Going For The Sweep: Cubs vs. Pirates Preview, Sunday 8/16, 1:20 CT
by Al Yellon on Aug 16, 2009 11:00 AM CDT
in Game Threads
200 comments
At this writing I think the Pirates are going to finish the season with a worse record than the Nationals. With the Nats beating up on the Reds last night they are only 4.5 games behind the Pirates and Washington has some actual good young talent, particularly hitters. Since July 1 the Pirates are 10-29; in the same time frame the Nats are 19-22.
The best news about that is that the Cubs will play the Pirates seven more times, including today -- and they also have the Nats three more times, after having swept them in DC last month. That is, incidentally, the only series after the All-Star break in which the Nats don't have at least one victory.
Again, you might say "the Cubs can't beat the good teams". Doesn't matter. Win the games on your schedule -- that's all you can do. If they happen to be against bad teams and the Cubs pile up wins that way, we'll take them.
In case you were still one of those lobbying for Bob Brenly to take over from Lou Piniella, the Sun-Times' Neil Hayes says Bob's not interested:
"Because of my past employment, a lot of people think I'm trying to steal Lou's job," Brenly said. "I'm not after anybody's job. I have to say what I see on the field. I'm doing the best job I can as an analyst, and at the end of the day, if I feel like I've made the game more interesting and fun, I've done my job."
The rest of the article is the usual mass-media writer's "sky is falling", "it's all over" tripe; it's worth posting these two paragraphs because they are utter nonsense:
If Piniella doesn't want the job and Brenly doesn't want the job, who might? Tony La Russa will be a free agent. Ending his career by trying to win a World Series with the Cubs might be intriguing. He started his career on the South Side. He could come full circle by ending it on the North Side.
Never mind. Bad idea. La Russa is a big believer in fundamentals, which evidently isn't stressed in the Cubs' organization. He likes versatile players who can play multiple positions. The Cubs don't have many of those. It's a bad fit. La Russa would need a straitjacket after a few weeks with this team.
Ridiculous. You'd hire LaRussa for that exact reason -- to bring his emphasis on fundamentals to the organization. LaRussa also has a knack for getting the most out of the players he's given. I like Lou Piniella as a manager, but that's not one of his strengths, or at least it hasn't been in 2009. Nevertheless, if Lou can get his apparent disinterest back to the leadership level he showed the last two years, there is still time to make something out of this season, despite what Neil Hayes says.
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Ross Ohlendorf is 10-8 on a team that is 46-70. That's pretty impressive. Even more impressive is his one career start vs. the Cubs, on June 30 in Pittsburgh, when he allowed just three singles and a double (by Geovany Soto). That's enough of that, I think. Let's beat up on this guy. More than likely, three of the starting eight from June 30 (Micah Hoffpauir, Jake Fox and Mike Fontenot) won't be in the lineup today.
Rich Harden deserved better in his last start on Tuesday; let's not talk any further about that. Since the All-Star break Rich is 2-1, 1.95 in six starts with 47 strikeouts and 11 walks in 37 innings. He's allowed only 19 hits (and 2 HBP) in those 37 IP for a 0.86 WHIP. His only career start vs. the Pirates was on June 29 in Pittsburgh, where he allowed eight singles, a double, one run and struck out nine. Four of the starting eight in that game are no longer on the Pirates.
WGN carries the game nationally, and it's also on FSN Pittsburgh. For other games today see the MLB.com Mediacenter.
Baseball-reference.com game preview
Please visit our SB Nation Pirates site Bucs Dugout.
Overflow comment threads will post today at 2:15 pm, 3:15 pm and 4 pm CDT.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
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Let's sweep them!
BTW, 1st?
You see, wire telegraph is a kind of a very, very long cat. You pull his tail in New York and his head is meowing in Los Angeles. Do you understand this? And radio operates exactly the same way: you send signals here, they receive them there. The only difference is that there is no cat. - Albert Einstein
Not First!
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
by Curtain Jerker on Aug 16, 2009 11:07 AM CDT reply actions
Hey Chicago...
whaddya say, the Cubs are gonna win today!
"Don't give me any of that ole' bulls#!t." - Lou Brown
PGA Championship, Cubs, Mad Men premiere. Lots to see today.
I don’t think this game is going to be any different than the last two. And we need to cheer for Kyle Lohse to implode today against the Fathers.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Uh...
ENTOURAGE!
"If I were playing third base and my mother were rounding third with the run that was going to beat us, I'd trip her. Oh, I'd pick her up and brush her off and say, 'Sorry, Mom,' but nobody beats me." ~ Leo Durocher
by Musicdude10 on Aug 16, 2009 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions
I hope Ashley is gone.
She sucks. Give me more Sloan.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Sloan, darling...
do you have a kiss for Daddy?
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 16, 2009 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions
So that's how it is in their family...
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted - George Best
Ashley looks like she's 12.
Creeps me out.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Aug 16, 2009 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Don't forget "Hung."
Another in the long line of quality HBO programming.
"I won't insult your intelligence by suggesting that you really believe what you just said." ~William F. Buckley, Jr.
Photo Caption:
Drop and give me 25!
"I won't insult your intelligence by suggesting that you really believe what you just said." ~William F. Buckley, Jr.
Now, I just know I saw the ball here somewhere....
You see, wire telegraph is a kind of a very, very long cat. You pull his tail in New York and his head is meowing in Los Angeles. Do you understand this? And radio operates exactly the same way: you send signals here, they receive them there. The only difference is that there is no cat. - Albert Einstein
Caption:
Now where did that contact lens go?
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
by Curtain Jerker on Aug 16, 2009 11:11 AM CDT reply actions
I personally
think that Sandberg will get the job in 2011. Even though there might be heat on Hendry and Lou if the Cubs fail to make the playoffs.
Who Knows maybe next year Miles could be player/coach.
Lets get the sweep, Cubs have to play who is on the schedule, just hope next week on the road they step up and have a good week.
"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"
Who Knows maybe next year Miles could be player/coach.
GOD I HOPE THAT WAS A JOKE….unless Miles has a gambling problem
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
Sandberg is the LAST person
who should be managing this team, if it hasn’t won a WS by 2011.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 16, 2009 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions
No way Sandberg's ready.
You’ve got Alan Trammel sitting there, for God’s sake.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Aug 16, 2009 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd like Trammel to get a chance when Lou decides to leave.
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted - George Best
I am not saying Sandberg is ready
I just think he will get the shot. I like Tram. also.
"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"
(“No one on the corner”) Mr. West is in the building
Swagger on a hundred thousand trillion
(“No one on the corner”) Aiyyo I know I got it first
I’m Christopher Columbus, y’all just the pilgrims
Thanksgiving, do we even got a question?
Hermes pastel, I passed the dressing
My attitude is tattooed
COOL BEANS!
Jay Hova?
"I won't insult your intelligence by suggesting that you really believe what you just said." ~William F. Buckley, Jr.
Theme For The Bleachers
No one in the reserved seats
Have stagger like us…
"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
Caption
2… 3… 4…
[girl in green halter top goes by]
78… 79… 80…
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
They also have an imploding closer.
J. Broxton surrendered back-to-back HR’s in the bottom of the 9th Saturday night as the D-Backs tied the game, and won in extras.
Broxton has blown 3 of his last 7 saves in 7 innings pitched.
Right now, Broxton is…a one-pitch pitcher. His slider is being hacked. The Cards did the same to him almost 2 weeks ago.
George Sherill is a timely addition to their pen.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Aug 16, 2009 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Good. Maybe the Cubs
will be able to get to Broxton next weekend. Hopefully, the Cubs will have the games in hand so he doesn’t even have to appear.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 16, 2009 1:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Caption
is it wrong, to do the centipede, backwards to first, when driving in 7 RBIs
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
Could we start winning games
and the Cardinals lose on the same day? A few days like that would make the next couple of weeks much fun.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
The article also said...
the team is hard to reconstruct, with the bad contracts and no trades, which I think is MORE accurate.
That tells me it won’t be LaRussa. He isn’t the best at working with groceries someone else picked out.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
TLR likes the insulated position he has in St. Louis, and has been very gruff with the media who is very afraid of him.
He’s not coming to the Cubs after years of St. Louis. It wouldn’t be a fit in sooo many ways. After getting his rings he will be picky about where he manages if he doesn’t retire (which he has threatened several times). I don’t see him retiring or moving here.
by Sandberg's evil twin on Aug 16, 2009 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions
In San Diego now...
Go for the sweep today! I might miss it, I’ll be out and about today.
But I’ve got tickets to tomorrow’s game … anyone going?
I have been to five Cubs games in my lifetime. The Cubs' record in those games: 5 wins, 0 losses.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Aug 16, 2009 11:37 AM CDT reply actions
Trying to decide...
Which game I want to try to get to. I saw the Z/Peavey matchup during the first SD trip, and I like Petco, but it’s been a while since I’ve seen a game at Dodger Stadium.
Glad you made it safely there Vermont.
With all the crap they had about the anniversary on their broadcast the last series (nuff said about that), nice to see a BCB representin’! Hope you have a fun time in that pretty area.
by Sandberg's evil twin on Aug 16, 2009 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Caption
Don’t you know where your home is…
"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb
by TheRiot Police on Aug 16, 2009 11:38 AM CDT reply actions
I figured Bob
was not interested in managing this team. He has the job that allows him to be able to watch his son play a few times a year and family means a lot to him.
Vampire Rich today or not? Please be vampire. Get the sweep today boys!
Recipe for Disaster;
C'mon Cubs, hurry up and blow this so I can relax.
by Bluekoolaide on July22, 2009 3:08 PM CDT
Even if he was interested it would be quite inappropriate to suggest such.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
yea, its really hot and humid here today. I hope Rich can handle the heat.....
….a sweep is essential with the Cards playing the Friars
On wunderground.com it does sound too bad
http://www.wunderground.com/sports/MLB/hometeam/Chicago:Cubs.html?st=1250432400
You see, wire telegraph is a kind of a very, very long cat. You pull his tail in New York and his head is meowing in Los Angeles. Do you understand this? And radio operates exactly the same way: you send signals here, they receive them there. The only difference is that there is no cat. - Albert Einstein
If the Cub's approached him...
…I think he would be torn. Clearly, he knows how good the gig is he has now, but you can tell he still has the fire in the belly.
With all this said, as long as the core of the Cub’s organization stays the same, you won’t find a magic pill in any new manager that may be brought in to save the day.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Brenly never said he wasn't interested in the job or would turn it down if offered.
Has everyone forgot he just interviewed for the Brewers job last season? Are you telling me he would take the Brewers job but not the Cubs?
He simply said that by criticizing the team he’s not trying to lobby for Lou’s job. His job as analyst is to give his opinion which is what he has been doing. He criticizes the team because it’s his job and it doesn’t mean he’s trying to push Lou out. Having said all of that he never once said he wouldn’t be interested in the Cubs job. If anyone thinks Brenly would turn down an interview when Lou leaves or turn down the job you’re most likely mistaken.
by Acapulco Taco Pie on Aug 16, 2009 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions
last year
his son wasn’t drafted by the Cubs organization.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 16, 2009 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Not sure how that's relevant to what I said. Has Brenly said he wouldn't take the Cubs job if offered it?
by Acapulco Taco Pie on Aug 16, 2009 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions
no
but he has specifically said he liked getting to go see his kid play. If he took the Cubs job, not only would he not be able to do that, he’d also be in the position of having to evaluate his kid and possibly cut him. I don’t think he wants to do that.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 16, 2009 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions
Ok, but he had to have known before he interviewed with the Brewers that his son was going somewhere most likely.
He wouldn’t have interviewed with the Brewers if he wasn’t willing to leave the booth and he had to know then his son could very well be drafted. I would also argue that the big league manager rarely decides how low level players are advanced in the organization. Chances are his son is not a legit major league prospect and he would have very little involvement in decisions regarding him.
by Acapulco Taco Pie on Aug 16, 2009 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions
I guess we'll
all have to wait and see.
Recipe for Disaster;
C'mon Cubs, hurry up and blow this so I can relax.
by Bluekoolaide on July22, 2009 3:08 PM CDT
It will be impossible to know unless the Cubs actually ask him to interview which they may not.
Why should we believe Hendry or the next GM would even be interested in him?
What we do know is Brenly has never said he wouldn’t take the Cubs job if they offered it to him.
by Acapulco Taco Pie on Aug 16, 2009 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions
I like what he says
in the booth about the play of this team but I’m not sure that means he will be a good manager. I agree they may not ask to interview him.
Recipe for Disaster;
C'mon Cubs, hurry up and blow this so I can relax.
by Bluekoolaide on July22, 2009 3:08 PM CDT
While his comments may not mean he would be a good manager
his World Series ring says a lot more.
"I won't insult your intelligence by suggesting that you really believe what you just said." ~William F. Buckley, Jr.
Could be but
it makes me wonder why he hasn’t gotten another managing job by now if one has been offered.
