The Complaint Department Is Closed: Dempster's Gem Leads Cubs Past Dodgers 7-0
by Al on May 30, 2009 6:49 PM CDT
in Recaps
149 comments
I have only two bad things to say about today's impressive 7-0 Cubs shutout of the Dodgers, the first time the Dodgers have been shut out this year:
- Alfonso Soriano really does need a day off. He went 0-for-5 and looked bad doing it. Suggestion: start Jake Fox in LF tomorrow vs. the LHP Eric Milton.
- This would have been a perfect time to allow Jason Waddell to make his major league debut in the 9th inning... yet Lou let him sit in the bullpen.
Other than that -- the headline tells it all. We certainly have no complaints about one of the best games the Cubs have played all season. Ryan Dempster had outstanding stuff and command, allowing only three hits (and the first one was a freak, a double by Russell Martin in the 2nd that bounced off third base) and a walk and his seven scoreless innings dropped his season ERA by half a run, from 4.99 to 4.48. Angel Guzman -- quickly becoming a fine setup man -- threw a scoreless inning and fielded a comebacker neatly. Aaron Heilman -- um, not so much. He had little command, throwing only 12 strikes in 24 pitches, but did manage a double-play grounder to get out of a jam he had caused himself (and I'm sure Lou was not happy to have to get Carlos Marmol up and throwing in the bullpen) and another grounder to end it.
There were other heroes today. Little Babe Ruth (or, if you prefer, Wonder Hamster) Mike Fontenot doubled and tripled, and according to Lou in his postgame remarks, will now play third base every day, including, apparently, against lefthanders, since he started vs. the LHP Eric Stults today. Good sign: both of Fontenot's extra-base hits were off the lefty Stults, and both to almost the same spot off the right-center field ivy.
More heroes: Reed Johnson, laying down a perfect bunt that scored Ryan Theriot in the second inning, and later smashing a home run onto Waveland, despite the fact that the wind, which was howling out at first pitch, had shifted and was blowing off the lake by the time Reed's seventh-inning blast was caught on one bounce by Ballhawk Dave. Dave not only snagged the ball, but kept the drink cup that was in his hand intact.
That drink, had it been inside Wrigley Field instead of outside, would have been a tasty treat for the several dozen ring-billed gulls that swarmed the field just about then. Those birds must have been expecting that the 41,153 (the largest crowd of the year to date) people inside would have been gone by that time, as they usually are by 5 pm, and they could feast on the remains left behind. Quite a number of bleacher fans helped out by throwing them peanuts, and they didn't disperse until Milton Bradley ran out to right field for the top of the eighth and playfully ran among them, chasing them away. (I think they might have been afraid of him!) Bradley had a nice day at the plate, too, with three singles, bumping his average up to a season-high .223.
The Cubs also exhibited patience at the plate today, drawing seven walks, and might have scored more runs if not for two Dodger double plays, one of them coming with the bases loaded in the fifth inning after a run had already scored. This is the kind of offense that won many games for the 2008 Cubs; the ten hits included only one homer, Johnson's, and the game had long since been decided by then.
So there's a real shot at a very successful homestand and a series win tomorrow -- perhaps none of us would have given this team a chance at that two days ago -- and as I have said, there is still a long way (114 games) to go. Patience and optimism, please. This season is far from dead.
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Nice W
Actually enjoyed watching the Cubs today! Fly the flag!
"I showed him the cheese then punched him out with the yakker." -- Eck
by kentmeister on May 30, 2009 6:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
here's to hoping
we keep things rolling and continue winning series…baby steps until fully healthy and on into the summer…
will be interesting to see what moves are made here and throughout baseball at the trade deadline
go cubs go
by 12to23to17 on May 30, 2009 6:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
08 Dempster
This was Dempsters best start of the year by far. If he throws strikes he is very good and worth his new contract, if not he’s a very average pitcher.
The hitting was suprisingly good today also, I had almost been accustomed to writing off scoring with guys on but they actually did it today…very nice.
I like Marshall vs Milton…although Milton has been good in his first 2 starts. Fox in left would be a good move.
