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Bullpen Meltdown Dooms Cubs: Heilman Awful In 8-3 Loss To Cardinals

This photo summed up today's game, and pretty much sums up the season.

More photos » by David Banks - AP

This photo summed up today's game, and pretty much sums up the season.

There's absolutely nothing good to say about the Cubs' 8-3 loss to the Cardinals this afternoon, so I'm not even going to try.

Wait. Yes, there is ONE good thing. Derrek Lee slammed a three-run homer in the fourth inning that gave the Cubs a brief 3-3 tie and some hope that even though Rich Harden had no command nor control, the Cubs might pull this one out anyway. (Harden ranked pretty high on the cliche-meter in the postgame news conference, saying all the right things about "getting them next time" but not really having any answers for why his ERA is heading toward six.)

Even after Albert Pujols poked a wind-aided HR into the CF basket in the fifth inning, the 4-3 deficit didn't seem insurmountable -- until Aaron Heilman came into the game. Really, Jim Hendry -- this was a completely worthless acquisition. Heilman simply can't throw strikes -- he issued three walks in the inning. 34 pitches, 14 strikes. That's just not major league quality. And back to Harden for a moment -- what on Earth was he doing walking Chris Carpenter? Coming into today's game, Carpenter had a lifetime BA of .097 and 8 -- EIGHT -- walks in 282 career plate appearances. How can you walk a guy like that?!?!? Just throw him strikes!

Back to the sixth inning, if you can stand it -- Alfonso Soriano made this ridiculous inning worse by calling Ryan Theriot off of a popup into short left that Theriot had a bead on, and dropping it. Oh, sure, he managed to throw to second to force a very surprised Rick Ankiel, but a run scored. No run would have scored had Theriot caught the popup -- it was too shallow. Then Heilman wild-pitched in another run.

Star-divide

If those two plays don't happen, maybe they get out of the inning down only 6-3 and, since it was just the top of the sixth, the Cubs could have come back. But I'm sure you have seen many times when a team plays that badly and puts up a huge deficit and it simply deflates them -- that's what happened here, as the next eight Cubs went down meekly. Carpenter struck out the side in the sixth, after having only three K's before that, and no Cub got a hit until Soriano plunked a meaningless double down the line in the eighth.

I don't know what more to say -- this team isn't that bad, but the play of certain players is mind-boggling. Could Soriano really have declined this quickly, or is he hurt? Could Harden be hurt still? He's not anything close to the lights-out guy who threw so well last summer. Could Heilman be -- OK, let's not get carried away, Heilman probably is this bad. And after putting Kosuke Fukudome in the leadoff spot for several days, Lou sat Milton Bradley today. Sure, that's fine if that's what he wanted to do, but if you are trying to establish Fukudome at leadoff, leave him there and move other players around.

Jeff Stevens made a decent ML debut, having a 1-2-3 ninth inning, though it was the bottom of the Cardinals order and it took a nice running catch by Fukudome (who made a couple of those today and who looks much better in RF than CF) on Joe Thurston's drive to do it. In the battle of the Hoffpauirs, Micah had a pinch-hit double and the Cardinals' Jarrett had a pinch-walk, but then got thrown out trying to take third base after Jeff Samardzija threw a bunt attempt away. (Maybe I should stop here.)

The game was rain-delayed for 38 minutes. This isn't an excuse, but the weather this spring and early summer has been worse than I can remember. I checked my scorecards. In addition to the three rainouts in half a season, there have been no fewer than eight other games that have had various lengths of rain delays -- 11 of the scheduled 45 home games so far (42 have been played), nearly a quarter, affected in some way by rain.

The Cubs are still looking for players. As you know, Geovany Soto was placed on the DL today and may be out a month. The Cubs put in a claim for the Phillies' Chris Coste, who was waived. Unfortunately, the Astros, who started today 1/2 game behind the Cubs and who thus were ahead of them in the claim line, also filed a claim and so Coste will become an Astro.

All the Cubs can do is try to even the series tomorrow. Until then.

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Rather have lost like this to Carpenter

Than any other pitcher on the Cardinals. I know that sounds strange to some, but our best chances to win are the next 3 games anyways.

by ak123 on Jul 10, 2009 6:23 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

True but we did have a shot 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 Jul 10, 2009 6:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes we did

But it would have been frustrating if one of our better pitches threw a good game and then bullpen coughed up 5 runs. Whatever, at least this game didn’t happen at night so I don’t feel like I wasted a part of my weekend :)

by ak123 on Jul 10, 2009 6:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

We had a shot

after Lee’s HR.

But if you noticed, with two outs and RISP, several times – Soriano, and RJ, and I believe A-Ram, couldn’t get it done.

Same story the entire year.

They really were outplayed the entire game with a big help from Met’s reject, Aaron Heilman.

Mets fans are laughing at us now.

by The E-Man on Jul 10, 2009 6:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Met fans don't know how to laugh this year

They’re probably the only team with as high hopes as us doing worse!

by ak123 on Jul 10, 2009 6:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

We actually

Got him from the Mariners fro Ronny Cedeno, and speaking of him, the Mariners traded Yuniesky Betancourt so Cedeno can start.

"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver

by wrigleyrocker12 on Jul 10, 2009 7:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That .180 BA will help them

He must be there for his “glove”/

by ak123 on Jul 10, 2009 7:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I know who we got him from

And he was also despised in New York. Which is where Seattle got him from.

by The E-Man on Jul 10, 2009 9:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No they're not.

They just traded FOR Frenchy today. He sucks a bit less than Milton Bradley and gets 500+ ABs every year, along with 152+ games played.

"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks

by dtpollitt on Jul 10, 2009 9:52 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions   0 recs

What did Harden and Hill talk about?

Before Pujols led off the 5TH, they had a meeting on the mound. I can hear Hill saying “Don’t throw him a strike” but Harden still grooved one right down the middle on the second pitch. That was demoralizing after Lee’s 3-run HR.

Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!

by DKT on Jul 10, 2009 6:24 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Glad I missed it

But Ted’s on the mound tomorrow so hope remains.

by JFCubFan on Jul 10, 2009 6:24 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

This is a disgusting loss

Fukudome should be leading off, period. Enough Reed Johnson nonsense. Let him bat 7th if we have to get him in there.

Please don’t bring up the weather again, Al. The Cardinals are a warm-weather team and managed to do just fine today.

There is no such thing as an ugly female breast

by Worf on Jul 10, 2009 6:26 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Why WAS Cliff leading off against a righty?

That didn’t make sense when I saw it… and makes even less sense now.

I’m fine with playing him… but let Dome lead off. He’s doing fine.

Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas

by Allie on Jul 10, 2009 6:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Exactly.

If you are going to take Soriano out of leadoff and put someone else there, LEAVE THE SOMEONE ELSE THERE!

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

by Al on Jul 10, 2009 6:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

who knows, this year it seems the theme is 1 step forward, 2 steps back

wells4roty

by jesus christos on Jul 10, 2009 6:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Like I said, it wasn't an excuse.

I was simply making an observation that there has been a freaking lot of rain this year.

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

by Al on Jul 10, 2009 6:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I still can't get over the idea

that we traded for Heilman on purpose!

I turned off the game when he came in and did laundry instead…

Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas

by Allie on Jul 10, 2009 6:27 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

One bad thing about Hendry

When he’s of a mind to get somebody, regardless if said player has talent or not, he doesn’t rest until he gets his man.

by CaliCub on Jul 10, 2009 10:37 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

exactly

Hendry has had a boner for this guy ever since I could remember

by bheidge on Jul 11, 2009 3:05 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I envy you

I watched Heilman, and now i still have wash to do. I should know better than to try and expect good things from H***man.

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

by tharr on Jul 10, 2009 11:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

How bad is it when it's 8-3

and Cardinal second stringers are laughing on the bench

by Employee22 on Jul 10, 2009 6:29 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I've never seen a more fundamentally sound team

Than the Cards.

They make up a lot of talent gaps with their intelligence.

There is no such thing as an ugly female breast

by Worf on Jul 10, 2009 6:30 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Cards and the Twins

both really solid on the little things.

Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas

by Allie on Jul 10, 2009 6:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nice observation...

…with the Twins it clearly starts in how they teach their young guys in the minors and I am sure much is the same with the Cards (maybe to a lessor degree).

IMO, if you have to spend a lot of time teaching major league players fundementals, you got problems.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Jul 10, 2009 7:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Cubs clearly don't teach them well in the minors

So I guess some never learn them.

Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.

by nji232 on Jul 10, 2009 8:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

They like tools...

…but too many of their guys lack the tool box to go along with it.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Jul 10, 2009 10:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cards are close

but clearly not on the level the Twins are as far as fundamentals. This is a team that let David Ortiz go because he didnt want to hit opposite field. Tom Kelly was a son of a bitch

by bheidge on Jul 11, 2009 3:08 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I've been harping on that for a long time

It’s a constant trait of LaRussa teams… and a constant polar opposite of Cubs teams.

"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 Jul 10, 2009 6:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's all LaRussa

I hate to say it, but I think if he were managing Cubs this year we’d have a better record.

by ak123 on Jul 10, 2009 7:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm not sure why you hate to say it

I think most of us would agree. Lou has made a lot of, shall we say, questionable managerial decisions.

July: New month, new team

by chitownhawkeye on Jul 10, 2009 7:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Only hate saying it

Because it means I’m admitting the Cardinals have better management :)

by ak123 on Jul 10, 2009 7:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

truth hurts sometimes

"We got some pretty good chemistry here. We got some toughness, and it's starting to show." - Lou Pinella

by Clutche on Jul 10, 2009 10:55 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You may be right...

…but I think the Cubs long track record of not being fudementally strong teams, runs deeper than the manager.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Jul 10, 2009 7:53 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Long track record yes

But in 2009 I think LaRussa would be leading this team with 5+ more wins.

by ak123 on Jul 10, 2009 7:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's possible...

…and LaRussa is only one of a handful where I would say that was feasible.

No manager looks good when players aren’t performing, but LaRussa is (IMO) one of the top 2-3 in the game. I think Lou is top tier, but LaRussa is probably a notch above.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Jul 10, 2009 9:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

LaRussa is a HoF manager

Piniella is not despite all his wins. There’s the difference.

And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.

by Ace Venom on Jul 10, 2009 9:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think if he and Duncan had been managing

we’d have been to a world series in the last 60 years

Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas

by Allie on Jul 10, 2009 9:38 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Cardinals are like a successful NCAA "program"

The players come and go, but they always seem to fit into the overall organizational scheme and philosophy. Sort of like Duke basketball and the Tom Osborne-coached Cornhuskers. It’s the brain trust running the program that’s responsible for their consistent success.

by CaliCub on Jul 10, 2009 10:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Perhaps...

While you can’t forsee how a team will play in October, I do believe their management could have led Cubs to more division titles.

However, I won’t be greedy, I know I’ve seen more post season appearances for the Cubs in the last 10 years than my grandfather did his entire life and I’m thankful for that.

by ak123 on Jul 11, 2009 12:28 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

thats absolute crap

the players are underperforming. Its true what they say, coaches get all the credit when they win and all the blame when they lose

by bheidge on Jul 11, 2009 3:10 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wow am I glad I missed this debacle today....

….and if were depending on 3 run HR’s from Lee everyday to win games, its going to be a long 2nd half.

by JB 23 on Jul 10, 2009 6:30 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Something has to be done about Rich Harden

He isn’t good at pitching anymore. He has always had control issues, but man something has to be done.

Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.

by nji232 on Jul 10, 2009 6:30 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Well, since Toe Man is injured and will miss multiple starts

Hard to see what can be done. You’re talking about 2/5 of our rotation being out. We don’t have the minor league talent to make up for that.

There is no such thing as an ugly female breast

by Worf on Jul 10, 2009 6:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah I know

Thanks again Dempster, just walk around next time. The thing with Harden is that he is supposed to be a luxury with a backup plan. Right now he sucks and isn’t close to this “ace” that he is supposed to be.

Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.

by nji232 on Jul 10, 2009 6:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's a good thing

That Rogers wanted to waive Zambrano a couple of weeks ago.

July: New month, new team

by chitownhawkeye on Jul 10, 2009 7:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah Phil Rogers is certainly a smart one

I think generally everybody should take what he says and do the exact opposite.

Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.

by nji232 on Jul 10, 2009 7:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Rogers is a fucking idiot

sorry but that is the only way to put it. Z might be a headcase, but he is the closest thing we have to a big game pitcher. Bring up the playoffs all you want but I thought he pitched very well in both of his starts. Ted Lilly is the most consistent, but if we absolutely had to win a game Zambrano would be my guy

by bheidge on Jul 11, 2009 3:14 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Really?

You consider Z a big game pitcher?

by Kornchex on Jul 11, 2009 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Walk way too much for a big-game pitcher

"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." -Sir Winston Churchill

by propheteer on Jul 11, 2009 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I mean "walks"

"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." -Sir Winston Churchill

by propheteer on Jul 11, 2009 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hopefully

he will pitch himself into a new contract in the 2nd half, cause he is a free agent after this season.

by dtc0405 on Jul 11, 2009 12:14 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

"meekly" is the word I had in my head today

as I watched the Cubs go down lifelessly after Heilman’s inning. I want this club to start showing heart CONSISTENTLY. When they do, they’ve proven they can be a special team. Let’s hope today is just a blip on the radar screen and we take this series, but to be honest I’m not too optimistic based on what I’ve seen so far this season…

One more thing I must mention, and I don’t mean to stoke a fire or bring BLou back into form, but for a guy that was supposedly upset about a benching, what in the world is Soriano doing out there? Dropping the pop up aside, he looked awkward chasing Pujols’ triple in the corner, and looked to me on TV as if he was grimacing as he ran towards second on his double. I truly believe that something is bothering him, but it is his responsibility to relay that to the trainers. He is doing nothing to help this team right now.

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Jul 10, 2009 6:32 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Agreed.

Soriano needs to go to the DL. So does Harden, I think.

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

by Al on Jul 10, 2009 6:34 PM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

Who are the starters at that point?

Zambrano, Lilly and Wells and then what, Stevens? Marshall? Shark? Hart?

Not good enough. Not nearly good enough.

There is no such thing as an ugly female breast

by Worf on Jul 10, 2009 6:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Al, I know you sit in that corner

but didn’t it appear to you as if Soriano ran towards that triple very, very awkwardly? and have you seen any other indications that something is bothering him? I definitely saw a face on TV as he ran towards second on his double, and it looked to me like a grimace. It also seemed to take a while for him to get to second, he should’ve been in there standing and he didn’t beat the throw by much…

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Jul 10, 2009 6:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes, I agree with you.

I’ve seen a lot of this recently — running slowly on the bases, bad jumps in the field.

I think he needs to go on the DL, as does santo4hof below.

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

by Al on Jul 10, 2009 6:38 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He looks really gimpy

I appreciate him trying to gut it out… but it might be “shut it down” time.

Even his step in the box isn’t anywhere near as big as I remember it… Sure thats not helping his hitting. Or I’m imagining things, hard to tell sometimes.

Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas

by Allie on Jul 10, 2009 6:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And we can't be the only ones that notice this

so either the trainers and Lou know and aren’t saying anything, or Soriano is giving viable explanations to them. All I know is Lou keeps running him out there day in and day out, when it’s obvious to me that he’s nowhere near 100%. I think the team would be much better served playing RJ, Hoff, or Fox out there until this is done bother him though.

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Jul 10, 2009 6:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

*bothering

typos tend to creep into my rants. :)

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Jul 10, 2009 6:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thats why I'm wondering if this knee thing isn't something

permanent. I mean… he’s over 30 and signed a pro contract at 16. Thats a long time. It might be a thing he needs to just adapt to.

God I hope not, though.

Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas

by Allie on Jul 10, 2009 6:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

if he's torn cartilige

in his knee, it’s probably season ending.

Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.

by drewishdrewid on Jul 10, 2009 8:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He could be hurt...

…and I have to admit I haven’t seen a lot of games this year. But, the other day I watched, and he didn’t seem to be laboring at all.

If he has been hurt, I don’t understand the reasoning behind not putting him on the DL, because he hasn’t hit in a long long time.

I really don’t get this one.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Jul 10, 2009 7:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Unless Soriano has completely lost his abilities at age 33, and virtually overnight...

… or he’s injured.

One of those is a logical explanation and the other isn’t. DL time.

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

by Al on Jul 10, 2009 8:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If he were hurt

He’d be on the DL. Soto and Dempster are examples. Lou isn’t keeping anyone on there if they aren’t healthy.

by ak123 on Jul 10, 2009 7:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

and yet, the alternatives are even more scary

If he’s not hurt, then he’s either lazy, baseball-stupid, or just isn’t any good anymore. I’m sure there are nicer ways to phrase all that, but I really can’t think of any other options.

At least if he were hurt, he could get better and then hopefully get better.

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Jul 10, 2009 7:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

IMO...

…I would say he definately is not baseball smart and he does loaf. What I don’t know is whether he is hurt.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Jul 10, 2009 7:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Problem with his loafing

If Soriano were hitting like he should, we wouldn’t care as much about the loafing. He just has to start hitting bombs again…

by ak123 on Jul 10, 2009 7:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He jogged after the Pujols hit

into the corner. And his easy double was almost an out.

Knee?
Hammy?
Leg?

DL. Now.

by santo4hof on Jul 10, 2009 6:37 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yup, I am just waiting to hear "Harden to the DL" PR....

….that one night we had our opening day lineup in place was sure nice while it lasted.

by JB 23 on Jul 10, 2009 7:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Fine but...

that’s his last excuse before the reality really sets in with even the most ardent of his supporters. This guy is in major decline. He’s an awful outfielder and becoming an all-around awful baseball player.

Who needs a stinkin' tag line? What are they for anyway?

by krummy12 on Jul 10, 2009 9:38 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And before somebody says "Soriano is too young to decline"

Name this former Cub LF:

- Reached MLB during Age 21 season
- 3 time all-star, 1 time MVP
Age 31: .285/.323/.468, 52 XBH, 10 GIDP
Age 32: .255/.294/.418, 52 XBH, 29! GIDP
Age 33: .217/.243/.363, 30 XBH, 14 GIDP, only played about 2/3 of the games
Age 34: out of baseball

Over the last three seasons, Fonzie’s “most similar by Age” comps at Baseball Reference are Matt Williams (essentially a part-time player by age 34), and HoJo Johnson, who as we all know “completed” his career with a .195/.330/.355 mark on the bench of the 1995 Cubs.

Answer to the question above: George Bell. Also from the Dominican Republic, for what it’s worth.

It's a simple question, Doctor: would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs??

by Invalid User on Jul 11, 2009 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Forgot to mention

HoJo was 34 when the Cubs released him.

It's a simple question, Doctor: would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs??

by Invalid User on Jul 11, 2009 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'll write this game off as most likely they weren't going to beat Carpenter anyway

3 runs was more than I expected actually. I’m glad I did miss the general sloppyness.

What to say about Harden? He’s simply not as good this year as he used to be. Seems to be a theme with the whole team outside of Lee.

by jeff_pico on Jul 10, 2009 6:32 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

no fire

Lou has lost interest is his team and he shows no fire, the other day when Dome was called out at 2nd , no emotion at all, a year or so ago he would have been out to 2nd base before Dome got to his feet…LOU MUST GO NOW

by Larki40 on Jul 10, 2009 6:42 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

That photo sums up Soriano in LF

"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 Jul 10, 2009 6:42 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Haven't had the courage to go through them yet, but does this photo sum up the game threads?

Allie, that’s not you, is it? ;-)

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Jul 10, 2009 6:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I joined at a particularly hillarious point in the GT

It was before Sori’s misplay, so people were kinda freaking out, then Heilman flaked out, and then people really went all, “RRRRRRARRRRRGHH HULK SMASH THIS TEAM, ooh, Peeps! RARGH!”

I also wanted to say thanks to those who rec’d me in the GT. That’s my first green post. Thank you!

www.facebook.com/craighudak

by Craig in South Bend on Jul 10, 2009 6:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

definitely not me

i can’t even do open stairs without feeling like a panic attack…. no way in hell i’m ever stepping on something like that!

Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas

by Allie on Jul 10, 2009 6:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

it's funny - glass-bottomed ledges like this are really cool to me...

…but get me on one of those spiral staircases like you see in fancy homes and I freak out.

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Jul 10, 2009 7:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't do heights

I get panicky if I’m too close to a railing. Like the clear cut outs you have on the second level of a shopping mall?

Hate those.

Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas

by Allie on Jul 10, 2009 7:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Is that that new

Attraction at the Sears Tower? I want to go on that, it looks pretty cool.

"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver

by wrigleyrocker12 on Jul 10, 2009 7:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

yes and yes it does.

The CN Tower in Toronto has an area of their observation deck where it’s a glass-bottom floor, but it’s big glass blocks and very solid looking, It’s still freaky standing on it and looking down but your safety is never in doubt.

These glass ledges at the Sears Tower though don’t look nearly as safe/solid. I’m sure they are, but when you’re up there, I’m guessing that glass looks pretty thin… Adrenaline rush!!!

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Jul 10, 2009 7:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I went on the glass-bottom floor at the CN Tower in Toronto in 2003....

… but there’s no way I’m going on one of those ledges at the Sears Tower.

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

by Al on Jul 10, 2009 8:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

In happier news

Did you guys know Hermione is now legal???

There is no such thing as an ugly female breast

by Worf on Jul 10, 2009 6:46 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

i have a joke about magic potion

that is probably inappropriate for this board

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 DC Cubbie on Jul 10, 2009 8:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

expelliARmus.

Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.

by drewishdrewid on Jul 10, 2009 9:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh yes, I've known this.

I’ll link to her Letterman interview from Wednesday night; she was bloody brilliant. Held her own with Dave, who clearly has never seen Harry Potter.

"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks

by dtpollitt on Jul 10, 2009 9:55 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions   0 recs

She is admitted into Oxford

So yes, I’d say that fine young lady is a rare combination of exceptional talent, beauty and intellect.

$136 million payroll for a .500 style ballclub. Good work Jim.

by BLou on Jul 10, 2009 10:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not to mention gratuitous crotch flashing.

"You have to have short-term memory, no matter who you are in this game. There's always tomorrow." ~Derrek Lee

by Goodie1969 on Jul 11, 2009 12:24 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

She's going to Columbia.

And here’s her interview with Letterman. She held her own, if not “gunned” Letterman a few times.

"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks

by dtpollitt on Jul 11, 2009 2:03 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think I might be the only person

who doesn’t think Letterman is funny, at all.

Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas

by Allie on Jul 10, 2009 10:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He hasn't been funny to me for a long time.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 10, 2009 10:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Good

b/c in my circle of friends everyone’s decided he’s hilarious.. and I don’t see it at all.

Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas

by Allie on Jul 10, 2009 10:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Guess what.

I’m right there with you. Never thought he was funny — always found him pompous and mean-spirited.

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

by Al on Jul 11, 2009 6:44 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Me either.

"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra

by DMCub on Jul 11, 2009 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No you are not

$136 million payroll for a .500 style ballclub. Good work Jim.

by BLou on Jul 10, 2009 10:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well, after reading all these comments, I think I might be the only person

who thinks Letterman is funny. And a great interviewer. Sure, his laugh and other mouth noises can be annoying, and sometimes he does schtick just for schtick’s sake (which can also be annoying), but I’ve enjoyed watching him evolve & mature over the years whether he’s sharing quadruple bypass experiences with Robin Williams, putting McCain on the spot for blowing off an appearance, or cracking wise with Bud Melman, Biff Henderson, or his mother. I just think it’s a combination of comedy and insightfulness that we haven’t seen the likes of since Johnny Carson left.

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Jul 11, 2009 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

I think David Letterman is fine

I just never get a chance to watch.

Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.

by drewishdrewid on Jul 11, 2009 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Letterman is brilliant.

Jay Leno is amongst the worst of the worst. Letterman is very intelligent and is often self-deprecating to the great success of his guest. He’s an excellent interviewer.

"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks

by dtpollitt on Jul 11, 2009 2:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Insightfulness?

LOL.

"You have to have short-term memory, no matter who you are in this game. There's always tomorrow." ~Derrek Lee

by Goodie1969 on Jul 11, 2009 4:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Bachelor party part 1 of 2 tomorrow

If they play this bad again, at least I won’t remember it…

www.facebook.com/craighudak

by Craig in South Bend on Jul 10, 2009 6:47 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Wouldn't it be funny if Tom Hanks did Bachelor Party 2 today?

There is no such thing as an ugly female breast

by Worf on Jul 10, 2009 6:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

There already was a Bachelor Party 2

So it would have to be 3. I think it would be more sad than funny though, but he seems like a really, really on the level guy so I could see him doing it even if his career stays as strong as it is.

www.facebook.com/craighudak

by Craig in South Bend on Jul 10, 2009 6:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nothing wrong with Harden

except that he’s not on the juice anymore. And before anyone calls me out…he’s from my home town, and we have mutual friends…enough said.

Should I being saying this? Probably not, but it’s the truth. I wouldn’t doubt if his name is on the list of 103 players.

I have nothing funny or creative to write.

by Canadian Cubs Fan on Jul 10, 2009 6:53 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I'm sorry

but i’m sick of this “juice” crap everytime somebody declines in performance. The guy has lost his command so far this year, what exactly does that have to do with this rediculous accusation?

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Jul 10, 2009 6:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm with you

I really, really can’t stand the steroid accusations. If you don’t know, then you don’t know, and you need to not be commenting on it. Someone in the thread made a comment about Pujols being popped for roids would be a good thing, and I thought that was uncalled for. It’s ridiculous.

www.facebook.com/craighudak

by Craig in South Bend on Jul 10, 2009 7:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Don't buy it.

His velocity is fine. He is always throwing to hitters at 2-0 or 3-1, His stuff is fine, throw the shit over the freaking plate.

"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"

by Grockcubs on Jul 10, 2009 6:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

what's the truth?

That he’s from your home town? Ok.
That you have mutual friends? Ok.
That he’s on steroids because he’s from your home town and you have mutual friends? Sorry, that’s not enough said.

If you’re willing to proclaim that as the truth then I think you should back up that “truth” with a little more evidence. Actually, I think you shouldn’t have said anything at all, but if you’re going to come out halfway, keep coming. Let’s hear it all. And if you don’t want to tell us, then go tell the media. And give them the proof that will back up your claim. And then come back and tell us “I told you so”.

Otherwise, limit your rips to his control.

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Jul 10, 2009 7:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You're totally right

I shouldn’t have written it. I was pissed off, and hit post before thinking it through.

His control sucks. :)

I have nothing funny or creative to write.

by Canadian Cubs Fan on Jul 10, 2009 9:10 PM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

Props to you, sir, for the reply

Your explanation got me thinking about perhaps a new SBN feature – a time-delay “POST” button option. ;-)

If you (the collective you, not you personally CCF) don’t trust yourself to think things through, you turn this feature on and the next time you rip somebody a new one and hit “POST”, a little egg-timer icon appears and this calm, soothing voice (think “HAL” from “2001: A Space Odyssey”) starts talking to you. It can be pre-programmed with several messages, depending which Cub you’ve just crucified. For instance:

“Look Dave, I can see you’re really upset about this. I honestly think you ought to sit down calmly, take a stress pill, and think things over.” (Lou)
“Just what do you think you are doing, Dave?” (Bradley)
“I’m sorry, Dave. I’m afraid I can’t do that.” (Soriano)
“Dave, this conversation can serve no purpose anymore. Goodbye.” (Hendry)

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Jul 10, 2009 9:49 PM CDT up reply actions   2 recs

I like

except for the part where it tries to kill me

July: New month, new team

by chitownhawkeye on Jul 10, 2009 10:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Isn't that why you hit the "preview"

button?

It gives you a chance to re-read what you wrote.

Course the whole “I’m just venting” thing doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. It takes more than a fraction of a second to type a sentence and hit enter. If you’ve written 1 word, then maybe its venting. If you’ve written a paragraph talking about why so-and-so should DIAF… thats not venting anymore.

Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas

by Allie on Jul 10, 2009 10:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Considering the list of

103 players was from 2003 and Harden was nails last year I’m not gonna buy it.

Not that its impossible or even unlikely… but I don’t think its his problem now.

Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas

by Allie on Jul 10, 2009 7:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If it's true or not

Posting something like this on a Cubs fan site isn’t the smartest move.

You don’t know who might be on here reading this and what kind of detrimental affect it could. Unless you have facts to back this up, don’t post this crap.

by ak123 on Jul 10, 2009 7:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

huh?

he’s still throwing 95mph. He’s just not throwing it where he wants the ball to go.

Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.

by drewishdrewid on Jul 10, 2009 9:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You're right

I was writing that when I was pissed off. I shouldn’t have written it. If I could take it back, I would. My question is, if he’s still throwing 95, then why are people saying he should be going on the DL? Didn’t think lack of command was reason enough to go on the 15 day…

I have nothing funny or creative to write.

by Canadian Cubs Fan on Jul 10, 2009 9:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If he doesn't have control

b/c he’s compensating for an injury…

Its possible.

Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas

by Allie on Jul 10, 2009 9:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't know if I was imagining things yesterday....

but it looks like his arm slot is a lot lower than it used to be?

You could be right – he might be adjusting his arm slot to compensate for discomfort??

Or maybe I just had too many Old Styles during the game ;-)

"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra

by DMCub on Jul 11, 2009 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Too bad Houston claimed Coste

he’s a serviceable cathcer, career .282 hitter. We definitely could’ve used him for a month…

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Jul 10, 2009 6:54 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

What else can you say.

Win 3 of 4, lose 3 of 4, sad feeling this is what the rest of the season will be.
 It looked like Johnson was calling for the ball then our gold glover in left called everyone off.
 Heilman is brutal. He had two decent years and now is just horrible. I remember Met fans last year just wanting to run him out of town, now I can see why.
 Dome should stay in the leadoff position, that is on Lou.
 Biggest start of the season and Harden comes up empty.
 Funny Cubs sign Milton to hit against righthanders and good ones, and today he sits, just great. Hendrys moves this off season will go down as the worst since the refusal to sign Maddux.

"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"

by Grockcubs on Jul 10, 2009 6:56 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Why Why Why

Does it take Jim Hendry so long to do anything? Heilman sux. Dump him. Why do we keep running him out there over and over and over again? Why the constant lineup change every single day. Pick a lineup and stick with it already. This team is dreadful.

Go Cubs Go!!!!

by cubsluver22 on Jul 10, 2009 6:59 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

This tread brought to you by 2009 Cubs Baseball!

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 10, 2009 7:00 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

She really STUCK the landing

Ahah…haha…yeah.

www.facebook.com/craighudak

by Craig in South Bend on Jul 10, 2009 7:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ahhh...memories.

"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will

by eswan9 on Jul 10, 2009 7:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Someone's a fan of...

awkwardfamilyphotos.com

by kanderber on Jul 10, 2009 8:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Soriano just aggravates me more and more every day.

Loafed it on the Pujols triple, ball freaking bounces off of his glove in a very key situation… come on man, get your head in the damn game. I will give him credit and say that he looked much better at the plate today, and hit a couple balls hard.

Heilman is, and has been, trash.

Harden sucks. Has all year. I’m all for signing BJ Ryan, which will allow Marshall to move into the rotation and for the Cubs to make up some injury for Harden.

Ramirez looked sloppy at 3B today too.

by kanderber on Jul 10, 2009 7:00 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I can't help but wonder...

…What if this is as good as it gets?

"You have to have short-term memory, no matter who you are in this game. There's always tomorrow." ~Derrek Lee

by Goodie1969 on Jul 10, 2009 7:21 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

does that mean we're no longer in the [helen] hunt?

dreamy vixen-like picture of Helen Hunt omitted to placate cubsluver22 even though it’s only 21K. Click here instead. (SFW)

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Jul 10, 2009 7:38 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

This

is Buckman.

Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.

by drewishdrewid on Jul 10, 2009 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Pictures were good

When swl did/does it. It’s not good in comment after comment.

Go Cubs Go!!!!

by cubsluver22 on Jul 10, 2009 7:23 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

the headline is pretty deceptive

in terms of why we really lost. Even if the bullpen didn’t give up a single run we still would have lost 4-3, so I fail to see how the bullpen doomed the Cubs today. It was, as it always has been this year, the terrible offense which by my count has managed to score in 5 of the last 37 innings they have played, barely better than 1 inning per game where we have scored runs. The bullpen was BAD, but it had nothing to do with why we lost. You can play the “well if we were only down by a run the Cubs offense might have mustered something” game until the cows come home, but it is all conjecture.

by BeltwayCubsFan on Jul 10, 2009 7:30 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Little different

ballgame when down 1 run instead of 5, you the play the game different. I am sure if you ever played being down 1 run instead of 5 your approach is different, your natural outlook is different, the momentum of the game is different, no conjecture, just how the game flows.

"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"

by Grockcubs on Jul 10, 2009 7:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Exactly.

At 4-3, every time you get a runner on base he’s the tying run.

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

by Al on Jul 10, 2009 8:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

that and losing 8-3 looks a whole lot worse than losing 4-3

wells4roty

by jesus christos on Jul 10, 2009 9:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Getting beat....

is getting beat…….4-3, 9-3, 16-3……..BUT to put it all on OldStyle isn’t fair…yea…he had a bad game when the Cubs needed it most….BUT who/what facet of this team does that not apply to?

This team is severly offensively challenged. They have no idea (cept HR) how to get guys across the plate to score.

The Pen…is pretty bad. That said…OldStyle is one of the big enigmas…..he holds well quite often….just…when you need him most…he completely implodes….

The OFFENSE….needs to score….PERIOD.

AND THE PITCHING STAFF NEEDS TO QUIT GIVING UP SO MANY FREE PASSES…(and throwing so many pitches)

Frankly..they 15th best offense in the league…is going to have a lot of exposed flaws in the dregs of their pitching staff.

The best defense is a good offense.....Lou Pinella...still hasn't managed the Cubs to a post season win. D. Lee still doesn't have a post seasson RBI for Cubs...ditto for Soriano

by kcjones on Jul 10, 2009 10:55 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Things that need to happen:

1. Soriano DL
2. Fuld re-called, play left field permanently until Soriano feels healthy and really to play real ball
3. Harden DL
4. Rotation for near future: Zambrano, Marshall, Lilly, Wells, Hart (but i prefer signing a free agent/trade)
5. Trade Heilman, he does absoultely nothing for this team, he walks too many batters,
6. Sign Toby Hall, Javier Valentin, or Johnny Estrada and put as your full time catcher until Soto gets back.
7. Fukudome vs. RHP, Johnson vs. LHP
8. Bradley plays RF every single day
9. Send Fontenot down to Iowa, Blanco plays 2B vs. RHP, Baker vs. LHP

My lineup looks like this:
Fuld
Theriot
Lee
Ramirez
Bradley
Fukudome
Free agent catcher
Blanco
Pitcher

Now, those are my thoughts. Agree or disagree.

Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball

by lexmarklover on Jul 10, 2009 8:09 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I like all of your thoughts

except for 8. I’d rather see Fox or Hoff in RF, but certainly don’t want Bradley playing every day.

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Jul 10, 2009 8:11 PM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

Fuld rather than Fox?

Strongly disagree

Is Estrada really a FA? Haven’t followed his career too closely, but that’s a big surprise.

by kanderber on Jul 10, 2009 8:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

There's one more FA catcher option.

Paul LoDuca.

Discuss.

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

by Al on Jul 10, 2009 8:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Paul could teach Hill some things

and even hit sometimes, too

How much $ will he cost?

by santo4hof on Jul 10, 2009 8:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

At this point, probably not much.

… considering no one signed him in the offseason.

He’s 37, probably not with much left, but likely worth a flyer. (He’s only a year older than Chris Coste, who the Cubs wanted to claim on waivers today.)

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

by Al on Jul 10, 2009 8:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Eh.

He’s got to be better than any of our minor league options. Or Fox.

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

by Al on Jul 10, 2009 8:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The day Fox starts as a catcher

is the day the season’s done.

by santo4hof on Jul 10, 2009 8:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Isn't there another Molina brother out there somewhere that we can sign?

Of course, when Lilly pitches, Hill would have to be behind the plate. The temptation would be too great, even for Ted…

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Jul 10, 2009 8:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

99MPH heater at molinas head

cant risk it

wells4roty

by jesus christos on Jul 10, 2009 9:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Funky Cold Molina

The 4th brother no one knows about.

by CaliCub on Jul 10, 2009 10:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

true

Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball

by lexmarklover on Jul 10, 2009 8:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He is on the DL

"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"

by Grockcubs on Jul 10, 2009 9:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Perfect.

He’ll fit right in.

"You have to have short-term memory, no matter who you are in this game. There's always tomorrow." ~Derrek Lee

by Goodie1969 on Jul 10, 2009 11:42 PM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

I'm leaning towards Javier Valentin

but LoDuca wouldn’t be a bad third option. I’d put Estrada slightly ahead of him.

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Jul 10, 2009 8:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

LoDuca

Now here is a guy that whose career truly was the product of PEDs.

For once, this is not malicious rumor, this is documented fact. Once he went off the juice, his career disappeared. And that is why nobody signed him. Neither will the Cubs.

by azjazzman on Jul 10, 2009 9:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, I had forgotten about that.

Next?

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

by Al on Jul 10, 2009 9:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Chris Synder in Arizona, maybe?

they’re pretty much out of it…i’m sure they’d be willing to trade for some minor league talent.

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Jul 10, 2009 9:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ah, yes.

Reuniting the catching tandem from the 2005 Diamondbacks (Hill & Snyder).

Still, that’s a thought.

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

by Al on Jul 10, 2009 9:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Chris Snyder

is on the DL and word is he won’t be ready for a rehab assignment until well after the All Star Break.

Chris is solid defensively, but has been struggling offensively this year. The way things are shaping up here in Phoenix, he may well be available for a trade before the deadline, but I’m not sure it will be in time to help the Cubs.

by azjazzman on Jul 10, 2009 10:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

didn't know that

thank you! I’ve always been impressed with him…

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Jul 10, 2009 10:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

One more consideration:

Who could best handle catching Z?

by santo4hof on Jul 10, 2009 8:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hill

I wouldn’t put Z with a catcher he doesn’t know if I could help it.

Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas

by Allie on Jul 10, 2009 9:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Paul LoDuca

is the name of a Chicago restaurateur; he owns Vinci and Adobo Grill. And the head chef at Adobo Grill is named Freddy Sanchez. I kid you not.

by ChipSet on Jul 10, 2009 10:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Can anyone at Adobo Grill pitch?

We could use the bullpen help.

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

by Al on Jul 11, 2009 6:45 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

All but 8 & 9 OK

and Dome leads off and Fuld and Fox both play.

by santo4hof on Jul 10, 2009 8:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I hate to say it

but today is the first time I felt this team has no realistic shot at the postseason. There are only 79 games left and this team still shows no discipline, heart, or talent that leads me to believe we are going to meet any of the preseason expectations. I agree that nothing is amust win in july, but winning 2 of the next 3 seems incredibly important from my perspective

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 DC Cubbie on Jul 10, 2009 8:34 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Enuff Said ---

The comments about Heilman have been ringing in this blog for almost the entire season. Some have commented about his good outings — far and few between.
Bottom line — the Mets got rid of him after his horrendous ‘08 campaign. Seattle took him off their hands. Then the Cubs accommodated the Mariners and took him off their hands. This guy is nothing but a clone of Bobby Howry. A straight as an arrow fastball that every batter waits for because he can’t get his breaking ball over the plate.
For crying out loud — cut bait and get rid of him !!!
What’s even worse is Lou trotting him out there in a one run game !!! Then he sits on his hands and lets the game get completely out of hand.
As for Soriano — I really do not care if he is hurt or not. He is absolutely awful right now in the field.
Lenny kept going on about how Pujols is such an excellent base runner. Maybe so — but watching anything hit in Soriano’s direction would make Hector Villeanueava look like Ricky Henderson on the bases. Soriano jogs after everything that is in front, to the right, or to the left of him.
And on the pop fly that Soriano called off Theriot — what the hell was Johnson doing ??
Soriano is cutting to his left and has no momentum to home — Theriot has his back to the plate and could never turn and throw. Johnson should have taken charge and would have been in an ideal position to throw to home. Just brutal fielding.
Right now — just really fed up with Lou just sitting and watching Heilman trudge through that inning. I just wanted to reach out and slap him — wake up and smell the cofee !!
If he can’t figure it out, maybe he should be be back in Tampa rolling cigars.
This game was winnable until Lou decided to trot Heilman out to the mound. That guy has absolutely no business coming out of the pen for the Cubs or any other supposedly contending team.

by ceegeewow on Jul 10, 2009 8:42 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I am with you

It seems Lou just says “screw it, I did my best and he failed” I more and more feel Lou needs to go.
 And I love the Hector Villeanueava reference!!

"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"

by Grockcubs on Jul 10, 2009 9:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

This sums up

Heilman perfectly.

While sitting there watching him face a LH hitter today, I wondered aloud to my friend, “Is Lou sticking it up Hendry’s ass?” Like, “See Jim!” “This is the crap you gave me!”

Or – he is just plain stupid.

Or – he realized the game was over, and wanted to save the pen for three more games. I don’t think this holds much merit with the ASG, tho.

by The E-Man on Jul 10, 2009 9:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Considering that two of the next three are on the same day

he was very likely letting Old Style take one for the team. I’d like to think that he was trying to stick it to Hendry a little bit, though. That makes it at least a little funny. At this point, laughter is all we’ve got left.

"You have to have short-term memory, no matter who you are in this game. There's always tomorrow." ~Derrek Lee

by Goodie1969 on Jul 10, 2009 11:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If I were lou I would throw....

Hendry in front of the bus too……

I despise Hendry….but Lou isn’t any einstine either…..Cubs are the Yankee’s of the NL…all the financial resources….but terrible decisions/mismanagement…….SEE EPSTINE/BOSTON RED SOX

The best defense is a good offense.....Lou Pinella...still hasn't managed the Cubs to a post season win. D. Lee still doesn't have a post seasson RBI for Cubs...ditto for Soriano

by kcjones on Jul 10, 2009 11:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

IMPORTANT WEEKEND SERIES......

Well so far todays game was a disaster . There are three more games left with St. Louis I dread to think of the results if things don’t change quick. It appears Lou is in some other world . Offense, Defense, Bullpen what else can go so wrong ???

by cubs north on Jul 10, 2009 8:45 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

A name that i find very interesting, could be a good fit in the pen instead of heilman

Rafael Betancourt, makes about 3.5 mi this year.

Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball

by lexmarklover on Jul 10, 2009 8:45 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Did Lou say anything in his postgame conference?

“What can I say ….” i hope not….

Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball

by lexmarklover on Jul 10, 2009 8:47 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

POSTGAME....

Did not see it yet maybe it will be on the 9 pm news. Will be more of the same ." What can I say baseball is a funny game you know ."

by cubs north on Jul 10, 2009 9:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Look, sir

what can i say? We gotta swing the bats. Look, we had chances. And after, uh, Derrek, hit the homer, the home run, we were feeling pretty good. But look (throws hands up), baseball is a funny game, what can you do?

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Jul 10, 2009 9:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I guess I don't know

exactly what you guys want him to do. He can yell at them. He can encourage them. He can be stern with them.

He can’t field the ball for them.
He can’t hit the ball for them.
He can’t pitch the ball for them.

I say, let’s go get ’em tomorrow.

Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.

by drewishdrewid on Jul 10, 2009 9:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I love Lou, Drew...I really do

but he really hasn’t shown he has control of this team. he has Soriano complaining to the media about being benched for a day, he had a blowup with MB, and he’s made jabs at Von Joshua in press conferences. Lou is the skipper, and maybe I’m old school for my young age, but I believe that the manager is the boss and whatever he says, goes. IMHO, he needs to show this team that he’s the boss, and if they don’t like it then too bad.

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Jul 10, 2009 9:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree with that.

He doesn’t have the team under control. No, he can’t get the hits when they matter and he can’t execute the pitches. But this team, aside from the 2004 team, is as big a mess as I’ve ever seen.

by kanderber on Jul 10, 2009 9:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree with both of you.

This isn’t the take-charge Lou we saw the last two years. I’m not quite sure who’s managing this team.

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

by Al on Jul 10, 2009 9:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I respect his career

tremendously, but I will be happy if he retires after this year.

by The E-Man on Jul 10, 2009 9:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, I want the old Lou back.

The guy in the dugout now reminds me of Dusty, and that’s not good.

Hey Lou, we're long overdue.

by deadcatbounce on Jul 11, 2009 7:19 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

again

what exactly is he supposed to do?

I’m not being snarky. I’m asking.

Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.

by drewishdrewid on Jul 10, 2009 9:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

well, first let me say that's it not so much what should he do now

as opposed to what he should’ve already done. But I definitely would’ve liked to see him have a talk with Sori about his comments to the media. And to be fair, he very well may have for all we know. But I think it’s summed up best by the little incident with MB at the Cell a couple of weeks ago. Lou saw him throw his equipment, said that’s enough, and told him to take a shower and go home. In the postgame, his comments were as follows (and I’m paraphrasing): “look, i’m not into discipline. I’m really not. I’m going to write his name in the lineup tomorrow and that’s that.” NO, that shouldn’t have “been that”. Lou shouldn’t have called him a “P.O.S.” as he allegedly did, and he should’ve disciplined Bradley. That’s just one example, but these things have a tendency to snowball. Other players see these things, and it’s become a damaging cycle, imho.

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Jul 10, 2009 9:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Bench Sori

Not a day, not 2. For a week. And call it what it is when asked. He’s not helping the team, so he’s going to sit for a while.
I’m not saying that will fix anything, much less everything, but I have the feeling that he’s stuck with these players, and has no interest in fighting with them any more.

I don’t know. There have just been so many fundamental errors, so much poor plate discipline…I guess what I’d like to see him do is something definative. It took this long just to get a new lead off hitter, so what I’d like to see is for him to say that this isn’t working, so we’re going to try something new. Sori isn’t the only issue, but he’s an easy target right now.

July: New month, new team

by chitownhawkeye on Jul 10, 2009 9:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's all perception...

…and when a team is not going well, I don’t know of too many managers who look good.

With that said, Lou does appear to be a little disinterested at times. I don’t know whether that is because he is making a concerted effort to be more calm, but I understand why people are wondering what is going through his mind.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Jul 10, 2009 9:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Time was when you could bench a guy who didn't perform

but those days went out with the Seitz Ruling in 1975. If somehow Lou could get away with sitting some of the millionaires and play the Fulds and Hoffpaiurs on a regular basis, I’d be all for that.

by CaliCub on Jul 10, 2009 10:53 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I have a feeling that what we saw today is the beginning of the end

It’s not that I mind losing to a great pitcher like Carpenter; it’s HOW we lost and how unforgiveably sloppy we looked. This is not a team that’s getting into postseason.

The Bears can’t start training camp soon enough for me.

by bluekoolaide on Jul 10, 2009 9:36 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

As often as you spout off nonsense...

This was actually really funny. Well done. And rec’d.

by kanderber on Jul 10, 2009 9:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed.

Got my rec, too.

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

by Al on Jul 11, 2009 6:46 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

As much crap as I give you

this actually made me chuckle.

Well done, Blou.

Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas

by Allie on Jul 10, 2009 10:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Pretty damn funny!

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Jul 10, 2009 11:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I LOL'd

well done, sir

If it weren't for the gutter, my mind would be homeless.

by Cubsfanatic on Jul 11, 2009 1:45 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Season has been over for 6 weeks

This is a 79 win ballclub that might get to 83 wins. Regardless, it will not make the playoffs.

The silver lining is that this colossal failure of a season will indeed result in Tom Ricketts cleaning house in the front office. Then a real rebuilding program can happen as we wait for all this God awful contracts to unwind.

$136 million payroll for a .500 style ballclub. Good work Jim.

by BLou on Jul 10, 2009 9:47 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Rediculous.

We are 2 games back in the loss column.

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Jul 10, 2009 9:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Stick a fork in this team

I’m not going to argue with you. This has been a dead listless ballclub for weeks. Jim Hendry spent his way into a hole that can’t be climbed out. The sobering thing is an extreme rebuilding job is in order for his successor. It’s going to be several years before the Cubs are once again back into contention status. HOPEFULLY.

Yes, I concede the NL Central to the St. Louis Cardinals or Milwaukee Brewers or Cincinnati Reds. Cubs will finish the season in 3rd or 4th place. I don’t like saying that, but I shall not let my heart overrule my head.

As a great old Cub fan said tonight on WGN Radio this 2009 team is the most unlikeable and thoroughly dislikable groups in franchise history. I happen to agree completely. I hate this current team. And I know I’m not alone in that sentiment.

$136 million payroll for a .500 style ballclub. Good work Jim.

by BLou on Jul 10, 2009 9:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm not asking you to argue

and I understand everything you said. But to say that this season was over 6 weeks ago is absolutely ridiculous. This division is still very winable. Not saying it’s going to happen, or even that I think it’s going to happen, but I’m not so willing to throw in the towel just yet. And as for not being in contention for the next several years, I couldn’t disagree with you more.

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Jul 10, 2009 10:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I do not care one iota about the mathematical reality that says the Cubs are 2 games out

I am entitled to my opinion.

$136 million payroll for a .500 style ballclub. Good work Jim.

by BLou on Jul 10, 2009 10:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You absolutely are.

And, I respect your opinion. I am also entitled to mine, and as I listen to yours I’d appreciate you listening to mine.

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Jul 10, 2009 10:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

respecting his opinion is

like respecting a piece of shit. We are all entitled to one but his are better off flushed and erased from the memory

by bheidge on Jul 11, 2009 3:26 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm funny that way

And to think I have an undergraduate and masters degree in finance of all things.

$136 million payroll for a .500 style ballclub. Good work Jim.

by BLou on Jul 10, 2009 10:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No wonder the economy is in the shape it's in.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 10, 2009 10:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ben Bernacke is a sabermagician?

$136 million payroll for a .500 style ballclub. Good work Jim.

by BLou on Jul 10, 2009 10:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You just said

a couple days ago it was a .500 team to 85 wins, didn’t you?? Which is it?

by The E-Man on Jul 10, 2009 9:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

3rd or 4th place and 79 to 83 wins

$136 million payroll for a .500 style ballclub. Good work Jim.

by BLou on Jul 10, 2009 9:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

17th or 30th place and 26 to - 9 wins

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 10, 2009 9:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well, then go game-to-game

with a new prediction cause it seems to me you keep changing your predictions.

by The E-Man on Jul 10, 2009 10:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Heavens to mergatroid

I changed the “upper range” from 85 wins to 83 wins. So friggin shoot me.

$136 million payroll for a .500 style ballclub. Good work Jim.

by BLou on Jul 10, 2009 10:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

bang!

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 10, 2009 10:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Crikey!

you forgot Crikey!

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Jul 10, 2009 10:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

BANG!

Fair Weather Predictor!

by The E-Man on Jul 10, 2009 10:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Guess Hack Record Prognosticator!

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 10, 2009 10:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Did you intend to go to Vegas pending my prediction?!?

WTF. It’s a MESSAGE BOARD Francis. Lighten up.

$136 million payroll for a .500 style ballclub. Good work Jim.

by BLou on Jul 10, 2009 10:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

that's some irony

right there.

Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.

by drewishdrewid on Jul 10, 2009 10:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think you should flag my use of WTF, don't you??

$136 million payroll for a .500 style ballclub. Good work Jim.

by BLou on Jul 10, 2009 10:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Baseball Prospectus simulation odds

After 10k simulations of the rest of the schedule, they have the Cubs and Brewers most likely fighting it out for 2nd.

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/statistics/ps_odds.php

They think 87-88 wins is going to be necessary to win the division. That means going 46-33 the rest of the way. The model is subject to a bit of fluxuation on the odds at any particular point in time for any team, but by now they’re usually pretty accurate on how many wins it is going to take to win each division, and less accurate on the wild card.

I think the only way the Cubs can possibly win the division is if going 44-35 and getting to 85 wins can get them into a one-game playoff. And with the current batch of injuries to Soto and Dempster, and Soriano, Bradley, and Harden all playing awful, I don’t think they can go 44-35.