Recipe for Disaster;
C'mon Cubs, hurry up and blow this so I can relax.
by Bluekoolaide on July22, 2009 3:08 PM CDT
Yeah, his world series ring says he was lucky enough to have Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling in his rotation.
by Acapulco Taco Pie on Aug 16, 2009 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Sure, that helped.
But you may as well credit Mariano Rivera with his ring, then, because the D’backs were three outs away from losing the Series until Mo had his most infamous blown save.
By your standard, Jack McKeon should get no credit for his WS victory either, since all he had to do was plug in Josh Beckett, Brad Penny, Dontrelle Willis, and Carl Pavano.
"I won't insult your intelligence by suggesting that you really believe what you just said." ~William F. Buckley, Jr.
Caption:
“Where did the baseball go? Did it end up going in this hole I just discovered?”
I have been to five Cubs games in my lifetime. The Cubs' record in those games: 5 wins, 0 losses.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Aug 16, 2009 11:41 AM CDT reply actions
"Apparent disinterest"?
I must be watching a different team.
Regarding Neil Hayes' article
I really hate it when writers pose a possible scenario and then dismiss it as ludicrous in the next paragraph.
That’s just lazy writing, and it’s really annoying to read. Why offer the possibility of LaRussa becoming the manager when you’re just going to completely blow it up in the next breath? Ugh.
"I won't insult your intelligence by suggesting that you really believe what you just said." ~William F. Buckley, Jr.
mostly because
columnists want to stir up trouble, because it gets more people to read their… stuff.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 16, 2009 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions
When did BLou
start working at the Suntimes?
Neil Hayes
isn’t a bad guy, but boy, that was tripe. The media in this town is much, much tougher than what TLR deals with in STL.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 16, 2009 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Fundementals...
…need to be ingrained at the farm level, and that is exactly what most good organizations do. By the time they get to the bigs, it is much more difficult to start baseball 101 with players.
I’m not saying a manager can’t have some influence on this, but not near as much as can happen on the farm (where they have the time and best environment to work on fundementals).
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
+1
Fundamentals have to be drummed in over years. It’s like practicing your scales on an instrument.
And the ideal case is a ML manager with high expectations in this area and minor league management that wants to deliver.
"I tried to let Ryan know that [jumping over the dugout railing] was a thing that maybe just athletes should stick to." -- Ted Lilly, 28 July 2009
by CaughtInTheVines on Aug 16, 2009 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions
The best scenerio...
…is really an “organizational philosophy” that starts with head of baseball operations and permeates down throughout the entire organization. It has to be a core element of what you are trying to accomplish, and this has not been the case with the Cubs and it has shown.
5 tools are great, but you need to build the tool box to keep those tools in order.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Why did I just get the mental image
Of a fat dude patting his belly and saying, “When you got a tool like this, you gotta build a shed over it!”?
I think my brain has something wrong with it…
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
There's a good chance
Your significant other was nodding behind you when you said that.
by Sandberg's evil twin on Aug 16, 2009 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Over the 'tool' thing, the 'gut' thing, or the 'brain' thing...
"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
Some people are going to be very happy
Chicago Cubs – Alfonso Soriano, Rest, Doubtful – is not expected to be in the starting lineup Sunday (8/16) vs. Pittsburgh.
It's shocking what you can miss sometimes. The amazing color changing card trick.
You mean we might have 8 position players that could get a hit?
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
Miles=worm hole
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
Hmm both are possible...
That allows for one K…could be the monkeywrench in your prediction if he gets two Ks.
by Sandberg's evil twin on Aug 16, 2009 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions
we can only hope
that he Ks every time. I’d ask for a sac fly, but you can’t hit a sac fly to second base.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 16, 2009 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Are you saying he can't hit Ross Ohlendorf
Weakly and right at an infielder?
"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
ehh
I don’t expect too many Ks. He’s near the bottom of the roster in SO% and actually solidly above average in contact% (the contact just never puts the ball out of the infield).
It's shocking what you can miss sometimes. The amazing color changing card trick.
by shake n bake on Aug 16, 2009 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions
lineup (WARNING! Contains Dangerous Levels of Aaron Miles)
Fukudome cf,
Bradley rf,
Lee 1b,
Ramirez 3b,
Fox lf,
Fontenot 2b,
Soto c,
Miles ss,
Harden p
It's shocking what you can miss sometimes. The amazing color changing card trick.
by shake n bake on Aug 16, 2009 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions
it was going so well through the first 5 spots
It's shocking what you can miss sometimes. The amazing color changing card trick.
by shake n bake on Aug 16, 2009 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions
Does Baker need a rest or something?
