The Cubs Channel Monty Python's "Complete Waste Of Time" In 11-2 Loss To Brewers
by Al on Jul 4, 2009 3:38 PM CDT
in Recaps
134 comments
In 1994, the Monty Python troupe released "Complete Waste of Time", described on Wikipedia as:
a collection of minigames, screen savers, desktop wallpaper and icons for Mac OS, DOS and Windows.
You could have spent two hours and 36 minutes with it this afternoon and had much more fun than the Cubs and 40,088 dampened fans spent watching the Cubs go down meekly to the Brewers 11-2 on a holiday afternoon when, perhaps predictably, the most fun was figuring out which inning they would play Chicago's "Saturday In The Park" on the only day that its lyrics come true:
Saturday in the park
I think it was the Fourth of July
Saturday in the park
I think it was the Fourth of July
Well, it was. But the rest of the lyrics, which include "People dancing, people laughing" and "People talking, really smiling" weren't true, that is, unless you were a Brewers fan.
Seriously, there's no reason for a serious recap of this game, so I thought I'd have a little fun. It drizzled or rained lightly for the entire game, a day more befitting September than early July, and the game was over in the first inning when Mike Cameron hit a three-run homer off Rich Harden. Harden threw one more inning, gave up another homer (to J. J. Hardy) and two extra-base hits and then departed, his best contribution to the game being his bunt single made when he was actually just trying to sacrifice Mike Fontenot to second in the bottom of the second inning. Just as in the first inning, when the Cubs loaded the bases after a gift dropped fly ball by Corey Hart, the Cubs failed to take advantage; Ryan Theriot then hit into the first of three double plays the Brewers turned on the afternoon.
After Milton Bradley's first home run since May 25 briefly gave the Cubs hope at only 7-2 down, the Brewers continued to pound the Cub bullpen. Casey McGehee hit a home run onto Waveland that was tracked down by our own Ballhawk Ken (and while I give you kudos for not throwing it back, Ken, why didn't you throw back one of the throwback balls I often see flying back into the park from Waveland?), and that made it 11-2, sending many people home early.
The back end of the Cubs bullpen used the last six-plus innings of today's game as more or less an audition to see who's heading back to Iowa when Angel Guzman is reactivated on Monday. If today's results are any indication, it'll be Jeff Samardzija, who gave up McGehee's homer. David Patton, apparent inheritor of the Complete Collection Of Compromising Photos Of Jim Hendry And Lou Piniella, won't be going anywhere (except back to the bullpen bench for ten days or so), and Kevin Hart threw two good innings, perhaps saving his spot in the pen for now.
About the offense, what is there to say? I repeat what's been said here by many: if Alfonso Soriano is hurt and that's why he isn't hitting, he needs to go on the DL. He's certainly not helping the team. The Cubs had no hits at all and only a pair of walks after the third inning, until Fontenot's virtually useless single with two out in the ninth.
Compliments for Bradley on his homer and having some good at-bats today. One day doesn't make him whole again, but perhaps he can build on this tomorrow and in the days to come. And the Cubs can still win the series tomorrow and accomplish what they needed to this weekend -- and here's also hoping for some sunny July days.
Finally, while I was glad the Cubs joined in on the tribute to Lou Gehrig on the 70th anniversary of his famous "luckiest man" speech, they could have waited till just before game time -- Dave Otto's rendition was read about 20 minutes before the first pitch, in the middle of the usual barrage of ads that's widely ignored by everyone, and with the park less than half full.
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Meh ...
I’m almost glad the Cubs lost this way, rather than another heart-breaker. Seems like it’s almost easier to bounce back from a blowout loss than a 1-run nail biter.
Maybe I’m wrong …
by elgato on Jul 4, 2009 3:46 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
No, I think you're on to something there.
For example, after losing last Sunday to the White Sox 6-0 and looking bad doing it, the Cubs reeled off four wins in five games.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 4, 2009 3:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
maybe it's true with this year's team
… considering how tight they played.
Al, any idea what’s going to happen when Reed and Ramirez get back re: roster moves? Have you heard anything?
by elgato on Jul 4, 2009 3:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
In another thread...
… someone posted that the Cubs are thinking about going with an 11-man pitching staff for now. In that case, maybe the David Patton era is over.
Me, I’d send Hoffpauir down. He’s not hitting and Sam Fuld can play the same defensive positions Hoffpauir can, only better. Fox can backup first base.
Before today, I would have assumed Hart would go down for Guzman, but Hart threw well. Samardzija might have to go back down.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 4, 2009 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I will be livid if Jake Fox gets sent down
by elgato on Jul 4, 2009 3:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Before I turned off the game
L&B were talking about this.
Apparently, Blanco/Fontenot(?) is out of options while Fox/Hoff/Hart/Fuld
all still have options.
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
by Allie on Jul 4, 2009 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think that is true
I think they all have options left.
"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 4, 2009 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
len said blancos out of options today
wells4roty
by jesus christos on Jul 4, 2009 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't see how that is possible
It is my understanding that an option lasts an entire season. Blanco started the season with one option and he was brought up, that option should sitll be in play. Also Fonty does have an option left.
"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 4, 2009 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seems rather complicated
According to AZ Phil over at The Cub Reporter who I think knows more about these things than Hendry
Fontenot and Blanco still have an" Optional assignment waiver" which apparently means they have to clear waivers and agree to go down. Personally I find it hard to believe anyone is going to claim either, especially Scales who my be superior but has a lot less experience.
"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 4, 2009 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
patton can spend 30 days
between now and the end of august on the dl and still remain under team control. that said, i’d rather send down hart and hoff, and dl soriano. if you sit him on the 5th, you could bring him back on the 20th.
by tim815 on Jul 5, 2009 2:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Brewers seemed to bounce right back from a tough 1-run loss pretty well.
Of course, Rich Harden was pretty much tossing BP out there, but still…
They’ll be fine tomorrow. Ted Lilly commands it.
"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 4, 2009 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Last July 4th was worse
Leading into the 9th, and a Kerry Wood blown save vs. St. Louis.
by ChipSet on Jul 4, 2009 9:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And I hit the enter button too soon...
What I was going to add onto that random, useless reply was this:
I’m so tired of people arguing against sitting Soriano. Sure, he sat for two days and we won those two games (I know, I know, that’s not an indicator of future success blah, blah, blah) and he wasn’t the only one that seemed to forget the basics of batting today, but I can’t help but wonder what might happen were this Cubs team to get a rookie overhaul. I’m not a stat-junkie and can’t dazzle anyone with my knowledge of OBP or ERA or NRA (oops, that’s not right!) but I can still tell that something’s not right with him.
Needless to say, today’s game was hard to watch from start to finish.
On another note, wasn’t the Gehrig tribute supposed to happen in the 7th inning? IMHO that would have gotten a lot more attention (sans the folks frantically trying to get a last beer) from the crowd in the park and at home.
by CubsGirl on Jul 4, 2009 3:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yes, but...
… the Cubs refuse to do anything else in the 7th but the silly “Harry tribute”, which should have been retired ten years ago.
All the other ballparks play “God Bless America” in the 7th, too, on Sundays & holidays. Not the Cubs. Perhaps new ownership will change this.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 4, 2009 3:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think ricketts will have more on his mind than what len and bob sing during the 7th inning
wells4roty
by jesus christos on Jul 4, 2009 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Obviously.
But it’s also one gesture that says “we’re done with this silly marketing gimmick”.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 4, 2009 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just have
Santo do it.
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 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd vote for that.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 4, 2009 4:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or just let the organ play
Why do we need a conductor, anyway?
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
by Allie on Jul 4, 2009 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know this is one of Bud's post 9/11 "look how patriotic we are" creations,
but is there any real reason for “God Bless America” in the 7th?
Other than the Yankees do it, of course…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Jul 4, 2009 3:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh, and the Cubs do it play it before the game on Sundays and holidays
right before the national anthem I think.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Jul 4, 2009 3:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, but EVERY OTHER TEAM does it in the 7th.
I’m so tired of the “guest conductors”, most of whom have NO connection to baseball or the Cubs. Either have Santo do it every day or retire it. It’s a tired old gimmick.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 4, 2009 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just as long as Ronnie doesn't have to sing
“Kumbaya” I think he’d do wonderfully.
by CubsGirl on Jul 4, 2009 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sad to say Al, but the tradition of a "celeb" singing TMOTTB at Wrigley
keeps people at the ballpark LONGER. The longer they stay, the more money they spend on food and drink. It’s all about the Benjamins.
Today would be a perfect example of that. A blowout loss that was decided early.
That 7th inning “hook” kept people from leaving even earlier when it was apparent that the Cubs were content to “mail it in” the rest of the game.
And the “tradition” allows a lot of marginal talent to hawk their upcoming movie, book, charity event, etc., etc., etc.
Don’t get me wrong. I LIKE it when it is an ex-Cub player r someone with STRONG connections to the Cubs. Otherwise, meh.
It’s here to stay I’m afraid…
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
by Zeke on Jul 4, 2009 5:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think having ANYONE sing it would keep people there...
… particularly Santo, who is generally beloved even if not for his broadcasting insights.
In fact, I’d argue that singing that would be a perfect role for Santo.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 5, 2009 4:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Works for me.
Have the Jonas Brothers sung it yet? At that point, we WILL have descended into the abyss…
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
by Zeke on Jul 5, 2009 7:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i don't mind singing GBA in the seventh...
but i don’t like bringing a large microphone holder out to the home plate area, stopping the visiting team from warming up, and being all “look at me!!!” about it. if it is to be sung, do it like the cubs do tmottbg.
by tim815 on Jul 5, 2009 2:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and don't forget about the storm trooper ushers who block the aisles by stringing ropes across them...
…and pretty much shoot you on sight if you even think about moving during the singing of GBA.
Ok, ok, I exaggerate… but still – from all accounts I’ve read and heard, they were pretty hard core about it at the old Yankee Stadium. Not sure if they’ve carried the attitude over to the new one or not.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Jul 5, 2009 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know...
how I feel about a weekly “God Bless America” playing, but I can certainly appreciate that on holidays. Then again, this could just be the musician in me (I get the pleasure of playing 3 hours of patriotic music at my local fireworks display tonight).
Agreed on the “Harry tribute”…especially when they bring in Larry King or Bob Uecker to sing the stretch.
by CubsGirl on Jul 4, 2009 3:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
they did God Bless America
the sunday Laura & Max and I came out. I wish they didn’t actually.
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 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
NO TO GBA
I know it is bad form to say this on the fourth of July, but MLB needs to dump God Bless America on Sundays. It is an unnecessary bit of enforced, and fake, patriotism.
Ladies and gentlemen! It's 1985 all over again, but this time the offense goes to hell!
by Ross on Jul 4, 2009 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
what's next
no flag pins? how will we know who is patriotic?
DEJESUS!!!
by tomas21 on Jul 4, 2009 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The luster is off the pearl.
GBA needs to be dropped.
Not really sure why it was used in the first place. Various other songs would have been better choices.
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
by tville on Jul 4, 2009 5:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
if MLB were really sincere about the whole patriotism thing and not just trying to make themselves look good,
they should go with “America the Beautiful”. If sung right, that one will make you stand a little taller, heart pound a little stronger and maybe even bring a tear to your eye. As opposed to GBA, which to me is just sounds arrogant, pompous and a little bit “holier than thou”.
But the far easier thing to do would be to just drop it period. I’d have no problem with that.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Jul 4, 2009 11:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
especially if it includes the
“who more than self thy country loved
and freedom more than life.”
verse
by tim815 on Jul 5, 2009 2:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agree fully.
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
by tville on Jul 5, 2009 7:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
I agree – it definitely feels like fake patriotism. If they insist on singing God Bless America, don’t do it in the 7th inning stretch; do it like the Cubs already do it at the beginning, before the Star Spangled Banner. In the 7th it just feels wrong – it’s baseball! It should be fun – get the solemnity out of the way at the beginning, and let us enjoy the game.
by false cognate on Jul 4, 2009 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am really poed at the Cubs for not doing it today. Do it and have Len sing the 7th.
Yes I have joined twitter. Find me at puckyprosecutor. First person to identify where the puckish prosecutor is from gets credit! (not enough to spell our puckish).
by cubstoseriesby100 on Jul 4, 2009 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I meant not doing the gehrig in the 7th inning.
And I thought the players were going to read it
Yes I have joined twitter. Find me at puckyprosecutor. First person to identify where the puckish prosecutor is from gets credit! (not enough to spell our puckish).
by cubstoseriesby100 on Jul 4, 2009 5:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No
All the other ballparks play "God Bless America" in the 7th, too, on Sundays & holidays. Not the Cubs. Perhaps new ownership will change this.
I hope not. There is enough fake, plaster patriotism without having to add more.
Besides, if you really must do something “patriotic” for the 7th, then at least play “This Land Is Your Land” – it is musically of much high quality,
by eths on Jul 5, 2009 4:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Point being...
… whether you agree with doing it or not, the Cubs shouldn’t be exempt from something ALL other teams do.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 5, 2009 4:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why not? We've been grandfathered out of it.
"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.
by zevkalman on Jul 5, 2009 7:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Al, I didn't have a throwback ball handy and rooting in my bag for one would have been too obvious
Plus, it was McGehee’s career homer #6 – you never know, he might want that milestone homer back! This way, there’s no confusion on whether or not the ‘real’ one was thrown back.
actually, the real reason is… I’m not sure my arm could make a throw all the way back onto the field anymore… ;-)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Jul 4, 2009 3:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Career HR #6!
Why didn’t I think of that?
I bet you could throw the ball back to the field. Next time…
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 4, 2009 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
oops didn't see this when I posted above
as Emily Latella would say… never mind
by Emelie on Jul 4, 2009 4:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's time to work with an understudy BH.
Let the younger arm make the long toss and save yours for the WS.
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
by Zeke on Jul 4, 2009 5:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting idea.
We already use the understudy ballhawks to run over to Sheffield when the Mike Fontenots of the world come up. I’ll have to give some thought to leveraging their arms as well. Maybe Jacque Jones could be our roving outfield instructor… ;-)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Jul 4, 2009 11:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hmm. Somehow I don't envision JJ working out well in that role...
Maybe he could be a “spotter point” up on the bleacher concourse. You know, like the guy who runs ahead of you when your golf ball is in a low spot on the course and give you a visual line to the flag on the green so you can hit your shot…
JJ: “Hey fellas! Throw it right over head! And no fair hitting me with the throw.”
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
by Zeke on Jul 5, 2009 7:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ballhawk, I've said it before...
…but you may have the coolest hobby of anybody I know.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on Jul 4, 2009 9:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So when I write my "Life on a Street Corner: True Confessions of a Wrigley Field Ballhawk" book...
…I can put you down for a few copies? ;-)
Seriously, thanks for the props. You’ll have to bring your glove and stop by next time you’re at Wrigley.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Jul 4, 2009 11:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or, "Streetwalker: True Confessions of a Wrigley Field Ballhawk"
I’m sure you have some bawdy hawking tales that would link nicely to the “Streetwalker” part. ;)
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
by Zeke on Jul 5, 2009 7:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Went to the Goldpanners game today
at first sat behind home plate and as a foul ball soared over the bleachers in right, I thought of ballhawk and wondered if Growden Memorial Park had ballhawks too. Around the 5th inning moved over to the bleachers, looked down and behold, two little boys with gloves! What a game.
The Panners won 4-3 against the Mat-Su Miners.
by Emelie on Jul 5, 2009 6:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here's what I have to say about that: Casey McGehee was always someone I thought could be
useful on the Cubs 40 man roster…and when some on this board poo-pooed him a year or two ago (e.g., he was a flash in the pan), I disagreed. Good for the Brewcrew they knew quality….I would have liked him around even if his defense is pretty shoddy….
"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.
by zevkalman on Jul 4, 2009 10:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bradley's OPS
for the past week is well over .800, and his OPS has gone up each week the past month. So he is improving.
Soriano, on the other hand, is headed in the opposite direction. There is NO rational reason for continuing to play him. Whether he’s hurt or not, DL him (I’m sure he has something sore they can label) so he can either rest (if he’s hurt/tired) or get special instruction without boo-birds/pressure (if he’s just in a funk).
Soriano is helping the team lose every time he steps on the field, on offense and defense. There is no way around that.
DEJESUS!!!
by tomas21 on Jul 4, 2009 4:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
theres someone on the cubs part of the cbssports forums that truly believes that soriano should be played in the leadoff spot regardless of how bad he is atm
i kind of feel bad for him
wells4roty
by jesus christos on Jul 4, 2009 4:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I feel bad for him too
and have to think he is down on himself too.
by sue369 on Jul 4, 2009 4:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i was referring to the person that thinks he should be played regardless, but yeah, i feel bad for fonzie too
wells4roty
by jesus christos on Jul 4, 2009 4:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't feel bad for Fonzie at all, at least
until I see him try to bat with a lighter bat, and until I see him just try and make contact with the ball, and dunk it into right field.
Till that time comes, he does not get any pity from me.
"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.
by zevkalman on Jul 4, 2009 10:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I bet it is either Lou or Drew
"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 4, 2009 6:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
it's not me
I don’t post regularly anywhere but here, and I don’t think I’ve ever been on the cbs forum.
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 5, 2009 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I spent the morning with my boys (The ex and I "split" holidays)
and I have to say I probably had the best day of anyone here. It’s amazing how much fun three little guys can have with a small hadfull of kid-friendly fireworks and dad as a tackling dummy. Some thing tomorrow for my oldest’s 5th birthday, so maybe I’ll check in on Monday. Go Cubs!
by DisCUBbobulated on Jul 4, 2009 4:30 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Going into this series...
I just thought to myself, please don’t get swept. But we still have a chance to take 3 out of 4 tomorrow, or split as a worst case scenario. With the way we’ve been playing, I’ll take a series like this in a heartbeat.
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Jul 4, 2009 4:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Harden
He’s just been horrible this year. I don’t know if it’s his shoulder problem or what, but I sincerely hope the Cubs opt not to re-sign him in the offseason.
by Outshined_One on Jul 4, 2009 4:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
If I thought he had any trade value, I'd try to deal him now.
The Angels could use a starting pitcher, but Harden has been so bad I can’t imagine anyone wanting him.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 4, 2009 5:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Brenley called him wild
in the strike zone. It’s not like he was walking people with awful control, he just missed his location in the zone and unfortunately, the Brewers know how to hit balls right down the middle.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
by mrcubsfan on Jul 4, 2009 5:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think even the Nationals
are familiar with this concept. At this point, I’d almost rather take my chances with Rich Hill than Rich Harden.
"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 4, 2009 5:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How about the Phillies?
They are looking under every rock for pitching. Maybe they might think they can “fix” him.
Ladies and gentlemen! It's 1985 all over again, but this time the offense goes to hell!
by Ross on Jul 4, 2009 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jim Hendry would be interested.
Oh, wait…
Nevermind.
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
by Zeke on Jul 4, 2009 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm pretty sure the Brewers would take him off your hands.
by Ted Simmons Speed Camp on Jul 4, 2009 6:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Go back to brew crew crew you troll
by chicagodude on Jul 4, 2009 8:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ted isn't a troll
He’s just an opposing fan. They’re very different.
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
by Allie on Jul 4, 2009 8:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i love this game
who would you offer us?
by tim815 on Jul 5, 2009 2:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bill Hall.
Who else? :)
by Ted Simmons Speed Camp on Jul 5, 2009 8:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
His velocity looked alright
I think he was just off… and awful. But I don’t think he’s hurt.
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
by Allie on Jul 4, 2009 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
On TV, his pitches looked like they had NO movement.
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
by Zeke on Jul 4, 2009 5:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
exactly
Whatever happened to Harden’s ‘out’ pitch the sinking changeup. Everything he threw today was straight as an arrow. Very strange.
by jeff_pico on Jul 4, 2009 6:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was like he was pitching a slightly faster PB to the hitters...
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
by Zeke on Jul 4, 2009 6:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wasn't that our complaint
The couple of starts before his last one (6/29 @ PIT)?
"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 4, 2009 7:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, i'm thinking there's something wrong with his mechanics
which make me think he’s injured.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
by buckmulligan on Jul 4, 2009 7:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lou is channeling Dusty
he is throwing up his hands to the gods while washing his hands of the problem. Listen, this is a tough season. But Lou had the spark that seemed to put the team back to good steady offensive baseball. Fuld was slapping the hell out of everything, and we were scoring early. Instead of playing the hot hand until it breaks down, he pulled Fuld out of the lineup and moved Soriano back.
Now he’s making “adjustments” that aren’t working. Lou, you had your chance and you blew it. It’s probably too late to reignite the Fuld fever and ARam is headed back so Lou can hand off responsibility to him for the season. As much as i liked the job he did the past two years, I can’t stand the decisions he’s making now. I know he can’t hit, But I know he can bench the players that aren’t pulling their weight. He refuses to ride the hot horse, instead preferring to keep the special players happy.
If you like Selig's handling of the steroid issue, you'll love his choice for next Cub owner.
by tharr on Jul 4, 2009 5:08 PM CDT reply actions 4 recs
i agree and rec'd
as much as i thought lou pressed all the right buttons the first couple years, he seems to really not be using his personnel well now.
DEJESUS!!!
by tomas21 on Jul 4, 2009 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually heis only channeling the bad part of Dusty
The up side was that players loved him and would try to run through walls or catchers for him. Now this led to lots of crappy decsions but Lou is just making crappy decisions and the players feel no inspiration. Dusty made every guy on the roster feel needed Lou seems to just be cuddling a few vets.
"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 4, 2009 8:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Cuddling"?
My overactive imagination sincerely hopes you just had a braino on ‘coddling’ there.
(shudder)
"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 5, 2009 3:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dusty: "C'mere dude. Let me show you my toothpick collection."
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
by Zeke on Jul 5, 2009 7:29 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Wondering
What other player in MLB would be allowed to continue playing every day if had was hitting .169 in his last 37 games? Nope, not even Pujols.
Who needs a stinkin' tag line? What are they for anyway?
by krummy12 on Jul 4, 2009 8:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're right.
You’re superior grasp of baseball, as evidenced by valuing Batting Average so highly, has led you to this insightful conclusion!
But let’s go with it, the Red Sox have Bay starting, with a .218 BA, in his last 37 games, Az had Byrne starting, with a .208 BA in pretty much any 37 games you’d want to pick, Balentein in Seattle- .180 last 37 games. We could keep going… Josh Anderson in Det., Nix on the Reds- go to RF and I bet we could find a say, Franceour 37 game stretch with sum ugly numbers as well.
Sorry for the snark, but I’m not as tolerant of exaggerated and gleeful bashing of players as I could be – especially from those who have claimed superior knowledge by virtue of playing “at a very high level.” There are enough real issues with Soriano, and most other players, to discuss without made up hyperbole. Maybe try that. Or not. Whatever.
I’m no big Soriano apologist , and he’s been stinking it up for too long. DL him, find out what’s wrong, whatever. I’ll bet it happens soon, if he doesn’t straighten out soon. He’s never had a stretch this bad in his career- something is wrong. All of the bad hitting on the team, coming at the same time as it has, is really unusual from a group of players with long track records of production.
There as signs that most everyone is coming back to life and that’ll make us fine going forward.
"Baseball is like church- many attend, few understand." ~ Leo Durocher
by The Lip on Jul 5, 2009 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Shame the game started out the way it did
I was looking forward to a quick interjection of “Can you dig it? Yes I can…” Instead, I just went back to bed. Ah, well -we’ll get ’em tomorrow.
"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 4, 2009 5:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Keep faith
Sure this loss was ugly, but every team has games like this. We can still take the series with a win tomorrow. If we can take 2 of 3 from the Braves, and then even settle for a split with St Louis, I’d be happy going into the break
Oh Baby!
by cubswgnrocks on Jul 4, 2009 5:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Ugly yes, but it only counts as one.
So lace up and win tomorrow.
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
by Zeke on Jul 4, 2009 5:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Call me goofy
Call me goofy but when I heard mistakenly the players were going to read Lou’s speech I thought it would have been a cool thing to have all the accents, nationalities and such represented on a team like the Cubs reading in unison or maybe taking parts. Maybe even have an international flavor of having Z say a line in spanish and Fukudome one in japanese to show the international flavor of the sport.
Yes I have joined twitter. Find me at puckyprosecutor. First person to identify where the puckish prosecutor is from gets credit! (not enough to spell our puckish).
by cubstoseriesby100 on Jul 4, 2009 5:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Like "WE ARE THE WORLD"... in the '80s...
well, maybe not…
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
by Zeke on Jul 4, 2009 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Would Prince boycott this, too?
"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 4, 2009 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, Michael Jackson would have to this time around...
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
by Zeke on Jul 4, 2009 6:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ha!
Forgot about that guy/girl/person/thing.
"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 4, 2009 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unfortunately, the essence of Michael Jackson left us all many years ago...
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
by Zeke on Jul 4, 2009 6:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ok your goofy
"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 5, 2009 12:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mr. Disney would like his royalty check now.
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
by Zeke on Jul 5, 2009 7:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
With the way the team
has played to this point in the season, I didn’t expect much going into this weekend. At best I was hoping for a split and for the team to not lose any more ground, and I’d be willing to bet that if someone had told you Thursday night that they would split 4 games with the Brewers, most folks would take that in a heartbeat.
That being said, win tomorrow with the Axe Murderer on the mound, and they’re only a 1 1/2 games back with the cavalry coming Monday night.
I’ll agree with tharr about Soriano. If the Cubs can make up an injury to Aaron Miles, they can sure as hell make up one for Soriano.
by TarHeelHawk on Jul 4, 2009 5:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I think the Cubs have to
bite the bullet on this one, sit Soriano. Why not DL him, you got the All-Star Break give him sometime off. Of course Soriano is probably lobbying for time, saying he is fine. So I am sure Lou is in a predictment. However enough is enough, find the pine Sori.
Cubs should try to trade Harden, get the best deal they can get.
Have a good game tomorrow Ted.
"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"
by Grockcubs on Jul 4, 2009 6:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
You know the worse part about Soriano struggling?
In the last 30 days (well June atleast), he’s played better than Fukudome and Hoffpauir.
In fact, Soriano’s .OBP is higher than Fukudome’s for that period! I would have never guessed that.
In an 11-2 loss, I had a feeling going in Brewers were going to win this. They lost in an embarrassing way the last two games. They’re too good right now against our team to be swept. Hopefully we can come back with a vendetta and win tomorrow.
by ak123 on Jul 4, 2009 7:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
that's not the worst part.
the worst part is that in order for this team to succeed, soriano has to hit; he’s a cornerstone of the team.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
by buckmulligan on Jul 4, 2009 7:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wait till Monday
I know it sucks because he’s highly paid but lets see how he does with Ramirez in the lineup.
by ak123 on Jul 4, 2009 7:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
For a couple of weeks until Rami gets his stroke back?
Don’t you think he’ll press harder since Aramis won’t be hitting like his old self?
"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 5, 2009 3:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
maybe
Rami will hit like his old self. We’ve had tons of bad luck this year, maybe we get to have some good luck now.
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 5, 2009 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't one pitch of the game but seriously...
why is fukudome leading off?
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Jul 4, 2009 7:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
was
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Jul 4, 2009 7:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well
Even when he’s not hitting, he usually sees a lot of pitches. Which is what you want of a leadoff man, besides getting on base.
by false cognate on Jul 4, 2009 7:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But he gets on base less than Soriano
Makes no sense.
by ak123 on Jul 4, 2009 7:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Doesn't Dome have the highest OBP on the team?
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
by Allie on Jul 4, 2009 8:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
hes basing that off of a small diff in the june OBP
wells4roty
by jesus christos on Jul 4, 2009 8:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and fuld hasn't ....
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Jul 4, 2009 8:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Because Fuld was showing up Soriano
and they had to make sure he did not start and do something stupid like take pitches and get on base. Well back to Iowa Monday but he he will always have Pittsburgh.
"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 4, 2009 8:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
fuld needs to learn his place, huh
wells4roty
by jesus christos on Jul 4, 2009 8:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think there's a chance he will stay
fukudome, soriano, and hoffpauir are all stinking up the joint. if they do send him down, then that shows me that they don’t watch games.
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Jul 4, 2009 8:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't get it
Yes, they are paying Soriano quite handsomely but they’re not paying him to lose. You’re paying him either way. Sit his ass down for an extended period…not this 2 days nonsense…until he shows he’s willing to change his approach. I’ve been saying it for weeks and he has changed absolutely nothing. Now in today’s Trib, comes word about some mechanical changes. Sure, I’ll believe that when I see it. Scouts around baseball are laughing at how brutal Soriano is and certainly at the Cubs for continuing to run him out there to the detriment of the club.
Who needs a stinkin' tag line? What are they for anyway?
by krummy12 on Jul 4, 2009 8:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
May I make a suggestion?
You have said this same thing in these threads several times now. There is nothing any of us in here can do about this situation. Take your complaints to the people who can make the changes you want. Repeating yourself in here does nothing. We can’t help you.
by sue369 on Jul 4, 2009 10:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And since there's nothing any of us can really do about anything...
…regarding the Cubs, I guess that means we should stop all discussion about the team and stop participating in this website.
Apparently the fact that none of us has an “in” with the front office means that we shouldn’t engage in discussions or give opinions.
Is it okay though if we continue to mindlessly cheerlead?
by bluekoolaide on Jul 4, 2009 11:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
sure
you have mine ..
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we will go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
by cubnational on Jul 5, 2009 8:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's not dsicussion
with him it’s like a freaking lecture every post.
by sue369 on Jul 5, 2009 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that's ridiculous, Jessica
Fuld is an excellent backup OF. But I think it’s very unreasonable to think that he didn’t play because he was “showing up” Soriano. I’d bet no one is happier about Fuld succeeding then Soriano and Lou, who both remember what it was like to be in the minors. But you don’t bench an all star to play a backup unless there’s an injury.
We’re not going to the playoffs on Fuld’s bat. We could get to the playoffs on Soriano’s bat, but he has to be in the lineup to start hitting again.
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 5, 2009 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Returned from the Sox @ Royals game.
Sox hit the crap outta Hochevar, sending three homers to almost the exact same spot in deep left-center. Royals fought it out and won 6-4. Fun game and real good baseball by the Royals. Make your way down to Kauffman, please, it is a gorgeous stadium since the renovations.
Royals game started, they turned on the out of town games, and it was already 5-0 Brewers. WTF.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on Jul 4, 2009 9:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Oh, and I forgot.
Today was “HALTER TOP DAY”. The Royals allowed fans to vote on their favorite retro-promo day, and of course this won. Needless to say, I got a retro t-shirt out of it…and probably saw more dudes in halter tops than dudettes.
Dan
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on Jul 4, 2009 10:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just checked the guide
I was all excited about getting to hear Chip Caray tomorrow (whom I really enjoy listening to)… TBS is blacked out and the Sox are on WGN.
Really sucks. :-( Why have a national telecast and then black it out? I thought blackouts were supposed to encourage you to sell out a game… but I’m more than 50 miles from Wrigley and a whole state away.
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
by Allie on Jul 4, 2009 11:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yet another ridiculous application of Bud's Idiotic Blackout Rules.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 5, 2009 4:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
thankfully, one of the few benefits living in SE TN offers
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we will go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
by cubnational on Jul 5, 2009 8:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the second I saw McGehee's jack out of the park ..
I hit the satellite remote and saw a program called “Man Vs. Cartoon” that was on.
It sounded oddly appropriate given the fact that I hadn’t seen the ball actually land yet on Waveland, and somehow perversely comforting that I could watch something I’d get more out of.
The guy was trying to use rocket powered skates. It didn’t work.
Man, what a metaphor for this season.
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we will go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
by cubnational on Jul 5, 2009 12:42 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Cubs will take care of business today. no questions about it.
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Jul 5, 2009 9:22 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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