Another Winning Streak Starts Today: Cubs vs. Astros Preview, Wednesday 7/29, 1:20 CT
by Al Yellon on Jul 29, 2009 11:30 AM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Game Threads
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PrintThe Astros will face the Cubs this afternoon with a depleted pitching staff. Ex-Cub LaTroy Hawkins, who is already in trouble with MLB for his comments made about the umpiring crew after Monday night's game, will go on the disabled list today with shingles. Much as I don't like Hawkins, I wouldn't wish shingles on him -- it can be extremely painful.
Doug Brocail, who is 42 years old and who had, among others, as teammates his rookie year in San Diego in 1992 Mike Maddux, Tony Gwynn Sr. and Larry Andersen (who is 56 years old), will be recalled to take Hawkins' roster spot. The Astros will also be without Wesley Wright (who likely wouldn't have pitched anyway today after throwing 51 pitches last night), because he was "rushed to the hospital following Tuesday’s win because he was experiencing discomfort in the area around his appendix."
Bruce Miles blogs about the Cubs' continued interest in Pittsburgh's John Grabow and Washington's Joe Beimel as Lou continues to overwork his bullpen for no particular reason:
Worse yet, Lou had to use lefty Sean Marshall for a third straight game, making Marshall doubtful for Wednesday.
A number of us (yes, I hear you, Jessica) have been shouting real loud at Lou about this, but let's try it again: Hey, Lou! Sean Marshall is a starting pitcher. If you have to use him early in a game, why not use him the way Cecil Cooper used Wright last night -- for multiple innings? Marshall can get both LHB and RHB out.
The Cubs have more motivation to keep Houston from scoring today: shut them out and it costs Astros fans money. How? The Astros are discounting tickets for their next home series based on how many runs they score in Chicago:
For every run that the team scores during its July 27 to 30 series on the road against the Chicago Cubs, the team will drop the price on its field box tickets by $1 for the next home stand against the San Francisco Giants. The Giants play at Minute Maid Park Aug. 3 to 5.
So far Astros fans can save $12 per field box ticket. Let's keep it that way. Onward to this afternoon's matchup. (Hat tip to Big League Stew for the link.)
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Randy Wells threw the first six innings vs. the Astros on May 16 at Wrigley Field, giving up no runs but winding up with a no-decision after Kevin Gregg blew the lead -- Sean Marshall got the win when the Cubs came back in the last of the ninth. Wells gave up only four hits in that game, his only career appearance vs. Houston, all singles.
Mike Hampton might have been a Cub had Andy MacPhail been willing to spend as much as the Rockies did when they signed him in 2001. Good thing he didn't -- Hampton's been pretty mediocre since signing that eight-year deal (save one decent year with Atlanta in 2003), which finally expired at the end of last year. The Cubs jumped all over him in the first inning on April 6 in Houston and he's gotten pounded in his last three starts (7.80 ERA). Derrek Lee is only 7-for-31 (.229) vs. Hampton, but three of those hits are homers.
The Cubs are on WGN again today, and also on FSN Houston. For other games today see the MLB.com Mediacenter.
Baseball-reference.com game preview
Please visit our SB Nation Astros site The Crawfish Boxes.
Overflow comment threads will post today at 2:15 pm, 3:15 pm and 4 pm CDT.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
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Caption
“Another example of José Vlaverde’s ‘quiet dignity.’”
—Kudos to the phrase’s author. I forget your name.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
Cubs send down Stevens
and call up RHP Atkins
Son of Sam(antha) will be back. Lou needed a fresh arm to abuse for a few days
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
Totally agree.
Samardzija looks ridiculously hittable.
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.
lou apparently
believe that b/c 1 1/2 pitches are enough to get his lineup out they should be enough for someone else’s.
fastballs down the middle tend to look like that
Shark has a LONG way to go before he can be a major league pitcher
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
Valverde
Was no worse than Soriano the night before. I think they both look like idiots when they act that way, but its hard to get worked up about it.
If you're going to say they both look idiotic
Then it’s fair to compare their motivations for doing so:
Soriano: Grand slam to win the game in extras
Valverde: Slamming the door shut on a 5-run victory in the 9th.
I’m not going to get into a huge debate on this, but one expects the intensity (and idiocy) of a celebration to match the circumstances. For comparison’s sake, think of it in terms of office work: it’s as if Sori was celebrating making a huge sale, and the next day, Valverde was just as demonstrative while celebrating making coffee.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
by Clutch16 on Jul 29, 2009 11:53 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
good analogy
"Fasten your seatbelts"-Pat Hughes
by katie casey on Jul 29, 2009 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Agreed.
But that’s how Valverde rolls – I try not to let it bother me. He is a pretty damn good pitcher.
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 find it more curious than bothersome
Makes me wonder what else he gets excited about.
“I. Mopped. The. Kitchen. FLOOR! HELL YES!”
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
by Clutch16 on Jul 29, 2009 12:14 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Checkbook - BALANCED! W00t!!!
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.
So his twitter would be
JUST POOPED! ARIGATO!
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 29, 2009 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions
And now I'm going to tie my LEFT shoe! RRRAAAAAOOOOWW!
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted - George Best
What if he had no arms?
Making a pot of coffee would indeed be quite a triumph.
by stuartscottslefteye on Jul 29, 2009 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions
What would he raise in celebration as he stormed through the office?
You know what? I don’t wanna know the answer to that.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
by Clutch16 on Jul 29, 2009 12:53 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Nothing that could be raised
would be noticed, given the shadow that belly of his would cast
by stuartscottslefteye on Jul 29, 2009 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Perhaps.
But as a Cubs fan, I don’t exactly feel like I have the liberty to talk about players lacking class in their celebrations. Its a little like the pot calling the kettle black.
by Orval Overall on Jul 29, 2009 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Just fast-forwarded through the condensed game to see Valverde's antics.
He definitely mocked Soriano. Hilarious.
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.
Let's just win and get back in first waiting tonight's outcome.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
Pirates had the same promo
The Pirates were going to give a $1 discount for every run they scored against the Diamondbacks last Saturday and Sunday for the upcoming games against the Washington Nationals.
The Pirates were shutout in both games.
This is why I feel sorry for Pirate fans.
They just can’t catch a break.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Jul 29, 2009 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions
Again, it's hard to believe
a franchise that dates all the way back to the beginning and has had players like Honus Wagner, Ralph Kiner, Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell and Barry Bonds (among others) has come to this.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 29, 2009 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions
especially in a city that has such a great fan base......
…but at this point, if your from Pitt, and you have the Steelers and Penguins why would you bother with a franchise that doesnt seems to care about much of anything? (except making money)
Exactly
That the Steelers and Penguins are the champions of their respective sports makes the Pirates’ woes even more glaring.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 29, 2009 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Not exactly
The Pirates promotion included the Friday, July 24th game against the DBacks and they scored 10 runs in the game, so the tickets are $10 off.
Incidentally, the Pirates just traded Freddy Sanchez and Ian Snell to the Mariners for a bunch of prospects.
Lineup from len and bob
Johnson-CF, Theriot-SS, Lee-1B, Ramirez-3B, Bradley-RF, Soriano-LF, Baker-2B, Hill-C, Wells-P
Tweeting about the Cubs most of the time from @jmkobus
or any other position
Lou’s stupidity just keeps on keeping on
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 29, 2009 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions
Well, Fox hasn't been hitting LHP
very well in the majors. But…
Randy Wells - You continue to astound me.
I see the rays of sunshine
are out in full force, 90 minutes before the first pitch. Oy vey …
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 29, 2009 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions
yeah, it is unfortunate you're around, but I'll deal with it
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 29, 2009 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions
Maybe you can get
a French general to come by, kiss you on the cheeks and drape a medal around your neck.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 29, 2009 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions
I'll give you credit
in your long history of absurd, and nonsensical comments, this one takes the cake
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 29, 2009 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions
in keeping with the geographical tendencies of this thread...
…does this mean NBF can eat it too?
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
A grudging +1
I laughed, but then felt guilty about being so childish.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
by Clutch16 on Jul 29, 2009 12:29 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Well, this makes no sense to me but I'm not the manager
A chance for Fox to start at catcher couldn’t have been more gift-wrapped on a silver platter. And yet Lou doesn’t do it. Oh well.
I would hope though, that for consistency’s sake, Lou does not say again “Look, we’ve got to get this kid’s bat in the lineup” or words to that effect.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
of course he will
and if we lose, and lose because a lack of offense, he’ll probably break out the
“look, what do we want me to do?”
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 29, 2009 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions
Let him say it
Maybe it’ll be a good idea if he’s the one that comes up with it. “He swings a good bat, doesn’t he? He did a fine job behind the plate the other night, too. Hmm…”
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
by Clutch16 on Jul 29, 2009 12:22 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
It's sad that the manager can't connect the dots there.
Oh well. One of these days – maybe by the time Soto comes back. After all, it was only a couple weeks before Ramirez’s return that the Cubs realized Fox wouldn’t kill them at third.
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 29, 2009 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions
There is no 'off' position on the Genius Switch
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
by Clutch16 on Jul 29, 2009 12:44 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Jack Wilson traded for Jeff Clement
Excellent trade for the Buccos and a shame we didn’t out-bid them on that.
Randy Wells - You continue to astound me.
Trade's bigger than that:
Wilson and Ian Snell for Jeff Clement,Ronny Cedeno, Aaron Pribanic, Brett Lorin, Nathan Adcock
Randy Wells - You continue to astound me.
Oh, no, Cedeno's back in the NL Central!
This will bite the Cubs in the ass … :)
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 29, 2009 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions
Assuming he got better
Which is a bad assumption.
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
Normally I'd agree with you...
… but there are forces bigger than Ronny Cedeño at play here. This is about a struggling ex-Cub turning around into a Cub-killer with a rival club. Cedeño has no control over it. When he steps in that batter’s box at Wrigley the bat will pull his hands through the zone; his glove will leap after tough bouncers up the middle, his shoes will guide his feet to wise baserunning decisions.
Pretty funny stuff
Hope you don’t really believe it. :)
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 29, 2009 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Cedeno: UNSTOPPABLE.
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 guarantee
he will play against us and turn some amazing DP. :D
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 29, 2009 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Interesting trade.
Pittsburgh already has Doumit behind the plate, so either him or Clement will find a new position.
Cedeno may not be any better than Brian Bixler, who is in Triple-A right now. He’s a temporary placeholder at SS.
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 29, 2009 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions
Who does Pitt have a 1B with LaRoche gone?
Because neither Doumit nor Clement are spectacular Cs.
Randy Wells - You continue to astound me.
Garrett Jones has been playing 1B
Since LaRoche was traded. He’s been on fire so you don’t really know who their starting 1B would be right now. Possibly Clement/Doumit. I like the trade for Pittsburgh. It gives them some potential boopers and flexibility
by IllinoisCubs on Jul 29, 2009 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions
Jones could easily shift to the outfield if a better option at 1B appeared.
Don’t know that Doumit or Clement qualify as ‘better option’ though.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
For sure
If you are the Pirates, might as well roll the dice and try all different kind of offensive and defensive positioning. It will be interesting to see how Clement/Jones/Doumit works out.
by IllinoisCubs on Jul 29, 2009 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Never mind
Clement is going to Triple-A
by IllinoisCubs on Jul 29, 2009 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions
Nice. It'll be fun to watch him here in Indianapolis.
and where he plays.
Indianapolis already has 2 catchers on the roster (and 2 OFs), so we’ll see how that works out.
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 29, 2009 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions
"Boopers?"
Betty’s relatives?
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
by Clutch16 on Jul 29, 2009 12:33 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Jones and Steve Pearce
Pearce is basically Fox-lite for comparisons sake.
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 29, 2009 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions
Not quite
Doumit is a very fragile player and C isn’t a very good position for him to play. Having another type C like Clement who can play elsewhere on the field is a plus for them.
They can carry Doumit, Clement and a third C who would catch 4 games a week while Doumit plays in the OF
by IllinoisCubs on Jul 29, 2009 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions
Doumit
already spent a significant time on the DL this year. Catching was not something for which he was suited.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 29, 2009 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions
Clement has looked pretty bad defensively as a catcher
so it will be interesting to see what the Pirates do with him, position wise.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Jul 29, 2009 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions
I could see Doumit in the OF
they tried that a couple years ago, too. Right now, their OF is quite fluid – only McCutcheon is entrenched in a spot.
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 29, 2009 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions
Cedeno!
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.
Should someone tell Bucs Dugout what they're getting?
I think they won’t be nearly as excited about the deal as the Mariners folks were about getting Ronny.
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 29, 2009 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, I remember those Mariners fans thinking...
…Ronny was going to be the next…well…Jack Wilson. Maybe they finally got what they wanted.
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.
Let's let it be a surprise
Everybody likes surprises, right?
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
by Clutch16 on Jul 29, 2009 12:06 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Sure.
They’ll love it the first time Ronny overslides a bag.
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 29, 2009 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions
I guess we should pass the Cedeno! indicator on to them.
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.
Definitely.
They’ll appreciate it.
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 29, 2009 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions
CED-ENO CED-ENO CED-ENO CED-ENO
wells4roty
by jesus christos on Jul 29, 2009 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Having a bad day, huh?
Chin up, champ – it’ll get better…
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
by Clutch16 on Jul 29, 2009 12:40 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
no
im just happy our good friends back in the NL
wells4roty
by jesus christos on Jul 29, 2009 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Didn't see the scoop
my bad.
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
What kinda promotion is that?
Have the Astros run that for every “return home” stand this year?
You’d think a major league club wouldn’t have to resort to such things to get fans into the park…
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
by Clutch16 on Jul 29, 2009 11:45 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Actually, I applaud MLB teams for their creativity this year.
The promotions many teams have run this year have kept attendance from falling too much for many teams.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Jul 29, 2009 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions
agreed. a creative way to cut prices is a good thing.
however, more runs will probably lead to more fan interest. maybe they should base it on the amount of runs the Ass-tros give up. They may need more promotional help if the pitchers are slumping.
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
attendance
Considering that 2008 set a MLB record for attendance and still 15 teams were under 70% capacity its about time they started doing things like this.
you can't put links
in the subject line.
Well, you can, but they won’t work. :D
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 29, 2009 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions
It sounds like desperation
There’s a whole discussion to be had here about the league being too big and about apathetic fanbases, but I’m not really feelin’ it, y’know?
Besides, I was more concerned if this was something they’d been running all year, or if it was a one-time thing because Houston was playing the Cubs.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
by Clutch16 on Jul 29, 2009 12:01 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
This is a really good idea
I just hope they don’t get anymore discounts :)
Big Pirate Trade
Wilson & Snell leaving Pitt for Seattle.
Buccos get Matt Clement, Ronny Cedeno, Aaron Pribanic, Brett Lorin and Nathan Adcock.
Ex-Cubs abound!
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
Link
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
Hee Hee!
Matt Clement retired earlier this year (and Ryan Franklin inherited his goatee.)
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Jul 29, 2009 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions
Oops
It’s Jeff not Matt… and faster more accurate info three comments north.
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
This was already covered above anyway.
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.
Your tweets
have supplied 100% of my Cubs knowledge re: Cubs related moves this morning. Thx.
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
Oh, no prob - glad someone is reading them!
I try to stay on top of breaking news.
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.
Caption
“Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! Now I get to go play with Legos! Yay!”
I don’t know why I thought of that Chris Farley moment from SNL.
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
OT: Looks like Vin Scully will retire after the 2010 season.
Hopefully, Vin will make the trip to Chicago next year and the Cubs will do something for him.
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
Who doesn't love Vin Scully?
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
I live in LA and find him boring...yawn.
I don’t dislike him, just very bland. When you grow up on the passionate calls of Jack Brickhouse, it is hard to settle for the quiet demeanor of Vin Scully.
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
Interesting
I don’t hear him everyday (don’t care about the Dodgers unless they’re playing the Cubs.)
But the guy seems like a consummate pro, and stand up fellow.
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
No argument. I just grew up with announcers who have more passion
I didn’t say he wasn’t a pro (pardon the double negative). I just find his style boring, like the Dodger fans.
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
I don't think he has it anymore
Very boring broadcast now.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
He can sing the stretch
Has he ever done it before at Wrigley?
I think he has.
I’m sure if he makes it to Wrigley, he’ll sing again and the Cubs will do something prior to the game, too.
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 29, 2009 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions
He'd be great.
Unlike that goofball Gary Meier calling us “Cubs Nation”. Yuk
"Fasten your seatbelts"-Pat Hughes
by katie casey on Jul 29, 2009 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions
Phils close to getting Lee
I’m not NEARLY as worried about Lee as I am Holliday. This would be good.
Halladay
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'm your huckleberry
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
I ♥ Huckabees
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.
♫If we took a halliday
Took some time to build a trade
Just one day of baseball
It would be, it would be so nice
Everybody spread the word
We’re gonna have a celebration
All across the world
In every nation
It’s time for the good times
Forget about the bad times, oh yeah
One day to come together
To release the pressure
We need a haliday♪
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 29, 2009 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions
♪ ♫ He might be our lucky star...cuz he'd make his pitch count...go so far... ♪ ♫
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.
Right, I'm thinking wrong one
Mind is working too fast
by IllinoisCubs on Jul 29, 2009 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Switch to decaf?
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
by Clutch16 on Jul 29, 2009 12:16 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
They are both bad news
Their ERAs are not that far apart. Facing Hamels and Lee in a 1st round matchup would be rough with a capital R.
by BeltwayCubsFan on Jul 29, 2009 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions
hey, that's the side of the plate
that Milton Bradley can hit from. The Cubs are in fine shape.
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 29, 2009 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Caption:
“5-run non save finish, woo-hoo!!”
…then he gets to his locker, calls his agent and realizes he has no incentive clause for “5 run saves” and he breaks into tears. “Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
I think Wells got into Geo's locker before that picture was taken.
Bring your A game today Randy!! We need 7 strong out of you today.
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
I was wondering if Lou might go to Marshall for a long stint via...
…hitting for Dempster when Wright looked on the brink of disaster. Too early to hit for the P there but I wouldn’t have complained had Lou taken a gamble there. Although I don’t recall if any RHBs were even available then?
Thanks for the Miles Blog link...
Did anyone else do a double take on the pictures on the sidebar? My first thought was that they were a before and after for Hairclub for Men…then I read below each photo.
Don't like to see Phils pursuing Cliff Lee
It is fair to say the Cubs best baseball is ahead of them this year but STL and PHI are making moves that go far beyond adding a setup guy. Facing Hamels and Lee in a 5 game playoff series – or Carpenter + wainright or…lincecum + cain would be real difficult. Our SP are good, don’t get me wrong, but they are not 3 hit shutout good. They are 6 innings, 1-2 ER good.
by BeltwayCubsFan on Jul 29, 2009 12:32 PM CDT reply actions
but the reality is...
we don’t have to do anything right now to have Z+Lilly+Harden as our three. Do you really want to give up 3-4 talented bodies for a 2-5 game post season rental? That is the decision you have to make. How can you be sure that Halliday or CLee will be incrementally that much better than the 3 guys you can put out there now? At least our guys have pitched in the post season before. To talk about a 1+ run difference and the hope of 1-2 innings more is conjecture. Nothing more.
We have bigger needs that I hope Hendry addresses. Tick-tock, Tick-tock.
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
The Phillies have reached agreement on a trade that would bring them left-hander Cliff Lee and outfielder Ben Francisco from the Indians for Class A right-hander Jason Knapp, Class AAA right-hander Carlos Carrasco, shortstop Jason Donald and catcher Lou Marson, according to major-league sources.
"Believe or leave."
Seems like a pretty decent haul, though I don't know anything about those players going to Cleveland.
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.
None of the names impress me except Jason Knapp
who has a 97-mph fastball and he’s only 18 years old.
He’s a righty, stands 6-5 on a 215-pound body. Pitching in A ball, he’s thrown 85 innings with 111 K and 12 hit batters.
Others in the deal:
Carlos Carrasco
22-year-old RH starter at AAA
6-9 5.18 1.360 114.2 IP 112 K 118 H
Jason Donald
24-year-old RH SS at AAA
.236 / .369 / .436 1 HR
Lou Marson
23-year-old RH C at AAA
.294 / .382 / 370 1 HR
"Believe or leave."
Interesting, thanks!
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.
A Phillie fan friend told me Jason Donald is supposed to be a stud SS
and Marson should be a good catcher. We’ll see.
"Believe or leave."
Just got my wisdom teeth out
Ready for a big win
by ndcubs on Jul 29, 2009 12:34 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
You're in better shape than anyone here.
You have pain pills.
If the Cubs win, take some Vicodin – you’ll feel even better.
If the Cubs play poorly, take some Vicodin – you won’t care at all about the Cubs playing poorly.
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 29, 2009 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Ahahaha didn't think about that...YES!
by ndcubs on Jul 29, 2009 12:45 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Mitch Atkins?
6-10 6.92 ERA in AAA? Last 17.2 IP has given up 20 earned runs?
Really? I would have preferred Casey Fossum, as sad as that is to say.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Jul 29, 2009 12:38 PM CDT reply actions
i wouldn't sweat it
Emergency move and as Lou has shown he might never even use Mitch unless game gets out of hand. Gregg and Marmol are fresh so if it is a close game and Wells can give us 6-7 innings will be fine.
by BeltwayCubsFan on Jul 29, 2009 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions
Well, that covers today.....but...
Why not Waddell? Or anyone that is pitching with an ERA of under 5 in AAA?
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Jul 29, 2009 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions
What scares me is that he's started 20 games this year at Iowa...
please tell me he’s being called up only to fill the Patton role and not to actually do a spot start!
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Jul 29, 2009 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions
You'd hope
they’d go to Marshall for a “spot” start before Atkins… but really with this staff who knows?
waddell was taken off a while ago
wells4roty
by jesus christos on Jul 29, 2009 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Maybe he could throw a ball across the outfield...
…and hit Valverde in the visitor’s bullpen.
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 just crazy enough to work!
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted - George Best
better have z do it
hes shown he wont blow out his arm throwing that far
wells4roty
by jesus christos on Jul 29, 2009 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions
In honor of today's big trade news:
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.
and also...
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 29, 2009 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions
and finally...
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 29, 2009 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Wow, three classics from the SWL catalogue.
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.
7 player deal between Seattle and Pittsburgh...
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 29, 2009 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions
that trade sure ate up a lot of air fare
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
Eh eh...someone's been skimming the thread again.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
The sad part about Cedeno
You just know he’s going to cause damage when we face him. It would just be so typical.
He caused damage when he was here.
or maybe it was just damn-age.
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted - George Best
Oh I'm aware
But I’ll always be proud of the day he hit a grand slam against the Mets.
Cedeno drove me crazy
he has all the talent if he had an ounce of baseball sense in his head he could be great.
and I was there the day he over ran 2nd ON A WALK
that troll Eckstein got him called out and the Cubs blew a chance to beat the Cardinals. I think it was single
dumbest play I have ever seen.
"I daydream just like everybody else, I just do it with my body facing the field, so everybody thinks I'm paying attention."- Greg Maddux
by Doggie Stalker on Jul 29, 2009 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions
I was in St. Louis when that happened but not at the game.
(I was driving a rental car from Lambert Airport to Marion, IL, as it was the day before the River to River Relay. I believe I was on the Mark McGwire Freeway. On an unrelated note, I’m sure glad Chicago never named anything important after Sosa.)
you mean...
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 29, 2009 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions
Heilman can go above Cedeno? (Armageddon)
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
Couldn't we sneek Heilman in there too...and just hope neither team notices?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 29, 2009 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions
hmm that's a good point
Indians probably wont care
by desmoCubbie on Jul 29, 2009 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions
they won't notice
everybody in the Indians bullpen is like Heilman.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
hahahaha
even tho I love Wood…this is very true
by desmoCubbie on Jul 29, 2009 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Phillies are team to beat
They’re going to be tough to beat in the playoffs. The Cubs better get a lefty to matchup with their endless supply of left-handed hitters.
"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." -Sir Winston Churchill
"Pirates land package for Wilson, Snell"
Cedeno must love the fact that MLB referred to him as a package in the title to the article.
That extra pair of socks paid off!
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
Valverde
I’m so insignificant and insecure that I need this rediculous post-game celebration to make my momma proud.
"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." -Sir Winston Churchill
So with the Cliff Lee deal done, who's still in the running for Halladay?
Red Sox? Rangers?
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i dont think the rangers have the cash to land him
wells4roty
by jesus christos on Jul 29, 2009 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions
MLBTR says yankees arent doing much atm
but who knows
wells4roty
by jesus christos on Jul 29, 2009 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, but they're sneaky...
always lurking in the shadows.
…waiting.
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted - George Best
Last I heard the BoSox were the favored team to land him.
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted - George Best
yes. but according to ESPN
that i’ve been watching all morning, they don’t think the Bo Sox deal is legit. Too much talent given away on their side, so all the trade talk is about as reliable as a Sox fan on St Patricks Day lol
Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball. --Harry Caray
by chi-townbleacherbum on Jul 29, 2009 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions
I think ESPN is as reliable as a Sox Fan on st. pattys day
Albert Pujols for Cubs Starting 1B in 2012
CUBS!
Fuld, Hoffpauir, and the Aaron’s should get it done
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
Speaking of which, Hendry on the pregame right now!
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.
Sorry Fuld it too much to give up for him
Um YES I AM KIDDING though some folks might not think so.
"I daydream just like everybody else, I just do it with my body facing the field, so everybody thinks I'm paying attention."- Greg Maddux
by Doggie Stalker on Jul 29, 2009 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions
Theoretically
Philapdelphia didn’t trade any of their pieces to the Halladay deal outside of Donald. If they were willing to put in Drabek and Happ, I bet they could get a deal done still.
That said, Boston supposedly put Bucholz into their trade offer, so I’ve got to think they’re the front-runner.
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
With Lee around
Happ can be traded IMO. If I were the Philies I would try and make the deal
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
doesn't lee put them over the top enough?
why give up the future too?
Albert Pujols for Cubs Starting 1B in 2012
yeah lee puts them over the top
I just think it would be cool (not for the NL) to see that rotation.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
either way, the Phillies are serious about repeating...
with that offense…. and now another solid lefty in the rotation. I’m glad i’m not hangin out with Philly fan now, is all i’m sayin. Jeez can u imagine?
Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball. --Harry Caray
by chi-townbleacherbum on Jul 29, 2009 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions
"Things aren't very active...
…by tonight it may be different." ~ Jim Hendry, 7/29/09
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.
different from what?
I assume different from not making moves?
Yeah, typical GM double-speak.
Nothing is happening but something could happen if something happens.
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.
Different from
“aren’t very active”, I would assume. Meaning that come tonight, maybe things are happening, or maybe not.
"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 29, 2009 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions
I heard him say a couple of days ago
that they were not really considering making a move for Halladay.
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted - George Best
Well, Hendry wants to but...
the Cubs have no bundle worthwhile prospects they can trade and no money to pay Halladay.
You’re killin’ me Smalls!
other than that ...
Halladay’s a sure thing for the Cubs!
"Ground Rule Single"
Len just said about the ball in the shirt play from last night.
"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 29, 2009 1:07 PM CDT reply actions
Cedeno would have made the turn at first and been thrown out on that play :-)
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
is the wind blowing from left field---anyone?
"Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like to him."
Solomon
Not sure, but someone is blowing on the field right now.
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.
Sounds like
Lisa Simpson is handling the Anthem today.
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." ~Alvin Dark
by DamonBerryhillsMitt on Jul 29, 2009 1:15 PM CDT reply actions
First Pitch
"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 29, 2009 1:17 PM CDT reply actions
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