Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook
Around SBN: Trent Richardson Interviews Fellow Brown Brandon Weeden

There's No Place Like Home: Cubs vs. Nationals, Tuesday 8/25, 7:05 CT

The Cubs have just completed a stretch of 22 games, 17 of which were on the road and only five at home (it should have been six at home, but the last game vs. Pittsburgh was rained out). The results were... well, bad.

When this all began the Cubs were 54-46, half a game ahead of the Cardinals in first place. They went 8-14 in those 22 games and lost 8.5 games in the standings to St. Louis, because the Cardinals went 16-5 in the same time period.

Neither of those records, I think, reflects how good or bad either team is. The Cubs are better than a .364 team. The Cardinals won't play .762 baseball the rest of the season.

I know some people don't like comparisons to other years and other teams. But I feel compelled to point out that the 2008 Dodgers, on August 29, had just lost eight in a row and were 65-70, 4.5 games out of first place. They went 19-8 the rest of the year and made the postseason, and you know the rest. The 2009 Cubs have already played almost that well for that length of time -- they were 18-9 in July. They have the talent and ability to play like that. They are, admittedly, farther behind than the Dodgers were last year, but they have more time -- 40 games instead of 27. For those who think this is too much ground to make up, I'll give the example of the 2007 Mets, who had a seven-game lead on September 12, with only 17 games remaining in the season. They went 5-12 while the Phillies were going 13-4 and lost the division title by one game. Need more? On September 1, 2007, the Rockies were three games over .500, four games out of first place and five games out of the wild card lead with three teams to jump over. They went 20-7 and won the wild card in a tiebreaker (and the Padres are still waiting for Matt Holliday to touch the plate). That's also less time than the Cubs have left. There's one-quarter of the season -- 40 games -- remaining. That's a lot of time.

And then there's those 1969 Cubs, who had a five-game lead with 24 games remaining. You know how that one ended.

It can happen. It has happened. The Cubs play well at home (35-22, and 10-5 in the last 15 home games), and have the next ten games at home (and 17 of the next 23). It can happen again. Keep the faith. Go Cubs.

Tonight's lineup via Twittermyer:

Theriot, ss; Bradley, rf; Lee, 1b; Ramirez, 3b; Fukudome, cf; Soriano, lf; Soto, c; Fontenot, 2b; Zambrano, p

Star-divide

Today's Starting Pitchers
Carlos Zambrano
Carlos Zambrano
Cubs
vs. Garrett Mock
Garrett Mock
Nationals
7-4 W-L 2-5
3.35 ERA 5.10
101 SO 40
57 BB 25
8 HR 5
vs. Was -- vs. Cubs

W-L G GS CG SHO SV BS IP H R ER HR BB K ERA WHIP
2009 - Carlos Zambrano 7-4 27 20 0 0 0 0 123.2 110 52 46 8 57 101 3.35 1.35


W-L G GS CG SHO SV BS IP H R ER HR BB K ERA WHIP
2009 - Garrett Mock 2-5 20 7 0 0 0 1 47.2 62 33 27 5 25 40 5.10 1.83

Garrett Mock faced the Cubs on July 19 in Washington and the results were ugly -- for Mock, that is. Alfonso Soriano homered and Mock gave up eight hits without getting out of the fourth inning. Soriano, Mike Fontenot and Kosuke Fukudome all had two hits off Mock.

Carlos Zambrano also pitched in the July series in Washington, on July 17, and struggled through 113 pitches in five innings. He gave up only an unearned run, but issued four walks. The bullpen hung on to give Z the win. Adam Dunn has hit seven HR off Z in his career, but has only a .224 average (13-for-58) altogether. Current Nats are hitting .221 (43-for-195) against Z and the only other one who has ever homered off him is Austin Kearns.

The Cubs are on CSN Plus -- "check local listings" as that is CLTV in Chicago, but may not be available in all areas. EI viewers may get the MASN telecast, which can be entertaining with Rob Dibble. For other games today see the MLB.com Mediacenter.

MLB.com Gameday

Baseball-reference.com game preview

SB Nation game preview

Please visit our SB Nation Nationals site Federal Baseball. They seem a little lonely over there.

Overflow comment threads will post today at 8 pm, 9 pm and 9:45 pm CDT.

Discuss amongst yourselves.

Comment 286 comments  |  0 recs  | 

Do you like this story?

Comments

Display:

Go Cubs - Lets start a streak of epic success

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

by eths on Aug 25, 2009 5:02 PM CDT reply actions  

anything is possible

and how great it would be. that would be some insane momentum heading into the playoffs as well

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

by Cubbie-Tim on Aug 25, 2009 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions  

It would be great

Recipe for Disaster;
C'mon Cubs, hurry up and blow this so I can relax.
by Bluekoolaide on July22, 2009 3:08 PM CDT

by sue369 on Aug 25, 2009 6:29 PM CDT up reply actions  

Let's Go Cubs!

There’s always time to gain ground until there are no more games left!

Rickey has spoken. Keep the Athletics in Bump City.

by LeSaboteur on Aug 25, 2009 5:03 PM CDT reply actions  

I knew it wouldn't happen....

….but I was hoping we would see Jake Fox im the lineup or Fukudome leading off..Ugh

by JB 23 on Aug 25, 2009 5:05 PM CDT via mobile reply actions  

Fox should lead off

with Soriano batting 2nd

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

by Cubbie-Tim on Aug 25, 2009 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions  

Fox?

I still don’t want him in the field. Especially not the OF. Rammy could use a day off, though.

Rickey has spoken. Keep the Athletics in Bump City.

by LeSaboteur on Aug 25, 2009 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions  

Channeling Lou

He got a day off yesterday.

"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 Aug 25, 2009 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions  

He's had eight-to-twelve weeks...

…off previously to that, too.

Rickey has spoken. Keep the Athletics in Bump City.

by LeSaboteur on Aug 25, 2009 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions  

Hell, he can play every day now!

Rickey has spoken. Keep the Athletics in Bump City.

by LeSaboteur on Aug 25, 2009 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions  

let him pitch both of the games

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

by Cubbie-Tim on Aug 25, 2009 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions  

Concessions is short a guy?

We’ve got just the man for the job!

Rickey has spoken. Keep the Athletics in Bump City.

by LeSaboteur on Aug 25, 2009 5:32 PM CDT up reply actions  

Wish granted

Fox for Soriano straight up, knee still bothering Fonzie.

Via Twittermyer

Jerry’s been so distant lately and Lovie barely calls.- Just Dave

by Allie on Aug 25, 2009 5:32 PM CDT up reply actions  

I'll take that.

Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008

by slcathena on Aug 25, 2009 5:34 PM CDT up reply actions  

Woot!

Not for Soriano’s knee, but for Fox playing.

Someday we'll go all the way...

by CubsBullsBears on Aug 25, 2009 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions  

Agreed

They just need offense at this point. They have a high K pitching staffs. At least we know that Fox will hustle all the time.

Monopoly, twenty-one, checkers, and chess...

by Buzz on the Moon on Aug 25, 2009 6:30 PM CDT up reply actions  

Not to quibble

But isn’t that pretty much the lineup that everyone thought was talented enough to run away with the division?

by mykalmorgan on Aug 25, 2009 7:01 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yes it was...

…and I guess that’s why they play the games.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Aug 25, 2009 7:02 PM CDT up reply actions  

I'm sure this has been covered

but who’s place on the 25 man roster is Z taking?

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

by Curtain Jerker on Aug 25, 2009 5:09 PM CDT reply actions  

Thanks

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

by Curtain Jerker on Aug 25, 2009 5:10 PM CDT up reply actions  

It looks like it could be a high scoring day, according to wunderground

Washington Nationals vs. Chicago Cubs (Wrigley Field)

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

by eths on Aug 25, 2009 5:17 PM CDT reply actions  

Lou Pinella: The definition of insanity.

Trotting out the same, old, tired lineup, day in and day out.

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

by dtpollitt on Aug 25, 2009 5:19 PM CDT reply actions   1 recs

Yep

There is a CHANCE the Nats are bad enough anyway but then Lou will just think “hey this lineup really works” Well this is my first game in 6 weeks and I LEFT them in good shape and still have my 23-10
record so not bad.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim

by Doggie Stalker on Aug 25, 2009 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions  

Maybe he thinks Alfi

can get out of his slump against a team he previously did well against this year in a game the Cubs are ‘expected’ to win.

by JFCubFan on Aug 25, 2009 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions  

My '84 Ryno jersey arrived today

I can now officially retire the ’04 Nomar jersey which had, until today, been my only other piece of Cubs clothing. (Yeah, THAT was money well-spent right there.)

Hopefully this brings with it a change of luck for the team.

"I see great things in baseball. It's our game - the American game." - Walt Whitman

by hip2bsquare on Aug 25, 2009 5:21 PM CDT reply actions  

Lets go Cubs!!!

What do we need to do on this homestand? 8 wins, 7 wins??? What do u guys think?

by Cubz24 on Aug 25, 2009 5:22 PM CDT reply actions  

On paper

both series are fully-sweepable. But that’s why they play the games…

by chilango2 on Aug 25, 2009 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions  

Wny in the hell ...

is Mike Fontenot in the lineup? Lou, are you drunk?

by elgato on Aug 25, 2009 5:26 PM CDT reply actions  

Being sober and watching this team

is very unpleasant.

Jerry’s been so distant lately and Lovie barely calls.- Just Dave

by Allie on Aug 25, 2009 5:50 PM CDT up reply actions  

true

but it is better than being Drunk waiting for the season to start

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

by Cubbie-Tim on Aug 25, 2009 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions  

Meh

I’m actually just counting the days til football at this point. And killing time between games half-assedly watching the Cubs

Jerry’s been so distant lately and Lovie barely calls.- Just Dave

by Allie on Aug 25, 2009 5:53 PM CDT up reply actions  

I cannot wait for football, and hockey

but win or lose, I will still tune into the Cubs

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

by Cubbie-Tim on Aug 25, 2009 5:55 PM CDT up reply actions  

I think you perfectledly summed up how I've been watching the Cubs for awhile.

It’s somewhat of a relief as I don’t get worked up anymore.Disappointing as they have been I don’t worry if they win or lose much now this season…at least ulcers aren’t a worry. Half-assedly…good one Allie, gave me a smile tonight.
Sure I will always be a die hard Cubs fan, I’ll still watch them in the standings and games when I have time…but I sure am looking forward to watching the Bears right now as you.

by Sandberg's evil twin on Aug 25, 2009 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions  

I've taken to this...

… and no, i’m not joking.

Game on TV, muted (this is important). Relaxing tunes on the surround sound.. been big in to Thievery Corporation lately. Make a jack & coke or possibly a fat doob, and go about my night as usual (work on the computer, clean up, phone calls, whatever else), catching up with the game only when i happen to glance up.

Much more bearable than actually sitting down to concentrate on the thing.

Follow me on twitter @andrewjstone.

by AndrewJStone on Aug 25, 2009 5:57 PM CDT up reply actions  

Thievery Corporation & a fat doob....

….You are my kind of guy, Mr. Stone.

"Was you ever punched in the face five hundred times a night? It stings after a while." ~Rocky Balboa

by Goodie1969 on Aug 25, 2009 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions  

We need to start by sweeping the Nats.

Then 2 out of 3 from the Mets.

Then another 2 out of 3 from the Astros.

Anything less and the season is officially over.

by Freddyd on Aug 25, 2009 5:26 PM CDT reply actions  

I agree, these are very winnable and sweepable series, all of them 8 wins would be great

by Cubz24 on Aug 25, 2009 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions  

Pessimist no more...........

At least not until tomorrow…….. I’m feeling the stro’s sweep the birds and the Cubs sweep the nat’s and we are right back in it…….. yeah, that’s the ticket

"What we have here is a failure to communicate" - Strother Martin as "Captain"

by Icubsfan on Aug 25, 2009 5:29 PM CDT reply actions  

Lots of good points on history Al

How do those comebacks compare to the Cubs as it pertains to the teams they played going down the stretch?

The Cubs and Cards have a lot of common opponents during the last 40-ish games.

Just win the next game...!

by blackhawk24 on Aug 25, 2009 5:29 PM CDT reply actions  

I don't know.

I do know the Cubs have a lot of bad teams on this homestand. The time to win is NOW.

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

by Al Yellon on Aug 25, 2009 5:32 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions  

Santana-less Mets

that series looks brighter

Jerry’s been so distant lately and Lovie barely calls.- Just Dave

by Allie on Aug 25, 2009 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions  

Fox in the lineup for Soriano

Don’t all jump at once now.

Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.

by nji232 on Aug 25, 2009 5:30 PM CDT reply actions  

For joy?

"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 Aug 25, 2009 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions  

Jump either way
cst_cubsLineup change. Fox for Soriano, straight up. Knee still bothering Soriano.

I see the DL in Soriano’s future.

Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.

by nji232 on Aug 25, 2009 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions  

I truly hope so

If his knee has been bothering him for as long as has been reported (2 months) or speculated (3 months), a DL stint is long overdue.

"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 Aug 25, 2009 5:35 PM CDT up reply actions  

i agree

being forced to play through pain just because theyre a main piece of the lineup should not be done. look where it landed santana

Theriot is not clutch, he's double clutch!

by jesus christos on Aug 25, 2009 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions  

especially considering how poorly he's played

just another stupid bad decision by Jim and Lou

by Illicat on Aug 25, 2009 5:59 PM CDT up reply actions  

It hasn't been talked about that I've heard in awhile now...did I miss a report?

