Let's Try This "Winning" Thing Again: Cubs vs. Nationals Preview, Wednesday 8/26, 7:05 CT
by Al Yellon on Aug 26, 2009 5:00 PM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Game Threads
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PrintI know you don't want to keep hearing me talk about what other teams, many of which are better than this year's Cubs, have done in past years to overcome huge deficits to make the postseason.
But I am an optimist by nature and so I'm going to anyway. Is it likely the Cubs will replicate what these other teams did? No. Is it impossible? As of today, with 39 games left in the season, also no.
The largest blown lead in major league history was by the 1951 Brooklyn Dodgers, who led by 13 games on August 11, with 47 games remaining. That's a lot of time, though not much more than the Cubs have left now. But that Dodger team also had a six-game lead with 15 left, and wound up tied with the Giants and lost the famous three-game playoff when Bobby Thomson hit "The Shot Heard Round The World".
You've certainly all heard about the 1964 Phillies, who had a 6.5 game lead with 12 games left, then lost ten in a row, including 1-0 to the Reds on September 21 on a steal of home and a 12-inning loss to the Reds on September 25. If they win those two games, they win the pennant, since they won their last two games of the season to finish one game out. The Cardinals, who won that pennant, had to fight off three other teams to win it.
Another example of a huge turnaround was the 1978 Red Sox, who on August 30 won the first game of a doubleheader to go seven games up on the Yankees. They then went 3-14 and trailed by 3.5 games -- losing 10.5 games in little more than three weeks. (Sound familiar?) They had to win eight games in a row the last week of September just to tie and force the playoff game, which they also lost.
And in one of the most bizarre playoff races ever, in an admittedly weaker division than the NL Central is now, on August 30, 1973 the Mets were ten games under .500, 6.5 games out of first place and behind five other teams, in last place. They went 21-8 and won the NL East and took the A's to seven games before losing the World Series.
I say again, just so everyone's clear: is a Cubs miracle likely? Of course not. But until the numbers turn decisively against the Cubs, I will retain hope. They had better start playing better baseball, though. Tonight. Weather permitting.
Meanwhile, lineup for tonight via Twittermyer:
Theriot, ss; Bradley, rf; Lee, 1b; Ramirez, 3b; Fukudome, cf; Soriano, lf; Baker, 2b; Hill, c; Harden, p
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Livan Hernandez was released by the Mets last Thursday and signed yesterday by the Nats. It's his second stint in a Washington uniform; he was one of their better pitchers in 2005, their first year in DC, when he made the All-Star team; he stayed there till mid-season 2006, when he was traded to the Diamondbacks -- for Matt Chico and yesterday's starter, Garrett Mock. He was pretty bad for the Mets this year, and the last time he faced the Cubs in a regular season game was July 22, 2006 in Washington. Boxscore for amusement value only. Aramis Ramirez is 10-for-26 (.385) against him with 4 doubles and 3 HR.
Rich Harden beat the Nats in DC on July 16; he was outstanding, giving up only three hits and an unearned run. In seven starts since the All-Star break Rich is 3-1, 1.64 with 55 strikeouts and only 14 walks in 44 innings. No National has more than eight AB vs. Rich and the only one who's hit him well is Nyjer Morgan (4-for-7).
The Cubs are on CSN again tonight; this time they get the main CSN channel. For other games today see the MLB.com Mediacenter.
Baseball-reference.com game preview
Please visit our SB Nation Nationals site Federal Baseball. They still 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.
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Comments
It's all
too much to ask for. Santa can only do so much.
If you like Selig's handling of the steroid issue, you'll love his choice for next Cub owner.
This is way out of Santa's league. We're entering Ted Lilly territory now...
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Do you know
what kind of cookies Ted likes? I would hate to think that a pennant was lost because because a Keebler elf wasn’t on the table.
If you like Selig's handling of the steroid issue, you'll love his choice for next Cub owner.
Ted Lilly
likes homemade tollhouse cookies. He has turned down nectar and ambrosia from Olympus for a fresh-baked dozen.
by Cubbiefaithful on Aug 26, 2009 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions
that happens to be my specialty. I'll see what I can do...
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
I'll taste-test them
All in the name of Cubs winning, of course…
by Cubbiefaithful on Aug 26, 2009 6:18 PM CDT up reply actions
The "Winning Thing" would be a nice change! Go Cubs!
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
Wage no more sin, but be the sages of win...
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
I'm an optimist too
but after last nights game it’s really hard to stay positive.
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings. ~Earl Wilson
I'm not an optimist
But the Cubs SHOULD be able to beat Livan, shouldn’t they?
They should be able to beat everybody
but they don’t. That’s the problem.
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings. ~Earl Wilson
by tucsoncubsfan on Aug 26, 2009 5:08 PM CDT up reply actions
We are ready, why aren't the players?
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
I don't mind when they lose to Tim Lincecum
or Adam Wainright, etc. But Garrett Mock, et. al?
I would just like to see
a hot streak starting tonight just to see what it would look like if we could win 8 in a row or 11 of 13.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
I'll watch the Cubs win or lose
but it’s just about time to start watching the games to see who is showing up and fighting for a job next year. I don’t think it’s too early to look to next year. The way the Cubs finish will tell me a lot…
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
by DKT on Aug 26, 2009 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
My thoughts, exactly.
Though I won’t lose sleep watching them play, either. That’s why I didn’t stay up last week playing on the West Coast. Tonight, I may watch, unless my wife wants us to watch a movie or my son decides to watch anything else. There’s no real reason to deny them the big screen TV.
by Fraggin Judge on Aug 26, 2009 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Looks like the rain will hold off
so perhaps we can skip the whole “if it’s postponed, when will we make up this game?” sub-thread because invariably somebody would respond with “they’ll wait until the end of the season and play it if it has post-season implications” and then that person would suffer through such a torrent of abuse and derision they’d be scarred for life….
Yes, that person would probably be me… ;-)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
It's been raining in Iowa all day
some spots have 5 inches. Not a conducive baseball day.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
We can abuse you and deride you for other reasons
If you’re into that sort of 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
he loves the punishment....
why do you think he shags down the home runs? :P
I'll go on record
as saying the Rockies overcome the Dodgers for the NL West crown. Can the Cubs get to 15-17 over .500 to win the Wild Card? I think if they do that they still fall 2-3 games short of STL.
What says you?
let's start by seeing some fire in the belly of the Cubs tonight.
the Cubs needed to have a rip-roaring home stand and starting it out by getting blown out by a no name starter for the Gnats is not the way to get it going. let’s see if the Cubs score early & often and have some fire in the belly. I’m not worried about how the Cubs look at game 162. I’m worried about the effort that shows up tonight.
Time is running out.
"I love California. I practically grew up in Phoenix."
-- Dan Quayle
nah. I stand by what I wrote.
last I checked, this is a 162 game schedule.
let’s just start with a good win tonight
"I love California. I practically grew up in Phoenix."
-- Dan Quayle
The Cards are better in every aspect. The Cubs don't have a prayer.
Sorry to reak it to you rose-colored-glasses folks, but it’s true. I love this team as much as you do, but it just ain’t gonna happen.
by stuartscottslefteye on Aug 26, 2009 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions
If Aram and Sori
get shut down (just a thought),
Fox, Fuld, Baker, and (eek) Miles ought to get more ABs down the stretch, no?
Miles can't really play third
The rosters expand in a few days. Let Miles ride the pine and play Scales at third, if need be.
I've heard
That Scales at third would be like unto the apocalypse.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
But would he be a
Notch below horrific?
It never gets to be easy
by chitownhawkeye on Aug 26, 2009 5:49 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd rather have Ramirez have surgery soon
and play Miles three times at third in september
than have Ramirez miss any time in 2010.
I don't think Aramis needs surgery
Just offseason rest? Maybe I’m wrong.
It's not really a photo caption but Willingham looks like...
…he’s in that amusement park ride where you stand against the wall in a big round room, the room starts spinning faster and faster and then at some point the bottom drops down and you’re pinned against the wall, suspended by centrifugal force.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
wait - are we still talking about the amusement ride?
or Trixie & Chad as they’re leaving the bleachers last night…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Can we just once try to trot out our best lineup?!
I’d like to see:
Theriot, ss; Bradley, rf; Lee, 1b; Ramirez, 3b; Fukudome, cf; FOX, lf; Baker, 2b; Hill, c; Harden, p
on an every day basis. And Fuld can replace Fox at the end of games. Can we just try this Lou? Please? Even when he gets the outfield right, he usually sticks Fontenot or Miles at 2b.
say no to theriot leading off
Theriot is not clutch, he's double clutch!
by jesus christos on Aug 26, 2009 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Say it louder so Lou can hear you!
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
I WILL YELL IT FROM THE MOUNTAIN TOPS
Theriot is not clutch, he's double clutch!
by jesus christos on Aug 26, 2009 6:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, that's fine. I wasn't even thinking batting order here, just actual players playing.
You want Fuku to lead off? Fine. Where do you want Theriot?
We were 16-10 with this lineup
Dome, Riot, Lee, Aram,Bradley, Sori, Soto, Baker
There were problems but the team was producing at a 4.93 runs/game clip.
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
The was the problem spot, Bradley wasn't driving in the runs, but
here was his line in the lineup configuration
275 457 420 878
Not too bad. And concidentially Sori’s slump started with the lineup change too.
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
Caption suggestion
Josh Willingham shown here in his last moments before Wrigley Field’s vengeful ivy completely devoured him.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
If the Cubs win
any more games at Wrigley, please do not play that song.
Trade Doug Deeds to Washington.
Ugh...
John Mabry hit clean-up for us the last time we faced Livan? I’m guessing that didn’t happen often… that or I’ve managed to successfully block it out of my memory. Boy did that year suck…
Also, caption… “Oh sh*t, there’s brick behind this thing??”
I don't care how long you've been around, you'll never see it all.
Cubs
Blow em up!
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
by Hammer on Aug 26, 2009 5:35 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
I love baseball
just about more than anything but for the sake of my wedding in May I’ll take some time off
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
by Hammer on Aug 26, 2009 5:36 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Then the 2009 Cubs will find a way to make it happen. ;)
by Fraggin Judge on Aug 26, 2009 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions
Your 2009 Chicago Cubs
Making the Impossible Possible!
"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
Brewers fan here. I think I found something we can all agree on:
Watching your team falling apart while the Cards run away with the division sucks ass.
by Ted Simmons Speed Camp on Aug 26, 2009 5:42 PM CDT reply actions
i say the brewers offense combines with the cubs pitching (hoffman included)
to make a super team
Theriot is not clutch, he's double clutch!
by jesus christos on Aug 26, 2009 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions
A superteam...like a supergroup? (Bad Company and Damn Yankees)
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 26, 2009 5:49 PM CDT up reply actions
Now I believe that what you say is the undisputed truth
"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
Take the long way home.
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
Bloody well right!
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
We're used to it.
You’re new to the party, but you’re welcome to commiserate
by stuartscottslefteye on Aug 26, 2009 5:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Just win tonight.
Recipe for Disaster;
C'mon Cubs, hurry up and blow this so I can relax.
by Bluekoolaide on July22, 2009 3:08 PM CDT
That would be a welcome change of pace
It never gets to be easy
by chitownhawkeye on Aug 26, 2009 5:50 PM CDT up reply actions
let's start with a solid effort from Harden
and a total beat down of Hernandez
"I love California. I practically grew up in Phoenix."
-- Dan Quayle
1951 Giants
They only made up an amazing amount of games because they cheated.
Winning the NL Central is still more likely than the wildcard though; it’s too hard to pickup that many games on 4 teams. As you state, the Mets passed 5 weak teams.
I say we start cheating then.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 26, 2009 5:55 PM CDT up reply actions
Cheating?
Damn, forgot all about that option…
by Cubbiefaithful on Aug 26, 2009 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions
Stealing signs
compared to using PEDs…not really cheating. Besides, if they can steal the catchers signals from second base, you need to mix up your sequence.
:)
Scott Bora$ is satan.
by Canadian Cubs Fan on Aug 26, 2009 6:18 PM CDT up reply actions
Tarp is off and the grounds crew is out there with their squeegee brooms
field looks good.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
so much for that burst of meteorological optimism... tarp is back on.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
You're the '08 Cubs - nothing but a tease
by stuartscottslefteye on Aug 26, 2009 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions
does ballhawk bat right handed?
Theriot is not clutch, he's double clutch!
by jesus christos on Aug 26, 2009 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions
I hate Dave Kaplan.
He just said on CTL that they would discuss the fallout from Bradley rant last night.. RANT?!?! Mitlon was very subdued when he spoke to the media last night. Kaplan is a #1 ass.
Recipe for Disaster;
C'mon Cubs, hurry up and blow this so I can relax.
by Bluekoolaide on July22, 2009 3:08 PM CDT
And people wonder
Why Milton believes he’s hated…
"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
It's obvious that Kaplan hates him.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 26, 2009 6:04 PM CDT up reply actions
Kaplan's a d-bag
who sucks on the radio and is worse on TV.
by stuartscottslefteye on Aug 26, 2009 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions
You could discuss most of Chicago media
with that line.
Jerry’s been so distant lately and Lovie barely calls.- Just Dave
Kaplan could fill a 10 hour show
with hatred of Soriano, Zambrano and Bradley
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
that's unpossible
with Kap, you’d have to add hours to the day so he could finish what he wanted to spew.
I hate Kaplan
I still remember to earlier this season where he flat out made fun of this elderly woman on live air, and he always does the Colin Cowherd thing where when he’s proven wrong, he somehow isn’t wrong.
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on Aug 26, 2009 6:44 PM CDT up reply actions
They're Talk show hosts.
That’s what they do. Doesn’t make it right, but it’s all part of the war of ratings. Collateral damage, unfortunately.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Aug 26, 2009 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions
Kaplan should be put in a room with Bradley
Then we can see what he has to say.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
May or may not be in game thread tonight.
But I’ll stop by to say go Cubs!
Change is inevitable; progress is optional.
Hope you can
make it for a while.
Recipe for Disaster;
C'mon Cubs, hurry up and blow this so I can relax.
by Bluekoolaide on July22, 2009 3:08 PM CDT
2007 Mets
Blew a 7 game lead with 16 games to play, in case everyone has forgotten already.
The 1995 California Angels blew an 11 game lead on August 9 with 48 games to play.
Sure, it’s not likely, but there’s no harm in trying.
We're still here, bitching and moaning, but still here.
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
Caption: No, Josh, it's seagulls, not crows, that populate the outfield during games..
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
I felt a rickroll coming on
Some people say the glass is half empty, some say half full. I say, are you going to drink that?
by BleedsbluinMI on Aug 26, 2009 6:47 PM CDT up reply actions
JimMora-roll
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Aug 26, 2009 6:48 PM CDT up reply actions
The Return of Soriano
Can’t wait. Guy need his own reality show.
I'm a Baseball fan first, Cards fan 2nd.
by Cardsfansince62 on Aug 26, 2009 6:47 PM CDT reply actions
go back in your hole
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Aug 26, 2009 6:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Actually
CardsFan hasn’t been trolly at all. He’s been really nice and funny.
Jerry’s been so distant lately and Lovie barely calls.- Just Dave
Thanks Allie
Give folks a chance
I'm a Baseball fan first, Cards fan 2nd.
by Cardsfansince62 on Aug 26, 2009 6:51 PM CDT up reply actions
He's pretty good and well mannered....
just like Dave Pendleton. I appreciate the insights that they give.
Why so unkind?
I'm a Baseball fan first, Cards fan 2nd.
by Cardsfansince62 on Aug 26, 2009 6:51 PM CDT up reply actions
he has one.
it starts in about 15 minutes.
"I love California. I practically grew up in Phoenix."
-- Dan Quayle
If he gets hot
He can put y’all right back in it
I'm a Baseball fan first, Cards fan 2nd.
by Cardsfansince62 on Aug 26, 2009 6:53 PM CDT up reply actions
Crazier things have happened
Stros & Brewers are sellin’ off everybody. It ain’t over yet
I'm a Baseball fan first, Cards fan 2nd.
by Cardsfansince62 on Aug 26, 2009 6:58 PM CDT up reply actions
man i had a no no going in mlb 09 the show
but the mariners couldnt score a single run in 9 innings, then i gave up a leadoff HR in the 10th. why did the cubs trade me to the m’s for yuniesky freaking betancourt
Theriot is not clutch, he's double clutch!
Sounds like Fred Toney vs. Hippo Vaughn
5/2/1917
"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
My kid was playing last night and chose the cubs
I couldn’t get over the fact how skinny Soto looked on the screen compared to this year.
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
and how good soriano is 2009
34 HRs by the ASB
Theriot is not clutch, he's double clutch!
by jesus christos on Aug 26, 2009 7:01 PM CDT up reply actions
You can all just
"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
Nationals Broadcasters
Al: This has absolutely nothing to do with tonight’s game, itself. However, as they say in some beer commercial, I just have to vent. I had to watch the game on MASN, while watching my other (I won’t mention the name) favorite team on MLB-TV. Having to put up with Bob Carpenter and Ron Dibble putting down our players (announcing how much players are being paid, while not earning their big bucks) and complaining about really dumb stuff, like Soriano’s hop before making a catch or choice of a pitch Marmol made, was realy difficult. I thought these guys were supposed to talk about the game. Last year, some broadcaster had the audacity to say that “Lou doesn’t like pitchers.” That one really floored me. Bob and Len certainly don’t do that and neither did their predecessors. If I had been watching their TV, I would have thrown something at it. Thanks for listening. You’re doing a great job!
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