Cubs "Celebrate" Moon Landing Anniversary By Letting Phillies Blast Them Into Orbit 10-1
by Al Yellon on Jul 21, 2009 6:16 AM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
Email
PrintPHILADELPHIA -- Between innings of last night's ugly 10-1 Cubs loss to the Phillies, the strange-looking green Philadelphia mascot the Phillie Phanatic came racing out on his small motorized vehicle wearing a Batman cape and mask. At first, this didn't seem to make any sense -- until the scoreboard in left field showed actor Jack Nicholson sitting in the front row behind the plate. Nicholson, who played the Joker in the 1989 movie "Batman", is in Philadelphia to film what is currently known as "Untitled James L. Brooks Project" with, among others, Reese Witherspoon and Owen Wilson. He sat there with a Joker-like grin on his face as the Phanatic tried to hex him.
That, my friends, was the only amusement Cubs fans had in this loss, which broke a four-game winning streak and was the Phillies' ninth win in a row. We knew it wouldn't be easy here in Philadelphia and, to be sure, the Phillies aren't the Nationals... but this was one of the worst, if not the worst, losses of the year.
Ted Lilly didn't have it last night -- but everything might have changed everything had plate umpire Larry Vanover had given him a third-strike call on a 1-2 pitch to Raul Ibanez. Ted thought he had Ibanez and gotten out of the inning unscathed, but Vanover called the pitch "ball two" and Ibanez sent the next Lilly offering into the shrubbery in center field for a three-run homer, just out of reach of Kosuke Fukudome.
As it turned out, any Cubs fans in Citizens Bank Park -- and there weren't many last night, perhaps the fewest Cubs fans I've seen at any road game in the last couple of years -- could have left right then, because those three runs were enough to win the game. The Cubs managed only a consolation run off Greg Maddux Rodrigo Lopez on an Andres Blanco double and a RBI single from Ryan Theriot.
Oh, and Lou? Take careful note of what Charlie Manuel did with his pitchers last night. That's how you manage a bullpen in a blowout! Instead of playing it like a spring training game, pitching a bunch of relievers for an inning or maybe two at a time, Manuel put Chad Durbin in the game in the seventh inning and let him finish; that resulted in Durbin's third major league save, since the save rule allows you to post a save if you throw three innings with any lead. (The most extreme example of this occurred on August 22, 2007, when Texas' Wes Littleton threw the final three innings of their 30-3 blowout of the Orioles, getting a save in a game his team won by 27 runs, although his team led by "only" 11 runs when he entered the game.)
Lou could have had Jeff Stevens throw two innings and Aaron Heilman, who needs the work to get straightened out (since they seem to be immune to suggestions to get rid of him), the other two. There was absolutely no reason to put Angel Guzman, who might be needed in more important play the next two days, in a 9-1 game in the 8th inning. Guzman threw 20 pitches and allowed Ryan Howard's 24th homer of the season. I'd rather have seen him kept fresh for tonight.
Meanwhile, the Phillies fans were giving it to Alfonso Soriano in LF for dropping one fly ball that led to a pair of unearned Phillies runs, and for letting another ball drop between him and Kosuke Fukudome. I can't say I blame them -- Soriano had a bad game in the field last night, although his three singles boosted his BA to .244, the highest it's been since June 2. Late in the game, Soriano chased after a foul ball down the line and the fans in LF were yelling for him to throw it up to them. I'm thinking, "You've been heckling him all game and you think he's going to throw you a ball?" He tossed it to the ball girl.
I'll have more to say about Citizens Bank Park tomorrow, as I didn't get a chance to walk around the entire stadium last night. I will say that although it feels more intimate than Nationals Park and the sightlines, even from seats low in the LF corner right next to the foul pole, are good, there were some problems that struck me right away. The lines in the food court like area in the outfield were extremely long even more than an hour before game time. I wound up in "Bull's BBQ" in dead center field -- the BBQ chicken is quite good and that was about the only place there wasn't a line. After eating, trying to get to my seat in the LF corner was an adventure -- the concourse was extremely crowded and you have to walk around the back of some sort of sports bar in LF just to get from section 145 to section 141 from the CF food area. Jessica tried to come by and visit during the game, but instead I just got a text message saying "the ushers were mean" and wouldn't allow it. Security took a couple of innings to get around to ejecting a woman who was spraying beer around the end of her aisle, apparently trying to get Soriano's attention (she failed). Finally, traffic getting out of the place was miserable.
I hope to have more positive things to say about the ballpark and the Cubs in tomorrow's recap. In the meantime, remember that this only counts as one loss and with the Cardinals and Brewers both losing last night, the Cubs remain in second place by themselves, still only two games out of first. (And, for what it's worth, three games off the wild-card lead, now held by the Rockies.)
485 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Well, it only counts as ONE loss, fortunately ...
and the good news is Ted’s knee seems OK, Sori had 3 hits, the Cards lost and we get another chance tonight. So GO CUBS!
Quia tuum es fatum titulis discidiis, vexillinis limbis nationalis,
gloriam seriis mundialisque, nunc et in saecula saeculorum...
Amen.
First blowout
We’ve gotten in awhile. It happens. Let’s win the
Next two and call it a great roadtrip. And just for fun let’s beat them again by getting Halladay. Why not.
Chicago
Cubs
We are the better CC.
by Zy Toro Young on Jul 21, 2009 6:51 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Just about the first thing out of Len's mouth last night...
was that the Cubs already had a winning road trip.
Visit bloggingthebracket.com, SBNation's bracketology/hoops rambling site!
by Chris Dobbertean on Jul 21, 2009 8:10 AM CDT up reply actions
Soriano's three hits...
Two were bloops off the end of the bat that fell into the outfield grass, and the third arguably should’ve been an error, as it was a grounder hit right at Rollins. So it looks good in the boxscore, but Soriano looked bad at the plate again.
Hits are hits
You can smash an at em ball but your still out. He’s coming out of his slump, give him credit.
Chicago
Cubs
We are the better CC.
by Zy Toro Young on Jul 21, 2009 7:11 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Correct
It still means he’s putting the bat on the ball
by bilbosbuttons on Jul 21, 2009 8:09 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Wow
If contact is the measuring stick for a guy that is getting paid what he’s getting paid, then he may as well bunt in every AB. For someone that has already been moved down to the 6th spot in the order, I’m guessing that bloop hits and questionable scoring decisions are not par for the course.
Who needs a stinkin' tag line? What are they for anyway?
To be fair
The Questionable call really could have gone either way. That drive at Rollins was absolutely CRUSHED and it had a TON of topspin. That is not a normal play for a fielder to make. It would have been an exceptional stop. I would have called it a hit too if I had been the scorer. The other two hits were of the bloop variety, but at least he isn’t striking out. I’ll take 3 hits from Soriano any way that I can get them.
"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run for Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray
It was
hit directly at Rollins, it should have been an error. Bob Brenly said it should have been an error and he can now understand why Rollins has only 3 this season, due to a favorable home official scorer.
It was
hit directly at Rollins’ left side at about 150 mph with a TON of topspin and took a wicked hop that left him with a nasty in between hop to pick. It would have been a VERY nice play. I agree that it could have been ruled an error, but ruling it a hit wasn’t an irrational call by any stretch.
"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run for Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray
Not...
An irrational call i agree, but a play that Rollins should have made. He was being protected by his scorer. At least Soriano did not get thrown out rounding first.
So let's give him a gold star....
wait a minute………isn’t that what major league players are EXPECTED to do, especially those that are making a ton of money?
"We got some pretty good chemistry here. We got some toughness, and it's starting to show." - Lou Pinella
Heh
A sarcastic, jerky comment about someone’s contract from Clutche immediately after a bad loss.
How unusual!
Sarcastic yes.........
but it’s not about the contract as much as it’s about expectations to , at the very least, make contact more than not.
"We got some pretty good chemistry here. We got some toughness, and it's starting to show." - Lou Pinella
Please..........
how about .285 for starters, and catch the damn ball when it’s hit to you
"We got some pretty good chemistry here. We got some toughness, and it's starting to show." - Lou Pinella
Clutche
Why is the contract matter? Not sure what you do for a living, but it they offered you a obscene amount of money by two different companies and it was guanteed no matter how you did. Would you turn it down?
Yes he should be playing better, but unfortually the MLB is set up that if you struggle, you are slapped on the hand not anything else.
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 21, 2009 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions
And he HAS been playing better
he has one bad game though and Clutche comes out blasting about how awful Soriano is.
but we all know
that Clutche likes to take cheap shots when ever possible at posters and players alike.
I find Blou seriously far less irrating. B/c at least I can get a chuckle out his comments lot of the time
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 21, 2009 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions
It's not a cheap shot at all.....
he’s underperformed dramatically and the stats back it up
"We got some pretty good chemistry here. We got some toughness, and it's starting to show." - Lou Pinella
Come on....he's had a bad season thus far, not just one game....
every broadcaster you listen to makes this exact point.
"We got some pretty good chemistry here. We got some toughness, and it's starting to show." - Lou Pinella
Because contracts matter......
If he was being paid that of a utility player then we wouldn’t expect above average performance would we? But in his case he’s being paid big $$$ to perform well above average, which he isn’t.
"We got some pretty good chemistry here. We got some toughness, and it's starting to show." - Lou Pinella
Soriano is exactly the kind of player Cubs fans were begging for. A big, namey free-agent who would hit a ton of home runs and ensure we contended.
2007 and 2008 are what he brought us. But you wanna toss all that for three months of poor play.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2009 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions
Three months is a trend........
and if the trend continues for the remainder of his contract then we got fleeced. Time will tell.
"We got some pretty good chemistry here. We got some toughness, and it's starting to show." - Lou Pinella
We all knew
it was a bad deal when he signed it. We were hoping at the time that we could get a few good years out of him before the contract became an albatross. It will be an albatross at some point, I just hope that hasn’t started. I don’t think that it probably has quite yet, but maybe I’m just being optimistic.
"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run for Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray
you're taking three months
and attempting to trend that out for five more years???
Spare me.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2009 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions
Five LONG years I fear
"We got some pretty good chemistry here. We got some toughness, and it's starting to show." - Lou Pinella
sure
because you’re projecting.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2009 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't entirely share Clutche's doom and gloom (few do)
but seeing as how the 3 months are more recent than the 2 years, it bears a little consideration.
Look, most folks – I daresay even Drew – would look at an 8 year contract and figure that years 1 & 2 should be awesome and years 7 & 8 are probably going to be less than desirable. It’s the middle years that make or break the deal.
A decline is inevitable over an 8 year period given Sori’s age – if what’s he gone through so far this year is more of a decline than just a bad slump, well then it will be a long 5 years. If he can snap out of it in the next few weeks and turn it on for August & September, then it will have been just a very bad bump in the road.
And come next year, I would weigh the 2nd half of this season more than the 1st half.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
never change, man
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2009 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions
Why should I?
He stinks defensively this year, and heating up or not, he hasn’t exactly torn the cover off the ball. Just facts………..
"We got some pretty good chemistry here. We got some toughness, and it's starting to show." - Lou Pinella
you don't just an eight year contract
on three months play.
Well, maybe you do, but we all point and laugh.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2009 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions
^ "judge"
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2009 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions
So far he is well on his way to earning his money
he was worth 22.7 million in 2007 against a 10 million salary
he was worth 13.8 million last year against a 14 million salary (remember he missed 30+ games
Now this season he is worth negative dollars so far, but that will change as the year goes on.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
preach it! :D
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2009 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions
Soriano can do no right with you people.
Be critical of his defense last night, fine. But the guy is heating up (14 of his last 35 over ten games) and you are still hating on him.
It’s so funny how people react because they are jealous of the money he makes. Get over it already.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
can I have some?
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2009 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions
You got it
If Max is accepted to Columbia, he’ll be first in line to get the scholarship I trusted.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
excellent
I’m in a posse!
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2009 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions
Then yes I hate you.
Next you’re gonna tell me you have a light blue Hummer with a ridiculous system in it.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
Soriano copied it off me
I am the original class act.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
So what's your opinion on Cub fan racism then?
by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on Jul 21, 2009 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions
Cub fans are racist.
Look how they treat Theriot, and his bonehead mistakes. Now look at Ronny Cedeno, and he’s an “idiot” right? They both do the same dumb baserunning BS.
by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on Jul 21, 2009 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
Please
sure you have racists who are Cub fans. Anytime you get a group of more than 6 people you’re going to have one who’s a jerk.
BUT not all Cub fans are.
Of course not all are.
And of course other groups have the same thing. I’m just talking about Cub fans though.
by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on Jul 21, 2009 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions
I've personally
tried really hard to be fair in my criticism of the Cubs and really don’t appreciate being told I’m racist b/c I’m a Cub fan.
I never said you were.
I said some are, and it bothers me. Quit acting personally attacked, when you weren’t. However, if you say you have to try really hard to be fair, I’d argue you’re inherently racist. A true post-racial individual doesn’t have to try hard, they just don’t involve race in their thinking.
by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on Jul 21, 2009 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions
wow
also someone who has a chip on their shoulder about someone being racist and claims “its not personal” might have way more problems than an off hand remark by a poster who has proven herself repeatly to be someone who makes good informed comments.
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 21, 2009 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions
You never said some
you used a finite statement of “Cub fans are racist”.
And how do you know what I struggle with being honest about has anything to do with race?
If you struggle with it,
you’re a racist. Accept it.
by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on Jul 21, 2009 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions
No
I struggle with being consistant in my evaluation of my favorite player, Aramis Ramierz. Sometimes I’m inclined to give him a pass for something I’d rip Theriot to shreds for.
So you're a reverse racist.
Even worse. Do you love affirmative action then? You must have agreed with Sotomayor on Ricci v. DeStefano, too.
by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on Jul 21, 2009 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions
What on earth are you talking about?
I like a guy better so I need to take a step back and be objected
damn
i messed that up. Meant to say “Objective”.
sometimes, as a human being, i like a person more than someone else… does the fact you’re immediately assuming I like Aramis better than Theriot make YOU a racist? Or is just something other people do?
Wow
You must have a very difficult life if you enjoy going around accusing people of things like that.
Maybe you should take a breathe. Would you say these things to our faces?
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 21, 2009 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions
Why wouldn't I.
I call ’em as I see ’em.
by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on Jul 21, 2009 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions
Al has a strict rule about not talking
politics….
Is there a reason you decided to ruin a good thread w/ bringing all this up. Especially to someone who is OBVIOUSLY stated how she is struggling w/ something in her real life
Talk about an insentive ass.
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 21, 2009 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions
No not a racist
I hate everyone equally. Skin color or accents make no differenence to me. If you ain’t my family then I will find a way to pigeon-hole with someone.
The sun will shine in '69
+1
Aqui viene el Toro Venezolano, Carlos Zambrano, a batear...el lanzamiento...A LO PROFUNDOOO...NOO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NOO...DIGALE QUE NO A ESA PELOTA!! GANAN LOS CACHORROS DE CHICAGO!!
by Azul Cachorro on Jul 21, 2009 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions
sarcasm bud.
When I go to games, I hear many statements like that though. “He’s a lazy latin.” It’s pathetic.
by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on Jul 21, 2009 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions
Then fall Cubs....
Nothing says cool like jokes about Latin and Julius Caesar!
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
Friends, Chicagoans, Cubs fans, lend me your ears;
I come to bury Hendry, not to praise him.
The evil that Hendry inflicted lives after him;
The good is oft interred with their jersey numbers;
So let it be with Hendry. The noble Santo
Hath told you Hendry was ambitious:
If it were so, it was a grievous fault,
And grievously hath Hendry answer’d it.
Here, under leave of Santo and the rest -
For Santo is an honourable man;
So are they all, all honourable men -
Come I to speak at Hendry’s funeral.
He was my friend, faithful and just to me:
But Santo says he was ambitious;
And Santo is an honourable man.
He hath brought many victories home to Wrigley
Whose beer cups did the general vendors fill:
Did this in Hendry seem ambitious?
When that the fans have cried, Hendry hath wept:
Ambition should be made of sterner stuff:
Yet Santo says he was ambitious;
And Santo is an honourable man.
You all did see that in the draft
I thrice presented him with infield prospects,
Which he did thrice refuse: was this ambition?
Yet Santo says he was ambitious;
And, sure, he is an honourable man.
I speak not to disprove what Santo spoke,
But here I am to speak what I do know.
You all did love him once, not without cause:
What cause withholds you then, to mourn for him?
O hindsight! thou art 20-20 on free agents,
And fans have lost their reason. Bear with me;
My heart is in the coffin there with Hendry,
And I must pause till it come back to me.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2009 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
Dude you got WAY TOO MUCH time on yours
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 21, 2009 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions
no, I'm just
really fast. It’s not every day I get to use my English Lit degree… :P
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2009 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions
Wow ...
You have WAY too much time on your hands.
Cubs record since April 2004: 4-0
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 21, 2009 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions
um, if I remember my Shakespeare right...
aren’t you pretty much damning Santo in this version? Did not the crowd gather up their torches and pitchforks and hunt down Brutus and his crew after Antony called them “honorable” several times?
Not sure who would fit the bill here within the Cubs current organization, so I’ll extend the search a bit and say Steve Stone. Now he was an honorable man….
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
look
if you want INTERPRETATION, you talk to my dad.
If you want someone to take shakespeare and make it relevant by being a word-hack, you talk to me. :P
Brutus has two syllables. Santo has two syllables. I thought about using “Stoney”, but…
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2009 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions
Too bad this weren't the Blackhawks ;-)
Tallon kinda looks like Caesar, and Bowman definitely has two syllables.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Rec'd
That is a beautiful thing, sir.
"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run for Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray
thankee, sai
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2009 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions
It has nothing to do with jealousy.....
It’s called earn your paycheck. He was paid a ton of money to be one of the top producers on this team, and he’s failing.
"We got some pretty good chemistry here. We got some toughness, and it's starting to show." - Lou Pinella
and he's laughing all the way to the bank, right?
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2009 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions
well
he also complained about Lee and Bradley. Not Riot or Hoffpauir, tho.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2009 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions
Sigh
I think the race point is valid but this guy is obviously doing it for shock value.
by CalCalender on Jul 21, 2009 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions
Because it is
worth nothing that guys like Theriot who have marginal overall value are lauded and praised as being “scrappy” or “good clubhouse guys” and are always good for a nice quote for Sullivan or Muskat.
Meanwhile Milton Bradley dives for baseballs, slides into walls to try and make catches, says all the right things you would want to hear from a guy who is struggling and people hate him.
It just doesn’t make sense and after a while you have to wonder how much of the fan love is because Theriot looks like them or because they have a problem with a black athlete who has opinions and isn’t afraid to voice them.
by CalCalender on Jul 21, 2009 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
OKAY!
Let’s knock off the racism talk RIGHT NOW!
Enough already.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
what exactly
was so bad about what allie and I talked about here?
by CalCalender on Jul 21, 2009 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions
Nothing, but the entire tone of the thread ...
… was going downhill rapidly. Not necessarily your fault, just thought it needed to stop.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
well the
guy above is a complete nutter and I said so above. I was trying to have a little side discussion without all the insanity above
by CalCalender on Jul 21, 2009 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions
Thank you Al.
Quia tuum es fatum titulis discidiis, vexillinis limbis nationalis,
gloriam seriis mundialisque, nunc et in saecula saeculorum...
Amen.
Thanks, Al.
I saw what was being said, but I refused to get involved in it. It was just a little too much.
Yesterday’s discussion about batting average w/RISP is fine, but this was overboard today.
Cubs record since April 2004: 4-0
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 21, 2009 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions
Are you kidding Al?
You can’t hide from the truth here, and it won’t just go away. Isn’t this a blog that should foster discussion about real problems? Racism at Wrigley Field is a real problem. Stop trying to pretend it doesn’t exist.
by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on Jul 21, 2009 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions
Al knows what goes on
But this is a mere Cubs blog, to comment about the game. If you feel the need to post on this topic, please feel free to post fanpost or something. We understand what you’re saying [well, at least I do], but Al’s just doing his job.
Aqui viene el Toro Venezolano, Carlos Zambrano, a batear...el lanzamiento...A LO PROFUNDOOO...NOO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NOO...DIGALE QUE NO A ESA PELOTA!! GANAN LOS CACHORROS DE CHICAGO!!
by Azul Cachorro on Jul 21, 2009 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions
All I can say is WOW you're so wrong
"We got some pretty good chemistry here. We got some toughness, and it's starting to show." - Lou Pinella
I WANT YOU TO KNOW......
that I’ve been a Cub fan since 1957 and idolized Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, Lou Brock, Leon Durham, Fergie Jenkins. Ivan DeJesus and on and on, so is obvious your perception of bias is in YOUR mind dude.
