Cubs Lose 11-5, Fall Two Games Out - But Cubs Win, Too! (Iowa Cubs, That Is)

by Al on Aug 9, 2009 5:46 PM CDT in Recaps Comment 201 comments

More photos » by David Zalubowski - AP

Sorry, Randy. It just wasn't your day.

Most of what I'm going to write about today's game is going to be from the boxscore and a bit of following along by cellphone while I was at Wrigley Field watching the Iowa Cubs defeat the Las Vegas 51's 5-4.

Let me first praise Milton Bradley for having perhaps the best day he's had in a Cubs uniform -- 4-for-5 with a double and an RBI, raising his average to .266 and his OBA to .401. In seven August games he's now hitting .450/.571/.550 -- and I think he's now in the perfect spot in the batting order for him, second. Clearly, he puts too much pressure on himself to produce when he's hitting in a RBI spot (fifth, much of the year), and batting him second gives him a real chance to be on base, as we have seen, more than half the time this month (after posting a .457 OBA in July). He's playing good defense and running the bases well.

It's not exactly what Jim Hendry had hoped for when he signed Bradley last offseason, but this type of production is something we haven't seen from many -- or really, any -- Cubs players over the last ten years or so.

I won't pin today's loss on Randy Wells, either, though he struggled and allowed seven runs (five earned) in 5.1 innings. His defense deserted him and the Cubs made three errors in all, and Jeff Stevens got hit pretty hard in his inning-plus of work, putting the game, which resulted in an 11-5 Cubs loss, out of reach. Combined with the Cardinals' come-from-behind win over a really bad Pirates team (thankfully, the Cubs get to play them next weekend), the Cubs now sit two games behind St. Louis.

Mostly, I'm going to pin this loss on the offense, which generated 17 hits, including six extra-base hits, but couldn't get many of them home. The Cubs left RISP in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 7th, 8th and 9th innings -- ridiculous, in my opinion, and left 13 on base all told. It was clear that Lou Piniella had no interest in watching this mess -- he got himself tossed in the second inning.

There's still a chance for the Cubs to split the series (and road trip) against a very good Rockies team tomorrow night... so, look forward to that, and below the fold is my recap of the Iowa/Las Vegas game.

Travis Snider is the guy I was hoping the Cubs would select in the first round of the 2006 draft. Instead, they selected Tyler Colvin; he's been dissected many times on this site, and after seeing Snider pound out a pair of homers at Wrigley today, I'm holding to my position that passing on Snider (who was picked by the Blue Jays with the pick right after the Cubs) was a mistake. Snider, who is only 21 (three years younger than Colvin), has already had a couple of cups o' coffee in the major leagues (posting a .736 OPS with 5 HR in 172 AB) and will likely be in the Blue Jays' starting outfield by 2011 at the latest, perhaps even next year.

That was the parlor game to play today, given that this, unlike last year's "Road To Wrigley" game, was a Triple-A game: "How many players in today's game have played at Wrigley before?" Snider wasn't one of them, but I counted no fewer than six (Buck Coats, Marty McLeary, So Taguchi, Luis Rivas, Bobby Scales, and Micah Hoffpauir), seven if you want to count Justin Berg, who was on the Cubs' 25-man roster briefly last month, warmed up a couple of times, but didn't get into a game. Howie Clark, a 35-year-old veteran of six major league seasons, has also played against the Cubs and former Cub minor leaguer Brian Dopirak has surfaced again in the Blue Jays organization.

How weird must it have been for Micah Hoffpauir, who was in the major leagues with the Cubs all year till Friday, to return to Wrigley as an Iowa Cub? (He got loud ovations every time his name was announced.) His average shown on the scoreboard was blank, which means today was his first minor league game of the year (if he had any AB without hits, it would have shown as .000). I suspect when the Cubs sent him down, they probably told him simply to go to Chicago and wait for the Iowa team to meet him there. Hoffpauir had a bloop double in four at-bats and played both first base and right field. Iowa hitting stars were John-Ford Griffin, who homered onto Sheffield (I was surprised there weren't more homers, with the temperature a stifling, humid 87 degrees and the wind howling out to CF at what was reported at 11 MPH, but it had to be at least twice that), and Darwin Barney, who had a pair of hits.

John Gaub, who has put up gaudy numbers since being promoted, was called on in the seventh, issued a walk and struck out Howie Clark, and then was yanked -- couldn't possibly let him face a right-handed hitter, right? (Granted, it was Randy Ruiz, who has 106 RBI in 113 Triple-A games this year.) Vince Perkins came on and retired Ruiz on a fly to center.

The game is played at just a slightly slower pace than a major league game. You can clearly see why certain players are at that level and can't get any higher, or, as in the case of guys like Clark, Ruiz, Coats and Taguchi, are hanging on, trying to get one more shot at a major league game. The Las Vegas third baseman, Kevin Howard, who got into some of the antics with the "Zooperstars" mascots who appeared today, is in his seventh year in the minors with his seventh organization and you could see why today -- he made two throwing errors on routine ground balls which led to a couple of Iowa runs.

Blake Parker closed the game for his 13th save, but not before allowing a home run to Angel Sanchez. Attendance was 16,280, about half of what the Cubs drew for the minor league game featuring the Peoria Chiefs last year -- possible reasons: a Sunday afternoon isn't going to draw as well as a Tuesday night; it's a lot farther to Des Moines than it is to Peoria, meaning fewer people would follow the team (although a few busloads from Iowa were dropped off on Waveland), and the heat may have kept a few people from walking up on the day of the game. Ran into BCB reader Damen Jackson today; he had a seat near the photographer's bay and hopefully, will have some pictures to post here later on.

We will no doubt see Hoffpauir returning to the Cubs after September 1, and Scales may also be brought up. Apart from that, I don't see anyone who was in today's game who looks like a "hot prospect", nor will be back in Chicago this year (with the possible exception of Justin Berg). The real Cub prospects are at the lower levels of the organization. Perhaps we'll see some of them at Wrigley in the near future.

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Comments

Ugh

crappy game all around.

"It's been my policy to view the Internet not as an 'information highway,' but as an electronic asylum filled with babbling loonies." - Mike Royko

by DTJchris on Aug 9, 2009 5:46 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Painful to watch

Hope Lou was in the hotel by the time this one eneded.

by santo4hof on Aug 9, 2009 5:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Cubs -- don't -- beat -- good -- teams

It’s been the case all season long. Yet given the craptastic nature of the National League they tease with being so close to 1st place.

Yes, I hate the 2009 Cubs. Hate them to the core. The sooner a dagger is put through the heart of this season then the better. My solace is in the impending arrival of Ricketts era. Here is hoping and praying that the Ricketts family is going to take a flamethrower to the front office and the traditional ways of doing things at Wrigley Field.

"Cubs will win 79 to 83 games." BLou (7/21/09)

by BLou on Aug 9, 2009 5:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Oh, look.

The Cubs lost. BLou returns with the same old stuff.

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

by Al on Aug 9, 2009 5:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ah hah

If you Al Yellon can say with a straight face you feel good about the 2009 Cubs and actually embrace the DNA of this current ballclub, then you sir are a better man than the majority of us diehards on the planet.

This team both sucks and is unlikeable. It’s a bad combination. And yes, I wish St. Louis would put this team out of its misery soon. Why?!?! Because I look forward to this thing being blown up and built back up the right way.

"Cubs will win 79 to 83 games." BLou (7/21/09)

by BLou on Aug 9, 2009 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, go root for some other team, then, if you don't like this one.

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

by Al on Aug 9, 2009 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

+1

Go Cubs Go!!!!

by cubsluver22 on Aug 9, 2009 5:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I root for the Cubs

I don’t root for the 2009 Cubs. There is a distinction lost on you.

"Cubs will win 79 to 83 games." BLou (7/21/09)

by BLou on Aug 9, 2009 5:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't remember you rooting

for the 2007 and 08 Cubs either!

Go Cubs Go!!!!

by cubsluver22 on Aug 9, 2009 6:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If you root for the Cubs, you root for the 2009 Cubs.

I don’t get your point.

I look forward to a winning streak soon, because it means we won’t see you and your negativity around here for a while.

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

by Al on Aug 9, 2009 6:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Tell me Al Yellon...

Kindly explain to me why good Cub fans should feel good about the 2009 Cubs. This team hasn’t won a series against a team with a plus .500 record since May (or so I was told yesterday) and is rife with jerks and problems aplenty in addition to the ugliest assortment of bad contracts in the game.

But your pat answer in all of this is that the 2006 Cardinals sucked too???? Pass the barf bag.

"Cubs will win 79 to 83 games." BLou (7/21/09)

by BLou on Aug 9, 2009 6:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Because they're two games out of first place...

… and still have a shot at postseason play.

That ought to be enough for you. If you hate this year’s team so much, my suggestion is to go away and root for some other team.

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

by Al on Aug 9, 2009 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That shut him up...

Lol

by Wrigster on Aug 9, 2009 7:36 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

Crikey!

well said. :)

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Aug 9, 2009 7:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Blah blah blah

You pick and choose which years you like your team? Sorry they don’t meet your high standards from your NIU days.

by rlpete on Aug 10, 2009 6:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Brewers had a winning record in July when the Cubs won 3 of 4.

That’s just off the top of my head.

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 10, 2009 8:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's kinda fair-weather isn't it?

"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver

by wrigleyrocker12 on Aug 9, 2009 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ah, but remember BLou has a fulfilling life

with his family and doesn’t feel the need to make BCB the focal point of his existence, like most of us ‘round here do. At least that’s what he said a few days ago, in so many words.

by CaliCub on Aug 9, 2009 6:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And he knows better

because he played at NIU. How is Cesar Izturis doing for the Cubs?

by rlpete on Aug 10, 2009 6:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If you root for the Cubs, this year's team has to count, too.

After all, they are known as the “Chicago Cubs.”

To quote you, “There is a distinction lost on you.”

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 9, 2009 9:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thinks sucks

and unlikeable is wrong. How about frustrating and flawed, that’s my take. This is the team, they have a shot.
If this team is within two games of the division Sept. 1, everyone is back off of the DL, I like this teams chances to win the division.
I think all of us as fans are frustrated with this team, To hate them or they suck, come on

"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"

by Grockcubs on Aug 9, 2009 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well....

I defy you to find a majority of Cub fans who have good opinion of Alfonso Soriano and Milton Bradley. Or who haven’t grown enormously tired of immaturity level of Carlos Zambrano. Or who look at the plethora of bad bloated contracts choking this team and don’t go barf.

"Cubs will win 79 to 83 games." BLou (7/21/09)

by BLou on Aug 9, 2009 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What do you do?

I killed the Bradley signing, you did not. But he is a Cub and now finally he is playing good ball. I never rooted against the guy just like Soriano. Soriano has horrible plate discipline and his contract is brutal, but you know what? He is a Cub and will be for a while and I as a fan, frustrating as it is, will pull for him to help this team win.
I can’t do a damn thing about Dempster’s contract, Soriano’s contract and Miltons contract
It must suck when this team wins BLou.

"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"

by Grockcubs on Aug 9, 2009 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

What you call "immaturity"

would probably be called by many “competitive fire.” I was on my college’s cross-country team for three years, and I have one more year of NCAA eligibility left (which I will use when I go to graduate school in the near future).

Having competitive fire is a good thing, even if you show it the way Zambrano does.

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 9, 2009 8:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

How the hell do you "blow up"

a team which has (in your opinion) ‘bad contracts?’ That’s an arguable point, of course. If these contracts are so bad who would take them? Who? You make these pronouncements like so many others that look at MLB as Fantasy baseball. You think this would be an easy task ? It was somewhat easier to trade players 25 years ago, but not any more.

