Remember The NL Central? Cubs vs. Pirates Preview, Monday 6/29, 6:05 CT
by Al on Jun 29, 2009 4:30 PM CDT
in Game Threads
159 comments
Interleague play is now over, except for the tentatively-but-not-officially-rescheduled-for-September-3 Cubs/White Sox game from the May 16 rainout. The Cubs are 6-8 in interleague this year, pending that game. Once again, the AL dominated interleague play. Only five NL teams finished with winning interleague records (Marlins, 10-8; Cardinals, 9-6; Pirates, 8-7; Giants, 9-6, and Rockies, 11-4). Even the Dodgers, still running away with the NL West, only played .500 (9-9) in interleague.
The Cubs have 13 games until the All-Star break; ten of these will be against teams from the NL Central (the three vs. Atlanta next week are the only ones that are outside the division). At two games under .500, it'd be nice to go at least 8-5 in those 13 games to reach the break with a winning record. However, let me point out that of the three Cub playoff teams in this decade, only one (last year's) reached the All-Star break with anything resembling a good record. The 2007 team was 44-43 and 4.5 games out of first place at the break, and the 2003 team was 47-47 and 3 games out.
There's still time. But this club needs to start playing to its capabilities, get Aramis Ramirez back at even 85% of full strength, go out and get another hitter and some bullpen help, and focus on baseball. Enough of the off-field soap opera.
I'm not even going to link to Phil Rogers' silly column about waiving Carlos Zambrano. That's another of Phil's "heat of the moment" idiocies. Z just has to get his head on straight and live up to his considerable talent.
What I am going to do again... is ask for civility here. I have received numerous emails over the weekend with various complaints about personal attacks and profanity in the game threads. While I understand we are all frustrated with this team's performance -- I'm no exception to that -- all I ask is that you keep those two things out of the game thread (and other thread) discussion. Also, I know there are quite a few new posters here, and some of the posts recently have, quite frankly, gotten away from the types of posts that help further the discussion here. If you are new, we welcome you -- but I also ask that you please read all the posts under "BCB Specials & Site Info" on the right sidebar that have to do with posting tips and suggestions. Following the ideas in those posts will help you make better posts.
Lineup via Twittermyer:
Soriano, lf; Theriot, ss; Lee, 1b; Fox, 3b; Soto, c; Bradley, rf; Freel, cf; Blanco, 2b; Harden, p
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Zach Duke is 4-5, 3.03 in 14 career starts against the Cubs, but has not beaten them at all since shutting out that horrific 2006 team on May 2, 2006. He pitched seven good innings at Wrigley Field on May 27, but left in a 2-2 tie and the Pirates bullpen blew the game (hmmm. Sound familiar?) It would seem that Duke would be a guy that Alfonso Soriano would love to see to break his slump. Soriano is 15-for-29 (.517) lifetime vs. Duke with four doubles and two HR.
Rich Harden: please give us the 2008 version of yourself. He's 0-3, 5.64 in his last four starts. Tonight will be his first career start against the Pirates; the only Buc he has faced for more than two at-bats is ex-Cub farmhand Eric Hinske (4-for-14, 2 HR).
Today's game is on WCIU. That means it can be seen within a three-block radius of their headquarters downtown. Maybe this is a good thing, considering the recent play of the team. The FSN Pittsburgh feed should be available on EI. For other games today see the MLB.com Mediacenter.
Baseball-reference.com game preview
Please visit our SBN Pirates site Bucs Dugout.
Overflow comment threads will post today at 7 pm, 8 pm and 8:45 pm CDT.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
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first
go cubs, go fox! hit home run #3
by gocubsgo2287 on Jun 29, 2009 4:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Caption:
First!
Phukit!
Phukme!
Friggin Idiot!
Fire me already!
Farney?
Join the BCB Flickr Group: http://flickr.com/groups/bleedcubbieblue
by tony412 on Jun 29, 2009 4:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
You forgot Fuuuuuuuudge....
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
by Zeke on Jun 29, 2009 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why don't you all FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF....