Can he play short?
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
he has played a week straight
It's shocking what you can miss sometimes. The amazing color changing card trick.
by shake n bake on Aug 16, 2009 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions
just guessing at explanations
It's shocking what you can miss sometimes. The amazing color changing card trick.
by shake n bake on Aug 16, 2009 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions
weird, it seemed used to ride the hot hand almost to a fault..
…now a guy like Baker who is killing the ball isnt in the lineup
even a god like jeff baker needs rest
the cubs lineup needs moar LIND and HALLIDAY
by jesus christos on Aug 16, 2009 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions
Can gods coexist peacefully?
It will be interesting to see if Lilly sits near him today on the bench.
by Sandberg's evil twin on Aug 16, 2009 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Suck vs. Anti-suck
Mutual annihilation, y’know…
"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
put Miles between them and hope he is crushed by accident.
It's shocking what you can miss sometimes. The amazing color changing card trick.
by shake n bake on Aug 16, 2009 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions
Not as short as the two starting middle infielders
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
I was thinking exactly the same thing.
Does Miles have pics of Pinella with a hooker? I just don’t understand his man crush on Miles from any angle at all.
And Baker singlehandedly wins the game yesterday, is red hot, and rides the pine? I realize Fonty’s been out for awhile, but today wasn’t the day to change that.
by Sandberg's evil twin on Aug 16, 2009 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions
Miles should be batting ninth
Miles vs RHP .176/.219/.222 .442OPS 110PA
Harden vs RHP .273/.273/.318 .591OPS 25PA
It's shocking what you can miss sometimes. The amazing color changing card trick.
by shake n bake on Aug 16, 2009 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions
At this point...
I think even Lou’s wife would rather see the pictures of Lou with a hooker than Miles in the lineup
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
Yabbut
He’s got that porn star goatee goin for him
by Sandberg's evil twin on Aug 16, 2009 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions
this is ALWAYS Pineilla's M.O.
instead of resting guys one at a time, he rests three starters in one game. Theriot, Baker, and Soriano.
Now, I’m please Soriano is getting a day off, he clearly needs it, but why hamstring the offense further by using Miles and Fontenot on the same day?
SHORTSTOP????
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 16, 2009 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions
He's played there before
Poorly
"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
Is Blanco off the DL in a couple days
can’t they just make riot go a bit longer without a day off so that they can at least get a defensive upgrade when they downgrade their O at SS.
It's shocking what you can miss sometimes. The amazing color changing card trick.
by shake n bake on Aug 16, 2009 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Andy White will first be available for Tuesday's game
I’ll be counting the seconds.
Of course, they’ll probably stash him at Iowa to “rehab” until they can call him up on 9/1 and avoid making the tough decision…
"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
that's
what I expect will happen as well.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 16, 2009 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions
always nice when you trot a 5 man lineup out
and when the pitcher is a better hitter than the 3 people in front of him
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
a bit too harsh
Harden (.591OPS) is only hitting righties better than Miles (.442OPS)
Geo (.688OPS) and Fonte (.699OPS) aren’t doing awesome, but they are solid enough for the back of the order.
It's shocking what you can miss sometimes. The amazing color changing card trick.
by shake n bake on Aug 16, 2009 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions
I would have liked to see Fuld stay in the lineup
You see, wire telegraph is a kind of a very, very long cat. You pull his tail in New York and his head is meowing in Los Angeles. Do you understand this? And radio operates exactly the same way: you send signals here, they receive them there. The only difference is that there is no cat. - Albert Einstein
Me too but you can bet the farm
He will be in for the 9th if the game is close in anyway.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Aug 16, 2009 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Lou must be senile.
Miles in there makes me want to cry.
Recipe for Disaster;
C'mon Cubs, hurry up and blow this so I can relax.
by Bluekoolaide on July22, 2009 3:08 PM CDT
Unfortunatley with Theriot out sick he's the only back-up they have at short. But I guess you could consider that senile.
by Acapulco Taco Pie on Aug 16, 2009 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions
I posted that
before it was announced that Theriot was ill. But thanks for the snarky comment any way.
Recipe for Disaster;
C'mon Cubs, hurry up and blow this so I can relax.
by Bluekoolaide on July22, 2009 3:08 PM CDT
If I am snarky for pointing out facts what are you for calling Lou senile? Pot meet Kettle.
by Acapulco Taco Pie on Aug 16, 2009 2:30 PM CDT up reply actions
I question many of
Lou’s decisions this season. How do you know he’s not senile?