I sure did think Sori was injured at the start of his long decline….although pinpointing that would be hard to do. He looked injured for awhile and had problems getting around the bases, when you started a real slump I never understood why Lou didn’t replace him for awhile, to me it was just greed…hoping every game he was going to turn it around. You have to try giving him more than two days rest at some point when he’s shown signs of being injured. It was a bad decision to keep him in there.

by Sandberg's evil twin on Aug 25, 2009 6:16 PM CDT up reply actions  

The Riot leadoff thing should end.

The Cubs were doing fine with Dome leadoff (4.93 runs/game)
While with Riot its 4.35/game (and that includes the 17 run blowout vs pirates.
  if you take out the 17 run game, we are avging 3.38 runs game with Riot as leadoff.

Why Lou made that switch was just wrong.

Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton

by KaliCub on Aug 25, 2009 5:30 PM CDT reply actions  

Thank you!

This one has been boggling my mind. Dome was awesome there.

Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008

by slcathena on Aug 25, 2009 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions  

Gotta have a LH behind Aramis

Jerry’s been so distant lately and Lovie barely calls.- Just Dave

by Allie on Aug 25, 2009 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions  

:(

Ugh. Stupid left/right handed obsession. pulls out hair

Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008

by slcathena on Aug 25, 2009 5:56 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yeah

I miss the Lou who rode the hot hand… Dome as leadoff hitter was working really well but he just dropped it. I don’t understand

Jerry’s been so distant lately and Lovie barely calls.- Just Dave

by Allie on Aug 25, 2009 5:57 PM CDT up reply actions  

he's not a good manager

that’s really all you have to understand

by Illicat on Aug 25, 2009 5:59 PM CDT up reply actions  

That was what blew my mind

they found something that worked…so he changed it? WTF?

Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008

by slcathena on Aug 25, 2009 6:00 PM CDT up reply actions  

Remember the 4-0 loss to the Reds,

that when he made the switch. That’s when we started to slide.

Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton

by KaliCub on Aug 25, 2009 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions  

That's Lou

Overreaction to one game and no reaction to actual trends.

Jerry’s been so distant lately and Lovie barely calls.- Just Dave

by Allie on Aug 25, 2009 6:02 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yes. This.

Dear Tom Ricketts,

Can you hire a full time sabermagician to knock some logical, mathematical sense into Lou on occassion?

Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008

by slcathena on Aug 25, 2009 6:04 PM CDT up reply actions  

How about hiring a manger with common sense?

Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton

by KaliCub on Aug 25, 2009 6:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

Do those exist?

Jerry’s been so distant lately and Lovie barely calls.- Just Dave

by Allie on Aug 25, 2009 6:06 PM CDT up reply actions  

A guy can dream, can't he?

Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton

by KaliCub on Aug 25, 2009 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions  

Dream on, bub

Common sense would be fantastic… I just want an organization that’s built on sound fundamentals.

But… I don’t see that happening either

Jerry’s been so distant lately and Lovie barely calls.- Just Dave

by Allie on Aug 25, 2009 6:19 PM CDT up reply actions  

Apparently, they have one down in St. Louis...

and there’s also one up in Minnesota, even though Twins fans don’t see it anymore.

by chilango2 on Aug 25, 2009 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions  

I was literally going to reply with

Torre? But then you posted.

Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008

by slcathena on Aug 25, 2009 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions  

I'm still hoping that in the next few years I'll see

Ryne as our manager. I have a hunch he’ll be great.

Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008

by slcathena on Aug 25, 2009 6:14 PM CDT up reply actions  

The only thing

That could tell you that is a hunch.

"When you're going through hell, keep going." - Winston Churchill

by vonde6 on Aug 25, 2009 6:28 PM CDT up reply actions  

Have Twins fans turned on Ron?

God, him leaving and coaching the Cubs would be a dream come true.

by madcow256 on Aug 25, 2009 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions  

Big and bad

The majority of people on the Twins BCB site want to run him out of town. It’s a damn, rotten shame if you ask me.

by chilango2 on Aug 25, 2009 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions  

Do they not realize he's able to squeeze a perrenial contender

out of a bargain basement roster? 4 first-place, 2 second-place, and only 2 third-place finishes for that franchise since 2001. Only one season under .500 in that stretch. Not a lot of playoff success, but . . .

by madcow256 on Aug 25, 2009 6:17 PM CDT up reply actions  

I was looking for the Twinkie Town thread

that made the point for firing Garddy. It had a poll. But I think it has been removed.

We’re a pretty schizo group here, but you should read some of the stuff posted there…

by chilango2 on Aug 25, 2009 6:33 PM CDT up reply actions  

I assume they don't like the sub-.500 record

I’d rather they blame their pitching coach for a bullpen that can’t miss bats.

"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 Aug 25, 2009 6:14 PM CDT up reply actions  

We can miss bats

Its just when we do they also miss the strike zone

Jerry’s been so distant lately and Lovie barely calls.- Just Dave

by Allie on Aug 25, 2009 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions  

Don't tell that to Gregg.

Earlier in the season I was worried about him walking players as it always seemed to come back on him. Then he changed it and gave up home runs to lose games in the final inning. Can’t win with him this year…with pitching or ball games.

by Sandberg's evil twin on Aug 25, 2009 6:45 PM CDT up reply actions  

While I think Lou is bad, you and I would also whine if

a Sabermagician forced the managers hand. There would be no bunting or care for situational hitting. It would take all the “in game strategy” out of the game.

Monopoly, twenty-one, checkers, and chess...

by Buzz on the Moon on Aug 25, 2009 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions  

Huh?

Why would a sabermagician kill situation hitting?

Oh. thats right it wouldn’t. You just seem to hate stats.

Jerry’s been so distant lately and Lovie barely calls.- Just Dave

by Allie on Aug 25, 2009 6:35 PM CDT up reply actions  

Not stats

just those who glorify stats to the exclusion of everything else. If you hired MGL or DePodesta to do this, you’d like get that kind of self righteousness.

Monopoly, twenty-one, checkers, and chess...

by Buzz on the Moon on Aug 25, 2009 6:36 PM CDT up reply actions  

BS

need doesn’t make Fukudome acceptable hitting 5th. It’s killing Aramis.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just North of Wrigley Field

by jameslcrockett on Aug 25, 2009 5:57 PM CDT up reply actions  

if it matter thats much

have bradley lead off and theriot bat 2nd. theriot should not leadoff

Theriot is not clutch, he's double clutch!

by jesus christos on Aug 25, 2009 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions  

Not saying I like

it… just saying that’s Lou’s rationale.

Jerry’s been so distant lately and Lovie barely calls.- Just Dave

by Allie on Aug 25, 2009 5:59 PM CDT up reply actions  

not saying you liked it

but seeing theriot leads off makes me cry a little

Theriot is not clutch, he's double clutch!

by jesus christos on Aug 25, 2009 6:00 PM CDT up reply actions  

His pitches per at bat since leadoff is 3.17

That is just wrong and shouldn’t be tolerated.

Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton

by KaliCub on Aug 25, 2009 6:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

Gah, Dome's leadoff bats were so pretty!!!

Like 10 pitches to start the game. It was a thing of BEAUTY

Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008

by slcathena on Aug 25, 2009 6:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

I've got that too

Dome as leadoof was avging 4.45 pitches per at bat. I’m sure that helps the players behind him too!

Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton

by KaliCub on Aug 25, 2009 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions  

It has to

It makes the pitcher work so much harder off the top.

Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008

by slcathena on Aug 25, 2009 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions  

but hes a basestealer!

kind of

Theriot is not clutch, he's double clutch!

by jesus christos on Aug 25, 2009 6:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

It does me as well.

I’m too lazy to look up stats but I see Theriot being a different hitter and not in a good way leading off. Dome was pretty patient and hitting fine to me so why mess with that. I think Theriot was a lot more relaxed in the second spot and fine later in the lineup, so if you need or want Bradley second as Lou has kept him, put Theriot later in the order or switch him with Dome now…either is better than have Riot lead off. It gets the game and the start of the order off to a bad start far too many times.

by Sandberg's evil twin on Aug 25, 2009 6:50 PM CDT up reply actions  

I know Bradley wasn't driving in runs, but we were winning

with Dome leadoff Riot 2nd and Bradley 5th. And when we made that switch thats when we went into the nosedive, including Sori’s sluump.

I have been on Lou to make moves, but I think he overreacted to the 4-0 loss to the Reds on 8/5.

Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton

by KaliCub on Aug 25, 2009 6:00 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yep.

Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008

by slcathena on Aug 25, 2009 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions  

yuppers

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

by Cubbie-Tim on Aug 25, 2009 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions  

Via Twittermyer

Fox to replace Soriano in linep, Sori’s knee still bothering him

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

by Al Yellon on Aug 25, 2009 5:30 PM CDT via mobile reply actions  

woohoo!

Now, can Fontenot get hit by a bus?

by elgato on Aug 25, 2009 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions  

I want Baker in the lineup!

Fontenot is becoming Lou’s Neifi.

by elgato on Aug 25, 2009 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions  

Miles hurts my soul.

Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008

by slcathena on Aug 25, 2009 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

Rec'd

This should be turned into a Web site, t-shirts, Facebook groups, and Twitter accounts.

by chilango2 on Aug 25, 2009 5:56 PM CDT up reply actions  

This idea has some promise...

the website is avail…

Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008

by slcathena on Aug 25, 2009 6:02 PM CDT up reply actions  

I know nothing about web pages

But I hearby offer the name to any enterprising BCBer. ;)

Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008

by slcathena on Aug 25, 2009 6:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

If I had the time, I'd gladly do it

HTML is easy. My hatred for Miles is large. I have the drive. But I don’t have the time…

by chilango2 on Aug 25, 2009 6:06 PM CDT up reply actions  

We need to combine these somehow to make them work

If we do it as a blog we don’t even need to pay for the site, we can just have like mileshurtsmysoul.blogspot.com or whatever

Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008

by slcathena on Aug 25, 2009 6:08 PM CDT up reply actions  

Wordpress is super easy

You don’t have to know HTML or any other language. If you can handle BCB, you can handle a Wordpress site.

by chilango2 on Aug 25, 2009 6:08 PM CDT up reply actions  

This comment may show up as my sig line soon.

Just a heads up.

"Was you ever punched in the face five hundred times a night? It stings after a while." ~Rocky Balboa

by Goodie1969 on Aug 25, 2009 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions  

Miles is just the perfect example of Cub stupidity.

The fact that he plays is just a joke. I just don’t like the guy. So worthless.

Monopoly, twenty-one, checkers, and chess...

by Buzz on the Moon on Aug 25, 2009 6:34 PM CDT up reply actions  

Your choices are Fontenot or Miles

vs RHP.

(Not saying thats right… but thats how it looks to me)

Jerry’s been so distant lately and Lovie barely calls.- Just Dave

by Allie on Aug 25, 2009 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions  

I think Baker should be playing

but then we’d be too right handed. or something

Jerry’s been so distant lately and Lovie barely calls.- Just Dave

by Allie on Aug 25, 2009 5:34 PM CDT up reply actions  

Unfortunately I have to think this is right.

Lou showed he was willing to go against that with Fukudome last year and raised my hopes he isn’t tied to salary with players. Then the team as a whole stopped hitting and he’s given up on that. He uses Miles far too often and keeps Sori in there when he looks injured…I think he gave up on performance being a measure and now is more worried about how much money they make.

Unfortunately I don’t think it would have mattered a lot in where they are now if he changed it…but being a few games closer sure wouldn’t hurt. Something for new management to look at for next year with Lou coming back. Let’s hope they change the lineup some so there isn’t as big an issue with this at many positions. Lou does replace players for pinch hitters but who he starts has been at times by salary in my mind….as weird as that mind can be lol

by Sandberg's evil twin on Aug 25, 2009 6:23 PM CDT up reply actions  

For the love of all that is Holy

EAT THE REST OF MILES’ CONTRACT!!! He does too much damage when he plays.:(

Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008

by slcathena on Aug 25, 2009 6:26 PM CDT up reply actions  

Send him down to Iowa

and make him walk downtown…… there have been 8 peds hit by city buses in the past 2 years

"What we have here is a failure to communicate" - Strother Martin as "Captain"

by Icubsfan on Aug 25, 2009 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions  

I'll spring for the blindfold

And the bus schedule with incorrect times.

"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 Aug 25, 2009 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions  

Nah

just send Tonya Hardings ex-hubby after him with a bat, he’ll know what to do.

by JFCubFan on Aug 25, 2009 5:46 PM CDT up reply actions  

You want Baker hit by a bus?

Huh?

Jerry’s been so distant lately and Lovie barely calls.- Just Dave

by Allie on Aug 25, 2009 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions  

Well thats good news at least.

Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton

by KaliCub on Aug 25, 2009 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions  

Son of a...

well, that should be interesting.

Rickey has spoken. Keep the Athletics in Bump City.

by LeSaboteur on Aug 25, 2009 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions  

Thank heaven!

Not that Sori’s knee is bothering him. Don’t get me wrong, but I really want the momentum to continue and I don’t think it will with Soriano right now. There are a few more tweaks I’d like to see in that lineup though, but that’s a good start. I can breath again.

"Fasten your seatbelts"-Pat Hughes

by katie casey on Aug 25, 2009 5:34 PM CDT up reply actions  

Baby steps I guess.

This was the biggest one for me, so I do feel a little better. Breathing is good.

"Fasten your seatbelts"-Pat Hughes

by katie casey on Aug 25, 2009 5:46 PM CDT up reply actions  

thats great news, sit soriano the rest of the season…his “knee” is bothering him sureeeee

by Cubz24 on Aug 25, 2009 5:32 PM CDT reply actions  

If our second basemen were each a Transformer...

