Pick Up The Pieces: Cubs vs. Braves, Wednesday 6/3, 6:10 CT
by Al Yellon on Jun 3, 2009 4:00 PM CDT
in Game Threads
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PrintWell, did she make you cry
Make you break down
Shatter your illusions of love
And is it over now -- do you know how
Pick up the pieces and go home -- Fleetwood Mac, "Gold Dust Woman"
No, this season is not "over now", but if the Cubs are going to show some of the heart that any championship team has, they'll have to pick up the pieces of last night's shattered game and defeat the Braves tonight. They have now lost seven consecutive road games and you don't want that to become a habit.
In the thread this morning, someone mentioned this game vs. the Mets at Shea on May 17, 2007, a similar epic meltdown to last night where the bullpen (in that case, Ryan Dempster and Scott Eyre) blew a four-run 9th-inning lead and the Cubs lost 6-5. They were at the time under .500 and seven games out of first place. And yet, that team came back to make the playoffs. (Oh, and just for grins, take note of who started that game, and pitched pretty well.)
Rich Harden is doing well in his rehab:
Harden, who last pitched May 17, is to throw a longer pen on Thursday and then either throw a simulated game or a make a minor-league rehab start a few days after that.
Barring a setback, that could put him on pace for a return to the rotation when the team returns home for a three-game series June 12-14 against Minnesota.
But the team isn't suffering without him in the rotation. The bullpen is where the Cubs need help. I'm not suggesting that Harden be moved to relief, either -- but the pen, which was (mostly) blown up over the winter, needs to be fixed.
Oddity: on their 25-man rosters, the Cubs and Braves both have players named Soriano, Johnson and Blanco, and each team has a Japanese native.
Via Twittermyer, tonight's lineup:
Soriano, lf; Theriot, 2b; Fukudome, rf; Lee, 1b; Fontenot, 3b; Johnson, cf; Hill, c; Blanco, 2b; Lilly, p (Ted batting ninth again)
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It seems like Derek Lowe has always been tough on the Cubs, but in eight career starts he's only 2-1, 3.25, slightly better than his career totals. Of the current Cubs, Derrek Lee -- who hit well last night -- hits him well (11-for 28, .393, a HR). So does Reed Johnson, who'll likely get more playing time tonight with Milton Bradley's status iffy (4-for-11, a double, 5 RBI).
Ted Lilly has been the Cubs' most consistent starter all year. The only thing he's done poorly is allow too many homers -- 10 of them. But the only player on the Braves' active roster who has homered off Ted is little-used reserve Greg Norton. The thing that's going to keep the Cubs afloat in these tough times is the good starting pitching they've received. I expect that to continue tonight.
Maybe you'd have been happier if last night's game had NOT been on WGN. You've got your wish tonight -- cable only. For other games today see the MLB.com Mediacenter.
Baseball-reference.com game preview
Overflow comment threads will post today at 7 pm, 8 pm and 8:45 pm CDT.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
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Oops
Also meant to say, lets get a win today and erase what happened yesterday.
by Craig in South Bend on Jun 3, 2009 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions
What?!?
Comment here instead of the morning thread?
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
890 comments will do that
and all that lead and flames thrown around made for a very heavy thread.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
Either that or second base is going to be crowded tonight.
Theriot and Blanco will have to share.
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted - George Best
Lou is apparently
letting Cox know that we will be playing a lefty shift all night.
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
Theriot will still be charged with the error.
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.
Wishful thinking indeed...
apparently either Piniella is going with the idea that playing the same position is better than moving around, or he doesn’t realize that Blanco is a better defensive shortstop than Theriot.
Amidst all the turmoil
nobody mentioned what happened six years ago today…
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
Singer/songwriter Gary "U.S." Bonds' 63rd birthday?!
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted - George Best
No dude,
EVERYBODY knows Gary U.S. Bonds’ birthday is June 6th.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
Dang it! I should have went with my first guess.
National Applesauce Cake Day!
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted - George Best
You keep thinking today's June 6th
but you keep directing me to search for funny stuff.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
You're right,
I completely spaced out for a while… I’m back in the present now.
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted - George Best
Sorry Chilango2
meant to wish you a Happy Cork Day earlier, but got busy at work and completely forgot. Roses are on the way…
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." ~Alvin Dark
by DamonBerryhillsMitt on Jun 3, 2009 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Wait...
…Happy WHAT 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.
Cork
Happy Cork Day, Daver.
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." ~Alvin Dark
by DamonBerryhillsMitt on Jun 3, 2009 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Ohhhhhhhhhh.
I was about to get either really excited or really scared.
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.
Haha
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." ~Alvin Dark
by DamonBerryhillsMitt on Jun 3, 2009 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions
You're
getting warmer…
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." ~Alvin Dark
by DamonBerryhillsMitt on Jun 3, 2009 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions
I refuse to acknowledge any other events from said game
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
Fair enough
That was a disappointing day. I remember likening it to finding out that there was no Santa Claus.
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." ~Alvin Dark
by DamonBerryhillsMitt on Jun 3, 2009 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions
I'll just say this
I remember coming inside and turning on the radio only to become very very sad. Playoff crap aside, that was probably my saddest moment as a Cubs fan.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
+1
All I remember is that it was a gray and cold-for-June day, much like today. We had a mild summer that year.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
Yeah and then for those
of us Cub fans that live in the Chicagoland area, the best part was getting to hear from Sox fans relentlessly about it. To this day I still see those oh so clever Lumber Cork Company T-Shirts. Ugh.
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." ~Alvin Dark
by DamonBerryhillsMitt on Jun 3, 2009 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions
I am not that crazy about Ted at Turner
"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
I'm not that crazy about Ted Turner
by Tangled Up In Blue on Jun 3, 2009 4:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Tina turner?
"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"
I was once a little crazy for Tina Turner.
It cleared up eventually, but man… those were wild times!
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted - George Best
I like Ted
He saved & preserved the most important film library in the world.
Yes the wording was intentional,
"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 3, 2009 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Quick, who's the largest private owner of real estate in the United States?
Ted Turner!
Worthless fact from THIS GUY.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Hope Ted manages not to hit
anyone in the 1st inning.
Did he even last 10 pitches the last time at Turner?
Prediction
Ted gets the first 24 guys out, hits a solo homer and looks like he will get the perfect game. Lou, who of course slept through the first 8 innings, brings in Kevin Gregg thinking its time to bring in the closer. Naturally Gregg blows the save.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
Ha
Ted, after witnessing last night, will throw a complete game. Or if he decides to allow others to pitch, will “miss” the strike zone, sending a ball through the bullpen, injuring both Marmol and Gregg.
The ball will then swing back around and strike out the batter.
ESPN will ignore this play for a Yankees highlight.
by chitownhawkeye on Jun 3, 2009 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions
I was surprised that with all the complaining
in the other thread that no one mentioned Soriano’s lackadaisical play in fielding a base hit, fumbling it and then having to make a quick throw which Blanco made a great save on. He’s a great hitter when on one of his streaks but man he is sure frustrating to watch in the field.
Do you think Lou ever says anything to him about his lack of hustle and focus out in the field? If Lou does say anything, it sure doesn’t seem to help and if he doesn’t, he’s not managing right.
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings. ~Earl Wilson
It looked more like
poor footwork than lackadaisical effort. It looked like he almost tripped over himself when he was trying to field the ball.
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
he muffed a play
it’s something that’s happening less and less these days.
Do you think Lou ever says anything to him about his lack of hustle and focus out in the field? If Lou does say anything, it sure doesn’t seem to help and if he doesn’t, he’s not managing right.
That’s only a relevant question if you believe that Soriano lacks hustle and focus.
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 3, 2009 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Well, I do believe he lacks hustle and focus
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings. ~Earl Wilson
by tucsoncubsfan on Jun 3, 2009 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Agree to disagree?
"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"
Sure I agree to disagree
and we did this without name calling. Wish more people did this.
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings. ~Earl Wilson
by tucsoncubsfan on Jun 3, 2009 5:02 PM CDT up reply actions
I'll bet you a dollar
Lou doesn’t.
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 3, 2009 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Agreed
Not only does Soriano fail to hustle with regularity in the field, he also does so on the bases. His contract is an albatross and his hot streaks are going to get shorter while his cold streaks get longer. We’ve already seen the best from him as a Cub and from here on out, things will get worse, potentially much, much worse.
Who needs a stinkin' tag line? What are they for anyway?
Care to back this up with evidence?
…and his hot streaks are going to get shorter while his cold streaks get longer. We’ve already seen the best from him as a Cub and from here on out, things will get worse, potentially much, much worse.
"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"
Well
Apparently you aren’t capable of watching baseball on a consistent basis without checking the numbers that follow. Just watch him hit over a long period of time…when he’s going good or when he’s going bad. This cold streak is very, very cold and his inability to hit good pitching with any regularity continues. Watch a game with your eyes, put down the numbers for a bit and take a look at the skill set. Add his age and continued march towards being injury prone and you’ll see all you need to support my opinion.
Who needs a stinkin' tag line? What are they for anyway?
All of his cold streaks
are very, very cold
by chitownhawkeye on Jun 3, 2009 5:50 PM CDT up reply actions
The Snozzberries taste like Snozzberries!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 3, 2009 5:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Just for clarification
His current streak of 13 games with less than 2 hits is his longest streak while with the Cubs.
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
Much like Lou has a Zambrano lecture saved on his computer
I’m sure there is a Soriano lecture for lack of hustle.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
I somehow can't envision Lou popping open his laptop before chewing Z's butt.
"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"
Well he has to keep his thoughts somewhere
I can’t imagine they fit in his head.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
Speaking of not being on WGN
is the Cubs record when being televised on WGN just horrendous? I feel like they lose everytime I get the chance to watch them.
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
8-10 on WGN
Record is kept on the left sidebar along with other media records.
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings. ~Earl Wilson
by tucsoncubsfan on Jun 3, 2009 4:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Hoping for a rebound tonight.
Go Cubs Go!
by Tangled Up In Blue on Jun 3, 2009 4:23 PM CDT reply actions
Glad to see Hill getting the start.
Soto can ride pine so long as Koyie Hill continues to be better than him.
I'm hoping some rest does him good.
Maybe a couple of games
by chitownhawkeye on Jun 3, 2009 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions
I hope he actually gets a couple of games off
and this isn’t just the usual off day
by WanderingWanderer on Jun 3, 2009 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions
I've got a good feeling about tonight
Hope the Cubs reward my optimism.
I had a good feeling last night...
…after the 1st inning, 2nd inning, 3rd innning, 4th inning, 5th inning, 6th inning, 7th inning…
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
What's the deal with Z missing a flight?
I saw on Gordo’s twitter that skipped flight was not first infraction?
also twittermeyer is saying that
Soto is going to sit for a few days
nobody knows
Z’s not talking.
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 3, 2009 4:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Also
Lou says Soto to sit for a few days… Hill has opportunity to write his name into the lineup more often. Does Lou read this site??
by LT on Jun 3, 2009 4:54 PM CDT up reply actions
no...Theriot is still playing SS and Gregg keeps pitching in the 9th inning.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 3, 2009 4:56 PM CDT up reply actions
also Lee is still on the team, and Hoff isn't the every day first baseman
by WanderingWanderer on Jun 3, 2009 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions
-1000000
"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"
Twittermeyer
says Soto is going to sit for a few days. Hill gets his shot.
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.
Semi-OT: Braves release Tom Glavine
From Ken Rosenthal at Fox Sports.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
Sign him and put him in the bullpen.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 3, 2009 4:59 PM CDT up reply actions
That's what I was thinking
He could do better than Cotts
by LT on Jun 3, 2009 5:00 PM CDT up reply actions
You can bet he won't walk every leadoff hitter too.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 3, 2009 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions
why the hell would the Braves have him make rehab starts, then cut him?
by WanderingWanderer on Jun 3, 2009 5:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Just for that...
…the Cubs should kick their asses tonight.
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.
see
Hendry and Lou aren’t the only GM/Manager combo to make weird moves. :D
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 3, 2009 5:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Maybe they needed the contract room
to pick up Nate Mclouth
by LT on Jun 3, 2009 6:30 PM CDT up reply actions
could at least
give him a look.
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 3, 2009 5:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Could he be WORSE than Cotts or Heilman?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 3, 2009 5:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Impossible!
"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"
I call the Fanpost.
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.
Well that means he and Maddux go into the HOF the same year,
Let’s see what happens with Smoltz
"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 3, 2009 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Jessica
Do you think Glavine is done, or do you think he will try to catch on somewhere this year?
Just curious.
by Tangled Up In Blue on Jun 3, 2009 6:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Lineups
Are they posted yet?
Chicago Cubs > Milwaukee Brewers
by CUBSfaninYANKEEcountry on Jun 3, 2009 5:21 PM CDT reply actions
Cubs lineup is in Al's main post above.
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.
Ok, thanks.
Didn’t see it.
Chicago Cubs > Milwaukee Brewers
by CUBSfaninYANKEEcountry on Jun 3, 2009 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Forget Milton.
I’d rather see Reed in there, anyway.
Chicago Cubs > Milwaukee Brewers
by CUBSfaninYANKEEcountry on Jun 3, 2009 5:30 PM CDT reply actions
TWSS
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 3, 2009 5:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Forget Milton! Yeah!
I’d subscribe to your blog, good sir. And buy a t-shirt.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
GO CUBS GO
Let’s forget about last night and get a win!
Visit bloggingthebracket.com, SBNation's bracketology/hoops rambling site!
by Chris Dobbertean on Jun 3, 2009 5:59 PM CDT reply actions
Greetings from Turner Field
Section 103 Row 13 says hi!
"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
Please get a W for us tonight.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2009/6/3/897357/first-pitch-thread-cubs-vs-braves#comments
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
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