Recipe for Disaster;
C'mon Cubs, hurry up and blow this so I can relax.
by Bluekoolaide on July22, 2009 3:08 PM CDT
I guess you'll
never know.
Recipe for Disaster;
C'mon Cubs, hurry up and blow this so I can relax.
by Bluekoolaide on July22, 2009 3:08 PM CDT
If Special Oly is off limits, sue,
so should be senility. I wouldn’t wish Alzheimer’s on my worst enemy.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 16, 2009 3:59 PM CDT up reply actions
True. I'll
be more careful in my posts.
Recipe for Disaster;
C'mon Cubs, hurry up and blow this so I can relax.
by Bluekoolaide on July22, 2009 3:08 PM CDT
I haven't had an opportunity to see much baseball in the last couple days....
Today I can….. and come here to check the line up. This is it. Both Theriot and Baker have the day off?
by Madison Cub Fan on Aug 16, 2009 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Hopefully Ramirez can make up for the automatic out that Miles is
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
How in the world
does Lou do this garbage, Bake ripping the ball, Miles and Fontenot in the same lineup, unreal.
"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"
I hate myself for writing this, but
maybe Piniella knows something you and I don’t.
Ugh. Sorry.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on Aug 16, 2009 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Per Lou on the Pregame...
Theriot has a bad stomach flu and stayed home. It makes a little more sense now…just not to put Miles in there.
by Sandberg's evil twin on Aug 16, 2009 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions
until Blanco is back what else can they do with Riot out?
I think Fontenot is the only other player on the roster who’s played SS in the majors (and he’s played just 4 games, none of them this year).
It's shocking what you can miss sometimes. The amazing color changing card trick.
by shake n bake on Aug 16, 2009 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Actually, Soriano played SS in the minors
but he made his ML debut as a pinch-runner for Darryl Strawberry against Tampa Bay.
He wouldn’t play SS again until Jeter missed some time with an injury, and he was recalled from the minors. According to his bio:
In his first four games he batted .188 and booted two grounders. Bellinger and Delgado took over at shortstop until Jeter regained his health.
and…
Alfonso had quick hands, good range, and a strong throwing arm, but his mind tended to wander, particularly on routine chances.
Sounds familiar.
"I won't insult your intelligence by suggesting that you really believe what you just said." ~William F. Buckley, Jr.
Nothing wrong with that
We can’t be privvy to everything.
Plus, I think Fontenot is done as far as Piniella is concerned. Still, for him to have any trade value whatsoever, he needs to play some 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 Aug 16, 2009 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions
It is nice to see
the daily “whining about the lineup” thread is in fine form today, though.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 16, 2009 1:26 PM CDT up reply actions
The nature of the fan
I don’t think it’s exclusive to Cub fans, but it’s probably more prevalent.
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 Aug 16, 2009 1:40 PM CDT up reply actions
LaRussa
couldn’t handle the pressure in Chicago. He’s not coming here, but not because the team isn’t good enough.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
That's one reason he wouldn't come here for sure, the media generally loves him in St. Louis
And he still treats them like crap or won’t talk to them for long many times. He knows that schtick wouldn’t fly in Chicago…he was a lot younger and less set in his ways when he coached the Sox.
by Sandberg's evil twin on Aug 16, 2009 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't buy B.B. is not interested in managing the Cubs.
He was in the running in ‘06. Of course that’s what he’s gonna say while Lou’s still the manager.
I 'm with you
I think Brenly know when to say the right things, and this is one of those times
"There are no curses here...Games are won and lost on the baseball field" - Lou Piniella
Eh...possible. His words to the press sure don't mean much I'll say that.
But Brenly sure seems to be having fun as a color man, he does have a low stress job for the most part that does allow him to watch his son a decent amount. I’d have thought by now if he wanted to manage something would have been there he liked. I don’t think at this point anyone knows what he’s really thinking about it.
by Sandberg's evil twin on Aug 16, 2009 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Sitting in the best seats of life today.
6th row so it should be a good day. But as i’m typing that Ronny woo woo just walked by me. Ugh
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Aug 16, 2009 12:20 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
He's just looking for his seat
It’s the one right next to yours, BTW.
"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
Now it's raining!