…and could be combined together, would they make a serviceable 2B Transformer? Me thinks no.

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

by dtpollitt on Aug 25, 2009 5:39 PM CDT reply actions  

is the transformer lefthanded?

Theriot is not clutch, he's double clutch!

by jesus christos on Aug 25, 2009 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

Maybe they can transform into a car

and then we can get into the cash for clunkers program. :)

Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton

by KaliCub on Aug 25, 2009 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

Or get Gathright back...

… charge people to watch him jump, and use the cash to buy a real 2B option?

Follow me on twitter @andrewjstone.

by AndrewJStone on Aug 25, 2009 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions  

Voltron?

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

by Cubbie-Tim on Aug 25, 2009 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions  

Let's see

Baker as the head and torso, Blanco as the right arm, Fontenot as the left arm, Theriot as the legs.

And Miles as the ass – yeah, I can see 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

by Clutch16 on Aug 25, 2009 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions  

So where is Blou today

We need the scoup from his source so we know what won’t happen tomorrow.

by Madison Cub Fan on Aug 25, 2009 5:43 PM CDT reply actions  

The Cubs will hire Andy Cashman away from the Yankees

"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 Aug 25, 2009 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions  

Andy?

Is that Brian’s dweeby little brother?

Jerry’s been so distant lately and Lovie barely calls.- Just Dave

by Allie on Aug 25, 2009 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions  

Actually

Andy Cashman was a VP at a company I used to work for. Brian Cashman is indeed the Yanks’ GM.

"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 Aug 25, 2009 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions  

I hadn't read that thread yesterday

But Sue mentioned it in the thread Al posted about how Kenney is staying. Went back and read it. Funny stuff.

by Madison Cub Fan on Aug 25, 2009 5:48 PM CDT up reply actions  

Cashman has the most...

…appropriate name ever for his job.

Rickey has spoken. Keep the Athletics in Bump City.

by LeSaboteur on Aug 25, 2009 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions  

For some reason cubs.com isnt working for me

can someone fill me in on how many of the remaining games are at home?

"God watches over drunks and third baseman."- Leo Durocher

by BelieveinBlue2314 on Aug 25, 2009 5:53 PM CDT reply actions  

There is actually a schedule right here on BCB.

Scroll to the top navigation bar and you’ll find it here.

Follow me on twitter @andrewjstone.

by AndrewJStone on Aug 25, 2009 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions  

until hes nolonger a veteran

Theriot is not clutch, he's double clutch!

by jesus christos on Aug 25, 2009 5:55 PM CDT up reply actions  

huh?

Is he like Benjamin Buttons, and is getting younger?

by Illicat on Aug 25, 2009 6:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

no

lou said hes going to stick with his veterans

Theriot is not clutch, he's double clutch!

by jesus christos on Aug 25, 2009 6:52 PM CDT up reply actions  

The leash has been shortening

But I do believe that some time on the DL is in Sori’s near future, so the question may not need to be asked at all.

"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 Aug 25, 2009 5:55 PM CDT up reply actions  

OT-We are taking my daughter up to college tomorrow.

She’s a freshman. This is new to us. I was handling it well until a few minutes ago. I realized I was in bad shape when I almost started crying at the lineup.

"Fasten your seatbelts"-Pat Hughes

by katie casey on Aug 25, 2009 5:58 PM CDT reply actions  

Awwww.

How far away is she going?

I just came back to the East Coast after visiting the fam for the better part of the summer. Don’t tell my parents, but I cried for the better part of a half hour through security. :(

Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008

by slcathena on Aug 25, 2009 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions  

get a job in Chicago

It’s way closer to Utah than MA is. That could help :)

by Madison Cub Fan on Aug 25, 2009 6:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

;)

With any luck….with any luck… ;)

Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008

by slcathena on Aug 25, 2009 6:08 PM CDT up reply actions  

She's going to Marquette in Milwaukee.

It’s only about 1 hr. 15 min., so it’s not too bad. You can see Miller Park from her dorm. She wrote this sweet note at graduation about how we can visit her whenever we want. We may hold her to it-hee hee. We do have it in writing.

Good luck to you in school this year too!

"Fasten your seatbelts"-Pat Hughes

by katie casey on Aug 25, 2009 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions  

I teach now, I don't go. :P

But I was about 2 hours from my parents when I was in school and it worked really well. close enough to go home for the weekend, or even dinner if I was super homesick but far enough away to feel like I was growing up. It’s a good distance.

I do feel for you though, I will never forget my parents the day they left me at the dorm! hugs to you and your daughter

Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008

by slcathena on Aug 25, 2009 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions  

thanks so much

The good luck in school still applies! :)

"Fasten your seatbelts"-Pat Hughes

by katie casey on Aug 25, 2009 6:14 PM CDT up reply actions  

That's true, I didn't think of it that way. :)

and thanks. :)

Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008

by slcathena on Aug 25, 2009 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions  

good luck to her in college

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

by Cubbie-Tim on Aug 25, 2009 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions  

Thanks!

"Fasten your seatbelts"-Pat Hughes

by katie casey on Aug 25, 2009 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions  

I work with first-year students.

They are an excited—and clueless—bunch. It is very exciting and interesting every day.

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

by dtpollitt on Aug 25, 2009 6:16 PM CDT up reply actions  

You have no idea.

I work with first-year education students and also teach a class for students with disabilities. Clueless doesn’t begin to describe it.

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

by dtpollitt on Aug 25, 2009 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions  

Aw, good luck to both of you.

Recipe for Disaster;
C'mon Cubs, hurry up and blow this so I can relax.
by Bluekoolaide on July22, 2009 3:08 PM CDT

by sue369 on Aug 25, 2009 6:44 PM CDT up reply actions  

thanks!

"Fasten your seatbelts"-Pat Hughes

by katie casey on Aug 25, 2009 6:45 PM CDT up reply actions  

So

when does La Russa’s deal with the Devil expire? Its gotten a little ridiculous at this point, doncha think?

Jerry’s been so distant lately and Lovie barely calls.- Just Dave

by Allie on Aug 25, 2009 6:00 PM CDT up reply actions  

What doesn't Miles deserve?

I’m very confused.

Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008

by slcathena on Aug 25, 2009 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions  

Ah, got it.

Sorry, I am getting over a cold and not the sharpest. :)

Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008

by slcathena on Aug 25, 2009 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions  

We don't deserve Miles.

He’s a cards fan. And he’s RIGHT.

Follow me on twitter @andrewjstone.

by AndrewJStone on Aug 25, 2009 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions  

Hey Chilango2

Did you get my last email?

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Aug 25, 2009 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions  

No sir

I was waiting for a reply. I thought my request was a bit too much for you and you gave up on it.

by chilango2 on Aug 25, 2009 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions  

Weird I show that it went out.

I said I could probably not overnight it, if you really wanted me to (although I’d rather not pay for overnighting if possible). What’s problem meeting before the game?

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Aug 25, 2009 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions  

That should say...

I COULD probably overnight it….

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Aug 25, 2009 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions  

?

I thought you were at Michigan and Lake.

I would feel a whole lot better about having them before making the trek to Wrigleyville. That’s all.

by chilango2 on Aug 25, 2009 6:14 PM CDT up reply actions  

I am, but...

tickets (hard tickets) are with friends that are coming in from Iowa for the game. I understand if you feel nervous about it. I’d like to avoid overnighting, but I suppose I could do it if it makes you feel better.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Aug 25, 2009 6:19 PM CDT up reply actions  

It's a pretty ridiculous expense, I agree

I thought you had them with you. I’m afraid I’m gonna have to pass Tyler. Thanks a lot, though.

by chilango2 on Aug 25, 2009 6:23 PM CDT up reply actions  

No problem.

Good luck.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Aug 25, 2009 6:24 PM CDT up reply actions  

He is dreamy

but he looks awful in red.

Jerry’s been so distant lately and Lovie barely calls.- Just Dave

by Allie on Aug 25, 2009 6:25 PM CDT up reply actions  

You don't like the color red, do you?

I thought he looked good in red when it was just the bill of his road cap!

"Fasten your seatbelts"-Pat Hughes

by katie casey on Aug 25, 2009 6:30 PM CDT up reply actions  

Red is not my favorite color, at all

but I though DeRo looked really pink faced and sort of drunk (too much color in his face)

Jerry’s been so distant lately and Lovie barely calls.- Just Dave

by Allie on Aug 25, 2009 6:31 PM CDT up reply actions  

why not a cold minute?

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

by Cubbie-Tim on Aug 25, 2009 6:15 PM CDT up reply actions  

because I'm mad at the cold I have.

in fact I should go get more decongestant before the game starts. :P

Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008

by slcathena on Aug 25, 2009 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions  

I need to make a run

For (legal) mood-altering substances myself. See y’all in the First Pitch Thread

"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 Aug 25, 2009 6:23 PM CDT up reply actions  

You already have one savior on your team

A second one is just redundant.

"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 Aug 25, 2009 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions  

You already have one two saviors on your team

A secondthird one is just redundant.

fixed

Theriot is not clutch, he's double clutch!

by jesus christos on Aug 25, 2009 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions  

Thx

"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 Aug 25, 2009 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions  

Holliday hittin' .198

last 9 games, we’ll see if he’s Savior II or not

I'm a Baseball fan first, Cards fan 2nd.

by Cardsfansince62 on Aug 25, 2009 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions  

The .600 clip couldn't last forever

These things tend to even out

"When you're going through hell, keep going." - Winston Churchill

by vonde6 on Aug 25, 2009 6:34 PM CDT up reply actions  

Whadda ya mean?

I'm a Baseball fan first, Cards fan 2nd.

by Cardsfansince62 on Aug 25, 2009 6:01 PM CDT reply actions  

Duncan's magic sucess

Pujols being Pujols.
And getting the enemy to take MILES for a multi-year deal.

Its a bit suspicious.

(And I’m joshin’ you)

Jerry’s been so distant lately and Lovie barely calls.- Just Dave

by Allie on Aug 25, 2009 6:02 PM CDT up reply actions  

Add getting Smoltz for nothing. Reminded me of getting Larry Walker in the middle of the year like that.

Admittedly Walker had nothing to do with Dunc turning him around.

Smoltz is a win already for them since they are paying him nothing and Wellemeyer is a complete bust. All they need from Smoltz is a few more quality starts and he sure looks capable of it. I get greedy thinking of the things Duncan could have done with the Cubs prospects and pitchers the last few years…unfortunately he will never leave Tony.

by Sandberg's evil twin on Aug 25, 2009 6:34 PM CDT up reply actions  

I was shocked what y'all paid Miles.

But really upset we let FeLo walk

I'm a Baseball fan first, Cards fan 2nd.

by Cardsfansince62 on Aug 25, 2009 6:03 PM CDT reply actions  

Psst

“Reply” is your friend…

"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 Aug 25, 2009 6:04 PM CDT up reply actions  

Thanks

I'm a Baseball fan first, Cards fan 2nd.

by Cardsfansince62 on Aug 25, 2009 6:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

Copycat :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 Aug 25, 2009 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions  

Unacceptable

Fukudome should not hit fifth… ever. Not only will he not succeed there, it takes away from Aramis’ RBI opportunities by depriving him of runners on base. And while he can get on base fine, he can’t make enough happen with the bat potently enough to drive Aramis and Derrek in when they get on base.

With Jake Fox producing no matter who is on the mound, Fox is plenty good enough to bat behind Ramirez, leaving Fukudome, Theriot and Bradley (with Fuld as a backup, who really should be more) to give the middle of the lineup the chances to drive in runs. That’s how you build a lineup.

Too many people say lineup construction doesn’t matter and watch when teams who shouldn’t have so many problems producing runs… have problems producing runs. It matters… it matters a great deal.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just North of Wrigley Field

by jameslcrockett on Aug 25, 2009 6:05 PM CDT reply actions  

I like the Fox batting 5th idea

Line up a la my dream world:

Dome
Bradley
Lee
Rami
Fox
Soto
Riot
Baker
Pitcher

Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008

by slcathena on Aug 25, 2009 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yeah, I'm okay with that

1-5 and 9 are not interchangable.

Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008

by slcathena on Aug 25, 2009 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions  

that works too

I think the lack of sluggers means you should try to stretch out the lineup and bat ramirez fifth with Fox sixth. But I’m also not as wild about Theriot hitting first or second as i used to be. Against lhps you would move Baker up to second, if he keeps hitting… and try to get as many at bats for Sam Fuld as you can at the top of the lineup.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just North of Wrigley Field

by jameslcrockett on Aug 25, 2009 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions  

I got excited there for a minute...

I thought this was an updated lineup.

Someday we'll go all the way...

by CubsBullsBears on Aug 25, 2009 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions  

I'd like this lineup a lot more than today's

Baker could be earlier but I like that he’s there to start/keep a rally going at the back of the order. To me that’s a toss up as he has less playing time 8th in the order.

by Sandberg's evil twin on Aug 25, 2009 6:37 PM CDT up reply actions  

Please email this to Lou.

Recipe for Disaster;
C'mon Cubs, hurry up and blow this so I can relax.
by Bluekoolaide on July22, 2009 3:08 PM CDT

by sue369 on Aug 25, 2009 6:47 PM CDT up reply actions  

I agree with the lineup construction thing

I’ve heard from a few that say that the lineup doesn’t matter, they have not convinced me. Lineups matters.

Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton

by KaliCub on Aug 25, 2009 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yes they do...

…especially when a team has the right pieces to put in each spot.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Aug 25, 2009 6:58 PM CDT up reply actions  

He would

probably morph into Freddy Kreuger

"What we have here is a failure to communicate" - Strother Martin as "Captain"

by Icubsfan on Aug 25, 2009 6:09 PM CDT reply actions  

Color me gullible

…but the whole fox replacing soriano because of knee troubles was just people wishful thinking/screwing around?

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just North of Wrigley Field

by jameslcrockett on Aug 25, 2009 6:12 PM CDT reply actions  

It's true.

Someday we'll go all the way...

by CubsBullsBears on Aug 25, 2009 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions  

yay

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just North of Wrigley Field

by jameslcrockett on Aug 25, 2009 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions  

It's the real deal

"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 Aug 25, 2009 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions  

dome

hitting fifth still vexes me, but what are ya gonna do?

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just North of Wrigley Field

by jameslcrockett on Aug 25, 2009 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions  

I'm with you on that one

Dome’s stints at lead-off didn’t work so well last year, but this year have been just what the rest of the line-up has needed. Why FPT is up there is a total mystery.

"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 Aug 25, 2009 6:18 PM CDT up reply actions  

Theriot...

isn’t so bad when you don’t have many better options… which the Cubs don’t. Theriot, Bradley, Fukudome isn’t the worst lineup you can put out there and will put guys on base for Lee, Ramirez, Fox more often than not.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just North of Wrigley Field

by jameslcrockett on Aug 25, 2009 6:22 PM CDT up reply actions  

Dome in the middle of the lineup

…has never, ever worked. So, I don’t know why they keep doing trying it.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just North of Wrigley Field

by jameslcrockett on Aug 25, 2009 6:23 PM CDT up reply actions  

yahoo

still has soriano in there… i am hoping they’re wrong

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just North of Wrigley Field

by jameslcrockett on Aug 25, 2009 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions  

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/index.html

Lineup change. Fox for Soriano, straight up. Knee still bothering Soriano.
its real

Theriot is not clutch, he's double clutch!

by jesus christos on Aug 25, 2009 6:15 PM CDT up reply actions  

I think it was real for awhile. His leg looked different when he ran the bases

Now he sure looks healthy so who knows. Either way they should have taken him out for awhile and used that as an excuse, it’s the definition of insanity to keep him in there when he swings at outside pitches and strikes out or gets out so much. At some point you just have to bite the bullet and give him some time off to work on it, at Iowa or with a hitting instructor …instead of “giving him some instruction on the side” and hoping everyday he will change what he’s been doing all season.

by Sandberg's evil twin on Aug 25, 2009 6:41 PM CDT up reply actions  

apparently its tendinitis from hitting the wall in wrigley earlier this season

how he didnt get put on the DL, i dont know

Theriot is not clutch, he's double clutch!

by jesus christos on Aug 25, 2009 6:53 PM CDT up reply actions  

Ask Lou

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse

by BigJohnAZ on Aug 25, 2009 6:54 PM CDT up reply actions  

Jamo time. Back later.

Here’s a fun game:

Pretend the Nats right fielder was ours, and relish in that moment.

Dan

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

by dtpollitt on Aug 25, 2009 6:15 PM CDT reply actions  

He can be our DH!

"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 Aug 25, 2009 6:16 PM CDT up reply actions  

I don't care where he plays.

He’s horrible at defense at LF, RF, and 1B. But he hits the piss and tar outta the baseball, and we needed somebody that hits 40 HR and 100 RBI e-v-e-r-y-d-a-m-n-y-e-a-r.

DAN

PS – And for those of you that think his defense is sooooooooo bad that it negates his offense, look at his WAR. He is a very good player in terms of wins, and also in terms of value ($).

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

by dtpollitt on Aug 25, 2009 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions  

Okay, seriously. Time for the Jameson.

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

by dtpollitt on Aug 25, 2009 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions  

I was just pointing out his current defensive position

I have agreed fully with you all season long regarding Bradley v. Dunn.

by chilango2 on Aug 25, 2009 6:25 PM CDT up reply actions  

I like you a lot.

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

by dtpollitt on Aug 25, 2009 11:23 PM CDT up reply actions  

This might sound snarky

but I’m actually asking:

What effect does all the crap teams he’s played on have on his WAR?

Jerry’s been so distant lately and Lovie barely calls.- Just Dave

by Allie on Aug 25, 2009 6:26 PM CDT up reply actions  

Dunn has 2.1 WAR

2.0 WAR is an average MLB player. So no, not that great

People should remember that while they have the right to their opinion, they are not entitled to be taken seriously. -- Bruce Bartlett

by berselius on Aug 25, 2009 8:19 PM CDT up reply actions  

Theriot has a higher WAR than Dunn

People should remember that while they have the right to their opinion, they are not entitled to be taken seriously. -- Bruce Bartlett

by berselius on Aug 25, 2009 8:19 PM CDT up reply actions  

Or yes, he has a higher WAR

than Milton Bradley! Gasp!

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

by dtpollitt on Aug 25, 2009 11:27 PM CDT up reply actions  

Don't we already

have enough Former nat’s on our team?

"What we have here is a failure to communicate" - Strother Martin as "Captain"

by Icubsfan on Aug 25, 2009 6:19 PM CDT up reply actions  

Last half hour before game time

always takes the longest. Ugh. Bored!

Jerry’s been so distant lately and Lovie barely calls.- Just Dave

by Allie on Aug 25, 2009 6:32 PM CDT reply actions  

This has been a long couple of days.

Did you read any of the fanposts? The natives were getting restless. There was even fighting over how much suffering made them fans. Too silly.

"Fasten your seatbelts"-Pat Hughes

by katie casey on Aug 25, 2009 6:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

Nope

I usually make a habit of avoiding fanposts. Some of them are really fun… but for everyone of those you get a couple dozen “hey I’m new” or “so and so sucks” and it gets really old.

Jerry’s been so distant lately and Lovie barely calls.- Just Dave

by Allie on Aug 25, 2009 6:42 PM CDT up reply actions  

Next year, I'm going to do a weekly fanpost

and each one will be what qualifies you as a fan for that week.

I love it when total strangers try and tell me what level of fan I am.

by Illicat on Aug 25, 2009 6:43 PM CDT up reply actions  

You are a 4th level fan

Only 30 more Pain Points to make 5th!

"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 Aug 25, 2009 6:44 PM CDT up reply actions  

Does it look like this?

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

by Clutch16 on Aug 25, 2009 6:48 PM CDT up reply actions  

You could always

Read snarky recaps of bad TV shows on TWOP to kill the time.

"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 Aug 25, 2009 6:44 PM CDT up reply actions  

I could work too.

I am an artist and having a Soriano sized slump. Although I’m not getting paid for it, dang it. But I can tell you that working through it doesn’t work!

"Fasten your seatbelts"-Pat Hughes

by katie casey on Aug 25, 2009 6:49 PM CDT up reply actions  

I do love snarky comments

could be fun!

