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Cubs, Ted Lilly, Weather Star In 8-2 Blowout Of Brewers

Ted Lilly was named to the All-Star team on Ted Lilly T-Shirt Day.

More photos » by Nam Y Huh - AP

Ted Lilly was named to the All-Star team on Ted Lilly T-Shirt Day.

Everything was better today than yesterday.

Ted Lilly was named today as the Cubs' sole representative to the 2009 NL All-Star team, and went out and threw another solid game. The Cub offense stepped up with 13 hits and a pair of homers, capped by Jake Fox's two-run job to Waveland. (You already know, if you follow either Ballhawk Ken or me via Twitter, that Ballhawk Dave caught that one on the fly.) And summer weather arrived at last, with plentiful sunshine and temperatures in the mid-70's, all adding up to an 8-2 Cubs win over the Brewers.

That made it three out of four in the series, so the Cubs accomplished what they needed to -- establishing that they can win series at home, and against a division rival. That makes five of the last seven, and the team looks like it's starting to play together and with some (for lack of a better term, I'll use Lou's) "Cubbie Swagger". In other words, they go on the field with confidence and everyone contributes.

Derrek Lee continued his hot streak, driving in three runs with a single and a homer; he has reached 15 HR and 51 RBI in 79 games, putting him on pace for a 30/100 season, which would be only the second such season of his career. Kosuke Fukudome had a better day in the leadoff spot, with a pair of hits and a sacrifice fly. Ryan Theriot and Mike Fontenot also had a pair of hits each, and Fox added a double to his Waveland homer.

Star-divide

Even the booed (and that was ridiculous) Alfonso Soriano had two hits, both balls that were nearly caught in the outfield. But. He didn't appear to be running hard on either ball, and I will not accuse him of loafing, because I don't think that's it at all. I think he's hurt -- you could see him flexing his left leg several times in the outfield after returning to the field after one of the hits -- and the fact that he was the only starter pulled with the 8-2 lead intact after seven innings hints at that. There were unconfirmed rumors floating around the bleachers today that Sori is headed to the DL tomorrow when Reed Johnson returns from the DL. Despite the two hits today, a couple of weeks off wouldn't hurt, especially with the All-Star break about to intervene.

But besides D-Lee, the star of the game was Lilly, who threw 6.2 strong innings and left to a standing ovation (he also got one when he laid down a sweet-looking sac bunt in the sixth). He struck out nine and walked none and made only one mistake, the homer allowed to Prince Fielder. Perhaps more importantly, Aaron Heilman threw 1.2 solid innings of relief without walking anyone (14 strikes in 19 pitches), and Carlos Marmol looked good again; this was a perfect no-pressure situation for him to get some of his command back (17 pitches, 10 strikes).

With the Cardinals' 10-1 blowout of the Reds today, the Cubs remain 2.5 games out of first place, but move ahead of Cincinnati into third, and only 1.5 games behind the second-place Brewers. The Cardinals, Brewers and Cubs have all lost 39 games and the Reds have lost 40. In fact, there are no less than ten teams in the National League whose records are between six games over .500 (St. Louis, 45-39) and three games under .500 (Atlanta and New York, 39-42). That puts those ten teams within 4.5 games of each other, not a significant difference with half the season played. No races in the NL have sorted themselves out yet, not even the NL West -- the Giants have fought to stay within 6.5 games of the Dodgers.

And until the league sorts itself out -- and the AL's the same way; besides the Yankees and Red Sox, there are eight other teams with records between 44-35 (Angels, Rangers) and 42-39 (Mariners), a three-game spread -- don't expect any major dealing to be made. That's 18 teams within a handful of games of each other and four others leading the pack. They all think they still have a chance, and likely, many of them still do. This could be one of those strange years where the talent is spread evenly over many rosters and it might be August or even September before it sorts itself out.

Fasten your seat belts and enjoy the ride, and remember it continues an hour earlier than the original schedule tomorrow (for national TV on ESPN) at 6:05 CDT.

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Great Series Win!

(first)

"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott

by Reddevil on Jul 5, 2009 4:52 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Must series win

Hate to say it on July 5th, it would of been ugly if they would of dropped 3 of 4.
 Continue this tomorrow night.
Anxious to see the moves. Fox is going nowhere. Lou needs to get him at least two starts a week.

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

by Grockcubs on Jul 5, 2009 4:59 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

This was most important series of the year so far

Because had we been swept (which wasn’t out of the realm a week ago) we’d be 7.5 games out. We could have legitimately starting throwing the towels in. Thank god it didn’t happen.

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 5:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, a sweep would have been bad

3 of 4 losses would have been annoying, but not necessarily a death blow.

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 5, 2009 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Geez.

The Cubs WON 3 of 4! How about some positivity!

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

by Al on Jul 5, 2009 5:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Al, why is that a response to me?

Go back and read my comment. It wasn’t negative.

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 5, 2009 5:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You're right.

Was just trying to continue the thread. Sorry for the confusion.

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

by Al on Jul 5, 2009 5:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

S'alright

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 5, 2009 5:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's more my fault

I started the sweep talk.

But to be fair, before this series, that’s how we were all feeling.

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 5:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Although, it started in Pittsburgh by winning 2 of 3.

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

by Al on Jul 5, 2009 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Your right

But this 4 game series in my eyes was a make it or break series.

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Was Ken Macha channeling Ned Yost today?

Watched the game with a Brewer fan buddy of mine. Neither of us could believe that they pitched to Lee in the first or Fontenot in the fourth — and they got burned both times.

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 5, 2009 4:59 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Bleacher chants

I talked about this in the game-threads. I’m quite memorized by it actually. Have you ever seen the roll call given at Yankee Stadium by the RF bleachers? I was at the game yesterday and it was one of the coolest things ever.

For those unfamiliar: The guys in the bleacher start with one players name and chants “Johnny Damon” -claps- “Johnny Damon” -claps - “Johnny Damon”, etc. until he turns around and acknowledges them (this is at the top of the 1st inning). Then they’d move to another player and do the same thing until every player (minus pitcher I think) acknowledges them.

I found out this started only 10 years ago or so. I feel it would be cool if Wrigley crowd regulars started their own tradition or even copy that one.

Has there ever been that sort of tradition at Wrigley that I’m brain farting and not thinking about?

If nothing else, maybe this gets Soriano out of his groove since he got it all the time when he played great at Yankee Stadium. Plus when we play Yankees in interleague in 2 years (they’ll come to Wrigley I’m sure) you guys can mock their chant in the bleachers for the Cubs.

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 5:00 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Didn't realize that how I have line drawn through words

- claps - that’s what I meant it to look like.

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Damn didn't work again

Ok, i’ll stop replying to my own posts.

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

There's never been such a tradition at Wrigley.

I’ve heard the Yankee Stadium chant. It’s pretty cool.

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

by Al on Jul 5, 2009 5:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Al, start something there!

Seriously, I feel bringing some sort of connection with bleachers and players like that would make Wrigley even more awesome.

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I should talk to the people who sit closer to the field.

It’d be more likely the chant would be heard if it started there.

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

by Al on Jul 5, 2009 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Seriously consider it

If any other ball-park could pull off such a thing it would be Wrigley.

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

We have the chant

Right field sucks!!

by LT on Jul 5, 2009 6:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

doh

I should read more before I post lol

by LT on Jul 5, 2009 6:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Use spaces between the dashes and the words

Like – this – here.

And is the chant a typical sports chant, a la Joh-nny Da-mon! clap clap clapclapclap?

"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 7:53 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks

Yea it’s like that. Here’s the link I posted below. I think 30 seconds in it begins:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4kAr0wp_P4

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 8:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think it's great, too.

The only Cub one that I can think of is the “left field sucks – right field sucks” thing when the game is knd of boring. The Yankee one is much better.

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 5, 2009 5:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Can you guys steal their tradition?

Seriously, rule #1 I learned in Marketing 101 was “Steal Steal Steal”
Rule #2: Nothing is original

In all the ball games I’ve ever been to, I’ve never seen anything cool enough for me to say we should copy them.

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 5:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I see nothing wrong with "stealing" it

Hell, everyone throws back visiting HRs now.

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 5, 2009 5:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Works for me

I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Jul 5, 2009 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Then I guess it's up to Al and the reg. bleacher people on here to execute it

LOL, not like this discussion will ever go past the 10 minute chats we’ve had on here.

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's not easy to get something like that started

But I believe in Al!

Get it done!

(Maybe if you created a fanpost about it in all caps . . . I keed.)

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 5, 2009 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Haha

Let’s see if Al talks to anyone first (he said he’d try).

I don’t think a fan-post on here would really do much. We’re only a tiny fraction of all the Cubs fans.

Plus I’m shocked at how few people even knew what I was talking about on here. We need to all get out of our CUBicle sometimes :)

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

Liine of the day
We need to all get out of our CUBicle sometimes

Indeed. There is, in fact, a league outside of Wrigley Field.

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 5, 2009 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

but I don't like any of those teams.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 5, 2009 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I suppose if the other 29 were contracted

The Cubs would win the World Series.

Probably.

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 5, 2009 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not

a chance in hell

I saw you in that coffee shop, breaking the fifth commandment. Congress passes these things for a reason, Lois.

by hansman1982 on Jul 5, 2009 9:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

In baseball atleast

I feel like if I was a NY transplant in Chicago who was a Mets fan, I wouldn’t be able to have a talk about my team with anyone in Chicago.

In CT/NY where I live, they seem to know about the Cubs enough to have some conversations.

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

not of

any importance. Heck, the other league doesn’t even play baseball!

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 6:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Strongly disagree. Stealing chants is really lame.

Wrigley has enough of it’s own traditions, screw the yankees

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Jul 5, 2009 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's VERY cool in person.

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 5, 2009 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm sure it is cool.

Just like I think the jump around at Madison is cool. But I would NEVER want my hawkeyes to steal it.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Jul 5, 2009 5:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Actually, you can have the jump around . . .

I think it looks stupid when we’re getting our asses kicked. And the one time they didn’t do it because of construction, the students protested and stormed university offices like it was a real issue . . . .

Damn, that makes me sound old.

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 5, 2009 5:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

GET OFF MY LAWN!

Darn kids.

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 5:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

See? You can tell age jokes on me . . .

I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Jul 5, 2009 5:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 5, 2009 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

*shakes cane*

July: New month, new team

by chitownhawkeye on Jul 5, 2009 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

SWL hope you don't mind

but that image is now my desktop background on the Back Porch PC.

by ChipSet on Jul 5, 2009 7:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Night games.

bale_demotivate

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by dat cubfan daver on Jul 6, 2009 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nope.

And it’s nothing personal, I just think that a stories franchise like the cubs don’t need to be stealing chants. Also the bleacher bums and the players have plenty of interaction. At least in left field where I usually sit

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Jul 5, 2009 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

So you never chanted, "Darrrrrr-ylllll" then

I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Jul 5, 2009 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I did :D

At Turner Field, in the nosebleeds behind home plate. Got four whole sections doing it before he managed to strike out.

"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 7:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well, now we're REALLY reaching for a solution...
If nothing else, maybe this gets Soriano out of his groove since he got it all the time when he played great at Yankee Stadium.

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on Jul 5, 2009 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

OK, good. LOL.

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on Jul 5, 2009 5:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yea but if he did go on DL

And first game back that sort of chant started with his name first…you never know what kind of weird boost that can give him.

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

So...

…you’re saying you WEREN’T kidding…

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on Jul 5, 2009 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No I was

But I’m also saying I’d try anything to get him out of a funk even at great lengths.

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah I thought the same thing

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Jul 5, 2009 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Video of it

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4kAr0wp_P4

The game yelling is kinda obnoxious but it’s really cool!

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That was really cool

"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)

Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.

by SackMan on Jul 6, 2009 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

In cricket in Australia this has been a regular thing for decades:

“Shane Warne give us a wave, Shane Warne give us a wave”

Until the player becomes so annoyed with the chants they acknowledge them.

by AussieCub on Jul 5, 2009 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

There have been a few 'chant' traditions over the years from the LF bleachers...

…but most of them have been aimed at the opposing LFer, instead of our own.

Bottom of 1st, right after the first pitch, someone will yell “Gimme a B”, and everyone responds “B!”; “Gimme a R”, “R!”, etc. etc. until they spell out the opposing left fielder’s name, i.e. Braun for today’s game. After the name is spelled, original chanter will yell “What’s that spell?” “Braun!” “Fee Fie Foe Fum! Braun is a f***ing bum!” although at some point they toned it down to “stinking bum”. This used to happen every game, without fail. However, it’s died away the last few years – maybe down to once a series, if that.

Another classic was to watch the LFer closely and every time he shifts around between pitches, to yell out his movements. For instance, referring to his steps if he’s walking/shifting around – “Left. Right. Left. Left. Right”. etc. etc. Sounds juvenile (aren’t they all?) but pretty funny when executed properly. Even more funny if the player makes some bodily adjustments – “Left. Right. Right. Left. Pick. Scratch.”

And then the classic – “Braun’s got a big ol’ butt, oh yeah! Braun’s got a big ol’ butt. Oh yeah!” Again, pretty juvenile when you read it here on the screnn, but during a game, it can be pretty darn funny. Especially when the player’s get into it, as most of them did. Some would actually shake/wiggle their butt in response.

I remember one time Bernard Gilkey (StL) turned around with a most serious look on his face and slowly raised his index finger to his mouth and then Ssssshhhhhuuuussssshhhhhed us in the best imitation of a BAMF librarian I’ve ever seen. ;-)

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

by ballhawk on Jul 5, 2009 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Never knew that!

Interesting….still think it would be cool if Cubs had one for their own players.

I dunno, I was just very impressed by yesterday at Yankee Stadium during that and I really thought Cubs fans should create their own (or mock-copy) one for Cubs.

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Some years back I was in LF on a September Friday afternoon

and a lot of the crowd was Texas Longhorns fans, who were going to South Bend the next day when the Longhorns visited Notre Dame. The visitors were the Astros, and they kept trying to get Luis Gonzales (the future Cub) to give the “hook-’em horns” sign. Gonzales played along a couple of times, but not as much as the Texas guys wanted. They were able to get him respond only when the Cubs had two outs. “Hey Luis, how many outs?” And he’s raise is hand, pinky and index finger extended, to enthusiastic cheers. It was fun.

by ChipSet on Jul 5, 2009 7:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sori is pretty good with playing along with the fans.

That’s why he’s still got a soft spot in my heart…

I know he’s not very popular this season, but I’m still pulling for him.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Jul 5, 2009 7:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I want to thank Jim McArdle for transcribing the Fee Fie Fo Fum chant

In ‘Living the Dream’. I generally sit in RF or under the scoreboard, so I’d heard the chant before, but never had any idea what they were yelling.

"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 7:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Muscle Butt

Greg Luzinski’s old moniker

by Employee22 on Jul 5, 2009 9:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

In old Tiger Stadium

Left field and right field would chant back and forth “Fuh Cue” and “Eats Hit”. Got so bad that Jim Campbell close the bleachers down for a week.

by CaliCub on Jul 5, 2009 6:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It is really a cool thing they do.

Ocassionally Jeter will not acknowledge the fans chanting his name for several minutes just to screw around with them. It is very funny.

by gocubsgo22 on Jul 6, 2009 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Statement series.

