Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook
Around SBN: Jeremy Lin And How The Pac-12 Missed Him

Which Zambrano Do We Get Tonight? - Cubs vs. Braves, Thursday 6/4, 6:10 CT

Which Carlos Zambrano will take the mound tonight in Atlanta, returning from his six-game suspension? Will it be the guy who, controlled and focused, threw a no-hitter in Milwaukee vs. the Astros last September? The guy who, until a call went against him last week at Wrigley Field, was mowing down Pirates? Or will it be the guy who went ballistic after that bad call, or the guy who stomped off the mound at Wrigley one start after the no-hitter, not even waiting for Lou Piniella to come and get him after one of the worst starts of his career?

We just don't know. And Z, who turned 28 on Monday, needs to grow up and use his considerable pitching talent to consistently win baseball games. There is no doubt in my mind that if Zambrano could channel his passion into his play, he could be among the best, if not the best, pitchers in baseball every single year. The Cubs are certainly paying him commensurate with that idea. Time to step up, Carlos.

From yesterday's Bruce Miles blog:

Lou said on his pregame radio show that [Koyie] Hill will get to catch more. Maybe that was his way of lighting a fire under Geovany Soto, who has 1 homer and 12 RBI and is 6-for-32 in throwing out runners.

Hill looked bad at the plate yesterday and Geo came in and drew a pinch-walk and threw out a runner; it'll take more than one day to prove this "lit a fire". Hill starts again tonight against the tough Jair Jurrjens.

If you are interested, before the Cubs game begins, to follow Randy Johnson's attempt for his 300th win in the first game of a doubleheader in Washington (forced by last night's rainout, and scheduled to be underway before this pregame post is up), here's the MLB.com Gameday for the Giants/Nationals first game. With the DC-area weather forecast calling for an 80% chance of rain today, they may not get this one in, either.

Via Twittermyer, tonight's lineup:

Soriano, lf; Theriot, ss; Fukudome, rf; Lee, 1b: Fontenot, 3b; Johnson, cf; Hill, c; Blanco, 2b; Zambrano, p

Other Twittermyer info: Nate McLouth will start in CF for the Braves tonight and bat third. And Rich Harden will have a rehab start at Iowa on Sunday; if all goes well he will return from the DL and start Friday, June 12 vs. the Twins.

Sammy Sosa. Blah, blah, blah, and blah. Won't he just go away?

Today's Starting Pitchers
Carlos Zambrano
Carlos Zambrano
Cubs
vs. Jair Jurrjens
Jair Jurrjens
Braves
3-2 W-L 5-2
4.22 ERA 2.59
46 SO 40
21 BB 23
4 HR 4
vs. Atl -- vs. Cubs

I'm guessing the Tigers would love to have the Jair Jurrjens deal back -- all they got from it was one mediocre year out of Edgar Renteria, who then left as a free agent. The Braves, meanwhile, got an outstanding young starter who is only 23 -- and also Gorkys Hernandez, who just went to the Pirates yesterday as part of the Nate McLouth deal. Why can't the Cubs make trades like this? Jurrjens will be making his first career appearance against the Cubs. He was supposed to start last June 11 vs. the Cubs at Wrigley, but had a minor ankle problem from tripping on the dugout steps. Jeff Bennett started instead and broke Alfonso Soriano's wrist with a pitch in the first inning.

Z hasn't had much success vs. the Braves. In 10 lifetime starts he's 2-2, 4.62 and the last time he beat Atlanta was July 15, 2002, the second of back-to-back starts where he beat the Braves, ironically, in a year when the Braves were good and the Cubs were awful. (Check out the lineup that day, too.) Since then Z has lost twice to Atlanta and had a bunch of no-decisions. He handles most of their current lineup pretty well, including the just-acquired Nate McLouth (5-for-22, .227 vs. Z). Brian McCann is 5-for-9 against Zambrano.

Tonight's game is on cable -- lucky you, however, if you live outside Chicago or Atlanta; it's being picked up by the MLB Network for national distribution. For other games today see the MLB.com Mediacenter.

