Walk-Off Walk: Jake Fox One Of Many Heroes In 2-1 Cubs Win Over Brewers In 10
by Al Yellon on Jul 3, 2009 5:18 PM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
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After smashing four homers last night, the Cubs used outstanding pitching and small-ball tactics to beat the Brewers 2-1, their third straight win and fourth in the last five.
At this writing that puts the Cubs two games out of first place -- which is now inhabited by the Cardinals, who moved 0.5 games ahead of Milwaukee. That's as close as they have been to the top spot in six weeks, since May 17, and moved them over .500 for the first time since June 23. If the Cardinals beat the Reds tonight, the Cubs move into third place. If the Reds beat the Cardinals, the Cubs will be 1.5 games out.
Carlos Zambrano, despite hitting Prince Fielder (he said in his postgame remarks that he was trying to pitch inside and it got away. I believe him, and the pitch that hit Derrek Lee in the bottom of that inning was definitely a purpose pitch. Enough!), had good command today, getting ten outs on ground balls and walking only three. He helped himself with an RBI single in the fifth, tying the game, hitting righthanded against RHP Jeff Suppan. Why? In the postgame press conference, Z revealed that his left wrist has been bothering him, so he decided to hit all righthanded today. Clearly, that didn't bother his pitching.
The Cubs also got a solid inning out of Aaron Heilman and two excellent innings from Kevin Gregg, who undoubtedly will not be available tomorrow after having thrown 40 pitches. Gregg had to get an extra out after Milton Bradley dropped a fly ball. I'm going to say about that play only this: it didn't hurt the team, since no runs scored. And right field in Wrigley is a tough field to play. But I believe an outfielder with the "good defense" reputation Bradley has, must make that play.
Lou hinted that "adjustments" will be made to the lineup tomorrow, not saying what they'd be. I suspect it may include dropping Alfonso Soriano down in the lineup, because at this point he's hurting the team hitting leadoff. Sam Fuld, who came in for defense in the ninth and nearly won the game with a sharp line drive that would have been a game-winning single had it been a couple of feet higher (and what was Mike Fontenot doing straying off 2B in that situation?), might wind up starting in CF or RF tomorrow and leading off.
Meanwhile, there were other heroes: Kosuke Fukudome, who had two walks sandwiching a double play with a runner on third and one out, made the defensive play of the game in the seventh inning, taking a convenient hop on a Fielder single and gunning down Jeff Suppan trying to score. I couldn't believe that the Brewers' 3B coach, Brad Fischer, sent Suppan, with the hot-hitting Casey McGehee due up next and Z about out of gas. But it all worked out in the Cubs' favor.
In the 10th inning, Ryan Theriot singled and went to second on a wild pitch. In retrospect, that was likely the key play of the inning because otherwise, the Brewers probably would have pitched to Bradley with two out. Instead, they put him on and Brewers reliever Mark DiFelice couldn't throw strikes to pinch-hitting Geovany Soto (nice game, incidentally, for backup Koyie Hill, who went 2-for-4 and blocked the plate nicely on the Suppan play), running the count to 3-0 and then also putting him on intentionally. Sometimes when that happens, pitchers lose their command, and DiFelice then ran the count to 3-1 on Jake Fox. Fox decided to swing at 3-1 -- a pitch that was probably a strike -- and fouled it off, then fouled off three more pitches before taking the winning ball four, a really nice at-bat.
It was a team victory, always nice to see, and the Cubs are now 5-3 against the Brewers this year. Keep it going tomorrow.
True Prince Fielder story, relayed to me by a friend who often waits outside Wrigley for autographs while visiting players are arriving. Fielder came in a taxi, got out and signed and posed for photos for about 20 minutes, by all accounts being friendly to everyone. Then one of the people who sells candy for fundraising purposes came up to him with the usual sales pitch. Fielder gave him a $100 bill and took the entire box. True story.
Finally, I wanted to say a couple of words here about the use of profanity during game threads. My own personal policy is that I want to keep profanity, whether mild or rougher, to an absolute minimum here. That said, I understand where, in the heat of the moment in a tense game situation, some profane words can come out. (They do for me in the bleachers, too, and I once wrote on this site regarding this issue, "I don't mind the occasional 'fuck'", which resulted in gales of laughter by virtually everyone here.) So with that in mind, I'd like everyone to relax a little about this issue. If there's a VERY occasional curse word, I'm OK with it -- and don't want anyone to come down too hard on someone else in a game thread. If it gets to be repetitive or abusive toward other posters, though, that's definitely not OK. Hope that clarifies things.
Go Cubs. Keep on this nice roll.
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So sunburned...
… but what a great game!
"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 4, 2009 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions
Really?
Wow, that’s surprising. Very, very good to hear though. How hopefully Bradley will stop hitting cleanup. Hit him 2nd. I’d probably go…
Theriot
Bradley
Lee
Fox
Soto
Soriano (if he must)
Kosuke
2B
I suspect you may see Fuld lead off tomorrow.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I'd go with:
Fuld CF
Theriot SS
Lee 1B
Fox 3B
Fukudome RF
Soriano LF
Soto C
Fontenot 2B
but I could see lou doing this:
Fuld CF
Theriot SS
Lee 1B
Bradley RF
Soto C
Soriano LF
Fontenot 2B
Baker 3B
see
and this is exactly the problem with playing “the hot hand”. If you take away too many at-bats from Dome and Bradley, they will really fall off. I’d take the opportunity to rest Dome, if I have to chose, but…
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. [ibid] This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 3, 2009 8:00 PM CDT up reply actions
I like the first one
That looks like a good one.
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
It's about production
And in that case, Soriano is the one that must sit. With his AB’s staying as unproductive as they have been all year, his confidence is at a low point. Keep him out of the lineup until the ASB…or until he is willing to change his approach. There are viable alternatives now and if that isn’t enough to get him going, nothing will. I think it’s foolish right now to think it’s as simple as moving him down in the order. Moving him out of the order for a period might work. Moving him down in the order only makes the automatic out come out of the 6-hole.
Who needs a stinkin' tag line? What are they for anyway?
Really?
I find it hard to believe that Lou would’ve made a decision this far in advance…and then told the media about it.
by CubsWin!Oregon on Jul 3, 2009 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Interesting.