Despite all we’ve suffered through, this team does not appear ready to go away yet. Congratulations to Ted Lilly – he deserves an All-Star nod. And that Jake Fox home run…wow.

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by dat cubfan daver on Jul 5, 2009 5:01 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

On the Cub side

Fukudome looked really good today.

Theriot is still swinging like he thinks he’s a power hitter – the pitch that he grounded out to the left side in the first was well outside. If Macha elects to walk Lee, it’s possible that the Cubs don’t score in the first.

Soriano is clearly hurt; I’ve never seen him run that slowly on the bases.

Maybe it’s a good thing that no one wanted Fox . . . if he can learn to be as adequate in LF and RF as he has been at 3B, he could be a very valuable utility guy.

I’m more encouraged than I was four days ago, but the Cubs have yet to show sustained competency. A win tomorrow would be a step in the right direction.

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 5, 2009 5:03 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I must confess...

…Dome in the leadoff spot is kind of a dream come true for me. Unfortunately, I’m still so traumatized by his June numbers that I’m not as excited as I thought I’d be. Nonetheless, he’s looked a little better so far in July, so if he can just keep seeing a lot of pitchers and maintain a high OBP maybe he can stick there long term with RJ leading off vs. LHP.

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by dat cubfan daver on Jul 5, 2009 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think it's worth a shot

Either of them are likely to see a decent amount of pitches, anyway.

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 5, 2009 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I was impressed with his sac fly.

He took a questionable called strike on the outside corner, followed by a nice inside low strike. He seemed to be aware of the scouting report on him, because the next pitch was virtually identical to strike two, but he shortened up his swing and put a pretty good charge on a tough pitch inside to get the sac RBI.

He might be ideally suited to the leadoff role if he can continue to make good adjustments within an AB like that.

"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 5, 2009 5:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If you're referring to

the sac fly that scored Fonte after Ted’s bunt it was hit on the very first pitch.

Its funny, you spend most of your life gripping a baseball. And in the end, its almost always the other way around.

by TCobb1911 on Jul 6, 2009 7:59 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I believe you are mistaken.

Unless I imagined those first two pitches. His triple was on the first pitch.

"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 6, 2009 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ugh.

Just checked Gameday Pitch-by-pitch recap. His single in the fifth inning was on the third pitch. I have been failed by my memory.

"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 6, 2009 6:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

Only hours ago I was saying “Why would Lou put the one person with a lower .OBP than Soriano in leadoff”.

I know it’s only one game, but it’s still a glimmer of hope.

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

But he doesn't

I thought Dome had the highest OBP on the team

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

In the month of June

Fukudome had a lower OBP than Soriano.

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 8:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Then say "over the last month"

saying “lower than Soriano” is patently untrue…

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sorry

I made sure to have mentioned over the last month every other time I’ve ever mentioned it. But I’ll make sure to say it every time, you know so you don’t have to have the last word in an unnecessary post each time.

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 9:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Because asking

over what time span you’re basing a stat is unnecessary.

And I didn’t see an answer the last time I asked. Excuse me.

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 9:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nitpicking

- 1

I saw you in that coffee shop, breaking the fifth commandment. Congress passes these things for a reason, Lois.

by hansman1982 on Jul 5, 2009 9:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Its picking nits to ask HOW

you came to a stat determination?

Good to know.

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 9:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The whole

over the last month argument.

I saw you in that coffee shop, breaking the fifth commandment. Congress passes these things for a reason, Lois.

by hansman1982 on Jul 5, 2009 9:53 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I didn't know he was basing his

“lower OBP than Soriano” over the last month. That sentence seemed like a season long determination.

Now I’m picking nits and asking unnecessary questions. Awesome.

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 9:55 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Absolutely

LEAVE THE NITS ALONE!!! I apologize – when I initially posted I saw nitpicking…now I see your point.

I saw you in that coffee shop, breaking the fifth commandment. Congress passes these things for a reason, Lois.

by hansman1982 on Jul 5, 2009 9:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I just don't undestand why, if Sori is hurt,

would Lou play him and risk further injury. It just doesn’t add up.

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

by Clutche on Jul 5, 2009 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree Clutche

and it might be why Al heard that rumors that Sori goes to the DL tomorrow when ARam comes back. Lou might have been thinking “I gotta have at least one HR threat in there with Lee and Bradley until Ramirez returns”.

by CaliCub on Jul 5, 2009 6:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Mental DL

There’s been a trend this year of that.

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 6:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The NFL has the wild cat...

…we have mental DL stints haha.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Jul 5, 2009 7:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Because

some times a player may want to play through it and see what happens – if not then they get labelled as a weeny who doesnt have “toughness” see MB

I saw you in that coffee shop, breaking the fifth commandment. Congress passes these things for a reason, Lois.

by hansman1982 on Jul 5, 2009 9:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I

give him props for playing hurt – but enough is enough – we have a capable replacement now, get rested…btw I still want to doodle with you avatar.

I saw you in that coffee shop, breaking the fifth commandment. Congress passes these things for a reason, Lois.

by hansman1982 on Jul 5, 2009 9:53 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Perhaps

he was just trying to fill in so we wouldnt have to find another replacement…

I saw you in that coffee shop, breaking the fifth commandment. Congress passes these things for a reason, Lois.

by hansman1982 on Jul 5, 2009 9:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If Soriano goes on the DL

This will be the first time since he was signed that I personally would not be worried about who will fill his spot. Fox and Johnson will bring in my opinion 4x the output that Soriano has been bringing lately.

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 5:06 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Fuld could bring some energy to the lineup, too.

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

by Al on Jul 5, 2009 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wow forgot about him

And I agree but I’m still convinced he had 2 great games, but we have better options hitting wise out there. Defensively, him and Johnson would fun to watch on the field.

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 5:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I have no doubt that Fox could play LF

at least as adequately as Soriano. That being said, wouldn’t a lineup that includes Rammy, Fox, DLee, Soto, and a “normal” MB be awesome??

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

by ambrosiadreams on Jul 5, 2009 5:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Intimidating is what it would be.

"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 5, 2009 5:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

With a hitting Fukudome and Fontenot

Just please have our pitching stay solid.

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 5:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Add in a slap-hitting Theriot and a HBP-taking Cliff

And you pretty much have what we all assumed we’d be getting before Opening 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

by Clutch16 on Jul 5, 2009 7:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

define "normal" MB

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 5, 2009 5:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

"normal" MB =

more in line with his career numbers that what we have seen so far this year.

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

by ambrosiadreams on Jul 5, 2009 5:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Don't forget that...

… Ramirez will need a couple days off a week, since he’s not likely to be 100%. Fox will get at least 2-3 starts a week, I’d think.

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

by Al on Jul 5, 2009 5:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed.

I was more referring to if Sori was in fact placed on the DL as has been speculated, I wouldn’t mind seeing him get some starts in LF.

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

by ambrosiadreams on Jul 5, 2009 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Watching the Postgame Live show on CSN

Ted Lilly made some very complimentary comments about Mark Buehrle, and seemed pumped about his first half of the season. I could tell because he appeared to smile slightly.

He also was in the middle of an answer when a distant shrieking noise could be heard in the background. He stopped what he was saying, looked up slightly at the gathered reporters, and said “Is that (HWSNBN)?” Someone said yes, Ted rolled his eyes, and everyone chuckled.

Go get ’em, Bulldog.

"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 5, 2009 5:07 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

The legend grows
and said "Is that (HWSNBN)?" Someone said yes, Ted rolled his eyes,

Only Ted Lilly has the ability to grow the legend of Ted Lilly!

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 5, 2009 5:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Which name is that?

The list is growing people…

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 5:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Human Air Raid siren

AKA evil

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 5:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If given a choice

I think the only person alive I’d chose to listen to a Barney tape over is HWSNBN,

I go on a pretty much hiatus for a week and we win 5 of 7. Good news is we’re going out of town this week so I may be gone all week.

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 5, 2009 5:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What is

HWSNBN?

I saw you in that coffee shop, breaking the fifth commandment. Congress passes these things for a reason, Lois.

by hansman1982 on Jul 5, 2009 9:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He Woo Shall Not Be Named

"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 10:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ramirez?

I saw you in that coffee shop, breaking the fifth commandment. Congress passes these things for a reason, Lois.

by hansman1982 on Jul 5, 2009 10:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Or

Voldemort? Either way I aint afraid of either.

I saw you in that coffee shop, breaking the fifth commandment. Congress passes these things for a reason, Lois.

by hansman1982 on Jul 5, 2009 10:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Obligatory "POTTERGASM!" comment.

HP6 in a week!

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

by dtpollitt on Jul 5, 2009 10:38 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 5, 2009 10:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I see nothing

Are you wearing a Cloak of Invisibility? Do you solemnly swear you are up to no good?

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 10:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

adjust your monitor's white balance.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 5, 2009 10:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'll post a full review, don't worry.

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

by dtpollitt on Jul 5, 2009 10:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I can see it

when I scroll up, actually. That’s odd. :P

I like my version better, Hagrid. :P

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 10:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I still see nothing

Not fair.

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 11:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's...unusual

"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 11:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

SWL being unfair

or me not seeing?

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 11:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Why can't it be both?

"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 11:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

SWL isn't usually mean

well.. at least not to me. :-P

well.. at least not to me. :-Pthe whole other half… yeah that happens pretty regularly. Like… half the time!

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 11:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Stand back from your computer screen.

Or invert the colors. If you have a Mac, hold Apple+Alt+Ctrl and push 8.

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

by dtpollitt on Jul 5, 2009 11:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

whoa.

"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie

by buckmulligan on Jul 5, 2009 11:37 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Read the W again

now remember irriation and air raid sounds.

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 10:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He who shall not be named

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 10:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Judd Sirot?

I saw you in that coffee shop, breaking the fifth commandment. Congress passes these things for a reason, Lois.

by hansman1982 on Jul 5, 2009 10:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Louder, more annoying

And usually in the bleachers.

"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 10:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Al?

I have been to two games ever.

I saw you in that coffee shop, breaking the fifth commandment. Congress passes these things for a reason, Lois.

by hansman1982 on Jul 5, 2009 10:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

FYI

equating evil & Al is a surefire way to get banned! lol

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 10:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes, I can laugh at this, too.

Kind of.

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

by Al on Jul 6, 2009 4:54 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not sure how

you can HAHAHAHAHAH get more annoying HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA than Judd HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH Sirott – just seems to be too excited to get the chance…

I saw you in that coffee shop, breaking the fifth commandment. Congress passes these things for a reason, Lois.

by hansman1982 on Jul 5, 2009 10:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Read the W in Clutch's post again

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 10:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He's got a website

I swear to Lilly this is the only time I will ever post this link.

"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 10:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ugh

I curse the person who gave that man server space.

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 10:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ok

I have no clue who he is…but if his nickname is Ronnie Woo Woo I could only imagine.

I saw you in that coffee shop, breaking the fifth commandment. Congress passes these things for a reason, Lois.

by hansman1982 on Jul 5, 2009 10:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

ignorance is bliss

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 5, 2009 10:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I envy you

I wish I didn’t know who he was…

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 10:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You will most likely hear him on tomorrow's broadcast

And say, “Oh, THAT guy!” then, every time you hear him afterward, you will despise yourself for being overly-curious.

That which is heard cannot be unheard.

"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 11:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wow.

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by dat cubfan daver on Jul 6, 2009 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

This is what we needed

And if we take the next 2 series, the standings should be nicely knotted up.
I realize that it’s not major league pitching, but it sounds like Aramis saw the ball just fine during the rehab stint, which is also very encouraging.

July: New month, new team

by chitownhawkeye on Jul 5, 2009 5:08 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Seeing

the ball seems to be a HUGE thing in the big leauges…hitting for power is a different story but I will take a guy who hits for around .300 and not a ton of power right now.

I saw you in that coffee shop, breaking the fifth commandment. Congress passes these things for a reason, Lois.

by hansman1982 on Jul 5, 2009 9:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Commercial

Cool commercial for the return of the man.

But it’s a remake of the one they did when Ryno came back off the broken hand in 93.

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 5, 2009 5:14 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Ever get that Twitter thing figured out?

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by dat cubfan daver on Jul 5, 2009 5:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm working on it

I’m working on it.

My friend found me. I’ll sign up to follow you maybe that will help.

By the way the pucky prosecutor refers to Bones. My fanfiction.net screen name is the puckish prosecutor.

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 5, 2009 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

They did a good job?

WGN and CSN took a big hit when Pete Toma went to Pittsburgh. I’ve felt the Cubs broadcasts have gone downhill slightly production levelwise.

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 5:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I didn't realize that he left

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 5, 2009 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yea

Shame too, he was my one source to get my foot in the door with Cubs producing lol. Guess I’ll just stick editing in CT :)

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree that the telecasts aren't what they used to be

Although some of it was bad before — zooming in so tight on the ball during throws or on fielders during fly balls . . . no perspective. Don’t get me started on the field-level, behind the plate camera . . . .

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 5, 2009 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Were you that guy at Cubs Convention in 2007????

I remember someone talked about that for like 5 minutes at the WGN Meeting that year.

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 5:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yep.

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 5, 2009 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Was more like 1 minute

And I waited till the end. . . .or close to it.

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 5, 2009 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well I remembered you for it!

I introduced myself to Pete that day. He helped me out immensly for the next few years with Cubs related stuff with work.

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 6:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cool - must be a decent guy

Even if he had no idea what the hell I was talking about.

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 6, 2009 8:47 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Look!

You’re famous!! Old man river talking about how everything sucks and was so much better when he was younger!

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Live as long as I have and someone will remember

Ya just have to grumble a lot

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 5, 2009 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes.. you're ancient

Both ways uphill and all that, right?

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Without shoes

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 5, 2009 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well

Just remember to grumble. I’m sure us whippersnappers will listen.

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You kids these days don't listen to ANYTHING!

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 5, 2009 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Except for the noise on the ear things

(which is what my grandad used to yell at me when I had headphones on)

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, but if that drowns out HWSNBN, I can't find fault

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 5, 2009 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Noise canceling earbuds FTW!

:-)

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 5:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

"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 5, 2009 5:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not an iPod girl

I love my $8 earbuds from walmart.

They’re awesome.

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 5:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree.

The commercial is simple “They’ve missed his glove, they’ve missed his bat (over highlights of him making great D play and then a homerun). Aramis Ramirez returns Monday” or something like that.

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 5, 2009 5:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Breaking news

The AL has just forfeited the all star game. They can’t take the idea of facing Ted Lilly.

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 5, 2009 5:16 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

the video on mlb.com of fox’s homer shows dave with the ball

wells4roty

by jesus christos on Jul 5, 2009 5:18 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

thats cool

go dave!

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Complete with Ballhawk.Net T-Shirt. Shameless plug. :)

"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 5, 2009 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sportscenter has the highlights

And Ted looks awful in the ugly red cap.

I really don’t like those hats at all. Great message/service… but still. UG-LEE

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 5:22 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Agreed.

Glad they’ll be gone tomorrow.

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

by Al on Jul 5, 2009 5:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I hear they're doing all white ones next year....

…so we have THAT to look forward to.

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on Jul 5, 2009 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Won't they be back ofr Labor Day?

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Let's hope not.

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

by Al on Jul 5, 2009 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I thought they said they were

for the holidays.. you know Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor day…

I could be wrong (hope so!)