All you think you have to do is tell other GM’s "….here’s Soriano! " “Here’s Bradley!” “Just take them!” What’s in it for the other team, if these players (in your opinion) have NO perceived value?
The Cubs would have to pay their contracts anyway, so your ‘suggestions’ are without merit, and you offer no ‘proposed trades.’ You can’t. There aren’t any.

“Backing up the truck” is what a team like the Padres are doing. Getting rid of crappy players by any means possible. Only two players have large contracts, and one of them (PV) is gone. It’s easy to get rid of guys like Scott Hairston and Jody Gerut (after all, that’s pretty much the skill level of player the Padres broke spring training with) and bring up AAA and AA players

Not so easy to remove high-priced players, or can you NOT understand that?

Your posts, are usually without any facts or valid points behind them. Just insults. You are just a one-trick-pony. Why do you bother to add to the discussion? You just like negativity. I can see no other reason unless you see yourself as the self-proclaimed “straw that stirs the drink.”

And if so, that’s just a bit — off.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Aug 9, 2009 7:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

There are great arguments to be made - pro-Cubs and anit-Cubs

But the fact is, the 2009 season hasn’t finished yet. We DON’T KNOW what the end result will be. Certainly being two games out in the Central and also looking at the Wild Card leaves us all watching the games with great attention.

We DO KNOW why/how the Cubs failed in their last two postseason appearances, so the discussion turns to “how do you better a team that won 97 games but got swept in the first round.”

It’s all about the team that plays the best baseball when the playoffs start. But you gotta find a way to get to the dance first. Every team has flaws. Some fewer than others, though.

Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!

by DKT on Aug 9, 2009 7:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If you wish that, go over and join VEB and become a Cardinals fan.

Why is it that you claim to like the Cubs, but they’re the team you hate the most?

It doesn’t add up.

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 9, 2009 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The right way would mean?

The sun will shine in '69

by gaclaudy on Aug 9, 2009 8:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You - just - have - to - get - in - the - post - season

…who needs to beat the good teams? Past WS champions dont seems to bother….5 of the last 9 WS champions had losing records agasint teams with a better than 500 record, including last years Phillies and a great Yankee team in 2000.

Keep the focus on getting to the post season, who cares what are record is against the freaking Rockies.

by JB 23 on Aug 9, 2009 8:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

EXACTLY

The best team doesn’t always win the World Series. Find a way to get in the playoffs and take your best shot from there. A few good games could turn into a roll – for anyone – not just the Cubs. But I do think the Cubs will make the playoffs one way or the other.

Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!

by DKT on Aug 9, 2009 8:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It took all of 6 minutes to get that enlighting post up, you are slipping BLou

The sun will shine in '69

by gaclaudy on Aug 9, 2009 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can't wait

till the woeful 09 Cubs disappoint you, Blouhoo to the core by succeeding. Never underestimate the power of spite. Promise the blinded ignorant naive masses of us who are still hopeful- if the Cubs win the pennant in 09, you disappear from BCB forever.

"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue." - George F. Will

by Slakkr on Aug 9, 2009 9:32 PM CDT up reply actions 5 recs

Oh hell yes!

Some people say the glass is half empty, some say half full. I say, are you going to drink that?

by BleedsbluinMI on Aug 9, 2009 10:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Zippity f'n do da

I love this!! Rec’d

by Wrigster on Aug 9, 2009 11:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't worry

As much as you hate the 2009 Cubs with a passion, people on here hate your more.

by ak123 on Aug 9, 2009 10:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

will likely be in the Blue Jays’ starting outfield by 2011 at the latest, perhaps even next year.

SO WHAT HAPPENS TO ADAM LIND

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 9, 2009 5:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

LMAO

He’ll still be their DH.

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

by Al on Aug 9, 2009 5:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

don't you mean...

“HELL STIL LBE THEYRED H”? lol!

by Fonzie2178 on Aug 9, 2009 10:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Umpres

This has to be the single worst officiating job in a series I may have ever saw.

Go Cubs Go!!!!

by cubsluver22 on Aug 9, 2009 5:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

err

Umpires

Go Cubs Go!!!!

by cubsluver22 on Aug 9, 2009 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No, no... you are a comic evil genius

You left off the “eye”

There is no such thing as an ugly female breast

by Worf on Aug 9, 2009 6:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Haha. Nice worf

I likes it…

Btw did anyone see the centerfielder in the (I think) phillies game, get thrown out by the homeplate umpire for putting his hands up after disagreeing with a call?

That’s possibly worse just for the single incident…

by Wrigster on Aug 9, 2009 11:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Shame

same story it seems. Bad fundamentals, 3 errors, missed cutoffs, and since I have been a Cub fan can’t get a hit when it counts. I know a reach on my part, but goodness can this team get a two out hit once in awhile.
Lee’s called third, which was a ball, Baker striking out with the bases loaded were two big spots in the game.
It just appears at times that this team goes through the motions, or they think that there is plenty of baseball left to make a real strong run. I just can’t figure this team out. I assume Lou thinks that this a veteran team and it does not need a verbal reminder once in awhile on the importance of getting there act together.
Kudo’s to Milton, I have been a harsh critic of his, he is playing well. Maybe Soriano should get a clue and learn how to take a pitch that is 58ft from the plate.
Baker should gets some AB’s this week with 3 lefties in a row, please no Miles.
Hope Gorzo throws a good game tomorrow and the Cubs get some hits when it counts.

"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"

by Grockcubs on Aug 9, 2009 6:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Or even

better, take a pitch 2 ft from the plate. If he swings at a pitch 58 ft from the plate, somebody should gouge his eyes out. I kid I kid…

by giddyup on Aug 9, 2009 8:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

2ft is asking for too much of him...

by jesus christos on Aug 9, 2009 8:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Somebody mentioned yesterday that the Cubs have not won a series against a team with a plus .500 record since May

Is this true? It wouldn’t be surprising, now would it be. And yet people like me who look at this 2009 Chicago Cubs team objectively are crapped upon by the BCB lemmings. Ironic though that the moderator dumps on the manager almost daily, yet takes objection to those of us who speak the unvarnished truth about this ballclub otherwise.

"Cubs will win 79 to 83 games." BLou (7/21/09)

by BLou on Aug 9, 2009 6:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Run along and look it up

Seriously, take all the time you need

There is no such thing as an ugly female breast

by Worf on Aug 9, 2009 6:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yawn...another diversion of comment to derail objective view of the 2009 Cubs

It’s standard operating procedure on BCB this season. Make it about me instead of being objective about the wretched nature of this current ballclub.

"Cubs will win 79 to 83 games." BLou (7/21/09)

by BLou on Aug 9, 2009 6:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You must be fun to live with

insert punch line here

by santo4hof on Aug 9, 2009 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

As fun as...

Living with a live porcupine as a couch cushion…
Living with leprosy…
Etc…

by Wrigster on Aug 9, 2009 7:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Your view is far from objective...

you throw in all your editorializing and generally bad attitude, and then proceed to discredit anyone (read as everyone) who disagrees. Have your opinion, but don’t trash people for having their own either. You can’t even be happy when they win. I’m sure the Cardinals bloggers would love to have your pearls of wisdom on their site. LOL

by Fonzie2178 on Aug 9, 2009 10:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nice! Well said.

Some people say the glass is half empty, some say half full. I say, are you going to drink that?

by BleedsbluinMI on Aug 9, 2009 10:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's the same thing every day with BLou...

by Fonzie2178 on Aug 9, 2009 10:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't drive angry!

There is no such thing as an ugly female breast

by Worf on Aug 9, 2009 10:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL, how about this...

Look kids, Big Ben! Parliament!

by Fonzie2178 on Aug 9, 2009 11:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Might see that in person next year, possibly in May or June.

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 9, 2009 11:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

how many games about .500 is plus

by jesus christos on Aug 9, 2009 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

above, not about

by jesus christos on Aug 9, 2009 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Teams with a .500 or better record was the statement made yesterday

Cubs have not won a series against a team with a plus .500 record since May.

"Cubs will win 79 to 83 games." BLou (7/21/09)

by BLou on Aug 9, 2009 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

cubs won the series vs the brewers on the indepence day weekend

by jesus christos on Aug 9, 2009 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cubs

have the Phils and Dodgers coming up, lets see what happens. With all of garbage this team has gone through, they still have a shot, so lets see what the last 53 games brings us before we just go to the throat with this team.

"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"

by Grockcubs on Aug 9, 2009 6:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Where has this Cub team earned our patience?!?!

The bullpen is awful. The defense wretched. The catcher was a one year wonder who came to camp with a bong and 25 pounds overweight. The left fielder isn’t worth 1/4 his current contract. The right fielder has spent weeks on the bench with injuries (but not DL’d !!!!!) and has been brutal all season long. The centerfielder is paid $48 million to be a modestly better version of So Taguchi. Mark DeRosa is GONE. Dempster was granted a $52 million contract after a career year that he will never come close to replicating. The “ace” of the staff has the maturity level of a 4th grader suffering from attention deficit disorder. Etc….

Yet we are to be faithful and patient with THIS group????

"Cubs will win 79 to 83 games." BLou (7/21/09)

by BLou on Aug 9, 2009 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"Weeks on the bench with injuries"?

I’ll defend Bradley here. He has played in 90 of the 108 games and has played nearly every day since the beginning of June.

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

by Al on Aug 9, 2009 6:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

woah

"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver

by wrigleyrocker12 on Aug 9, 2009 6:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Seriously

if you hate the group this badly, why are you so emotionally invested in them?

Have a glass of wine and chill the hell out, man. Its a game, played for fun and enjoyment. If you’re not enjoying it, turn it off. Go play in the sun with your family.

by Allie on Aug 9, 2009 6:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm sure there are scores of players out there more similar to Fukudome than So Taguchi

so I wonder what could have prompted that particular comparison…

by msquared10 on Aug 9, 2009 8:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If you wanna know then why don't you look it up??

We are not here to try to argue for you.

He’ll, I’m not here to argue with you. You, are not my friend, and you are exactly what is wrong with our fanbase.

You hate the 2009 cubs? They take the walk to the southside, Jack! See ya! Don’t let the door hit you in the ass on the way out!!

You never show your face after a win. Nor do you ever ROOT for the cubs. Go the -- away.

All you are is a very clever troll, who somehow has never been called out to be one. Well, here it is…TROLL!!

by Wrigster on Aug 9, 2009 7:45 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

Well said.

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

by sue369 on Aug 9, 2009 8:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He doesn't root for the Cubs,

He roots against them so he can come here and post the same negativity, over and over.

Very well said argument.

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 9, 2009 9:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The "argument" I was referring to is yours, Wrigster, not mine.

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 9, 2009 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Be careful

Don’t let him get to you. Al is very strict about the name calling thing in any convo. He will toss ya.

Go Cubs Go!!!!

by cubsluver22 on Aug 10, 2009 12:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

BM calls people names

every day and Al let’s him stay. I don’t know why either.

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

by sue369 on Aug 10, 2009 8:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

All I said was "Jack" and "troll"

No chance in hell that would get me tossed.

Thanks for looking out, though.

by Wrigster on Aug 10, 2009 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Cubs just took 3 of 4 from Houston last week

And they were a winning team at the time.

"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver

by wrigleyrocker12 on Aug 9, 2009 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

They had a plus .500 record????

"Cubs will win 79 to 83 games." BLou (7/21/09)

by BLou on Aug 9, 2009 6:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, at the time they came to Wrigley they did.

They are only one game under .500 now.

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

by Al on Aug 9, 2009 6:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

They were 50-48

When the series started.

"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver

by wrigleyrocker12 on Aug 9, 2009 6:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Then I stand corrected

I was reacting to a comment made by somebody yesterday which obviously has now been proven incorrect.

"Cubs will win 79 to 83 games." BLou (7/21/09)

by BLou on Aug 9, 2009 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions 14 recs

I just passed out for five minutes

MAKE IT GREEN people . You may never see it again.

"I daydream just like everybody else, I just do it with my body facing the field, so everybody thinks I'm paying attention."- Greg Maddux

by Doggie Stalker on Aug 9, 2009 6:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

WOOHOO

BLou admitted he’s wrong.

"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver

by wrigleyrocker12 on Aug 9, 2009 6:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not so fast...

It’s still someone else’s fault

I was reacting to a comment made by somebody yesterday which obviously has now been proven incorrect.

Don’t feel bad, BLou. We react to your comments and I don’t think you’ve had a correct one yet.

There is no such thing as an ugly female breast

by Worf on Aug 9, 2009 6:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ok but since when does Blou

ever claim he listens to anyone else anyway ? How could he possibly have accepted someone else assertion about a stat, he never has before.

"I daydream just like everybody else, I just do it with my body facing the field, so everybody thinks I'm paying attention."- Greg Maddux

by Doggie Stalker on Aug 9, 2009 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If I told him

The Cubs were 0-49,039 on days where the price of coffee beans in Indonesia was down .058 percent or more, I’m sure he’d jump all over it.

There is no such thing as an ugly female breast

by Worf on Aug 9, 2009 7:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

to be fair

its hard to play baseball when indonesians have more coffee

by jesus christos on Aug 9, 2009 7:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Come on Blou...

Stand by your guns man! If you are going to be blow hard using semantics to your advantage and dismissing facts that disprove your previous statements, you don’t to give up a point you could win very quickly here.

For true blowhard you should have said:

“Who cares about .500 teams +/- a game. This team can not win series against good baseball teams!”

Easy, quick, and makes your point while ignoring facts.

For the love of god you suck even at being a blowhard.

(This story was produced by BCPDnewservice. Our motto: If you don’t like this story then suck it!)

by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Aug 9, 2009 11:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I've seen soccer teams

kick the ball around less than the Cubs did today.

Flat out ugly. Blame the offense if you want, they sure struggled, but our defense was god-awful.

by Allie on Aug 9, 2009 6:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

You're right

the Cubs should have taken Snider over Colvin. Although I’ve often said that it’s been exaggerated how much of a reach Colvin was, I think Snider was most teams “Best Player Available” when the Cubs picked in 2006. I thought the Cubs were going to take Snider when their pick came around.

It was a mistake, but all teams make draft mistakes.

by Josh77 on Aug 9, 2009 6:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Good grief

The Cubs have drafted HORRENDOUSLY ever since Dallas Green got fed up and left. Yet you are going to chalk it up to “all teams make draft mistakes?” Fact is Tim Wilken has been wholly unimpressive in his four years with the Cubs. He was the guy who picked Tyler Colvin while everybody else across baseball snickered and who was responsible for the insane signing bonus and leap of faith granted the massively overrated Jeff Samardizija. The verdict is also far from certain on Josh Vitters. Also, the Cubs can’t seem to figure out what they want to do with Andrew Cashner, which suggests we may have yet another high pick disappointment on our hands.

"Cubs will win 79 to 83 games." BLou (7/21/09)

by BLou on Aug 9, 2009 6:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What National League Team

had the ROY last year? I think its the same team that has another one in the running this year.

Go Cubs Go!!!!

by cubsluver22 on Aug 9, 2009 6:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mr positive

Like a breath of fresh air.

by Slamdog on Aug 9, 2009 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i don't think we drafted wells.

"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie

by buckmulligan on Aug 9, 2009 7:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

he was drafted by the cubs in the 2002 draf

by jesus christos on Aug 9, 2009 7:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just a quick comment on Colvin

I have been going to spring training for years. The first time I saw Colvin, it was with two friends who are Cardinal fans (before you say anything, this is the price of growing up in Central Illinois), and they thought he looked like a great prospect.

This was before Kosuke, and they and I were stunned to see a Cubs right fielder prospect who had an incredible arm. He was bringing it in from RF. That in itself was impressive. I had heard talk of right fielders who could throw out players at home plate, but had never seen anything like that in person.

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

by vonde6 on Aug 9, 2009 10:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Alright Blou

I’ve done the math. The Cubs are 20-23 against teams with a 500 record or better.

"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver

by wrigleyrocker12 on Aug 9, 2009 6:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

So....

Average!!! Not horrible, not good!

by Wrigster on Aug 9, 2009 7:50 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

I did some math too.

The Cardinals are 21-21 against teams who currently have a .500 or better record.

Sounds pretty even to me.

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

by Al on Aug 9, 2009 7:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But the Cards have likable players

and the Cubs don’t so the Cards get extra BLou points.

by rlpete on Aug 10, 2009 6:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wouldn't it make sense that very few teams have great records against good teams?

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Aug 9, 2009 8:03 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

sounds like good logic

to me.

by Fonzie2178 on Aug 9, 2009 10:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

You need to feast on the bad teams, and play the good ones at least even. Most of baseball occurs between the .400 and .600 winning percentage.

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

by vonde6 on Aug 9, 2009 10:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

There are certainly some things this team needs to fix going forward

The offense looks much better, Milton Bradley has been a beast lately along with Fukudome.

Our pitching needs to wake up now, Wells can get a small pass today, but he needs to be better next time because Jeff Samardzija and Tom Gorzelanny will both be making starts this turn through.