"We got some pretty good chemistry here. We got some toughness, and it's starting to show." - Lou Pinella
You're just as bad as the rest to agree with their nonsense
"We got some pretty good chemistry here. We got some toughness, and it's starting to show." - Lou Pinella
What a stupid conclusion you make
"We got some pretty good chemistry here. We got some toughness, and it's starting to show." - Lou Pinella
Absolutely absurd.............
look at the stats man
"We got some pretty good chemistry here. We got some toughness, and it's starting to show." - Lou Pinella
That's a ridiculous statement
"We got some pretty good chemistry here. We got some toughness, and it's starting to show." - Lou Pinella
Where.....
are you sitting tonight.
I am in Philly for a meeting and will be going.
You still owe me a beer…………….
by timeforachange2009 on Jul 21, 2009 7:16 AM CDT reply actions
Al
I blame you for this one. Really your write up yesterday of Lopez was spot on, not:)
"You can't take life to seriously, you don't get out of it alive"
I have to stop saying that about opposing pitchers.
I should have said that Lopez was the next coming of Greg Maddux. (Turned out to be true, anyway.)
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Maybe you should say that
About our pitchers. Although I would be careful with Lilly. The mound to the left field corner isn’t too far away.
Chicago
Cubs
We are the better CC.
by Zy Toro Young on Jul 21, 2009 7:41 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Funny
As I was reading your report on Lopez all I could think of is this guys is going to be lights out. Sure as shoot he was. Should have laid a hefty bet on him that would have gotten the Cubs the victory. So I take equal blame.
"You can't take life to seriously, you don't get out of it alive"
I blame...
Nutdrinkingamp12. He started that thread that used up all the BCB posters good stuff.
The sun will shine in '69
DFA Sori
I can’t believe he dropped that ball,
(sarcasm)
If the world didn't suck we would all fall off.
It's amazing he only has 8 errors.
There are some generous scorekeepers out there.
"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)
.
He stills leads all MLB outfielders in errors made, though
Or at leas that’s what the ESPN broadcast said yesterday.
So, 8 errors still isn’t nice.
Aqui viene el Toro Venezolano, Carlos Zambrano, a batear...el lanzamiento...A LO PROFUNDOOO...NOO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NOO...DIGALE QUE NO A ESA PELOTA!! GANAN LOS CACHORROS DE CHICAGO!!
by Azul Cachorro on Jul 21, 2009 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions
Oh... beleive me, I know.
But, he really should be charged with 11 or 12.
"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)
.
Sounds like another wonderful Philly experience...
It was awful enough watching, wouldn’t have liked to experience it in person.
In my only visit there, I sat in the scoreboard seats right above where Al sat last night. Not bad, but that outfield area is just not well designed. Oddly enough, it reminds me of the outfield area of Nats Park to an extent, probably because it looks like a food court.
Add in the delightful Philly fans, (Many of whom are also awful on the road. Don’t dare try to tell one of them to not smoke in a non-smoking concourse, even at Nats Park, as security coddles them and will threaten to throw YOU out instead.) and it’s not a great experience for an away fan.
Rant over
Visit bloggingthebracket.com, SBNation's bracketology/hoops rambling site!
by Chris Dobbertean on Jul 21, 2009 8:09 AM CDT reply actions
That sounds about par for the course...
with Philly fans in every sport. I think it’s about the worst sports-city in the country, fan-wise.
by CubsWin!Oregon on Jul 21, 2009 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions
That might be the best team in baseball
If they get Halladay, game over.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
.500 at home. The best team in baseball? Slow your roll a bit. One game is an awful
short sample to make a statement like that. Let’s see how things progress the next two games before we annoint them.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Jul 21, 2009 8:20 AM CDT up reply actions
Why
They have basically the perfect lineup, especially for their park. They play solid defense at almost every position. All their outfielders have good arms, and with Halladay they would have a starting rotation of Cole Hamels, Halladay, Pedro, JA Happ, and Joe Blanton.
What they did last night was obviously not the norm, but that is a stacked team that is one trade away from basically cancelling the NL season.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
It was one game and Lilly was not sharp
Good pitching takes care of good hitting. If Harden changes speeds we can shut this hottest NL team down and get a win tonight. We can go for the series win on Wednesday. How our attitudes would change if that happens.
This is the best team in the NL today. It can all change. The Pihillies are certainly on their hot streak right now. No team stays this hot, they have to cool off soon. Harden if on, can be the one to do it. Changing speeds is the key.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
I'm not talking about just this series
I’m talking about the overall rest of the season. Look at the players that team has, look at the one they are trying to add. If that happens there is not a single team in the NL that can beat them. The Dodgers are the only ones that would even make it close.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
I remember a lot of people saying the same thing about the Cubs last season.
This whole crowning the NL champ midway through the season is so silly. The playoffs are a crap shoot. How many times does the best team on paper when the WS?
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
except that the Phillies are the defending world champs
and have only IMPROVED
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 21, 2009 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions
Pedro will hurt
not help their rotation. That old man needs to retire.
by salparadise23 on Jul 21, 2009 8:35 AM CDT up reply actions
I think it would take
giving up Happ to get Halladay, and they are crossing thier fingers they can get 10 starts out of Pedro, there are still some pieces that have to fall in place for them to lock it up.
"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"
I'm not really sure why're impressed by their rotation right now...
Happ has been good and is their best pitcher right now. Hamels is the next best, with an ERA at 4.72. Admittedly I haven’t checked any advanced metrics recently, but last I recall, they weren’t impressive.
by CubsWin!Oregon on Jul 21, 2009 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions
Soriano hot doggin it
after two home runs vs. the Nats………this has got to stop. Doesn’t the guy have any pride?
So Lou is giving Bradley special tutoring with his hitting from the left side. How old is Bradley, wasn’t he brought here as a professional hitter?
Duh statement of the day from Monsters in the Morning: the cubs corner outfielders had better start hitting if we are going to make the playoffs. Our lack of hitting this season falls on those two guys. Stating the obvious!
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
What does bradley's age have to do with his need for coaching?
As we discussed yesterday… Tiger has a coach. Lance Armstrong has a coach. Just because you are supposedly good at something doesn’t mean you don’t need a coach.
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"
by AndrewJStone on Jul 21, 2009 8:30 AM CDT up reply actions
I know they all do.
It’s to keep them right, not change their approach. Bradley has been a good hitter throughout his career. Why this season does he regress so far that he needs changing? It’s a little different when someone is out of a groove as opposed to someone who is trying to stay in the groove. Bradley has not swung well from the left side all season and he (according to reports in the paper) doesn’t seem too fired up about correcting this. I’m glad Lou is doing this, don’t get me wrong. My point was that he is a professional hitter with much success over his career. How does he go into a 4 month slump from the left side without getting right by himself from experience.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
Actually
not change their approach.
Tiger completely rebuilt his swing after he got Butch Harmon. Even though he was already great and had been playing for decades.
NOT comparing Bradley to Tiger, but sometimes you need to start over to fix something.
he just does
right now, Milton Bradley is so tight, you could stick a lump of coal up his nether regions and he’d poop diamonds. He’s tense, he’s pressing, and EVERY professional athlete needs a coach to help them right themselves sometimes. If they didn’t, Lou would be the only non-player in the dugout.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2009 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions
That was a digusting comment
Let’s not talk about sticking anything up anyone’s nether regions.
Go Cubs Go!!!!
wait a second
the guy swearing worse than any group of sailors on leave last night in the game thread… before it even got bad… is going to talk about being disgusting?
Pot? You there? Its kettle!
it needs to be said a lot.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2009 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions
o.0
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2009 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions
oh, and don't knock it till you've tried it.
way to miss the point of the metaphor.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2009 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions
My nether regions feel like a million bucks!
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted - George Best
That is holding Bradley to a higher expectation than other wildly sucsessful athletes.
How does he go into a 4 month slump from the left side without getting right by himself from experience.
What about the aforementioned Tiger Woods slump? This guy is arguably the most dominate athlete of a generation and he had to start literally from scratch with his swing coach to rebuild his approach. Or what about Derek Jeter’s early 2004 slump, where he was hitting as low as like .160 i believe and at one point was something like 0 for 32? He eventually broke out of it that june or early july, and if you think there wasn’t some coaching involved, you are crazy.
I get hating on Bradley, even if i don’t personally. What i don’t get is hating on the idea that he might need some extra help.
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"
by AndrewJStone on Jul 21, 2009 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions
well I'm no PGA saberstrokemagician...
…but from what I recall, Tiger chose to start from scratch and rebuild his swing. He wasn’t in any kind of slump, at least as far as 99.9% of the general population was concerned. Obviously, he’s enough of a perfectionist that something didn’t feel right and he had enough confidence to tear it all down and start over. But what he had to begin with was pretty darn good.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
And Bradley's hadn't been garbage either
but if what you’re doing stops working… and doing tweaks in the cage isn’t working, well then it could be time to do something else.
This year he has.
I’ve got no problem with him getting extra coaching, taking drastic measures, or nothing at all. He’s a big boy, getting big bucks, and is not afraid of talking some big talk. So I’m perfectly content with letting his production speak for itself and for him to figure out what’s wrong and make changes. If he accepts extra help to make those changes, so much the better. If he thinks he can do it on his own, I’m fine with that too. He just ought not to be surprised if he plays a little less in the interim.
My point above regarding Tiger is he really wasn’t in a slump. He was performing pretty darn well. So I don’t think he should be part of the comparisons here. Jeter in 2004, yes, that was a good comparison because he was in a slump.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
That swing change had a lot to do
with his knee being constantly hurt as well.
Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Jul 21, 2009 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions
I think
the problem is that what he had isn’t what he was using. If that makes any sense. There are so many little things that go into a major league swing — how your grip varies on the bat, when your hips move, when your feet move, when your head moves, etc, etc, etc, that if any one thing changes, it can destroy your swing, and you may not even be able to see what’s happening.
Lou says they made some changes yesterday; they’ll tape him in BP today and look at it, and he bats tomorrow.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2009 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions
He (Tiger) WAS in a slump.
He won the Masters in ’96, rose to #1 in the world golf rankings in less than a year with three other PGA event wins (the fastest that rise had ever been done) and then tanked for a year and a half before the start of his incredible 99 – 00 period of domination. That domination came AFTER he (and his coach) redid his swing. From scratch.
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"
by AndrewJStone on Jul 21, 2009 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions
The "slump" came about while in the midst of swing changes.
I think that’s the difference in the comparison.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
by Bill Potter on Jul 21, 2009 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions
That's what i thought too.
