If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Houston: Cubs vs. Astros, Tuesday 6/9, 7:05 CT
by Al Yellon on Jun 9, 2009 5:00 PM CDT
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PrintTen BCB points for the movie reference.
This is the Cubs' third visit to Houston already in 2009. By Thursday -- the 57th game of the year -- they will have played the Astros 10 times. It would have been 11, if not for the May 15 rainout. The first seven games have resulted in five Cub wins. A series win would make for a successful road trip. While this kind of schedule-making is ridiculous (and MLB should really give the contract back to the two college professors who did it on their kitchen table -- they did a better job), at least the two teams are scheduled for a rare (for Houston) weekday afternoon game on Thursday, so the Cubs can get back at a reasonable time Thursday evening to get ready for Friday's day game against the Twins. (It's also getaway day for the Astros, the more likely reason they did this.)
Here's a type of All-Star voting we can all agree is beneficial: MLB is sponsoring the All-Stars Among Us campaign, to highlight people who have given back to their communities. Each of the 30 clubs will have one representative who will be honored July 14 in St. Louis; click on the link to vote for one of the three finalists to choose one to represent the Cubs.
Bruce Miles has more on Mark DeRosa. Before you groan, he has a good step-by-step analysis of what that deal set in motion and how it has both hurt and helped the team.
More evidence that individual pitcher wins mean nothing: Look who's leading the National League in wins.
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This is the fourth series between these two teams this year. As such, it's not surprising that Brian Moehler and Ted Lilly have faced each other already this year, on April 8 in Houston. Lilly allowed four homers that day, but won because the Cubs hit Moehler really, really hard. The good news for Ted is that in the ten starts since then, he's allowed only seven homers. He has been the Cubs' most consistent starter all year, not to mention the fact that he could open the roof at the Juice Box with his bare hands. If he wanted to.
Lilly also defeated the Astros in Houston on May 7, and Moehler got the win at Wrigley on May 17, a game the Cubs would have won if Geovany Soto's line drive had been about two feet higher. Derrek Lee is 6-for-16 with two doubles and three HR off Moehler; the four homers off Lilly on April 8 were hit by Kaz Matsui, Ivan Rodriguez, Lance Berkman and ... Jeff Keppinger?
Cable only tonight in Chicago and Houston, on EI and MLB.TV. For other games today see the MLB.com Mediacenter.
Baseball-reference.com game preview
Overflow comment threads will post today at 8 pm, 9 pm and 9:45 pm CDT.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
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If it's Tuesday, it must be Belgium
First!
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings. ~Earl Wilson
Not exactly
The correct title is " If It’s Tuesday, THIS must be Belgium". However you were still first in the thread and maybe Al will split the
10 BCB points between us but remember if this were JEOPARDY you would lose .
"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 9, 2009 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions
I should have known you'd get this one right.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I would have replied faster
but I finally saw SUGAR today. While I thought it lost steam at the end I strongly urge ALL baseball fans to see this film, though you will probably have to wait for the DVD. It certainly gave me new insight into the incredible hardships faced by players from Latin America.
"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 9, 2009 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions
Glad to hear this.
This movie is definitely on my list.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I lost fair and square
I always thought the title was the way I wrote it but looks like I was wrong.
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings. ~Earl Wilson
by tucsoncubsfan on Jun 9, 2009 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions
would have thought
fear & loathing in las vegas… myself
Lineup per Twittermyer:
Soriano LF
Theriot SS
Dome CF
DLee 1B
The Game RF
Fontenot 3B
Soto C
Blanco 2B
Lilly LHP
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.
Bradley's back?
Cool!
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
Ted's gonna be angry he isn't batting 4th
by Craig in South Bend on Jun 9, 2009 5:15 PM CDT up reply actions
You wouldn't like Ted...
when he’s angry.
by CubsWin!Oregon on Jun 9, 2009 6:30 PM CDT up reply actions
After today, maybe they SHOULD have hit him 4th!
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I had been referring to MB as Candy Land.
But… with all the injuries, I might as well start calling him Twister.
"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)
.
This year it's...
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
I keep telling myself we only need Bradley so he can hit in the playoffs....
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 9, 2009 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions
You keep telling yoursefl that buddy...
I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...
by Jimmyeatworld on Jun 9, 2009 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions
I will....
but I don’t know how much longer I can keep convincing myself. I think I may be on to me.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 9, 2009 5:24 PM CDT up reply actions
I posed that just to see what your response would be...