This is still a playoff team IMO because after the Philly series we are pretty much done playing good teams. The Cardinals have some tough road series remaining.

Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.

by nji232 on Aug 9, 2009 6:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I was just starting to feel better

Then you reminded me that Shark was starting soon.

"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver

by wrigleyrocker12 on Aug 9, 2009 6:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah I'm doing my best to try and forget it

This should cheer you up though. The Giants and Rockies both have very difficult schedules the rest of the season, including 10 games against each other. The Giants have the Dodgers for nine and the Rockies play the Dodgers 6 times.

The Wild Card could easily become ours over the next few weeks, something I didn’t think would happen a week or so ago.

Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.

by nji232 on Aug 9, 2009 6:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm hoping it will open up

If the central ends up out of reach. I have a feeling the Rockies will hit a rough patch soon, and hopefully the Giants’ offense won’t be enough.

"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver

by wrigleyrocker12 on Aug 9, 2009 6:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

hopefully the Giants’ offense won’t be enough.

freddy sanchez will carry the giants to the promised land

by jesus christos on Aug 9, 2009 6:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

the cardinals have an easy schedule.

a cakewalk in fact.

"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie

by buckmulligan on Aug 9, 2009 7:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

it all evens out

and we all know this, man.

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Aug 9, 2009 7:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

They have 3 games left against Pittsburgh

We have 10

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

by vonde6 on Aug 9, 2009 10:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

They have 7 games against the Padres , we have 7 against the Mets

Seems about fair to me.

"I daydream just like everybody else, I just do it with my body facing the field, so everybody thinks I'm paying attention."- Greg Maddux

by Doggie Stalker on Aug 9, 2009 10:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

that depends on if delgado reyes and beltran get back

by jesus christos on Aug 9, 2009 10:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Reyes is likely out for the year.

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

by Al on Aug 10, 2009 7:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I guess the Dodgers aren't a very good

team and the cubs always play so well on the west coast.

by cubdreamer on Aug 10, 2009 8:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I turned off today's game early on

but I’m liking Theriot trying to hit to the opposite field in his 1st at bat and in his at bats yesterday.

by CaliCub on Aug 9, 2009 6:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

but not on the very first pitch of the game

looked like he set a tone of swinging early for a quick inning

by TC Cubby on Aug 10, 2009 7:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I want the Cubs to take a flyer on John Smoltz...

Look, I know he’s an old man, but maybe you’ll catch lightning in a bottle. Remember, last year Jim Edmonds was released by San Diego after hitting .159., Scott Podsednik’s working well for the Sox.

I’d much rather see Smoltz start than Shark. Speaking of Shark, how much was that ridiculous signign bonus he got?

by cubfanwill on Aug 9, 2009 6:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

no

by jesus christos on Aug 9, 2009 7:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Red Sox have offered Smoltz

a minor league assignment if he wants to get it together and pitch out of the pen . He says he is considering it so if he does do this
it will likely be for the Red Sox.

"I daydream just like everybody else, I just do it with my body facing the field, so everybody thinks I'm paying attention."- Greg Maddux

by Doggie Stalker on Aug 9, 2009 7:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Forget it.

Smoltz is D-O-N-E done. And that’s more than an Edmonds D-O-N-E done.

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

by Al on Aug 9, 2009 8:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ha that was a classic crow eating line!

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Aug 9, 2009 8:04 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

Apparently

The Rangers, and a few NL reams are interested.

"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver

by wrigleyrocker12 on Aug 9, 2009 8:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

As I said a few days ago: DO. NOT. WANT. SMOLTZ.

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 9, 2009 8:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's signing...

my mistake

by cubfanwill on Aug 9, 2009 6:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

SECOND LOOK AT MILTON!!!!11!!

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)

by joeschmitt on Aug 9, 2009 7:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Had a family barbeque today

Sounds like I didn’t miss a whole lot.

Rumor floating around here is that Pedro Martinez will start for the Phils on Tuesday. Repeat it’s a rumor

by PhillyCub on Aug 9, 2009 7:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

i wouldn't mind seeing him instead of J.A. Happ

especially since Cliff Lee is pitching on Wednesday.

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Aug 9, 2009 7:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey

We hit Lee pretty good when we saw him a couple months ago. That was the big comeback.

"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver

by wrigleyrocker12 on Aug 9, 2009 7:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, I remember

but he is a reigning Cy Young winner, and has pitched very well lately, especially since the trade. On paper, that matchup of Lee vs. Shark seems like it might be a tough night.

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Aug 9, 2009 7:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm sure it will be

I need to hold hope though.

"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver

by wrigleyrocker12 on Aug 9, 2009 8:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh, i'm always hopeful. hehe

I’m hoping that the wind is blowing out that night. Give us a good old fashioned Wrigley shootout!

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Aug 9, 2009 8:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

We hit Lee pretty good when we saw him a couple months ago. That was the big comeback.

not really, the bullpen blew that not lee

by jesus christos on Aug 9, 2009 7:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

6 innings

3 earned. That’s not bad against him.

"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver

by wrigleyrocker12 on Aug 9, 2009 8:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

We did not

It was the Indians bullpen that we feasted on

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

by vonde6 on Aug 9, 2009 10:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

They might push Happ

back to Thursday if they pitch Martinez on Tuesday night

by PhillyCub on Aug 9, 2009 7:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Is it possible samardzija could go against Pedro?

That would be his best chance to win.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Aug 9, 2009 8:12 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

Samardzija scheduled to go on Wednesday.

Harden should go on Tuesday.

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

by Al on Aug 9, 2009 8:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Few years ago

That would have been one of the premiere pitching matchups of the year.

by ak123 on Aug 9, 2009 10:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Milton .... for all the criticism that you have received ...... today wasn't your fault .... good job

Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball

by lexmarklover on Aug 9, 2009 8:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I have been very critical of MB

but he is growing on me. He’s really found a home in the 2 hole, it seems.