…fade away (talkin’ ‘bout my generation)
If you don’t dig what we all say
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jun 29, 2009 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I for one...
have a good feeling about today. :)
by CubsWin!Oregon on Jun 29, 2009 4:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Amen. I hope you are right.
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
by Zeke on Jun 29, 2009 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow.
I didn’t know the ’03 team was only .500 at the break.
Favorite player of all time: Ryne Sandberg.
by CUBSfaninYANKEEcountry on Jun 29, 2009 4:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Records can be deceiving...
…after they acquired Ramirez, Lofton and Simon they took on a completely different dynamic. They were playing to their full potential when it mattered, and they could have beaten anybody.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Jun 29, 2009 4:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah Yeah, I remember that know.
That team really was unstoppable.
Favorite player of all time: Ryne Sandberg.
by CUBSfaninYANKEEcountry on Jun 29, 2009 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
...or so I thought.
Favorite player of all time: Ryne Sandberg.
by CUBSfaninYANKEEcountry on Jun 29, 2009 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not only do we have to watch crappy baseball...
…but then we get stuck reading shit from Phil Rogers!
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Jun 29, 2009 4:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Which is why I didn't link it!
No need to actually read the article!
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 29, 2009 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would add
while reasonable minds can & do disagree, and I can certainly understand why people may disagree with Rogers’ opinion… It would seem helpful to read what the guy wrote before trashing him the way quite a few people have recently.
(Present company excluded, of course)
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
by Reddevil on Jun 29, 2009 4:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How long have you read Roger's stuff...
…the guy is clearly on another planet with what he writes. It’s really amazing a supposed top notch paper like the Trib can have someone like him.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Jun 29, 2009 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Admittedly
I haven’t read the guy much. I’ve seen him do a few TV interviews on the lead-off man or some such.
However, there was a near-lynching for what the guy wrote yesterday about trading Zambrano. So I read the article… and I thought the guy made good points in critiquing Big Z, and I found it a bit pinheaded to so violently reject his supposition b/c he didn’t demonstrate an attorney’s understanding of the MLB’s trade rules.
The guy may suck. But the reaction in the thread to yesterday’s op-ed was over the top, and people really seemed to miss what I took to be his point.
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
by Reddevil on Jun 29, 2009 4:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rogers has a point?
That’d be a first.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 29, 2009 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
was he wearing a hat?
maybe that’s why we couldn’t see the top of his head.
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 29, 2009 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've heard of this article...
…and I saw it from afar on the train this morning. But I’ve decided to boycott it.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jun 29, 2009 4:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I read it Al, and it seemed like he must have either hit his head on something
or had an extreem case of the “crankies”…
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
by Zeke on Jun 29, 2009 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I vote for "hit his head on something".
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 29, 2009 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You think the article's bad?
Check the poll results. Yikes.
"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 29, 2009 5:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't profess to know how the newspaper business works
but isn’t it part of an editor’s job to keep bad material out of the paper? Or do columnists get free rein to write whatever they want as long as its legal and accurate? I read the piece and it was embarrasingly bad—for him and the paper. Of course, the Tribune has seemingly made quality a low priority since they decided to keep Rick Morrissey and let Bernie Lincicome go. You may not like what Bernie says, but he can write. And when I say “the Tribune,” I mean the corporation as a whole. I mean, Nick DeGilio has a job?
Sorry for getting off topic there.
This gets me to thinking. Are there any good baseball writers in Chicago? It doesn’t help that the Cubs right now are a pretty boring team to watch, and then everything written about them is boring to boot. The only one who comes close to being interesting is Barry Rozner and he writes, what, only every other week? And half of those columns repeat something he said in the other half. I guess this is a rant and should be a post.
"Any old kind of a run wins it!"--Jack Brickhouse
by mattvegas on Jun 29, 2009 5:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good baseball writers?
Bruce Miles is good.
….
But if you like Rozner you’ll probably disagree. I don’t like that guy at all.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 29, 2009 5:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah. Forgot about him. I agree that he's good.
"Any old kind of a run wins it!"--Jack Brickhouse
by mattvegas on Jun 29, 2009 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bruce is good...
…very good. One of the reasons is because he doesn’t have a big ego and he has some common sense.
IMO, Rozner gets a little full of himself.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Jun 29, 2009 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm picky about writers
And lately the number of articles I’ve read that don’t even seem to be spell checked has driven me crazy.
I’m not the best typist, but when you have an editor and a webmaster who has to put it online… I don’t think you have an excuse.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 29, 2009 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or they split the word at the end of line in the wr
ong place.
"Any old kind of a run wins it!"--Jack Brickhouse
by mattvegas on Jun 29, 2009 5:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
IMO...
…it is fairly rare to see a good sports writer that has a clue about the sport, and can write with some common sense. Too many of them desire to be part of the show, and far too many just don’t understand the dynamics of professional sports.
All in all, the profession has really gone to hell.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Jun 29, 2009 5:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The whole profession, not just the sportswriters.
I think there is a certain desperation as the writers try to figure out how to keep their gig while the medium “adjusts.”
"Any old kind of a run wins it!"--Jack Brickhouse
by mattvegas on Jun 29, 2009 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And so many of them are trying to be "edgy"
which is fine… if your natural writing voice is edgy.
They’re trying to be bloggers… and its failing.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 29, 2009 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He does do that.
That’s what I was implying when I wrote about him repeating. He says something in one column and then later he will say something like, “As we told you here numerous times…” But I do have to give him credit (and he will take it) in that he was questioning Sosa’s and McGwire’s achievements from the beginning.
"Any old kind of a run wins it!"--Jack Brickhouse
by mattvegas on Jun 29, 2009 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Reaction
the object is to get a reaction from your readers not to inform them Those days seem to be over with John Carmichael. Now you print something outrageous and go from there.
Baseball is too much of a sport to be a business and too much of a business to be a sport.
William Wrigley Jr
by bubbamike the one and only on Jun 29, 2009 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A friend of mine texted me
that he agrees with Rogers. Now I have to beat him.
by chitownhawkeye on Jun 29, 2009 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good news!!
cst_cubs Rami expected to take BP and then start 4-5 game rehab assignment.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 29, 2009 4:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I saw that
he could in fact be back before the ASG.
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 29, 2009 4:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Could be
:-)
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 29, 2009 4:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
hoping he can
get back before the Cardinals series- that would be a nice shot in the arm heading into the break
by Manny Trillo on Jun 29, 2009 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That would be awesome
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 29, 2009 4:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Presuming that's true...
… he could be back for the Cardinal series. That’d be great!
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 29, 2009 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I disagree.
I really want to the Cubs to baby this thing. I know we are desperate, but it’s not time to panic. Somehow we’ve managed to stay afloat and waiting until after the ASB would mean an extra 6 days to make sure he’s okay. Not to mention that Jake Fox seems to have this thing out good enough that he’s an okay replacement.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Jun 29, 2009 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think they'll rush him.
If the rehab assignment isn’t going well, they’ll slow it down.
But if it IS going well — having him back for the Cardinal series would be great.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 29, 2009 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seems like a risk.
But then again I’m not a trained medical professional. I’m not Aram. I know I should trust those guys, but I’d prefer to see him sit another 6 days. I’d rather error on the side of safety, because we will have plenty of time to make up 3.5 games.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Jun 29, 2009 6:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Harden and Duke
trade stats, or so it appears. C’mon Rich!
Join the BCB Flickr Group: http://flickr.com/groups/bleedcubbieblue
by tony412 on Jun 29, 2009 4:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I realize I'm a little late with this comment...
…but I’ve been out of circulation for the last week or so. When did it become OK for Jake Fox to play third base? Did Lou or the team issue any sort of official proclimation on this or did they just start sneaking Fox into that lineup at that position gradually?