I actually think he will be a valuable bat in the regular season, (provided he can begin to stay healthy).
I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...
by Jimmyeatworld on Jun 9, 2009 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions
Every time he comes back...
…I can’t decide whether to be excited at the thought of his bat in the lineup or anxious at the thought of him limping off the field again.
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.
Did anyone else just for a moment wonder how could Blanco play 2nd?
Then it occured to me it’s not Henry LOL
"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 9, 2009 6:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Have there been any updates on Rami?
I haven’t heard a peep about his progress.
by Craig in South Bend on Jun 9, 2009 5:23 PM CDT reply actions
Last I heard...
…he’d “resumed baseball activities,” but we still shouldn’t expect to see him back in action until next month.
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.
Bruce I think had an update about him starting
limited baseball activities.
But, I think, the less we hear the better while he’s going through rehab. The only “news” can be bad.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
He's started "light baseball activities"
they’re still hoping for early july… around the all-star break
If it weren't for the gutter, my mind would be homeless.
He can play day games?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 9, 2009 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions
This reminds me of that scene in "Airplane"...
…where the woman asks the stewardess for some “light reading,” and the stewardess hands her a pamphlet.
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.
Great Jews in sports history.
Was about 3 pages long. LOL. I can laugh at that. I’m a member of the tribe.
"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)
.
I still can't get over the look of this lineup sans Rami
A few people who’ve hit cleanup shouldn’t even be cleaning up the dugout let alone the lineup
If it weren't for the gutter, my mind would be homeless.
gee those 8 wins
by jason sure look good
Ramlee Zamfukusoridero
two more interesting points
bullpen, none of his wins have been blown….
looking at his ERA, it looks like lack of run support has caused the 4 losses more than bad pitching.
oh well….
Your point?
Because he had 8 wins with another team doesn’t mean he’d have 8 with the Cubs.
by Craig in South Bend on Jun 9, 2009 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions
connecting the dots....
how exactly does the marquis information fit into the game preview?
once again, bcb takes another jab at jason marquis. would 8 wins from a starter be shrugged off as insignificant if it were big Z or dempster.
another interesting line from marquis is 81 innings pitched in 12 games, hmms, that’s an average of 6 2/3 per start
I liked marquis a lot
did we lose him to FA?
If it weren't for the gutter, my mind would be homeless.
nope
they were dfa’ed and signed with the indians
no...
the person he was traded for… (Luis Vizcaino) was though
And I'm glad
I wasn’t snarky in my reply… No problem though.
and saving 5 million.
The irony is that I am 99% sure the Rockies will trade him before deadline as they are pretty much out of it and Marquis has value.
They should get a nice prospect or two in return.
"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 9, 2009 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions
Delicious irony...
We get a released Vizcaino, and an sickly Milton Bradley. Colorado gets a least a B+ prospect.
Awesome.
by Damen Jackson on Jun 9, 2009 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Vizcaino beans, to be exact.
They appear robust but result in a rather weak brew.
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.
me too...
never got a fair shake from the fans because the contract that hendry gave him….
all he did was take the ball every 5th game and eat up innings….
So that leaves 2 1/3 innings on average
for the bullpen to blow it. And he fits into the game preview because he’s a former Cub. He isn’t the first to be referenced in a game preview, and he won’t be the last. Why is this an issue?
by Craig in South Bend on Jun 9, 2009 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions
except that
their bullpen hasn’t blown the games.
but maybe with our bullpen he’d be 3-4 and we’d be crying how he’s an overpayed pitcher….
Right, that's what I'm saying
You seem to be carrying a flag for the guy because he isn’t with the team, and that’s 8 wins out the window or something. Then in other posts, you seem to indicate that you understand that his wins with another team doesn’t translate to wins here, so I’m a bit confused.
by Craig in South Bend on Jun 9, 2009 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions
i'm not carrying a flag...
just didn’t like the phrasing Al used in the game preview.
“More evidence that individual pitcher wins mean nothing: Look who’s leading the National League in wins.”
maybe i took that the wrong way… reading it again, Al might be saying that a pitcher can have success despite a bad overall ball club.
No, you read it mostly correctly the first time...
he’s saying that wins are an overrated measure, because a mediocre pitcher like Marquis is leading the league in wins.
It had nothing to do with the Rockies being bad. It had everything to do with the fact that Marquis has not really been one of the best pitchers in the NL this year, despite the win totals this year.
Colorado is a real good situation...
for Marquis. I’ve thought for years he’d be all-world in the NL West. If he can stay somewhere out there for the season, look for him to put up gaudy numbers.
by Damen Jackson on Jun 9, 2009 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd never wanna pitch in COL
that park is homer-ville
If it weren't for the gutter, my mind would be homeless.
It's not like it used to
be. And as I recall, he’d done well there, even before this season.
by Damen Jackson on Jun 9, 2009 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions
That thin mountain air hasn't changed
holding onto a lead there is tough stuff
If it weren't for the gutter, my mind would be homeless.
Not to mention...
… that Marquis lifetime batting splits in Coors Field are .296/.296/.407 — 8-for-27 with 3 doubles.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
It wasn't a jab.
All it was, was pointing out how meaningless individual pitcher wins are. Marquis has done a decent job for the Rockies, about the same as he did for the Cubs.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
sorry Al
on re-read it came together…. i first took the meaningless as a jab toward marquis. but i see you meant it toward how bad the rockies are….
i think we got into it last year about marqus. oh well, GO CUBS!!!
What it really was...
… was a statement that you don’t have to be the best pitcher in the league to get individual wins. Marquis, as I say, has done a decent job. If you judge pitchers by wins only, he’d be the top pitcher in the NL, which we all know isn’t true.
It’s simply a statement that individual pitcher wins are not the best way to judge how good a pitcher is.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
GO CUBS GO!
I hope to see Sori unleash the fury starting today.. here’s to a hot month!
If it weren't for the gutter, my mind would be homeless.
Amazing how much better the lineup looks with Bradley (in theory)...
Hopefully he starts hitting like his reputation suggests, because if he does the offense will look a lot better.
Lots of guys on the lineup who are overdue
If we’re only a few games back with half the team struggling at once… it could be exciting once they pick it up.
If it weren't for the gutter, my mind would be homeless.
Yes. I like the way you think.
This line from a movie, television show or other piece of popular culture pretty much sums up my entire personality.
Here's to a Winning Streak!!!
Those bats are gonna heat up any game now!!!
Albert Pujols for Cubs Starting 1B in 2011
Sori is gonna light it up
Soto has to start hitting at some point. Milton is gonna tear the cover off the ball. I’m gonna crack a beer to a winning streak
If it weren't for the gutter, my mind would be homeless.
I forget who said it
but last year when there was a lot of talk about Lee’s HR power, someone on sports radio made a really good, obvious point that may not be obvious to those in a panic. Going off of memory here, but he said that players have an average for a reason, and established players don’t just fall off. Eventually, those players do come around and start producing. They may not reach their average, but may fall just short of it, which may be more beneficial to the team considering that if that player has a slow start, they may start to come around at just the right time.
by Craig in South Bend on Jun 9, 2009 6:28 PM CDT up reply actions
yeah totally agree
I have great hope for the remainder of the season. We’ve been struggling, but we HAVE kept our head above water. When our guys who have been under performing, begin to bring their numbers back up to their career averages, its going to be extremely nice to have that all compressed into 4 months instead of 6.
Albert Pujols for Cubs Starting 1B in 2011
Player performance just doesn't up and disappear
Unless you’re injured, but otherwise, it’s not like you go from hitting .292 one year, to .199 the next.
by Craig in South Bend on Jun 9, 2009 6:33 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't drink..... but Soto starts hitting.
I’ll join you guys w/ a root beer or ginger ale ok?
"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 9, 2009 6:53 PM CDT up reply actions
Picture caption
Theriot goes apeshit on an umpire after disagreeing with a call. Fans and media pass no judgment. Bradley and Zambrano quietly reflect.
"Who's Bob Brenly? The guy that used to be the manager for Arizona?" ~ Alfonso Guilleard Soriano
Seems to take forever for these games to start...
It has me wondering now too…Watch the whole game, or see The Hangover and then catch the end of this game, or, judging by recent games, the last 6 innings of a tie game.
by Craig in South Bend on Jun 9, 2009 6:40 PM CDT reply actions
"DING! DING!":http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2009/6/9/903146/first-pitch-thread-cubs-vs-astros#comments
by Craig in South Bend on Jun 9, 2009 7:02 PM CDT reply actions
Alright...almost game time!
GO CUBS GO!
Chicago Cubs > Milwaukee Brewers
by CUBSfaninYANKEEcountry on Jun 9, 2009 7:03 PM CDT reply actions
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