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Aug 9, 2009 8:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree.

He’s drawing tons of walks, and today’s effort was outstanding.

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

by Al on Aug 9, 2009 8:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah i think he was putting too much pressure on himself in the 5 hole

by jesus christos on Aug 9, 2009 8:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

and to everybody who says that's not what he's being paid for:

i say, “who cares??” Put him in the position where he’s going to be the most successful. Bottom line, he is helping this team right now, and I look forward to seeing him succeed in the final two months of the season.

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Aug 9, 2009 8:13 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

+1

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

by sue369 on Aug 9, 2009 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So long as we have a suitable #5 hitter, that is

I agree, if he’s best as a #2 hitter, that’s where he’s best.

But Theriot and Dome really aren’t suitable #5 hitters. (Dome would be OK, but I looove him at leadoff) Fox could be, but we’ve got to hide him on defense.

There is no such thing as an ugly female breast

by Worf on Aug 9, 2009 9:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

well, I like hitting Theriot in the 8 hole

rolls the lineup over (as BB likes to put it) and gives the pitchers an opportunity to sacrifice him into scoring position. I like Dome in the leadoff as well. Soto would be very nice in the 5 hole if he starts swinging the way he did last year.

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Aug 9, 2009 9:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

D'oh

I completely forgot about Soto. I’ve gotten so used to Hill at #8.

Yes, if Soto comes back from his sophomore slump (junior rejuvenation?) then the problem is solved.

There is no such thing as an ugly female breast

by Worf on Aug 9, 2009 9:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Anybody with a .400 OBP is a hell of a player in my book.

by Poloplaya14 on Aug 9, 2009 9:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm sure it feels good to know you have job security for 2 more years.

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

by dtpollitt on Aug 9, 2009 9:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Have to agree

I have never been a MB fan but it looks like he is turning it around. I just hope he keeps a cap on his temper.

wccubfan

by wccubfan on Aug 9, 2009 11:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

as long as he breaks bats instead of his ACL

im ok with it

by jesus christos on Aug 9, 2009 11:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

when i watch the red sox right now i feel like im watching the cubs during june

by jesus christos on Aug 9, 2009 8:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm not even going to mention baseball to the people I work with.

A lot of them are Red Sox or Yankees fans. This area gets VERY heated when those teams play each other. And the Red Sox fans will be ticked off at how their team has been playing lately.

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 9, 2009 8:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Actually the Red Sox are playing like the Cubs the past two Octobers...

Except for the fact that they’re pitching well, playing good defense, and being managed well.

This begs the question for me:

I am neutral on Piniella. Some people give him credit for winning back-to-back division titles, yet give him a pass on the playoffs and say it’s all on the players.

If it’s all on the players, than how can the manager get credit for winning back-to-back division titles? What I’m saying is: If the manager can get credit, than he should certainly receive some of the blame for the absolutely pathetic postseason displays.

by cubfanwill on Aug 9, 2009 9:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Meh

I manager can only so much.

"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver

by wrigleyrocker12 on Aug 9, 2009 9:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I am in Boston right now, on vacation

The Red Sox are playing good defense? Have you seen Youkilis in left field? It is enough to make you wish for Sori out there.

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

by vonde6 on Aug 9, 2009 10:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Um I must have missed something Youkalis is playing LF ?

"I daydream just like everybody else, I just do it with my body facing the field, so everybody thinks I'm paying attention."- Greg Maddux

by Doggie Stalker on Aug 9, 2009 10:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

bay had a strained hammy

by jesus christos on Aug 9, 2009 10:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

We should have traded them Marshall for Papelbon ( Jonathan of course)

If they needed a left fielder that much.

"I daydream just like everybody else, I just do it with my body facing the field, so everybody thinks I'm paying attention."- Greg Maddux

by Doggie Stalker on Aug 9, 2009 11:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

then jonathon could bro it up with jeremy

by jesus christos on Aug 9, 2009 11:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Al, thanks for postin the stats on MB.

I have also been critical of him and it was deserved at the time. Now, those numbers are gaudy, and he deserves credit for turning it around. Good for him, keep it going, Milton. We need you, man.

Some people say the glass is half empty, some say half full. I say, are you going to drink that?

by BleedsbluinMI on Aug 9, 2009 9:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Wow, it's a slow night here

I don’t know if anyone was watching the Yanks-Red Sox game, but John Miller was hilarious. Right after he talks about how Daniel Bard doesn’t give up home runs, Damon and Big Tex launch back to back homers off of him.

"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver

by wrigleyrocker12 on Aug 9, 2009 10:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I've been wondering where people have been, too.

It seems unusually slow.

I had thoughts of posting a “roll call” to see who was here.

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 9, 2009 10:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

at this hour, that can only lead to disappointment.

I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted - George Best

by Blue W on Aug 9, 2009 10:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, that is why I have decided against posting it.

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 9, 2009 10:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's because...

…we’re all praying at Harry Carey’s hoping that Gorzesaurus is going to come through.

by LeSaboteur on Aug 9, 2009 10:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gorzesaurus?

Is that his nickname now?

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 9, 2009 11:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's what I was gonna propose.

If he keeps up such a monster performance “Gorzesaurus Rex” seemed fitting.

by LeSaboteur on Aug 10, 2009 1:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Calling him anything like "rex"

in chicago is a surefire way to get a beer dropped on your head.

by Allie on Aug 10, 2009 3:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ah, yes.

I forgot about your quarterback situation. Or is that former quarterback situation?

How about if we drop the “rex” portion?

by LeSaboteur on Aug 10, 2009 4:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

One plus with schedule

The Cubs have 25 games within the division.

Since 2003, the Cubs have always done against the NL Central.

I’m an overly opptimistic fan, I know that. But I think Cubs can win 17 of their 25 games against division rivals. That alone would bring their record to 75 wins. They also face Mets twice, Arizona, San Diego, Washington and surprisingly a slumping Phillies.

While I was sick to my stomach watching the game today, hope is certainly not lost!

by ak123 on Aug 9, 2009 10:30 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

No, and Philadelphia just got swept at home against Florida.

Let’s hope their slump continues at Wrigley next week.

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 9, 2009 10:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well it goes to show

Cubs played a really hot Marlins team in a ball park they just can’t win in to begin with.

Phillies are very good away though. But Cubs are better at home. 2 of 3 really isn’t a lot to ask for.

by ak123 on Aug 9, 2009 10:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Washington

dont look now, but the nats are the hottest team in baseball ;)

by jesus christos on Aug 9, 2009 10:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

whoa...

8 game winning streak? Who saw that coming?

by Fonzie2178 on Aug 9, 2009 10:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh I'm aware

Nick Johnson was holding them down!

It’s kind of sad they have an 8 game streak this year and the Cubs have had what, a 5 game streak?

by ak123 on Aug 9, 2009 10:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Nationals don't have a bad lineup

I know they no longer have Johnson, but Zimmerman, Dunn and Willingham have nice bats, and Nyjer Morgan does a nice job in the leadoff spot.

Their biggest problem is their pitching, relief in particular. Lannan is a nice pitcher, and so is Zimmermann, but apparently he might be a candidate for Tommy John surgery.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 10, 2009 12:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Zimmermann, but apparently he might be a candidate for Tommy John surgery.

really? that sucks

by jesus christos on Aug 10, 2009 12:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Apparently his elbow is sore

and he’s being sent to Dr. Andrews. That can’t be good.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 10, 2009 1:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Which 3 words are scarier at this point?

“Tommy John Surgery” or “Dr. James Andrews”?

by Allie on Aug 10, 2009 3:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Very true

I can’t take away from their hitters. The team challenged the Cubs in 1/2 the games we won in DC. It was not an easy sweep by any means. I’d still like to think Cubs can beat sweep them when they visit Wrigley.

by ak123 on Aug 10, 2009 8:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dodgers lead only 5.5 games

They should be crapping their pants. They have 15 games for the rest of the season with Rockes and Giants.

I know it’s nuts, but I feel better about Cubs making post season than Dodgers!

by ak123 on Aug 9, 2009 10:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Dodgers had a 9 game lead...

… as recently as July 25. It’d be really something if they blew it.

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

by Al on Aug 10, 2009 7:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And to thnk

They had a larger lead WITHOUT Manny!

Considering the amount of games against Rockies and Giants there is real potential for them to blow their lead.

by ak123 on Aug 10, 2009 8:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That would be Mets like.

"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver

by wrigleyrocker12 on Aug 10, 2009 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Shoddy Defense and Lack of Timely Hitting

are what have reared its head lately, how long it will last remains to be seen, not long I hope given the way the team has played overall since the ASB.

Interestingly, if my research is correct St. Louis leads the Cubs by 1 as far as errors (73-72) which just goes further to show how even these two teams really are, 2 GB at this point isn’t bad at all.

by CubsFan87 on Aug 9, 2009 10:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Just saw the highlights of today's game.

Thankfully, ESPN didn’t show many of the errors.

Note: The anchors agreed with us (and Lou) that the double play call early on in today’s game was bad. I’m not sure what difference that call would have made, but they said it was a bad call on ESPN.

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 9, 2009 10:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

that play cost us a run

but its not the reason we lost.

by Allie on Aug 9, 2009 11:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not saying it's the reason we lost.

If you check the third overflow, Not Bruce Froemming and I had this very same discussion. We both agreed there were other reasons the Cubs lost.

Just putting this out there, so that people know ESPN is entirely anti-Cub.

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 9, 2009 11:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i was agreeign with you

that it was a bad call. thats all. :-)

by Allie on Aug 9, 2009 11:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks.

I just saw it for the first time an hour ago. I wonder if the umpire (I have forgotten his name) is going to be disciplined at all.

Probably not.

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 9, 2009 11:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The most galling thing about the whole play was how fast he tossed Lou. It's bad enough

to make a sorry-ass call like he did, but unless Lou insulted his family, it was an awful quick hook. That play was indiciative of what is wrong with the current crop of umpires. They are arrogant and they want to be the show. They are quick to take off their mask and get in a players face. That was really a terrible call. A major league umpire has no business making a call like that one. Situations like the one we saw today are putting a bad light on umpires. The league needs to step in and pull these guys back a bit. They are starting to be an embarassment for the league.

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 10, 2009 12:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Did you see how Victorino

was ejected today while he was complaining about a ball/strike call from his position in center field? Never seen that before.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 10, 2009 1:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Me neither.

That was quite possibly the strangest ejection I have ever seen.

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 10, 2009 6:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

A lot of umpires seem to have REALLY quick ejection triggers.

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

by Al on Aug 10, 2009 7:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It seems they're ejecting people more and more frequently, too.

Something needs to be done, because they might be ejecting players/coaches too often.

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 10, 2009 8:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

because they seem to be ejecting*

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 10, 2009 8:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I saw that

They said he was putting his hands up or something, as to question a strike call. Victorinos comments

I love Ed [Rapuano]. He’s a great guy, one of the best umpires in the game, it’s unfortunate what happened. I let my emotions get the best of me. I hope Ed doesn’t hold it against me.

"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver

by wrigleyrocker12 on Aug 10, 2009 9:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's a great statement - whether that's how he really feels or not.

Very smart.

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 10, 2009 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

At the game

Unfortunately, I arrived late and found the Cubs already behind 3-0 at the end of one inning. At least I’ll get to hopefully see them split the series tomorrow night. One thing is for sure, this Cubs team needs to tighten up on defense if they’re going to make a push for the post-season.

"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." -Sir Winston Churchill

by propheteer on Aug 10, 2009 12:26 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs