Light At The End Of The TV Blackout Tunnel: Cubs vs. Cardinals, Wednesday 5/20, 7:15 CT
The owners are meeting this week and maybe, just maybe, you'll see the beginnings of lifting of the ridiculous blackouts:
But the biggest item on the agenda that could be dealt with remains the issue of MLB television territories at the local and regional level. The hodge-podge and arcane mapping of the country has come into play when coupled with MLB’s blackout policy. According to multiple sources, the owners will address the issue, which has been tabled repeatedly over the course of the last two years.
According to a proposal by MLB President and COO, Bob DuPuy, owners risk losing a geographic area of a territory they currently are claiming if they have not broadcast into that area for at least one season, thus lifting the blackout restriction for that geographic location.
"I see no reason why there ought to be so many clubs able to black out in those territories," DuPuy said in August of 2008. "That’s my intention. That’s my goal. I didn’t get any pushback. The whole thing is about making the game more popular and available."
Let's hope this starts now. It's way past time.
If you're wondering why Carlos Zambrano's numbers weren't very good in his rehab start, here's your answer:
"He said he threw only fastballs and was just trying to build up a little arm strength and make sure his leg was fine," Chicago manager Lou Piniella said Tuesday. "He said he's ready to go."
Z will start on Friday in San Diego.
Miscellaneous baseball notes: you think the Cubs are having trouble hitting? The Mets haven't hit a home run in 60 innings. And if they do? Well, it might come under replay review; here's an interesting article about the review system.
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Chris Carpenter's extended stat line is currently unavailable; he got off to a good start this year in his first two outings before suffering a non-arm-related oblique injury. Those can be tough to come back from, but supposedly he's ready to go. His particular Cub nemesis is Alfonso Soriano (12-for-28, a double, 2 HR). He is 7-3, 3.08 lifetime vs. the Cubs.
Ryan Dempster has already started twice vs. St. Louis this year, getting no-decisions in a Cubs win on April 18 and a Cubs loss on April 24. He threw six innings both times. He'll need to step it up a little more tonight. Dempster will be happy to not have to face Ryan Ludwick tonight -- Ludwick is 8-for-16 lifetime vs. Demp. However, Rick Ankiel, who is supposed to return tonight along with Carpenter, is only 1-for-10 vs. Dempster.
Today's game is being carried by ESPN, for those of you not in the St. Louis or Chicago areas, where it is on the local cable outlets. For today's other games see the MLB.com Mediacenter.
Baseball-reference.com game preview
Overflow comment threads will post today at 8:15 pm, 9:15 pm and 10 pm CDT.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
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Comments
it might be a fun night
those 2 posts got deleted.
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
I know...and they were just getting good.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
I know
C’mon Al, maybe we can have a section of your blog for totally unnecessary personal attacks and stupid stuff.
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
um, dare I ask, what was going on?
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 20, 2009 5:35 PM CDT up reply actions
ahhhhhh.....
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 20, 2009 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Well I am
I always like a good laugh.
"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 20, 2009 7:10 PM CDT up reply actions
not laughable IMO
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
Good use of your phonics & phonemes.
I approve.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money."
--Ernie Banks
quick review
BLou asked why women hate Lou Piniella so much. No facts, no polls.
Drew let him have it in the post. Al said it was okay.
Drew created his own post parodying Blou post.
I think that is the cliffnotes version. Except the rest of us were having a blast.
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
Geezz,
I was working and you guys had all the fun. Bummer for me.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 20, 2009 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions
You missed the
gratuitous urinal pictures too, but I digress.
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
Wait, BLou thinks he understands women?
Well, that’s the biggest news I’ve heard today!
Being of the female variety myself, you know.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 20, 2009 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions
So why do hate Piniella so much?
Is it because he isn’t that good of a husband?
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
I wouldn't want to be around Lou when the team lost,
that’s for sure.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 20, 2009 5:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Especially when
he throws the dishes at you for making Spaghetti again.
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
I left for a little while
did we ever determine if women are actually more likely than men to disapprove of Lou?
"It's been my policy to view the Internet not as an 'information highway,' but as an electronic asylum filled with babbling loonies." - Mike Royko
I was going back and forth
between the posts. But the last time I left Blou’s was 5 female votes. 3 didn’t like Lou and 2 liked him.
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
I should have just deleted the original post.
The parody post was just ridiculous. This site is about the Cubs. Let’s stop attacking each other, OK?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Man I hate it when posts get deleted. Do my comments still count?
It’s like dust in the wind…sigh.
After last night’s game, I really have no expectations for tonight. Carp could throw a no-no, Dempster could hit a grand salami. I have no idea what to expect from this team at this point.
Dan
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money."
--Ernie Banks
I see your Kansas...
… and up you one Old School reference.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4XSLR6D-Dg
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"
by AndrewJStone on May 20, 2009 5:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Fair enough, sir. You win this round, but the battle wages on...
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money."
--Ernie Banks
Game on!
Have to head down to US Cellular (Sox play the Twins tonight, don’t think for a second i won’t be rocking my old Kirby Puckett shirt) in a few minutes for a work function (at least there will be free beer)… so good luck, and keep it clean in those game threads everyone! :-)
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"
line ups per gordo twitter
Scales gets a start tonight. Lineup vs. Carpenter: sori, riot, fuky, lee, milt, font (3b), soto, scales (2b), demp
Yeah for Scales getting a start!!!
Cards lineup: 2B Schumaker, CF Rasmus, 1B Pujols, C Molina, LF Duncan, RF Stavinoha, 3B Thurston, P Carpenter, SS
"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."
by Madison Cub Fan on May 20, 2009 5:19 PM CDT reply actions
doing ok
you?
"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."
by Madison Cub Fan on May 20, 2009 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions
thats cool I'm bored but heading to Marks to watch the game tonight!
So hopefully Cubs play better than last night. Also hope Scales and Soto have good games
"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."
by Madison Cub Fan on May 20, 2009 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions
a HR by either of them would be a good thing :)
Get Soto above the Mendoza line :)
"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."
by Madison Cub Fan on May 20, 2009 5:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Watch this be a 12-10 game that lasts 4.5 hours.
With the Cubs winning, of course.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 20, 2009 5:55 PM CDT up reply actions
Yea for Scales!!!!
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
And still no Ryan Freel at third base.
I mean, I’m glad to see Scales get a start and all, but geez. OK, Freel’s numbers vs. Carpenter aren’t great. He has 26 PAs for a paltry .589 OPS, but at least he’s faced him before.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
I'm beginning to wonder why we got Freel at all....
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 20, 2009 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions
At least we don't have
Gathright anymore. That’s a plus.
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
good point, both of you...lol
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 20, 2009 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, me too.
Although Miles isn’t in the lineup tonight, which is a good thing. Scales and Fontenot are probably our best options at this point, at least until the Scales cools down.
Does Lou even know he plays third base?
Sometimes I think Lou sees him only as a fifth outfielder.
My only other guess is that he wants Scales speed in the lineup but also thinks Fontenot is on the brink of coming out of his slump, so he doesn’t want to give LBR the day off.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
the article in the Trib, I think....
…about “Fonty being the best option at 3rd base”, didn’t even mention Freel in the entire article!
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 20, 2009 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions
I wonder what the captain morgan club did...
…with their framed picture of joey….?
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
I wonder...
how many pitches Carpenter throws before his arm goes flying into the seats? I say he tosses 35 or so prior to the detachment.
.....

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 20, 2009 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Ha, "PLORP."
That sounds like a sabermagician thing.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by daver on May 20, 2009 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
btw daver
I enjoy your twitter… I have you bookmarked as I don’t have a twitter account
"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."
by Madison Cub Fan on May 20, 2009 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Hey, thanks!
I’ll keep sending out the odd tweet as they occur to me (emphasis on “odd”).
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
I'm going to have to take the cartoonist's word for it....
…because I , myself, don’t know the sound of an arm being pulled off.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 20, 2009 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions
LOL
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 20, 2009 5:32 PM CDT up reply actions
paging Jim Abbott
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
I see where Sean Gallagher got sent down again by the A's...
After giving up 9 runs in 2.1 innings vs the Rays…
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
Yeah, I noticed that the other night.
The Sledgehammer is struggling mightily.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
I thought his quote described his start perfectly:
“It was horrible,” he said of his outing. “Absolutely terrible. I’m absolutely disgraced with myself right now. … I can’t think of one pitch that I probably executed well.”
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 20, 2009 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Ankiel not available...
The St. Louis Cardinals have decided not to activate center fielder Rick Ankiel(notes) from the 15-day disabled list quite.
