the list to Al and ask him to ban them….or just make a fanpost and we can discuss how best to deal with this unruly group of users.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 28, 2009 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wait! Can I get to 25,000 comments first!

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 28, 2009 2:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

DFA! DFA!

"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 28, 2009 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's patently ridiculous.

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 28, 2009 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Here's one

.
contaminate |kənˈtaməˌnāt| verb [ trans. ]
make (something) impure by exposure to or addition of a poisonous or polluting substance

by ol Pete on Apr 28, 2009 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

congratulations

you can use a dictionary.

"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 28, 2009 2:55 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And I've never said

anything bad about Soriano or Bradley. The criticism I’ve made is that you regulars are too stubborn to consider the value of players you dont know from watching them on Sportscenter, like Soto or Hoffpauir.

by Orval Overall on Apr 28, 2009 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The criticism I’ve made is that you regulars are too stubborn to consider the value of players you dont know from watching them on Sportscenter, like Soto or Hoffpauir.

I don’t even know what this means. Who undervalues Soto?

"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 28, 2009 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

he thinks Soto is over valued

"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."

by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 28, 2009 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

alright.

I guess.

"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 28, 2009 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

ah, yes.

belligerence towards the owner of the site is always going to get you points. o.0

"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 28, 2009 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

it wasnt belligerent

it was critical. And criticism of the regulars here is to be met with swift rebukes and righteous indignation, as we’ve been demonstrating over and over today. And thats the problem,

by Orval Overall on Apr 28, 2009 2:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

this is another definition thing

As I said above, your post was a pretty good example of the kind of post that Al and the rest of us “regulars” would love to see.

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

by drewishdrewid on Apr 28, 2009 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Didn't we already have this conversation?

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 28, 2009 1:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

yes

and he got spanked in it, too.

"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 28, 2009 2:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

by the gang of 10?

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 28, 2009 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think I've seen

a movie about that . . .

"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg

by gwood on Apr 28, 2009 2:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Honestly, that Fanpost was so convoluted...

…I couldn’t get through 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 28, 2009 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'll have to disagree about this site being private

It’s part of a very large blog network that is featured across the internet. This is a very public place.

www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com

by nji232 on Apr 28, 2009 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

it's widely available
But when your ability to post here can be revoked, it's not public.

"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 28, 2009 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The only people who get banned from here are those who come to troll

and they want to be banned, and Blue Mike’s personality of the week. I maintain that this site is very much public, if it weren’t it would take more than a mouse click to join.

www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com

by nji232 on Apr 28, 2009 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

it's a semantic difference

I agree. But I’m the kind of guy who gets annoyed when online-only communities get a .com address instead of a .net address.

"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 28, 2009 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Drew, how can anyone ever support a gut feeling they have about a player

how can disprove Soriano as “mentally weak” and Braley as “a problem”. It is an opinion (one that could be argued) Why is an opinion wrong?

"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus

by graceunderpressure on Apr 28, 2009 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

wong is a funny word

I’m not suggesting that people shouldn’t post that Soriano is mentally weak. I suggest that they shouldn’t complain about it when they do and then they get walloped for it.

Soriano took a fastball to the back of the head, stood up, shook it off, and went on to double, single, steal a base, and make several running catches in left in that game. How can you look at that and call him mentally weak because Lou chooses to bat him lead-off?

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

by drewishdrewid on Apr 28, 2009 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Honestly, I don't think someone should be posting opinions they can't support.

This leads us back to why BCB is not a message board.

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 28, 2009 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, certainly not.

So the responsible thing to do is preface opinions like that with “Hey, this is just a gut feeling and I could be wrong but…”

And, for God’s sake, don’t waste a Fanpost writing about 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 28, 2009 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

agreed

"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus

by graceunderpressure on Apr 28, 2009 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Why?

90% of what is here is opinion. Mentally I add “in my opinion” to every post I read. If someone supports their opinion is what really matters.

by dr stabbingworth on Apr 28, 2009 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You seem to be agreeing and disagreeing with me at the same time.

What I’m saying is: Don’t post an opinion unless you’re prepared to support it. And, for God’s sake, don’t waste a Fanpost on an unsupportable opinion.

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 28, 2009 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Fair enough

The pace of the game threads doesn’t allow for reasoned discussion. It plays into a quick, emotional reaction, with little thought. Which is why I mostly skip the game threads. I’ll spare the board my negativity (my cat and tv are screwed though).

by dr stabbingworth on Apr 28, 2009 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

it takes more thought to write

“Soriano Ks, he sucks donkey balls”

then

“Soriano Ks, darnit”.

"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 28, 2009 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Is there no such thing as self-control?

Do you have to post every thought, however fleeting, that rolls through your head?

Do I get pissed off when Soriano strikes out with the bases loaded? Sure. But I also don’t get on here and say “Why the hell did we waste $136 million on him? He sucks,” or something equally as brilliant.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 28, 2009 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs