Show of Hands Time: Bluto and I Aren't Giving Up Yet; who else?
I'm as frustrated as anyone with how this team has played, and at the circus its become off the field. But more so, I'm sick and tired of reading the daily post mortems while the body is still warm on the table. Whether its April's pessimists coming back to say "I told you so" (speaking of which: way to go out on a limb and predict the outcome that will happen for 29 of the 30 teams this season; what foresight and courage you showed; you want a medal or something?), or Rosenbloom calling the team a bunch of quitters in his blog ... its just gotten to be too much.
Think about it this way: if you had 2 minutes to address the team before its next game, what would you say? Would you shout and point fingers and say "its your fault ... and yours... and yours..."? Or would you say something like: CUT OUT THE NONSENSE AND JUST PLAY BALL!! Its not too late. Focus on the game, cut out the circus, and go out there and execute. Do that every game, and you can make a run. Make a run, and you can make the playoffs. Make the playoffs and we'll figure it out from there. Just go out there today and get it done".
Maybe I'm crazy, but I'd say the second in heartbeat. This is baseball -- stranger things have happened, and will happen again. Yeah, they put themselves in a bad spot, but tell that to 2001 A's, the 04 & 05 Astros, and the 07 Rockies if you think the season is over.
If you disagree, fine, I respect your right to disagree but I politely ask you to stay out of this thread. If you want to talk about how the season ended two weeks ago, you have plenty of places to do that. I believe there's still something redeemable in this team, and if you agree, I want to hear about it below. To quote the master:
"What the [cough] happened to the Delta I used to know? Where's the spirit? Where's the guts, huh? This could be the greatest night of our lives, but you're gonna let it be the worst. "Ooh, we're afraid to go with you Bluto, we might get in trouble." Well just kiss my [cough] from now on! Not me! I'm not gonna take this.
Wormer, he's a dead man!
Marmalard, dead!
Niedermeyer... "
Care to finish the sentence?
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.
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Of course I won't
I’ll admit it doesn’t look good … all they need to do is win some games. That’s it. Forget about what so-and-so is doing, etc. Take care of your own business.
Maybe they end up winning 90 games and still don’t make the playoffs, but at least go down swinging (literally).
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 29, 2009 11:54 AM CDT reply actions
I can't give up yet
I’ve said all along I’ll evaluate the situation on September 15th because they will have finished a lot of series against poor teams.
Of course they just lost a series to the Nationals and Al jynxed the team today to get no-hit (JK Al). But seriously, what are they 6.5 games out of the WC? They could be 5 games out by September 1st and that’s really doable considering every other team ahead of us have a much much harder schedule.
And another advantage, Cardinals could clinch the division by the time we play them. They might rest a few guys during our series (especially if they clinch the day or two before).
And before I get blasted saying Cardinals can clinch that early, I fully believe Cubs only shot is the Wildcard.
get it to 5 games back by the time we play STL
and you never know……
by cozmotaylor123 on Aug 29, 2009 12:27 PM CDT reply actions
that is possible
tough, but possible
"Fasten your seatbelts"-Pat Hughes
by katie casey on Aug 29, 2009 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions
the painful irony is not lost, Josh

Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we will go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
by cubnational on Aug 29, 2009 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions
I never give up on the Cubs

Ever.
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we will go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
by cubnational on Aug 29, 2009 12:47 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
NEVER SAY DIE
Come from behing
in 2009
GO 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
If Cubs do squeak into the playoffs
For whatever reason I see them actually fairing better than the last two years. Maybe because they’re going to have to fight to get in there.
That being said, I just am not a fan of this 2009 as much as I was of 2007 and 2008. Of course I want to see them win but lets say this team does the impossible and win the World Series…looking back would you believe that some of the starting guys on this team could pull off what no one else could in the last 101 years?
Sometimes
that’s how it happens.
Doesn’t make it any less sweet.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 29, 2009 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions
I haven't given up hope.
But I’ve given up expectation. I’ll watch and root and will love it if they can put together a 15-game winning streak.
Randy Wells - You continue to astound me.
Whoops - premature post
I meant to say that I’d point to the 2002 Oakland A’s who won 20 straight. We’ve got the starting pitching like that team’s starting pitching, that we could pull off a long winning streak if they just take it one game at a time. Ted Lilly was on that team.
Randy Wells - You continue to astound me.
the beauty of baseball
is there is no friggin’ timeclock. To win, you need to get the full 27 outs (barring extra innings or rain games). You can win everyone of them and you can lose everyone of them. I want them to win everyone and you continue to fight and push to the end when either the fruits of the labor are realized or you are eliminated.
I still think the Cubs have a 10-12 game winning streak in ’em. As Pete Carroll says, “FIGHT ON!” (intended jab at Notre Dame fans). :-D
GO CUBS GO!
I gave up expectations following 2003. I’m a much happier Cubs fan and overall person now. We have an entire month ahead of us, anything can happen and stranger things have, look at life around you for examples. Negativity breeds negativity, it’s not healthy. Personally I enjoy and have fun being a Cubs fan, why else do it!?
I’m looking forward. CUB POWER!
"Only lazy minds think baseball is dull" - Bernie Lincicome
by alwayshappy2bacubsfan on Aug 29, 2009 1:55 PM CDT reply actions
Let me put it this way:
I haven’t really given up, but I’m as skeptical as I’ve ever been.
Okay Cubs, surprise me!
"Was you ever punched in the face five hundred times a night? It stings after a while." ~Rocky Balboa
I'm still believing. Not giving up!
But I have been feeling like you, Goodie.
I used to be "Jones," but I got swooped on the redesign.
You know me.
I’m always optimistic. Another nice game today. Let’s sweep this series and see what happens from there.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Al did you know?
This is I believe the 3rd straight series the Mets have given up a grand slam to a player who has never hit one before.
Cedeno/Marquis/Fox.
I think this is the 4th grandslam in a series in a row with Ramirez getting one at the end of 2007.
You mean 3rd straight series vs. the Cubs, right?
Interesting.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Call me crazy
But I haven’t given up…which is strange because I’m generally a sports pessimist.
I can’t really bury a team that’s above .500 before September rolls around.
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
Most likely
But I still feel like they can get it done…which is a strange feeling because I’m not one to rely on gut instincts or “feel” when it comes to baseball.
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
by Curtain Jerker on Aug 29, 2009 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions
I wonder what they said in 1909 or 1910?
“Ah it’s okay, we just won a world series. We’ll get ’em next year”.
Give up?
what does that mean?
It ain’t over till you’re mathematically eliminated. I think the Cubs are right in it till the end.
"I’m not going to allow Al Yellon to flush this thing down the crapper without a fight." (BLOU)
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
I'm still holding out hope.
And by the way, I love it when people quote great, classic literature when they are giving an inspirational speech.
Good job, Orval.
IF IT TAKES FOREVER!!
by Cubfansince1957 on Aug 29, 2009 6:46 PM CDT reply actions
Strength of schedule
We talk about that all the time. But seriously compare Cubs to Rockies/Marlins/Giants/Braves. Rockies have the easiest schedule out of all them but Cubs have the easiest.
It’s not over until they are mathematically eliminated and I’ll stand by that until they are.
I'll hang in there
to the very last.
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've given up
I refuse to invest any more hope in them. That is self-preservation on my part. The Nationals series crushed me.
If they come back - and I define that as within three games of a playoff spot with two or more weeks - I will come back.
At this point, they have lost the gift of my faith.
But… like those that saw Jesus turn water into wine, I can be converted.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
I gave up hope after the Padres series,
and the Nationals series just confirmed it.
Personally, I’m a big fan of Baseball Prospectus’ playoff odds simulator.
As of this morning, the Cubs were at about 30-1 to win the division,.and 19-1 to somehow make the playoffs. When it gets back down under 10-1, I’ll start paying more attention again.
It’s time to realize that investing passion is not a smart play. Do I hope they can reel off enough wins to get to 88 wins and hope that somebody collapses? Sure, I do. Do I think it’s gonna happen? No – I think they can get to 85, maybe 86.
It's a simple question, Doctor: would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs??
by Invalid User on Aug 29, 2009 10:33 PM CDT up reply actions
I said I gave up after the Nats series too.