MLB.com Gameday

Baseball-reference.com game preview

SB Nation game preview

Overflow comment threads will post today at 7 pm, 8 pm and 8:45 pm CDT.

Discuss amongst yourselves.

Comment 145 comments  |  0 recs  | 

Do you like this story?

Comments

Display:

$136 million payroll and Mike Fontenot is your # 5 hitter

Does it get any better than that?

You mean, let me understand this cause, ya know maybe it's me, I'm a little messed up maybe, but I'm funny how, I mean funny like I'm a clown, I amuse you? I make you laugh, I'm here to amuse you? What do you mean funny, funny how? How am I funny?

by BLou on Jun 4, 2009 4:02 PM CDT reply actions  

i think

DLee hitting 4th is worse than Fontenot hitting 5th

Go Cubs Go, Fly Eagles Fly, http://twitter.com/mlbtrivia

by ManBearPigMBP on Jun 4, 2009 4:08 PM CDT up reply actions  

Lee

put together a pretty good May, and June is off to a great start. In large part, they won yesterday because of him.

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 4, 2009 4:10 PM CDT up reply actions  

Places fingers in ears, closes eyes, begins stomping with both feet...

…“No no no no no! DLee sucks!”

"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 4, 2009 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions  

Some don't want

to accept the truth do they?

by sue369 on Jun 4, 2009 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions  

I have friends who'll take the oppisite side of you in a conversation...

… just because they like to be intellectually challenged by the debate. I often hope many here are just doing that, playing devil’s advocate, rather than actually buying in to the redic.

"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 4, 2009 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions  

no you dont

you believe everything you type here. I can post stats if needed :=)

baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out

by Cubbie-Tim on Jun 4, 2009 5:50 PM CDT up reply actions  

Couldn't disagree more...

Clearly, you’ve missed the past month in which Lee’s OPS was well over 900, while Fontenot’s OPS was well under .700.

by SouthernCub on Jun 4, 2009 4:25 PM CDT up reply actions  

But he's old! Make him a bat boy, its the only remaining value he has!

(Obligatory sarcasm notification.)

"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 4, 2009 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions  

Bat boys have to run!

Derrek can’t run or bend over… He’s old!!

There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons

by Allie on Jun 4, 2009 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions  

Thwarted again!

I mean, elders can be easily tricked, right? Maybe we can get him to waive his NTC for a package of Depends and a bottle of Centrum Silver?

"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 4, 2009 4:31 PM CDT up reply actions  

I thought the depends

were part of the PTBNL for Hill

baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out

by Cubbie-Tim on Jun 4, 2009 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions  

But he can

bend over and I’ve got the pictures to prove it. :D

by sue369 on Jun 4, 2009 4:52 PM CDT up reply actions  

lol

let the call for more shoe tying pictures commence. :-D

There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons

by Allie on Jun 4, 2009 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions  

(why do you all take the bait?)

One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.

by chilango2 on Jun 4, 2009 4:11 PM CDT up reply actions  

Oh, I dunno.

So at least everyone else knows the truth.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Jun 4, 2009 4:13 PM CDT up reply actions  

I like it that BLou now has his panties in a wad over Fontnot hitting 5th....

this will probably mean Fonty hits a HR and a double tonight.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 4, 2009 4:15 PM CDT up reply actions  

ah-hah!

J’ACCUSE! :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 4, 2009 4:16 PM CDT up reply actions  

Al has actually shown great restraint...

… if this was MY site, i’d have pulled some shenanigans on BLou’s account by now. Not booting him, that’d be bad for traffic (as asinine as the dude is, he for sure drives conversation, and thusly eyeballs, and thusly, ad revenue).

Me, personally? I’d change his user name to Hates The Cubs, i’d make all his comments appear in a sad, sad brown, i’d make his posts all appear in Swahili…

"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 4, 2009 4:17 PM CDT up reply actions  

Geez

So now the guy isn’t allowed to voice a dissenting opinion in any way? I mean, I can understand if people are getting abusive and name calling, etc. but all he did was make a
statement. You guys really need to lighten up. It’s getting to the point here where anything but unqualified praise of the Cubs is somehow equal to hate.

Luckily Al is a lot more understanding of the fact that give and take is part of the whole fan experience. IMO this would be an incredibly boring site if all people did was log on to talk about how great the Cubs were.

by bluekoolaide on Jun 4, 2009 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions  

Dissenting opinion is a fairly mild way to put it...

… go look through the guys comment history. Seriously. I’ve said it before and i’ll say it again. He’s an intelligent cubs fan who has become jaded to his own detriment. If you approach everything with negativity, it isn’t unreasonable to expect to get some back.

"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 4, 2009 5:06 PM CDT up reply actions  

i think its just cause its CONSTANT

Albert Pujols for Cubs Starting 1B in 2011

by heine41 on Jun 4, 2009 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions  

you're in a good mood today.

That was an uncharacteristically mild comment. Did your Social Security check come early?

Linus: Life is rarely all one way, Charlie Brown. You win some, you lose some. Charlie Brown: Really? Gee, that'd be neat.

by CyberCyclist on Jun 4, 2009 5:02 PM CDT up reply actions  

Cyber cyclist gets my favorite Blue Mike Burn award

"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."

by Madison Cub Fan on Jun 4, 2009 6:33 PM CDT up reply actions  

Lots of rain

in the area… but to my untrained eye, it looks like they should be able to play.

There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons

by Allie on Jun 4, 2009 4:08 PM CDT reply actions  

is t he other eye trained?

baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out

by Cubbie-Tim on Jun 4, 2009 4:09 PM CDT up reply actions  

Actually

no, the other eye is blind.

There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons

by Allie on Jun 4, 2009 4:09 PM CDT up reply actions  

what about the third eye?

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 4, 2009 4:10 PM CDT up reply actions  

blind doesnt mean it cant be trained

baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out

by Cubbie-Tim on Jun 4, 2009 4:11 PM CDT up reply actions  

It does when its an eye

and its only function for which training is possible is seeing. :-P

There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons

by Allie on Jun 4, 2009 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions  

I hate it when

they won’t play fetch.

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 4, 2009 4:16 PM CDT up reply actions  

or mop the floor

baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out

by Cubbie-Tim on Jun 4, 2009 4:17 PM CDT up reply actions  

What about hypnotizing?

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Jun 4, 2009 4:34 PM CDT up reply actions  

Oooh shiney!

There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons

by Allie on Jun 4, 2009 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions  

where is blou now telling us if we will play or not

He did such a good job the last time guessing wrong

"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."

by Madison Cub Fan on Jun 4, 2009 6:34 PM CDT up reply actions  

The Nats/Giants game is just starting.

Thers are about 100 fans in the park.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Jun 4, 2009 4:10 PM CDT reply actions  

and they are all sitting in section 423 row 19

baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out

by Cubbie-Tim on Jun 4, 2009 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions  

The Big Unit gunning for #300

One of the greatest pitchers of all time and a pathetic fan turnout in the nation’s capital. Something is wrong with that.

You mean, let me understand this cause, ya know maybe it's me, I'm a little messed up maybe, but I'm funny how, I mean funny like I'm a clown, I amuse you? I make you laugh, I'm here to amuse you? What do you mean funny, funny how? How am I funny?

by BLou on Jun 4, 2009 4:17 PM CDT up reply actions  

third times the charm

baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out

by Cubbie-Tim on Jun 4, 2009 4:24 PM CDT up reply actions  

Fans in Portland sure love their basketball team

I’m betting it would carry over to baseball.

Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.

by nji232 on Jun 4, 2009 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions  

I think so...

Portland is the largest market in the nation with only one professional sports franchise. They had a good financing plan in place (aimed at limiting the public sector exposure). And they could’ve either put them in the AL West (with its 4 current teams, creating a regional rivalry with the Mariners) or in the NL West, and then shift the Rockies to the Central and the Pirates to the East).

The plans for Portland (including a really cool look at the various stadium ideas) can be found here.

And for a quicker look, here’s a layout one of my favorite stadiums plans. (Click the main picture for an interactive view).