Couldn’t they have found a less horrid shade of red?

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, should have been a darker red

Looks more like Cardinals than the red on Old Glory

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 5, 2009 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

September 11

Not sure about Labor Day

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 5, 2009 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

seriously?

September 11 is to be commemorated by major league ballplayers wearing red hats?

(&%&$^&%($%^&%#$%^$#$%&^(%^.

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 7:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

They did it last year w/ the blue ones

Don’t know why I got it mixed up w/ Labor Day…

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 7:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Enough with the red hats already!

It’s stupid to have everyone wear red hats.

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

by Ace Venom on Jul 5, 2009 7:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I hate teams that wear red hats.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 5, 2009 7:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I assume each team gets the revenue from the hats sold...

…can’t imagine they’ll be going away anytime soon.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Jul 5, 2009 7:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Money goes to MLB's fund for veterans

It’s a decent cause, even though the hats are ugly.

Of course, I’m sure the Cards, Reds, etc didn’t care for the blue ones.

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 6, 2009 8:48 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

At least they didn't have the softball jerseys on, too

The white pants, blue shirts and red hats made them look like they should be making balloon doggies.

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 5, 2009 5:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I love the blue jerseys.

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes, but you can't see . . .

Hate ’em. Especially at home.

And the tri-color outfit was really bad.

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 5, 2009 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hey

Blind jokes. Already?

I really do want a blue Ramierz jersey someday…

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Blind, blond, whatever works.

;-)

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 5, 2009 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well

I’m not a blond.

but I do love the blue jerseys. But they did look awful with the red cap or the old red-billed road cap.

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 5:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Speaking of blind...

what happened to the half blind girl…can’t remember the rest of her screen name.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Jul 5, 2009 7:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

She's still here...

just a different username now.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 5, 2009 7:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hmm okay. Thanks.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Jul 5, 2009 8:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

lol

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 8:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

who could it be???

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 8:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

no idea!

god she really dropped off the face of the earth, didn’t she?

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 9:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

a BCB Mystery!

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 5, 2009 9:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

dun dun dunnnnn

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 9:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm slow.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Jul 5, 2009 9:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

well, i hear she

made the screen name change under the radar…

just here one day, gone the next.

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 9:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

LOL

I can’t believe no one figured this out yet.

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

by Al on Jul 6, 2009 4:54 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Some have

Apparently not everyone though

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

by Allie on Jul 6, 2009 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's Sue, isn't it?

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 6, 2009 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Its Emelie

Don’t tell anyone!

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

by Allie on Jul 6, 2009 2:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

well, if no one is brave enough to give out her new ID...

then clearly she is…

SWSNBN!

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

by ballhawk on Jul 6, 2009 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

SantosWoodenSneakersNightlyBlogNation?

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 6, 2009 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Bradley!

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 6, 2009 8:49 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

PV

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 6, 2009 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Roberts

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 6, 2009 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Dun dun DUNNNNNNNNNNNNNN...

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 6, 2009 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Have to agree

Just not a huge fan of the blue alts – you called it on the “softball jersey” thing.

"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"

by StevenABQ on Jul 5, 2009 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Do. Not. Want.

I’d rather they wore the 1979 road uni’s than the current blue alt tops.

by CaliCub on Jul 5, 2009 7:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

wells and jurrjens

wells4roty

by jesus christos on Jul 5, 2009 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

and Vasquez

We miss Hanson & Lowe

"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 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wells/Jurrijens

Vazquez/Demps
Kawakaami/Z

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I like those matchups.

Vazquez’s career ERA in Wrigley is 4.91.

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

by Al on Jul 5, 2009 5:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And we finally get to see Jurrjens

Managed to avoid the kid on the last couple of series, but the youngster matchup tomorrow should be interesting. Don’t know Kosuke and Kenshin will be able to go out for dinner, though, with them facing each other on getaway 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

by Clutch16 on Jul 5, 2009 7:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yadier's first ASG appearance?

How did that happen? (Not that he made it, but that this is the first time!)

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 5:23 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Hopefully the sight of Ted on the mound

doesn’t rattle him too much.

"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 5, 2009 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It'd be weird if Yadier caught Lilly during any inning Ted pitched.

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

by Al on Jul 5, 2009 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

that wouldnt happen in the first place, ted controls catchers minds to set up for the pitch he wants

wells4roty

by jesus christos on Jul 5, 2009 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Someone on the Brewers' staff has waaaaaaay too much time on their hands

A lot of teams mark up their own batting practice balls, either with a logo stamp, or they’ll write team letters (H for Houston, LA for Dodgers, etc.) on the sweet spot. Not sure why other than to help make sure which ones are theirs when they gather them up after BP.

But the Brewers have taken this to a new level. Someone took the time to write all sorts of pithy comments on their BP balls, some just generic phrases “Oh, that one hurt” to more Cub-specific “Goat this”, etc. etc. Here’s a picture of the two I caught yesterday.

Have to say though – I was impressed with the penmanship.

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

by ballhawk on Jul 5, 2009 5:56 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I wonder if they do this for every BP game...

…or just the Cubs.

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

by dtpollitt on Jul 5, 2009 5:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thats funny

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 6:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

rec'd

ha!

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

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

by Ace Venom on Jul 5, 2009 6:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

funny!

thanks for the smile swl.

by santo4hof on Jul 5, 2009 6:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

This is why SWF is the Photoshop King

Image editing skills + a rapier wit = genius

by CaliCub on Jul 5, 2009 7:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Who?

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by dat cubfan daver on Jul 6, 2009 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Bridget Fonda, silly

or maybe it was Jennifer Jason Leigh… Never was quite sure which one the movie title referred to…

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

by ballhawk on Jul 6, 2009 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ha, I remember that movie.

Think it referred to Leigh – wonder whatever happened to her. She could play a great crazy chick.

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by dat cubfan daver on Jul 6, 2009 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I 'caught' what you did there...

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

by ballhawk on Jul 5, 2009 7:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Most excellent!

Send that one to the evil BCB!

Cubs record since April 2004: 4-0

by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 5, 2009 7:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Beautiful Ballhawk

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

by Grockcubs on Jul 5, 2009 8:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I voted for Inge & Pablo for the Final Vote.

Inge is solid and Pablo has been just about the most enjoyable, jolly fellow in baseball to watch this year.

Oh, and I brushed shoulders (literally) with Steve Stone yesterday after the Royals beat the White Sox. He was walking briskly out of the stadium with a roller briefcase in tow. I wanted to say something, but I’m not one for funny, pithy one liners.

Dan

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

by dtpollitt on Jul 5, 2009 5:59 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I voted for Sandoval and Kinsler

Seriously, Kinsler is the best second baseman in the AL.

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

by ambrosiadreams on Jul 5, 2009 7:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I won't be surprised if

Sori is put on the DL. Hopefully the rest will help him and he will come back strong after the AS game.

Lou said he will start Aramis tomorrow. I’m wondering if Lou will only play him for part of the game? Hopefully they keep Fox for just that type of situation.

Great game today. I love when it’s a team effort.

by sue369 on Jul 5, 2009 6:10 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

DL question

I always get mixed up.

Even though it’s 15-day, do the 15 days count as part of the All-Star Break?

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

if he gets dl on the 6th

he can come back on the 22nd

by tim815 on Jul 5, 2009 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

lou said he wont have aram play full time so baker or fox will fill in for him

wells4roty

by jesus christos on Jul 5, 2009 6:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

if anyone knows

which minor leaguers of note will be “rule 5 eligible” this offseason? i have too much time on my hands and am throwing together a tentative 40-man

by tim815 on Jul 5, 2009 6:12 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Probably too early to tell.

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

by Al on Jul 5, 2009 7:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Anybody watching this Dodgers-Padres game?

