Cubs vs. Astros Preview, Saturday 10/2, 6:05 CT: Going For Fourth Place
by Al Yellon on Oct 2, 2010 4:00 PM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Game Threads
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PrintIf the Cubs win their two remaining games, they will finish fourth, ahead of the Astros. They can finish no higher; when the Brewers beat the Reds Friday night, Milwaukee clinched a better record than the Cubs with their 77th win.
Other Saturday notes:
- The Red Sox and Yankees will play a split doubleheader today because of a rainout last night. The game is still important for playoff positioning; if the Yankees are East champions, they get the #1 seed. Otherwise it'll be the Rays #1 and the Yankees #4. However, here's the quirk to today's schedule: they scheduled game two to begin at 9:05 EDT, not quite five hours after the first game starts at 4:10. The Red Sox and Yankees have played 15 times this year. Only one of those games has lasted less than three hours (2:47) and the average length of a Red Sox/Yankees game this year is 3:28. That means if they play an average length game it'll end at 7:40. I hope game one goes 18 innings.
- The Padres can tie the Braves for the wild card lead today if they win and the Braves lose. If that happens, the Padres would also be one game behind the Giants for the NL West and the three-way tie is still alive.
- The Pirates must lose both their remaining games to tie the 1963 Mets for fewest road wins in a 162-game season (17).
- The Blue Jays must hit 11 home runs in their two remaining games to break the all-time team record -- yes, I know this is very unlikely.
- Three AL teams -- the Tigers (80-80), the Angels (79-81) and the Athletics (79-81) could all finish exactly at .500. The A's have not been more than five games over .500 or six games under all season. Finishing exactly at .500 would seem appropriate. And if they do that by beating the Mariners twice more, Seattle would lose exactly 100 games.
Go Cubs. I want to see them end the season with a sweep of the Astros. The difference between getting the #9 pick next year and the #11 pick isn't that big a deal.
Tonight's lineup via tweet from Carrie:
#Cubs lineup for Sat vs #Astros: 2B Baker, SS Castro, CF Byrd, 3B Ramy, 1B Nady, LF Soriano, RF Hoffpauir, C Hill, P Zambrano
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Note: Happ's numbers above are with the Astros only; his numbers in the pitcher box are his combined season totals with the Astros and Phillies. Happ has started one game against the Cubs in his career: August 11, 2009 at Wrigley Field, when he was with the Phillies. Seven Cubs who played in that game are no longer with the team, and one more (Angel Guzman) missed the entire 2010 season. That was the famous game where Lou let Carlos Marmol face three straight lefthanded hitters, all of who walked, even though John Grabow was ready to go in the bullpen.
Carlos Zambrano had a not-so-great start in Houston on June 4, but last year he was pretty much lights-out against the Astros: a 1.29 ERA in three starts covering 21 innings (1-0 with two no-decisions). Z has also hit four of his 21 career home runs in Houston (35 total at-bats), the most in any ballpark other than Wrigley Field.
Today's game is on WGN and my20 Houston. Here is the complete MLB.com Mediacenter for today.
Baseball-reference.com game preview
Please visit our SB Nation Astros site Crawfish Boxes.
Today's first pitch thread will be up at 6 pm CDT and the overflows will post at 7 pm, 8 pm and 8:45 pm CDT.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
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I'm with you Al on wanting the sweep.
Since I can’t watch tomorrow, I’m making quite the big deal out of tonight’s game. I really hope they win. Keeping score, having hot dogs/ cracker jack. Can’t wait.
♪♫ It's a beautiful day for the ladies, so throw all your dishes away. ♪♫
Enjoy the game.
It’s always sad when the season is over… but we’ll start the countdown to both the first ST game and Opening Day, on the sidebar of this site, on Monday!
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Will you have fun old photos
with guess the date and guess the player again this off season? Those were great.
♪♫ It's a beautiful day for the ladies, so throw all your dishes away. ♪♫
Much better to win a series at least to end the season.
I’d like a sweep to pass them but at least win the series. I gotta think that us finishing so strong helps the rookies foster a winning attitude. Planning to lose just breeds that for the future.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Oct 2, 2010 4:26 PM CDT up reply actions
It's hard to believe that the season is almost over...
- I want to see the sweep
- Spring Training is too far away
- Thanks to all for a good time, even if the season is a disappointment
Eamus Catuli
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Castillo's GWRBI double can't earn him another start!
We need to see what Nady, Soriano, and especially Hill can do!
i hope that they all play C today
Chronologically inept since 2060
"I could be writing this crap!" -- Crow T. Robot
Me: Q: I can run but not walk. Wherever I go, thought follows close behind. What am I?
Wrigster A: Theriot
Last WGN game. Last chance to see the Cubs.
I feel all:
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
Why do you think castillo got benched again?
Did he call a wrong pitch in the shutout ofr something?
Quade is amazing!
Late! :P
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Oct 2, 2010 6:43 PM CDT up reply actions
wait - you're in Scotland and you're looking for a seedy lassie to "watch" the game with?
What’s Mrs. Zeke gonna say???
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
She'd say "good riddance"...
…and don’t let the door hit you in the a** on the way out…
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
hmm...
Meloncholy with I guess so after.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Oct 2, 2010 4:28 PM CDT reply actions
Ding!
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
Hit reply to Katie with that.
BCB keeps messin’ with me. While it’s nice to know I was right I hope they fix the bugs in this thing in the off season.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Oct 2, 2010 4:31 PM CDT up reply actions
I know Sue appreciates it but I gotta wonder if she's the only one.
Wellington got the game winning RBI and they reward him with pine because Quade decided Hill would be the primary catcher with Soto out. That’s a small worry to me as a manager that he sticks to odd decisions like that…a similar thing with the 2010 Piniella.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Oct 2, 2010 4:34 PM CDT up reply actions
Exactly....If he is going to stick with odd decisions like that, it really reminds me of Lou and and Lovie Smith for that matter....
Girardi or Sandberg in 2011!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
have any threads explored the Quade v Pinella managing anywhere?
furthermore, is there anyone on BCB who’s had time to really watch Sandberg’s managerial style post any kind of comparisons? It would be fascinating.
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we shall go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
I appreciate what?
I’d rather see Beef in there than Koyie.
A lovely story:
One day, long, long ago, there lived a woman who didn't whine, nag or bitch. That would be me....
But that was a long time ago and it was just that one day.
The end
Maybe he was talking about me Sue.
I’m a Sue too. I don’t have a problem with Hill playing as much as many do here and I’ve defended him a few times. Although I gotta be honest…today I was hoping for Beef, but I’m not upset about Hill. I was also hoping for Scales believe it or not. He got on base every time yesterday.
♪♫ It's a beautiful day for the ladies, so throw all your dishes away. ♪♫
btw, TJ - don't think we haven't been keeping a close eye on your performance these last few weeks
BCB will have to make some tough decisions for next year – one of which is trying to get a good handle on whether you can keep this up during the offseason. Sure, you’re doing well now, but everyone knows there are meaningless September games.
The offseason is key – will you be able to perform in the clutch when Hendry announces Bob Melvin is the new Cubs manager? Signs Fukudome to a 3 year extension? And offers Hill arbitration?
We’ll be watching…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
I did not know you
were a Sue. Good to know.
A lovely story:
One day, long, long ago, there lived a woman who didn't whine, nag or bitch. That would be me....
But that was a long time ago and it was just that one day.
The end
Nope I was talking about you.
You’ve admired Koyie has been playing and I knew you liked that he came back from injury for us. I was wrong, sorry to speak for you.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Oct 2, 2010 6:44 PM CDT up reply actions
No that was Katie who admired him.
I’m not a fan of his.
A lovely story:
One day, long, long ago, there lived a woman who didn't whine, nag or bitch. That would be me....
But that was a long time ago and it was just that one day.
The end
Yes, I confess
I’m the one that said I admired Hill’s injury comeback and I do. I also think the disdain for using him over Castillo around here is a tad over the top. Which isn’t to say that I always disagree with it. Just that I don’t think it’s that big a deal. When SET made that comment I thought for sure he had to have meant me. As for him calling me Sue it seemed plausible because that really is my name. I know I’ve said that once or twice before, so I just credited him with an amazing memory.
