Friday Morning Baseball Headlines
by Al Yellon on Aug 7, 2009 7:38 AM CDT
in Chicago Cubs News
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PrintAs is often the case when the Cubs have a day off and then a game later in the evening on the following day, things can get a little slow around here.
With that in mind, here's a selection of baseball headlines -- not all having to do with the Cubs -- for you to chew on until early this evening. Tonight's game preview post will be up at 6 pm CDT for the 8:10 pm CDT start.
- Rick Morrissey channels our own BLou in his whiny, sky-is-falling column about Kevin Gregg. Hey, Rick: many pitchers have a "dead arm" phase at this time of the season. Gregg will be just fine.
- Phil Rogers says the Cubs will "pull away" and win the NL Central. Uh-oh. Meanwhile, Lou Piniella says the Cardinals are the "team to beat".
- John Smoltz could have retired at the end of last year and gone into the Hall of Fame with Greg Maddux (and now, Tom Glavine, since he hasn't pitched this year). Instead, he now has a 8.32 ERA and a Willie Mays-like end to his career. Sad.
- David Ortiz and the MLBPA will have a news conference tomorrow to address the revelation of Ortiz's name appearing on the 2003 list of positive PED tests. Yet another reason to just release the entire list, have one big news conference, and get it over with.
- Jake Peavy will go on a three-start minor league rehab assignment and then could start ... September 3 vs. the Cubs at Wrigley Field. You may groan, but the Cubs have already defeated Peavy once at Wrigley already this year, on May 12, and his lifetime record at Wrigley is 1-2, 3.86 in five starts.
That ought to give you enough to chew on during the morning and afternoon. Have at it.
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Good Lord man,
In the name of all that is good, quit reading Morrissey. When was the last time that he’s written a serious, thoughtful baseball piece?
I prefer BLou's remarks.........
………to Morrissey’s dribble. Honestly.
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
Honestly,
I do too. At least it’s clear that BLou is actually watching the games.
by Damen Jackson on Aug 7, 2009 8:03 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm not convinced of that.
I think he emerges to check if the W flag is flying or not. If it’s up, he hybernates for another 24 hours. If not, he beats his same 5 points over the head untill it flys again.
Working down at lolla this weekend… keep the Cubs tweets coming so i can keep up!
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"
It was on the front page of the dead-tree edition.
I couldn’t avert my eyes in time.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I don't see the Cubs "pulling away" unless.........
- Soto returns to 2008 form
- Bradley returns to 2008 form
- Dempster returns to 2008 form
- Marmol returns to 2008 form
If those things happen and the balance of the team remains at current pace, I believe the Cubs will lap the balance of the NL Central field. If not, well, it’s going to be interesting, to say the least.
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
If those things happen, they will run away with the Central and could be in the WS
…..its just not that simple though
So you're saying we need to build a time machine. Hmmm...
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
Precisely.
Which is why, unlike Mr. Rogers, I don’t see the Cubs pulling away.
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
Also if Gregg STOPS returning to 2008 form
he’s been “okay” this season, but while I don’t think Morrisey has a point, his last two outings in save opps were BAD.
I also don’t understand using him in a non-save situation the other day if he has a tired arm
Cubs pull away
Lets see, Albert gets hurt, and Carpenter goes on the DL, Bradley starts to figure out how to hit lefthanded again, and Marmol finds the plate.
It will be interesting to hear the dribble from the MLBPA and Ortiz. “Well I don’t recall taking anything that would be harmful” “It was 2003, time has passed, can we move on” “I want to concentrate on playing baseball and beating the Yankees today”, blah, blah.
One thought: I wonder if Melvin Mora would pass through waviers? He has played some secondbase in the past, He had words with Trombley, “wants respect”, Just an idea.
I would have to think someone would claim him.
"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"
Mora?
I think I just threw up a little bit in my mouth.
by Damen Jackson on Aug 7, 2009 8:11 AM CDT up reply actions
Agreed.
Not only is Mora having a terrible year, he’s bitched and complained about being benched for having that terrible year.
Do. Not. Want.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Sure he is having an off year
change of venue, change of managers, and put him in the race. I get to see a lot of Orioles, the guy is not that bad and has actually had some good years recently. I know the run in he had with Trembley, Mora has been a good player and citizen for the Orioles.
Threw up in my mouth is a little overboard Damen
"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"
a change of scenery doesn't always work
He seems to me to be on the downside of his career, and he’s acting like a cancer to boot.
Lou's comment was fine until...
…he started to blabber by saying everyone should focus on the Cards instead of the Cubs. Had he just stated the Cards were the team to beat since they added all that offence, I would have considered him more on the brilliant side of Joe Torre. Joe, who crafted the “pressure is on the Cubs” statement before last seasons’ NLDS.
Just win the next game...!
I think Lou was trying to take the pressure off his own team.
Only time will tell if that will work.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Thanks Phil Rogers
Since you have been 0-1,000 this season when it comes to baseball predictions and opinion the rest of the season doesn’t look too good for the cubs or the sox.
When will the Tribune wake up and get real writers? Rogers is either pushing Bud Selig’s bullcrap or suggesting things like trading a teams star player for nothing.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
I saw the story last night come through the wire
I thought the same thing you did, nji.
The Trib is plenty happy with its baseball reporters. You and I, however, can go get our baseball news somewhere else. Don’t give them the clicks (those are at an all-time high) and don’t buy into their bull.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
I always do my best not to click on a Rogers piece
I know a lot of people here don’t like Sullivan, but for all his Milton Bradley crap he is the only reporter that travels with the team full time and usually he produces good work. That is why I go to their website.
After his WBC crap I vowed never to read Rogers again, I simply look at the headline, laugh at his bull, and move on.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
Count me as a Sullivan "disliker"
It’s really bizarre how a big city has much worse baseball coverage than Pittsburgh or the Twin Cities. Never understood that.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
I wish the Daily Herald would still send Bruce out everywhere
That way I could dislike Sullivan and not have to read his stuff as much.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
I'm worried the Daily Herald will stop covering
baseball altogether and just use wire stories.
The Dayton Daily News has done just that and Hal McCoy is retiring.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 7, 2009 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions
With the decline of local papers
and things like ESPN Chicago, I wouldn’t be surprised if that happened soon.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
They both suck
Why can Chicago not have a great sportswriter? We seem to have several who write simply to hear their keyboards clack.
Could someone give me a formula to be a great sportswriter?
Well, at least some tips?
I’d like to major in sports journalism…and well, I’d like to pick up some tips.
Aqui viene el Toro Venezolano, Carlos Zambrano, a batear...el lanzamiento...A LO PROFUNDOOO...NOO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NOO...DIGALE QUE NO A ESA PELOTA!! GANAN LOS CACHORROS DE CHICAGO!!
by Azul Cachorro on Aug 7, 2009 4:00 PM CDT up reply actions
Read what Phil Rogers writes.
Then, don’t do what he does.
That’ll give you a good start.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Haha.
Any specific things he does that are no-no’s?
Aqui viene el Toro Venezolano, Carlos Zambrano, a batear...el lanzamiento...A LO PROFUNDOOO...NOO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NOO...DIGALE QUE NO A ESA PELOTA!! GANAN LOS CACHORROS DE CHICAGO!!
by Azul Cachorro on Aug 7, 2009 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Keep an open mind.
Be reasonable.
Give stats their due.
If you cover the Cubs, don’t write about curses, goats or that guy whose last name starts with ‘B.’
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
Yea, I reckoned the last one was forbidden.
Aqui viene el Toro Venezolano, Carlos Zambrano, a batear...el lanzamiento...A LO PROFUNDOOO...NOO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NOO...DIGALE QUE NO A ESA PELOTA!! GANAN LOS CACHORROS DE CHICAGO!!
by Azul Cachorro on Aug 7, 2009 4:07 PM CDT up reply actions
You mean,
a guy who was sent death threats by a few radical Cub fans?
Aqui viene el Toro Venezolano, Carlos Zambrano, a batear...el lanzamiento...A LO PROFUNDOOO...NOO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NOO...DIGALE QUE NO A ESA PELOTA!! GANAN LOS CACHORROS DE CHICAGO!!
by Azul Cachorro on Aug 7, 2009 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions
BLOU!!!
Aqui viene el Toro Venezolano, Carlos Zambrano, a batear...el lanzamiento...A LO PROFUNDOOO...NOO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NOO...DIGALE QUE NO A ESA PELOTA!! GANAN LOS CACHORROS DE CHICAGO!!
by Azul Cachorro on Aug 7, 2009 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions
But.... But.....
Blou is like the messiah….. So let it be written, so shall it be done.
On "The List"
Al, I have to disagree with you about the list. We’ve covered all this, but there is another reason, beyond the negotiated contract, privacy, etc…
Releasing the list won’t end it.
That list does not provide an end-all, be-all list of who did steroids.
That list provides the names of people too stupid or arrogant to stop using long enough to get it out of their system even though they KNEW the test was coming.
Those remaining 95+ people (lost track, sorry) are not the only PED users in MLB.
The media — both old and new — will still ferret out other names. Canseco is probably good for another book. Other players with a grudge might follow his lead.
And it’s also possible that a few players will, either because of a guilty conscience or to jack up autobiography sales, come out themselves.
And 15-20 years from now, we could have players with serious medical issues, which will bring it all back.
And that’s just steroids. There will be pressure to test for other things, and push back, and so on and so forth.
Baseball — all sports really — is knee-deep in performance enhancers.
The list wouldn’t do a damn thing to end the conversation.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
You are right...
… that it’s not a be-all, end-all list. But isn’t knowing the entire list at once preferable to having it dribble out one per month?
All the rest of what you say is true. I’d just like to see THIS episode in PED history be over.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
End this PED era
just in time for the NBA to start their PED era. Perfect, perhaps baseball can get a break for once.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
I don't think PED era is over.
I got to thinking after the Manny test this year and he came out on the 2003 test. So that means that he only used in 2003 and then started again just this/last year. I don’t quite believe that. And don’t forget the positive test was not for steroids but a masking agent.
I personally think steroids are alive and well and players are still using, but they are staying ahead of the testing with other drugs.
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
Bingo
And not only would releasing the list damage the relationship with the union and management when it’s doing better than it has in a long time, it would actually be counterproductive.
Say that list gets released, everyone goes orgasmic over it for a while. The media is busy.
Then when it dies down, a reporter ferrets out another name.
Then it all comes back AND the list is tainted, when in fact, it was a useful first step.
And don’t sleep on the idea that union-mgmt. relations need to be good. The NFL and NBA could be headed for lockouts. Baseball, if it just rides out the storm, could look like the grownup very soon.
But because people are putting Lost Ark-type faith in this list, it will only disappoint.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
As bad as the dribble thing has been
I agree it would be worse to release. I have no sympathies for the players, but they were promised anonymity. Isn’t it a crime for those releasing the names to be doing so?
I don’t have full confidence in the present testing either, exhibit A…Manny.
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
The problem is, anonymity is now gone with the partial release.
I understand the “why punish the others who are still not known” argument, but those whose names HAVE been released are getting a worse punishment, aren’t they?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I don't have sympathy for Manny, Ortiz, ARod and such.
They cheated got caught and now they are being tarnished.
But the fact remains that ALL players were promised anonymity. Just because 5 or 6 have been released it means we should release the rest. Two wrongs don’t make a right.
Sorry we are uncomfortable as fans, but that doesn’t meant the 96 left on the list don’t have rights.
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
I think the reality of the situation is
that as long as the list exists, and whether it’s the govt. lawyers, the owners, whoever, it doesn’t matter. Someone has the list, and they’re dishing it out with an eyedropper, and it won’t stop until the whole thing comes out. Enough already. Let’s get it over with, rather than death by a thousand papercuts.
"Enough foreplay- let's get crackin'"- Fred Garvin
Agreed.
Baseball- all sports really- are knee deep in baseball. I really don’t know if anyone would agree with me but I think its an even bigger issue @ the highschool level. I played HS baseball and football about 8 years ago. At that time I can deff tell you that a majority of the stars were juicing on the teams My brother who gratuated 2 years ago and played ball has said the same thing…So its either just my HS, or national wide sorta thing.
On Smoltz
Apparently his slider is still working, but his fastball is straight. The Red Sox don’t really need him, especially if he can’t start. But maybe they’ll put him in the bullpen for a few games to see if he can be more effective in short stints. If so, he could be a good August trade candidate for a team like…the Cubs.
Aaron Miles for John Smoltz. Make it so.
Fontenot (fon-te-no): Cajun for "scrappy"
I'd love having Smoltz in the bullpen
in whichever role Piniella wants him.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
Back of the bullpen guy that is never used?
You can't win in the postseason unless you can manufacture runs. - Hall of Fame 2B Joe Morgan
Let's not forget
Smoltz closed for the Braves for a couple of years – very effectively, too. Tying two threads together here, if Gregg can’t get his arm back in shape (and I’m not suggesting he can’t – he looked sharp in that 1-2-3 inning in Cinci), then Smoltz as a closer could be a possible emergency measure.
Note all the weasel-words there. I am not proposing this acquisition actually be done in anything other than an emergency.
"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 7, 2009 4:35 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
The Sawx...
even signed Paul Byrd again. They probably figured they’d better ring him up before the Yankees did.
Byrd, Ortiz, and Gaudin, that’s the Trifecta isn’t it?
Visit bloggingthebracket.com, SBNation's bracketology/hoops rambling site!
by Chris Dobbertean on Aug 7, 2009 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions
Do. Not. Want. Smoltz.
I tracked the game between the Red Sox and Yankees last night, and he got lit up in a big way.
His ERA is too high for my liking.
I have been to five Cubs games in my lifetime.
The Cubs' record in those games: 5 wins, 0 losses.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Aug 7, 2009 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions
his fastball
is 88-91 from the couple of games I saw. His slider is not nearly as sharp.
As Al said, this is a Willie Mays type of end to a stellar career. Maybe he can go make millions on the Celebrity Golf Tour like Rick Rhoden.
Saw this posted in the Sun-Times this morning
in this article and it was a perfect summary of all of the discussion that has been going on on this site over the last couple days:
Assuming he could have played within a few days, the worst move of the week was to put Andres Blanco on the disabled list with that calf boo-boo to create a needed roster spot with a week of key games looming in Colorado and against Philadelphia. Blanco is not only a head-and-shoulders better infielder than Aaron Miles, but he’s the team’s best infielder, period. And, by the way, the light-hitting Blanco is out-hitting Miles by 34 points.
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
I have a feeling that Miles is on his last 12 days now
At that point Hendry would just be insane not to cut his losses or DL Miles until September 1.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
Maybe Miles has blackmail photos of Hendry
I think we can all agree that no one would want to see those.
"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 7, 2009 4:38 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I've
actually wondered if the Cubs just didn’t want to suffer the embarrassment of having Miles play in that Road to Wrigley game. 5 million bucks, and Cubs fans are watching him play at Wrigley as an Iowa Cub.
by Damen Jackson on Aug 7, 2009 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions
Cutting him would have saved him the trouble.
And saved the Major League roster from unnecessary turnover.
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
There's plenty of embarrassment throughout the organization to go around
From the scouts who “liked” him, to the AAA doctors who cleared him to play, to the manager who agrees to start him, to the GM who tendered him a contract.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
and then have the guy dribble 3 weak ground balls to the infielders
as boos rock Wrigley. Quite the PR moment!
I seriously think
they brought him back up to try to shop him. Blanco’s “injury” is the only way we could hold onto Blanco, since he’s out of options.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 7, 2009 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions
In that case...
…. Wednesday’s game didn’t help.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
The only chance the Cubs have of trading Miles
is if a player on a contending team gets hurt and they are desperate for a body. This is how Hendry got rid of Nefei Perez, who I thought was totally untradable.
Nefei was almost the same situation, he stunk and was signed for the next season. When Polonco went down, the Tigers needed a body. The injury happened in August and the Tigers were limited to players who had cleared waivers. The funny thing is Jim Leyland used him, at least for a few games, in the lead-off spot, just like Dusty did.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 7, 2009 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions
You'd have thought the Twins might have been interested.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
The Twins are cost-conscious.
That second year on Miles’ contract probably looks awfully bad to them (and all of us).
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
Because posters on a blog don't know everything
and maybe he has something left?
Maybe not. Probably not. But we don’t know everything.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 7, 2009 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Posters on a blog don't know everything? BLou would like a word..
Some people say the glass is half empty, some say half full. I say, are you going to drink that?
by BleedsbluinMI on Aug 7, 2009 5:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Indeed
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 7, 2009 5:34 PM CDT up reply actions
Very interesting point...
See if he hits for a bit and attracts some buyers or hits for longer and can help the team. However, no way the Cubs sign Baker if they had not already given up on Miles. It’s all about trade value for him now, it seems. Too bad – I thought Miles would eventually turn into the contact-hitter, serviceable fielder, and “doing the little things” kind of player that’s nice to have on a post-season roster.
by DisCUBbobulated on Aug 7, 2009 3:22 PM CDT up reply actions
I hope you're right
but this is Aaron Miles. He’s a known commodity. If the Cubs were shopping him, they could shop him just fine in Iowa. Either way, they’re not going to get anything but the minimum for him.
I doubt he has ANY market value what with the fact he has another year on a bad contract, unless the Cubs agree to pay a large part of it, and if they do that, they might as well just DFA him and get him off the roster ASAP
Jimbo just isnt ready to admit he made another horrible offseason decision.....
….I cant imagine what anyone could expect from Miles by giving him PT
Miles needs to be the bench player
that Lou treats like some of his bullpen pitchers (e.g. Patton & Stevens). Miles should not see the playing field unless the Cubs are up or down by 10 runs.
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
David Ortiz and the MLBPA will have a news conference tomorrow to address the revelation of Ortiz’s name appearing on the 2003 list of positive PED tests. Yet another reason to just release the entire list, have one big news conference, and get it over with.
How are David Ortiz’s problems a reason to violate the privacy of nearly 100 other players?
We've been through this privacy argument before.
The list is out. There’s no way to protect the privacy any more. The options are:
- Let the names dribble out one or two at a time for the next few months
- Get it over with
I vote for “get it over with” and move on.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
The list is not out.
The list is in possession of public officials who we should be able to trust not to engage in shenanigans.
The rest of the list might come out… and it might not. We have no way to predict. In the 4 years since an IRS investigator took it on himself to turn silly moral outrage into a federal investigation, something like 6 names have leaked out.
Why would we out the other 98 just because they might get outed later? It defies logic.
Because if you don't...
…. it’s going to continue to leak out, and every couple months we’re going to have another “mea culpa” news conference like the one tomorrow.
Just get it over with and move on.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
The full release of the list
will probably happen right when they are about to catch the leak. That lawyer is already going away for a long long time, they are going to catch him/her eventually and I think with a little heat on them, a last ditch effort to out the list will be made.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
You will move on all right
Right smack into the next thing.
That list does not contain every single PED user ever.
So you’re violating privacy, breaking the trust of the union even further, and giving yourself a bunch of bad news just for the sake of an incomplete list.
And the list looks even worse when the next guy gets caught.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
No one's saying it has every single PED user ever.
I’m just arguing to get past THIS episode.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
It's more complicated than that, Al
Again, say that list gets released.
And then the next guy gets caught, outed, outs himself, whatever.
That list is all of a sudden “a fraud” and “not enough” and “a cover-up”
The list has taken on mythic proportions that it does not deserve. For one, it doesn’t touch McGwire. It doesn’t touch the late 80s/early 90s.
You put too much faith in the list. It will hurt you.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
No, I don't think so.
I agree, it doesn’t cover every possible PED use. However, it DOES tell us about an episode in baseball history. We deserve to know about that episode.
Should it have been destroyed? Yes. But it wasn’t. And now SOME of it is out. How does that serve anyone?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
"We deserve to know about that episode."
So “we” now have more standing than a confidential agreement between two other parties.
Sometimes you have to respect a agreement. If the list continues to dribble then that is what we need to deal with. Just because you’re uncomfortable doesn’t mean you get to have your way over someone else.
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 7, 2009 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
Yep
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 7, 2009 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions
But the reason it wasn't destroyed is because of Novitsky
The same people who are leaking it out are the ones who prevented it from getting destroyed, by swooping in with an injunction before the Players Union’s appeal could be processed. It was beyond shady.
You said...
The same people who are leaking it out are the ones who prevented it from getting destroyed, by swooping in with an injunction before the Players Union’s appeal could be processed.
Proof of this claim?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Those in charge at CDT knew the government and the union had been in tug-of-war since November 2003, when baseball announced that 104 players had tested positive. Novitzky had first secured a subpoena for all 1,100 major league players. When the union balked, he got another for the 10 Balco clients.
In the first week of April, the union filed a motion to quash both subpoenas. The government agreed to let the wheels of justice grind on if CDT gave written assurances to protect the records and the urine samples. CDT agreed. But the next day Novitzky drove to Los Angeles, told a judge the evidence was in danger of being destroyed, failed to mention that a hearing was scheduled to quash his subpoenas, and was granted a search warrant for the Balco 10.
Hours later he arrived at CDT with 11 other armed agents. After many calls between lawyers, a CDT supervisor handed Novitzky the 10 results set out in the search warrant. Not good enough, Novitzky said, we want to search your computer system. Before long, a government computer expert was clicking through the entire directory and making copies on disks. When he was done, the government had possession of drug test records of every major league player, a bunch of NFL and NHL players, and workers in three other businesses — more than 4,000 files in all.
Three district court judges were appalled. One asked if the Fourth Amendment’s protection against illegal search and seizure had been repealed. Judge Susan Illston, who’s presided over the Balco case from the beginning, called Novitzky’s actions a “callous disregard for Constitutional rights.” All three instructed Novitzky to return the evidence untouched.
From here
and of course he didn't
return it, so why isn’t he in jail???
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 7, 2009 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Read the article
It’s a really good, fair look at the whole history of the case.
Basically he hedged his bets that he’d win his appeal which, ridiculously, he did – 1-2 in the California Supreme Court. That gave him legal rights to the evidence.
Fair enough.
I think I read that article at the time it was posted.
We’ll see what happens at trial.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Well
I think he should be in jail. He’s just another one of the criminals here.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 7, 2009 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Why do we "deserve" to know?
We may really, really want to know, but I don’t get deserving it.
Randy Wells - You continue to astound me.
We deserve to know about that episode.
No, we don’t. Not to the point where it violates players’ rights to privacy. All we deserve to be able to do is buy a ticket and watch baseball.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 7, 2009 1:24 PM CDT up reply actions
PED episode/era is not over
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
I vote for "get it over with" too.
To me, it’s more frustrating to see players be revealed one or two at a time. It would be nice to see the whole list, releasing a name every few months or so is ridiculous.
Does anyone know why the whole list is not being revealed?
I have been to five Cubs games in my lifetime.
The Cubs' record in those games: 5 wins, 0 losses.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Aug 7, 2009 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions
There was an agreement that it was supposed to be condfidential.
Plug the leak, don’t violate an agreement.
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
Especially with the list "floating around" among "law enforcement."
You can't win in the postseason unless you can manufacture runs. - Hall of Fame 2B Joe Morgan
Happens all the time in politics.
You can ferret out a leak.
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
That might be easy to say,
but there will always be whistle-blowers.
I have been to five Cubs games in my lifetime.
The Cubs' record in those games: 5 wins, 0 losses.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Aug 7, 2009 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions
Al I completely agree with you...
BUT, it’s not going to happen with the government involved. I personally know someone very much involved with the steriod stories coming out of the NY Times and even they say it’s not going to happen, and that names will continue to trickle out.
Unfortunately, steroids, this list, and this story will continue to cast a dark shadow on the world of baseball. All we can do is cheer on the great young talent that is in baseball today, and pray to God that none of them are using PEDs.
I have no idea
These names should be kept secret since that was the agreement back when these tests took place, but if they are going to keep coming out one by one like this (and I’m willing to bet they do) then they really should just have a big press conference to mention the names and move on. I know that most of us are sick of the steroid stuff
churchofbaseball.com
That's not a good enough reason to release it
“Most of us are sick of it” is not a valid reason to violate the agreement
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
I am more interested in knowing who is actually leaking this list,
than who is even on the list.
You can't win in the postseason unless you can manufacture runs. - Hall of Fame 2B Joe Morgan
Wouldn't that be *more* useful?
I just don’t understand why there’s all of these calls to just out the list, and barely any condemnation of Novitsky’s sham of an investigation or outrage over him cynically playing politics with the lives of players.
Care to elaborate about that "sham of an investigation"?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
It was vastly innappropriate use of taxpayer money and IRS resources
It was a witch hunt headed by a cynical opportunist trying to make a name for himself.
It was a 6 year investigation into a single player's steroid use
…by an tax investigator.
It cost millions of dollars and all it resulted in was a perjury charge that isn’t going to stick.
He obtained the samples illegally and with callous disregard to the civil rights of the players, and then has gone on to leak the results despite court orders to keep the results sealed.
Doesn’t something seem rotten in the state of Denmark when you’re giving drug dealers immunity to testify against the person they sold drugs to? Isn’t that completely backwards? A 7 year investigation that’s cost $50M so far, and resulted in the conviction of just one drug dealer and a perjury charge against one user?
I realize perjury is a very tough thing to prove.
However, I suspect the govt. wants to make an example of this individual. It’s entirely possible that more people will be charged in the future.
I’d like to know where you got the $50 million figure. I hadn’t heard that.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
All of which saddles the Obama administration with another Bush administration adventure they have to clean up after. It was the Bush Justice Department that has spent more than $50 million on this investigation, and million more giving government a permanent role in policing drugs in sports.