Padres score 5 times in the 9th to force extras.

"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...

by Curtain Jerker on Jul 5, 2009 6:23 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

dodgers getting their

bad play out of their system be4 playing the brewers this week.

by tim815 on Jul 5, 2009 6:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hopefully

Brewers play the Cards and the Dodgers, could be a tough week for them…

"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...

by Curtain Jerker on Jul 5, 2009 6:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No

But just saw the highlights on BBTN…

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Went to the thirteenth inning.

Dodgers won, 7-6.

Cubs record since April 2004: 4-0

by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 5, 2009 8:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Peter Gammons just called Jason Marquis

“The perfect model of consistency.”

In related news… I just choked and died.

"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott

by Reddevil on Jul 5, 2009 6:40 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

espn fails

yet again

Oh Baby!

by cubswgnrocks on Jul 5, 2009 6:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't agree

I never understood the Marquis hate.

Sure he was “overpaid”… but he wasn’t anywhere near as awful as everyone said.

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 7:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

How true.

When he was on his game, he was as good as they got.

It’s just that he tended to be inconsistent on occasion.

Cubs record since April 2004: 4-0

by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 5, 2009 7:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He's right...

Marquis is a world-beater in the first half, and then gets beaten by the world in the second…every year. Sounds like consistency to me…

"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...

by Curtain Jerker on Jul 5, 2009 6:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

certainly consisent in terms of being a workhorse

I think that is a fair comment. Not sure if you can really extend the comment beyond that. He’s had a great season, his penchant for giving up HR combined with Coors – who would have thunk it? There are great signs of life from some struggling hitters (Fontenot, Fukudome, Soto) which bodes well for the 2nd half

by BeltwayCubsFan on Jul 5, 2009 6:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I took exception

b/c when Marquis takes the mound, you never know if he’s gonna give a quality start or get hit all over the yard. He would vacillate between the two from start to start!

"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott

by Reddevil on Jul 5, 2009 6:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The most consistent thing he's ever done

Is pitch his best against former teams….Cards learned that 2 years ago and we did this year.

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 6:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes, he was 3-1 against the Cardinals in '07

1-0 at Wrigley, and 2-1 at Busch Stadium.

Cubs record since April 2004: 4-0

by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 5, 2009 7:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He's not as awful as everyone like to say he is

He’s averaged ~200 IP and 14 W for the last 6 years.

He’s prone to a big inning and not always great in the 2nd half… but he’s got pretty good stuff.

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 6:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Marquis' problems

are similar to Heilman’s. When he gets in a jam, he tends to nibble, and that leads to walks.

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 7:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

TWSS

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 5, 2009 7:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

LOL

I haz comedy show in August. You come seez it please?: Hot Beans Delivers

by digitalbenjamin on Jul 5, 2009 7:55 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Listen he was a good pitcher

Just not good enough to start a game in the post season.

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 7:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Fifth starter blues

Pretty sure he’s written an album’s worth of those songs.

"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 7:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just watched Dome's triple

…on NHK news show… that’s way to go!

by dragonsfanatic on Jul 5, 2009 7:51 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

That triple was a thing of beauty.

I hope he keeps hitting like that. Today was a very good day for Dome.

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

by Al on Jul 5, 2009 7:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I hope he keeps hitting like that AND stays in the leadoff spot.

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by dat cubfan daver on Jul 6, 2009 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

LAST!

I haz comedy show in August. You come seez it please?: Hot Beans Delivers

by digitalbenjamin on Jul 5, 2009 7:56 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Nope.

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

by Al on Jul 5, 2009 7:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nein

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

by Ace Venom on Jul 5, 2009 7:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

HA!

“Noped” by Al

I haz comedy show in August. You come seez it please?: Hot Beans Delivers

by digitalbenjamin on Jul 5, 2009 7:58 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

so is there any word on who got the axe yet

wells4roty

by jesus christos on Jul 5, 2009 8:05 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

No, and...

… I doubt there will be before tomorrow afternoon. They don’t have to decide till then.

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

by Al on Jul 5, 2009 8:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

We needed to win this series.

This is huge for us. Now, let’s go beat up the Braves and Cardinals before the break!

Favorite player of all time: Ryne Sandberg.

by CUBSfaninYANKEEcountry on Jul 5, 2009 8:09 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

huge stretch coming up before the break.

like to see them run the table.

"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie

by buckmulligan on Jul 5, 2009 8:10 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Soriano

You can be mad at him all you want but you got to give him credit for trying to play through an obvious injury. It’s not like he has financial incentives to play hurt. He knows his team needs him to perform and perhaps not only was he hurt he was trying too hard.

Some time off would help him and it helps that 4 of the 15 days would be taken up with the All Star Break.

You never know how having an injury time missed being taken up partially by the all star break can make a difference. In 2003 Prior got hurt right before the all star break so one of his missed starts was during that time. Cubs win the division by 1 game. instead of missing 4 starts Prior missed 3.

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 5, 2009 8:15 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

If a player is obviously injured and not helping the team, he needs to go on the DL.

None of this “credit”. He’s not helping the team by doing that.

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

by Al on Jul 5, 2009 8:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

See Derrek Lee 2006

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 5, 2009 8:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And then Prior missed

2007 2008 and 2009 season.

If Soriano is hurt he needs to be on DL as it can have detrimental affects on his career for a very long time if not treated properly.

Personally, I really don’t think he’s injured.

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 8:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

OOOH, PURTY!

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 8:39 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Pretty much never in doubt, huh?

"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 9:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If only

That could be the line for game 7 of the WS while I am in wrigleyville.

I saw you in that coffee shop, breaking the fifth commandment. Congress passes these things for a reason, Lois.

by hansman1982 on Jul 5, 2009 9:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

How about games 1 - 4 instead?

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 5, 2009 9:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Or any game in the post season

1 win is proving hard enough… 11 looks darn near impossible.

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 9:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Because

I am a glutton for punishment – that and if there is a game 7 I will be there in Wrigleyville (I live in Des Moines) for sure.

I saw you in that coffee shop, breaking the fifth commandment. Congress passes these things for a reason, Lois.

by hansman1982 on Jul 5, 2009 9:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ask

the Buffalo Bills how hard it can be to win the big game….I heard a comic once say that there are poor kids in Belieze that think the Bills ar ethe greatest team ever.

I saw you in that coffee shop, breaking the fifth commandment. Congress passes these things for a reason, Lois.

by hansman1982 on Jul 5, 2009 10:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Scary

I just agreed with Joe Morgan!

“Just run through the bag, you get there faster!”

Scary.

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 9:08 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

well

that’s little-league base running 101. I suppose it’s good that he knows that, 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 5, 2009 9:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You agree when someone uses common sense?

Agree with me then…Don’t take a bath with a running microwave.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 5, 2009 9:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

More that Joe Morgan uses common sense

thats whats scary.

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 9:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's how I keep my bath water warm!

I hate it when it goes all chilly…

"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 9:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm not totally sold on Dome batting leadoff

He seems to have altered his hitting approach and is attacking far more pitches early in the count. He’s hitting the ball better – and harder – no doubt, which is great, but he’s not seeing a lot of pitches relative to last year or earlier this year. I’m not saying that I’m mad for Fuld, but the guy knows how to work a count. I’m not sure such player (proven at least) exists on our roster.

by BeltwayCubsFan on Jul 5, 2009 9:11 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

2 games in leadoff for both of them

and you’re going to say Fuld is the more proven one?

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 9:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Could be Von Joshua's work

We hear Von wants batters to be more aggressive.

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

by Ace Venom on Jul 5, 2009 9:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Milton still likes to watch strike 3 alot.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 5, 2009 9:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Remember

Today’s pitcher was AAA Iowa student.