Jerry’s been so distant lately and Lovie barely calls.- Just Dave

by Allie on Aug 25, 2009 6:50 PM CDT up reply actions  

our best and perhaps

last chance to take chunks of turf. 3 against the AAA gnats & 3 against the downtrodden, mail-it-in mets.

by brian custer on Aug 25, 2009 6:37 PM CDT reply actions  

watching Fuld interview on CSN (666 on DirecTV)

I like this guy. We need his bat and glove in the line up more.

"I love California. I practically grew up in Phoenix."
-- Dan Quayle

by LAcarl519 on Aug 25, 2009 6:50 PM CDT reply actions  

Is that your new sig? LOL

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse

by BigJohnAZ on Aug 25, 2009 6:53 PM CDT up reply actions  

you partial to the bunny hop or the bunny droppings?

"I love California. I practically grew up in Phoenix."
-- Dan Quayle

by LAcarl519 on Aug 25, 2009 6:53 PM CDT up reply actions  

Soriano - Our Only Hop

"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 Aug 25, 2009 6:55 PM CDT up reply actions  

"Help us Sori Wan Kenobi-you're our only hop!"

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse

by BigJohnAZ on Aug 25, 2009 6:56 PM CDT up reply actions  

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 25, 2009 6:58 PM CDT up reply actions  

Very cool...

I just shake my head reading reports Lou is taking him out because of tendinitis NOW…I don’t even want to get started lol…good post SWL…nice parody there.

by Sandberg's evil twin on Aug 25, 2009 7:00 PM CDT up reply actions  

I like him too.

Recipe for Disaster;
C'mon Cubs, hurry up and blow this so I can relax.
by Bluekoolaide on July22, 2009 3:08 PM CDT

by sue369 on Aug 25, 2009 6:52 PM CDT up reply actions  

I heard him on Waddle & Silvy yesterday

he sounds like a good guy.

Jerry’s been so distant lately and Lovie barely calls.- Just Dave

by Allie on Aug 25, 2009 6:57 PM CDT up reply actions  

Al, you know me

I like playing Devil’s Advocate at times lol

To add a bit more info to the Dodgers’ stretch run you spoke of…

The D Backs handed the division to them. The Dodgers were winning series after series during that span, but the D Backs folded during the same time frame. Arizona went 13-15 during that time and had a 6 game losing streak where they were swept by the Bums and the Giants. If they split those 6 games, they win the division by 1 game. The Dodgers only had a 2 game losing streak during that time, so they were playing great ball, to give them their due.

I say this because I don’t compare last year’s D Backs with this year’s Cardinals. Can the Cubs go on a Dodger-like tear? Yes, maybe. Will the Cards fold like the ’08 D Backs? Very doubtful.

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse

by BigJohnAZ on Aug 25, 2009 6:52 PM CDT reply actions  

I agree...

…I wouldn’t be surprised if the Cards had a better record than the Cubs in the remaining games. They have improved throughout the season, and it’s tough to ask a team like that to go in the tank.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Aug 25, 2009 7:01 PM CDT reply actions  

That's the problem with thinking a miracle could happen now.

The Cards in my opinion aren’t the best in the NL as I’ve heard on the East Coast Sports Promotion network but are solid enough they won’t fold. They aren’t going to continue this current winning percentage in my mind for the rest of the year but they don’t have to…the Cubs are too far out. I think the Cubs have a good streak possible, but the amount of games left for each team just means too they would have to be perfect and they aren’t capable of that. It’s very little consolation to me that the Cards will get beaten by the Phillies if not the Dodgers.

by Sandberg's evil twin on Aug 25, 2009 7:06 PM CDT up reply actions  

Cards are 4-2 vs LA and 4-5 vs PHL this season

Could be a good series with either. I like Philly, overall, even if the Cubs were there.

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse

by BigJohnAZ on Aug 25, 2009 7:09 PM CDT up reply actions  

No Sori today, so everyone else has to

HOP! or JUMP! if you prefer.

"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 Aug 25, 2009 7:02 PM CDT reply actions  

The Cubs Suck!

They will lose 2 of 3 to the Nats…….. It didn’t matter if Soto got on because Frontenot can’t hit either. I actually picked up Mock for my fantasy team today. I knew he would pitch well tonight vs. these losers.

by TJ11 on Aug 25, 2009 7:41 PM CDT reply actions  

Washington is the worst team in baseball

When they beat us what do that say about the Cubs?

by TJ11 on Aug 25, 2009 7:43 PM CDT reply actions  

What are the stats

for when Zambam hits a HR then blowa uo the next inning?

"What we have here is a failure to communicate" - Strother Martin as "Captain"

by Icubsfan on Aug 25, 2009 8:02 PM CDT reply actions  

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Welcome to Bleed Cubbie Blue, the Chicago Cubs blog for the SB Nation, created on February 9, 2005 by Al Yellon

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recommended FanPosts

Small
Maybe it's time to take a deep breath

Recent FanPosts

Small
Top 10 things I liked about watching the Cubs lose at PNC Park
Seinfeld_jerk_store_black_shirt_small
Cubs pitching problems answered!
Zambrano_background_2_small
What is the most likely move in June regarding current players?
Small
Draft Prep: Pierce Johnson
Small
Trying to be positive (need some help)
Small
Soriano back to Second?
Small
Javier Baez Peoria Bound?
Small
Draft Prep: Conference Tournament Version
Despite-an-inflated-babip-lahair-is-no-one-month-wonder
Suddenly, I feel your pain

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

FanShots

Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.

Recommended FanShots

Former MLB PItcher Bob Ojeda On Pitching And Pain
Wrigley Field Supporters Propose Tearing Down Rest Of Chicago
Doug Glanville On His Teammate, Kerry Wood
Thanks.
Samardzija takes a dig at Hawk Harrelson

Recent FanShots

A Day In The Life Of An A-Ball Minor Leaguer
Baez to Peoria
2012 Stars and Stripes Hat
Sveum moves Castro back to #2 spot
OT: Tyler Colvin bats 2nd
The Pittsburgh Pirates Offensive Catastrophe
Roy Halladay Bobblehead Fail
Full sized image

+ New FanShot All FanShots >

Featured Poll

Poll
Should the National League adopt the designated hitter rule?

  1024 votes | Results

Cubs By The Numbers

Cubs By The Numbers is a history of the ballclub by uniform number, but the biographies help trace the history of our beloved team in a new way. For everyone who's a Cubs fan, anyone who ever wore the uniform is like family. Cubs By The Numbers reintroduces readers to some of their long-lost ancestors, even ones they think they already know.

Click here to order your copy, available now!

Recent Stories in Chicago Cubs Game Threads

Yahoo_full_count

Recent Stories in Ticket Exchanges


Managing Editor

Alyellontoppscard_small Al Yellon

Front Page Contributors

Profile_small Josh Timmers

B_w_avatar_small Brett Taylor

Marvin_the_martian_small Shawn Domagal-Goldman

Other Contributors

Toonmike_small Mike Bojanowski

Dsc_0139_small David Sameshima