From the same article I linked to above.
Thanks.
However, government has stepped in at many occasions when sports have not been willing or able to police themselves.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Agreed, and you could make a strong argument that
…with Novitsky, the ends justified the highly questionable means, in that his investigation was a major factor in Congress stepping in and forcing baseball to implement steroid testing.
I personally feel conflicted about it – on the one hand Novitsky is clearly a self-aggrandizing prick who went on a 7 year witch hunt against the best player in baseball that was way outside of the scope of his job duties. On the other hand baseball is better off for the testing we have now.
Not sure,
But a friend’s neighbor is in “law enforcement” and told my friend that he has a copy of the list. It’s floating around out there, and according to this guy, our key 1-2 starters in 2003 were also on the list, as well as the best hitter in baseball from St. Louis. I asked him to prove it by giving me a copy. No copy thus far.
"I'm not much of a chemistry guy. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded." -Jim Frey
A friend's neighbor is in "Law Enforcement"
care to elaborate on that?
You can't win in the postseason unless you can manufacture runs. - Hall of Fame 2B Joe Morgan
What? You don't find that to be the height of credibility?
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 7, 2009 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions
Better than his "teammate's lawyer dad," I guess
You can't win in the postseason unless you can manufacture runs. - Hall of Fame 2B Joe Morgan
Didn't we see a supposed list also on BCB?
I know those pitchers you speak of were on there, your friends neighbor could have easily found that list on the web too.
Join the BCB Flickr Group: http://flickr.com/groups/bleedcubbieblue
Righ, but this guys'
friend’s neighbor is in "law enforcement" maybe didnt get the memo
Join the BCB Flickr Group: http://flickr.com/groups/bleedcubbieblue
So the Fail goes to the Post Button then
Join the BCB Flickr Group: http://flickr.com/groups/bleedcubbieblue
Want to share this with everyone...
This is the kind of article I like to read in my paper each morning!
http://www.sj-r.com/sports/x1876197713/Sandberg-From-Hall-to-small-ball
That's great.
Sandberg is my all-time favorite. In fact I got his autograph at a dinner in Coal City when I was eight, right after he was traded to the Cubs. He’s a huge reason why I’m a Cubs fan. I hope his shot comes with the Cubs, but I root for him to make it either way.
Let's get some runs!!!!
by Colorado Cubbies Fan on Aug 7, 2009 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions
It very well could
I hope no other managerial jobs open up at the end of this year that attracts Ryno. I would love to see how he does in the Cubs dugout. Especially since he understands the pressure that comes w/ being on the Cubs.
Stupid question:
If Ryno did get the job as Cubs’ manager, would he be able to wear 23? It’s retired, but they retired it for him… Just something I’m curious about. (I think he’d look weird in anything but 23, kinda like when Jordan wore 45 for awhile)
he would be able to wear 23
He can throw a fastball at 87MPH and make you look like a fool. He can spray lines drives to right field. He can put up with crappy offense and take the loss. He is Randy Wells. He is the most interesting pitcher in the world. Stay healthy, my friends.
by jesus christos on Aug 7, 2009 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions
Well that's awfully nice of you.
Yeah, while Ascanio was here (all of a week), all parties seemed pretty darn impressed with him.
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
Kinda like how we felt about Gorzelanny
Funny that both teams are saying roughly the same thing about each other’s pitcher.
Could be one of those rare trades that works out for both teams.
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
Morrissey has one good line that I think sums Cubs up this year
“Gregg is the embodiment of this team, in the sense that you just don’t know.” Now some folks can blabber that you just don’t know about any player, and even Pujols can go 0-5 and Mariano Rivera can blow a save. But I think we understand those guys are pretty automatic. Morrissey’s point is that, if there is a key game in the last week of the regular season, or in the playoffs, and we throw Marmol or Gregg out there we have NO IDEA which Marmol or Gregg will show up for that inning. None. Which Soriano would show up? Or Fukudome?
Now during the regular season in 2008 the Cubs were a model of consistency, and look where it got us in the playoffs. So it is certainly possible the reverse can be true if Cubs get to playoffs this year.
From May till the two blown saves
Gregg was nails.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 7, 2009 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions
well, during the two blown saves he was throwing batting practice
….I will feel alot better when I see the “nails” version of Gregg.
Gregg leads the league in home runs allowed (10) by a reliever and has the fourth-worst save percentage (.808) of any closer with 20 or more opportunities.
I don't know how good that line is.
What do any of us “know” about any baseball player not named Albert Pujols? They all have good streaks and bad streaks. It’s remarkable how fans – and professional baseball writers like Morrissey – seem to rediscover this every season.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
I don't know how good that line is.
What do any of us “know” about any baseball player not named Albert Pujols? They all have good streaks and bad streaks. It’s remarkable how fans – and professional baseball writers like Morrissey – seem to rediscover this every season.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
Somebody has to go down to activate GeoBarney, no?
I guess it won’t be Miles though.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
Are you just posting this randomly now?
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
Peavy v Cubs: doesn't make sense
If you are the White Sux, it seems you would want to bring Peavy back to the big leagues against a team that knows as little about him as possible. To schedule him against the Cubs, with the possibility of the wind blowing out…why? give the man the best chance of success to send a message to your AL Central competitors.
Peavy would probably do best against an AL team. Though in between the Cub game is a series in Minnesota and a home series against the Red Sox—both good hitting teams, I still think Peavy has a better chance of success against a team that doesn’t know him. Do you think they need to play an NL team to avoid the DH? If so, why did they sign him?
"I love California. I practically grew up in Phoenix."
-- Dan Quayle
You mean, trade for him.
I think that’s the question a lot of us are asking. I think Peavy’s numbers will get much worse playing for an AL team with a launching pad as his home park.
JMHO. We’ll see, soon, I guess.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I actually meant, commit to him, as he is there for over 3 years.
So he is clearly not a rental…sorry.
"I love California. I practically grew up in Phoenix."
-- Dan Quayle
BTW, I agree that he will go thru a huge SHOCK in going from
the damp air and night games of Petco to the band box that is the Jail Cell.
"I love California. I practically grew up in Phoenix."
-- Dan Quayle
Why?
Because Ozzie and Kenny are willing to risk a bad return for Peavy for the chance to rub it in all of Cubdom’s noses that they got him and we didn’t.
Join the BCB Flickr Group: http://flickr.com/groups/bleedcubbieblue
One more thing
It’s like Don King setting up a main event, It could pump up the Sux fan base.
Join the BCB Flickr Group: http://flickr.com/groups/bleedcubbieblue
paranoia is how the Nixon White House was run and we saw how that ended.
can we expect Ozzie and Kenny going out by waving from a helicopter in center field after a 100 loss season in 2010? We can only hope…
"I love California. I practically grew up in Phoenix."
-- Dan Quayle
I don't care
that they won a recent WS. I don’t see why they care that we haven’t.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 7, 2009 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions
You're right
The White Sox are irrelevant to me, except when they are playing NL Central teams.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 7, 2009 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Allie: I don't understand your point.
the point was made that the Sux signed Peavy just to “rub our nose in it” so I said that if they truly are making decisions based on paranoia, that tends to end badly.
What is the problem with this point and what does that have to do with who wins what? Why do I have to show any respect to that low class group on the South Side? According to you, given our lack of WS wins, we can’t poke fun at any team in baseball. Let’s just curl up in a corner and wimp out. Why?
"I love California. I practically grew up in Phoenix."
-- Dan Quayle
Its just for every comment about
Cub obsessed White Sox fans are… you get the reverse.
I personally, could not care less about the Sox or who they traded for. I’m just relieved PV was finally traded so I can stop hearing about it.
You don’t have to show any respect to them… but stop acting hurt when they don’t to you. Especially after calling them “low class”.
That solves nothing.
living outside Chicago, but being from Chicago, I am often asked about that lousy and
low class announcing crew that manages to aggravate fans from every AL team. so until the White Sux invest in better announcers, I will call them the Sux and call them low class. I am not here to “solve anything.” Nor did I convey any hurt over PV. I just don’t care for the Sux. Where was I HURT over PV or something Sux/Cubs related—I am confused?
I don’t care what Sux fans say about the Cubs. They have a right to say whatever they want. Their low class announcers are another story.
Can’t we all just get along??? :-)
"I love California. I practically grew up in Phoenix."
-- Dan Quayle
Additionally, I highly doubt they traded for (not signed) PV to "rub our nose in it"
If Tony really believes that MLB teams make decisions like that . . . .
I suppose if they did, Carl has a point – but I like your philosphy on this better.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 7, 2009 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Hey guys,
I’m going to all 4 of the games here in Denver, just curious if anyone else is. Maybe want to meet up for an inning or too?
Just wait Coors is gonna be Wrigley West again haha.
"What is he doing!?"
-Doug Collins
I'll be there for three of them starting tonight.
I usually try to get there for BP and stand around in left trying to shag balls. Let’s get a beer.
Let's get some runs!!!!
by Colorado Cubbies Fan on Aug 7, 2009 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions
Question, how are the Rockies drawing this year?
They started out terribly but have played really well with Jim Tracy as their manager. Have the fans come out in force or are they just waiting to see if the team is for real?
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 7, 2009 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions
This town is all about the Broncos
there just isn’t a huge interest in baseball unless the Rockies are in the playoffs. It’s easy to get tickets to games here. They are drawing better now that they are in the hunt but not setting any records.
Let's get some runs!!!!
by Colorado Cubbies Fan on Aug 7, 2009 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions
The only stadium I don't mind being in the upper deck
Me and a couple buddies went out there in 07’ and got seats on the cheap in the upper deck along the 1st base line. The rockies (the mountains) are seen over the left field wall. Great view.
Its a funny story actually.
by Wad on Aug 7, 2009 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
doesn't look anything special
but once inside the stadium, it is spectacular.
Completely agree
And we had a great time at the bars around the stadium before and after.
I am a fan of Denver summertime that is for sure.
Its a funny story actually.
by Wad on Aug 7, 2009 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions
I went to Coors Field in 1997 for some Cubs games.
The views of the mountains — and the sunsets — are indeed spectacular. It’s a good ballpark.
If you haven’t been there, hoof your way up to the upper deck where they have a row of purple seats that designates exactly 5,280 feet (1 mile) above sea level.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Coors is my second favorite ball park
I usually make 20 or so Rockies games a year. It’s a great place to see a game. Easy to get around and great views from every seat. I’m at a bit of an advantage because It’s only a 15 minute bike ride from my house, so I lock my bike up right near the left field entrance and go right in.
There are a ton of Cubs fans here too. Remnants from the times before the Rockies came to town.
There are a ton of bars/restaurants in the area. Just about everyone I’ve taken there has been impressed.
It is pretty sad though to see the place pretty much empty a lot of times though.
Let's get some runs!!!!
by Colorado Cubbies Fan on Aug 7, 2009 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions
just checking
Pac Bell is unreal, PNC is special, Atlanta is amazing. So, just checking what you would consider #1.
My two favorite new parks...
are Phone Holding Company Park in SF, and PNC.
Camden Yards is up there, too.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
A T & T
The new name of Pac Bell – at least for now – is A T & T Park. They keep changing it. I also think they have the best food of any park I have been to. The worst park in the Majors has to be on the other side of the SF Bay- the Oakland Coliseum.
wccubfan
ooops fat fingers
Haven’t been to any of those other than Atlanta. It’s nice though.
I’ve just been to so many games here it’s hard not to like it; Call me a homer.
In college we had to write a piece on what we thought poetry was. I wrote mine about the Ivy.
Let's get some runs!!!!
by Colorado Cubbies Fan on Aug 7, 2009 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions
It's gotta be Land Shark Stadium, right?
You can't win in the postseason unless you can manufacture runs. - Hall of Fame 2B Joe Morgan
Anyone else going tonight?
I’ll be in left for BP. Sitting in the Rockpile.
I’m wearing a blue third jersey with Sanberg 23 on it. Hope to meet some of you there.
Let's get some runs!!!!
by Colorado Cubbies Fan on Aug 7, 2009 2:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Going Sat, maybe Mon....
bringing the “w” flag and hope to use it……If you find a good pre or post game spot for BCBers to gather, let us know
fail
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 7, 2009 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions
A Contrarian View on Smoltz and the like
I know as sports fans, we are conditioned to shudder in horror at Mays as a 1973 Met, Unitas as a San Diego Charger, or Ali getting pummelled by Leon Spinks. Our memories of our beloved sports legends will apparently be forever spoiled by such sights. I’m sorry, but why is it such a big deal? Professional athletes earn great money, and most of them sincerely enjoy what they do. If they want to play out the string until they are sure that the tank is empty, is it really so horrible for we fans?
Why is it assumed that the best way to leave a lengendary athletic career is while you still have something to give? Is Jim Brown necessarily greater than Walter Payton because one left at the peak of his career while the other didn’t? This has always puzzled me.
I attended the US Senior Open at Crooked Stick last weekend and enjoyed watching the legends. And if Arnie or Jack wanted to tee it up, I would have loved to watch them play, even if they couldn’t compete with the 50 somethings.
by perseman on Aug 7, 2009 11:35 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
test
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
No, I know why he did this.
The site has been acting up a bit today, I have gotten “503” server errors myself.
I don’t know why this is happening, but I am sure the tech team is working on it.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Yeah, so have I
and I was testing it too.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
Yep - I was having some major troubles earlier.
I actually didn’t mean to post that “test” message, but it somehow managed to go up anyway.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
Al
apparently your site is as popular a target for hackers as Twitter and Facebook :P
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
The Twitter issue has been an issue for SBN, since...
… we can tweet our posts. They’re working on it.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I guess...
… because he has a good record vs. the AL Central this year. It might work out for them.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
A's Release
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
PEDs caught up to him?
-see above discussion-
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
Could be.
Age and injuries certainly played a role, too.
I don’t think the Cubs should take a look at him, but I wonder if they might view him as a better alternative to Hoffpauir as a pinch-hitter off the bench at this point in the season.
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
I think they released him as opposed to activating him from the DL
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
Gotcha.
So you propose Giambi>Fox(Hoffpauir) ?
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
I don't
But I could see the Giambi>Hoffpauir argument right now. Though having Hoffpauir around allows for more versatile double-switching, which Giambi would not bring.
If the Cubs wanted a veteran LH power-hitting bat off the bench, I could see them taking a flyer on Giambi, though I wouldn’t advocate it personally.
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
I guess I could see a situation in which he signed
went on the DL and rehabbed in Iowa. If he hits, bring him up. If not, cut him loose. The B.J. Ryan strategy.
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 the scenario I was thinking of
And I’d do the same for Smoltz, as proposed above.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
The Old Throw It Against the Wall and Hope It Sticks scenario.
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
Giambi?
Maybe. He does still have decent plate discipline (.332 OBA despite the horrific .193 BA) and some power. Right now he’s probably a better bench option than Hoffpauir.
Smoltz? He’s done.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
he isnt
He can throw a fastball at 87MPH and make you look like a fool. He can spray lines drives to right field. He can put up with crappy offense and take the loss. He is Randy Wells. He is the most interesting pitcher in the world. Stay healthy, my friends.
by jesus christos on Aug 7, 2009 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions
and his leopard g-string?
(anyone barfing up lunch?)
"I love California. I practically grew up in Phoenix."
-- Dan Quayle
cub fan crying
Due to where I live we are exposed to the Nationals base ball more then any other, I have followed the cubs for sixty five years and can any body tell me if there is or ever was any two worse announcers then the Nats have in Bob Johnson & Rob Dibble ,,it gives me a head ache every time I hear these two so called announceres,,JUST TERRIBLE
GO LEN & BB
Hawk Harrelson & anyone is the worst.
"I love California. I practically grew up in Phoenix."
-- Dan Quayle
or the florida announcers
He can throw a fastball at 87MPH and make you look like a fool. He can spray lines drives to right field. He can put up with crappy offense and take the loss. He is Randy Wells. He is the most interesting pitcher in the world. Stay healthy, my friends.
by jesus christos on Aug 7, 2009 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions
You can...
…putthatonthismessageboard…..eeeeyyyyes!!!
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
YES YES YES YES YES YES
HISSSTORY!
He can throw a fastball at 87MPH and make you look like a fool. He can spray lines drives to right field. He can put up with crappy offense and take the loss. He is Randy Wells. He is the most interesting pitcher in the world. Stay healthy, my friends.
by jesus christos on Aug 7, 2009 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions
call your neighbors, call your parents, call you kids, call you pets ........................
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
CHRIS VOLSTAD HAS A PERFECT GAME GOING INTO THE 4TH
He can throw a fastball at 87MPH and make you look like a fool. He can spray lines drives to right field. He can put up with crappy offense and take the loss. He is Randy Wells. He is the most interesting pitcher in the world. Stay healthy, my friends.
by jesus christos on Aug 7, 2009 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Watching the Nats play and listening to their announcers sounds like a fatal combination.
You must stop watching now or your health will be irreparably damaged!!!!!
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 7, 2009 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions
I have a perfect game going into the first inning.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
Miles.
Sorry; low hanging fruit.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 7, 2009 3:17 PM CDT up reply actions
cub fan only
Very good point THANKS I forgot about Hawk agree one hundred per cent Thanks
couldn't agree more
they are pathetic to listen to—Coleman and Leitner
Glad they're in Colorado, cause the weather in Chicago this weekend is not looking great.
You can't win in the postseason unless you can manufacture runs. - Hall of Fame 2B Joe Morgan
Actually...
… it’s supposed to be sunny tomorrow & Sunday in Chicago… but very hot, mid to upper 90s.
Denver forecast looks good — pleasant 80’s during the day, 60’s in the evening, great baseball weather.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
May also have some scattered T-storms into the morning and early afternoon on Saturday. But yes, hot and humid.
You can't win in the postseason unless you can manufacture runs. - Hall of Fame 2B Joe Morgan
there's always something about the Cubs in Colorado. Me likey!
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
Anyone want to trade places with me?
I am now on hold for the second time with the IRS. This call has already lasted 15 minutes. Latest message, “your wait time estimated to be 10-15 minutes.”
Ugh.
"I love California. I practically grew up in Phoenix."
-- Dan Quayle
Sounds more fun than the boredom I am suffering at work right now.
You can't win in the postseason unless you can manufacture runs. - Hall of Fame 2B Joe Morgan
this is an amazing call
they can’t figure out if they are allowed to talk to me. you got to love the gov’t!
"I love California. I practically grew up in Phoenix."
-- Dan Quayle
Sure.
Just went out for a four-mile walk, surrounded by trees and green as I went to a park from which a person can watch sunsets.
I have been to five Cubs games in my lifetime.
The Cubs' record in those games: 5 wins, 0 losses.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Aug 7, 2009 3:17 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm watching it pour buckets
while trying to convince two golden retrievers that b/c they already played ball i shouldn’t have to go outside.
it is not working.
Yeah, drizzly and grey here in downtown Chicago, too.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
Nice and sunny here in Vermont.
Perfect weather for a nice, long walk outside.
I have been to five Cubs games in my lifetime.
The Cubs' record in those games: 5 wins, 0 losses.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Aug 7, 2009 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions
dogs are great. the more you play, the more they want to play!!!
"I love California. I practically grew up in Phoenix."
-- Dan Quayle
TWSS
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
Twould be even more doubtful if it were a TWHS.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
Breaking Friday afternoon news!
@AmalieBenjamin: Smoltz DFA’d. #redsox
Ms. Benjamin is the Red Sox beat reporter for the Boston Globe.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
IT'S HAPPENING!!?!?!?!?!??!?
hall of famer is being released …. rightfully so
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
HELL YEAH!
Ahem, actually this news is rather sad.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
apparently LH batters had close to a .500 average against him
too bad he didn’t get to face Miles 10 times a night. it might have extended his career.
…isn’t it nice when you can tie two hot topics together!
"I love California. I practically grew up in Phoenix."
-- Dan Quayle
maybe, if we're lucky, the Cardinals will sign him and then Bradley will have a chance to hit against him.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 7, 2009 4:25 PM CDT up reply actions
We only play the Cardinals three times in the remainder of the season.
Would be better if he went to Milwaukee (who we play 7 more times this year) or Pittsburgh (who we play 9 more times).
I have been to five Cubs games in my lifetime.
The Cubs' record in those games: 5 wins, 0 losses.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Aug 7, 2009 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions
But I don't think we'll need Milton's help to beat those teams.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 7, 2009 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Poor John. They didn't waste any time after last night's disaster
Now he can get a job as a sidekick on his buddy Dan Patrick’s morning radio show.
Do you have a link?
I’m searching, can’t find one.
I have been to five Cubs games in my lifetime.
The Cubs' record in those games: 5 wins, 0 losses.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Aug 7, 2009 3:43 PM CDT up reply actions
Here's one:
Not many details yet. This is red hot breaking news fresh off the Twitter wire.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
Thanks for the linky.
Not surprising, given his stats this year. I agree with Al, he should have retired after last year.
I have been to five Cubs games in my lifetime.
The Cubs' record in those games: 5 wins, 0 losses.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Aug 7, 2009 3:50 PM CDT up reply actions
You know what, I think Smoltz did the right thing.
He still had the itch to play and if he had retired, he would have always wondered if he could have had one more try at another championship. Now he knows for sure that his career is over.
Maybe the Braves will sign him to a minor league contract so he can officially retire as a Brave?
Hopefully, Smoltz will find his way into the broadcast booth, possibly for the Braves.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 7, 2009 4:11 PM CDT up reply actions
He's a good announcer
Obviously has terrific stories and seems very comfortable with the mic. Smoltzy doing color to Chip’s PxP would be a great team.
Make it so, Frank!
"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 7, 2009 4:54 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Beat ya by one minute.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
If only Aaron Miles could also join that list today.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Oh, it happened.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
He's not the only one they DFA'd, apparently.
They also DFA’d Traber. Traber came in last night after Smoltz left, and the Yankees kept pounding him.
I have been to five Cubs games in my lifetime.
The Cubs' record in those games: 5 wins, 0 losses.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Aug 7, 2009 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions
The fan base is also very demanding.
I know from experience … lots of Red Sox fans near me.
I have been to five Cubs games in my lifetime.
The Cubs' record in those games: 5 wins, 0 losses.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Aug 7, 2009 3:59 PM CDT up reply actions
just like Lou sitting Fonzi down after he got picked off...again.
no nonsense Lou! NOT.
"I love California. I practically grew up in Phoenix."
-- Dan Quayle
alex rios was claimed off waivers
who would want that kind of contract?
He can throw a fastball at 87MPH and make you look like a fool. He can spray lines drives to right field. He can put up with crappy offense and take the loss. He is Randy Wells. He is the most interesting pitcher in the world. Stay healthy, my friends.
If I were Alex Rios.
You can't win in the postseason unless you can manufacture runs. - Hall of Fame 2B Joe Morgan
This should help....
SurfingTheMetsCards reliever gets 3-game ban for throwing at Wright: Cardinals reliever Brad Thompson has received a three-gam..
Baby boy from down under is suspended. NICEY!
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
I'll admit it right now
Geo coming back is exciting. Part of me is sad because i won’t be able to see four fingers throw out base runners anymore. Hopefully, Geolicious can knock the crap outta the ball.
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
+1
His offense would be a big boost, assuming that is he can get back to the guy we had last year. Maybe we should temper our expectations, at least for the first week or two. Geo will likely start 4 games a week, IMO.
I have nothing funny or creative to write.
by Canadian Cubs Fan on Aug 7, 2009 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions
The Cubs have a new text message service to report bad behavior at Wrigley...
I just got an email from the Cubs that season ticket holders can report bad behavior by sending a text message to the Event Operations Department. Security will then respond to the situation and you don’t have to leave your seat and you can report the situation anonymously. I’m sure anyone (not just season ticket holders) can use this service.The instructions are to text “Cubs” and your message and location to 78247 and then they will respond. Thought I would pass this information along, I’m too lazy to start a fanshot/fanpost. I’m sure other season ticket holders got this same email but I haven’t seen it posted anywhere.
This seems like a good way to make sure Security is always too busy to respond to actually emergencies.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 7, 2009 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions
yes, send all the ushers to the RF grandstands just as you are ready to beat on a guy
in the lower box seats in LF. Dis-information at its best. I can see it now:
Excuse me, “my phone died and I need to call my pregnant wife.” Two minutes later a fight breaks out. So not only do you beat a guy up, but the guy is blamed for sending the false text messages.
"I love California. I practically grew up in Phoenix."
-- Dan Quayle
flag.wrigleyfield.com?
Cubs will win 79 to 83 games. Season has been over for weeks. St. Louis will eventually run away with this division. And you can print it. BLou (7/21/09)
Caption suggestion
“Didn’t I just throw behind you a couple of minutes ago?”
"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 7, 2009 4:57 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
updated sig
bwahahahahahahaha!!!
[just teasin krummy12, come back on the bandwagon any time]
Cubs will win 79 to 83 games. Season has been over for weeks. St. Louis will eventually run away with this division. And you can print it. BLou (7/21/09)
This season has long been over. krummy12 (6/30/09)
That is so childish. Grow up.
"bwahahahahahahaha!!!"-joeschmitt (8/07/09)
by Mapmaker on Aug 7, 2009 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
lol
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 7, 2009 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions
LOL!!!!
+1
Cubs will win 79 to 83 games. Season has been over for weeks. St. Louis will eventually run away with this division. And you can print it. BLou (7/21/09)
This season has long been over. krummy12 (6/30/09)
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