Ankiel is rehabbing from a bruised right shoulder and other injuries after he crashed headfirst crash into the outfield wall.
General manager John Mozeliak told The Associated Press it’s likely Ankiel will be activated in a few more days. Ankiel was eligible to come off the DL on Wednesday.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
the article said rain slowed up his workouts and he'd probably be ready by Saturday...
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 20, 2009 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions
He was so very luck to come out of that with only bruises.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 20, 2009 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions
TWSS
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 20, 2009 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions
nicely played, I didn't see that coming.
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
Don't like injuries
even to our rivals, but coming back after our series is just fine with me.
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
I think they left out the "yet"....
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 20, 2009 7:04 PM CDT up reply actions
Leave for a couple days, and you miss all the fun...
Oh well.
Wonder if anybody missed me.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
Who are you again?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 20, 2009 5:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Would you two like to be alone?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 20, 2009 6:05 PM CDT up reply actions

Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
Not even their best films.
Donnie Dark & TDK.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money."
--Ernie Banks
there is Instant messanger for if you wanna have private chat
"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."
by Madison Cub Fan on May 20, 2009 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions
But the public forum is what makes it exciting
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
twss (or maybe he)
"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."
by Madison Cub Fan on May 20, 2009 6:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Patience!!!!
Apparently Carpenter will be on a 75-80 pitch count, so the boys need to make him work…unlike last night.
I have nothing funny or creative to write.
by Canadian Cubs Fan on May 20, 2009 6:00 PM CDT reply actions
There has to be a twss in there somewhere
"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."
by Madison Cub Fan on May 20, 2009 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Scott Schoenweiss' wife found dead
Per AZ Republic. RIP.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
That's terrible.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 20, 2009 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Horrible and the 14 year old daughter found her too.
Just horrible.
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
I'm having flashbacks to a friend who found her mother dead when she was about that old.
:(
Absolutely devestating.
Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008
Yeah, it's bad to lose a parent so young,
but to find them dead has gotta be even more traumatic.
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
I totally agree
"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."
by Madison Cub Fan on May 20, 2009 6:22 PM CDT up reply actions
she was only 39
that is only a few years older than me.
"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."
by Madison Cub Fan on May 20, 2009 6:23 PM CDT up reply actions
make life count, enjoy your life.
And make sure your family hears you tell them you love them. You just never know.
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
Couldnt have said it better myself
That is why I tell my grandpa at the end of our phone calls that. Even if I know it’s difficult for him to respond.
"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."
by Madison Cub Fan on May 20, 2009 6:28 PM CDT up reply actions
So Vitters is looking like that guy that is going to be real good...
The question is who here would include him for Peavy now? I know I wouldnt!
4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42
I thought we were interested in a guy named DeRosa from Cleveland
and Peavy was old news.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
are we really thinking of getting him back?
dont know how i would feel.. I guess i would support it if we didnt have to give too much up
4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42
Carpenter is BAD
He can’t find the strike zone with seeing eye dog and on the rare occasions when he does he throws it right over the plate and hitters feast on his pitches.
( this is too make up for last nights pre game Pineiro pos)
"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
from your fingers to his arm
"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."
by Madison Cub Fan on May 20, 2009 6:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, no more of this talking up the opposing pitcher
"It's been my policy to view the Internet not as an 'information highway,' but as an electronic asylum filled with babbling loonies." - Mike Royko
In the immortal words of Haray Caray... HELLO EVERBODY!!
I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...
Hey Chil...
I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...
by Jimmyeatworld on May 20, 2009 6:55 PM CDT up reply actions
Hiya Susie Q.
I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...
by Jimmyeatworld on May 20, 2009 6:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Sup Jimmer!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 20, 2009 6:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Nada mucha, compadre...
I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...
by Jimmyeatworld on May 20, 2009 6:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Well, I'm out again tonight. Have fun you all, and no ledge jumping without permission!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 20, 2009 6:58 PM CDT reply actions
awww
Wait….I hate ledge jumping. You tell’em SWL.
by chitownhawkeye on May 20, 2009 6:59 PM CDT up reply actions
heh
haven’t seen ledge bot for a couple of days
by chitownhawkeye on May 20, 2009 7:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Can we get this game started already?
I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...
What game?
I thought this was the American Idol finale forum.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
First pitch thread up?
I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...

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