I wasn’t implying you weren’t right, btw. Just meant that I was surprised. :)
Wouldn’t mind seeing it though!
by CubsWin!Oregon on Jul 3, 2009 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions
About freaking time
There was a night and day difference the past 2 days to today. There seemed to be more energy without an automatic out at the top of the lineup. That ir’s taken this long is inexcusable, but I’m glad Lou/Hendry/Soriano are finally doing the right thing (though removing Soriano completely might be the right thing).
DEJESUS!!!
Some of that was the wind blowing out vs in in wrigley..
But the rest of if was very good production out of the the top of the order yesterday and crickets today. Sori batting 6th is very good news. I think Lou will do this:
Fuld -CF
Theriot – SS
Lee – 1B
Bradley – LF
Fox – 3b
Soriano – RF
Sot0 – C
Blanco – 2b
Harden – P
This lineup should score 4-5 runs fairly consistently, unless the wind’s blowing out or in too heavily.
by DisCUBbobulated on Jul 3, 2009 9:22 PM CDT up reply actions
you mixed up bradley and sorianos positions
wells4roty
by jesus christos on Jul 3, 2009 9:32 PM CDT up reply actions
So I did... Good catch.
I say, put whoever has the sponsorship contract with the higher quality sunglasses company in Right.
by DisCUBbobulated on Jul 3, 2009 9:45 PM CDT up reply actions
wind was not blowing out yesterday
it was mostly from the NE, sometimes more N. Then every now and then, it would just die down to almost nothing. Whereas today it was stronger but almost straight from the E all the time. So the wind wasn’t that much of a factor.
Might have been humidity though. Ball was jumping far more than it should have yesterday given the wind speed and direction. Today more accurately reflected the wind conditions.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Soriano batting 6th is
7-24 (.292), 4 RBI’s, 1HR. Hasn’t hit there since ’05.
And Soriano turned 33 in Jan, any truth to the idea that players struggle to adjust when they turn 33?
My understanding is at approximately age 33 and 1/3,
players find themselves spinning in circles, staying in a continuous groove (good or bad) until someone comes along and flips them head over heels to a point they can start a new groove (good or bad). They long to play…
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
At age 45 they spin even faster, but are exhausted MUCH sooner...
and most are single at that age…
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
Beuller?...Beuller? ...Beuller?...
It WAS quite for a while…
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
quite= quiet
Shhhhh….
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
the problem is...
we’ve seen Lou drop Sori in the order before. After 2 to 3 games where he struggles, Lou moves him back to the top saying “the man isn’t comfortable unless he’s batting lead off” or “we’ve won alot of games last year with him leading off”?
I’m sorry Lou, but 2 to 3 games isn’t long enough to let a player adjust. Play him that way till the ASB and then start anlyzing the move.
by RMRZisMYmanCRUSH on Jul 4, 2009 3:21 AM CDT up reply actions
Fontenot
had no chance to get back,,,,,not a bad play by him….Brenly said the same thing
by cozmotaylor123 on Jul 3, 2009 5:22 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Agree
His lead was pretty minimal – it was just a great play by Hardy and Counsell to get him.
"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
+1
It was a bang bang play. Fonty had no shot. He would have to have no lead at all to be safe there.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Jul 3, 2009 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Looked like he turned left to locate the ball instead of right...
…might have bought him an extra second to get back. Maybe.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Jul 3, 2009 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions
Jake Fox now has 13 RBIs... in 24 games
Milton Bradley… 17 RBIs… in 63 games.
Why is Bradley batting 4th?
"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)
.
Bradley had a decent game at the plate
1-3 with two walks. I’ll take a .600 OBP from any hitter any game.
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
by Curtain Jerker on Jul 3, 2009 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions
All I'm saying is...
Why is he hitting 4th, when you can put Fox there? Bradley’s an OBP guy… not a cleanup hitter.
"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)
.
Maybe bat him lead-off?
He takes a pitch and can work a count, unlike the current occupier of the lead-off spot…
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
by Curtain Jerker on Jul 3, 2009 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions
The current occupier of the lead-off spot is about to get moved down to 6th.
While Sam Fuld bats lead-off.
It’s no coincidence that the Cubs offense looked better with Fuld. It helps when your lead-off guy actually gets on base.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
I'm not on the Sam Fuld bandwagon
but ride him for a few games and see what happens, at least until the scouts find out how to pitch to him…anything’s gotta be an improvement over the Phonz…
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
by Curtain Jerker on Jul 3, 2009 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions
My thoughts exactly.
And… I think Fonz needs to sit for a few days before the ASB, and get some rest for his knee. Either that or go on the DL.
"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)
.
If nothing else
he has been, it seems, the impetus for moving Soriano down. Maybe once Fuld cools off we can have Theriot-Bradley-Lee-Ramirez-Fox and L-R-L be damned.
DEJESUS!!!
His one hit was really a DP ball. Lee was running and Hardy covered.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Jul 3, 2009 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions
I thought it was a hit-and-run
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
by Curtain Jerker on Jul 3, 2009 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions
It was
A well-executed one, at that, on a 3-1 count.
"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
Yes it was. My point was that he is still not hitting the ball with
authority like you would want to see from the clean-up spot. If DLee hadn’t been running, it was a DP.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Jul 3, 2009 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Obligatory "Milton Bradley Sucks".
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Kevin Gregg locked them down
Impressive two innings from him out there – he definitely deserved the W.
Strangeness of the day: The only RBI today that involved a bat striking a ball was Z driving Fox home.
"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
And the other two were on bases-loaded walks.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
The strange part to me about Z's RBI
Was that he was swinging for contact, and got it.
"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
But, he did manage to serve up a warning track ball, that would've been a HR on other days.
And, he did hit a guy.
"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)
.
9th inning *should* have been
FO7, FO8, FO9
Fly-ball outs are still outs. And if you’re going to be a fly-ball pitcher in Wrigley, today was a good day for it.
"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
Eh... he's served up 6 HRs already in 35 innings.
So, when he gives up a warning track fly on a day like today, I take note of it.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
I hear ya
(Read ya? Whatever.) But we know that he gives up the occasional long ball – look at Daryle Ward’s PH 3-run blast last August for proof. His performance in the 10th was just nails, though. Those hitters looked bewildered.
"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
I think Rob Neyer over at ESPN...
Had a pretty good take on Gregg and HRs.
Here’s the money quote:
2. He’s not giving up a lot of home runs. He has given up a lot of home runs, this season. Sort of.
Gregg has given up six home runs in 32 innings, which does seem like a lot. Per nine innings, he’s given up roughly twice as many homers this season as in his career as a whole. But you know what the difference is, in terms of actual home runs?
Three.
We’re talking about three more long fly balls over the course of nearly three months. That’s nothing, and otherwise Gregg’s stats are fine. He’s walking slightly fewer batters than he did last year, and he’s striking out plenty. Gregg’s never been a great pitcher and I was one of those who thought Marmol should have been the closer this season, but a) Marmol’s walked a batter per inning, and b) even if Marmol’s fundamentally better than Gregg, as long as he’s getting his innings it doesn’t matter much whether they’re eighth innings or ninth innings.
Overall, the Cubs’ relievers have been decent this season. Their 4.12 ERA ranks just 12th in the National League, but a bunch of teams are clustered between 3.90 and 4.15, so being 12th is little different from being sixth or seventh. The Cubs are seventh in strikeouts and second in batting average allowed (though thanks to Marmol, they’re 14th in walks).
Point being, the bullpen isn’t the problem. The Cubs are 13th in the league in scoring. Last year they were first. Until they close that gap, it’s not going to matter much how many fly balls Gregg gives up.
by CubsWin!Oregon on Jul 3, 2009 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions 5 recs
Thanks Oregon
Thats a pretty good summation. :-)
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
Recommended for common sense.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Gregg was awesome today 2 innings
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
Brew Crew Ball showing 2nd grade-ism
Questionable call to end the game. Cubs pretty lucky it was called a ball, could have gone either way. The counter argument is that the pitch that walked Hart to bring ina run for the Brewers wasnt a very good call either.
Cubs O looks pretty sick right now. Bradley and Soriano need to get on the juice or something.
That phantom HBP was a terrible call as well.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Jul 3, 2009 5:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Yep, it happens to every single team.
They can argue all they want, but that pitch has been called a ball and a strike before. So there shouldn’t be a gripe about it cause it was a borderline pitch.
"Yeah, Moe, that team sure did suck last night. They just plain sucked! I’ve seen teams suck before, but they were the suckiest bunch of sucks that ever sucked!" - Homer
Them's the breaks. Nobody forced them to walk the bases loaded and go to a full count. They created
the mess and they paid for it.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Jul 3, 2009 5:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Cards Fan Here
We had something similar the 2 games back. Colby Rasmus got a borderline call his way in bottom of the tenth. Than hit the game winning HR after that. It feels good doesn’t to finally catch a break?
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jul 3, 2009 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions
indeed, we will take it
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."
IIRC, that was a dropped foul fly, no?
That game was on ESPN the other night.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
I agree that ball 4 to Hart looked like it could have gone either way
Having said that, what do you care what the other BCB is saying? If the situation were reversed, you’d be pissed, too.
Be happy the Cubs won and don’t worry about what the other side is saying.
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 3, 2009 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Good Point
Its just really annoying to see any boards fans react that way. A cub fan was on their right after the game trying to state the case that it was a close call, and they were jumped all over. (The person shouting the loudest over there is a particular loudmouth who loves to dish but doesnt like to recieve).
Its baseball, the Brewers have been fortunate to the tune of about 7 wins this year by fluke hits or errors, so it is just a part of the game to see one go against them. The Cubs lost one this year at Miller Park as a gift wrap. Win some lose some.
The same thing would have happened here had it been reversed.
Ol Pete is an interesting character. He comes here looking to pick fights and goes away if someone is polite to him or presents him with facts.
I couldn’t care less what they say. If I worry about stuff like that, I’ll never be happy.
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 3, 2009 7:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Ol Pete
has actually been banned from Brew Crew Ball. Quite Odd. He used to follow me all over SB Nation posting right after I would. Like a shadow.
how does
a moderator get banned?
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. [ibid] This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 3, 2009 10:31 PM CDT up reply actions
This is completely false
I’ve never come over looking for a fight. I’ve done things like say what a great pitcher your rookie has been or rec a comment by Al. What you don’t like is that I state simple facts. You sometimes follow with personal attacks. You certainly haven’t been polite.
No reason to complain
This game’s on Ken Macha, IMHO.
DiFelice is having a good year, but you have to have Hoffman out there to shut down the Cubs. You’ve already got Lou to use Gregg 2 innings…..I’m going back to watch the game, but I will assume Marmol wasn’t going to be available unles the game dragged on.
Sometimes you can’t play the percentages. Walking Bradley to get to the RH Soto? Soto’s batted nearly .270 in June? Bradley is still struggling…..especially from the left, if I’m not mistaken….then you allow him to take second uncontested….leading to another walk…..
The Cubs took advantage of questionable moves by Ken Macha. Isn’t that too bad!
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jul 3, 2009 10:46 PM CDT up reply actions
If DiFelice is in the game, you definitely walk Bradley
DiFelice is awful against left-handed batters. And the reason is that he throws a cutter with basically the same movement every pitch, and it happens to be really effective against righties and really ineffective against lefties.
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/the-ultimate-roogyh
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/two-very-different-cutters
I think it’s perfectly fair to say Macha should have taken DiFelice out of there once after walking Soto, though. With the bases loaded you can’t afford to have a guy out there that’s struggling with command.
yeah
I couldn’t understand why they didn’t make Bradley try to hit.
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. [ibid] This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 3, 2009 11:19 PM CDT up reply actions
I guess they figured since we've been trying to make Bradley hit all year...
they’d take it easy on him this once.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 4, 2009 12:02 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Even moreso
A good 2B catches that soft liner by Theriot in the 10th.
Who needs a stinkin' tag line? What are they for anyway?
And that's a very cool story about Fielder
After tipping his cap to RJ on that robbery in Milwaukee, I started to have some grudging respect for him. This raises my opinion even higher. I’ll take classy any day.
"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
those candy bars?
vegetarian. :D
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. [ibid] This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 3, 2009 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions
he is going to look great in a Cubs uniform in two years.
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."
Where the heck is he gonna play?
they don’t have the DH in the NL. That’s where Fielder is headed. He’ll be a Yankee in two years.
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. [ibid] This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 3, 2009 8:01 PM CDT up reply actions
and Pujols will be wearing Red Sox
and thus two of our biggest (ha ha) problems will be solved!
(at least until October…)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
I could seriously
see the Yanks getting Pujols for first base and Fielder for the DH. Wouldn’t THAT be scary.