Anyway, all in all it had all the financing, design, demographic elements in place. Just couldn’t overcome the moronic fixation on getting ANOTHER team in the Northeast Corridor…

by CubsWin!Oregon on Jun 4, 2009 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions  

San Antonio

baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out

by Cubbie-Tim on Jun 4, 2009 5:52 PM CDT up reply actions  

That's funny

You’re funny.

One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.

by chilango2 on Jun 4, 2009 5:56 PM CDT up reply actions  

actually I bet it would work

San Antonio would be able to support a team IMHO, and with Austin only 90 minutes away, they would draw from two large markets.

baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out

by Cubbie-Tim on Jun 4, 2009 5:57 PM CDT up reply actions  

I beg to differ

Ever heard of that pink elephant they got on the corner of Hwy. 281 and Durango St.? (strike one)

San Antonio is the 11th largest city in the country but only the 39th media market. That’s 20 spots below Kansas City. (strike two)

Houston is two-and-a-half hours away by car. Dallas is all-encompassing in Texas. Their sports teams take over any audience and revenue. (strike three)

One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.

by chilango2 on Jun 4, 2009 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions  

I live in Austin

I know where the cities lie. Central Texas is a growing area, with a lot of transplants, which is why I believe it would work. Now am I saying it would for sure, no, but I would take a gamble saying yes it would.

baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out

by Cubbie-Tim on Jun 4, 2009 7:48 PM CDT up reply actions  

Tweet from Gordo.

No DL for Bradley… for now.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Jun 4, 2009 4:18 PM CDT reply actions  

Sigh

There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons

by Allie on Jun 4, 2009 4:18 PM CDT up reply actions  

Just saw it

In any case, would the Cubs bring another pitcher if Bradley does go to the DL?

One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.

by chilango2 on Jun 4, 2009 4:21 PM CDT up reply actions  

Let's hope not.

They already have one they’re not using. 13 pitchers is ridiculous.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Jun 4, 2009 4:22 PM CDT up reply actions  

Pitchers could be

the new back up second baseman fixation for the Cubs?

baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out

by Cubbie-Tim on Jun 4, 2009 4:23 PM CDT up reply actions  

Hard to justify 13 pitchers...

Especially given that we aren’t using the 11th and 12th ones very often.

I’d guess Fuld or DuBois would get the call.

by SouthernCub on Jun 4, 2009 4:23 PM CDT up reply actions  

And probably Fuld...

Because at least he’s already on the roster.

by SouthernCub on Jun 4, 2009 4:24 PM CDT up reply actions  

This just posted on Twitter:

Z giving updates to reporters every time somebody goes in Lou’s office today. ‘Big news in the paper tomorrow.’

Whatever that means…

One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.

by chilango2 on Jun 4, 2009 4:24 PM CDT reply actions  

From who?

"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 4, 2009 4:25 PM CDT up reply actions  

Gordo

"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg

by gwood on Jun 4, 2009 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions  

Ah, see it now.

This is one of those times when Twitter’s 140 limit isn’t great. What does this mean? Is Z just playing with the press because of the lack of talking about he and lou’s meeting about the missed plane ride? Who is going in?

We need context!

"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 4, 2009 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions  

It appears that Z is just messing around

based on the latest tweet

cst_cubsSays Z: ‘Look, Geo is going in Lou’s office. …They closed the door. … They’re fighting. …Be in the paper tomorrow.’

Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.

by nji232 on Jun 4, 2009 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions  

Thats sort of what i figured...

… he’s jovial to be pitching again… been a rough couple of weeks for the guy. Wants to mess with those who’ve had so much to say about him in the meantime.

"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 4, 2009 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions  

Z's Lou impression is actually really funny

The whole “look” thing….

Hopefully a joking happy Z is a winning Z.

There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons

by Allie on Jun 4, 2009 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions  

If he doesn't win...

prepare for the 5 FanPosts about how “Z needs to get serious and stop joking around!”

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 4, 2009 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions  

More like

“prepare for a day w/o Allie at BCB”

There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons

by Allie on Jun 4, 2009 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions  

I just took one of those days.....

so you cant go and take one Ally now that I’m back

"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."

by Madison Cub Fan on Jun 4, 2009 6:37 PM CDT up reply actions  

and 10 "How dare you criticize a Cub" rebuttals

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Jun 4, 2009 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions  

Untill things go off track...

… then we get… THE INCREDIBLE Z!

"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 4, 2009 4:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

I love that!

There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons

by Allie on Jun 4, 2009 4:41 PM CDT up reply actions  

Gordo's tweet or Gordo's "big news"?

There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons

by Allie on Jun 4, 2009 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions  

Thank you, gwood

Sorry, I forgot to attribute. I’m fired.

One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.

by chilango2 on Jun 4, 2009 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions  

See it...

here.

"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 4, 2009 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions  

Is Lou saying his goodbyes?

Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.

by nji232 on Jun 4, 2009 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions  

Sounds like Lou and Geo ...

… are having an argument over Geo not starting tonight.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Jun 4, 2009 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions  

Maybe if Geo yells enough

He will lose some pounds.

Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.

by nji232 on Jun 4, 2009 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions  

or atleast look alive

baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out

by Cubbie-Tim on Jun 4, 2009 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions  

I would be willing to guess that some of us women here @ BCB

would happily help Geo to come up w/ a good diet and exercise plan.

"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."

by Madison Cub Fan on Jun 4, 2009 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions  

LOL

DG doesn’t work that quickly!

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Jun 4, 2009 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions  

Am I the only one almost completely disillusioned with Z?

I think it’s fair to assume a guy who will be averaging $15m per year should give you 15-18 wins (ideally up to 20) per year, which Z probably will.

But is anyone else tired of the ERA that has gone UP a full run over the last 5 years? For the kind of money he’s earning, in my humble opinion, Z has been underperforming. (Not to mention the childish tirades and at least twice being injured due to lack of hydration and stretching)

/end rant

*Synth intro to "Jump"*

by SouthsideCub on Jun 4, 2009 4:43 PM CDT reply actions  

Correction

ERA actually has gone up a full run and a half over the last 5 years.

*Synth intro to "Jump"*

by SouthsideCub on Jun 4, 2009 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions  

It pisses me off too.

"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)

Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.

by SackMan on Jun 4, 2009 4:47 PM CDT up reply actions  

Doubt you are the ONLY one...

"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 4, 2009 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions  

I look at balks myself...

But I guess those are good metrics too.

by CubsWin!Oregon on Jun 4, 2009 4:52 PM CDT up reply actions  

Does or should have?

That poor 1.80 ERA… and 0-2 record.

Aaron Heilman sucks.

There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons

by Allie on Jun 4, 2009 4:55 PM CDT up reply actions  

That's how I sign my business documents now

“Looking forward to hearing from you soon, accept my kind regards. Aaron Heilman sucks,
Jose M. Hernandez-Lagunes”

One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.

by chilango2 on Jun 4, 2009 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

LOL

There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons

by Allie on Jun 4, 2009 4:59 PM CDT up reply actions  

bravo

baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out

by Cubbie-Tim on Jun 4, 2009 5:55 PM CDT up reply actions  

I think you might have come up with something worthy for that space chilango

"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."

by Madison Cub Fan on Jun 4, 2009 6:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

I think you misunderstood....

I was agreeing with you. I think wins are an incredibly overrated statistics. I was just tring to kid around about the idea of paying a pitcher based off balks…

by CubsWin!Oregon on Jun 4, 2009 4:55 PM CDT up reply actions  

Oh, I understood your jest....I just wanted to illustrate my point more clearly.

It’s like celebrating a guy for being an “RBI machine”….dumb.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 4, 2009 4:59 PM CDT up reply actions  

Agreed

Also, it wouldn’t hurt if he avoided the pattern of 5-6 innings of domination and one inning of implosion, though that’s just anecdotal, obviously.

*Synth intro to "Jump"*

by SouthsideCub on Jun 4, 2009 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions  

Hmm...

It cut off the end of my comment: “I agree with you btw. I’m just not looking forward to the unholy wrath from the deep that is no doubt waiting to pounce on your post for heresy….”

by CubsWin!Oregon on Jun 4, 2009 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions  

Hmmm...
Maybe that was his [Lou’s] way of lighting a fire under Geovany Soto…

What Lou really needs to do is get Geo on a treadmill for 3 straight hours during the game… and no post-game buffet.

"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)

Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.

by SackMan on Jun 4, 2009 4:47 PM CDT reply actions  

I hope the rain

stays away. I just want Z to bring his “A” game tonight. No theatrics just go out and pitch 7, 8 or 9 innings.

by sue369 on Jun 4, 2009 4:59 PM CDT reply actions  

A 3 inning save?

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 4, 2009 5:00 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yeah

Obviously Ted Lilly starts again today :)

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living."

by jkobus on Jun 4, 2009 5:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

but only goes 5 innings?

that lazy SOB

baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out

by Cubbie-Tim on Jun 4, 2009 5:55 PM CDT up reply actions  

I'd like to see him pitch ten innings...

and get the win. I’m starting to enjoy all the extra innings.

"I'll tell you what's helped me my entire life. I look at baseball as a game. It's something where people can go out, enjoy and have fun. Nothing more." - Harry Caray

by goodstuff96 on Jun 4, 2009 5:06 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yikes

Dontrelle Willis 2.1 IP, 5 ER, 0 H…. 5 BB.

There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons

by Allie on Jun 4, 2009 5:07 PM CDT reply actions  

shades of Rich Hill

Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.

by nji232 on Jun 4, 2009 5:08 PM CDT up reply actions  

Couple of "Yikes" outings today by SP.

Mike Pelfrey : 3.2 INN, 9 HA, 4 BBI, 3 K, 8 ER, 19.636 ERA, 3.545 WHIP, L

Against the Bucks.

by Tangled Up In Blue on Jun 4, 2009 5:08 PM CDT up reply actions  

I think Willis is worse

5 ER without giving up a hit… thats something.

There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons

by Allie on Jun 4, 2009 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions  

For sure.

Even worse considering how fast he has fallen.

by Tangled Up In Blue on Jun 4, 2009 5:13 PM CDT up reply actions  

Is that ERA or WHIP you posted

for Pelfrey over the season or just over this start?

There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons

by Allie on Jun 4, 2009 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions  

Willis has been

on a downslope since 2005 when he threw 236 innings with a 1.13 WHIP. He went to 1.42 then 1.60 and 2.21 last year. His violent delivery just broke him down.

If you like Selig's handling of the steroid issue, you'll love his choice for next Cub owner.

by tharr on Jun 4, 2009 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions  

Oh man...

I really want him to succeed. I hope it was just a one-off bad outing.

One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.

by chilango2 on Jun 4, 2009 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions  

Just from today's start.

Overall he’s having a good start to the season. 4-1 3.88 ERA, 1.37 WHIP

Willis is by far in a worse spot. Pelfrey just had a surprising bad start against a not so good team in the Bucks.

by Tangled Up In Blue on Jun 4, 2009 5:19 PM CDT reply actions  

Ah

That line is pretty respectable. That WHIP over 3 scared me. LOL

There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons

by Allie on Jun 4, 2009 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions  

Oh the glory of being home at 5:24 p.m.

Too bad The Simpsons is a bad episode today…

One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.

by chilango2 on Jun 4, 2009 5:25 PM CDT reply actions  

I killed this thread or something

Where’s everyone?

One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.

by chilango2 on Jun 4, 2009 5:44 PM CDT reply actions  

It is really dead here.

Which was frustrating me ‘cause I’ve run out of things to do to kill time before the game. :(

by CubsWin!Oregon on Jun 4, 2009 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions  

yeah

its really really quiet in here….

There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons

by Allie on Jun 4, 2009 5:49 PM CDT up reply actions  

They just said on CTL

the game will be delayed but didn’t say for how long. :-(

by sue369 on Jun 4, 2009 5:45 PM CDT reply actions  

Tommy Skilling just said the same on Ch.9

“This game is in jeopardy,” said Skilling.

One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.

by chilango2 on Jun 4, 2009 5:49 PM CDT up reply actions  

yeah

it looks kinda sketchy…

There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons

by Allie on Jun 4, 2009 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions  

Oh poo

Guess they’ll fly to the ATL on Monday…

One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.

by chilango2 on Jun 4, 2009 5:53 PM CDT up reply actions  

6 outs for Randy to get #300

A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings. ~Earl Wilson

by tucsoncubsfan on Jun 4, 2009 5:53 PM CDT reply actions  

Good for him

2 questions, is he the last guy to get to 300? (Jaime Moyer is at 250)
And if the list I’m looking at is right, am I the only one who thinks it’s odd that the top 4 active career wins leaders are lefties? (Glavine is still included)

by chitownhawkeye on Jun 4, 2009 6:00 PM CDT up reply actions  

The game thread is up

here.

But what’s the etiquette if the game’s delayed?

One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.

by chilango2 on Jun 4, 2009 6:04 PM CDT reply actions  

rain delay theater, anyone?

"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 4, 2009 6:06 PM CDT reply actions  

Guess people want to congregate in the other thread dude

One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.

by chilango2 on Jun 4, 2009 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions  

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Welcome to Bleed Cubbie Blue, the Chicago Cubs blog for the SB Nation, created on February 9, 2005 by Al Yellon

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recommended FanPosts

Small
Jazz Up Your Recs!
Img_0001_small
Value of Various Plate Approaches
284_small
Cubs' Fantasy Camp 2012 as seen by a Player's Wife
P7200073_small
Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp 2012

Recent FanPosts

Castro_small
Getting Excited For Baseball Season
Small
Arguably OT: Aussie Baseball Finals Go To Decisive Game Three
Small
New Cubs draft strategy player development
Jeffnewwork_small
What I Expect From The Cubs In 2012
Wrigley_scoreboard_small
What To Do With Alfonso Soriano
Small
A quick update from the 2012 concessions orientation
Caray_small
Is there any FA left worth going after?
Marvin_the_martian_small
Thoughts On Gerardo Concepcion: Trust The Scouts
Star_small
What if Hendry were still our GM instead of TheoJed?

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

FanShots

Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.

Recommended FanShots

Nice article about Ernie Banks
Yankees Hire Jim Hendry
Dale Sveum Meets Early Arrivals At Camp Buss

Recent FanShots

Cubs stepping up pursuit of Soler
MLB 12 The Show Marlins Park Trailer, complete with the monstrosity and the fish. Here's the link...
Construction on the party patio and new LED board has begun. Taken from the Wrigley webcam, 11:35 am CT, 2/12/12
The Rickettsification of Wrigleyville has begun!
Marlins' Cespedes Offer 6 years, under $40M (MLBTR Link)
BCB Fantasy Baseball 2012
Former Cubs Blogger Interviewed on The Score
Cubs vs. Rangers In Las Vegas Tickets On Sale Monday 2/13
Hoyer driving to Spring Training with his dog
Hoyer-Soriano likely a Cub to start 2012, Garza extension talk a possibility

+ New FanShot All FanShots >

Featured Poll

Poll
How many games will the Cubs win in 2012?

  425 votes | Results

It Is Only...

It Is Only...

Cubs By The Numbers

Cubs By The Numbers is a history of the ballclub by uniform number, but the biographies help trace the history of our beloved team in a new way. For everyone who's a Cubs fan, anyone who ever wore the uniform is like family. Cubs By The Numbers reintroduces readers to some of their long-lost ancestors, even ones they think they already know.

Click here to order your copy, available now!

Recent Stories in Ticket Exchanges


Managing Editor

Alyellontoppscard_small Al Yellon

Front Page Contributors

Primary_fc_small Josh Timmers

Marvin_the_martian_small Shawn Domagal-Goldman

B_w_avatar_small Brett Taylor

Other Contributors

Dsc_0139_small David Sameshima

Toonmike_small Mike Bojanowski