It's a simple question, Doctor: would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs??

by Invalid User on Jul 11, 2009 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think even if we make the playoffs

we’re not a good team.

I also cannot believe we traded for Aaron Heilman on purpose. Really, Jim?

Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas

by Allie on Jul 10, 2009 10:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

We're not making the playoffs...

…because we’re not a good team. It’s as simple as that.

by bluekoolaide on Jul 10, 2009 10:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

We could

the division isn’t exactly overwhelming.

Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas

by Allie on Jul 10, 2009 10:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah...

teams with so-so records in the playoffs NEVER do well.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 10, 2009 10:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

yeah

exactly. it’s not like the Cards won the world series after 83 wins or anything…

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Jul 10, 2009 10:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Here
Cub teams with so-so records in the playoffs NEVER do well.

Fixed that for you.

Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas

by Allie on Jul 10, 2009 10:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

How about
Cub teams with so-so records in the playoffs NEVER do well.

Fixed it even more.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 10, 2009 10:09 PM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

True

I just didn’t feel like being that honest.

Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas

by Allie on Jul 10, 2009 10:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh...sortha like last years NL's best record team...

had a stellar showing?

The best defense is a good offense.....Lou Pinella...still hasn't managed the Cubs to a post season win. D. Lee still doesn't have a post seasson RBI for Cubs...ditto for Soriano

by kcjones on Jul 10, 2009 11:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's possible...

…and I’m thinking 85-88 wins will take the division. To do that, the Cubs will have to put together a decent run at some point. The question is whether they be consistant enough to do that.

At this point, they haven’t shown that and I don’t know if they ever will.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Jul 10, 2009 10:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

They've shown the pitching to do that

2 of the big guns start hitting (it doesn’t even matter which two, but I think 2 gets the role players going) and we could reel off a streak of 14 out of 16 wins.

I think it could happen… I don’t know how likely it is, though.

Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas

by Allie on Jul 10, 2009 10:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'll bet right now...

a case of oldstyle and a bag of white castles…….it takes 89+ to win the NL Central…and bout the same (89+) to get the wild card.

The best defense is a good offense.....Lou Pinella...still hasn't managed the Cubs to a post season win. D. Lee still doesn't have a post seasson RBI for Cubs...ditto for Soriano

by kcjones on Jul 10, 2009 11:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

From what I have seen...

…that would surprise me, but you may be right.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Jul 10, 2009 11:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

are you done being served

or do you want cake?

Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.

by drewishdrewid on Jul 10, 2009 10:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'll say one thing

You might be a goofy son of a bitch, but at least you provide high entertainment. lol.

$136 million payroll for a .500 style ballclub. Good work Jim.

by BLou on Jul 10, 2009 10:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

funny

I wish I could say the same thing about you.

The Cubs looked bad today. It’s true. But Soriano is starting to put the bat on the ball. So is Bradley. In fact, if your boy Rich Harden hadn’t utterly screwed the pooch today, we could have had a completely different result.

This team is two games back in the loss column. 85 wins can take this division. We contend.

Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.

by drewishdrewid on Jul 10, 2009 10:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What ?!?

You’re not going to flag my post Gomer?!? Citizen’s arrest !!! Citizen’s arrest !!!

$136 million payroll for a .500 style ballclub. Good work Jim.

by BLou on Jul 10, 2009 10:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Anyone been to Deerfield Illinois?

They said the only way to make that downtown nice was to blow it up and that’s pretty much what they did.

If this team doesn’t click anymore, it might have to happen.

But I believe that they can gel together once All Star Break is over. Sorry, I just don’t give up until they have an E next to their record.

by ak123 on Jul 11, 2009 12:30 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Funny thing...

After getting frothily booed after his dropped ball while coming to the plate, Sori then hits a double and the crowd cheers!

by The E-Man on Jul 10, 2009 9:59 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Aaron Heilman was the most hated New York Met in 2007 and 2008

Why therefore did Jim Hendry have long-standing interest for this stiff. Why? This is yet another example of just how totally and completely in over his head Jim Hendry has really been.

$136 million payroll for a .500 style ballclub. Good work Jim.

by BLou on Jul 10, 2009 10:00 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

+10000000

I’ll never understand that.

And worse, I hate that I actually thought he was pitching well last month.

by ak123 on Jul 11, 2009 12:30 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

actually

up until yesterday, he’d been doing fairly well.

Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.

by drewishdrewid on Jul 11, 2009 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I know he had

That’s the bad part. I disliked him so much from the signing that even I was admitting he could be used in games.

by ak123 on Jul 11, 2009 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He did a few

good games but if Lou even looks in Aaron’s direction today I may cry.

by sue369 on Jul 11, 2009 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I blame Heilman's woes on Yadier freaking Molina.

He’s never been the same after that HR he gave up to him in the 2006 NLCS. (just thinking about that series makes me want to throw things; I’ll never get over suffering through the Deadbirds winning a World Series.)

As a longtime fan of Heilman (from watching the Mets for a long time, even though I don’t root for them; also, he’s a fantastic human being, if not such a great pitcher), I wish he’d stayed in Seattle instead of being flipped to the Cubs; it would have allowed him to regain his confidence.
  
I’m really happy about D-Lee’s resurgence lately. As for Soriano, I’m just going to bite my tongue.

by owllover711 on Jul 10, 2009 10:00 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I know how unpopular this is going to be...

but at this point I’d have to seriously consider trading Lee if the right deal came along. Might as well start the rebuilding process asap.

by bluekoolaide on Jul 10, 2009 10:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

San Francisco would have DEFINITE interest

$136 million payroll for a .500 style ballclub. Good work Jim.

by BLou on Jul 10, 2009 10:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No Trade Clause

Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas

by Allie on Jul 10, 2009 10:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Do you know what a no trade clause is?

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Jul 10, 2009 10:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Lee is from northern California

He’d waive that no trade to get out of Chicago and go to a San Francisco. His no trade clause won’t get in the way of something like that. The Angels are another team to consider.

$136 million payroll for a .500 style ballclub. Good work Jim.

by BLou on Jul 10, 2009 10:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The giants have ishikawa

and Sandoval who can play first (both young up and comers). They also have Rich Aurilia. So why in the hell would they want to trade for Derrek Lee?

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Jul 10, 2009 10:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

They would also have to GIVE US something of value for him....

and he’s about to enter the twilight of his career.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 10, 2009 10:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sandoval is a mini Albert Pujols in the making and entrenched at 3rd base

Ishikawa is a dud at 1st base. Rich Aurilia is older than dirt. Giants are a bat or two away from being a very serious NL playoff team.

$136 million payroll for a .500 style ballclub. Good work Jim.

by BLou on Jul 10, 2009 10:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

ishikawa

is hitting .273 with 9 hr’s. far from a dude, if you ask me. He’s also young, DLee is entering the twilight of his career as SWL said above. I’m sorry, but I don’t see why SF would make this trade, even if the Cubs wanted to trade him (not smart) and he waived his NTC (not going to happen).

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Jul 10, 2009 10:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

How do you know he wouldn't waive it?

I mean, to go from the Cubs to a team in serious pennant contention? That has to at least tempt him.

by bluekoolaide on Jul 10, 2009 10:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

he's already on a team in contention

honestly.

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Jul 10, 2009 10:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The only reason he's in contention is because

up until now, no team has taken command. With the injuries and subpar years mounting, I don’t think the Cubs are going to stay in contention much longer.

by bluekoolaide on Jul 10, 2009 10:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

and what makes you think

DLee shares this opinion?

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Jul 10, 2009 10:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs