Bleed Cubbie Blue: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Sports blogs for fans, by fans.
New Blog: The Boxing Bulletin for Boxing Fans!

Sean Marshall, Bumped From Start, Gets Win Anyway In Wild 5-4 Cubs Win Over Astros

Bobby Scales' diving slide home with today's winning run.

More photos » by Nam Y Huh - AP

Bobby Scales' diving slide home with today's winning run.

Go figure, right?

Sean Marshall, originally scheduled to start today (and the reason his picture wound up in the First Pitch Thread is because I had scheduled that one early, and forgot to change it), wound up as the sixth Cub pitcher of the day, threw three pitches, induced Lance Berkman -- who had launched a rocket onto Sheffield already in the ninth inning -- to ground out, and got the win when the Cubs bailed out the bullpen and defeated the Astros 5-4 this afternoon at Wrigley Field.

This recap was going to have a completely different focus until the ninth inning, praising Randy Wells -- who has now thrown 16.1 scoreless innings from the start of his major league career -- for his six-inning, four-hit, three strikeout performance, and Angel Guzman and Carlos Marmol for shutting the Astros down to set up Kevin Gregg, who closed ...

Whoops. That last part didn't happen. Gregg was horrendous today, there's no getting around it. In addition to Berkman's bomb, Carlos Lee homered and the only Astro who didn't get a hit off Gregg, Geoff Blum, got hit by Gregg, at which time Lou said, "Enough" and brought in Aaron Heilman. Heilman, a bit shaky (only seven strikes in 16 pitches), managed to get two flyouts and Marshall got Berkman's groundout with the bases loaded.

Many in the crowd in the bleachers were chanting, "Woody! Woody!" while Gregg was imploding, but that wouldn't have helped matters. Gregg had actually been pretty good over his last few appearances. I take issue with his postgame comment that "it wasn't a save situation". That shouldn't matter; Gregg dispatched the Padres easily with an identical four-run lead on Tuesday night. Maybe the four-day layoff in between appearances for him could be blamed, but Lou said in his own remarks that "if we need Gregg tomorrow, he'll be back out there." Lou also commented that he had a few words with a fan near the dugout after removing Gregg, upon which he told the fan, "You enjoy the game and let me manage the team", only, as Lou said, "in more colorful language".

Laughter followed, and the Cubs can afford that after the ninth-inning comeback, particularly satisfying off ex-Cub LaTroy Hawkins. Hawkins walked Bobby Scales -- Scales' hitting streak ended at six, but that walk was an outstanding at-bat, and all the Cubs needed was for him to get on base. Aaron Miles sacrificed him to second, and then I think everyone in the house was stunned to see the Astros pitch to Alfonso Soriano instead of putting him on. They must have told Hawkins to "let him get himself out", i.e. give him pitches outside the zone and make him swing at the bad stuff he often offers at. Instead, Soriano flared an 0-2 pitch into right field and Mike Quade sent Scales.

This was an aggressive, Wavin' Wendell type move, and the result, obviously, won the game. If Hunter Pence had made an accurate throw, Scales was probably an easy out. But Pence's throw was high and the Cubs won.

All the bullpen histrionics ruined not only Wells' fine performance, but also excellent outings by Guzman (who looks more confident in his own abilities each time out) and Marmol, who looked great today, as well as a nice day by Micah Hoffpauir subbing for the suspended Milton Bradley. Hoffpauir made a couple of nice catches in RF and slammed a two-run homer off Roy Oswalt to give the Cubs a 3-0 lead, right after Derrek Lee had a really nice at-bat and singled in the Cubs' first run.

Nevertheless, wins are wins, no matter how they are obtained. The Cubs' fifth win in a row keeps them half a game behind Milwaukee and in second place ahead of the Cardinals after the Brewers' 1-0 win over St. Louis this afternoon.

Be happy. But fix that bullpen!

0 recs  |  Comment 442 comments |

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Display:

Nice game until the ninth

But anyway, who goes to the pen when Z comes back? I say Marshall because Wells has just been that good, and that way we can let Cotts go. Thoughts?

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

by wrigleyrocker12 on May 16, 2009 4:17 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Marshall has also been good.

He’ll start Thursday vs. St. Louis. If he does well — well then, it’s a nice problem to have, right?

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

by Al on May 16, 2009 4:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He has but

Marshall is a lefty, who can get outs, unlike Cotts. He would be more valuable to the pen and Wells has been better than Marsh.

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

by wrigleyrocker12 on May 16, 2009 4:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yabbut...

… how do you know Wells can keep doing this? Marshall, we already know, can start and do well on a consistent basis. If he is stuck in the pen as a LOOGY — and you know Lou will use him like this instead of as a long reliever — his talent is wasted.

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

by Al on May 16, 2009 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Great minds...

"Aramis Ramirez, with the guys I've ever played with in my career, is as clutch a hitter as I've seen. He smells it." -Ryan Dempster
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root

by Clutch16 on May 16, 2009 4:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Then insert him back

There is no guarantee Wells will continue, but if you don’t give him a shot how will you know?

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

by wrigleyrocker12 on May 16, 2009 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wells can stick in the bullpen.

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

by Al on May 16, 2009 4:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

But you'll never know

If he would’ve kept this up. That’s why I’m saying put Marsh in the pen for now. THEN if Wells does bad, he goes to the pen, or maybe even back down for Stevens, Reinhard, or Waddell.

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

by wrigleyrocker12 on May 16, 2009 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I dunno.

I just don’t see the point of disrupting the rotation which has done a good job so far.

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

by Al on May 16, 2009 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The rotation

has been the only dependable part of this team so far.

by Allie on May 16, 2009 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And why punish Marshall?

I mean Wells has been great, but I’d rather have the guy with the proven track record out there and has had a pretty good year himself. Wells can definately help us in the bullpen.

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on May 16, 2009 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

you know based on his past performance, wrigleyrocker

The fact that he’s thrown 18 straight scoreless innings has very little correlation to what he’s going to do with his next 18. His minor league track record suggests that he’s not as good as Marshall right now.

David Patton could have thrown two scoreless starts too. The key word here is could. I don’t think anyone here would advocate that Patton should be starting games for the Cubs just to ‘give him a shot’

Some people have 3 layers, like pie. Blog Blog Blog

by berselius on May 16, 2009 10:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

i dont think its proper to put wells and patton in the same sentence.. Patton has been total shit this year. Wells has not. If you want to be that way, lets send scales back to AAA and leave freel without question

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 10:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

We could all agree

that cotts should be removed. He hasnt been at all impressive in the games he’s played. Marshall and Wells sould both stay in the majors for sure. As for who is the 5th man, either one is impressive. I personally think we should give wells the start for now and move marshall to pen. If wells starts to perform poorly, then move him back, but if wells keeps up the way he’s been, it would be stupid to send him back down.

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 6:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cotts won't be removed.

Not that he’s been any good, but he has zero trade value, cannot be sent to the minors without his permission and they won’t eat his contract.

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

by Al on May 16, 2009 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out

by Cubbie-Tim on May 16, 2009 7:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

But using Marshall as a LOOGY would be almost criminal

He’s well set up for starts or long relief – using him as a replacement for Cotts wouldn’t do his talent justice.

"Aramis Ramirez, with the guys I've ever played with in my career, is as clutch a hitter as I've seen. He smells it." -Ryan Dempster
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root

by Clutch16 on May 16, 2009 4:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

So what?

Waddell it is?

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

by wrigleyrocker12 on May 16, 2009 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The question should be

Do we need a LOOGY? I think we can skate without one, but Lou apparently disagrees. Up to him, I guess.

"Aramis Ramirez, with the guys I've ever played with in my career, is as clutch a hitter as I've seen. He smells it." -Ryan Dempster
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root

by Clutch16 on May 16, 2009 4:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Lou doesn't know how to use a LOOGY anyway

why do we need a token lefty out there?

by Allie on May 16, 2009 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe a 6 man rotation is a possibility?

it would certainly help the injury prone Harden, since Lou has indicated he wants to give him extra rest anyway. I dunno, just a thought..

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on May 16, 2009 9:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

can the cubs support that with roster slots?

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 9:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

also, has that been done before? It would help keep them rested, but could also throw off rhythm at what not

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 9:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I can't believe the bullpen has given away...

…two games that should be wins for Wells.

"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie"

by calicubfan on May 16, 2009 4:17 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

At least they won this one.

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

by Al on May 16, 2009 4:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Very true!

Heilman should still by him dinner and a cocktail seeing how he’s been involved in both games.

"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie"

by calicubfan on May 16, 2009 4:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I said Heilman b/c he gave it away in Milwaukee...

…and blew the save today.

"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie"

by calicubfan on May 16, 2009 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

However...

… Heilman did get a pair of outs. That’s two more than Gregg.

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

by Al on May 16, 2009 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ok, fine!

Heilman buys dinner, Gregg buys the drinks. Good?

"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie"

by calicubfan on May 16, 2009 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

For all of us?

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

by Al on May 16, 2009 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe an appetizer.

"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie"

by calicubfan on May 16, 2009 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

technically gregg blew the save

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No, he did not.

It was not a save situation.

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

by Al on May 16, 2009 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

meaning all 4 runs were greggs
and heilmann got 2/3 outs

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Right but a pitcher cannot

Create a save situation for himself.

by Galvan316 on May 16, 2009 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

lol i know srry forgot it wasnt a save situation. Im just saying you cant blame heilman for making it a tie game, when gregg put all the scoring runners on base

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

i think we can

heilman’s job is come in when its nasty and get out of it w/o giving up runs.

both he and gregg stunk today.

by Allie on May 16, 2009 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

no that is not what Heilman is good at

He is good or at least supposed to be good at long relief.

"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 May 16, 2009 7:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

i don't

know. Not the bullpen but only Gregg gave this one away, or at least tried to.

"You can't take life to seriously, you don't get out of it alive"

by wild bill on May 16, 2009 6:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That was a tiring win.

Low key until the 9th, then high stress, then pshew.

Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008

by slcathena on May 16, 2009 4:18 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Loud, sustained booing.

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

by Al on May 16, 2009 4:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

well deserved.

Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008

by slcathena on May 16, 2009 4:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I take full credit for Hoff's homer

A timely EA pic was all it took.

"Aramis Ramirez, with the guys I've ever played with in my career, is as clutch a hitter as I've seen. He smells it." -Ryan Dempster
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root

by Clutch16 on May 16, 2009 4:23 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

And since sanantonecub was bragging about it

I’m celebrating with a Chimay Red.

"Aramis Ramirez, with the guys I've ever played with in my career, is as clutch a hitter as I've seen. He smells it." -Ryan Dempster
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root

by Clutch16 on May 16, 2009 4:23 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

A win is a win is a win is a win

Cubs WIN!!!!!

4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42

by fischisgod on May 16, 2009 4:24 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

agreed re: Gregg

Relievers have bad outings… Gregg’s gonna have to contribute to this team in order for it to be successful. The alternative is a major bullpen trade and thats unlikely to happen right now.

Scales would have been out easily had the throw not been so, well, Jacque Jones like. I was surprised how far up the line Scales was when the throw sailed well past the plate.

by dmlichte on May 16, 2009 4:26 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Said it before

Pence is not a good defender. I would always challenge him in that situation.

"Aramis Ramirez, with the guys I've ever played with in my career, is as clutch a hitter as I've seen. He smells it." -Ryan Dempster
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root

by Clutch16 on May 16, 2009 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Berkman's HR . . .

. . . didn’t make it on to Sheffield. The replays showed it clearing the bleachers, but landing on the walkway behind them and bouncing back towards the field. Not trying to nitpick, just to be accurate. :)

by ErnieBanks on May 16, 2009 4:32 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Boy, that walkway is wider than I thought.

Sure looked like it cleared it.

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

by Al on May 16, 2009 4:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Looked like it cleared it from my perspective easily.

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

by jkobus on May 16, 2009 8:37 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No way would it bounce back from the street to the stands

Not at that low of an angle, either

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

by Shanghai Badger on May 16, 2009 11:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Lets give Soriano some credit

0-2 for him usually results in an ugly stike out. It was good to see him go the opposit way to win the game. If he continues to go to right he will become a more complete/dangerous hitter!

We're born again, there's new grass on the field. -John Fogerty

by muehlman on May 16, 2009 4:36 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

True.

It was nice to see him manufacture a hit in that situation.

Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008

by slcathena on May 16, 2009 4:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

A little OT

But does anyone have vineline? I’m thinking of subscribing.

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

by wrigleyrocker12 on May 16, 2009 4:37 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I used to get it.

I think it’s more marketing for the Cubs’ organization than it is worthwhile content. Just read BCB, GROTA, VFTB, etc. if you want content.

"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money."

--Ernie Banks

by dtpollitt on May 16, 2009 5:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I get it, but only because...

… they send it automatically to season ticket holders.

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

by Al on May 16, 2009 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

More OT

Two pitches into the game, and fresh off the DL, John Lackey gets ejected for throwing two pithes behind the Rangers leadoff hitter. These umpires need to chill the hell out!

"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie"

by calicubfan on May 16, 2009 4:44 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

No kidding

Blue has been out of control lately.

by Allie on May 16, 2009 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Umpires or Blou ?

"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 May 16, 2009 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

A little rough on Sori, no?
They must have told Hawkins to “let him get himself out”, i.e. give him pitches outside the zone and make him swing at the bad stuff he often offers at.

Considering Soriano had a spectacular catch in the first and the game winning RBI, I wouldn’t have thought he would be taking shots after this game. How many game winning RBI does he already have this season? The guy has really been coming through for this team, so far.

by Acapulco Taco Pie on May 16, 2009 4:46 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

That wasn't a shot...

… it does happen. Fortunately, it didn’t happen today… that was a really good at-bat and yes, he has contributed big-time all year.

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

by Al on May 16, 2009 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well, he does do that at times...

… and that’s clearly why the Astros didn’t put him on.

However, today he did good, as you said.

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

by Al on May 16, 2009 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Can you honestly...

…tell me you haven’t seen multiple flailings by Fonzie on curves and sliders no where near the plate? I have no idea why anyone throws him a fastball.

Kudos to him today for finally getting a hit on one….

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on May 16, 2009 5:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

All his homers aren't hit on fast balls.

He hit a game winning homer in the bottom of the 8th against St. Louis on a low slider on April 17th. I can’t believe how many Cubs fans just love to trash this guy, especially on a day that he has the game winning RBI.

by Acapulco Taco Pie on May 16, 2009 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

Soriano has been our best player

4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42

by fischisgod on May 16, 2009 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I only dispute this

because I think Rami was better before he got hurt. But yes, Sori has rocked this year.

Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008

by slcathena on May 16, 2009 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Rami is always good

i respect ur

4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42

by fischisgod on May 16, 2009 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm not trashing him....

but, come on, he looks great at times and he looks foolish when he flails on the outside pitch in the dirt for strike 3.

He’s carried us, and today he had a huge hit, but surely you see the other side, don’t you?

He’s the most exciting/frustrating ballplayer out there.

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on May 16, 2009 5:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I know

Fonzie can be very frustrating to watch.

by Allie on May 16, 2009 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I guess I define frustrating differently.

Soriano so far this season in relation to other NL players:

Runs Scored 2nd
Extra Base Hits 2nd (tied)
Home Runs 3rd
Total Bases 5th
At Bats per Home Run 7th at 12.727

Does he ever fail? Yes, but this season he has been one of the most productive players in the league.

by Acapulco Taco Pie on May 16, 2009 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He does seem more attuned to the game so far

Last year it seemed as if he were daydreaming out in LF

by Emelie on May 16, 2009 6:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No one's disputing that....

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on May 16, 2009 6:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It wasn't a cheap shot.

It was simply stating that the Astros pitched to him because they thought they could get him out instead of putting him on in an obvious intentional walk situation.

You can call that a “cheap shot”, but you’d be wrong.

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

by Al on May 16, 2009 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If that's what Cecil Cooper was thinking then Soriano proved him wrong.

So far this season Soriano has been the 4th best player in all of baseball in “clutch” situations. It was foolish to pitch to him with 1st base open and he showed them why. They guy may swing at bad pitches but he can also get hits off of bad pitches.

by Acapulco Taco Pie on May 16, 2009 6:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's kind of what I was trying to say....

… guess I didn’t say it very well.

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

by Al on May 16, 2009 8:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I thought you were clear

The Astros, not you, were disrespecting Soriano. They obviously thought they could get Soriano out by letting him swing at bad pitches. In the TV replay of the final pitch, the catcher set up quite low & outside.

by ChipSet on May 16, 2009 8:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well, I didn't see it as a cheap shot....

I saw it as reality. The man does strike out on a lot of curves and sliders outside the plate. He does. I don’t see how you don’t see that.

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on May 16, 2009 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Considering his production it seems people put way too much emphasis on his failings.

I think it’s unfair to say the other team assumes he will get himself out when he’s been so good in “clutch” situations this season. I thought it was a cheap shot and that’s my opinion, you don’t agree and that’s that. I’ve actually tried to back up my point by giving what his production has been in the clutch as well as in comparison to the rest of the NL. I’m not giving strictly anecdotal evidence such as, “I’ve seen him strike out on bad pitches.” I can also offer up anecdotal evidence to support my belief, just off the top of my head, I can remember 2 game winning RBI hits that were on off-speed pitches outside the zone.

by Acapulco Taco Pie on May 16, 2009 6:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He's a baseball player

even the best fail at least 6 times out of every 10.

I’ve seen great hitters like Alex Rodriguez get themselves out. I just watched a game today where 3 gaints (none of whom are particularly great, but still) got themselves out.

None of that is a “cheap shot”.

by Allie on May 16, 2009 6:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It was a negative context to a positive outcome by Soriano.

I’ve already made the point that most players fail more than they succeed which is why I think it’s a cheap shot. It seems unfair to me when someone claims that Soriano “gets himself out” when in fact he got a base hit, on a pitch outside the zone no less. . It’s a matter of context and when I see a positive outcome I wonder why it was prefaced with a negative. You could just as easily say, “once again Soriano proves to be a very dangerous hitter.” When given the opportunity to beat the opponent that’s exactly what he did any previous failings aren’t really relevant.

by Acapulco Taco Pie on May 16, 2009 7:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I love Fonzie

He’s incredible when he’s on.. but when he’s off? he’s hard to watch.

Thats all I mean by frustrating.

by Allie on May 16, 2009 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+12

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on May 16, 2009 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't disagree

All I was trying to say was that his off is uglier than most other players.

by Allie on May 16, 2009 6:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

So far, yes....

but you have to admit that he is very streaky.

I’d love to see him not get into one of those funks this year. We need him more than ever.

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on May 16, 2009 6:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sori made that work.

It wasn’t the best pitch, he wasn’t going to get a homerun. He just saw something he could hit and drove it to the right spot for a single. It was great.

Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008

by slcathena on May 16, 2009 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

cubs

no ramirez or big z and the team is playing well.this is what needs to be done until the big guys get back. gregg??? makes you long for the dempster days. im sure this will be his 1 yr only with the cubs.

by NOMAR on May 16, 2009 4:54 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I've strongly disliked Gregg from the beginning.

Turtle from Entourage shouldn’t be on this team. It was a stupid idea to bring him over here and we should get rid of him before he destroys more games like this. I have 0% confidence in him when he enters a game.

"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money."

--Ernie Banks

by dtpollitt on May 16, 2009 5:07 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Hard to believe he's making $4.2M

"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie"

by calicubfan on May 16, 2009 5:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

YES THAT IS ALOT OF $$$$$

Given the fact that Cubs Mgt won’t admit they made any mistakes..( Don’t be upset if he stays around ) .

by cubs north on May 16, 2009 7:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

i personally would prefer marmol, but he isnt the greatest this year. HOwever, hes been improving much more than gregg has. IF marmol gets back into the zone he was in the last couple years, I dont see why he should be the closer. Then we’d have a set up man problem which is easier to handle.. I will admitt that i am very biased toward marmol though so there might be a better option… Hows K Dub doing in CLE ?

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 6:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

WHERE'S CUBBIE TIM?

CAN I GET MY BOBBY SCALES JERSEY YET??

"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money."

--Ernie Banks

by dtpollitt on May 16, 2009 5:07 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Can I get in on the Scales Jersey biz?

Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008

by slcathena on May 16, 2009 5:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Here you go.

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

by Al on May 16, 2009 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks!

Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008

by slcathena on May 16, 2009 5:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

looks a little shooped just above the round part of the two

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

nvm i see what you did there al. tricky tricky. why not just make a customized jersey with his name/number?

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 7:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What are you talking about?

That’s exactly what I did.

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

by Al on May 16, 2009 8:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

no luck so far with my suppliers

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 May 16, 2009 7:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Gregg had a meltdown....

….but, jeez, anyone remember the previous 6 outings he had? 2 hits, 4 saves.

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on May 16, 2009 5:13 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Still, an ERA over 6 just ain't cuttin it!

"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie"

by calicubfan on May 16, 2009 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

WHAT???

Care to elaborate?

"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie"

by calicubfan on May 16, 2009 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

True, but over time...

…if he straightens things out, it comes back down. I hear what you’re saying, but Gregg’s stats don’t exactly blow me away. He gets into way too many jams

"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie"

by calicubfan on May 16, 2009 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

16 IP?

You’re expecting to be blown away by someone’s stats in less than 20 innings?

Alrighty, then.

by Allie on May 16, 2009 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes, I am blown away by his 4 homers and 10 walks

over 16 innings. You’re impressed by that?

"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie"

by calicubfan on May 16, 2009 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

agreed

4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42

by fischisgod on May 16, 2009 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Neither's Marmol's +4.00

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on May 16, 2009 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Aaaaand...

the 6 outings prior to that? 7 hits, 3 walks, 1 save.

by kanderber on May 16, 2009 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think you're overreacting

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on May 16, 2009 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Umm, what?

What exactly am I overreacting to? You showed stats that suggest he’s been good recently… I countered with stats that suggest he’s been equally as bad recently.

by kanderber on May 16, 2009 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

More recently, he's been lights out...

I thought, before today, he had turned a corner. You pulled up stats from the first part of the year. More recently he’s been solid.

But if people want to throw him under the bus again because he had one bad outing out of his last 7, that’s certainly your right.

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on May 16, 2009 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

4 HR, 10 BB in 16 IP

These are hardly stats of an effective closer.

"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie"

by calicubfan on May 16, 2009 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Like I said....

Last 6 outings have been exactly what we needed out of our closer. So, yeah, I thought he had turned a corner.

Maybe today was an abberation, maybe it was exactly what he is, but I’m choosing to believe Gregg is the closer we saw in the previous 6 outings.

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on May 16, 2009 5:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Do you honestly feel comfortable when Gregg comes in?

Because I don’t, and a closer should be lights out—ie, I should feel comfortable when he comes in.

Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008

by slcathena on May 16, 2009 5:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And even they get lit up once in a while

Joe Nathan blew a gimme save the other day.

Rivera went through a patch a week ago where he couldn’t get anybody out.

It happens. And it sucks.

by Allie on May 16, 2009 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed

Technically, today wasn’t a blown save, but Gregg will blow at least one more this season. Anybody who finds that unacceptable better stop watching baseball.

by Not Bruce Froemming on May 16, 2009 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

More importantly...

How many teams have a guy that their fans are confident in? A hell of a lot more than three or four.

And there are far mroe than 3-4 lights out closers, by the way. Rivera, Hoffman, Papelbon, K-Rod, Bell, Franklin thus far… that’s 6 off the top of my head.

by kanderber on May 16, 2009 5:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

NEVER!!!

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on May 16, 2009 5:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think Gregg has as many blown saves

as Papelbon and K-Rod and Rivera, no?

Franklin is not a lights-out closer. His track record is too brief to make a judgment.

It appears Hoffman might have some of the old magic back this year. We’ll see.

by Not Bruce Froemming on May 16, 2009 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

To my knowledge, Papelbon has not blown any saves.

"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie"

by calicubfan on May 16, 2009 6:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nope

Here’s his stats.

"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie"

by calicubfan on May 16, 2009 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

you are correct

here is papelbon’s line:

16 IP, 13 H, 10 BB, 19 K, 1.13 ERA and 9-9 Saves.

Gregg’s line:

16.1 IP, 15 H, 10 BB, 19 K, 3.86 ERA, 6-7 Saves.

by Allie on May 16, 2009 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Aside from the ERA

those stats look very similar.

by Not Bruce Froemming on May 16, 2009 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Except Gregg has allowed 4 HR...

…to Papelbon’s 1

"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie"

by calicubfan on May 16, 2009 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If you want to mold reality to shape your view of it

go right ahead.

Maybe you should take a sedative before the ninth inning. That might make everything better.

by Not Bruce Froemming on May 16, 2009 6:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ouch!

Why r u hating on me? I’m just frustrated w/ Gregg, no need to snap at me.

"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie"

by calicubfan on May 16, 2009 6:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And I think you're overreacting

Gregg and Heilman both sucked royally today… and we still won.

Winning ugly sure beats losing.

by Allie on May 16, 2009 6:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I didn't mean to single you out

I think most people are overreacting.

Either that or I’m completely under reacting.

by Allie on May 16, 2009 6:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Exactly

Closers blow saves all the time, and very few inspire confidence. Relax.

by Not Bruce Froemming on May 16, 2009 6:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Gregg's ERA isn't 3.86...

Today’s stats count in the discussion.

by kanderber on May 16, 2009 6:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

ok kanderber

You are Lou or Hendry you have Gregg on the team…what do you do with him? He’s obviously not worthy to close.

by jeff_pico on May 16, 2009 6:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't know what you do with him now...

I never would have acquired him to begin with though.

by kanderber on May 16, 2009 6:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

But we have, so what do you do now?