♪♫ It's a beautiful day for the ladies, so throw all your dishes away. ♪♫
Attention all you Padre haters...
SD is up 4-0 after 5 innings. Stauffer’s thrown a 1-hitter so far. Atl-Phi is 0-0 in the 5th.
Playoff chaos is still very much alive.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
I'd love to see a three-way tie.
It’s never happened in 130+ years of baseball history.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
dangit
what you’re saying then is that the Friars aren’t as ready as we hoped they’d be
Blast and Dang.
One of my coworkers down here in TN, a Red Sox fan, has hastily reverted to his Braves man love. Funny.
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we shall go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
well, BCB's thin skin aside, I think SD making the playoffs would be a good story for MLB
Plus the prospect of SD vs TB/Min in the World Series and the ensuing low tv ratings nightmare for Fox and MLB would make me happy.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
If it's Twins/Phillies...
… they might not finish till next spring due to snowouts.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
i hate to say this but I'm rooting for a Braves v Yankees series
I’d love to see Bobby Cox somehow get into one final WS. I can’t stand either team, but the guy is a legend and I’d hate to see it all end like this for him. Hate him or love him, the guy is a first ballot HOF’er and deservedly so.
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we shall go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
Yeah, I could see that.
But I think this might be the Twins’ year.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
yeahhh
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we shall go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
how about Braves vs Twins
ala 91…. Maybe the greatest series of all time
by LT on Oct 2, 2010 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions
And the Braves win in 7
1-0
"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
Yeah
maybe Lonnie Smith won’t have a brain fart this time..
by LT on Oct 2, 2010 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions
now THAT really was a Series to remember.
Game 7’s boxscores ..check it out some time. Inning for Inning, the Twins and the Braves gave no quarter and went at it like hockey players. I remember watching it at Lee College at a big screen. In at least 3 innings, they got virtually the same number of hits, same kind of great fielding to defend .. it really was for the ages.
So glad I had the MLB videotape of the series burnt to DVD here. Any baseball fan anywhere should have it in their collection. It ranks right up there with any other epic WS ..
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we shall go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
yep, nothing says strong leadership like seeing the Commish all bundled up in an overcoat
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
The 'Open Torture"
thread is on at McCovey Chronicles. I feel their pain.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Oct 2, 2010 4:46 PM CDT reply actions
will the final Cubs game tommorrow be aired nationally at all?
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we shall go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
surely it will be on MLB.TV, right?
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we shall go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
oh cool, then I will be able to watch it
I subbed to it in mid July when the faintest snowball’s chance the Cubs had to get back into it dissolved and haven’t really followed it since. The TV settings on MLB.TV are a pain and I won’t resub to it again, but to get my last Cubs fix, I will watch it ….
I did manage to download the Cubs Phillies game in 1979 when they scored a million runs and the Cubs lost. I’ll be burning that to DVD soon enough. I’ll have to rummage around in the archives a bit more before I cancel my sub.
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we shall go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
That 23-22 game is a cool one to watch.
There have been only two games in MLB history where a team has scored 20+ runs and lost.
Both involved the Cubs. The other was one they won over the Braves 26-23 on August 25, 1922.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
So much for the "dead-ball era".
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Mount Washington conquered July 5, 2010! State high point count: 3/50
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Oct 2, 2010 5:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Harrelson had something to do with no doubt!
Put in on the board…yes!!!
BARF!!!
The 2010 Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp ruled!!!!
excuse me
this is a cubs blog, we do not talk about that other team here
by jesus christos on Oct 2, 2010 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions
we're supposed to follow your rulez?
Daggumit I can’t do that…….Mercy!
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Oct 2, 2010 6:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Off to the side of the page
ttp://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/MLB-s-Fox-blackout-rules-make-this-Saturday-far-?urn=mlb-274078
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Oct 2, 2010 4:53 PM CDT reply actions
OT: Crisis averted - I am now back up to 3 different types of mustard in the fridge.
I normally have at least 5 so imagine my horror the other day, opening the fridge and seeing only the classic yellow staring up at me…
(shudders)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
I know that crisis.
We are big fans of the Mustard Museum. It has moved to Middleton, WI from Mt. Horeb. I’ve been converted ever since our first visit there.
♪♫ It's a beautiful day for the ladies, so throw all your dishes away. ♪♫
I just counted...
we have 10 mustards in our fridge (I confess one is classic yellow) and we have a couple unopened in our cabinet.
♪♫ It's a beautiful day for the ladies, so throw all your dishes away. ♪♫
anything with a touch of horseradish in it
Pure horseradish is too strong to be spread thickly on sandwichs, brats and such, but with it as an accent in mustard… culinary bliss!
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
They make Dijon style, right?
Haven’t tried that brand name, but I’m a big fan of Dijon. Is it readily available across country or specialty local stores only.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Readily available everywhere.
It’s the French cheap-o brand. But it’s my favorite because it’s rather strong and horseradish-y.
Writing quality posts since 1931.
Good enough for chilango2, good enough for me.
being cheap-o is an extra bonus. ;-)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Baumgartner's is my favorite like that.
It’s from a deli/store/bar (not sure what to call it) in Monroe, WI. I buy a couple every time we are up that way or from the Mustard Museum. You can find it classified in their store under by variety/horseradish or under by country/American Deli.
♪♫ It's a beautiful day for the ladies, so throw all your dishes away. ♪♫
What's on the side of the page that you want us to see?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Similar thoughts to yours
regarding MLB’s blackout rules
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Oct 2, 2010 5:02 PM CDT reply actions
Yes, that, definitely.
I’ll keep writing about ‘em. These articles are 100% correct. We’re seeing Braves/Phillies in Chicago, which IS an important game. But there’s no reason not to suspend the rules for the final week so that more people could watch all three of those games.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Why are people in Philadelphia being forced to watch Red Sox-Yankees?
Looks like that’s what MLB has stuck them with today. Heaven forbid anyone watch something besides Red Sox and Yankees! Even if the team in your home city is playing a game with playoff implications, you should be made to watch what you “want” to watch!
Fox Sux.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Mount Washington conquered July 5, 2010! State high point count: 3/50
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Oct 2, 2010 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions
UTLEY RBI
Phillies just took the lead 1-0 from Atlanta.
Derrek Lee looks weird in there.
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we shall go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
IBANEZ RBI
Phils now lead 2-0
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we shall go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
7-0.
Dangit the Padres will be even with Atlanta for the wildcard now.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Oct 2, 2010 6:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Not Quite OT : Anyone with Dish Network nationally can see Comcast Chicago right now
Apparently, Fox and Dish are rumbling over the cost of the feeds and Dish is squalling that Fox is being unreasonable. There is no FSN Atlanta or SportSouth Fox feed at all.
Dish, in response, is airing on like 8 different sat channels just about every major market’s live feed (from New England to Seattle, the NFL Channel) for FREE right now. It was also weird watching CSN on Dish last night, and the Derek Rose love commercials for th Bulls. It’s like a dream come true .. I just wish I could keep that feed on here!!!!!!
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we shall go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
VICTORINO RBI
and the Braves fans start heading for the seats. Still two out.
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we shall go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
54,296 packed Turner Field today .. for the Bobby Cox tribute.
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we shall go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
Draft vs. sweep
Go Cubs. I want to see them end the season with a sweep of the Astros. The difference between getting the #9 pick next year and the #11 pick isn’t that big a deal.
Much as the difference between the Cubs finishing 4th or 5th isn’t a big deal.
Or that the difference between (finally) winning a series versus sweeping against the Astros isn’t a big deal.
Sorry.. but I value the chance to draft in front of the Padres’ compensation pick and the Astros next June over the “momentum” of a sweep and a 4th place finish.
Sorry.. but I value the chance to draft in front of the Padres’ compensation pick and the Astros next June over the “momentum” of a sweep and a 4th place finish.So I will root for the Cubs to split their final two games.
Shut up Joe Morgan.
OT: Looks like Zeke gets to hold the conch shell this week
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Yep.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Mount Washington conquered July 5, 2010! State high point count: 3/50
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Oct 2, 2010 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions
DANGIT .. Padres' walk off double play cuts off the Giants bottom of the ninth comback attempt
ARRRRGH.
And the Braves ain’t looking very sharp all of a sudden .. and they are only 6 outs from losing.
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we shall go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
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