Again, I don’t follow golf so much so I wouldn’t put money on my memory in this instance, but I thought one of the reasons this swing change was such big news at the time is because he started it right after winning a tournament, if not a major.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Yep. He basically decided to rebuild his swing shortly after the Masters
which is why his results were so inconsistent for a while. Once his rebuilt swing was locked in, Woods dominated over 1999-2000. Then, he decided to make some more changes this decade, too.
Basically, Woods’ “slumps” have coincided with deliberately making changes to his swing – he didn’t change his swing because he was in a slump.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
by Bill Potter on Jul 21, 2009 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions
Regardless, the argument stands...
… his swing was causing inconsistent play, and after some coaching that influenced changes he began to dominate.
I’m not confusing Bradley for Tiger, but the original point in my saying this was to refute the idea that Bradley shouldn’t NEED coaching at all, or that he was a forgone conclusion of a three year failure already.
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"
by AndrewJStone on Jul 21, 2009 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions
I see what you're saying
but, I’m not sure the comparison works.
Tiger Woods dominated with a swing, but wanted to change it (as a means to challenge himself and gain further control of the swing mechanics). As a result of the changes, he struggled while teaching his muscles the necessary muscle memory.
Milton Bradley is making swing changes because he is struggling with the swing he has always possessed.
I agree, though, that Milton does need coaching, and with the proper coaching and swing corrections, he may be salvageable in 2009 and the next two years of his contract.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
by Bill Potter on Jul 21, 2009 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions
I started this whole discussion and the point is
sure he needs some help….now! You don’t sign a veteran who needs help you sign one that is already established.The question I ask is how did he go from good hitter to bad from the left? Hitters have bad months or bad streaks, just not for 4 months. The same can be said about Soriano. Can’t the guy figure out that off speed breaking pitch is what everyone has thrown him?
I’ve been a high school coach for 33 years so saying someone doesn’t need a coach or some help from time to time is contrary to my career.
The Cubs are left with fixing Bradley and I hope they do. I just think it shouldn’t have gotten to this.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
like I said — he’s very tight. He’s pressing.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2009 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions
it probably shouldn't have
but… cool to hear you’ve coached for so long. My HS coach saved me and really helped me grow a lot, not just pool-wise, but she taught me a lot. She was awesome.
Bradley was established when the Cubs signed him.
Hitters fall into slumps all the time, as you well know. Now, if Bradley initially refused help, saying he could fix his swing, then yes, I have a problem with that.
As we both know, a relaxed swing is a quick swing, and for some reason, it seems that Bradley tenses up in his swing too often, which makes the swing slower.
But he’s allowing himself to be coached, which is promising. Hopefully it works.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
by Bill Potter on Jul 21, 2009 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions
Now if Pujols goes and changes his swing... ;-)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
any one listen to mike & mike this morning?
They were comparing Manny’s stats to Mantle and they were stunningly close.
But then Jayson Starke pointed out that Manny is just outside the club of .300/.400/.600… Its Foxx, Pujols, Williams, and 2 other names I can’t remember at the moment. But thats it.
I knew Pujols was among the best ever… but thats pretty exclusive.
I went to look it up
Lou Gehrig .340/.447/.632
Hank Greenberg .313/.412/.605
Bond just misses because of a .298 batting average.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
I've always said that if the game was on the line and I needed a hit...
…based on players I’ve seen in my lifetime, I’d want George Brett at the plate.
Pujols has got me reconsidering that position.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
The two guys that come to mind for me are
Derek Jeter (who I despise) and David Ortiz. To be as clutch as Ortiz was for a team under that much pressure takes major balls.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
God...you're exactly right.
Every game in that Yankees series…
Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Jul 21, 2009 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions
True
that performance in that series was epic.
I watched it with a die-hard BoSox fan… it was cool to watch the emotions on his face.
I was without any TV, internet, newspapers
etc for the first week of that series…I got back on Sunday, just in time for Game 4, when the Sox were down 3-0…unbelievable.
Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Jul 21, 2009 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Jeter for me too
But I don’t despise him. He’s got some of that old Yankee “mystique”.
Plus, those green eyes kinda kill me.
are you kidding me.
from scratch? basically, he made very subtle changes to refine the plane of his swing and shorten/tighten things up in order to improve his distance control. he didn’t rebuild his approach. and he wasn’t exactly in a slump looking to get help. he was looking for ways to get better and was already the best in the game. terrible comparison.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
by buckmulligan on Jul 21, 2009 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions
No i am not kidding you, and the comparison is not terrible.
And he’s actually done it twice. In 2004 Tiger redid his swing again in the style of his new coach, Hank Haney, who teaches the “single plane” style of swing. Most golfers, Tiger included, use the “double plane” style.
I wouldn’t be surprised to hear he’s working on it again, in light of his early exit last weekend.
And again, my original point is getting lost here… claiming Bradley shouldn’t need coaching is unfair. The “he’s been good before, he’s a professional, he’s paid, so he shouldn’t need time with the coach!” argument is silly.
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"
by AndrewJStone on Jul 21, 2009 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions
i agree that argument is silly.
comparing bradley’s situation to tiger’s is also silly. more like a lee westwood or something.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
by buckmulligan on Jul 21, 2009 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions
I just don't see how its silly...
… being that we are talking about two elite athletes whose old approach, while having been successful previously, needed coaching and changes to continue to dominate.
Granted, we are talking about different sports, different levels of domination, different levels of “slump”, and whatever else… but a comparison is the act of examining resemblances, and that’s what I’ve done. And in its relevance to my original point, i think it works well.
We can only hope that Bradly will be as receptive to the changes as Woods was, and that its effect on his game will be as great!
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"
by AndrewJStone on Jul 21, 2009 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Well, since you're not letting this go, I'll take another swing (pun intended)
I was with you with the Derek Jeter comparison. That made a lot of sense. But comparing Milton’s scenario to Tiger’s just doesn’t work. I wouldn’t call it silly, but there’s very little that’s comparable.
Tiger was doing great and was being very productive, before he voluntarily broke down his swing. Very little (if any) slump time involved prior to the change process. I daresay he could have continued being very successful with his old swing but it wasn’t working for him, hence his desire for the change.
Milton was pretty much in a slump from day 1 of the season, and it has lasted over three months. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say his old approach is no longer working (as opposed to Tiger), hence his need for a change. Now I have no doubt Milton wants to come out of this slump, be productive and help the Cubs win games. But it’s hard to tell if he really wants to change his whole approach. I wouldn’t be surprised if he thinks his old way is still good, and that sooner or later everything will get better.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
This made me laugh:
Milton was pretty much in a slump from day 1 of the season
Not sure if that was intended, but I like it.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Maybe if you want to argue the irrelevent semantics of my point...
… but that wouldn’t really be my point, would it?
Yes, they are different situations. And yes, Bradley hasn’t been “Tiger Great”, obviously. But the original point of what i was saying was to debate this statement, which i’ve seen several variations of over the last few days:
So Lou is giving Bradley special tutoring with his hitting from the left side. How old is Bradley, wasn’t he brought here as a professional hitter?
Bradley’s age or professionalism have nothing to do with his need for a coach, and i used Jeter and Woods (as well as Lance Armstrong) as counterpoints. Maybe Tiger’s intentions and the circumstances were different, but the point remains: attacking Bradley for needing coaching is pointless or unfair.
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"
by AndrewJStone on Jul 21, 2009 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions
now why didn't you say that in the first place? ;-)
I’m with you on that one.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Thoroughly disgusting game
…as bad as Lilly was, I was most upset with Koyie Hill’s AB in the 4th with 2 on and 2 out. He has to be aggresive in the situation with Lilly sitting on deck…instead he takes three strikes looking. Just did not have his head in the game… This team just seems to lose focus a lot when the chips are stacked against them.
"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb
Yeah,
Why didn’t he take the bat off his shoulder? I was more upset with that than the miscommunication between Soriano and Kosuke.
"Fasten your seatbelts"-Pat Hughes
Switch hitter abuse
Perfect example of a guy who should swing from the natural side. History shows he is fairly balanced as far as production goes from either side. But when that balance is .200…time to focus on one side or the other. With my eyes I see two things – A guy who hits much better and with more zeal from the right side and a defensive catcher superior to Soto. I have not checked but I would “ass u me” the team average for nailing base runners and past balls would be pretty bad if not for hill?
There goes one over the fence...a Tru-Link fence.
by truelinkfence on Jul 21, 2009 8:44 AM CDT up reply actions
The Phillies are nasty
If they get Halladay, game over
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
Game over?
You and nji232 (above) think alike or am I missing an inside joke?
Anyway I can’t believe everyone is crowning the Phillies as NL champ already. If we’ve learned anything from the last couple years is that the regular season means nothing. Get into the playoffs, get hot, and poof you’re in the WS. All that matters is getting in, the rest is a crap shoot.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
I'm just looking at that team
If they go into a playoff series with Halladay and Hamels, I don’t see a team beating them. Certainly not the Cubs.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
The same Cole Hamels who's ERA is 4.72?
He and Harden are almost on the same level by comparison.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
Except that one of them is a WS MVP
and one of them is a playoff bed wetter
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
WS MVP was also given to David Eckstein.
That doesn’t impress me. That case makes my point, all you need to do is catch fire at the right time.
Cole Hamels is an excellent pitcher and someone I wouldn’t want to see in the playoffs. But again, the playoffs are a crap shoot and the most important thing is just getting in.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
He was undefeated in the playoffs last year
He’s hardly David Eckstein. Id take the Phillies lineup is superior to ours at every position except third base, and theyre running away with the NL East.
So if you add Halladay to that mix, the odds are its gonna come down to LA vs PHI again
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
Of course Eckstein and Hamels are different.
And that’s my point. Any award that can be given to David freaking Eckstein and guys like Manny, Beckett, and the like, is a joke award. Don’t believe me, ask Scott Brosius.
But I digress. Of course on paper the Phils and Dodgers look like the matchup. The point is it doesn’t matter who is the favorite going into the playoffs. More times than not, the favorites don’t win it all. In the 2000’s 7 WS champs were underdogs going into the playoffs, only 2 could be considered “favorites.”
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
Agreed
I suppose I was simply defending Cole, he deserved that MVP last year, and it was less flukey than others; he’s an All-Star and can now be considered a money playoff pitcher
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
I'm just looking at a team from 2008...
If they go into a playoff series with Harden, Zambrano and Dempster, I don’t see a team beating them.
I’m talking about the 2008 Cubs. How’d that work out?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
They weren't proven playoff pitchers
Hamels has shown that he has the balls to pitch in the playoffs. Dempster sure as heck didn’t, and neither did Harden.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
Before 2008...
… Hamels’ playoff ERA was 4.05, one game in 2007. How “proven” is that?