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Aug 16, 2009 12:32 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
WGN via MLB-AM just said it is dry with a chance of rain
You see, wire telegraph is a kind of a very, very long cat. You pull his tail in New York and his head is meowing in Los Angeles. Do you understand this? And radio operates exactly the same way: you send signals here, they receive them there. The only difference is that there is no cat. - Albert Einstein
Who are you gonna believe...the radio or the rain falling?
I sure hope we get this one in today. We’ve already been hurt enough by the lost days off from rainouts for sure.
by Sandberg's evil twin on Aug 16, 2009 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Well I did look at the webcam and NEXRAD, seemed dry on the northside to me...
but then again central Europe is a long way from Wrigley
You see, wire telegraph is a kind of a very, very long cat. You pull his tail in New York and his head is meowing in Los Angeles. Do you understand this? And radio operates exactly the same way: you send signals here, they receive them there. The only difference is that there is no cat. - Albert Einstein
Pregame is about to start on WGN.
We should know shortly what the conditions are at Wrigley Field.
by Sandberg's evil twin on Aug 16, 2009 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Breezy, cloudy
"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
Ron on the radio, said there was "gale" blowing out to center
You see, wire telegraph is a kind of a very, very long cat. You pull his tail in New York and his head is meowing in Los Angeles. Do you understand this? And radio operates exactly the same way: you send signals here, they receive them there. The only difference is that there is no cat. - Albert Einstein
The radio pregame has been on for about 20 to 30 minutes now.
You see, wire telegraph is a kind of a very, very long cat. You pull his tail in New York and his head is meowing in Los Angeles. Do you understand this? And radio operates exactly the same way: you send signals here, they receive them there. The only difference is that there is no cat. - Albert Einstein
It rained for about 5 minutes.
As if it wasn’t muggy enough.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Aug 16, 2009 1:11 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
LaRussa could come back to Chicago...
… however I see it more likely that it would be with the White Sox. Reinsdorf has repeatedly said that one great regret he has was getting rid of LaRussa. And Reinsdorf and LaRussa remain close. The question would be in what capacity, since it seems the Sox are quite happy with Ozzie Guillen & Kenny Williams.
"People shouldn’t bust your chops just because you’re a Sox fan on a Cub board — but I know it happens. FWIW, I think sites like this are more interesting when fans of other teams join in the conversation." by Shanghai Badger on Mar 13, 2009
It would be more likely, a team with a number of established tools and management that would be friendly.
It’s just hard for me to think of him wanting to hear the Chicago media when he talks little in St. Louis…and when he does, he says BOO! and all the media scurries for cover. Guess being a scout, or consultant is possible.
by Sandberg's evil twin on Aug 16, 2009 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions
It's like Lou
is trying to give the Pirates a chance.
When you have a weaker opponent down, you tear out its throat with a garden implement.
Do NOT risk going down 5.5 games to get Miles playing time.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
Heath Bell was put on waivers .... i just think there's no way in hell he can fall to the Cubs
COOL BEANS!
Point well taken, stepping on their throats
For all the weak teams we play has to be the attitude to make the playoffs.
That said I only want to see Miles playing in Iowa. If Lou was told he must play him, then only using him in 17-2 blowouts would be the option to me.
by Sandberg's evil twin on Aug 16, 2009 12:30 PM CDT reply actions
Two things:
One, Brenly said exactly what you would expect someone to say if the job wasn’t actually open. Did you really expect him to say, “heck yes I want that job, when the hell are you getting rid of Pineilla?”
And second, the Pirates as 18-43 on the road this season. What’s the record for worst road record since the schedule expanded to 162 games? They’ve gotta be close to it.
We need to focus today and make that record 18-44.
by Sandberg's evil twin on Aug 16, 2009 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't need to focus at all
The Cubs, on the other hand, should.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 16, 2009 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions
No bb for me
I’d like for the cubs to not use BB as the next manager. Just don’t think he is that good. Ryno is on track for 2011, let’s keep it that way
by Butchman on Aug 16, 2009 12:49 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Some fodder for Worf, et al
“My problem is I’ve been lazy,” a contrite Zambrano admitted after his morning session.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
This guy infuriates me, obviously
And at the risk of reigniting the Holy War, this is why stats aren’t entirely useful with Zambrano.
If he does not take care of himself properly, then past performance is not as valid an indicator of future value.
Having said that, he sounds contrite and he sounds like he’ll work harder. I hope he does.
Of course, for the money he has been making, I don’t think 50 situps a day are too much to ask.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
He does sound contrite
I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt on this and maybe he’s taking a step forward.