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on May 16, 2009 8:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Beyond the blown saves stat

Gregg gives up late walks/hits/etc. too often for a closer. It will come back to haunt him. He does not inspire confidence. A closer should.

Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008

by slcathena on May 16, 2009 6:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Exactly!

Even when Gregg escapes the 9th unscathed, he makes the last inning a nail biter way too often.

"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie"

by calicubfan on May 16, 2009 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You never felt nervous

when Woody or before him when Demps came in?

I did. We could have Cy Young on the mound and I’d be nervous in the 9th. B/c I’m always a bundle of nerves in the 9th.

by Allie on May 16, 2009 6:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I used to HATE when Demp came in to close...

Ugh.

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on May 16, 2009 6:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wood

Wood had a few awful games like Gregg had today. I’m not sure if he ever blew a 4 run lead but tthere were games when he would be hitting guys, walking guys, giving up hits. No closer or relief pitcher can have great outings everytime out.

by jeff_pico on May 16, 2009 6:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

There was a game at Wrigley last year agains the Brewers

Where Wood got light up like a Christmas tree with a 3 or 4 run inning in the bottom of the 9th. It was really early in the season and i believe that Wood hit the first two batters, walked another and Braun hit a bases clearing double or something like that.

by Galvan316 on May 16, 2009 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

last year when marmol or KW would ocme to the mound in the ninth id pretty much turn off the TV; This year i bite my nails when i see gregg get called to the mound

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 6:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well, that's an improvement

At least you’re not turning off the TV anymore.

by Not Bruce Froemming on May 16, 2009 6:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I remember you saying you were a new Cub fan…be glad you didn’t have to sit through the agony of some of the other closers in Cub history like Goose Gossage, Mitch Williams, latroy hawkins, not to mention 10 other guys who were all stars with other teams but sucked with the Cubs :(

Lee Smith and Randy Myers have been the only truly great closers the Cubs have had in my lifetime.

by jeff_pico on May 16, 2009 6:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Does the name

Bruce Sutter ring a bell?

Baseball is too much of a sport to be a business and too much of a business to be a sport.
William Wrigley Jr

by bubbamike the one and only on May 17, 2009 3:21 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's not the point.

Nowhere near the point, actually.

Sure these guys blow saves from time to time. But they’re so much better than Gregg. Gregg is probably bottom 10 closers in all of baseball.

by kanderber on May 16, 2009 6:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What a stupid post.

What’s the point of just saying “whatever?” If you’re really incapable of adding something more intelligent than that, then just don’t bother.

by kanderber on May 16, 2009 6:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

whats the point of just commenting on his whatever?

if you don’t have anything intelligent to add, why bother?

and i don’t see your point because i don’t think gregg is that awful.

today? sure he was really really really bad… but tomorrow he might not be.

by Allie on May 16, 2009 6:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

"Tomorrow he might not be"

Wouldn’t it be nice if we had a closer where your phrasing was “sure he was really really bad today… but tomorrow he’ll be fine like he has been all year” as opposed to “he might not suck tomorrow”

by kanderber on May 16, 2009 6:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

sure that'd be great

every team looks for that guy.

we can win with gregg. and we did.

by Allie on May 16, 2009 6:53 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

One stupid post begats another

He has been fine for most of the year. I know every Cubs fan wishes every player on the team was a Hall of Famer, but it just doesn’t work that way.

by Not Bruce Froemming on May 16, 2009 7:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out

by Cubbie-Tim on May 16, 2009 7:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Gregg has been far from fine...

for most of the year. What on earth are you talking about?

by kanderber on May 17, 2009 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

he's been fine.

"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley

by drewishdrewid on May 17, 2009 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You're wrong. Again.

An ERA over 6 and a WHIP of 1.776 isn’t fine. It’s trash.

by kanderber on May 17, 2009 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1, any confidence in Gregg is mind boggling

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

by DC Cubbie on May 16, 2009 8:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Every closer blows saves.

Gregg hasn’t been laser-beam tight. It’s a concern. But do you seriously think he’s going to be moved?

He’ll get his saves. He’ll help the team get to the post-season, and after that, it’s a crap-shoot.

"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley

by drewishdrewid on May 16, 2009 8:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

if his ERA is over 5 in July

I bet he will not be our closer.

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

by DC Cubbie on May 16, 2009 8:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'll take that bet.

Kevin Gregg will be the Cubs closer for the full season. $20 to Project 3000. Do you accept?

"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley

by drewishdrewid on May 16, 2009 8:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I never said he wouldnt be

you said “But do you serioulsy think he is goign to be moved?” My response was I do think Lou would move him if his performance is bad over the next few months, he does have the track record to be unmovable. Plus we have a guy named Marmol. I will take teh bet that if his ERA is over 5 in july he is not our closer.

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

by DC Cubbie on May 16, 2009 8:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

i personally think that right now marmol should be the closer, but marmol is my 2-3 favorite player so im a little biased.

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 9:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Marmol is more valuable

when he’s available in the 7/8 in “bases loaded no one out” situations

by Allie on May 16, 2009 9:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

good point, i wish he were used longer though. I know Lou wants to keep him relatively rested but marmol had 3 back to back Ks in the 8th. If hes hot let him go back out and see if he can do it again. If not then play roulette with Gregg

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Marmol's performance

drops significantly when he’s used for more than one inning. We saw that happen last year, when he flamed out.

"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley

by drewishdrewid on May 16, 2009 9:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Marmol in more than 1 inning

is bad.

3 outs is enough from him.

I hate when they use him more than 1 inning.

by Allie on May 16, 2009 9:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

like he coulda flamed any worse than gregg did today. However i understand what you mean and will concede to keeping marmol a set up guy.

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 9:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

are you kidding?

Do you remember that game, where suddenly, he couldn’t even throw it NEAR the plate? The bad throw to first, lots of walks… they didn’t hit any home-runs off him because swinging the bat at balls three feet off teh outside corner is useless.

"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley

by drewishdrewid on May 16, 2009 9:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

srry i worded that poorly. I wasnt saying that marmol can be shitty. Ill agree taht marmol has had his share of bad days. what i was more refering to was Gregg was pain to watch today, and in hindsight they shoulda left marmol in or used another pitcher. No offense intended

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 9:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ok, Done

IF Kevin Gregg’s ERA is over 5 and IF he is moved out of the closer spot before Aug 1, I will pay Project 3000 $20. IF Kevin Gregg’s ERA is over 5 and IF he is NOT moved out of the closer spot by August 1, you will pay Project 3000 $20. If his ERA doesn’t go over 5, the bet’s off.

I call for a witness.

I’m collecting quite the collection of bets on Gregg’s performance this year. :D

And by the way, I totally don’t want Marmol to be the closer. Who will come in with two on and no outs in the bottom of the 8th, when we’re up by one? Guzman’s not ready to do that yet.

"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley

by drewishdrewid on May 16, 2009 9:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Guzman has shown amazing improvement, especially since he’s come back from tommy john. If he can keep improving he could be a setup man

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 9:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He could

If he could become the backup setup man for Marmol by July or August, that would be amazing — we could use Guzman when Marmol had pitched hard the day before.

"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley

by drewishdrewid on May 16, 2009 9:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

he could be

but he’s not ready yet.

he’s still getting used to coming out of the ’pen. let him get comfy before you throw him into the fire.

by Allie on May 16, 2009 9:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

totally agree

i was just saying. it sounded like you werent giving him enough credit though

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 9:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I love Gooze

He’s got sick and nasty stuff. He could be a huge key, if he’s healthy.

But let the guy get used to the role before you make his part bigger.

by Allie on May 16, 2009 9:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

TWSS

"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley

by drewishdrewid on May 16, 2009 9:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

what does

TWSS stand for. I’m new to BCB so the acronyms are kinda confusing to me

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 9:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

that's what

she said.

"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley

by drewishdrewid on May 16, 2009 9:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's what she said.

its from the office, i believe.

just a fun way of making things sound way dirtier than they were meant. :-P

by Allie on May 16, 2009 9:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

lol. all those other threads make sense now.. lol

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 9:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

lol

i didn’t even see what i said.

by Allie on May 16, 2009 9:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

But let the guy get used to the role before you make his part bigger.

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 9:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

i guess you could actually take that whole quote if you wanted to stretch it a little

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 9:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

off topic: is that your dog in your picture, its really cute

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 9:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

yep

thats my Ginger. She’s adorable, isn’t she?

She’s my buddy.

by Allie on May 16, 2009 9:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

FYI

Ur pic is just a red X

"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie"

by calicubfan on May 16, 2009 9:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

that was to cubsfaninwisconsin

"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie"

by calicubfan on May 16, 2009 9:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

thats weird it shows up for me

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 9:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

must be my computer

"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie"

by calicubfan on May 16, 2009 9:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

the original file was like 2.7K by 2.7K so that might have explained it i changed it to be smaller just in case

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 9:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

shows up for me

but i have no idea what it’s supposed to be.

by Allie on May 16, 2009 9:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

a blue guy

batting in front of a red C.

"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley

by drewishdrewid on May 16, 2009 9:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

really?

that… is not what i thought.

but, thats why we don’t trust me on pictures. :-P

by Allie on May 16, 2009 9:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

lol drew got it right

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 9:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

agreed Drew

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

by DC Cubbie on May 16, 2009 9:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

DC

I offer the same bet at Drew

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 May 16, 2009 8:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

we had one last season

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

by DC Cubbie on May 16, 2009 8:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

don't you remember

Woody blowing the first game? Or how many games he blew later in the season?

"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley

by drewishdrewid on May 16, 2009 8:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Dempster and Wood

both blew their share, hell Bruce Sutter and Lee Smith blew games

IT HAPPENS

relax everyone

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

true. But woody rebounded and had a great year. I

i hope Gregg does the same, but nothing so far as led me to believe that the case espically after looking at Gregg’s #s last year.

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

by DC Cubbie on May 16, 2009 8:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And there was nothing to suggest

that Woody would rebound and have a great year either. There were NO numbers.

"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley

by drewishdrewid on May 16, 2009 8:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And a lot of people around here

were raising holy he11 about Wood after his early meltdowns.

by Not Bruce Froemming on May 16, 2009 8:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Gregg and Woody

had REALLY similar numbers last year. And Gregg was on a worse team.

by Allie on May 16, 2009 8:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Except for the walks.

Gregg walked twice as many hitters as Wood in a similar number of innings. That’s asking for trouble.

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

by Al on May 17, 2009 4:53 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

it is

but it’s also clear that Gregg was able to overcome that trouble, since all his other numbers were so close.

I’d love for him to reduce his walks.

"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley

by drewishdrewid on May 17, 2009 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wood was pretty good last year

That’s my problem.

Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008

by slcathena on May 16, 2009 5:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

but early in the season

he wasn’t. Remember?

"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley

by drewishdrewid on May 16, 2009 7:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Joe Nathan is probably one on that list

And he had trouble last night against the Yankees as well.

by Galvan316 on May 16, 2009 5:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I have been the last 6 games he's pitched, up until today...

And there are few “lights out” relievers around anymore.

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on May 16, 2009 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Jeez

From some of the comments on here this afternoon, you’d think that the Cubs lost this game.

I

by Galvan316 on May 16, 2009 5:44 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

stay VERY clear of the game thread...

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on May 16, 2009 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm sure there was plenty of ledge jumping there.

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

by Al on May 16, 2009 5:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

it actually wasn't as awful as you'd think

well, it probably was. But it had room to be worse.

by Allie on May 16, 2009 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I wasn't there, but did a glance of the "big innings" both good and bad...

like I do all games I miss. I wish I were surprised.

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on May 16, 2009 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I missed it all

I was watching the score on my phone, and saw 4-0 in the bottom of the eighth, and then 4-4 in the top of the ninth and said to myself “the board must be committing seppuku with a blunt keyboard.”

"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley

by drewishdrewid on May 16, 2009 7:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Should folks be happy when thier team blows a four run lead in the ninth?

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

by DC Cubbie on May 16, 2009 8:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

of course not.

but we did win.

"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley

by drewishdrewid on May 16, 2009 8:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I know. I'm just sick when people get upset over posters venting a little

when things aren’t going well, I mean what the heck is wrong with that as long they don’t say anything inappropriate or insulting

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

by DC Cubbie on May 16, 2009 8:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

what isn't going well?

we’ve won, what, five in a row? We’re 1/2 game back on May 16th with our best hitter out, Lee is finally starting to see the ball, Soto looks to be improving (albeit slowly), Bradley is coming along quite nicely, we have Bobby Freakin’ Scales and Micah Hoffpauir picking up the slack, and Alfonso Soriano is hitting opposite-field singles to win the game.

Yes. Gregg blew the save. Yes, Heilman was shaky. But Guzman pitched well, Wells pitched very well, and if relief pitchers were really all that great, they wouldn’t be relief pitchers.

"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley

by drewishdrewid on May 16, 2009 8:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

reason to be happy

we gave up 4 not 5

sure the pen blew a lead, but the rookie has looked damn good in his two starts. no need to dwell on a victory IMHO

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 May 16, 2009 8:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

When Z returns

we have six solid to very-good pitchers, any of whom can go into the rotation.

That’s a GREAT problem to have.

"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley

by drewishdrewid on May 16, 2009 8:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I love it

6 man rotation, allowing Z to PH with bunts five out of six games

baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out

by Cubbie-Tim on May 16, 2009 8:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

agree, but were not supposed to comment on the fact we blew a four run

lead in the ninth. Despite all the other positives you mentioned, that is not good, and people have a right to bitch about it.

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

by DC Cubbie on May 16, 2009 8:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If it becomes a habit

then it’s of real concern. EVERY closer has bad days.

"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley

by drewishdrewid on May 16, 2009 8:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

agree, but the bullpen ERA is something to be concerned with now.

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

by DC Cubbie on May 16, 2009 8:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

On and on it goes ...

I swear, if Jennie Finch were standing naked in front of some of you guys, you would bitch that she had a pimple on her rear end.

by Not Bruce Froemming on May 16, 2009 8:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

big legs on her

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

by DC Cubbie on May 16, 2009 8:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

the pimple iss off center

AUGH!

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 May 16, 2009 9:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

so you disagree with Al's above post

ending in “fix the bullpen”

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

by DC Cubbie on May 16, 2009 9:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The problem with the bullpen

revolves more around the consistency of Cotts and Heilman than it does around Gregg.

I think Piniella and Hendry in the process of addressing that. Ascanio already is up, and I suspect Wells will be in the pen when Zambrano returns.

by Not Bruce Froemming on May 16, 2009 9:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

to a point.

I prefer to look at it this way:

If we can be seven games over .500 without our best hitter AND the bullpen being shaky, think of how well this team will play when Rami’s back and the pen is settled!

"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley

by drewishdrewid on May 16, 2009 8:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

amen, assuming that the rest of the team continues to perform the way they have been(excluding the bullpen) Also, thank god our rotation is doing its job. Hats off to Wells who has been an amzing sub to Z

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 8:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out

by Cubbie-Tim on May 16, 2009 8:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Very well said!

There really is a lot to be happy about today — including the bullpen as you pointed out — and the fact we’re on a 5 game winning streak; going for a perfect (rain-shortened) homestand tomorrow!

However, while I admire optimism, you have to admit this team’s bullpen clearly has flaws that need to be corrected. Both Heilman and Gregg have showed ZERO consistency. Even when they do finish innings, it seems more often than not, they’re walking a batter here or giving up a base hit there.

Is it time to panic? Of course not. But it’s certainly something to be concerned about. Just sayin

"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie"

by calicubfan on May 16, 2009 8:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I recognize that the pen has issues. I’m not going to worry if Gregg walks a batter every time he comes out in the ninth.

The only stat that matters is Wins.

"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley

by drewishdrewid on May 16, 2009 8:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

also Patton and cotts. thankfully they arent used often. I cringe whenever i see one of those two warming up in the ’pen.

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 8:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

How many fans of any team

are perfectly content with their bullpens, do you suppose?

I’m guessing that number is pretty small.

by Not Bruce Froemming on May 16, 2009 9:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm glad I wasn't

in there then today.

by sue369 on May 16, 2009 9:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No joke.

I’m reading this at the equivalent of 5AM my time (just flew from San Francisco to Philly), and I didn’t sleep on the plane at all…so I might just be tired and whatnot. But dissent is apparently very much not welcome in this thread….

:)

by CubsWin!Oregon on May 17, 2009 7:02 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think that Bobby Scales pic above....

….would look great with a superman cape on it.

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on May 16, 2009 5:54 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley

by drewishdrewid on May 16, 2009 7:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

thanks!

i couldn’t find it.

by Allie on May 16, 2009 8:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

9th inning aside ...

It was great to see DLee hitting, even Soto contributed, and Guzman looks stronger every game. Much to cheer. If only we could figure out the pen.

by Emelie on May 16, 2009 5:57 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I still like

gooze – marmol- gregg.

and less heilman if at all possible.

by Allie on May 16, 2009 5:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Heilman is good for LONG relief

That should be his role.

"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 May 16, 2009 6:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He has improved every single outing

And that is impressive as hell.

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

by jkobus on May 16, 2009 8:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think people need to remember that this team

Has seen injuries hit: Bradley, Marmol, Lee, Ramirez and Zambrano and have had virtually zero production from Bradley, Fontenot, Soto and Lee yet this team is only .5 games out of first place.

The way people around here are starting to act you’d think the Cubs havent won a game all season.

Too those people who where chanting “Woody” at the game or on this site. You either baseball stupid, blind or both because Wood right now for Cleveland has a 6.00 ERA 5 Saves so explain to me how Gregg who coming into today had a 3.86 era and 5 saves is worse the the crap that Wood has does so far?

by Galvan316 on May 16, 2009 6:02 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

correction
  • “has done” so far

by Galvan316 on May 16, 2009 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

There is a lot of over reaction positive/negative on this site...

…but that’s just part of the blog growing and i think a broader audience , some of it is related to fans’ expectations for the season, maybe more so the latter.

I don’t think fans are stupid for wanting Wood here, he was a special player for Cubs fans and many wanted him re-signed. In terms of in the moment chanting Woody, some of that is ignorance and some of it is related to Wood being the face of the franchise. I haven’t looked at either pitchers’ stats, but apparently both are struggling at times this year. I’d still prefer Wood on this team but at the same time it’s counterproductive to remind Gregg of that during the game.

by DudeVf11 on May 16, 2009 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Kerry Wood is on the Cleveland Indians

No amount of wishing, whining, bitching, moaning, complaining is going to change that fact. Its over. He had a decent run but its over.

by Galvan316 on May 16, 2009 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Careful

I said the same thing and was told off for “throwing Wood under the bus”.

by Allie on May 16, 2009 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Allie

I’m sorry people talked to you like that. Because I sick and tired of the whole “BRING BACK WOOD AND DEROSA!” crap that seems to be blossoming on here on a nightly/daily basis.

Those players had a great run here, but they are Indians now. and so far this season Neither would have done squat on this team right now.

I think the little things are important in baseball as much as any other sport. How about that close ball 4 call in the 9th with Scales at the plate? That won the game right there for our team.

Yet since it wasnt DEROSA it doesnt matter ?

by Galvan316 on May 16, 2009 6:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

"You can't take life to seriously, you don't get out of it alive"

by wild bill on May 16, 2009 6:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It is counterproductive to cheer "Woody" during the games.

But saying that Scales’ AB doesn’t matter to fans seem like an over reaction. Scales has been a great story and the fans appear to be totally behind the guy.

by DudeVf11 on May 16, 2009 7:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

sorry but, that pitch was pretty high

not that close of a call. Agree with rest of what you say.

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

by DC Cubbie on May 16, 2009 8:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Gregg

Gregg just didn’t have it today, it can happen to even good pitchers. We’ve all seen Marmol go out there and stink up more than a few times. Hopefully he can get back to being good, he had been very good in the month of May up to this point.

All in all a win is a win and tomorrows game of Harden vs Mohler screams mismatch…lets keep it going!

by jeff_pico on May 16, 2009 6:13 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

didnt we lose last game against mohler? if so that was also when the cubs couldnt hit for shit, but this time may be different

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 6:26 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

HOFF POWER

I WANT TO SEE IT IN THERE E V E R Y D A Y !

by nimblenikelfoos on May 16, 2009 7:07 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

no you don't.

"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley

by drewishdrewid on May 16, 2009 7:37 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

between him or lee, ill take him until lee his healthier/able to do more offensively

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 7:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Lee

drove in the first run today, didn’t he?

"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley

by drewishdrewid on May 16, 2009 8:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

one RBI doesn't change the fact he has sucked this year

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

by DC Cubbie on May 16, 2009 8:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

sucked is over reacting

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 May 16, 2009 8:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

pleez, he was hitting under .200 before today

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

by DC Cubbie on May 16, 2009 8:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

injured does not equal sucks

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

im not saying hes bad, i just think if hes injured he should rest. hes obviously been pretty mush no good lately. Until he can return to full health (and therefore full potential) i think hoffpauir should get more playing time since he hasnt screwed up at 1B and hes one of the best hitters on the cubs so far this year

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 8:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree with that

I like Hoff, and do want him to play often. I refuse to agree with people saying Lee sucks, since being injured and fighting thru it is not the same as sucking.

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 May 16, 2009 8:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I understand he has been injured, I didn't say he sucks

as a player, but his performance this year, irregardless of the reason, has sucked.

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

by DC Cubbie on May 16, 2009 8:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

actually, yes you did

you said he sucked this yer, which is not correct. Injured is not sucking.

Either he is injured and his injuries are keeping him from producing, or he sucks. You cannot say he sucks, but is not a sucky player because he is injured, that is a direct contradiction of 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 May 16, 2009 8:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And how do you account for the suck

he had the second half of last year. Was he injured then too? Whatever the reason (age, injuries) he has sucked this year. I only hope it does not continue.

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

by DC Cubbie on May 16, 2009 8:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

you keep discrediting yourself

you say in one reply he sucks, the next he doesnt suck beacue he is injured, then return to Lee sucks. Please go make up your mind, adn come back with one opinion.

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 May 16, 2009 8:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

well you had already decided what I had said so why fight it.

Anyway, I meant his performance has sucked this year. I agree its at least in part due to injury. Though for you to claim its all due to injury is insane, you (nor I ) know why his performance has been so bad since the second half of last year. I personally think he has lost a good amount of bad speed in recent years. Again, I think D Lee “sucks”, his past season he is /can be a great player. But a this stage of the game his is not that.

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

by DC Cubbie on May 16, 2009 8:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I believe his numbers are a combo of two things

1. playing thru an injury (with a neck problem or back problem, he will have to do that the rest of his career

2. he is not as young as he once was, age means some decline.

Does he suck, no. Is he not the same as we have grown to expect, yes.

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 May 16, 2009 8:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

meant to say "I don't think DLee "sucks"

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

by DC Cubbie on May 16, 2009 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

actually

IIRC, he WAS injured last year.

We all hope it doesn’t continue. Today was a good sign.

"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley

by drewishdrewid on May 16, 2009 8:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

i don't remember that? What was it?

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

by DC Cubbie on May 16, 2009 8:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

same neck issue

he is playing thru 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 May 16, 2009 8:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

well that is a real concern then

he is a fighter I give him that. And I still think his defense is better then anyone in the league.

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

by DC Cubbie on May 16, 2009 8:53 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

would you agree with me to change sucked

to been inconsistant? that seems more like what has been his 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 May 16, 2009 8:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

ok, I'll go with that

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

by DC Cubbie on May 16, 2009 9:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

finally

its settled. i was gonna have to get Al in here and separate you two

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 9:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I thought we kept it civil

disagreement is good, otherwise this site would be boring

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

by DC Cubbie on May 16, 2009 9:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

true

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 May 16, 2009 9:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

lol i know, but it sounded like it could have gotten violent if it conitnued. Maybe i just read it that way.

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 9:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

i dont think so

since not once did we drop into the name calling, personal attacks

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 May 16, 2009 9:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

lol k then i stand corrected

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 9:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nah

that wasn’t ugly at all.

Now Drew vs Blue Mike: Those get ugly.

by Allie on May 16, 2009 9:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

and sadly can be

quite entertaining at times

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 May 16, 2009 9:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not to me

I hate them and leave.

by Allie on May 16, 2009 9:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

lol. Or any debate on brew crew ball involving the brew and the cubs

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 9:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

you think so?

I guess. usually he says something completely off the wall and/or inappropriate, I say something in response, and he never replies.

"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley

by drewishdrewid on May 16, 2009 9:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No

not Blou, old blue mike… ’member the “where ya sittin at wrigley, lets take it outside” stuff.

that was ugly.

by Allie on May 16, 2009 9:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

they're the same guy

but I wasn’t the one who had that conversation with him.

BLou = BlueMike.

"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley

by drewishdrewid on May 16, 2009 10:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

i know they're the same guy

but mbdniu or whatever was much nastier than the current blou is.

i’ve found blou to be reasonable for the most part and ignorable when he’s not. i never had that with mbdniu.

by Allie on May 17, 2009 1:34 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

wow

a debate ending in agreenace….wow! what has happened to BCB

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 May 16, 2009 9:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

he's been injured

and tried to gut it out. He had to take some rest.

He put bat on the ball and got a hit, drove in a run. That’s his job, and he’s starting to do it. Meanwhile, he continues to make plays at first that Hoffpauir can only watch in respectful silence.

"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley

by drewishdrewid on May 16, 2009 8:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You keep saying that about Micah's defense....

….but he IS NOT a bad first baseman. Not up to par with Lee, but he’s no Mo Vaughn over there, either.

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on May 16, 2009 8:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hoff looks to be about average in the field

which is fine by me. If Lee cannot get healthy, Hoff will be a big asset to us

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 May 16, 2009 8:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Average at first

Below average in the OF.

"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 May 16, 2009 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Below average in the OF.

but not the worst we have seen at the same time

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 May 16, 2009 8:53 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Jacque Jones...

Paging Jacque Jones to the airport courtesy phone.

"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley

by drewishdrewid on May 16, 2009 9:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Brant Brown

you are wanted at the front desk, Santo wishes to have a word with 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 May 16, 2009 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Jones...

…his arm was really awful but he looked pretty good range wise. Especially considering he was being made to play out of position (CF) for nearly a full season.

by bikemonkey on May 16, 2009 9:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

on hoff

the cubs dont need to worry about hoff’s outfield capabilities personally. We have soraino, johnson, and fukudome which are the best starters for the cubs, personally. They also have Bradley, who is showing some life nwo at the plate, and Freel, who has yet to prove himself. Yes Hoff plays OF below avg, but hes a good back up at 1B which is where the cubs need him more anyways. I know Hoff isnt the ideal 1B, but not eveyrone can have Pujols. He does just fine for the cubs, plus his batting is superb thus far.

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 8:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No, I'm not suggesting he's terrible.

Not at all. Hoffpauir would probably be a starting first-baseman for Pittsburgh, Oakland or Baltimore.

however, Derrek Lee makes some amazing plays, that Hoffpauir could not.

"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley

by drewishdrewid on May 16, 2009 8:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

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

by Jimmyeatworld on May 16, 2009 8:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

JIMMY!

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 May 16, 2009 8:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

TIMMY!

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

by Jimmyeatworld on May 16, 2009 9:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

yo, Jimmay!

"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley

by drewishdrewid on May 16, 2009 8:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

drew...

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

by Jimmyeatworld on May 16, 2009 9:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

and I'm not doubting your last point...

but when you say:

Meanwhile, he continues to make plays at first that Hoffpauir can only watch in respectful silence.

That’s suggesting he’s horrible. Maybe that’s not the way you meant it…shrug.

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on May 16, 2009 8:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He's not horrible

but Lee’s a gold glover for a reason.

by Allie on May 16, 2009 9:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

as long as his

neck does not cause him any trouble making plays.

not saying he is not a great fielder, which has been his trademark, but an injured neck does change what can be done

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 May 16, 2009 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

not horrible

merely average, and I believe that this team cannot content with an average glove at first base.

"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley

by drewishdrewid on May 16, 2009 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not with the stink

around the rest of the IF.

by Allie on May 16, 2009 9:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Actually, none of those teams.

I’ve never been a big Adam LaRoche fan, but he’s the same age as Hoff and has a much longer ML track record; I don’t think Hoff has any more upside, and a lot more downside. The Orioles have been playing Aubrey Huff there and he seems to be hitting well (don’t know about his defense); again, a proven veteran who can definitely hit. Oakland has this guy named Giambi who probably won’t hit above .260 for a season again now that he’s old and off the juice, but even when he’s slumping he draws enough walks that it’s not a total loss. Hell, even if Giambi doesn’t get on track all season they’ll probably keep running him out there, rightly or not. And they can’t DH Giambi (or, hypothetically, Hoff) without having Jack Cust stand in the field somewhere, which makes children cry.

There might be some teams that Hoff could rightly start for, but I doubt there’s one where he’d be handed a job straight-up. He’d have to compete for at-bats just about anywhere.

by aldimond on May 17, 2009 12:44 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

well

obviously they all have players who start first base for them. I’m merely suggesting that if they DIDN’T have a first baseman, Hoff could play for them, that’s all.

"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley

by drewishdrewid on May 17, 2009 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

hoff was also last years Bobby Scales.. Granted Hoffpauir wasnt int he minors for 10 years, but the cubs gave him a chance around the end of the season so they could rest a couple starters and now he a very active member of the roster. If bobby can do what he has been doing then mybe he should stay too; the only question would be who should leave, but only itme will tell

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 7:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Actually Hoff was up in May and June...

and got sent down because of roster issues, then came back in September.

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on May 16, 2009 8:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I overslept by about five...

…hours and missed the game. What did Dome do today?

by LeSaboteur on May 16, 2009 7:18 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

not much?

He had a walk and scored on Hoff’s homer

by jeff_pico on May 16, 2009 7:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks.

I saw that his BA was ten points lower, so I didn’t think it was one of his better outings.

by LeSaboteur on May 16, 2009 7:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

who oversleeps by five hours?

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

by DC Cubbie on May 16, 2009 8:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

ah, I remember the days

when i could do that.

"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley

by drewishdrewid on May 16, 2009 8:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

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

by santoswoodenlegs on May 16, 2009 7:28 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I could have gotten it done sooner...

but my wife was so “thankful” for the housework I did today….wink wink.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on May 16, 2009 7:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

TMI, Chad, TMI

"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money."

--Ernie Banks

by dtpollitt on May 16, 2009 9:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

its Super Sub

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 May 16, 2009 7:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

did you guys call him

“the Substitute” during the thread today?

"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley

by drewishdrewid on May 16, 2009 7:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

i wasnt in it much, had a bunch of paperwork to do, spent the day at work (AUGH)

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 May 16, 2009 7:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

ouch, burn.

did you see my email?

"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley

by drewishdrewid on May 16, 2009 7:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

si

and replied

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 May 16, 2009 7:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

we'll make millions

on your coffeetable book.

"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley

by drewishdrewid on May 16, 2009 7:38 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Awesome SWL, thanks!

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on May 16, 2009 8:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just got home from the game

I am now 2-0 at Cubs games this year, glad I got a W after that horrid 9th.

Al said most of the things I was thinking on the way home in his recap. One thing I want to bring up again is the booing of your own players, I just dont get it. They obviously know they arent doing well, how is booing going to help? IDK just sitting in the bleachers around a bunch of too drunk people booing Gregg after he has been solid as of recent really irked me.

Also, D.Lee – While he did have a nice RBI there, he does not look good or comfortable at the plate.

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

by jkobus on May 16, 2009 8:29 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I don’t mind people booing Gregg when he was that horrid. What else are the fans supposed to do? golf clap?

by jeff_pico on May 16, 2009 8:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

IDK

Its just something that bugs me. But it was instant booing. Like the minute that first HR left the park there was some booing. Just something that irks me personally.

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

by jkobus on May 16, 2009 8:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

yes booing after the 1st HR is a bit much but once he’s pulled from the game a little booing is no problem.

by jeff_pico on May 16, 2009 8:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

would be funny (imo)

if a pitcher had a bad game, and instead of booing the entire crowd stood and turned their back to him instead. Not sure how that would be perceived, but would be different and unique

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 May 16, 2009 8:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

Awesome, It would take a lot of coordination.
Reminds me of that study where people stand in an elevator facing the back and people that get on do it just to feel normal.

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

by jkobus on May 16, 2009 8:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

that would take a lot of work

but it could be done I bet

baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out

by Cubbie-Tim on May 16, 2009 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think booing Gregg after his performance today

was justifiable. It was well-deserved.

But a lot of the booing taking place at Wrigley these days isn’t.

I don’t subscribe to the never-boo theory, but a lot of fans are going overboard.

by Not Bruce Froemming on May 16, 2009 9:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

didnt they boo when he was called into the game? i thought i read that somewhere. if thats the case that doesnt help at all.

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 9:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If that's the case

it’s asinine and ridiculous.

I like how this fan base is not tolerating being “loveable losers” anymore. It’s long overdue. But the other extreme is just as nauseating.

by Not Bruce Froemming on May 16, 2009 9:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

lol im a bears fan so ive developed a tolerance for losing

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 9:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Forgot to add

Either in the 7th or 8th time a lady got thrown out. Now I was in right center and this lady was in left center. But near the end of the game Carlos lee was starting to get heckled a lot. And so the whole left field bleachers were all standing and cheering. I look over in time to see a woman in the third row from the front turn around and flash the whole left field bleachers, only to get get thrown out less than 30 seconds later. Reminds me of how interesting Wrigley can get during day games.

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

by jkobus on May 17, 2009 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

cards lost 1-0 to SUPPAN

how do you only score one off of suppan?

by Allie on May 16, 2009 9:03 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

haven't

we done that? :D

The Cards are in a bit of a tailspin. I weep no tears. :D

"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley

by drewishdrewid on May 16, 2009 9:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

me neither

but brewers have the vibe of “no one believes in us”…

by Allie on May 16, 2009 9:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

thats because no one does believe in them :) but I will say they have sorted out their bullpen finally after about 10 years, but that offense is all or nothing and it will cold sooner or later.

by jeff_pico on May 16, 2009 9:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe

but the “us against the world” team happens every year. the rockies in 2007, the rays last year… lots of examples, you know.

by Allie on May 16, 2009 9:37 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

in that case we need to introduce the Cubs to BLou…give em some motivation :)

by jeff_pico on May 16, 2009 9:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

BLou is the ultimate non-believer in the Cubs so if that strategy works go with it……in fact maybe that could be secret behind this winning streak :)

by jeff_pico on May 16, 2009 9:53 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't get it either

That being said, if the Cubs do tomorrow what they did today, I’m sending them the bill for my triple-bypass!

by salparadise23 on May 16, 2009 9:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

lol yea he has a pt. the brew won, giving up 0 runs. Hart got a Solo HR off cards.. lolz

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 9:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah the Cards are struggling…poor pitiful cards. I hope they keep it up :) and don’t break out of it until about Friday.

by jeff_pico on May 16, 2009 9:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

wow

i’m really dumb.

:shame:

by Allie on May 16, 2009 9:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

lol it happens (to some of us) :P

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 9:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'll just attribute it to the fact

that its pretty much impossible to score 0 on Suppan, so your mind tricked you.

by cubsfaninatl on May 16, 2009 9:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

losing to suppan

is mind boggling.

imean, i know it happens… but he’s awful.

by Allie on May 16, 2009 9:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

lol i love suppan

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 9:37 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You heard it here first...

Alfonso Soriano is showing much better plate discipline, has not been streaky, and is getting hits in crucial situations where he might have struck out before. He is heading for the NL MVP. Wait and see…

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

by Jimmyeatworld on May 16, 2009 9:16 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Did Pujols go down today or something?

"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie"

by calicubfan on May 16, 2009 9:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

lol i was thinking the same thing. If pujols keeps doing what hes been doing, he deserves the NL MVP

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 9:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If the cards don't make the playoffs

i don’t see Pujols winning again.

But Fonzie, if he keeps the bad streaks to a minimum, should def be in the conversation.

by Allie on May 16, 2009 9:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

MVP or not

It’s nice to have a player that Wrigley crowd can chant “MVP” for starting in August.

by ak123 on May 16, 2009 10:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just for comparasion sake:

Gregg 2008 with FLA:

68.2 IP, 51 H, 3 HR, 37 BB, 58 K, 3.41 ERA

Wood 2008 with CHC:

66.1 IP, 54 H, 3 HR, 18 BB, 84 K, 3.26 ERA.

Gregg doesn’t have the great BB/K ratio, but really, they aren’t that much different, IMHO.

by Allie on May 16, 2009 9:17 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

that is interesting

I think Gredd’s second half #s were really bad?

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

by DC Cubbie on May 16, 2009 9:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wow!

In 16 innings this season he’s already given up more HR

"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie"

by calicubfan on May 16, 2009 9:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The walks.

That jumps out of those numbers. Twice as many walks in a similar number of innings. That is just asking for trouble from a closer.

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

by Al on May 17, 2009 4:56 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That walk/IP ration is trouble for any pitcher

Thinking about Piniella’s aversion to the BB, it’s actually a bit surprising that they’d acquire Gregg in the first place.

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

by Shanghai Badger on May 17, 2009 7:54 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm watching the

replay on CSN right now. Nice to know we do win. Sounds like it’s good I missed the game threads today.

by sue369 on May 16, 2009 9:30 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I didn't think they were *that* bad.

They’ve definitely been worse.

by Allie on May 16, 2009 9:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Eh, I've been

stressed to the max this week so it’s probably a good thing I wasn’t in there. I will be in tomorrow though. :-)

by sue369 on May 16, 2009 9:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

hope things calm down for you, Sue.

I hope to be in for the later innings tomorrow. Can’t participate as fulsomely as I did last year, alas. Miss you guys (and the Cubs!!)

by Emelie on May 16, 2009 9:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks Em.

Glad you will be able to be with us tomorrow. We miss you too.

by sue369 on May 16, 2009 10:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Completely off topic

but i was wondering why the cubs ridded themselves of the blue/red hats and now only role with the blue/blue ones

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 9:51 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Less confusion...

is what I remember hearing. So whoever has to pack the uniforms and hats doesn’t mess up the road/home hats. Having just one hat was supposed to make it easier I guess…

by Dayton Cubbie on May 17, 2009 4:35 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I find that hard to believe . . .

The equipment manager should be responsible for making sure that only the correct hats are even in the lockers.

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

by Shanghai Badger on May 17, 2009 7:59 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You're right it is a ridiculous excuse.

I heard Len talking about eliminating the road caps earlier in the season and he said it was to make it easier on the equipment manager. Not sure why it would be so difficult for him to pack the road hats with the road uniforms, that certainly doesn’t seem difficult or confusing. I also think it’s strange they eliminate a hat when they are normally trying to market as many different products as possible. Personally, it doesn’t really matter to me but I do think the red billed caps looked better with the road greys.

by Acapulco Taco Pie on May 17, 2009 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

man, that is pretty lame excuse

its not that confusing. Maybe I should apply for that job

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

by DC Cubbie on May 17, 2009 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Non closing situations

Is it just me or do the Cubs have a harder when their closers try to finish non-save situation games?

I know Dempster had real problems doing that and I remember Wood having 1 or 2 bad outings the same way. Gregg was no different. Closers must have a different mentality about these innings?

Regardless we were able to get a happy ending at the end of today so I guess we call this one a wash?

by ak123 on May 16, 2009 10:05 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Check the splits.

Wood did slightly better last year in non-save than in save situations. You’re right on Demp, though. He did a little worse in non-save spots in ’05, then a lot worse in ’06 and ’07. Hard to say if the amount of information there is statistically signiifcant, though.

by aldimond on May 17, 2009 5:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

anyone see?

Rich Hill started for the Orioles today. Went 5 2/3, got his first win of the season. Pitched pretty well. 2 walks, 7 hits, 2 runs, and six strikeouts.

"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley

by drewishdrewid on May 16, 2009 10:50 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

the cubs actually gave orioles a decent player? lol

by CubsFanInWisconsin on May 16, 2009 11:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

guess so.

If Rich Hill has a banner year… well. I’m happy for him, but I wish he could have done it for us. Be interesting to see what he can do.

"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley

by drewishdrewid on May 16, 2009 10:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Non-save situation

Since it was a non-save situation, maybe Lou should have had Heillman on the mound and warmed Gregg in case Heilmann got into trouble. Some closers thrive under pressure of coming in with men on base.

The way Guzman pitched, I’m not sure why Lou took him out after just one inning (in which he threw about 7 pitches).

"They found a delivery in my flaw." - Dan Quisenberry

by danimal15 on May 16, 2009 10:57 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

You've got lunatics complaining about Marmol being abused

Wanna throw Guzman in that pile, too? Then it would get really unbearable around here.

Maybe Heilman would have been good to use, but Gregg already was warmed up. That’s the problem sometimes when a lead goes from a save to a non-save situation in the bottom of the eighth. The closer already is ready to go, and it’s often too late to get up anybody else.

by Not Bruce Froemming on May 17, 2009 1:12 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't think worrying about Guzman's arm is on anyone's radar...

(well, on the board, at least; surely Cubs coaches are keeping track of everyone)

He has pitched more innings than any other reliever on the staff this year. He doesn’t have a ton of appearances, which is probably a little more important, and he’s been pretty efficient (i don’t have pitch-count numbers, but he’s just third among Cub relievers in batters faced).

Anyway, I agree with you. Complaining about Lou’s bullpen management today is silly. He put the right guys out there and one of them just couldn’t make any outs. Maybe he stuck with Gregg too long, but… even that’s tough to say. You don’t start warming up another pitcher when your closer gives up a leadoff home run to a great hitter. Maybe the opportunity to take him out sooner was getting hit with the line drive. That’s arguable. I think Lou having some faith in Gregg is better than the alternative.

by aldimond on May 17, 2009 1:36 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

just get rid of Cotts!

I don’t care who they keep in the rotation as long as they send down Cotts. I hated him last year and needless to say the why he’s performing this year is not making me change my mind any.

by Mars10 on May 17, 2009 1:48 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I'm now 6-0-1 on the season

I’ve seen some pretty good games.

Soriano HR in the 9th at Miller
Lilly’s opening day no no flirt
Aramis’ walkoff homer
Soriano’s walk off hit

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on May 17, 2009 9:11 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

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

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

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recommended FanPosts

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

Recent FanPosts

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

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

FanShots

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

Recommended FanShots

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

Recent FanShots

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

+ New FanShot All FanShots >

It Is Only...

Cubs By The Numbers

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

Click here to order your copy, available now!

SPONSORS

Recent Stories in Ticket Exchanges

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

Managing Editor

Yelloncard_small Al

Editorial Cartoonist

Toonmike_small toonmike

Contributors

Dsc_0139_small holy mackerel

100px-boisehawkscaplogo_small Josh77

Small shawndgoldman