Based on comments Lou himself made, I’d completely given up on this idea and now here it is happening. I’m not opposed to it necessarily – I’d like Fox to get as many ABs as possible to see whether he can indeed translate some of the minor league firepower to the bigs. I just don’t understand why all of the sudden it became OK when the Cubs organization seemed so opposed to putting Jake at third from the get-go.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jun 29, 2009 4:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
hes been working with trammell and they feel comfortable to have him play 3rd
by jesus christos on Jun 29, 2009 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So basically Trammell gave him the go-ahead?
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jun 29, 2009 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whatever Tram the Man thinks is good by me!
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
by Zeke on Jun 29, 2009 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe Tram's a miracle worker.
I still find it frustrating that Fox wasn’t playing there from the beginning of the minor league season – or at least since Aramis went down. But apparently he’s good (enough) to go now. If he could stick as a 3B backup/RH PH/emergency outfielder, I’d be fairly pleased.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jun 29, 2009 4:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tram's got so much class. I'm just so pleased that he's on the Cubs coaching staff.
The Cubs are a better team because of it…
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
by Zeke on Jun 30, 2009 8:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lou said it
Join the BCB Flickr Group: http://flickr.com/groups/bleedcubbieblue
by tony412 on Jun 29, 2009 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he's played a few games there
and done pretty well. Looks like the minor-league reports on him were wrong, or he’s been VERY lucky.
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 29, 2009 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And even more
Dude can rake. (past two games being the exception).
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
by Reddevil on Jun 29, 2009 4:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I've heard Pat & Ron call a couple of his putouts...
…and they sounded pretty smooth.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jun 29, 2009 4:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Watching Fox play 3B on Friday...
… he looked fine out there. He’ll never be great, but he plays the position competently.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 29, 2009 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sure I've seen worse in a Cub uniform.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Jun 29, 2009 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Keith Moreland-esque....
Ladies and gentlemen! It's 1985 all over again, but this time the offense goes to hell!
by Ross on Jun 29, 2009 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, Fox has, so far...
… looked better than Moreland.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 29, 2009 5:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
While I normally take a "defense first" approach to backup players...
…I’ll gladly make an exception for Jake if he can keep swinging a big bat. As mentioned, I only wish the Cubs had been more aggressive about grooming him for that position.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jun 29, 2009 4:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Same here
I don’t think I’ll ever understand why he wasn’t getting regular reps at 3B in Iowa once Rami went down.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 29, 2009 4:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll never understand why they didn't immediately begin playing him there the day after
ARAM went down. It’s not like we have a ton of other options in the franchise
by WanderingWanderer on Jun 29, 2009 4:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep, which reminds me - Casey McGeHee update!!!
.336/.397/.542 (.939 OPS) in 121 PAs. Not sayin’…just sayin’.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jun 29, 2009 4:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yet, Evil BCB is expecting him to crap out any time now
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on Jun 29, 2009 5:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This may be the first time I hope they're right.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jun 29, 2009 5:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Even the "misplay"
on Podsednik’s bunt thing was really close.
I’ve been pleasantly surprised with Fox at 3b.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 29, 2009 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's flashed some leather over there.
Been a pleasant surprise to all of us.
Favorite player of all time: Ryne Sandberg.
by CUBSfaninYANKEEcountry on Jun 29, 2009 4:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm happy to report I cancelled my Tribune subscription this morning
and when the CSR asked me why, I said “because of Phil Rogers and Paul Sullivan.” She asked for specifics and I told her I had finally had it with their troglodyte idiosyncrasies. So, in a small way, I protested today.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on Jun 29, 2009 4:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
She probably didn't understand "troglodyte idiosyncrasies".
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 29, 2009 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or "cancel"
If they are anything like the LA Times, they will continue to send their fishwrapping material and continue to bill you.
Jackie likes the smell of cut grass, he used to play ball on Saturdays, Playin in the sun...
by PacificCub on Jun 29, 2009 4:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I spelled those words to her
@PacificCub, I already saw the refund on my credit card.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on Jun 29, 2009 4:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Excellent work then
Sneaky, all of them.
Jackie likes the smell of cut grass, he used to play ball on Saturdays, Playin in the sun...
by PacificCub on Jun 29, 2009 4:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Harden needs to find his rhythm.
His last 2 or 3 starts have been brutal.