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 Aug 16, 2009 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions
I hate
doing abs too.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 16, 2009 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions
Are you paid millions of dollars to stay in shape?
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 Aug 16, 2009 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions
unfortunately,
no. I was simply commenting.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 16, 2009 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Fair enough
I’m not trying to start anything here – honest.
But past history made that read to me (and Worf, it seemed) like you were defending Zambrano for not doing his exercises.
I hate doing ab work, too, btw.
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 Aug 16, 2009 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions
nope
I think he should eat his wheaties too. I’m not going to defend him for not doing the work he needs to do to stay healthy.
I will note that he doesn’t feel that he’s been overdoing it at BP.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 16, 2009 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions
Theriot has "stomach flu"
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
I still bet he'd play better than Miles
It's shocking what you can miss sometimes. The amazing color changing card trick.
by shake n bake on Aug 16, 2009 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Whatever fluids come out of his body because of the flu
would play better
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
Yeah it makes a lot more sense that Riot is out now, Miles can play SS.
I just would still rather have Lou’s wife in there than Miles. Any game.
by Sandberg's evil twin on Aug 16, 2009 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions
Caption: Marking up the field, so that Aaron knows where to go requires real expertise
You see, wire telegraph is a kind of a very, very long cat. You pull his tail in New York and his head is meowing in Los Angeles. Do you understand this? And radio operates exactly the same way: you send signals here, they receive them there. The only difference is that there is no cat. - Albert Einstein
Andres Blanco is eligible to come off the DL Tuesday
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
I'd rather have Fontenot play SS
he’s done it a couple times, let Baker play 2nd.
It's shocking what you can miss sometimes. The amazing color changing card trick.
by shake n bake on Aug 16, 2009 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd rather have Soriano at second
And play the little shell game Lou pulled a few weeks back for the entire game.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
DOME AT SS!
It's shocking what you can miss sometimes. The amazing color changing card trick.
by shake n bake on Aug 16, 2009 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions
hmm
Now I’m wondering about the most screwed up defensive lineup you could make from the Cubs roster with positions they’ve actually played in the majors.
C Fox
1B ?
2B Soriano
3B Hill
SS Fontenot
LF Marshall
CF Bradley
RF ?
It's shocking what you can miss sometimes. The amazing color changing card trick.
by shake n bake on Aug 16, 2009 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions
Miles has played outfield in his career.
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 Aug 16, 2009 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions
there ya go
too bad he hasn’t played first. Can you imagine Riot throwing to Miles?
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 16, 2009 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Would being that close to the ground
Make it easier to dig out throws in the dirt?
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 Aug 16, 2009 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions
I can't imagine
have arms that are a foot shorter would.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 16, 2009 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions
yep, has a game in RF
C Fox
1B ?
2B Soriano
3B Hill
SS Fontenot
LF Marshall
CF Bradley
RF Miles
even more shocking is that Miles has appeared twice in the DH spot
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/milesaa01-field.shtml
It's shocking what you can miss sometimes. The amazing color changing card trick.
by shake n bake on Aug 16, 2009 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions
REALLY
raining.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 16, 2009 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Darn it, tarp's on the field now.
Only good news was while it will rain all day they will be brief until tonight. We sure need to get the game in today.
by Sandberg's evil twin on Aug 16, 2009 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions
Z Just said he doesn't think BP hurts his back...
Any Physical Therapist would tell you the muscles are connected in using your core. He also didn’t realize drinking Red Bull and Coffee before a game would contribute to cramps…the Cubs and their trainers need to sit down with this guy and have a long talk, he’s being paid too much money to let him go without a lot of monitoring. Every time he gets injured he never seems to understand until then how he contributed to the problem.
by Sandberg's evil twin on Aug 16, 2009 1:12 PM CDT reply actions
That is on the Cubs, too, 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 Aug 16, 2009 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions
Looks like we can
You see, wire telegraph is a kind of a very, very long cat. You pull his tail in New York and his head is meowing in Los Angeles. Do you understand this? And radio operates exactly the same way: you send signals here, they receive them there. The only difference is that there is no cat. - Albert Einstein
(Maybe) First Pitch Thread is a go
"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
cubs
really cant afford any rainouts with the way the cards are playing.as far as brenley goes he has to be politically correct. cant come out and say i want the job. larussa would be great but i cant see the cards letting him go. rothschild would not survive that managerial change. lets hope this west coast swing is not a disaster. 4 games with the dodgers the way this team is playing. yikes.
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