The Lou And Ozzie Show, Part Deux: Cubs vs. White Sox Preview, Friday 6/26, 3:05 CT
by Al on Jun 26, 2009 1:00 PM CDT
in Game Threads
164 comments
As Rick Morrissey points out, the Cubs/White Sox series this year has lacked the intensity of some other years. Maybe it's because of the non-intense teams:
The Cubs seemed to gain momentum from their split with the Sox in the first series, putting together a four-game winning streak. But they have lost three in a row heading into Friday's game. The Sox have been similarly up and down all season.Bruce Miles has some ideas on how to eliminate the torpor. Here's one:
Were blasé fans at the City Series simply reflecting the status of their teams? Maybe it's the other way around. I've been critical of Cubs manager Lou Piniella for not showing much life this season, and others have jumped on Sox manager Ozzie Guillen for the same thing. But perhaps the skippers are taking their cues from fans.
Two teams coming off playoff appearances in 2008 with playoff hopes for this season, and the prevailing theme on both sides of town seems to be listlessness.
Flip the rules: Major League Baseball has talked about letting the pitcher bat in AL ballparks and using the designated hitter in NL parks.
We couldn't have had a better situation for that than this year. How about Mark Buehrle hitting a homer at the Cell and setting off the fireworks?
Or every Cubs fan's new favorite, Jake Fox, belting a pair of homers as DH without manager Lou Piniella holding his breath every time the ball was hit to Fox at third base?
Let's hope at least the Cubs can ramp up their performance this weekend. Speaking of listlessness, what's up with the seemingly catatonic Lou Piniella?
Piniella wonders why fans want him to revert to his old form, as though that's all it would take to turn the Cubs' season around.
"I'm trying to have a little fun," he said. "What am I supposed to do? What does it do for me to go out there and get kicked out of games?"
Yet many Cubs fans are frustrated and want Piniella to do just that. If he won't take it out on an umpire, fans would like him to take a pound of flesh out of some of his high-paid talent. Like predecessor Dusty Baker, Piniella prefers to talk to his players behind closed doors.
"What do I need to yell at anybody for?" he said. "What is it that yelling at people is going to [ensure] you're going to get a better performance? I have meetings with people here in my office individually, and I talk to them and I try to help them. But I don't know what yelling and going out there and arguing [will accomplish].
"I have the passion. I want to win. Losses bother me. They hurt. I care about the players. But I don't play. I played at one time, and I could do something about it when I played. I had a bat in my hand, I had a glove in my hand, but I don't anymore. I'm basically here to direct things."
One thing Lou is directing is the benching of Milton Bradley. Why?
He's hitting .205 against right-handers with 30 strikeouts in 117 at-bats and .327 vs. left-handers.
Great. $10 million a year for a platoon right fielder. Aren't we already doing that in center field? And after all that -- Bradley plays today vs. a RHP (from Twittermyer):
Soriano, lf; Fukudome, cf; Bradley, rf; Lee, 1b: Hoffpauir, dh; Fox, 3b; Fontenot, 2b; Soto, c; Blanco, ss
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Jose Contreras is a mystery. He's officially 37 years old, but some think he could be years older. He dominates at times, but got so bad earlier this year that the Sox sent him to Triple-A. He is 2-3, 6.08 lifetime vs. the Cubs, and that includes a nine-run pounding the Cubs gave him at Wrigley Field last June 21. Of course, he then turned around and beat the Cubs six days later at the Cell. The best Cubs hitter against him is Aramis Ramirez. Oh, well. Milton Bradley is 4-for-12 against him with a homer, and Alfonso Soriano, who just has to break out of it one of these days, is 5-for-8 with 3 HR.
The White Sox are 3-9 this year against pitchers they have never faced before. Let's hope that continues today vs. Randy Wells, who is making his first career start vs. the White Sox.
Today's game is on WGN, but with those "other" announcers. Len & Bob will be on CSN Chicago. For other games today see the MLB.com Mediacenter.
Baseball-reference.com game preview
To find out what Sox fans are thinking, visit our SBN Sox site South Side Sox.
Overflow comment threads will post today at 4 pm, 5 pm and 5:45 pm CDT.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
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First!
Wonder how creative the Sox fans will be with their signs about Geo?
Dallas Green!
by SonnyJ9 on Jun 26, 2009 1:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I've got my soto jersey on loud and proud today.
"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 Jun 26, 2009 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
They'd have to first
get out of their meth labs to make one.
by jerry morales rules on Jun 26, 2009 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
LOL
rec’d
"You have to have short-term memory, no matter who you are in this game. There's always tomorrow." ~Derrek Lee
by Goodie1969 on Jun 26, 2009 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"But they have lost three in a row heading into Friday's game. "
It’s 4 games, isn’t it?
by salparadise23 on Jun 26, 2009 1:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I have to say...
I like the lineup today. Let’s put some runs on the board.
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Jun 26, 2009 1:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Fox at 3B hasn't been as scary as i was prepared for.
And is totally worth the bat. I like it as well. Go cubs.
"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 Jun 26, 2009 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seeing as he's the only guy
who can sorta hit with runners on, i totally agree.
at this point, anything to help the anemic offense
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 26, 2009 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree, he's
not been bad and hopefully he has many hits today.
by sue369 on Jun 26, 2009 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Without knowing the White Sox lineup
I think the Cubs will see some bunts today, especially if Podsednik leads off.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
by Trey2317 on Jun 26, 2009 1:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Sox lineup
WHITE SOX
Podsednik lf
Ramirez ss
Dye rf
Thome dh
Konerko 1b
Castro c
Getz 2b
Anderson cf
Beckham 3b
Contreras p
"We got some pretty good chemistry here. We got some toughness, and it's starting to show." - Lou Pinella
by Clutche on Jun 26, 2009 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rule Flip
I’ve been in favor of this for years. For Cubs-Sox, it doesn’t mean a whole lot, since folks can just jump on the El to see how the other league plays. But for anybody in a city with just one team, it would be a novelty that would bring more interested fans to the park than just the novelty of interleague play alone can do.
If people feel it breaks baseball too much, then just flip the rules for the “rival” series.
"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 Jun 26, 2009 1:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I think it would be great to flip the AL and NL rules
because that would allow fans in NL parks to get to see the entire team. For instance, Cubs fans didn’t get a chance to see Travis Hafner play or Jim Thome play at Wrigley.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Jun 26, 2009 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It gives me great comfort that Soriano is leading off...........
with his robust .231 BA, .294 OBP and 71 strike outs.
"We got some pretty good chemistry here. We got some toughness, and it's starting to show." - Lou Pinella
by Clutche on Jun 26, 2009 1:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
nice to see he has his BA back up to .231!
every journey begins with a first step…
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
by LAcarl519 on Jun 26, 2009 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What??? He's 20 for his last 120 AB's
"We got some pretty good chemistry here. We got some toughness, and it's starting to show." - Lou Pinella
by Clutche on Jun 26, 2009 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and 6 for his last 19
Jeez, Clutche. You don’t like the guy, we get it.
That doesn’t invalidate LAcarl’s point.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Jun 26, 2009 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and you know
Lou has your comfort in mind.
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. When they play over their heads, and when they play under the gutter. When they win the division, and then get swept in the division series. When they get no-hitters and when they blow no-hitters. And some day, when they go all the way and get those rings. This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jun 26, 2009 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Indeed
"We got some pretty good chemistry here. We got some toughness, and it's starting to show." - Lou Pinella
by Clutche on Jun 26, 2009 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I bet he gave
Hoffpauir a nice pillow, tho.
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. When they play over their heads, and when they play under the gutter. When they win the division, and then get swept in the division series. When they get no-hitters and when they blow no-hitters. And some day, when they go all the way and get those rings. This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jun 26, 2009 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He should............
Hoff gives him 110% effort starting, DH or off the bench, and his defense isn’t too shabby. Did you see his diving catch at 1st the other day?
"We got some pretty good chemistry here. We got some toughness, and it's starting to show." - Lou Pinella
by Clutche on Jun 26, 2009 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Where does he get the extra 10%?
"You have to have short-term memory, no matter who you are in this game. There's always tomorrow." ~Derrek Lee
by Goodie1969 on Jun 26, 2009 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the polyester
stuffing.
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. When they play over their heads, and when they play under the gutter. When they win the division, and then get swept in the division series. When they get no-hitters and when they blow no-hitters. And some day, when they go all the way and get those rings. This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jun 26, 2009 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Get pillowed!