But then I was watching again today, cheering like it’s May, and can’t get it through my young naive head that it’s probably over. We are only 5.5 back but we have to jump 4 teams along the way.
"Live and be happy, beloved children of my heart, and never forget that until the day comes when God will deign to reveal the future to man, all human wisdom is contained in these words: wait and hope!" - The Count of Monte Cristo
by Bricks and Ivy on Aug 29, 2009 11:55 PM CDT up reply actions
It's fine to cheer for an individual game
Heck, that’s why we watch – to root for our team.
But I could cheer for the 1981 Cubs safe in the knowledge that I was going more likely to get hit by a freight train than they were going to make the playoffs.
It's a simple question, Doctor: would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs??
by Invalid User on Aug 30, 2009 7:20 AM CDT up reply actions
I still want them to win
and I’d love them to be a spoiler.
It’s just the difference between investing much in the wins.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
Did we give up when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor??!!
HELL NO!
"Live and be happy, beloved children of my heart, and never forget that until the day comes when God will deign to reveal the future to man, all human wisdom is contained in these words: wait and hope!" - The Count of Monte Cristo
by Bricks and Ivy on Aug 29, 2009 11:52 PM CDT reply actions
My Cousin
It’s his camera that took the famous Hiroshima bombing photo.
They didn’t want any more Jews on the plane but his camera was good enough.
In all seriousness, no BS in this response.
that's really cool
do you have a link to a pic?
BTW that’s an “Animal House” quote.
"Live and be happy, beloved children of my heart, and never forget that until the day comes when God will deign to reveal the future to man, all human wisdom is contained in these words: wait and hope!" - The Count of Monte Cristo
by Bricks and Ivy on Aug 30, 2009 2:08 AM CDT up reply actions
No link
But it’s the famous shot everyone has seen. I’ve been told this story for over 15 years. I still can’t get over it!
His name was Jerry Ossip. He used to own a famous restaraunt in NYC but sadly enough died in I think the 80’s.
I know it’s an Animal House quote too LOL but how can I not respond!!!
Really?
My uncle lived a block from one of the guys on the Enola Gay. Not Tibbits, the pilot, but maybe the co-pilot. He had an Italian surname, I think.
That’s pretty wild.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 30, 2009 2:33 AM CDT up reply actions
NO WHITE FLAGS UP HERE.....
Will I continue to watch every game …Yes Will I monitor the team stats..Yes Will I continue to display our W Flag after a win ..Yes Did I get upset after the DC Series..Yes Do I understand why other fans are upset..Yes Do things have to change in 2010..yes Go Cubs …….
So far bad weekend for Jim Hendry
LOL, if there was any weekend when it was in Cubs favor to lose for money shedding reasons it was this one. Can you imagine if Cubs actually swept Nationals as they probably should had. We’d be 3.5 games out of WC and probably have avoided a few fan posts this weekend.
I mentioned it earlier but if Cubs win tomorrow and Giants beat Rockies again, 4.5 games out is not enough for the team to trade Harden. Hope they still trade Heilman. As an Illinois native, he did the team favors by having his best day on the mound especially if Giants claimed him and we have a 4 game series with them.
I'd say let Heilman go
and keep Harden regardless.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 30, 2009 2:34 AM CDT up reply actions
Agree
But that’s because we both know how worthless Heilman is.
Plus there’s nothing better than the Giants taking him. Imagine us sweeping. Two games beating the starting pitcher. One game by destroying Heilman. And the other game by knocking one out of the park from Howry (who I feel bad beating in a game because I met him personally through work last year and he’s truly one of the nicest people ever).
We are 5.5 back in the WC....
we are behind 4 teams..the 4 teams are Colorado,SF,ATL, and Florida…it will be tough but I have an ounce of faith that we could come back..it will be a miracle but I think if we get hot and win like 10 of 12 or 12 of 16 that we could put pressure on those teams in front of us..and those teams do happen to play each other somewhat over the rest of the yr..so lets just win ballgames and see what happens
We've got 4 games at SF left other than that we don't play any of those teams. We'll need to win the series at SF and hope
SF takes out Colorado for us
We still have Fla and Atl
to deal with
Jumping four teams is hard, even if we were only three games out
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
uncle
i would love to be wrong.i know this little win streak is getting some excited. but the cubs always find a way to undo anything good they accomplish. that 7-14 streak put the cubs in a hole that will be very hard to dig out of. that would be something if this injury laden underachieving team ever went to the world series.
Still hanging in there!
Quia tuum es fatum titulis discidiis, vexillinis limbis nationalis,
gloriam seriis mundialisque, nunc et in saecula saeculorum...
Amen.
I'm not sure what giving up means...
As I (or my feelings about the team’s chances) have no impact on what happens the rest of the way. Do I think the Cubs will make the playoffs? No. Do I think they can make the playoffs? Yes.
But as a fan, I’m not really sure there is such a thing as giving up. I’m stilling watching/listening to games regularly as possible down here. But I was doing that in Aug/Sept 2006 as well when the team was mathematically eliminated.
The odds of going to the playoffs are now extremely long (about a 1 in 16 chance). I’m always hopeful, but at this point I definitely expect to be following the Bears and getting ready for the Bulls when October rolls around.
Of course they CAN
Not even the Nationals are mathematically eliminated.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
Yes, obviously...
They can make it, but I don’t think that they will make it. Does thinking that they won’t make it mean giving up? What does giving up mean? That was my point.
No giving up here.
They keep knocking me down but I keep pulling myself back up.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
I believe!
I don’t think it’s probable. But I do think it’s possible and there in lies my hope.
Until the Germans bomb Pearl Harbor, I'm holding out hope...
Quia tuum es fatum titulis discidiis, vexillinis limbis nationalis,
gloriam seriis mundialisque, nunc et in saecula saeculorum...
Amen.
I've posted this 8/23/2009, 8/18/2009 & 10/3/2009
"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
10/3/2008
"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
Who me, give up? Never!
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
Even the most optimistic side of me...
…has given up on the division race. Honestly, it’s not even about how unevenly the Cubs have played – it’s about how well the Cardinals have played and continue to play. They are not the Milwaukee Brewers. That organization has a long history of success, and I just don’t see a collapse in the offing.
The Wild Card is still a possibility. Perhaps it’s a remote possibility, but I see at least some modicum of a chance there. At least for the time being. Call me “loosely invested.”
But, in any case, I can still watch a Cubs game and hope my guys win and enjoy those victories when they do happen no matter where the team is in the standings. Sure, there’s an underlying feeling of sadness to such games – what could have been and all that. But every game is still it’s own little self-contained capsule of joy or sorrow.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
by daver on Aug 31, 2009 9:34 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
It's over
Though, I still watch and enjoy when they win and get pissed when they lose even though I know there is no chance(less than 1%) of them making the playoffs. When Aaron Miles is getting ABs, you know the manager has quit and it’s all over but the crying.
"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."
Actually, there's 3.7% chance of them making the playoffs (per coolstandings.com).
So there.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
and 4.1% according to
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
and, btw
PECOTA Version: 4.7%
ELO Version: 3.7%
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
Ok, I heard them them say less than 1% on the radio this morning and believed it, my bad.
Either way, we aren’t making the playoffs.
"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."
1 game a week.
That’s all it takes. Just make up 1 game a week on Colorado/San Francisco.
If the Cubs can win at a .667 clip for the next two weeks (just look at the schedule), that series in San Francisco could be the make or break series for the year.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
That's not exactly easy...
As we’re chasing four teams. It’s doable, but the odds are pretty slim.
.667 baseball (say, 23-11) means that the Rockies and the Giants both have to play .500 baseball the rest of the way AND the Braves and Marlins can’t do better than 19-13.
by SouthernCub on Aug 31, 2009 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions
The Cubs have already done that earlier this year...
… for nearly a month. They were 18-9 (.667) in July.
Do that over the next 27 games and the last week would be VERY interesting.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Again, it's not like that's going to be easy...
You’re referencing easily the best stretch of baseball that the Cubs have played. We’d have to match it (over a longer stretch, mind you) just to make things interesting. And I’m not confident that .667 baseball will be enough to win the division, as we’d still need San Fran and Colorado to play .500 or worse.
It’s certainly not impossible to make it, but at this point it’s terribly unlikely. I think the 3% chance is a pretty reasonable estimate of our chances. But 3% is better than 0%.

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