The point is, that you can look at a team blowing through a season effortlessly and think they’ll do the same in the playoffs. We all thought that a year ago. Didn’t work out that way.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al Yellon on Jul 21, 2009 9:03 AM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
But now he's done it
Dempster, Zambrano, Lilly and Harden have proven nothing in the playoffs.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
I've always thought
Z pitched well… he’s just never gotten a whole lot of help from anyone else (either his IF or the manager)
Yeah Z has pitched well in the last two playoff starts
Not his fault Lou went to the zoo in 2007 and the infield went there in 2008.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
I know you aren't the only one that does this
But can we let game 1 of 2007 go, already? That’s NOT why they lost.
You don’t score, you don’t win. Simple as that.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Jul 21, 2009 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions
I agree
I was just saying that he wasn’t the reason they lost that game. Then again the Cubs aren’t exactly equipped to beat a groundball pitcher like Brandon Webb.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
Oh, I agree with both of you on that
And if I was being unfair, I apologize. I just get tired of people blaming Piniella for that game. Kind of like how Al is tired of hearing about Josh Hamilton, I guess.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Jul 21, 2009 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions
It wasn't Lou's in game decision that people have an issue with IMO
Its that he said after the game he took Z out to save him for game 4. That just never needed to be said in public.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
Well that is the mentality that I think needs to change
this year when we make the playoffs. No more worrying about tomorrow. Win game 1 and figure the rest out from there. 3 starters and everyone else needs to be ready to pitch out of the bullpen.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
This I can agree with
No point in saving somebody for a game that might never happen.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
Winning playoff games
hmmm, what a good idea. I wish the Cubs would try that sometime.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
hopefully while i can still see it
they think my vision may become degenerative… so, sooner is better than later here boys!
(stupid eye doctors are stupid)
aww girl
So sorry to hear that. :((((
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 21, 2009 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions
yeah
course, they’re the same idiots who told me I’d never be able to read print.
So, what do they know?
I read an article where
scientists are now putting teeny tiny microscopes in people’s eyes.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2009 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions
Right on. Seems like you are reading just fine.
Love your feistiness!
Boy oh boy oh boy
by BleedsbluinMI on Jul 21, 2009 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions
Me too
I think we all learn a little from people who conquer things most of couldn’t dream of living with.
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 21, 2009 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions
Very sorry but you got to stay positive
If there’s anything I can do for you, let me know.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
Hang in there
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Jul 21, 2009 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions
Oh, no!
:)
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Jul 21, 2009 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions
He was undefeated last year!
His playoff career whip is under 1, hes a great playoff pitcher and he’s not even 26 years old yet, if last year performance doesnt say he’s a post season pitcher, I dont know what it would take to convince you.
I dont think most sensible people thought the Cubs would blow through the playoffs last year, there was a sense of dread as soon as they drew the Dodgers last year b/c of their great groundball pitchers.
Phillies lineup is ludicrously stacked, more so than ours, and if they get Halladay and add him to Hamels, theyd be awfully tough to beat in a short series.
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
who thought the cubs were going to breeze through?
certainly not all. think the pessimists around here felt good about things? not likely.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
by buckmulligan on Jul 21, 2009 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Where do the Phillies get those wonderful toys?
by salparadise23 on Jul 21, 2009 8:37 AM CDT up reply actions
Looks like the Phillies are about to trade up.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Jul 21, 2009 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions
You can call me... Joker. And as you can see, I'm a lot happier.
Geez, I was only kidding. Couldn’t resist a Batman reference. Lighten up.
"Fasten your seatbelts"-Pat Hughes
Good reference.......
It at least made me sort of smile, which can’t be said for anything else I’ve read so far :(
I keep trying to be positive, but the Cubs keep showing me over and over again, why they are a .500 ball club. Just keep it close and hope they catch on fire ala Rockies.
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 21, 2009 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions
Stay positive.
You can’t make an omelette without breaking some eggs.
"Fasten your seatbelts"-Pat Hughes
Lighten up?
I’m fine, it’s a lot of other people that are freaking out about one loss that need to lighten up.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
No, I know that now...
Just saying a lot of other people aren’t joking.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
It's hard on here to tell when someone is just being silly.
Trust me, I was being silly.
"Fasten your seatbelts"-Pat Hughes
LOUD NOISES!
Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Jul 21, 2009 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions
Did you throw a trident?
"Fasten your seatbelts"-Pat Hughes
by katie casey on Jul 21, 2009 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions
Brick,
I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that. You should find yourself a safehouse or a relative close by. Lay low for a while, because you’re probably wanted for murder.
Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Jul 21, 2009 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Okay so it was an awful game.
Let’s all focus on something we can all agree on, Jack Nicholson (great actor) is a huge tool for being a Yankee’s AND Lakers fan. Give me a break. Who’s his football team, the Cowboys?
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
Probably loves the Red Wings as well.
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"
by AndrewJStone on Jul 21, 2009 8:47 AM CDT up reply actions
Hey NOW! Watch it! ;)
Quia tuum es fatum titulis discidiis, vexillinis limbis nationalis,
gloriam seriis mundialisque, nunc et in saecula saeculorum...
Amen.
My take has always been...
… its cool to be a fan of a front running / bandwagon team if you have a tangible connection. If you are from Detroit? Cool. If your family has ties there, or your family has been a fan for generations? Cool.
I commonly get accused of being a bandwagon cubs fans from those who don’t realize the AAA team is in Des Moines, where i grew up. Hell, i probably saw as much of Prior and Wood as anybody here. :-)
No offense intended though!
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"
by AndrewJStone on Jul 21, 2009 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions
For the record Iowa is Cubs territory.
Anyone giving you crap about being bandwagon for that reason doesn’t understand what they are talking about.
I seriously doubt that Jack has any good reason to support the Yankees, but not the Knicks/Nets or vice versa how can he be a Lakers fan, but doesn’t rep the Dodgers. Give me a break.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
That's why I'll always give props to Spike Lee
He was and still is a Knicks fan – and the Knicks have been and still suck are not good.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Its easy to be a fan of a team that consistently wins.
Imagine the Cubs bandwagon when we do get that WS win. Jeeze.
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"
by AndrewJStone on Jul 21, 2009 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm a lifelong Michigan resident, so I think I qualify as a non-front runner.
For the record, I am a Cubs and Tigers fan, a MSU Spartan fan, and a Red Wings and Blackhawks fan (dating back to the days of Tony Esposito, Bobby & Dennis Hull, Pit Martin and Stan Mikita- and when Black Hawks was two words)…
So IF I were a front running fan, why on earth would I have picked these teams?
In Michigan, we call front-running fans “Wal-Mart Wolverines”.
Quia tuum es fatum titulis discidiis, vexillinis limbis nationalis,
gloriam seriis mundialisque, nunc et in saecula saeculorum...
Amen.
Wasn't implying you were a front runner by any means...
… just saying that if people decide to jump on a hockey team’s bandwagon, its often the Red Wings, much like its the Yanks or Lakers or Cowboys. Generally, this isn’t a criticism… its easy to become a fan of a team with lots of history, and championships are part of that history. Each of the teams in question certainly meet that requirement.
I’m taking a bus from a bar in Chicago to see my Hawkeyes play at MSU this season… that’d get me to all but 3 of the eleven Big 10 stadiums, although i’ll have to redo Minnesota with the end of the dome era. Very excited for the trip up to your part of Big 10 country!
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"
by AndrewJStone on Jul 21, 2009 2:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Welcome! You'll have a good time in East Lansing and on the MSU campus.
Give yourself plenty of time to talk a walking tour of campus. Also, make sure you see the Spartan Marching Band march from their morning band practice field to the stadium about a half hour before kickoff. Lots of tailgating too.
No problem on the “front runner” thing. I understand. And I agree that lots of folks DO bandwagon leaping to the Yanks, Wolverines, etc…
Well, not so much for the Wolverines lately ;)
Quia tuum es fatum titulis discidiis, vexillinis limbis nationalis,
gloriam seriis mundialisque, nunc et in saecula saeculorum...
Amen.
Jack Nicholson left Lord of the Rings early
I hate him
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
I think it's a generational thing because LOTR bored the snot out of me too...
Then again, I never read the books…
But I swear, if Froddo stared mesmerized at the ring one more time, I was gonna throw something at the screen…
Talk about Ryan Braun’s big “googly” eyes, I mean really…
Quia tuum es fatum titulis discidiis, vexillinis limbis nationalis,
gloriam seriis mundialisque, nunc et in saecula saeculorum...
Amen.
My son in college loves LOTR. Me: "meh..."
Quia tuum es fatum titulis discidiis, vexillinis limbis nationalis,
gloriam seriis mundialisque, nunc et in saecula saeculorum...
Amen.
I'm 27...
…so I was probably in college when they first came out. I don’t get why they are popular.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
I gave it a chance, but when the trees started talking and walking, I said "Enough!"
That was the “Jump the Shark” moment for me.
Quia tuum es fatum titulis discidiis, vexillinis limbis nationalis,
gloriam seriis mundialisque, nunc et in saecula saeculorum...
Amen.
uh.
But the hobbits and goblins and wizards and elves didn’t push the envelope for you?
It’s faithful to the parent material.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2009 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Nah. I was OK with that. Just those damn trees.
Quia tuum es fatum titulis discidiis, vexillinis limbis nationalis,
gloriam seriis mundialisque, nunc et in saecula saeculorum...
Amen.
That was one of my favorite parts of the book
Don’t screw with the trees!
It never gets to be easy
by chitownhawkeye on Jul 21, 2009 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions
the books
are Shakespearean in language, Homeric in breadth and Biblical in scope.
The movies SHOULD entice people into reading the books.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2009 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions
and if you want to be blown away, read some of his other books on the matter
like The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
I've read unfinished tales
Simarillion reads too much like a greek-mythology text book for me to get through. Haven’t tried in a while, tho.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2009 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions
The Hobbit was required reading for me in High School...
… how was this not common?
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"
by AndrewJStone on Jul 21, 2009 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions
I would have rather read The Hobbit
than Jane Eyre. That book was brutal…
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
by Bill Potter on Jul 21, 2009 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions
The Hobbit
is a children’s book. Designed to be read by 12-13 year olds.
I wish it had been assigned reading.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2009 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Unfortunatly, i doubt it is considered childern's reading anymore.
Anything over 300 pages is hard to press upon most kids, unless its Harry Potter.
I think we read it in 8th grade or freshman year.
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"
by AndrewJStone on Jul 21, 2009 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions
the Hobbit is over 300 pages?
really?
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2009 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions
I always fly through
the book. Huh.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2009 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions
I was thinking it was right at 300, but i haven't touched it in years.
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"
by AndrewJStone on Jul 21, 2009 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions
My dissertation will be in the field of adolescent literacy, and we talk about this stuff all the time.
We don’t do a very good job of teaching literacy skills in any content or subject area, nevertheless convincing kids to read for enjoyment. Reading, in this day and age, is nothing more than a class kids take until about 4th grade, then is never taught again; instead we expect kids to be completely literate by age 10 or 12, which is silly. This is why I really embraced Harry Potter and other books—if it gets a kid to read, I’m all for it.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Not in Parochial School is wasn't...
Quia tuum es fatum titulis discidiis, vexillinis limbis nationalis,
gloriam seriis mundialisque, nunc et in saecula saeculorum...
Amen.
Very good point.
As an Iowa public school kid (pretty liberal education), i often forget a lot of what we covered wasn’t seen by my friends now that i live in Chicago, where most kids i hang out with were sent to private (often Catholic or Jesuit) schools or suburbs rich and conservative beyond my wildest imaginations.
Its a shame really. So many people see these LOTR and Harry Potter movies as only the movies and miss so much by ignoring the books.
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"
by AndrewJStone on Jul 21, 2009 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions
True. I enjoyed the HP books a great deal...
Quia tuum es fatum titulis discidiis, vexillinis limbis nationalis,
gloriam seriis mundialisque, nunc et in saecula saeculorum...
Amen.
How much of it is generational?
And how much of it is personality?
I personally love fantasy/sci-fi/history and love to read… so the books were my “thing”… my old roommate is not a huge reader and the books/movies bored the daylights out of her.
Harry Potter VI disappointed me . . . .
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Jul 21, 2009 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions
I'll hold off on the review, then . . .
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Jul 21, 2009 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions
You don't have to
I’ve heard mixed.
Purists who want everything to the letter were (and always are) disappointed by the movie.
But if you seperate the books and movies as different takes on the same kind of story, most people seemed to like it.
Most of my friends said it was funny.
Ditto...
(SPOILER BELOW SO DON’T READ IF YOU DON’T WANT TO KNOW.)
… the whole ending funeral and lack of climatic fight scene were WEAK.
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"
by AndrewJStone on Jul 21, 2009 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions
My wife is a huge fan of the books and she had a similar review.
She was very disappointed with this movie.
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted - George Best
I think it was the best possible movie that could be made...
…considering how much information is going to be jam-packed into 7 & 8. It’s the best HP movie behind Cuaron’s HP3.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
it's basically the exact same situation as Star Wars in the 80s,
a movie that also bored me but that people loved. it’s just the old monomyth getting rehashed and reframed. want fascinating? get joe campbell’s ‘hero with a thousand faces.’
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
by buckmulligan on Jul 21, 2009 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Star Wars
is specifically based on those. Lucas was an acolyte of Campbell.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2009 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Phillies Stadium
Al. Went to 3 games last season while in Philly on business. Fans repeatedly rode their own players throughout the game. They were on Utley and Werth constantly and just hated Burrell. They booed the team off the field in mid-September after a loss to the Marlins. No justice in baseball that these fans get a World Championship.
As for the park, do yourself a favor and wait in the line at Tony Luc’s. The Cheesesteak is unbelievable.
by Cubsfanincolumbus on Jul 21, 2009 8:50 AM CDT reply actions
I'll have to try that...
… and maybe get there earlier. I was really surprised how long the lines were.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Unless you get
to Ashburn Alley early, you’re gong to wait a long time. People have waited 2-3 innings in those lines. Tony Luke’s is a great choice.
Parking is a mess depending on what lot you parked in. I normally park in the Wachovia Center lot for Phillies games because it gets you to I-95 faster but that won’t be good tonight because Green Day is at the Wachovia Center. Your best bet might be parking at the Holliday Inn down the street. You can get out of that lot quickly
Can you park there without being a hotel guest?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
You can
It was $12 the last time I parked there
Thanks.
I’ll check it out. That’s the same price as the main lots.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I recommend this highly...having done it for basketball in March.
Visit bloggingthebracket.com, SBNation's bracketology/hoops rambling site!
by Chris Dobbertean on Jul 21, 2009 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions
Where did the Cubs bats go? I was optimistic that might carry over from the Nats series....
….I mean Ted is entitled to a bad night every now and then but the offense just disappeared again.
Runners on base almost every inning early on and they didn’t produce at all…..again. It’s not like they were facing the 2008 version of Cole Hammles last night
Not last night. That guy was a slug. He should have been lit up early and often, but the
Cubs bats were silent like they have been most of the season. This is just a poor-hitting baseball team. Inconsistent at best.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Jul 21, 2009 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Got blasted last night for saying this:
“Aaron Heilman can be useful in long relief in a blowout.” Trust me, as President of his Suck it Fanclub, I don’t ever want to see him pitch for the Cubs, but he may be salvageable in that role. Remember he did a decent job in ST as a starter? That could be his role and the Cubs may get something in return for him from someone. In the meantime, after the Cubs score 32 runs in the top of the second tonight, and once Harden throws 100 pitches after the bottom of the 5th, make him throw the rest of the way.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
If he has to pitch
I hope its in blowouts like that… or at least that Lou stops using him when there are runners on base.
Amen
Like I said above: bq. Trust me, as President of his Suck it Fanclub, I don’t ever want to see him pitch for the Cubs, but he may be salvageable in that role. Remember he did a decent job in ST as a starter?
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
On a bright note
just saw this article
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gSm8d4EGfY6C4f0JJ290CiJLifsQD99II0GG0
Notes: Cubs RHP Ryan Dempster reported no discomfort after he threw 60 pitches in the bullpen before the game. Dempster has been on the DL since July 7 with a broken toe. Dempster, 5-5 with a 4.09 ERA in 17 starts for the Cubs this season, was injured in a freak accident and is scheduled to have an X-ray Thursday. Manager Lou Piniella says Dempster will pitch in a simulated game before working his way back into the rotation.
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 21, 2009 9:21 AM CDT reply actions
he's rehabbing in arizona, but
hasn’t swung a bat yet.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2009 3:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Depending on which Harden pitches
We can still win the series.
I’m not too upset over last nights game. We lost to a good team and it wasn’t by 1-run or anything close like that.
Plus, I didn’t have to watch 4 hours of ESPN guys pretending to know about the Cubs all night :)
I’ll be at Wednesday game and I’ve seen Zambrano hit 5 HR’s in person and considering I live in NY that’s big, Plus I am taking my 8-game personal winning streak. I have a good feeling for the noon game!
Let’s just hope this rain ends by tonight or else there might be a double header tomorrow!
On a lighter note
I am working from home this morning, and I have WGN on at the moment. John Williams played a simulation of what it would sound like had Ron Santo been the commentator on the Apollo 11 landing instead of Cronkite. Made me laugh to tears.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Jul 21, 2009 9:24 AM CDT reply actions
Now THAT I'd like to hear...
Is it online anywhere?
Quia tuum es fatum titulis discidiis, vexillinis limbis nationalis,
gloriam seriis mundialisque, nunc et in saecula saeculorum...
Amen.
Check the website later...
I bet they podcast it.
Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Jul 21, 2009 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions
Rain
I should have put this in a separate but it’s really nasty here today in CT.
I hope the rain passes through by the evening down in Philly. With a noon game tmrw I guess there could be a double header if need be?
It'd have to be.
The Cubs are off Thursday, but the Phillies aren’t.
Rain is almost out of the area now and it looks clear after that. Let’s hope it stays that way.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Bad pitching
The Phillies scored 10 runs on 9 hits and 2 walks. Had Ted Lilly been able to handle the Phillies lineup, this could have been a very different ballgame.
Soriano should be taken out of games any time the team falls behind by 3 or more runs in the early innings and when they are behind by 2 or more runs in the middle innings. Argue, if you will, whether any of this makes sense when behind in later innings. But, when they have anybody sitting on that bench who can hit and play LF, then Soriano should get lifted. The Cubs don’t need his lazy-looking defense when the team is faced with having to come from behind.
The middle of the Cub lineup, 3-5, drew 1 walk.
Taking Soriano out when behind?
Pretty tough sell on this. He just hit a game winning three run home run when behind by two.
Don't keep Soriano in for that reason
Let an adequate fielder take over when the team has to catchup and there are, realistically, enough innings left to catchup. You’re assuming that whoever replaces Soriano won’t hit. I’m assuming the starting pitcher is going to stay in the game about an inning longer than he should when he’s giving up runs early in the game and before his pitch-count gets high. While waiting to see if the starting pitcher settles-down, getting somebody up in the bullpen, and relief pitching sooner than you ever want to see it, there are balls flying in the outfield and Soriano can’t catch them as reliably as most outfielders. Granted Soriano can throw and occasionally a starting pitcher settles-down on his own.
by AboutTheCubs on Jul 21, 2009 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions
Wow, you guys are going crazy over one game
Thank God we aren’t like the Yankees losing to the Red Sox 8-0. I can’t imagine what it would be like in here if we had lost 8 games to the Brewers or Cards.
Adding.....
We didn’t even lose any ground, grow a pair and relax people.
by IllinoisCubs on Jul 21, 2009 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions
grow a pair?
Could you be any more misogynistic?
by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on Jul 21, 2009 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah
I was serious.
It’s called a joke!
by IllinoisCubs on Jul 21, 2009 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions
Just saying........
for a few of here this morning, just not possible. :)
(Trying to lighten the mood just a bit)
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 21, 2009 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions
What really happened
The Cubs blew a chance to pickup a game on the Cardinals.
by AboutTheCubs on Jul 21, 2009 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions
The Cards lost 3-2 to a .500 ballclub
Why isn’t it that the Cardinals blew a chance to make more distance between them and the Cubs?
by IllinoisCubs on Jul 21, 2009 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions
Is it okay to use blew?
Seems awful misogynistic to me
by IllinoisCubs on Jul 21, 2009 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions
How is blew misogynistic?
Gay men blow too. Women can’t grow a pair. Get it right.
by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on Jul 21, 2009 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions
-1
"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run for Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray
You answered the question
It is because the Cardinals are the ones in 1st place; not the Cubs. The Cardinals got away with losing to a below .500 ballclub without losing any ground. See.
by AboutTheCubs on Jul 21, 2009 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions
Unecessary
Compared to every other loss this year, this board has been pretty quiet.
Fellow Fans..
I agree the team played like crap last night, but please errone stop pointing fingers. Truth is the whole team didn’t show up last night, with that being said we’re off to a 4-1 record to start the second half and with St Louis and the Brewers losing last night, this game never happened.
We Got This!
we were NEVER HERE.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2009 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions
astros won.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
by buckmulligan on Jul 21, 2009 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Perspective
This is how I look at last night’s game and the Nats series:
Cubs did exactly what they needed to do against the Nats. They hit well with Risp for three of the four games, and found a way to win the other. The wins are needed, the bigger positive was the possibility the offense was coming to life. I know it was against less than competitive pitching, but the swings were looking better and hitters more relaxed at the plate. We’ll see if it carries over, obviously did not last night.
The game last night was not good. It looks a lot worse due to the Cubs underperforming to this point. Truth of the matter is they have run into a very hot team. The Phils are a buzzsaw right now. Hopefully, some good pitching can slow them down.
I think just as the wins against the Nats need to be taken in perspective, this loss should as well, too. Let’s look at the positives and negs of each, but also how it fits in the bigger pitcher. Phils are talented, and Cubs are unfortunate to have caught them right now.
We are well within range of the division and have played better recently, nothing is wrapped up or out of range. I enjoy the games more by looking at it this way, rather than living and dying with every win or loss.
Really looking forward to the next two games. Got our work cut out for us against these guys at this time. The opportunity is big.
Boy oh boy oh boy
I dunno...
…but if E doesn’t get back with Sloan I’m gonna be pissed.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
lol..
she’s playing mind games with him man. E is gonna hit that again before this season is over.
We Got This!
by cubbiebear316 on Jul 21, 2009 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions
Sloan is so hot.
She puts EA to shame. Can that be our new rally cry (pics of Sloan)?
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
Sloan... Sloan darling...
do you have a kiss for daddy?
So THAT’s how it is in that family…
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2009 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions
Sloan is hot as hell.
But I gotta admit, I was impressed when E deleted that text.
by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on Jul 21, 2009 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions
Just like the crew said
She was testing E, and he failed miserably. The best thing to do there was to play it cool until Sloan’s concerns were eased.
"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." -Sir Winston Churchill
"We want to create havoc and chaos under an umbrella of discipline, if that makes sense." - Rod Marinelli 7/16/09
Nope
She didn’t fall for his advances cause E was acting erratically, and like a love-struck kid.
"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." -Sir Winston Churchill
"We want to create havoc and chaos under an umbrella of discipline, if that makes sense." - Rod Marinelli 7/16/09
E was acting fine, told her he wanted her back.
And she declined. That’s on her. Peace bitch!
by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on Jul 21, 2009 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions
Wrong move
He’s the one that messed up their relationship the first time around. What does that tell the audience? It means she holds all the cards, and must be convinced he’s changed. Yeah, he was acting fine for an adolescent.
"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." -Sir Winston Churchill
"We want to create havoc and chaos under an umbrella of discipline, if that makes sense." - Rod Marinelli 7/16/09
You know what'll piss me off?
If Turtle doesn’t propose to Jamie Lynn. They’re perfect for each other, but Turtle is still too immature to pursue a commitment.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
what will piss me off..
is if thew writers dont find a way to bring Billy Walsh back!
We Got This!
by cubbiebear316 on Jul 21, 2009 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions
Good actor. Character was such a douche though.
And besides, Medellin was horrible.
by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on Jul 21, 2009 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions
Dude was hilarious..
Ari is the biggest douchewad in the show, still my fav character. Medellin!!!
We Got This!
by cubbiebear316 on Jul 21, 2009 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions
Ari and Drama make the show.
"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." -Sir Winston Churchill
"We want to create havoc and chaos under an umbrella of discipline, if that makes sense." - Rod Marinelli 7/16/09
agreed.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
by buckmulligan on Jul 21, 2009 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Agree on Ari
Couldn’t disagree more on Drama. He annoys the living $h*t outta me. The less Drama, the better the show.
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." ~Alvin Dark
by DamonBerryhillsMitt on Jul 21, 2009 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions
His shtick was funny for a couple of seasons...
… but its sort of wearing now. At least E has evolved to a more independent business man, looking to play the field. At least Turtle’s story line has evolved with a steady girlfriend. Drama just sits doing the same thing. A show with such an irrelevant plot, where everything is character driven, has to do better.
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"
by AndrewJStone on Jul 21, 2009 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions
jeezus ....
you’d think there was a bunch of metrosexuals in here talking about what a great show Entourage is … oh wait, there is.
Piven sucks.
Evil will always triumph, because good is dumb.
Entourage has ceased to be interesting...
… and for that, we are worse off.
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"
by AndrewJStone on Jul 21, 2009 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions
☻
But they’re just ever so perfect for each other! ♀♂
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
I'm gonna look at the good news.
Sori had 3 hits, albeit 2 bloop singles but a hits a hit.
We’re 4-1 on the road trip,
Ted Lilly did NOT kill anyone on the Phillies.
Oh, and Lou? Take careful note of what Charlie Manuel did with his pitchers last night. That’s how you manage a bullpen in a blowout! Instead of playing it like a spring training game, pitching a bunch of relievers for an inning or maybe two at a time, Manuel put Chad Durbin in the game in the seventh inning and let him finish; that resulted in Durbin’s third major league save, since the save rule allows you to post a save if you throw three innings with any lead.
Didn’t Lou have the Shark do this, essentially, the day before yesterday?
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
but he pitched three innings, didn't he?
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2009 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions
I know that
I’m simply suggesting that Lou did have a reliever go several innings. That’s all.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2009 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions
I still think Al's point is valid
unless Shark was gassed, theres no reason to pull him and go to another reliever in that spot.
But, Lou’s ’pen decisions never make a whole of sense to me.
it was
an opportunity to get Stevens some work. eh.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2009 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions
Like hiring Aaron Heilman?
I’ve heard he blows chunks.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
Lou
didn’t hire Aaron Heilman. Jim Hendry did.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2009 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions
Hahaha
I hope Heilman took some of that money he made and bought stock in Tums.
Lord knows he’s caused me to use a few dozen.
If he wants to balance his karma
he should at least pass those Tums around Cubs fans…
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
Or go down to Arizona and work with a pitching coach before cashing his Cubs checks
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
Keep it in perspective
I agree, but the outfield defense is alarming. So is the fact that the Cubs seem to play their worst baseball against the best teams.
"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." -Sir Winston Churchill
"We want to create havoc and chaos under an umbrella of discipline, if that makes sense." - Rod Marinelli 7/16/09
Well the Phillies just own the Cubs
But I think what we are seeing is more proof that this is a .500 team. We are better than the weak teams, but not quite up to par with the elite. Right in the middle.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
Actually
The entire NL east minus the Nats own the Cubs.
"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." -Sir Winston Churchill
"We want to create havoc and chaos under an umbrella of discipline, if that makes sense." - Rod Marinelli 7/16/09
Have we played the NL east much yet?
I know we played the Marlins & the Nats… but isn’t that all?
I mean, sure Philly owned us last night… but that doesn’t mean the series has to go that way.
Not sure about this year
The Braves have one two series against us this year. Not sure about the rest though. Historically, or at least recently they’ve had a lot of trouble against the East.
"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." -Sir Winston Churchill
"We want to create havoc and chaos under an umbrella of discipline, if that makes sense." - Rod Marinelli 7/16/09
We get the Mets...
back to back weekends starting August 28, first at Wrigley. Second series with the Fish is next weekend in suburban Miami.
Visit bloggingthebracket.com, SBNation's bracketology/hoops rambling site!
by Chris Dobbertean on Jul 21, 2009 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Now that I think about it
You are correct. The Marlins thing is obvious, same with Phillies. I think we end up about even with the Braves most of the time. The Mets obviously beat us when it counts.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
Even after last night
Our OF defense bothers me less than our IF.
Actually, our defense in general doesn’t inspire much confidence.
Yep, it pretty much nullifies their good pitching.
"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." -Sir Winston Churchill
"We want to create havoc and chaos under an umbrella of discipline, if that makes sense." - Rod Marinelli 7/16/09
Interesting ESPN Insider article about the Cubs drafting failure
and how it might be costing us a chance at Roy Halladay. Here.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
Good article
but it’s a paid service through the Insider. This is why Hendry needs to be fired. Big contracts to “fringy” players like Shark. Colvin will go down as another C. Patterson or F. Pie.
"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." -Sir Winston Churchill
"We want to create havoc and chaos under an umbrella of discipline, if that makes sense." - Rod Marinelli 7/16/09
It's an Insider article.
And I quit reading after this opening gem:
At first glance, the Chicago Cubs should be an obvious pursuer of Roy Halladay.
Uhh, err, because starting pitching is our big problem?
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
First if you have a legit chance at getting a pitcher of Halladay's ability
You don’t say no.
Second, having another starting pitcher wouldn’t hurt. Randy Wells isn’t going to be what he was in the first half, Rich Harden is a constant question mark. Dempster has been hurt and also not good at times. Whats wrong with wanting Halladay?
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
I think it's ridiculous water cooler talk.
We have SUCK written all over position players, how bout we improve those areas? Pitching isn’t gonna win crap when our RS is 13th in the NL. Pitchers don’t help you with that.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Offense is improving a bit.
The Cubs were 15th in the NL in runs a few days ago. Now they’re 13th. There are four other teams the Cubs could pass in runs within the next couple weeks if they can get the bats going.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
But the Nats helped us get to 13th
As they probably help other teams as well.
Aqui viene el Toro Venezolano, Carlos Zambrano, a batear...el lanzamiento...A LO PROFUNDOOO...NOO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NOO...DIGALE QUE NO A ESA PELOTA!! GANAN LOS CACHORROS DE CHICAGO!!
by Azul Cachorro on Jul 21, 2009 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions
Halladay would be awesome
but he’d not improve our defense or offense. And how much he’d cost would not allow us to do that, either.
These lyrics cheer up my day
Mister blue sky please tell us why
You had to hide away for so long
Where did we go wrong?
Hey you with the pretty face
Welcome to the human race
A celebration, mister blue sky’s up there waitin’
And today is the day we’ve waited for
Hey there mister blue
We’re so pleased to be with you
Look around see what you do
Ev’rybody smiles at you
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
Hello. How are you?
Have you been alright, through all those lonely lonely lonely lonely lonely nights
That’s what I’d say. I’d tell you everything
If you’d pick up that telephone yeah yeah yeah
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
classic
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Jul 21, 2009 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions
Cubs are still a 79-83 win team in my view
This team pissed away very good starting pitching the 1st half. Now that pitching is showing signs of wear and fatigue. Dempster on the DL, Lilly hobbled, Wells no longer a mystery to the NL, Harden frail as ever…
I look for St. Louis to start to pull away with this division. Especially if they land Halladay or Washburn.
$136 million payroll for a .500 style ballclub. Good work Jim.
Dude, I've been waiting for you all morning
That “Entourage” discussion was going nowhere.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
I'm not willing to say you're right ...
on Harden or (especially) Wells.
I’m more worried that our offense continues to struggle. Beating up on the Nationals doesn’t mean much.
But if we can win one of the next two games, we’ll have a 5-2 trip.
LOL Washburn? Really? Dear god, i hope seattle trades washburn to the Cards cause he SUCKS.
and Hallday to the Cards …. i don’t believe they will give up the prospects.
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Jul 21, 2009 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions
Washburn has been excellent this season in Seattle
Cubs have been done for weeks. If not for a GM in place who is trying to save his job with a new owner coming on board then a firesale would have commenced by now.
Cubs will finish 79-83 wins and in 3rd or 4th place. My only hope is that Ricketts is in place by the end of September and that he has the balls to fire Hendry right out of the box. Then begin a full-scale rebuilding program.
$136 million payroll for a .500 style ballclub. Good work Jim.
I was surprised when I looked at Washburn's numbers
If he was able to maintain those, then yes, St. Louis would be aided. But the odds are that Washburn will regress to the mean, so if St. Louis picked him up, it might benefit the Cubs.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
by Bill Potter on Jul 21, 2009 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions
NL is easier to pitch in versus the AL
Washburn would be a big boost to any NL team that acquires him. Sounds like the Yankees, Phillies and Cardinals have all inquired about his availability.
$136 million payroll for a .500 style ballclub. Good work Jim.
i forgot to tell you that he makes 9 mil this year.
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Jul 21, 2009 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions
It theoretically is.
But it doesn’t guarantee that Washburn will dominate in St. Louis. Since he’s been so good for most of this season, the odds are that the age of 35 he won’t have his best season ever. Odds are he will begin to regress at some point.
Seattle would be wise to trade him now while his value is high and let someone else deal with his regression in the last two-plus months of the season.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
by Bill Potter on Jul 21, 2009 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions
lol you make me laugh
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Jul 21, 2009 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions
St. Louis should pick up Julian Tavarez
That’d be awesome.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
Harden frail as ever…
o.0
You were the biggest Harden booster on this board. Your goalposts are on TEFLON, they don’t stick to anything.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2009 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions
they'll win more than 79, but i agree that the cards
are going to be tough to catch. their pitching is outstanding. pineiro has become a shutdown 8 inning guy every start. he’s only given up 3 homeruns all year (i think), and franklin is lights out. they’re getting career years out of guys that usually suck. thank god larussa and duncan keep playing ankiel and duncan, but if derosa starts to hit, the cards will win in bunches.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
by buckmulligan on Jul 21, 2009 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions
I really would like to know what makes you think the Cards will pull
away in this division. They haven’t done it all year and they are showing no signs of doing it now. They are non-existent from the left side of the plate and their pitching is suspect at best. What they have is the best player in baseball and eventually, he won’t get any thing to hit. Their management has said all along that they cannot add a big-named arm to the payroll. If you can show me a team with that formula pulling away in this division, you have some serious powers of pursuasion.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Jul 21, 2009 1:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Phillies are NOT the best team
Look at their pitching stats. They are winning right now because they can club the ball. However, once the stretch/playoffs come, pitching wins.
Lilly was destined to lose last night. Look at the Phillies record against lefties. Scary! Add to the mix that TRL is a fly ball pitcher in a bandbox. This game had blowout written all over it even before the Cubs failed to show up for the game.
Relax…lots of baseball left, very good starting rotation, currently one of the best relief corps in the league (except for Heilman). This team will get it together, and they are in the right division this year.
BTW…first post for me. Love reading the discussions here!
by saygerman on Jul 21, 2009 11:52 AM CDT reply actions 10 recs
Good first post.
Rec’d. I’m sick of everyone bowing down to the Phillies. I guarantee they don’t repeat.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
it's hard not to bow down when the first 6 players in their lineup have been all-stars
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Jul 21, 2009 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Cubs have had 6 All-Stars too.
Dome, Lee, Ramirez, Soriano, Bradley, Soto.
When you’re hot (like Philly) you are going to look a lot better than what you are. When you are bad, you are going to look worse than what you are.
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark
Well
positive thinking is great and all, and guaranteeing that the Phils won’t repeat is fine, but I’d rather have their team than what the Cubs have right now. They managed just fine in winning the WS without having great pitching last year, and it’s just about the same this year. Actually, if Hamels gets it together they’ll have their ace back for the stretch run and playoffs. I fear their lineup.
"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." -Sir Winston Churchill
"We want to create havoc and chaos under an umbrella of discipline, if that makes sense." - Rod Marinelli 7/16/09
saygerman,
Welcome to the lunacy. Great first post. Rec’d.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
+1
And welcome to BCB. :D
Aqui viene el Toro Venezolano, Carlos Zambrano, a batear...el lanzamiento...A LO PROFUNDOOO...NOO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NOO...DIGALE QUE NO A ESA PELOTA!! GANAN LOS CACHORROS DE CHICAGO!!
by Azul Cachorro on Jul 21, 2009 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions
One of the better debut posts I've read - REC'd.
C’mon, let’s change our karma tonight by turning saygerman’s first post green.
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.
makes me wonder what my first post was like
On second thought, maybe I don’t want to know…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
There was a link going around Twitter a week or three ago...
…that would show you your first tweet. I’d be a little dubious of my first BCB post, too.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
Well put!
Welcome!
Visit bloggingthebracket.com, SBNation's bracketology/hoops rambling site!
by Chris Dobbertean on Jul 21, 2009 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Racism, Lord of the Rings and a whole lotta hand-wringing.
This is quite a thread.
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.
It's been interesting...
but it’s no 07/20/2009 Projected Lineup!
Visit bloggingthebracket.com, SBNation's bracketology/hoops rambling site!
by Chris Dobbertean on Jul 21, 2009 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Eric Hanna
would like a word.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2009 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm in a
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR ME LATELY MOOD TODAY
:-)
Visit bloggingthebracket.com, SBNation's bracketology/hoops rambling site!
by Chris Dobbertean on Jul 21, 2009 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions
You left out
Gender Confusion, Transsexual Discrimination, Who can grow a sack and who can’t…it is an intresting thread to say the least.
"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb
by TheRiot Police on Jul 21, 2009 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions
That's what I said last night.
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.
But... Cubs starting lineup doesn't scare the Phillies
"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)
.
Well
this was a fun way to kill most of the day… should actually be productive though. Y’all try not to have too much without me!
Too much what?
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.
♫bow chikka wow wow♪
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2009 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions
In Bob Brenly voice, "Too much gooooood stuff."
Hope the rest of your day goes well!
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.
i noticed
that Reed Johnson absolutely KILLS Philly pitching why the heck isnt he playing more in this series?
Nutdrinkingamp12
Live Long and Prosper
by nutdrinkingamp12 on Jul 21, 2009 2:38 PM CDT reply actions
Lineup vs. Blanton: rejo, riot, lee, rami, fuky (rf), sori, font, hill, harden.
Via Twitter.
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"
you should make a FanPost of this.
you’d be hailed for your accuracy.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
Actually, i'd probably be mocked for the inaccuracy of twitter...
… then chastised for including the vs. Blanton part for some strange reason.
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"
by AndrewJStone on Jul 21, 2009 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions
AGGGHHHH!
MILTON IS AT 74 GAMES. I’m convinced he won’t play the rest of the year, and I will cry tears of joy.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Lou sat him yesterday and today
to work on his swing. He’s in the lineup for tomorrow. I’ll bet you a dollar.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2009 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions
WTF
The Cubs pay this guy top dollar and he can’t play in a series where the team obviously needs him!? No matter what’s wrong with his swing he should be playing, especially in a hitter’s park.
"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." -Sir Winston Churchill
"We want to create havoc and chaos under an umbrella of discipline, if that makes sense." - Rod Marinelli 7/16/09
Only two lefties?
Rediculous.
"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." -Sir Winston Churchill
"We want to create havoc and chaos under an umbrella of discipline, if that makes sense." - Rod Marinelli 7/16/09
I wasn't too surprised
that they lost last ngiht. Their bats seem to take a vacation after a game where they score bunches of runs. Hopefully they get back to scoring more runs tonight than the Phillies.
Phillies do have Blanton and Moyer going in the next two games...
that has to enspire some confidence, doesn’t it?
You’re killin’ me Smalls!
Moyer is 3-0 in 6 career starts against the Cubs...
1-0 in two starts last year, but with an ERA over 5.
Blanton beat the Cubs in his only start against them last year…and for his career.
Visit bloggingthebracket.com, SBNation's bracketology/hoops rambling site!
by Chris Dobbertean on Jul 21, 2009 3:50 PM CDT up reply actions
I believe
the Cubs beat the Phils in Blanton’s start against them last year…It was the Friday daygame after ARAM unbelievable GS on Thursday night. He started opposite Harden that night as well…
Here is the Boxscore
"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb
by TheRiot Police on Jul 21, 2009 5:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Jake Fox
I realize that I’ve already admitted to being 65 years old on this site, but I just have to ask this. Does anybody else remember a Chicago Whie Sox (Hope that didn’t hurt too much) HOF second baseman named Jacob Nelson Fox? Just wondering. Hope the current one is as successful and well loved as the original.
My previous post.
Sorry, I left the T out of White Sox, but I’m sure you knew what I meant. This blog needs a spell-check.
actually, I thought you left out an "N"... ;-)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recommended FanShots
Recent FanShots
Cubs By The Numbers
Cubs By The Numbers is a history of the ballclub by uniform number, but the biographies help trace the history of our beloved team in a new way. For everyone who's a Cubs fan, anyone who ever wore the uniform is like family. Cubs By The Numbers reintroduces readers to some of their long-lost ancestors, even ones they think they already know.
Click here to order your copy, available now!
Recent Stories in Ticket Exchanges
Baseball Nation Recent Stories
In Association With
Big League Stew - MLB - Yahoo! Sports
- New York Yankees fragrance strikes nostrils this month
- Braves ditch insensitive patch on new throwbacks
- Tim Lincecum slims down with swim routine, loses appetite for McDonald’s
- Create-a-Caption: Kevin Youkilis shows up to the Super Bowl, gets ComicCon instead
- Baltimore flips Jeremy Guthrie to Colorado for Jason Hammel and Matt Lindstrom
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