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Jun 26, 2009 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
prepare to receive
fluffy down feathers!
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. When they play over their heads, and when they play under the gutter. When they win the division, and then get swept in the division series. When they get no-hitters and when they blow no-hitters. And some day, when they go all the way and get those rings. This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jun 26, 2009 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
From Soriano
"We got some pretty good chemistry here. We got some toughness, and it's starting to show." - Lou Pinella
by Clutche on Jun 26, 2009 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If this diving catch
was anything like the last one in RF, it was probably just because that extra 10% pulled him to the ground.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 26, 2009 2:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
gravity
is a cruel cruel mistress.
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. When they play over their heads, and when they play under the gutter. When they win the division, and then get swept in the division series. When they get no-hitters and when they blow no-hitters. And some day, when they go all the way and get those rings. This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jun 26, 2009 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
so are the Cubs.....
but we still love them
"We got some pretty good chemistry here. We got some toughness, and it's starting to show." - Lou Pinella
by Clutche on Jun 26, 2009 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rami seconds that
*holds back a tear
If it weren't for the gutter, my mind would be homeless.
by Cubsfanatic on Jun 26, 2009 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think your response is disguised as a joke, right?
I can hardly stop laughing
"We got some pretty good chemistry here. We got some toughness, and it's starting to show." - Lou Pinella
by Clutche on Jun 26, 2009 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
just the facts, Joe Friday...
in the last two games he is 4 for 9. that is better than the BA he brought into Wednesday, thus my POSITIVE SPIN.
You may call it a “Dead Cat Bounce”, or “Guess Hack Bounce” I prefer to hope that this was the benefit of his short time off. Time will tell.
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
by LAcarl519 on Jun 26, 2009 1:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
this was a response to Clutche (how it got posted here is beyond me!)
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
by LAcarl519 on Jun 26, 2009 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was a reply to him
hit the up button. it threaded properly.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 26, 2009 1:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
hope you're right
"We got some pretty good chemistry here. We got some toughness, and it's starting to show." - Lou Pinella
by Clutche on Jun 26, 2009 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Look, what is he supposed to do?
OK, it drive me nuts that he keeps saying that while putting out an unconventional lineup every single day. I’m surprised ther isn’t more talk about moving Soriano down. There has been some, but seriously, not enough. The Cubs have been getting on base recently. They just aren’t driving them in. Maybe a more traditinal lineup construction would help.
by jerry morales rules on Jun 26, 2009 1:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ricky Henderson?
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Jun 26, 2009 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
is Lou Brock still available?
by WanderingWanderer on Jun 26, 2009 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
there's this guy playing in AAA, for Syracuse...
Corey something-or-another. I think he has the tools the lead off.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
by Trey2317 on Jun 26, 2009 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"But today, I am the greatest, of all-time"
If it weren't for the gutter, my mind would be homeless.
by Cubsfanatic on Jun 26, 2009 2:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I bat lefty
I’d totally do it.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 26, 2009 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, you're better qualified to be an umpire
;-)
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Jun 26, 2009 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
pick to click:
randy wells…go get ’em kid!
by 12to23to17 on Jun 26, 2009 1:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
This is going to be...
…a high scoring affair.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Jun 26, 2009 1:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Is that a Soto joke?
"We got some pretty good chemistry here. We got some toughness, and it's starting to show." - Lou Pinella
by Clutche on Jun 26, 2009 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
actually it's a...
Soto Chamberlain Sanford joke… ;-)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Jun 26, 2009 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Calling Tommy Chong...
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
by BigJohnAZ on Jun 26, 2009 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Milton Bradley is 4-for-12 against [Contreras] with a homer, and maybe that’s why he’s playing today.
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. When they play over their heads, and when they play under the gutter. When they win the division, and then get swept in the division series. When they get no-hitters and when they blow no-hitters. And some day, when they go all the way and get those rings. This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jun 26, 2009 1:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Why the strange start time today?
Its a funny story actually.
by Wad on Jun 26, 2009 1:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
In order to perfectly overlap with my marketing meeting.
Ugh. Why a 3PM meeting on a Friday? Cruel.
"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 Jun 26, 2009 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And my flight to Milwaukee
Its a funny story actually.
by Wad on Jun 26, 2009 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
From Chicago?
If so, why not drive?
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Jun 26, 2009 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh no
In Atlanta
Its a funny story actually.
by Wad on Jun 26, 2009 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just missed you
I’ll be back on Monday
"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 Jun 26, 2009 2:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ah, that makes more sense!
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Jun 26, 2009 2:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Numbers that may mean something
Just went and counted wins in the first game of a series, comparing this year to 2008.
Last year, we were 15-8 in series game 1’s. W/L record for same amount of games played during that period, 44-25.
2009, we are 10-14 in series game 1’s, record is 34-35.
As we all know, winning the series is the goal, and by losing game one regularly, the odds of taking the series diminishes greatly.
Also, runs scored during first 69 games of 2008, 380. This year, 291.
Runs allowed during first 69 games of 2008, 275, this year 287.
FWIW…
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
by BigJohnAZ on Jun 26, 2009 1:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Interesting... Glad to see our pitching mostly holding up..
I hope the starters can stay healthy. I do think it’s “when” instead of “if” for our hitting to come around. Given the state of the NL central, our continued good pitching, and the long season “when” could be August for the hitting and they’d still probably be just fine. Wierd year.
by DisCUBbobulated on Jun 26, 2009 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Weird year"
They all are :)
"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 Jun 26, 2009 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I before e except after C or when making an A like in neighbor and weigh..
oh yeah.. and weird. Damn English language…
by DisCUBbobulated on Jun 26, 2009 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Blame Canada
If it weren't for the gutter, my mind would be homeless.
by Cubsfanatic on Jun 26, 2009 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
great
now i have that song stuck in my head.
thanks
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 26, 2009 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
hahaha
you’re welcome
If it weren't for the gutter, my mind would be homeless.
by Cubsfanatic on Jun 26, 2009 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Crapture!
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Jun 26, 2009 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The second-best song in that movie
"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 Jun 26, 2009 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kyle's mom
remains my favorite
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 26, 2009 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I used to do that in karaoke
People were…impressed?
"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 Jun 26, 2009 2:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
horrified?
If it weren't for the gutter, my mind would be homeless.
by Cubsfanatic on Jun 26, 2009 2:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like mine more
"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 Jun 26, 2009 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wouldn't it be nice to be able to salivate over the Cubs lineup today?
Instead of sit in dread… I mean, this lineup should be putting up 8+ runs/game on average.
by DisCUBbobulated on Jun 26, 2009 1:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I like the lineup today.
Just get a win….it’s time.
by sue369 on Jun 26, 2009 2:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
+1000000
And every time i see your icon, my heart makes a little pitter patter.
Just booked a hotel for homecoming vs Michigan (a night game!) today. The concert on the Pentacrest on friday is The Temptations and Augustana. Should be an awesome weekend in IC.
"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 Jun 26, 2009 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Every weekend in Iowa City is Awesome
Its a funny story actually.
by Wad on Jun 26, 2009 2:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ages 18 - 22, sure.
After that, once a semester is about all one’s liver can be asked to withstand.
"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 Jun 26, 2009 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just read the
football predictions for the Hawks in Hawkeye Nation magazine. The three doing the predicting had the Hawks going 10-2 or 9-3. The last time they made those types of predictions it didn’t turn out well. I’m just going to take it one game at a time but I am getting excited for football. It’s my favorite sport.
by sue369 on Jun 26, 2009 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tell me about unfulfilled expectations in Big1T1en football....
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Jun 26, 2009 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm feelin' a win right here
by dr stabbingworth on Jun 26, 2009 2:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
TWSS
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Jun 26, 2009 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lou just interviewed...
And said he smoked pot once, and “it didn’t do a damn thing for me”.
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Jun 26, 2009 2:07 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
lol!
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. When they play over their heads, and when they play under the gutter. When they win the division, and then get swept in the division series. When they get no-hitters and when they blow no-hitters. And some day, when they go all the way and get those rings. This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jun 26, 2009 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just wish winning went with this new mellow Lou
I kinda like him…
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 26, 2009 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tom Coughlin did the same thing the year the giants won the super bowl.
Obviously, the Cubs players aren’t responding to a more laid back, friendly, joking manager as well as the Giants players did.
"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 Jun 26, 2009 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i'm certainly not saying there is psychological effects of good coaching practices
but baseball vs football is comparing a sprint to a marathon and pitching a fit or mellowing out over 16 games compared to 162 is a little misleading…
i’ll prolly get drilled for this, but…i think managers / coaches at the pro level are slightly overrated
these are grown men making filthy salaries…
by 12to23to17 on Jun 26, 2009 2:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Football coaches are generally overrated
And discussed in the hushed tones normally reserved for minor deities. Baseball managers are generally an afterthought, unless:
a) They win the World Series, or
b) They’re about to get fired.
"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 Jun 26, 2009 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
agreed...
look at clint hurdle in colo…
in the series 2 years ago w/ prolly the most improbable run in history and then not half way thru this year, (heck only about 30 games i think) and he’s out and the team peels off like a dozen or so Ws in a couple of weeks…
i think players (other than the man-rams of the world) really do prep hard and do what they can each day to help the team win…
when a coach “pulls the right strings” he’s a genious mainly due to the player making a spectacular play, but whose to say another move (or the move not made) would have turned out just as spectacular or even more spectacular…
for three years Lou has tinkered w/ the lineup and the pitching staff and from my experience i see the need for SOME deviation, yet the best and most sucessful teams find what works and doesn’t stray from success and breeds future success
by 12to23to17 on Jun 26, 2009 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
May be a function of the filthy salaries
For $40,000 a year, I’ll go out there and take grounders until the coaches’ arms fall off. Kind of hard to keep a guy motivated when he’s set for life and they can’t dump him for the next X number of years.
by dr stabbingworth on Jun 26, 2009 2:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Judging from most of Lou's interviews
I’m sure it made no appreciable difference.
"You have to have short-term memory, no matter who you are in this game. There's always tomorrow." ~Derrek Lee
by Goodie1969 on Jun 26, 2009 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So...
Smoke, but no fire. I guess he’s really not a dragon…
"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 Jun 26, 2009 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
just wait
till he has the spicy beef tacos later.
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. When they play over their heads, and when they play under the gutter. When they win the division, and then get swept in the division series. When they get no-hitters and when they blow no-hitters. And some day, when they go all the way and get those rings. This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jun 26, 2009 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But that makes no sense!
"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 Jun 26, 2009 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are we sure it was pot?
After all, he can’t tell the difference between a reefer and a steroid…
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
by Trey2317 on Jun 26, 2009 2:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sounds like Lou!
Chicago Cubs > Milwaukee Brewers
by CUBSfaninYANKEEcountry on Jun 26, 2009 2:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lou is a booze man...
…the preferred method for most old time baseball players.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Jun 26, 2009 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Milton should try...
Just hitting right-handed.
by kanderber on Jun 26, 2009 2:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Riot gets the day off...
Good move, IMO. He needed it.
Chicago Cubs > Milwaukee Brewers
by CUBSfaninYANKEEcountry on Jun 26, 2009 2:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Like to see Blanco at SS
Maybe Lou will get the idea that Riot should play 2nd
by dr stabbingworth on Jun 26, 2009 2:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Man, I hope the Sox ground into a lot of
6-3s and 4-6-3s. Showcase Blanco’s ability at SS for Lou.
"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 Jun 26, 2009 2:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Love for it to happen
but it wouldn’t work. Lou’s in love with Riot at short.
Lord knows why… but i don’t see it changing any time soon.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 26, 2009 2:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good point.
Blanco is much better suited to play SS, and Riot is much better suited to play 2B. Let’s hope Blanco makes the most of this opportunity.
Chicago Cubs > Milwaukee Brewers
by CUBSfaninYANKEEcountry on Jun 26, 2009 2:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like Blanco at SS too, but he does have his only error this year at SS in only like 15 chances or so
by DisCUBbobulated on Jun 26, 2009 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Because when you get to balls other people don't
you get errors.
Thats the worst possible way to measure someone’s defense.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 26, 2009 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not true
Give us a week, and we’ll figure out a worse way.
"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 Jun 26, 2009 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
SportsCenter appearances!
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Jun 26, 2009 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well.. I can think of some worse ways...
1. Number of times a player spits between pitches
2. Percentage of walks/HR’s hit by the opposing team while you’re in the game..
3. Whether they smoked mexican, california, or colorado weed before the inning started
by DisCUBbobulated on Jun 26, 2009 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
#2 would rock
+/- for baseball – an idea whose time has come!
"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 Jun 26, 2009 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Alrighty then...
I speculated that Milty would like the ego boost batting #3 or #4 would bring, time for him to prove my theory something other than wrong.
I like this lineup and better not see and freakin’ fireworks out my office window.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Jun 26, 2009 2:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
actually you should here some in about 30 minutes-they shoot some off right before the 1st pitch
when you hear them-don’t worry! :)
Oh Baby!
by cubswgnrocks on Jun 26, 2009 2:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've been to the Cell twice this year...
… and both times, it was “bring your dog” day. No fireworks!
"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 Jun 26, 2009 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Before we slam Bradley
we should notice that our LHB are .228 and a horrible .173 vs LHP. Hoff at .167 and Fontenot .143 are leaders of the upside down Hendry world that is" lefties are nifty to have because they make us better".
One more thing. Until Fox begins making a mess of 3rd it’d be fair to stop crucifying him for his defense.
If you like Selig's handling of the steroid issue, you'll love his choice for next Cub owner.
by tharr on Jun 26, 2009 2:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't think anyone's had a bad thing to say about his defense
Not lately, anyway – he’s been pretty decent there.
"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 Jun 26, 2009 2:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fox has been better at 3b than i ever hoped
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 26, 2009 2:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This.
If it weren't for the gutter, my mind would be homeless.
by Cubsfanatic on Jun 26, 2009 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Take it back!!!!
You’re going to jinx him!
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Jun 26, 2009 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unpossible
After reading the scouting reports posted before he came up, i wasn’t sure he knew which way 3B was.
my bar wasn’t exactly high
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 26, 2009 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly
and that’s the problem. Perception became reality in many’s mind. Let everyone decide for themselves based upon what they see, not what they’re told.
If you like Selig's handling of the steroid issue, you'll love his choice for next Cub owner.
by tharr on Jun 27, 2009 4:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Very nervous
I am extremely nervous about this weekend. I hope the Cubs break out of this, but I don’t see it happening. The lack of clutch hitting is killing this team.
by jselinger24 on Jun 26, 2009 2:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Nothing like White Sux pitching to fix that
If it weren't for the gutter, my mind would be homeless.
by Cubsfanatic on Jun 26, 2009 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You'll be alright...
…just drink heavily.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Jun 26, 2009 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That
If it weren't for the gutter, my mind would be homeless.
by Cubsfanatic on Jun 26, 2009 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Better listen to him
He’s pre-med.
"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 Jun 26, 2009 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
for that stretch last week
i tuned in and REALLY BELIEVED that if we were down even in the ninth that we were gonna do whatever necessary to come back…it was just a feeling or a “swagger” i got from the dugout…
for some reason that “swagger” has been AWOL in detroit and especially last year against the dodgers…
no question that this team (with or w/o A-Ram) is super talented and built to win NOW…
could we make moves at the deadline and add some pieces…yes
is it really necessary and would it guarantee success…no
but overall…baseball is a marathon and full of peaks and valleys and the teams that minimalize the downturns will succeed, but alot can be said for being hot in late oct and into nov
by 12to23to17 on Jun 26, 2009 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We get a lot more swagger
In our home park. Worked that way for most of last year, too.
"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 Jun 26, 2009 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
so true
we were (uh-hum) “clutch” at home last year, which was SO disheartening after the dodgers came in and handed it to us…
beating up on a bad clev team will do wonders for your “swagger”, but this team has been two steps forward and two steps back (enter your own paula abdul reference here) and i don’t think there’s one easy answer for this issue…
JUST KEEP THE GLASS HALF-FULL AND PUSH AHEAD…
less than 85 games will most likely win the central…there’ll be no shame in a .500 record once october rolls around
by 12to23to17 on Jun 26, 2009 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You know, Detroit's a good team.
they played well in the series, too, which I think gets overlooked sometimes.