Von Joshua should know him better than any other pitcher we’ve seen. Plus Fox knew played with him too. Let’s just see it continue tomorrow.

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 9:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

So would you rather have the production...

Or more pitches seen? As long as this approach is working, then I’m fine with it. Dome is still one of the best we have at working the count and taking pitches when needed.

Someday we'll go all the way...

by CubsBullsBears on Jul 5, 2009 9:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You know

I bet there is a statistical postive correlation between pitches seen and batting average.

I saw you in that coffee shop, breaking the fifth commandment. Congress passes these things for a reason, Lois.

by hansman1982 on Jul 5, 2009 9:46 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

hello!! been on vacation in the Carribean for a week and was unable to watch the Cubs this week

What happened?? Something about Baker being acquired? And Soriano still sucking??

I'm a lefty, maybe Lou should give me a shot for a position in the bullpen!!

by Chanman25 on Jul 5, 2009 10:49 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Derrek Lee carried us to 3 victories over the Brewers.

Brewers looked horrible all weekend (sans Saturday), and our starting pitching was excellent (sans Harden). Rich looks like he’s missing his spots by quite a bit. Aramis will be back on the team tomorrow, and there’s a rumor (I wish) that Soriano will go on the DL tomorrow.

Oh, and Ryan Braun called out his pitchers today, saying that our staff is “much” better, looking like all #1s or #2s.

And we have one all-star, Theodore, which I am more than happy with. We don’t deserve any more, and I think we could use the rest.

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

by dtpollitt on Jul 5, 2009 10:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

thanks!

looks like it was a great week of baseball

I'm a lefty, maybe Lou should give me a shot for a position in the bullpen!!

by Chanman25 on Jul 6, 2009 7:02 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Safe to say:

The demise of Derrek Lee has been greatly exaggerated.

by BT Ichib on Jul 6, 2009 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Excellent starting pitching...

… will make opponents look horrible. In the one game the pitching wasn’t great (Harden’s start) the Brewers looked awesome.

"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 6, 2009 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Are you saying pitching is king?

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 6, 2009 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Question...

Has anyone given the thought to working Jake Fox out at second base. I realize the last thing you want is to move a below average defender a new position…but isn’t it worth a look? Our offensive potential could be amazing!

by Notorious REL on Jul 5, 2009 10:53 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

We have about 5 2B on this team already.

If Lou is smart, he will spot start Fox in LF or RF. Soriano needs rest, and Bradley will assumingly not play all of the next 7 games.

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

by dtpollitt on Jul 5, 2009 10:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well...

that’s if you consider Aaron Miles a major league baseball player – let alone a second basemen. And a .200 avg doesn’t really do it for me either.

by Notorious REL on Jul 5, 2009 10:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Miles, Blanco, Theriot (formerly), Scales, Baker, Soriano. All of those players, I believe, have experience @ 2B. I may be wrong.

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

by dtpollitt on Jul 5, 2009 11:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Forgot Fontenot

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 11:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Whoops.

He really sucks this year. I don’t know what to do with him, frankly. I’m unclear if his spot-starting last year is how he should be properly used or if it was an abboration of a career average-below average ball player.

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

by dtpollitt on Jul 5, 2009 11:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I know it's a small sample size, BUT

Mike Fontenot in his 15 AB so far this month is hitting .467/.500/.600

I hope this is the start of his resurgence…

"People ask me a lot about the values I got from playing for the Cubs for so many years. The value I got out of it was patience. A lot of people these days are not very patient." -- Ernie Banks

by CubFanInCanberra (9387milesfromWrigley) on Jul 6, 2009 2:49 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

he's been playing

out of position for the majority of the year. Give him time back at his primary position, hmm? He’s already putting a knock on the ball.

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 6, 2009 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I hear that.

But Theriot and Soriano arent’ second baseman anymore. The only thing Aaron Miles can do better than me is in the grow-a-goatee department. Scales is clearly nothing special. And we got Baker for a guy named Al Albuquerque. I don’t think it would hurt to give Fox a shot. That’s all I’m saying. We need his bat in there – everyday.

by Notorious REL on Jul 5, 2009 11:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree with the goatee. It’s brilliant.

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

by dtpollitt on Jul 5, 2009 11:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Brilliantly terrible.

by Notorious REL on Jul 5, 2009 11:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He's not going to learn 2B for the first time

at the big league level.

He’d at least played 3rd before.

I agree on the “moar Fox” part, but 2nd base isn’t easy.

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 11:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Can’t be any more difficult than third base. It’s not called the “hot corner” for nothing. Obviously learning how to adjust to playing on the opposite side of the field could take time…but it seems like he has been able to pick some things up rather quickly. And it’s not like I’m ever imagining him as a gold glover. Just someone who’s bat more than makes up for his defensive inefficiencies.

by Notorious REL on Jul 5, 2009 11:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Our middle IF is shaky enough

without putting someone who’s never played there before there.

Fox is a converted catcher. 3rd isn’t (or so I’ve been told) that much different than catcher. 2nd with all the footwork around the bag is WAY different.

When the main strength of your team is starting pitching weakening that by putting craptastic defense out there doesn’t make sense.

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 11:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I just thought of this...

…but Jake is a stocky guy. He’s built like a catcher, so I would think it would be difficult to maneuver and have the athletic ability to play 2B compared to C, 3B, and LF.

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

by dtpollitt on Jul 5, 2009 11:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah

I don’t know how naturally athletic he is either.

That’s another thing to consider.

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 11:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

How can it not be?

All of our guys play there – it must be the simplest position to play, right?

:P

"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 11:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well what's the solution?

Other than trading Fox in the off-season to an AL team for something useful?

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 11:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'd much rather trade Micah.

He has more value in a DH role, and Fox, IMO, is clearly a better defender and more versatile to boot.

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

by dtpollitt on Jul 5, 2009 11:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed

Micah needs every day work in Iowa.

I know it’s only like 10-15 games for Fox and we have this love-fest for him due to the HR and the walk he had two days ago but is this guy for real or will he be like Micah and come to earth in a few weeks?

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 11:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

hoffs k rates are increasing at chris davis levels

wells4roty

by jesus christos on Jul 5, 2009 11:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And his walk rates are decreasing at ronny cedeno levels

by ak123 on Jul 6, 2009 12:37 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Letting Fox play a corner OF spot

spot start for Rami at 3B while he rehabs… and deal with next year when we have to.

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 11:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just for giggles...

…Fox actually has a UZR/150 of 8.6 in 12 games at third, which really is WAAAAAAY too soon to project anything, but his defense in LF and 3B this year has been between 8-11 runs higher than average. FWIW, Ramirez is about a career average defender at third, but has seen a somewhat dramatic increase from negative runs to average if not slightly above average.

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

by dtpollitt on Jul 5, 2009 11:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Can you explain those numbers?

I for one don’t know what the 8-11 runs on average means. Does that mean causes more runs or saved runs? And 150 of 8.6 what’s that too?

Thanks

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 11:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

UZR is ultimate zone rating...

…which helps project the defensive performance of a fielder. Per 150 is simply that number of games. UZR uses the fielder’s arm range (“Does the runner advance on a ball hit to him?”), double play balls, range, and errors to create a metric that assesses his value over the “average” fielder. Soriano is one of the best in MLB in arm range, and, odd as it sounds, range.

Essentially, an average defender (like Aramis’ career -1.0) would save 7.4 runs per year less than Soriano, which is his career LF UZR/150. Now, I shouldn’t be comparing Soriano to Aramis, but it’s just for example purposes. Does that help a bit?

Dan

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

by dtpollitt on Jul 5, 2009 11:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes thank you

So I get this clear, the more games Fox plays at 3B the better a projection. And since he had only one real problem so far (a bobble I think), his runs saved are pretty high.

And unless Fox exceeds all projections and predictions which is entirely possible, his UZR will go down as time goes on?

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 11:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Uhhh, I don't make the metric, but

I’d say at least a half season or somewhere in the neighborhood of 60-70 games at a position before I’d feel real comfortable knowing how good a defender a guy is. He’s got about a dozen right now @ 3B.

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

by dtpollitt on Jul 5, 2009 11:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well obviously

But my question was more on the lines of understanding what the UZR stood for.

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 11:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't understand your question then?

It’s hard to judge Fox, because as Allie said, Fox used to be a catcher, so there’s a lack of confidence in those numbers. If he had played 3B in the minors I’d be a bit more sure that those are close to his real numbers, but I dunno at this point. Plus, he won’t be starting @ 3B nearly as much with Aramis coming back, so I’m sure it can be hard for a defender to learn a new position AND play sporadically!

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

by dtpollitt on Jul 5, 2009 11:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ah nevermind

I’m not wording what I want to say. But in my own world, I’m making sense and answering my own question :)

by ak123 on Jul 6, 2009 12:39 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cool

So Aramis really has improved. Its not just wishful watching on my end? :-)

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

by Allie on Jul 5, 2009 11:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

2007 was his best year, by far, and he hit .310 and was great at the plate that year, too.

I think he’s gotten better defensively, yes. His range has improved.

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

by dtpollitt on Jul 5, 2009 11:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

jake fox would be the next chase utley

wells4roty

by jesus christos on Jul 5, 2009 11:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just want to point out

Ryan Braun couldn’t play 3B adaquetly. Some can argue that Fox in his short time at 3B played better than Braun did in 2007. With that in mind, Brewers found a place for Braun to play the next year.

Obviously Soriano is our LF. People including myself have suggested we have Fox train in the offseason to be the starting 2B next year. Here’s a different idea, what if in the off-season Soriano trains to get in shape to be our starting 2B.

Asking Soriano to move over to 2B right now is probably hard but there’s no reason to not think he can’t work on the position he originally played this off-season right?

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 11:04 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

While Soriano clearly isn’t the answer in left field defensively (or offensively, at this point)…i wouldn’t see the point in placing two guys in new positions.

by Notorious REL on Jul 5, 2009 11:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's not new positions

Soriano knows 2B and Fox needs to learn LF which he’s getting experience in spot-starting this year.

I don’t think it’s as far-fetched as you might think.

Then Cubs don’t need to go look for a real 2B in the off season (which they would have had to do anyways if they had DeRosa since he was going to be a FA)

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 11:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'd say "knows" is a bit of an overstatement.

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by dat cubfan daver on Jul 6, 2009 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

There's little value in doing this.

Soriano is a very bad second baseman, like costs a team 10-15 runs a game with his sub-par defense there. He is a very, very good outfield defender (his experience at all three positions are at least worth 7 runs a year), and his arm is amongst the best in the game. Jake Fox, although we have too small a sample size at the major league level to project out, can probably safely be assumed to be an average outfielder. It’s pretty risky to move two guys around when Soriano hasn’t played second in almost 5 years.

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

by dtpollitt on Jul 5, 2009 11:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well that's why

I said this off-season and not now.

I’m starting to like Milton Bradley but to be honest, Fox could probably be playing in his position every day with equal to better numbers for a lot less money.

by ak123 on Jul 5, 2009 11:16 PM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

Soriano

had multiple seasons of work at second base and still was bad. He doesn’t seem super-coachable, and isn’t good anywhere defensively.

I like thinking outside the box, and I do agree Fox should be in the lineup, but the Soriano to second base experiment already failed, and that was when he was younger and healthier.

DEJESUS!!!

by tomas21 on Jul 6, 2009 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

10-15 runs a *game*

That’s pretty bad, all right…

"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root

by Clutch16 on Jul 5, 2009 11:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Damnit, Clutch, you caught me.

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

by dtpollitt on Jul 5, 2009 11:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Soriano...

Is absolutely not a “very, very good outfielder defender.” He has a good arm, yes. But he takes bad routes and gives up on way too many balls. He’s probably average at best.

by kanderber on Jul 6, 2009 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

As an outfielder, career, Alfonso Soriano has a 25.2 UZR, with a 7.4 UZR/150.

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 6, 2009 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I can only go by the eye test

And he fails that one pretty badly

by Mapmaker on Jul 6, 2009 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

your eyes

deceive you. His statistics are the truth.

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 6, 2009 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Like when he breaks forward on a ball over his head?

Or takes a bad angle on a ball off the wall/ivy?

Have you actually watched him in the field?

by Mapmaker on Jul 6, 2009 3:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Those misplays might not show up in the "E" column

but they are definitely painful to watch.

by Mapmaker on Jul 6, 2009 3:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He might “know” the position, but hasn’t really played it in years. And if I remember correctly, has said he doesn’t want to play second anymore – could be wrong about that. I just wouldn’t see the point in messing with that too much.

by Notorious REL on Jul 5, 2009 11:13 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I confess I'm giddy about Aram

To the Tune of “My Boyfriend’s back”

Note Aramis Ramirez is not my boyfriend. We are both married and have children. I do think he’s better looking than people give him credit for though.

To the National League pitchers

Don’t even have to change the words to two lines

To the pitchers

Aramis is back he’s going to save our reputations
If I were you I’d take a permanent vacation

You’re going to be sorry you were ever born
Cause he’s kind of big and he’s awful strong

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 6, 2009 6:17 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Re:
Note Aramis Ramirez is not my boyfriend.

well, I’m glad you cleared that up…

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

by ballhawk on Jul 6, 2009 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sac flys

I believe the Cubs had two sac. flys for the whole season going into yesterdays game. They doubled that output in one afternoon!

"It's a funny old world. Man's lucky if he gets out of it alive." W.C. Fields

by KedzieKid on Jul 6, 2009 8:22 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

wow.

"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie

by buckmulligan on Jul 6, 2009 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ticket question

Anyone know if I can leave tickets at will call for someone else to pick up (even if I already have them)?

DEJESUS!!!

by tomas21 on Jul 6, 2009 9:25 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

You want to drop them off right ?

yes easy I do it all the time but you leave them at Window 13 which the courtesy drop off window. They give you an envelope
and you right the person’s name on it and the come ask for them and show ID. Works great.

"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 6, 2009 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

First, Hooray for the win

I know I’m usually a negative nelly, and I wasn’t around yesterday, so I’m sure some have put me in the category of those who are unhappy when the Cubs win. Couldn’t be farther from the truth. I watched the game and celebrated the blowout.

Second, if Soriano IS hurt, why the hell does Lou keep trotting him out there? I understand that it might be smart to wait to DL him until ARAM, Reed, and Guz come back today, but why not rest him until then? Fuld did a fine job in the two games he was actually allowed to start, and you could still go to Soriano as a pinch hitter if you felt you needed him.

It’s not all about not wanting his putrid bat in the lineup either, if he is hurt to the point where he can barely run the bases, isn’t continuing to put him out there risking further injury? This seems like the anger that is directed at Soriano (and to some extent I’m guilty of getting PO’d at the guy) should be directed at Lou instead, especially if he does go on the DL today, for terribly mismanaging this situation, and putting the guy in a situation where he can only fail

by WanderingWanderer on Jul 6, 2009 10:21 AM CDT reply actions   1 recs

Up in Milwaukee and Down in St Louis

There have got to be some people thinking they didn’t make hay when the sun shines when the Cubs had all these injuries and now in 1 day they are improving their lineup, their bench and their bullpen all in one fell swoop.

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 6, 2009 10:29 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Today

is a pretty exciting day of “acquisitions” for the Cubs.

"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg

by gwood on Jul 6, 2009 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

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