Favorite player of all time: Ryne Sandberg.
by CUBSfaninYANKEEcountry on Jun 29, 2009 4:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Freel in CF ?
Not that Dome does not need a rest but seems odd today.
"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 Jun 29, 2009 4:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Duke is a LHP
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on Jun 29, 2009 4:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Duke is a lefty
and Freel has some experience in the OF. Dome desperately needs a rest.
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 29, 2009 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And RJ is still on the DL.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jun 29, 2009 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
remind me again...
why’s RJ on the DL?
Oh Baby!
by cubswgnrocks on Jun 29, 2009 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Back injury
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 29, 2009 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
RJ's on the DL for a BI.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jun 29, 2009 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
10-4
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 29, 2009 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
freel (or farney) plays INF and OF
by jesus christos on Jun 29, 2009 4:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like Freels approach
his little “brush off his arm”, good on the bases, decent everywhere else. I like the spot start.
Join the BCB Flickr Group: http://flickr.com/groups/bleedcubbieblue
by tony412 on Jun 29, 2009 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he was by far
our best player yesterday.
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 29, 2009 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
being our best player in a 6-0 loss
is a lot like being the hottest chick in a Roseanne Barr look-alike competition
by WanderingWanderer on Jun 29, 2009 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yum YUM!
eww man
Jackie likes the smell of cut grass, he used to play ball on Saturdays, Playin in the sun...
by PacificCub on Jun 29, 2009 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
nevertheless
he stole third, got some hits, shook of the HBP…
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 29, 2009 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hm, perhaps that was his "arrival" as a Cub.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jun 29, 2009 4:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
it was his first
real chance to show us anything at all. I hope he does well tonight.
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 29, 2009 5:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I had the same thought
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 29, 2009 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and he messes with the pitchers head
by jesus christos on Jun 29, 2009 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bradley
down in the lineup, and Freel in for Dome. This is doable. I’d like to see Fox break his 0-8 streak 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 29, 2009 4:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
freel in center
pittsburgh fans on their site expect to win two of three.
coincidence?
by tim815 on Jun 29, 2009 4:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Why wouldn't they? They get SportCenter in Pittsburgh...
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
by Zeke on Jun 29, 2009 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
if the only 'fails' you can think of
are our hitters, bullpen, manager, and gm, you haven’t been to cubs,com recently. according to the team’s website, we only have one draftee signed. shouldn’t someone be updating this? grrrrr……
by tim815 on Jun 29, 2009 4:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
21 of the 50 picks are signed as of today.
From the press release:
The Chicago Cubs have agreed to terms with 21 of their selections from the 2009 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. Including their top selection, outfielder Brett Jackson, who agreed last week, the Cubs have reached deals with 10 of their first 15 picks.
Fifth-round selection, shortstop Wes Darvill, will begin his pro career after playing for Brookswood Secondary School and the Langley Blaze of the British Columbia Premier Baseball League. The 17-year-old left-handed hitter is currently playing for the Canadian National Junior Team through early July.
Also agreeing to terms was seventh-round selection, infielder Blair Springfield from MacArthur High School in Decatur, Ill., and right-handed pitcher Robert Whitenack, who was 5-2 with a 2.81 ERA (21 ER/67.1 IP) in 11 games (nine starts) for SUNY Old Westbury in New York.
Of the 21 players who have come to terms, 11 are top-20 selections and 18 are top-30 picks.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 29, 2009 4:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Other news from Gordo
Miles to DL today. OF Sam Fuld, LH bat who can play all 3 spots, to get recall from AAA — 1st time since September ’07 fill-in hero role.
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
by gwood on Jun 29, 2009 4:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I've missed Fuld
He’s an original member of the Scrap Pack!
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
by Reddevil on Jun 29, 2009 4:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I misread that first sentence as "Miles to DH today."
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jun 29, 2009 4:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I did too at first
I nearly puked and thought Lou had completely lost it
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
by gwood on Jun 29, 2009 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he can dh in the
first game in the road park in the series.
apologize if milk went through your nose onto the ’puter.
by tim815 on Jun 29, 2009 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He can DH for Drew's son's Little League team...maybe.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jun 29, 2009 5:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm assuming they want better production out of the DH spot than he could provide there
He’d still be one of the shorter players wouldn’t he?
by WanderingWanderer on Jun 29, 2009 5:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He'd certainly fit right in heightwise.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jun 29, 2009 5:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
hey
don’t take my kid’s spot in the order!
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 29, 2009 5:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Speaking of the DH
I watched the Yanks/Mets game last night.
Wouldn’t it be so much cooler if Rivera’s first career RBI had come at Yankee Stadium? I so wish they’d switch the rules so you use NL rules in AL parks or the other way around.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 29, 2009 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That definitely would've been sweet.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jun 29, 2009 5:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
just what we need, another outfielder
by jesus christos on Jun 29, 2009 4:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Better than another craptastic secondbaseman
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 29, 2009 4:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
we actually do need another outfielder
but we needed a right handed one. Another poor roster decision by Hendry. Dome is back to his post May swooning self, and at the very least, we need someone to bat against lefties.
by WanderingWanderer on Jun 29, 2009 4:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That would make sense
Also, he’s not on the 40 man roster.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 29, 2009 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that's probably
the bigger reason.
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 29, 2009 4:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unbeknown to Lou...
Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages and Burger King Whopper sandwiches has lead a severe underbite.
Also, switched a birth…?
by lswaidz on Jun 29, 2009 4:59 PM CDT reply actions 5 recs
Lou, say hello to Pabst!
As in Pabst, winner of the 2009 World’s Ugliest Dog competition.
Miss Ellie, meanwhile won the Pedigree division
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Jun 29, 2009 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No way that thing is a dog.
I demand proof.
"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 29, 2009 6:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't agree with Rogers in any way.....but
How many people who claim they are completely fed up with Bradley, are perfectly fine with Zambrano’s continued antics?
The guy throws a fit every time things don’t go his way. He hasn’t matured one iota since this crap first started.
I’m not for trading him for absolutely nothing, but if we could get 2 or 3 major league type players that could actually upgrade the team elsewhere, I would not shed a tear to see him gone. He isn’t an ace, he’s an opening day starter, there’s a difference.
by WanderingWanderer on Jun 29, 2009 5:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm irritated at both of them...
The Cubs have too many guys who are “all or nothing” types. Pitchers who throw well in one start, then get knocked around in the next game. Hitters that go 3-4, 3-5 in one game, then 0-for the rest of the series. I’d ask for a little consistency, but the Cubs have been pretty consistently bad overall.
Ladies and gentlemen! It's 1985 all over again, but this time the offense goes to hell!
by Ross on Jun 29, 2009 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But unless one of those major league type players is a No. 2-level starting pitcher...
…you’ll have considerably weakened the starting rotation.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jun 29, 2009 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
not sure I agree with that entirely
We might have weakened our rotation, but the way Z has pitched the last couple of seasons, I’ not sure there aren’t quite a few #3 starters who could fill in and give the same inconsistent outings. We still have Sean Marshall, who I’m not convinced is all that great, but has never gotten a chance
by WanderingWanderer on Jun 29, 2009 5:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sell high
and buy low isn’t a philosophy of Jim Hendry. However, Zambrano is obviously not about to change his ways. The way this team is playing convinces me that no one on this team is irreplaceable. Make me an offer and I’ll look at it.
If you like Selig's handling of the steroid issue, you'll love his choice for next Cub owner.
by tharr on Jun 29, 2009 5:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Hendry thinks he can trade him to make us stronger
sure. But Rogers saying we should give him away makes no sense to me.
And yes, he is a headcase, but I think most teams would like a competitor like that, with his abilities
by chitownhawkeye on Jun 29, 2009 6:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You'd think I'd get over it
but the whole MIF opposite day stuff still drives me batty.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 29, 2009 5:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
What's MIF opposite day?
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jun 29, 2009 5:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you know
where your SS plays 2B and your best 2B plays SS.
ITs like a weird pull shift just to mess with my head.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 29, 2009 5:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Theriot has a 14.8 UZR this year, he's been an above average shortstop.
Admittedly, the arm is blah.
by ARob1 on Jun 29, 2009 5:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm co-chair of the
“we hate ryan theriot” club.
but he’s hasn’t been completely awful this year… for the most part.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 29, 2009 5:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, I don't like him either.
To hear people around here talk about the guy, you would think he’s great. The fact is, he only gets on base at a .342 clip, despite hitting .283. Compare that to everybody’s favorite whipping boy Milton Bradley, who has posted a .349 OBP despite only hitting .232. That’s right everybody, Milton Bradley gets on base more than Ryan Theriot. He’s also an extremely poor baserunner with a negative arm. I was just surprized to see his UZR was so high.
by ARob1 on Jun 29, 2009 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
All of that would be alright
if he weren’t such an idiot on the bases. He’s no where near as fast as he seems to think he is. And I blame Lou for a lot of it. He could put an end to most of the TOOTBLANs just by taking away the green light.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 29, 2009 5:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ah, OK. I think it's a prestige thing.
Putting Theriot at 2B would be seen as demotion and Lou doesn’t want to get mixed up in that.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jun 29, 2009 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes, god forbid the manager not put the players at their best positions
because he doesn’t want to get "mixed up in it’
by WanderingWanderer on Jun 29, 2009 9:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
key point:
MIF, not MILF. :P
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 29, 2009 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This has been a rough day on BCB... I need a break.
I could really use a laugher tonight…. Go Cubs. Kick some Pirate Booty!
I haz comedy show in August. You come seez it please?: Hot Beans Delivers
by digitalbenjamin on Jun 29, 2009 5:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
exactly....this team needs to win a game 12-2.
….would help put the weekend behind them and save the bullpen.
by JB 23 on Jun 29, 2009 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe this guy FULD has something this team needs
some HEART
by Old Cub Fan on Jun 29, 2009 5:46 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Or better yet
Maybe he has in his possession the Allspark. In the long scheme of intangibles to help the team, i’m thinking that would be awesome. Hell the Gatorade machine could come to life and maybe chip in and play 2nd base.
"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"
by StevenABQ on Jun 29, 2009 6:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
In this scenario, the person in the FOX jersey would look like this:
"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 29, 2009 6:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Normally not a fan of
imaginary lineups – this one gets a big stamp of approval!
"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"
by StevenABQ on Jun 29, 2009 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I personally got a kick out of the "Sorryano not diving" argument...
On one hand, poster X says Soriano lacks the instincts to play a decent LF, on the other hand Poster Y says he is lazy for not diving. I would tend to agree with Poster Y because A. Poster Y claims he has eyes and B. If you are not an instinctive outfielder, you will be forced to dive for balls that you got a bad read on. Maybe Soriano isn’t lazy, but rather afraid of diving. Not trying to be a troll, but that argument had my sides splitting.
i don't really consider a raspberry from sliding into home an injury
by U-God on May 31, 2009 4:22 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions 0 recs
by Where Triples Go to Die on Jun 29, 2009 5:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
We pride ourselves here...
On enlightened and insightful analysis around here. :)
by CubsWin!Oregon on Jun 29, 2009 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The operative words are we and ourselves
However there seems to be a dramatic falloff when “they” present an opinion. Just saying.
If you like Selig's handling of the steroid issue, you'll love his choice for next Cub owner.
by tharr on Jun 29, 2009 10:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
team needs
This team does need a player with some heart. Considering that we have Milton Bradley, it also needs a player with a brain. And since Soriano is afraid of spiders in the ivy, a player with a little courage wouldn’t hurt either.
Maybe Hendry should start searching OZ for prospects.
by gocubsgo2287 on Jun 29, 2009 6:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I guess DeRosa...
has the ruby red slippers covered now.
by CubsWin!Oregon on Jun 29, 2009 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You worked awful hard at that
for only a little payoff
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on Jun 29, 2009 7:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thank God for the Pirates
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on Jun 29, 2009 6:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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