Cubs Win Spring Finale At Chase Field (Maybe They Can Win There After All!)
by Al Yellon on Apr 3, 2010 7:30 PM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
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PrintPHOENIX, Arizona -- Lest I get chided again for getting too excited about the Cubs' third shutout win in the last week, 6-0 over the Diamondbacks this afternoon, I am well aware that (all together now) "spring results mean nothing!"
Nevertheless, it was good to see the pitching staff -- all major leaguers today -- scatter seven Arizona hits; Esmailin Caridad finished it off with a nice double play, after Randy Wells, John Grabow, Carlos Marmol, Justin Berg and Jeff Samardzija gave up only five hits combined over the first eight innings.
It's clear to me that this staff has the ability to be a solid starting rotation and bullpen. The issue, as we have seen this spring, is consistency. Three times this week, the staff has twirled a shutout. And then, another day, they got pounded 11-0 by about half the major league Angels ballclub. They need to start throwing like today every time out, or at least most times, in order to succeed. I'd like to think that outings like today's will give guys like Caridad and Berg the confidence they need to be good major league setup men, as the club needs them to be.
Only time will tell.
The Cubs posted a pair of three-run rallies off mostly D'backs minor leaguers, although two old buddies of ours, Aaron Heilman and Bob Howry, both threw scoreless innings. When I heard Howry's name introduced, my shout of "Hey! Home run Howry!" amused the small group of Cubs fans sitting in front of me.
Before all the regulars departed, likely so they could make an early evening departure for Atlanta, Mike Fontenot, Chris Robinson and Ryan Theriot singled, producing a run; then Kosuke Fukudome hit a sac fly and Aramis Ramirez drove in another. The sixth-inning rally was sparked by Starlin (Vocal Band) Castro, who tripled (he also doubled later on). Castro finished the spring hitting .429 and made quite an impression on everyone. Still, I agree with everyone who says he needs most of this season in the minors; I don't think he should be recalled till September.
Michael Brenly got to catch half the game in front of his dad, which had to be a thrill for both; he grounded out and walked in his two at-bats. Michael Brenly, to my understanding, was mostly drafted just as a favor to Bob, but it does appear that he's likely good enough to at least have a shot at the major leagues. He's only 23, so he still has time. That'd be a great story.
Attendance today was announced as 19,571, though it appeared as if more of the paid crowd actually showed up today as compared to last night; looked like there was actually close to that number in the house, again about half Cubs fans.
And though it doesn't count for anything, it's still nice to win in Chase Field. Since the beginning of the 2004 season, the Cubs are 5-17 in the house of pain in Phoenix (including the two losses in the 2007 NLDS, and last night's loss). I believe winning helps breed winning, and any time you can do that -- it can't hurt. The Cubs finished the spring season 18-12, compared to last year's 18-18. Yes, I know: "spring records mean nothing!"
Let's keep that going for real, starting Monday.
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The best news of all is the next game is Opening Day
Favored or not, despite the holes they have, the Cubs have a chance…and baseball is back.
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
On to Atlanta, let the season begin!
And BTW, nice job Butler.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
Great way to finish up the spring!
Now we play for keeps!
BTW, can’t wait for that doozy of a pitching matchup tomorrow night! Baseball is BACK folks!
"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie" -- Tony Montana
I'm really surprised that ESPN is showing Yankees/Red Sox. They never show those teams.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
LOL
I cringe every time I see those teams on nat’l TV — But I’m awfully excited to see real baseball and you can’t ask for a better pitching matchup! Go BoSox!
"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie" -- Tony Montana
Agreed.
I’m just as excited to see real baseball, too.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Strap yourselves in, its gonna be a fun ride!
(ledge jumpers need not apply)
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
can a ledge jumper jump from the ground onto the ledge
and slowly enter the building?
Unofficial Self Appointed President of the Castro Blocker Fan Club
Yeah, that would be fine, he he
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Who?
I figured ESPN wouldn’t show minor league teams on opening day.
If it works don't go and F*** it up!
"SQUIRREL"
Get off my Land!
by Toews-makes-funny-faces on Apr 3, 2010 10:26 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't like how they moon over those teams.
Hence their new moniker, BSPN.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Who cares if he's a Cubs fan? This is a football forum! He is a PACKER fan as well. So, from now until March, I’m sure he’ll dedicate a lot of his time here. In late March, then we can be enemies during the baseball season. Besides, the Cubs have perhaps the most loyal baseball fanbase in the country. You have to respect that.
Go Pack!
by Jabooty on Jan 25, 2010 2:58 PM EST
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 4, 2010 1:39 AM CDT up reply actions
They already were the Eastern Seaboard Programming Network.
by Steven Schweickert on Apr 4, 2010 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions
Everything Sox and Pinstripes Network
(Credit: CaliCub)
"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
Fun in the Tigers/Brewers exhibition at Miller Park today:
The Brewers took advantage of a Tigers error to score eight runs in the fifth inning and of another miscue in the ninth to win. Craig Counsell hit what should have been a game-ending grounder to first base, but Tigers pitcher Robbie Weinhardt fumbled an underhand toss and Corey Hart scampered home with the winning run. Shut out on two hits through the game’s first four innings, the Brewers sent 12 men to the plate in the fifth and scored eight runs after Tigers shortstop Santiago muffed a potential double-play grounder that should have ended a scoreless inning. Casey McGehee, who led off the frame with a groundout back to the pitcher’s mound, delivered a go-ahead two-run double his second time up.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Sounds like something the Cubs would do in October!
Al, may I get a sarcasm sign?
"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie" -- Tony Montana
so they scored 8 runs on one error?
now thats some clogged bases
Unofficial Self Appointed President of the Castro Blocker Fan Club
can't wait for the first game Monday night
in Atlanta! Hopefully it isn’t blacked out on ESPN since I don’t get WCIU here ;-;
"They say you don’t win a pennant in April, but you can sure lose one." - Ryan Dempster
Where is "here"?
The ESPN game is supposed to be national.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
in good ol cornfields of DeKalb Illinois
"They say you don’t win a pennant in April, but you can sure lose one." - Ryan Dempster
I'm pretty sure you'll get the game on ESPN in DeKalb.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I remember listening to the one with Reed Johnson take away grandslam
while I was doing some homework and I looked up and I was like “HOLY C**P! That ball had some air!” Hopefully I’ll be able to do that this season.
"They say you don’t win a pennant in April, but you can sure lose one." - Ryan Dempster
Isn't the free preview of Extra Innings also on?
…sigh….can’t subscribe…..will hunt for……free MLB on line….shh….saw some yesterday…never tell…
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Apr 4, 2010 1:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Don't wait till Monday NIGHT
The game is at 3PM Central time
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Apr 3, 2010 9:35 PM CDT up reply actions
well then that makes things 1000 times better
Hopefully I’ll be done with my test at the time though ;-;
"They say you don’t win a pennant in April, but you can sure lose one." - Ryan Dempster
I gotta check the local liquor barn
And see if they have any Old Style
"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
Mike Piazza
was just drafted as a favor to Tommy Lasorda.
OK, Brenly is no Piazza. But I can totally see him being a backup catcher in the majors with a good defensive reputation.
I never travel far without a little Big Star. R.I.P Alex
It's time to win.
Lets go Cubbies (clap, clap, clap-clap-clap). Lets go Cubbies (clap, clap, clap-clap-clap)!!!
A-well-a Byrd, Byrd, Byrd, well the Byrd is the word.
Hmm. While I agree with the sentiment,
I HATE the term “Cubbies”. And that cheer. A more assertive, “LET’S GO CUBS!” is much better.
But the main thing is, baseball is back.
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 Apr 3, 2010 7:47 PM CDT up reply actions
to me it will totally be back
When I hear GO Gubs go. Go cubs go…….
And of course see Milton on here!!!!!
by cozmotaylor123 on Apr 3, 2010 8:33 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Actually a good spring
No issues really not like last year, which was like a cheap reality show. For the most part health is good, Players seem to have real positive take.
I can not see why this team can not pick up 9 wins from last year. Soto is not the Pillsbury dough boy, Bradley for Byrd is a huge win, Soriano appears healthy, Z will win at least 14 games, and the bench is stronger. The issue I have is the pen, they have to come through.
I will take the positive road. I like this team. Hell, the attitude of this club is better, that alone is a plus.
Yes I agree
posittive attitude all around. The rookies have looked good this spring, Silva is looking fine, the kids in the pen have shown ability to get people out, and best of all, the worst controversy this spring was Nady arm srtrength.
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Was a good spring
The Cubs found out their farm system is now producing some quality ballplayers in their system . Will be interesting to see what Castro can do in the majors come September . Maybe the Cubs second base won’t be an issue when Castro arrives and Theriot get moves to second base .. No worries when Fukudome’s contract expires with Colvin and Fuld waiting in the wings .. I sure like the backups for Soriano , when Soriano has to have time off for his knees .. Sure glad to have Nady and Tracy around , what a hugh addition to the bench from last year .. Between Baker , Nady , and Tracy the Cubs have just about every postion backup with quality players .. Lets play ball …
There wasn't anything cheap
About “Real World – Northsiders” last year.
"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
Hankies...
Maybe the Cubs marketing department can issue those “homer hankies” that the Dodgers, Twins and a couple other teams have. I would love to see those at Wrigley.
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse
Check with the training staff
I think we still have some towels laying around from a few years ago… ;-)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Count me out
I often wanted to market a line of t-shirts outside of Turner Field
Front (small, over the heart):
Back (huge):
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
It was fun listening to Bob Brenly when his son was playing
A prouder father there never was. Bob said at one point “The kid looks as calm as can be and I feel like I’m gonna vomit.”
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
That's really cool.
I hope someday Bob gets to see his son catch in the major leagues in the regular season.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
and he is calling the game as the Cubs are making their run
with young Bradley backing up for the World Series Winners………Chicago Cubs
Unofficial Self Appointed President of the Castro Blocker Fan Club
yes
whoops!
but who knows, maybe a young Bradley with MB in the booth would be what we need
Unofficial Self Appointed President of the Castro Blocker Fan Club
That made a ho-hum game
enjoyable…..Loved the split-screen take of Bren watching his son.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Apr 4, 2010 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes, he was.
I even wrote about it:
The sixth-inning rally was sparked by Starlin (Vocal Band) Castro, who tripled (he also doubled later on). Castro finished the spring hitting .429 and made quite an impression on everyone.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
No worries.
Castro deserves the extra attention.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
No kidding
He almost made a play on a ground ball up the middle – he was in the hole, leaning toward 3B, and almost came up with the ball on the 1B side of second base
You can’t coach speed, and he’s got a ton of it.
"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
Castro
Is ready. I said it earlier this year and people scoffed. Makes no difference how old you are, if you can play, you can play. This kid can certainly do that and he belongs on the major league roster.
"When the day comes with that last winning run and I'm crying and covered in beer. I'll look to the sky and know I was right to think someday we'll go all the way." - Vedder
You probably would have said the same thing about Gary Scott in 1991.
And you’d have been wrong. Give Castro one more year; he’ll be 21 next March and can wow us for decades to come.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
And like I said, I can watch him MANY times in Memphis this year...
"If I wasn't in our band I'd hate us, just to be cool." -Daniel Johns
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Apr 4, 2010 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions
It is time for Cubs Baseball
It’s been a century of sheer misery and agony since the Cubs won their last World Series
They left training camp with the intention to show the world that they’re the champs
It starts in April and ends in October, the Cubs are a team that won’t roll over
All the clubs in the MLB will know the Chicago Cubs are a team of destiny
Every player from Lee to Z will do their best to make you believe that the Cubs are destined to win the World Series.
There is a manager named Lou—who is nobody’s fool
He has four rings and he is not through, the fifth will come from the friendly confines on the corner of Clark and Addison
So if you want to jump on the band wagon—go ahead and start your braggin
Come October when there’s a chill in the breeze, the Cubs will be in Wrigley to win the World Series
I end this with the last line, go north siders it’s about damn time
Written by one of the trillion Cub fans—Phil Valentino
If it works don't go and F*** it up!
"SQUIRREL"
Get off my Land!
by Toews-makes-funny-faces on Apr 4, 2010 12:03 AM CDT reply actions
As I type this...
there’s only 1 day, 14 hours, 22 minutes, and 24 seconds until Opening Day!
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." -- Alvin Dark
It's time to drop realism, and drink that Koolaid,
‘cause this is gonna be the year. It won’t be easy, but with all their weaknesses, this team has the potential to go all the way.
Go Cubs!
Eamus Catuli
"A waist is a terrible thing to mind." - Terry 'Fat Tub of Goo' Forster
@Twitter as @brommmietze
by eths on Apr 4, 2010 5:48 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
That ain't koolaid your drinking
That’s reality!
If it works don't go and F*** it up!
"SQUIRREL"
Get off my Land!
by Toews-makes-funny-faces on Apr 4, 2010 8:27 AM CDT up reply actions
If the Cubs Season goes as well as my MLB2K10 season is going
It is going to be a great year.
If it works don't go and F*** it up!
"SQUIRREL"
Get off my Land!
by Toews-makes-funny-faces on Apr 4, 2010 8:30 AM CDT reply actions
I cannot remember ever seeing a day gamee at Chase Field
with the roof open. You could only do this in April, obviously. It just looked nice to see sunlight inside that place.
Perhaps if the roof was open more often during the day when the Cubs play there they would have a better record at Chase Field, eh?
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Apr 4, 2010 2:11 PM CDT reply actions
The Cubs played a day game there last April during the regular season.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
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