Heilman is the guy that the Cubs need to replace when the trade market becomes available. He’s just walking way too many guys.
Seemingly the Cubs are now working with a 23 man roster as both Patton and Waddell are unusable lol
by jeff_pico on May 30, 2009 6:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Who would take Heilman?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 30, 2009 7:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not saying anyone will take him….just give him the ‘Dave Veres’ role for the rest of the year.
by jeff_pico on May 30, 2009 7:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Except don't let him into a playoff game like Dusty did with Veres.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 30, 2009 8:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Dude, Clement doesn't like coming into games as a reliever"
Another pearl of wisdom from the Dust-mite.
by CaliCub on May 31, 2009 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He said "Dude"
I’m not sure if that impresses or frightens me
by chitownhawkeye on May 31, 2009 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
NO ONE.....
If they had any vision…….THey need to evaluate his role with this club soon…..
by cubs north on May 30, 2009 9:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ramirez
I was wondering today if there has been any updates on how Aramis is progressing?
Jay is our Quarterback. I REPEAT JAY IS OUR QUARTERBACK. Did I mention we have a Quarterback who happens to be named Jay?.
by cubstoseriesby100 on May 30, 2009 7:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I, too, would like to hear
If anyone knows anything. There’s been a whole lot of silence.
by AceCubbie on May 30, 2009 9:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
When it comes to rehab
and stuff like this: no news is good news.
Having to report anything means setbacks.
by Allie on May 30, 2009 9:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The thing I really liked about this series so far
How well the Cubs pitchers have handled the very hot Juan Pierre. Holding him to 2-11
"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 30, 2009 7:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
hey he was due for a slump no one keeps hitting 400 esp not slapstick Juan
Just in general this Dodger team has no power and no bullpen. I doubt if they keep it going with the best record all year.
by jeff_pico on May 30, 2009 7:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Johnson's bunt
was a thing of beauty.
Too bad the Fox schedule threw the gulls’ whole day off kilter. They were probably late for their 7 pm reservation down on Navy Pier.
by santo4hof on May 30, 2009 7:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
very well written recap
today’s game showed us just how good our team is when we perform to potential, and taking 3 out of 4 from the Dodgers with a win tomorrow will sure make the season feel a lot different than it did a week ago.
"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly
by ambrosiadreams on May 30, 2009 7:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I know its early but..
winning this series can maybe get some momentum going forward. The starting pitching has been great the last 10 games, and the team is only 4 and 6. With the injuries so far this year 3 games out is a pretty good place to be.
Soriano looks like he might need a DL trip if not a few days off.
by wfree0104 on May 30, 2009 7:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I was thinking the same thing about our pitchers
With a 7 run lead, get both Patton and Waddell some playing time. If they give up a few runs, then get Marmol or Guzman up, but it would have been the perfect game to get those guys some innings.
"The finish line is just the start of the next race."
by Sobenergy on May 30, 2009 7:20 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Cubs looked like the team we thought we see all season today.....
…just brillant in all areas of the game today.
Lets hope this is the start of something……Reeds bunt was a thing of beauty!
by JB 23 on May 30, 2009 7:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Thoughts
1) I think Heilman is close to losing any sort of pitching job. He walks, can’t hold inherited runs on base and scares the crap out of me pitching even with a 7 run lead.
2) We have really good starting pitching. There’s been some rough patches but I truly believe by the end of the year we’ll be in the top 3 starter ERA in the NL.
3) I’m no pessimist but I really thought Cubs would take at most 1 out of the 4 games this weekend. If they can leave Wrigley winning 3 of 4 I think that’s such a big confidence booster for Atlanta/Cincy/Houston.
4) In case anyone noticed Cubs have a winning record for May. Not sure how that happened but always a good sign.
by ak123 on May 30, 2009 7:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Heilman is toast
Mets fans held their breath whenever he entered the game and opposing fans couldn’t wait for him to get into the game last season. Based on 2 months, it looks like he doesn’t have anything left in tank.
You need someone to step up and bridge the gap to Marmol in the 8th and Gregg in the 9th
by PhillyCub on May 30, 2009 7:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Guzman
is looking very capable of filling that role at the moment, IMHO.
by CubFanInCanberra (9387milesfromWrigley) on May 30, 2009 7:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Guzman
I feel he can be the 7th inning guy.
I live in NY/CT area so I know allll about Heilman. A few months ago I said people would wish Howry was here instead of Heilman and I still believe that.
by ak123 on May 30, 2009 7:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Phillies fans
couldn’t wait for Heilman to get into a game against the Phillies the past few seasons.
So far Guzman is looking like the 7th inning guy
by PhillyCub on May 30, 2009 7:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Haha
Every day Mets fans ask me how Heilman is doing. I think anyone who is in Chicago really couldn’t fathom how much pain Heilman caused for Mets fans.
I think the best comparison is if anyone wants to recall the end of the 2004 season. The cringing that bullpen would collapse. That was what happened every game Heilman pitched the last 2 years in NY…and shockingly they didn’t make it in the post season. Had Heilman not blown so many games I could have been in NY or Philly last year seeing the Cubs in post season. I really don’t like him :)
by ak123 on May 30, 2009 7:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
When I heard Heilman
was a Cub, I wasn’t too happy.
I remember how he pitched for the Mets the past 2 season. He was always complaining how he should be a starter instead of in the bullpen.
by PhillyCub on May 30, 2009 8:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Looking at...
… Heilman’s numbers, he was actually a very good middle reliever in 2006 and 2007. I know he was hurt last year. Maybe he still is. Could a DL stint be far behind?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 30, 2009 8:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the Mets trying to use him as a closer
last year hurt his confidence a lot.
If he can get “it” back, I don’t have any problem with him becoming the 6/7 guy.
by Allie on May 30, 2009 8:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
we did the same
with LaTroy Hawkins
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 30, 2009 8:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey Tim.
Missed you in the game thread today.
by sue369 on May 30, 2009 8:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
between body hurting like
i was hit with a mac truck, and making the mistake of laying down during the first inning, i missed 75% of the game.
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
by Cubbie-Tim on May 30, 2009 8:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ouch!
what did you do to hurt that badly? :-(
by Allie on May 30, 2009 8:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
its my own fault
and i welcome the pain. it is a “good” pain, so to speak
started a cardio class (first class yesterday) and I am out of shape big 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 30, 2009 8:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Keep it up, Tim!
The pain goes away and, like you said, it’s “good” pain :D
by Emelie on May 30, 2009 8:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ah
Nothing quite like the day after pain, huh?
Keep it up!
by Allie on May 30, 2009 9:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can feel
almost every injury I have had over the years (and there have been a lot) and they are all telling me how dumb I was to get this out of shape.
Goal’s I have
- lose 30 lbs
- gain flexability again
- get my cardio up
- improve my lung capacity (which are cutrrently at 50% what they should be)
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 30, 2009 9:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The key one in all that
is cardio.
If your heart rate is up, you can burn fat and get your wind back.
Flexibility is a different beast though.
by Allie on May 30, 2009 9:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yuppers
and I look forward to this challange. cant be any more painful than watching the Cubs in the 90’s, right?
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
by Cubbie-Tim on May 30, 2009 9:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Aw, hope you
feel better soon. Did you start your classes and that is why you are sore?
by sue369 on May 30, 2009 8:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
exactly
so the pain is good and needed
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 30, 2009 8:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I may
be strange but I like that feeling. Makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something.
by sue369 on May 30, 2009 8:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
no doubt
and it is what i need as well. I just have to keep steady and on track 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 30, 2009 9:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Heilman
Heilman had a great spring and a decent first 2-3 weeks. He’s had Neil Cotts disease the last month or so though. I’m sure Lou’s patience is wearing thin. From his radio interviews he seems like one of the nicest guys on the team but he like so many other relievers can ‘lose it’ so fast.
by jeff_pico on May 30, 2009 8:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
2007 no
His numbers are hiding that he was horrible with inherited runners….something Lou seems to have Heliman pitch during.
by ak123 on May 30, 2009 8:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And today...
… when he had NO inherited runners, he put the first two men he faced on base.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 30, 2009 8:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know I'm repeating myself
But by the end of the year everyone will say they’d rather have had Bob Howry than Heilman. Just saying since we blasted Howry so much last year (rightfully so at times).
by ak123 on May 30, 2009 8:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Heilman does not
inspire confidence in me when he comes into the game. Stats can say one thing, the guy will drive you nuts!
by PhillyCub on May 30, 2009 8:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just cant fathom
How people thought this trade was great when it happened. I know the obvious answer is they don’t live in the East but still was it that much of a secret that Heilman isn’t very good?
by ak123 on May 30, 2009 8:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think there's a disconnect between the criticism of Heilman today on this thread...
and how he actually pitched. Yes, he did walk a guy, but if you watch the pitch sequences, the pitches were mostly all slotted fine. In his walk to Hudson in fact, the last two “balls” seemed to me to be right on the outer edge of the plate. Good pitches on fastball counts that might very well have gone the other way.
In other words, he wasn’t missing badly. The umpire was squeezing him on those calls (particularly because it wasn’t really consistent with the calls that were being made previously in the game). In the next at bat, after a few pitches where I think he was spooked by the umps zone, he settled down.
Obviously he’s had some rough outings, but I think that a lot of the people complaining here just already don’t like him and are looking for another reason to bash him. His pitching tonight was fine.
by CubsWin!Oregon on May 30, 2009 9:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think a lot of the negative here about him
is more personal dislike by many. BCB has an easier doghouse to get into than Lou 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 30, 2009 9:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think that's sometimes true.
Cub fan passion can be a great thing. But it can also be self-defeating. (Sometimes it strikes me as a “the beatings will continue into morale improves” kind of situation).
by CubsWin!Oregon on May 30, 2009 9:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I disagree
When he was traded a good majority of people on here thought it was a good trade. I think myself and maybe 2 other people were completely against it.
I mean there’s hasn’t been an anti-Heilman thread yet.
by ak123 on May 30, 2009 10:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I do find it interesting
that on a day the Cubs beat the best team in baseball 7-0, and in a series in which the Dodgers have been held to three runs in as many games, most of the posts here focus on Heilman’s shaky inning and Soriano’s travails.
I guess the glass never is half full for some Cubs fans.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 30, 2009 11:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ehhhh
Since I did bring up Heilman to start these posts above I really can’t argue but I think everyone’s pretty positive today.
For me, I just don’t like Heilman on our team and I was more or less giving my thoughts on why he was pitching today instead of one of our rookies. I truly believe he was being tested today.
by ak123 on May 31, 2009 12:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Could be
I agree with Al that I would have preferred to see Waddell, but you might be right about Heilman being tested.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 31, 2009 1:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am in no way a Heilman apologist
but it seemed that after the first 2 men got on in the 9th, he started hitting his spots better. Don’t get me wrong, I was yelling at the TV as he threw a 4 pitch walk right after the lead off hit to Furcal. Maybe he needed to find his release point or whatever, but he threw better pitches and did the the DP and a dangerous Ethier out.
That being said, from what I have seen of him this year, he’s got to go.
Also, why in the HELL did Lou get Marmol up??? My God, if you can’t sit him with a 7 run lead, when can you? I mean, if it got to the tying run is in the on deck circle, maybe, but you have to let Heilman work out of his jam. Even with the first two men on base, he was only a ground ball from calming the inning down, which he got. Sometimes Marmol comes in and walks a guy or two before he finds his groove. Lou is going to eventually ruin this poor kid’s arm.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
by BigJohnAZ on May 31, 2009 9:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No complaint, just asking.
Has Soriano ever hit 1 – 2 starting pitching? He may go on a two week terror but I can’t recall it happening against front line or playoff pitching, That’s ok if everyone else is raking.
by Employee22 on May 30, 2009 7:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
sure he has
Soriano is just either red hot or ice cold. We should all know this by now. And right now he seems to have a nagging knee injury which isn’t helping anything. I predict out of nowhere he will get hot again…its happened plenty of times before.
by jeff_pico on May 30, 2009 7:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here are some decent pitchers he has faced at least ten times and had success against.
12-36 for a .333 avg vs. CC Sabathia
9-15 for a .600 avg vs. Kevin Brown
4-10 for a .500 avg vs. Jake Peavy
12-28 for a .429 avg vs. Chris Carpenter
13-35 for a .371 avg vs. Kelvim Escobar
10-24 for a .417 avg vs. Tom Glavine
6-17 for a .353 avg vs. Dan Haren
5-15 for a .333 avg vs. El Duque, Orlando Hernandez
11-27 for a .407 avg vs. Mark Mulder
11-36 for a .306 avg vs. Tim Wakefield
8-21 for a .381 avg vs. Dontrelle Willis
6-12 for a .500 avg vs. Andy Pettitte
by Acapulco Taco Pie on May 30, 2009 10:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did you mean 400 BA vs Peavy?
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 30, 2009 10:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
His OBP vs. Peavy is .500, my math skills aren't that bad. :)
by Acapulco Taco Pie on May 30, 2009 10:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
o'tay
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 30, 2009 10:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well done.
Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008
by slcathena on May 30, 2009 10:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
this is why he's an all-star every year.
his lowed avg is .306.
"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley
by drewishdrewid on May 30, 2009 10:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I had to be out of town all day at a family function
And didn’t catch one pitch. Reading the recaps and the box score, I am thrilled about the patience at the plate and the hitting from Bradley.
I truly believe Friday’s game was a turnaround. To win after playing so poorly is a booster.
Regarding Heilman, I think Lou is trying to get him some confidence. Not sure it’s going to work, but that’s my guess as to Lou’s logic.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on May 30, 2009 7:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Heilman looked bad again.
But to his credit, he did induce a DP when the crowd was letting him have it. Hopefully he can build on that and do well moving forward.
by kanderber on May 30, 2009 8:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
YAY!
Just got home, nice to see that they won. :)
Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008
by slcathena on May 30, 2009 7:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
You missed a really good game today.
Dempster pitched probably the best game by a Cubs starter this year. To hold the Dodgers to three hits in seven innings is very hard to do these days.
Cubs record since April 2004: 4-0
by Vermont Cubs Fan on May 30, 2009 10:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm a huge Dempster
fan so I was very happy to see him do so well today. For me today was a perfect win. I hope this is the turn around we have all been waiting for.
by sue369 on May 30, 2009 8:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Great game. Just a wonderful, great game.
How I’ve missed them!
by Emelie on May 30, 2009 8:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
AND YOU WERE
Able to fly your W Flag……Mine is up in Northern Michigan…..
by cubs north on May 30, 2009 9:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Blackhawk players should be invited to every Dempster start.
by Rick B on May 30, 2009 8:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
LOL
Let’s just stick with the Blackhawks.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 30, 2009 8:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and hope they dont sign Larry King
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 30, 2009 8:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
eew and we missed RJ's hitting his HR because of Fox's idiotic enamoration of King
by Emelie on May 30, 2009 8:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I watched it back on DVR
and they cut to Reed the second the pitcher releases the ball. Larry just finishes the last note of “the old ballgaaaame” on the replay, and then BAM! If you blinked, you likely missed it.
"I'll never forget how I felt last October." ~Kosuke Fukudome
by Goodie1969 on May 30, 2009 10:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was a great win
2008-style Demp, Fonty raking, Reed blasting, and Milton Bradley went 3-4. Lee got some good lumber on the ball too.
It was a series of nice, positive gamethreads, too. Of course, leading from the first on will do that…
"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley
by drewishdrewid on May 30, 2009 8:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Great game all around.
Demp looked like the Demp of ‘08, Reed Johnson was the man, Fontenot was outstanding (vs. a lefty, to top it off), Bradley had a great game, Guzman looked great again, and I continue to be impressed by Blanco with his great D. Great win, much needed. Let’s hope we can take the series tomorrow night!
by kanderber on May 30, 2009 8:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Reed Johnson
If he doesn’t stay with the Cubs after this year he’s going to rank up as one of my favorite 1-2 year Cubs.
by ak123 on May 30, 2009 8:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't put too much into Dempster's start
This Dodger team is playing over it’s head. Juan Pierre’s hitting over .400 and Orlando Hudson is no 3 hitter.
SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!
by CubFaninCA on May 30, 2009 8:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Id put more into it than any other Dempster start
Dempster probably wants to forget the NLDS and this was his day to take out those frustrations and pitch a gem to a team that embarrassed him in Game 1.
Now we can move on because Dempster got the win and any confidence booster he might have felt he needed.
by ak123 on May 30, 2009 8:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We should put plenty into Dempster's start
If he can start pitching like he did last year, the chances of this club making the post season just went up by a LOT.
"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley
by drewishdrewid on May 30, 2009 8:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
Demp is the key. Z will have his problems, and Lilly is pretty consistant, IMO. Marshall looks great and Harden will always be the X factor with his potential for injury. If Dempster can mimic 2008, we are in great spot for the division.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
by BigJohnAZ on May 31, 2009 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Theres some merit to this but the Dodgeres also lead the league in runs.
by jeff_pico on May 30, 2009 8:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Huh?
Dempster just shutout the best team in baseball for 7 innings. That’s HUGE.
by kanderber on May 30, 2009 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Meh
They’re 23-8 vs. the West. Lets see how good they are when they actually play outside their Division.
SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!
by CubFaninCA on May 30, 2009 10:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
they did.
Today, yesterday, and the day before.
We beat them twice.
"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley
by drewishdrewid on May 30, 2009 10:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And probably
should have won the game they lost, too.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 30, 2009 11:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
LA took 2 of 3 from the Phillies...
…and swept 3 vs.NYM — All w/ out Manny!
"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie"
by calicubfan on May 31, 2009 12:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not to bring negativity in after a great win, but...
Soriano has been AWFUL for the last month. Coming in to today, his OPS in the last 30 days was .630, with just a .248 OBP. And today’s 0-5 (while looking very, very bad) will bring those numbers down even lower. Obviously we need those to be significantly higher for our leadoff man.
I’d still let him play tomorrow night though. I think that he has a lot more pride in his game than the majority of MLB players, so since he looked terrible on today’s national broadcast, I’m hoping that he’ll snap out of it during tomorrow’s.
Remember a month in when people were talking about him being an MVP candidate this year (or maybe that was just me…)? Sure would be nice to get that guy back soon. If anyone could figure out what it takes to get Sori to snap out of his infamous cold streaks, that person would be a hero!
by kanderber on May 30, 2009 9:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I said it too about him being MVP
And I think he will be in contention if Cubs stay in contention.
He also has a sore knee. I have no problems with Hoff taking some time in LF or Jake Fox make a start there if it can rest Soriano.
When that bat heats up again he’s going to be on a major tear and if it happens with Ramirez in the lineup this team is going to be on a nice long winning streak.
by ak123 on May 30, 2009 9:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Some would say the reverse is true:
For the Cubs to get back in contention and stay there, Soriano will have to play like an MVP candidate.
by AceCubbie on May 30, 2009 9:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Didn't realize he had a bum knee.
Since when?
I’d prefer his hot streak to be without Ramirez, as that’s obviously when we need him most. But, as you said, if it’s when Ramirez is back, the Cubs are going to win a lot of baseball games.
by kanderber on May 30, 2009 9:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
They talked about it on TV or on Cubs.com don't remember
Sore left knee I think? It’s been going on since late April I believe. I guess it’s not that serious but he hasn’t been hitting well so perhaps that’s playing a part in it?
But you are right, if he’s hitting better when ARam is gone we’d be in good shape. But hey, we can’t change the last 2 weeks….I think we’ll be ok.
by ak123 on May 30, 2009 9:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he's been talking
about a sore knee for about a week. Pat and Ron said he was limping at one point today, but then other people said they didn’t see him limping at the end of that inning (7th?)
"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley
by drewishdrewid on May 30, 2009 9:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bears had Good Rex/Bad Rex
Cubs have Hot Soriano/Cold Soriano
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 30, 2009 9:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
been that way for 3 years
He’ll shock everyone again soon enough. He barely looks like a baseball player when he goes through these cold streaks.
by jeff_pico on May 30, 2009 9:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
exactly
and seems at tiems people forget that
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 30, 2009 9:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah...
When he’s hot, he’s unstoppable. But when he’s cold, he looks atrocious.
by kanderber on May 30, 2009 9:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And when he's cold
you can’t believe he ever hit anything!
Can be really frustrating.
by Allie on May 30, 2009 9:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's a Heckle and Jeckle ballplayer
as Butch Goring would say.
by CaliCub on May 31, 2009 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Cubs have sure been streaky this month
Two weeks ago it was all joy. A week ago it seemed like nothing could go right. And now they’ve won 4 of the last 5, 2 against the team with the best record in MLB, and things are looking up again.
by ChipSet on May 30, 2009 9:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Reds is an important series
Boy I’d hate to see Dusty win a division with them! I think we need to take 2 of 3 from them in Cincy. Houston should be OK and I haven’t followed Atlanta but I think they’re playing better than most thought they would?
by ak123 on May 30, 2009 9:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
road trip is going to be tough
The Cubs seem to do much better offensively at home than on the road. If they could just not go on some long disasterous losing streak again though I’ll take it.
by jeff_pico on May 30, 2009 9:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's every team though
Cubs have a very good record at home right now but if they can keep momentum going they should win a bunch of games.
Don’t forget, the last road trip the Cubs got good starting pitching. I think they just hit a cold spot in hitting (perhaps a lot of them were battling that flu bug —-no excuse but perhaps a reason)….I think they’ll have more success on the road this time around.
by ak123 on May 30, 2009 10:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
just gotta be
.500 on the road. Be .500 on the road, and have a winning season at home, and you’ll get to the post.
"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley
by drewishdrewid on May 30, 2009 10:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I will be in Cincy
Doing what I can to help the guys sweep the Reds.
"Do you want a bunch of duds walking around with their shoulders slumped and having no emotions, no feelings?" Bradley said. "I don’t think the fans want that. I think they want a guy who’s going to get into the game and feel a little bit. I’ve always said, ‘I don’t really play baseball, I feel it.’ "
by Villeslgr on May 30, 2009 9:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
For the most part
it seems they have not played well in Cincy the last 4-5 years. Last year they were 2-4 there, I believe. Of course, they did clinch the division there in 2007.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 30, 2009 11:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
they did
but I think they lost that game too.
"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley
by drewishdrewid on May 31, 2009 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Atlanta's starting pitching has been performing above all expectations
However, the bullpen has been the usual Bobby Cox mishmash nightmare. They’re a fine team defensively, but generally struggle to score runs. Aside from the upgraded SP, they look a lot like the team that sputtered in August and September of last year.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
by Clutch16 on May 30, 2009 10:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
soriano does this weird wave to the fans in the left field bleachers. he has the palm of his hand facing his face and he waves his hand in front of his face while he looks up at the bleachers – does anyone know what this means (if anything)?
by drodd on May 30, 2009 9:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
You Cant See Me
is what the motion stands for. John Cena does it to his “opponents” in WWE
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 30, 2009 9:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good schedule news
I don’t know if anyone brought this up but Cubs don’t play Brewers or Cards until July and at that point Ramirez might be back? But boy this is going to be a cardiac arrest September! If all 3 teams are in a race still it should be a fun month of baseball (I know I’m really looking ahead)
by ak123 on May 30, 2009 10:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
LAD tied their season long losing streak today
2 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 30, 2009 10:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
i like the way you think
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 30, 2009 10:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was also the first time they got shut out this year.
They had scored at least one run in every other game so far.
Cubs record since April 2004: 4-0
by Vermont Cubs Fan on May 31, 2009 7:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just to let you guys know...
That guy Josh Vitters is good. He had a double and a HR today.
Tamia Lynn Davis:
Born: August 18, 2008
by Unique on May 30, 2009 10:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
That was today? I thought he did that a couple days ago?
Oh wait…he did. Along with the day before that and the day before that and….
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 30, 2009 10:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Soriano
I think we are getting a glimpse of what Soriano will look like as he gets to the later years of his contract. I cringe when I think of what Soriano will be like in years 6,7, and 8 of his contract
by cubsmania on May 30, 2009 10:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
let's worry about 2009.
"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley
by drewishdrewid on May 30, 2009 11:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
BLou?
Linus: Life is rarely all one way, Charlie Brown. You win some, you lose some. Charlie Brown: Really? Gee, that'd be neat.
by CyberCyclist on May 30, 2009 11:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
::crickets::
Linus: Life is rarely all one way, Charlie Brown. You win some, you lose some. Charlie Brown: Really? Gee, that'd be neat.
by CyberCyclist on May 30, 2009 11:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
heh
And here I thought he’d show up to congratulate Dempster on a good outing. Oh wait….
by chitownhawkeye on May 31, 2009 12:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's what steams me
BLou’s not the only one who sulks around when the Cubs lose and is nowhere to be found when they win.
If you’re going to run with the big dogs, you gotta crap with them sometimes, too.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 31, 2009 1:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not sure that analogy is completely right...
It might be more accurate to say that he tries to crap ON the big dogs, but only when they’re down…
by CubFanInCanberra (9387milesfromWrigley) on May 31, 2009 4:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bitching is King!
yeah, I stole that — from someone in yesterday’s game thread far wittier than I
by Emelie on May 31, 2009 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's not how you do it...
You have to look in a mirror and say his name 3 times…
by CubFanInCanberra (9387milesfromWrigley) on May 31, 2009 4:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not to be accused of being a moderator's pet
But, I have to agree 100 percent with Al on Waddell. Lou has done this before. The game is pretty well locked up. You have an advantage with the shadows. Put the kid in, Lou. Not only to see how he reacts in a MLB situation, but give the kid his shot. I know life isn’t always fair, but what if Harden comes off the DL and you are looking at this kid going down without an appearance? There is no guarantee he ever makes it back. I certainly don’t want him coming in tonight in a pressure packed national tv game never having been on the mound at Wrigley.
by Nibbles on May 31, 2009 10:18 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
i was also wondering
why guzman was in.
patton and waddell shoulda closed it out
by tim815 on May 31, 2009 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sure
Lou and Larry have their reasons.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 31, 2009 3:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
cubs
now thats the team we know and love.marshall goes tonight so start scoring some runs for this guy.losing soriano would be devastating so keep your fingers crossed.tired of all these injuries..been a couple of ears since we were this banged up.
by NOMAR on May 31, 2009 12:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Bradley and starting to heat up...
He’s up to .748 in OPS after the horrific start. His OPS in May is .801. Not great, but definitely solid. I’d expect an .800+ OPS each month moving forward, and he may well end up over .800 in OPS for the season despite the terrible start.
Similarly, Lee has been great this month. His line in May: .313/.397/.563 (.960 OPS). Much much better stuff from him, and if he keeps that up perhaps we will hear less of the begging for Hoffpauir to replace him.
I am liking the way the bench has been realigned. We now have a power RH bat on the bench in Fox. We have a legitimate defensive specialist backing up 2B and SS in Blanco. We have a platoon partner for Fontenot at 2B in Scales.
The only quibble that remains is the lack of a 3B, but hopefully Fontenot can fill in adequately enough. I don’t have much expectation that Fox will get much PT there, but who knows? Hopefully Fontenot (or whoever gets time there) can do enough, and Fontenot can get his bat going again.
It was nice to see some crooked numbers in the score column yesterday. Hopefully we can follow it up with another big game tonight.
by SouthernCub on May 31, 2009 12:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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