Should the Cubs have won a game or two (even three)? Probably. But give Detroit some credit – they’re not leading their division because they stink.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
by Trey2317 on Jun 26, 2009 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
They're leading it because the rest of the division stinks!
rimshot
If it weren't for the gutter, my mind would be homeless.
by Cubsfanatic on Jun 26, 2009 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And we're in 3rd in a crappy division ourselves
don’t hand out rimshots you couldn’t handle getting in return
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 26, 2009 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is true!
I was just kiddin around though, Detroits no joke this year. Baseball only though
If it weren't for the gutter, my mind would be homeless.
by Cubsfanatic on Jun 26, 2009 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
detroit is a very well built team
top to bottom and there’s no shame in getting swept by them (although i don’t think we played our best, but that’s another issue)
they just had our number up there and hopefully a lesson can be learned from every defeat and we can minimalize the lulls thruout the season
THINGS TURN AROUND STARTING TODAY…
(i can’t think of a better team to start a nice run against other than the CHISOX, right?)
by 12to23to17 on Jun 26, 2009 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kool-aid vs. soda in log-rolling
I am really glad I don’t watch a lot of daytime TV.
"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 Jun 26, 2009 2:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Go Cubs!
but more importantly… Go Cubs!
Being a Cubs fan is something you're born into... Nobody would be a Cubs fan by choice. - Me
by Scruff0082 on Jun 26, 2009 2:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Win.
If it weren't for the gutter, my mind would be homeless.
by Cubsfanatic on Jun 26, 2009 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Channeling SWL
Hooray for flash photography!
"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 Jun 26, 2009 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Quickly!
someone put up the SWL Beacon
If it weren't for the gutter, my mind would be homeless.
by Cubsfanatic on Jun 26, 2009 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's on vacay
won’t work
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 26, 2009 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like...
…home grown, no silicone!
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Jun 26, 2009 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like… home grown
TWSS- That’s what Soto said!
If it weren't for the gutter, my mind would be homeless.
by Cubsfanatic on Jun 26, 2009 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
brilliant
Being a Cubs fan is something you're born into... Nobody would be a Cubs fan by choice. - Me
by Scruff0082 on Jun 26, 2009 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Genius
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
by Ace Venom on Jun 26, 2009 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
NICE.
Chicago Cubs > Milwaukee Brewers
by CUBSfaninYANKEEcountry on Jun 26, 2009 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wish Rami was on his assignment to the minors already
how cool would it be to see Rami and Manny play at a AAA game
If it weren't for the gutter, my mind would be homeless.
by Cubsfanatic on Jun 26, 2009 2:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully they rehab him in Peoria...
so I can watch him crack a few homers at O’Brien Field.
Being a Cubs fan is something you're born into... Nobody would be a Cubs fan by choice. - Me
by Scruff0082 on Jun 26, 2009 2:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Mini-"America's Funniest Home Videos"
No less annoying than the real thing.
"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 Jun 26, 2009 2:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm killing time
by watching ‘trading spouses’
i don’t care how much money they give you… why on earth would anyone ever go on this thing?
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 26, 2009 2:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That article is exactly why you should hate Paul Sullivan
Lou rests him in a day game following a night game, never once calls it a benching, but Sullivan runs with that headline and story anyway.
Sullivan is an horrible person, a biased hack, and the best thing that will happen from print media dying is that he’ll eventually be out of a job.
by Wreckard on Jun 26, 2009 2:56 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
He's still bitter over Elijah Wood
getting picked over him to play Frodo.
"You have to have short-term memory, no matter who you are in this game. There's always tomorrow." ~Derrek Lee
by Goodie1969 on Jun 26, 2009 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That was a bad choice
All Frodo ever does is fall down and cry. Sullivan was a shoo-in.
by dr stabbingworth on Jun 26, 2009 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Between him and Rogers...
…it’s no wonder the Trib Sports section blows.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Jun 26, 2009 3:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+English Lady
Your post pretty much sums up everything that ever needs to be said about Paul Sullivan, other than:
he was fired……from a cannon
by dr stabbingworth on Jun 26, 2009 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sister Hazel?
Really?
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 26, 2009 2:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Cue Van Halen
and Jump!
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
by Trey2317 on Jun 26, 2009 3:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
garbage
the one and only word to describe soriano and bradley
by jvick88 on Jun 26, 2009 4:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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