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. [ibid] This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 3, 2009 8:17 PM CDT up reply actions
The Yanks just signed Texiera to a long deal
Where would Pujols play?
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
Left?
He’s done it before
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
by Curtain Jerker on Jul 3, 2009 8:28 PM CDT up reply actions
I guess its possible
I just don’t know how likely it is, you know.
Not that they won’t try to overwhelm him w/ money, but especially with his elbow things.. hard to see him playing 100+ games in the OF.
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
not with his elbow
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."
OF
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. [ibid] This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 3, 2009 8:29 PM CDT up reply actions
I've never had a problem with Prince Fielder. He's a stand-up ball player.
Granted, he doesn’t tuck his shirt in all the time, but if that’s the worst of it, I’ll take it. I have some beef with other Brewers (see: Ryan Braun), but Fielder is a good ball player and treats the game with respect, IMO.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Sounds like I need to go on Vacation more often
Cubs are 3-0 since i left for Branson. Glad they are playing well and the season is not OVAH!!!
Albert Pujols for Cubs Starting 1B in 2012
LOL. We all agree.
"I'm not much of a chemistry guy, you know. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded"--Jim Frey, Chicago Tribune, 1985.
Move to branson?
Don’t be mean.
"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 4, 2009 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions
True Prince Fielder story, relayed to me by a friend who often waits outside Wrigley for autographs while visiting players are arriving. Fielder came in a taxi, got out and signed and posed for photos for about 20 minutes, by all accounts being friendly to everyone. Then one of the people who sells candy for fundraising purposes came up to him with the usual sales pitch. Fielder gave him a $100 bill and took the entire box. True story.
i cant tell if hes being friendly or just hungry
wells4roty
Seems like a genuinely nice guy.
"Yeah, Moe, that team sure did suck last night. They just plain sucked! I’ve seen teams suck before, but they were the suckiest bunch of sucks that ever sucked!" - Homer
yeah, but i can never truly like him unless he leaves the brewers
wells4roty
by jesus christos on Jul 3, 2009 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Maybe just hungry then
"Yeah, Moe, that team sure did suck last night. They just plain sucked! I’ve seen teams suck before, but they were the suckiest bunch of sucks that ever sucked!" - Homer
Friendly, I think.
The 20 minutes of signing and posing for photos was a nice gesture.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I would agree
opposite of the time I saw two small boys ask Joe Morgan for an autograph and he said no. They were the only kids there along with one other adult so its not like he would have been there long.
by LT on Jul 3, 2009 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Were they wearing Cubs caps?
"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
If they were
don’t you think Morgan would have taken the chance to lecture them about that “Bannks Boulevard” lie he tells every time he does a Sunday night game at Wrigley?
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
by Curtain Jerker on Jul 3, 2009 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Honestly I don't remember
It was after the Sunday night game against LA. I never thought about that… I just noticed that they were young boys, how could he turn them down?
by LT on Jul 3, 2009 5:48 PM CDT up reply actions
He does seem pretty thoughtful.
It used to annoy me how “slobby” he looked with the ill-fitting “loose” jersey look that he seems to like.
Then—I can’t remember where I was reading it—I learned that it was intentional thing that he (along with another notable ballplayer whose name escapes me) does as a sort of “tip of the cap” to the Negro Leagues, where the loose jersey look was pretty standard.
I think that’s pretty cool and commendable.
by CubsWin!Oregon on Jul 3, 2009 5:49 PM CDT up reply actions
That
And do you really want to see Prince in a tight uni?
"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
haha...
Good point.
(You don’t think that his milkshake would bring all the boys to the yard?)
by CubsWin!Oregon on Jul 3, 2009 5:52 PM CDT up reply actions
The other player
is Anthony Gwynn, Jr. He saw Fielder do it, and followed his lead when he was a Brewer. I like that. Respect for those who came before you. Very hard to find athletes who are that thoughtful with a respect for the game’s history.
Thankfully, the yearly Robinson tributes and the ‘legacy’ game (Sox/Reds) are teaching the young players.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jul 3, 2009 10:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Ah!
That’s right. Tony Gwynn, Jr.
Thanks! And I agree.
by CubsWin!Oregon on Jul 4, 2009 12:51 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah he's done a lot of stuff to piss me off
But he’s also done a lot to make me think otherwise of him.
"You just don't know understand how frustrating this is"- Kevin Borseth
Most of the "otherwise" stuff
Has been on the field. Sure, the jersey untucking thing is low-rent, but everything I’ve seen about his off-the-field behavior has shown he’s a pretty stand-up guy.
"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
The untucking thing is for Cameron
I would have thought of something better, but whatever. I’m sure we all have celebrations in other arenas that people would thing just a stupid.
"You just don't know understand how frustrating this is"- Kevin Borseth
Like this?
"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
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 3, 2009 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions
Not only did they lip-sync
but I suspect these are stunt doubles.
"You have to have short-term memory, no matter who you are in this game. There's always tomorrow." ~Derrek Lee
I like this much better than the untucking
but mostly because the untucking means the Brewers won and that means the Cubs won
"You just don't know understand how frustrating this is"- Kevin Borseth
Funny. I just talked to a Wisconsin Badger who ran into Fielder in Milwaukee.
He says the guy is genuinely a nice guy. He changed my mind about him…..
"I'm not much of a chemistry guy, you know. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded"--Jim Frey, Chicago Tribune, 1985.
I don't think people should be too hard on Bradley for that dropped ball either...
There are times on fly balls where—no matter how good of a fielder you are—you simply can’t get through a blinding sun to line up the ball correctly.
You can minimize the impact of the sun to your sightline using certain “tricks of the trade,” but sometimes even they can’t do enough if the ball is in just the right spot.
It happens and it’s just part of baseball. Thank goodness the play ended up not mattering!
That's one reason why I like Dome in RF in Wrigley
He always seems to play the sun and the wind out there very well. It’s an adventure, as I think Bradley’s coming to realize.
"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
Yeah.
I agree. For the most part I really like Dome’s defense. My impression is that the layout of Wrigley makes Center a bit easier sun-wise than Right, but he’s still doing a hell of a job — and did a good job last year in RF.
by CubsWin!Oregon on Jul 3, 2009 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions
"Well, I think we're starting to come together."
"Yeah, Moe, that team sure did suck last night. They just plain sucked! I’ve seen teams suck before, but they were the suckiest bunch of sucks that ever sucked!" - Homer
it's a win
Whatever, right. We got the call to end the game but let’s fix those bats. Hopefully Harden pitches well 2moro.
Z pitched very well today on a day
where (at least in my opinion) he didn’t have his “A” stuff…his ERA is down to 3.5 and hopefully he keeps up the good work.
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
Good teams find ways to win games like this.
Let’s make it 3 in a row over Mil. tomorrow. Onward and upward…
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
YES THEY DO,,,,,
Today as a big win..No matter how the run crossed the plate . Sounds like you had a good time in the motor city . We did just a bit warm .
I would have had a lot better time if the Cubs could have even won ONE of the three games.
That’s now 5 games I’ve seen in person between the Cubs and Tigers (2 more in 2006 in Wrigley) and the Cubs haven’t won even once. And no, it’s not because I’m there…
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
i couldn't take the silence not having TV, MLB.TV online or sat or radio
so I finally got on the game thread . What a blast today. A good way to kill the afternoon blahs.
this was the best BCB visit I’ve had all year .. let the vibe continue!
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we will go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
Get an iPhone?
"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
If that Fuld drive would have creeped over Hardy...
……they would have started building a statue for him. That being said, he hit it harder than Fonzie did all day.
Fonzie’s really frustrating. We NEED him, but this slump keeps going and going and going….
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
Milton Bradley = hitting 7th.
That is all.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 3, 2009 6:10 PM CDT reply actions
This win
is on the pitching staff, no question about it. Heilman and Gregg were VERY good, and Z gutted it out.
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. [ibid] This is the kind of fan I am.
Or......
…the bottom of the 10th when Riot singled, we got two walks, and a walk-off walk.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
the Brewers threatened several times
to blow it open. The pitching staff got out of a lot of jams.
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. [ibid] This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 4, 2009 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions
Additional clarification please?
So with that in mind, I’d like everyone to relax a little about this issue. If there’s a VERY occasional curse word, I’m OK with it — and don’t want anyone to come down too hard on someone else in a game thread. If it gets to be repetitive or abusive toward other posters, though, that’s definitely not OK. Hope that clarifies things.
Al, when you say “relax a little”, which way are you going with that? Are you saying the folks who swear should “relax a little” so they won’t be as inclined to utter expletives when things go bad? Or are you saying the folks who scold the swearers should “relax a little” and not worry about the expletives?
Also, what does “VERY occasional” mean? I didn’t read today’s game threads but just as an example – if a player loses a ball in the sun and 20 people post “Fuck!” is that one occasion because it’s (hopefully) the only time it happens (and thus, very occasional) or is it 20 because there were 20 occurrences (and thus, too frequent)?
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
We should all just refrain from posting anything when a play involves Milton Bradley.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 3, 2009 6:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Why don't you just suck all the fun outta the game then???
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Al, never mind - I retract my previous post.
I just opened Overflow Thread #1 and did a search on ‘fuck’. No hits. Then I did a search on “shit”. 13 hits. Ok, now we’re getting somewhere. Then I started reading the comments surrounding those hits…
Wow! I’m sure it must have been aggravating and/or annoying to endure that sub-thread while trying to follow the game in real time, but reading it after-the-fact, it was f***ing hysterical! Thanks for good laugh, folks.
Now I gotta go check the other overflows to see if they were just as ‘colorful’.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
"Colorful" is one way to describe it I guess...
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
I heard what the first overflow thread was like.
I didn’t really post much in that thread, I only started commenting in the later innings, around the time of the seventh inning stretch.
I heard the first overflow thread was heated. I’m glad I (largely) missed it.
Cubs record since April 2004: 4-0
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 3, 2009 10:22 PM CDT up reply actions
It was all sorts of fun
So much so that I decided to not post a jump to OT2. OT2 was very pleasant for a while there…
"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
Beuller? ...Beuller?...Beuller?
It WAS quiet for a while there…
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
I know it's not the "smartest" way to post...
…but often I post exactly what I scream aloud, or what I’m thinking. I swear some times, and some times I post it.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Which is sorta fine
We all sometimes think outloud.
But when you get more than 1 sentence in… you should start LOOKING at what you’re writing.
And usually hit the cancel button. Just b/c it goes in the box, doesn’t mean it needs to be submitted. THAT is when the big problems happen.
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
is your middle name
Voiceofreason??
Pumping sunshine for the Cubs since 1968 (yeah, that's right I was a Cubs fan in the womb!)
by CubFanInCanberra (9387milesfromWrigley) on Jul 4, 2009 2:59 AM CDT up reply actions
CANCEL is my friend...
Ohhh baby, you should see some of the doozies I’ve typed out in fits of anger, twisted humor, and of course, retribution…
But the CANCEL button has always been there for me, with its arms crossed, lips pursed and eyebrows arched – “Are you sure you want to say that, ballhawk?” At which point I usually mutter a few more expletives then hit the damn CANCEL button.
Seriously, if you can trust yourself to read what you wrote and hit CANCEL at the end, then I wholeheartedly recommend venting til the spleens come home. It is good therapy and you will feel better. Just don’t forget to hit CANCEL…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Jul 4, 2009 8:43 AM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
Just finished watching the game on DVR
(had to leave during the seventh, and didn’t get to hear the end) and I have to say that was a great AB by Jake Fox to end it. DiFelice was nowhere near the plate for something like eight straight pitches, not including the IBB to Bradley, and Fox was patient enough to get to ball 3, then protected the plate tremendously well, fouling off pitch after pitch until DiFelice missed the plate for the last time. Just outstanding work by Bam Bam. Hope he sticks with the Big Club when Rami comes back. I really like what I’ve seen from this kid so far.
"You have to have short-term memory, no matter who you are in this game. There's always tomorrow." ~Derrek Lee
I totally agree.
Hoff will either go down to get regular ABs at Iowa, or be traded. Fox is staying, Fox is a keeper.
I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...
by Jimmyeatworld on Jul 3, 2009 7:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Every time Fox is up to bat,
he hits the ball HARD. DeLee has been squaring up the ball, too. But I’ve never seen Sori hit so many lazy ground balls and pop ups for THIS LONG. His drop to the 6 hole is long overdue.
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
by DKT on Jul 3, 2009 7:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Not only is he hitting the ball hard
he is playing 3rd pretty commendably so far. He has made all the plays he is supposed to make.
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
I'm going to dance a jig if Lou moves Sori down in the order.
It’s way overdue.
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
4 weeks overdue at least
"We got some pretty good chemistry here. We got some toughness, and it's starting to show." - Lou Pinella
How about a year overdue
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
"You have to have short-term memory, no matter who you are in this game. There's always tomorrow." ~Derrek Lee
by Goodie1969 on Jul 3, 2009 7:00 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Loving this.
"You have to have short-term memory, no matter who you are in this game. There's always tomorrow." ~Derrek Lee
as long as he doesn't try to bunt...he could get hurt doing that.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 3, 2009 7:12 PM CDT up reply actions
heavens
I hope he’s not actually RUNNING on these hits.
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. [ibid] This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 3, 2009 8:03 PM CDT up reply actions
i read on cbssports that elton brand had a similar injury and was rushed back. he only lasted about 6 games with the 76ers before needing season ending surgery
hopefully that doesnt happen to aram
wells4roty
by jesus christos on Jul 3, 2009 7:40 PM CDT up reply actions
Basketball is a much rougher game than baseball.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Yup...
you put your shoulder in many more bad angles in basketball (especially when going for rebounds) than you do in baseball.
There's no doubt...
that Prince Fielder is a classy guy, and a great player. He loves the game and respects the opposition. Maybe he can teach that bug-eyed prick in LF some manners.
who knows, Prince might be in Cubs uniform in couple years
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."
I like the way you think
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."
Or Adrian Gonzalez?
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
by Curtain Jerker on Jul 3, 2009 7:42 PM CDT up reply actions
Prince, no doubt, is great for baseball.
He’s 25 and, yeah, over weight,
but that’s not unusual in our society.
He’s as classy as they come in MLB.
If there’s is one reason to root for the Brewers, it’s him.
Just b/c he’s on our biggest contemporary rival doesn’t make him evil.
If Carlos wanted to hit anybody, he was one batter late.
I’m still hoping Cubs hit Braun.
Come visit me inside Wrigley along the Addison side mezzanine fence straight up from 1st base.
I think Babe Ruth was a tad overweight too, and he seemed to do OK...
…and NO, I’m not comparing Prince and Babe. Heck, even Mickey Lolich had a tummy. David Wells too. These guys adapted and played well.
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
RJ needs to be HBP in every division huh?
I’m sure Baker is going to be picked off in the next week too - seems to be the cool thing to do among new Cubs players.
uh oh pujols at the dish with the bases loaded
wells4roty
by jesus christos on Jul 3, 2009 8:16 PM CDT up reply actions
I have Pujols on fantasy
So a GS is OK. Reds can go and get a run in the 9th if they need to.
And yes, it hurt me to pick Pujols but I had #1 pick.
he hit a grand slam
i knew that was going to happen..
wells4roty
by jesus christos on Jul 3, 2009 8:23 PM CDT up reply actions
I saw it too
Just got EI today (I live in CT).
I really need to win fantasy this week I’m playing the #1 guy and I’m #2.
I have very few Cubs on my team—- in fact I only have 2. I had Bradley and Fukudome. I dropped Bradley because I have better OF on my team. I dropped Fukudome after his hot streak.
My 2B got injured so I picked up Fontenot knowing he’d get playing time. He hasnt hurt me as badly as one would think.
I do have Theriot though. I picked him up for BA but the HR have helped.
Ha Ha.....
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Jul 3, 2009 9:27 PM CDT up reply actions
i have lee fox and aram, though im not sure if i should start aram right away or wait a week
wells4roty
by jesus christos on Jul 3, 2009 8:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Last year I did a lot of Cubs
But shockingly I didn’t even get in the top 10 despite their output.
This year I was smarter. Have Pujols, Torii Hunter, Lowell (which hurts me now), whoever was on the Pirates but injured as catcher (mind is mush).
My rotation SHOULD have been good:
Dempster, Cliff Lee, Hamels, K-Rod, John Maine oh and I picked up Randy Wells because someone else eventually will.
I have the best pitching staff
in Roy Halladay, Zack Greinke, Nick Blackburn, Randy Wells, and TED LILLY.
I have locked up my fantasy league. Everyone gave up when I took Ted.
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 3, 2009 8:30 PM CDT up reply actions
I wanted Ted too
But he was grabbed right before my turn. So I took Dempster thinking that should be solid. It’s been ok.
See now Reds can come back and win sinec Pujols got GS for my stats :)
Nobody cares about your fantasy team.
Actually, I care a little bit. Not enough to read the rest of your post, but enough to hope you lose.
LOL
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Jul 3, 2009 9:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Soranio looks beyond lost at the plate.....
……Von has his work cut out for him.
It would be nice to hear to hear that he is coming to the yard early or staying late, taking advice about shortening his swing, trying a lighter bat in BP, just anything that resembles that he doesn’t think he can muscle /swing his way out of this…..maybe all of those things are happening but something tells me they are not and maybe that is why Lou is going to either start Fuld again or drop Sori in the lineup. We need this guy to hit. Period.
It's been said he's been there early and late
I think we should see how he does when Ramirez returns. Maybe less pressure on him. Not what we want to say for our highly paid outfielder but you never know.
They did say today
that Von has been working with him. He obviously wants to do better. I hope he gets a hitting streak going here soon.
I dont question his desire, I wonder about his ego allowing him to really try something new.
…..he has always swung a heavy bat and swung it hard and it has worked, until now.
Old age sucks. It's about time he works through these issues.
"I'm not much of a chemistry guy, you know. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded"--Jim Frey, Chicago Tribune, 1985.
Here's a rarity
Go to MLB.com
Look which former Cub is in the first Editorial Pod tout. I guess hitting a HR off Wakefield does that.
This just in...
Cubs ownership deal will be finalized within the next two weeks. Dave Kaplan just announced it on WGN Sports Central. This is great news indeed. Maybe it will give Hendry a little flexability by the trading deadline.
Cubs better play well next two weeks
Or this sale will have a reverse affect.
Just looking at the Central Division Standings
Even if they go .500 until the ASB, most of those games are against Milwaukee and St. Louis. This division could well be bunched up with 1-4 being within two games of each other. I would want to be buying in an eminently winnable division. Hopefully they will have that flexibility.
"You have to have short-term memory, no matter who you are in this game. There's always tomorrow." ~Derrek Lee
I agree with you
And Ricketts sounds like a good guy.
I just have a bad feeling that whoever buys the team will want to rebuild it and start over in a way to maximize profit now in this bad economy.
Best way to maximize profit is to win
Bad economy or not, Cubs fans will line up and do whatever you ask if you’re winning…
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
Exactly
And they’ll sell out if they’re losing too. They did it in 2006…
Which is why I fear he might re-do the team.
how does he re-do at team
with so many long-term NTC contracts?
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. [ibid] This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 3, 2009 8:30 PM CDT up reply actions
You trade to a team in the race
If the Yankees 1B went down and DLee could play for them his NTC would probably be OK.
Oh and before you get a reply
I never want to him traded for the remainder of his contract.
Maybe
Hard to know. Derrek doesn’t have to OK a trade if he wouldn’t want to.
(Just continuing the Lee example, not lobbying for the trade)
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
In which way?
A Billy Beane “win during the regular season with guys you don’t have to pay” way? Or a “People are going to show up at Wrigley Field no matter what sort of crap is on the field” way? Or is there a third option?
"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
I think option B for now
In hopes to build an option A.
But all I want
Keep the team you have….and in the offseason sign the best FA to make a point.
like they did
with Soriano.
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. [ibid] This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 3, 2009 8:31 PM CDT up reply actions
I've been thinking about Soriano
People have ranked him the worst FA top ten lists. I disagree. He got us in October twice. Remember his impact when he returned to the team. Right now he flat out sucks but if his bat heats up at the right time, maybe…just maybe he will hit in October.
It wasn't a bad signing because of the first three years of the contract.
It was a bad signing because it was an 8-year back-loaded contract given to a player entering his year-31 season. There’s little doubt in my mind that Soriano was worth the money paid to him in 2007 and 2008. Fangraphs, for example, says that over 2007-2008 he was worth $36.5 mil and paid $24 mil. That’s awesome. But do you think Soriano is going to keep hitting until 2015, at age 38? I don’t. I think the Cubs owners are going to be praying for hyperinflation.
I think the current feeling of Cub fans
where we expect to be good/challenge for more than just a division… would make a C where “win or wrigley only sorta fills up” happens
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
I agree
weren’t there tons of no-shows in 2006?
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
by Curtain Jerker on Jul 3, 2009 8:40 PM CDT up reply actions
It might have been
But I personally had difficulty getting tickets to a Thursday 1PM game.
Sorry, if your the worst team in the NL, it shouldn’t have that much difficulty at 1PM on a Thursday.
No idea
to be honest… i think i watched… maybe 6 games after the middle of May.
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
In September
It was full on the Thursday game I talked about and sold out on a midday Saturday game too (Rich Hills CG SO which was a highlight of the season for me!)
LOL I remember my current feeling of the team a month ago
I compared the Cubs to Deerfield, Illinois. The only way to make the downtown nice was to blow it up and completely start over.
finalized as in
“this is the deal” or finalized as in “Here are the keys, Mr. Ricketts, thanks for your patronage”?
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. [ibid] This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 3, 2009 8:04 PM CDT up reply actions
that's what
I thought.
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. [ibid] This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 3, 2009 8:31 PM CDT up reply actions
do you mean Ricketts is finalizing his offer or that both sides will reach an agreement
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
OT: Greg Maddux's 300th Win Game...
On ESPN Classic right now. Cubs vs. Giants, August 7th, 2004. Weird seeing Corey Patterson and Nomar as Cubs… brings back some memories.
Someday we'll go all the way...
I was at that game in SF
Even the Giants fans had to admit that it was cool to see a slice of history.
"When you're going through hell, keep going." - Winston Churchill
I was at that game, too.
Only wish Maddux could have been on the mound to get the handshakes.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Just curious
How many away games do you travel to, Al?
That one was a “home” game for me because I live in San Jose.
"When you're going through hell, keep going." - Winston Churchill
I like to take a road trip or two each year.
That year, I went because my dad lives in SF and I thought it was a good time to combine a visit with him, and a Cubs series. Got lucky with the Maddux game.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
He doesn't
He tried to sneak out of the clubhouse after the game until some of the other players doused him with champaign As you know he refused to come out for a bow as it was a visitors field even though the Giant fans were cheering for him to come out. He really did not care for all the hoopla and attention. It was fun to be there though.
"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 3, 2009 10:13 PM CDT up reply actions
And what was nice...
is that Maddux’s good friend Glavine got his 300th at Wrigley, yet denied Clemens his 300th in the hallowed grounds.
But Wrigley was classy for him
AND we got to see the return of Kerry Wood that night.
I was at that game
and wasn’t that the same game where Soriano injured himself going into 2nd? For me it is more memorable for the ovation Wood got when he came onto the mound
I think when Glavine was pulled...
from the game and heard all the cheers, he thought they were all for him. If he would have turned around, those cheers were for the return of Kerry Wood. It had those fools on ESPN fooled also. I was laughing my ass off.
I remember!
But after the game, the entire field stood up and applauded him,. They also applauded him when he was removed from the game. It was classy.
Question - Al you probably remember best
I think in 2004 Dusty asked Sammy to move down the lineup because he wasn’t hitting.
Did Sammy originally refuse to do it? Do you think Soriano will be more complying to this. I mean theres a big difference between Lou and Dusty. Lou will probably tell Soriano he’s moving down rather than ask him.
Soriano has said MULTIPLE times
he’ll hit wherever his name is in the lineup, even if he prefers to hit leadoff.
The whole “Fonzie is a selfish maroon who cares nothing about the team” stuff has got to stop… (not saying YOU said it… but its really driving me batty)
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
at this point, it's not moving him down in order to take advantage
of his bat; it’s to hide his bat. it should not matter what soriano thinks. he is hurting the team. plus, he can’t really play much worse. he needs to be hitting 7th. and i wouldn’t mind seeing him benched through the all star break.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
I'll agree to that
As long as Lou doesn’t put Fukudome at #2. He’s hitting worse than Soriano for the last month!
Lou's a smart cookie
He’ll tell Soriano he’s moving him up in the order… ;-)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
watching the reds/cards game
they put up a graphic showing the worst teams in getting a run in from third with less than two outs and the reds were at around .515—the announcers discussed how awful that is.
the cubs: .430 and worst in the league by a wide margin. that’s pathetic and something that must improve.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
Here's a question:
Why would anyone, ever, pitch to Albert Pujols? I know the bases were loaded, but isn’t giving up one sure run better than the possibility of getting burned for 2-4? The rest of that Cardinal lineup isn’t very good, so why not give up the run and get Ludwick (or whomever)?
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
I agree...not pitching to Soriano has been working out for the rest of the teams too.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 3, 2009 8:58 PM CDT up reply actions
I've only seen that once
To Josh Hamilton. Any other occurrence you guys can think of?
i don't know.
i’m not sure why anyone ever pitches to him. and yet he gets pitched to pretty regularly, and it’s not like he just gets thrown junk. he gets good pitches to hit. so stupid. unless i’m walking in the winning run, pujols would never see a strike.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
If I were an opposing manager
I’d throw him every pitch on the outside or low and see if maybe he’ll chase a couple bad ones…if he doesn’t, throw up 4 fingers. The Giants never made the playoffs since 2003, so having Bonds walk half the time didn’t lead them to the promised land.
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
by Curtain Jerker on Jul 3, 2009 9:07 PM CDT up reply actions
i really don't understand it.
he’s just so much better than anyone else in the lineup (and in the game). plus, it’s not just that he might hit the ball out of the ballpark; the team is like a bunch of little kids around him and completely loosens up when albert does damage. a single from albert affects the entire team. they feed off him. if you don’t allow him to hit, the rest of the team will often clam up. so, i see it not in terms of being scared of pujols, but rather as aggressive strategy; the idea is to keep their whole offense down. really, the only other guy on the team that’s any good (besides ludwick, but he’s slumping) is rasmus, and larussa sometimes benches plays the rookie.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
he just single-handedly beat the reds.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
oh, and dusty baker is an idiot.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
Hoffpauir
I just looked in on the Cardinals-Reds game. Does anybody know if Jarrett Hoffpauir of the Cardinals is related to Micah? The name seems to unusual for a coincidence.
He just got 2 RBIs in the 9th for the Cardinals, by the way.
"When you're going through hell, keep going." - Winston Churchill
Len and Bob mentioned this...
They said they asked Micah, and he said he wasn’t sure, but that it was possible.
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Jul 3, 2009 9:21 PM CDT up reply actions
I thought everyone from Ft. Worth, Texas is related?
"I'm not much of a chemistry guy, you know. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded"--Jim Frey, Chicago Tribune, 1985.
They're ALL kin in the hollar!
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
Manny is going to hit shortly
Who else thinks he’s going to hit a HR his first at-bat?
I hope that he pulls a groin muscle
"When you're going through hell, keep going." - Winston Churchill
I remember Jr. High too.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 3, 2009 9:10 PM CDT up reply actions
dodgers are cheering him. pretty ironic considering they relentlessly bood bonds
wells4roty
by jesus christos on Jul 3, 2009 9:11 PM CDT up reply actions
the fairweather dodger fans are cheering him. anyone with a brain is booing him
wells4roty
by jesus christos on Jul 3, 2009 9:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Petco Park will be 50% Dodgers fans
this weekend. Holiday weekend, they knew in advance Manny would debut within 100 miles, they bought all the tickets…w/o the Dodgers, it’s 23K tonight and Saturday, a bit more on Sunday. Friday is sold out, and the next 2 are all but sold out.
Just like when the Cubs are in town, but…a little shorter commute for Dodgers fans.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jul 3, 2009 10:56 PM CDT up reply actions
will they still arrive in the 2nd and leave in the 7th? ;-)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
They claimed more cheers
But I clearly heard boo’s on TV.
What are you talking about AL????
We totally blew several chances with guys on base – Z sucked – he couldn’t find the strike zone to save his life.. Soriano can’t hit worth a sh!t, and bradley looks like a little leager trying to fie… Oh wait, did you say we WON??
Alright, the Cubs are going to be fine! Awesome game by everyone all the way around. Evil BCB said the brewers won and I was confused about how to analyze the details of the team performance there for a second.
slacker.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 3, 2009 9:58 PM CDT up reply actions
yep - walks are the last thing we need from a middle-of-the-order guy... ;-)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
They just clog the bases, right?
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
by Curtain Jerker on Jul 3, 2009 10:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Great win!
But I also have no problem with the Brewers plunking Lee. Zambrano has to learn a bit better control.
We hit a guy, they hit a guy. It’s fine.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
to me
the bigger problem was that the ump had given both benches warnings, but then the Brewers hit a Cub after that, and the pitcher didn’t get tossed.
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. [ibid] This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 3, 2009 11:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Don't forget
Gregg “hit” a guy, too, and he stayed in.
"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
Both of the post-warning HBPs were clearly unintentional
Per Len & Bob today, the umps still have discretion after the warnings have been issued. And they can eject a pitcher for a flagrant HBP without a warning having been issued.
Preeeecisely
It’s not a cut-and-dried rule.
"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
This isn't little league
These guys are professionals and police themselves. It’s a non-event really. Nobody was head hunting.
Who needs a stinkin' tag line? What are they for anyway?
that was awfully late in the game.
but it’s a valid point.
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. [ibid] This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 4, 2009 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions
the HBP after the warning leads to an ejection only if the ump feels
it was intentional. I didn’t think it was and apparently he didn’t wither.
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."
Don't worry
Lilly will accidentally hit a batter in the 1st inning during his game and be ejected.
hell then kill the HP ump and fly away
wells4roty
by jesus christos on Jul 4, 2009 12:12 AM CDT up reply actions
Just returned from the Royals game.
Greinke pitched okay, but with a horrible offense behind him, scattered 9 hits and 4 runs (2 earned). I think I was the only Cubs fan screaming and jumping up and down in the parking lot when the winning run was walked in.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Did you wear Cubs stuff?
I’m going to Yankee Stadium tomorrow. I’m considering wearing a Cubs shirt or wear nothing baseball related. If I had a Soriano shirt that would work….
Dome said...
Just watched NHK’s MLB hightlight, and Dome said about that gun-down – “It is not just by my effort but the catcher made great block – that was really great one”
Sorry if this is a dumb/rude question
Is this type of humility / attitude typical for Japanese stars?
But his effort was amazing...
Watching the replay a bunch of times on SportsNite, Dome’s scoop and throw were so fast and smooth.
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Jul 4, 2009 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions
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