Cubs Vanish Completely In 2-0 Loss To Pirates
by Al Yellon on Jun 30, 2010 5:30 PM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
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Print- The Cubs gave up only five runs in the series, only three of them earned, yet lost two of three.
- The Cubs had the leadoff hitter on base in five out of six innings today (2-4-5-6-7), got him to scoring position three times (2-5-6), twice with only one out (2-5), yet failed to score.
- Octavio Dotel has 16 saves this year. The Pirates have only won 27 games. Eight of those 16 are against the Cubs -- that's right, Dotel has saved eight of the nine Pirates wins over the Cubs, with three games remaining. I do not know what the record is for most saves against a single team in a season, but Dotel has to be getting close.
- Garrett Jones, whose double broke the scoreless tie, is hitting .386/.438/.705 against the Cubs in 44 at-bats, with five doubles, three HR and 13 RBI. The Cubs should trade for him just to prevent him from hitting Cubs pitching
I really don't know what else to say. When Sean Marshall -- whose control this year has been excellent -- walked Lastings Milledge with the bases loaded to force in the second Pirates run, I knew the game was over. The Cubs had a shot at one run, perhaps, but not two, the way they were hitting today. They hit several fly balls that might have been out of the park on another day (including Derrek Lee's in the ninth), and I'm going to call out Alfonso Soriano today. His blast in the fifth inning would have been well out of the yard on most days, but with the wind howling in, it held up and was caught by Jose Tabata.
But Soriano stood at the plate admiring it. This is something I really can't stand about Soriano, and he's got to stop. What if that ball hits off the wall? He's got a single instead of a double.
Aramis Ramirez's error, which made both Pittsburgh runs unearned, ruined a nice outing by Tom Gorzelanny, who Lou said in his postgame remarks was being limited to 75-80 pitches (he wound up with 77, 51 for strikes, in five innings), and two solid relief innings from Brian Schlitter. Schlitter has a good arm and looks like a really good pickup (in the Scott Eyre deal two years ago).
It is just mind-boggling how the Cubs cannot defeat the Pirates this year, especially after having dominated them 24-8 the last two seasons. Now 3-9 vs. Pittsburgh (and 31-35 against everyone else), they are losing these games to a team that has scored 250 runs in 78 games and allowed 430. The Cubs, meanwhile, have been outscored 46-31 in the twelve games. It's possible the Pirates could score fewer than 500 runs this year -- that hasn't happened in a non-strike season since 1968, the Year of the Pitcher, when the Angels scored 498.
And the Cubs can't beat these guys. It was a lovely sunny day, anyway; the announced attendance of 37,391 seemed way off -- there were thousands of empty seats, clearly unsold, in the corners of the upper deck.
Maybe they can beat the Reds. Onward. What else can I say?
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Limp noodle effort all around.
Mrs. Zeke did not like it one bit. She’ll calm down before tomorrow Al. I hope.
We have met the enemy and they are us! ~ Walt Kelly, Pogo, 1971
Maybe you have to be in the bleachers for the Cubs to win.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Well, we've seen them lose there too. but what the heck. We're coming anyway.
See you tomorrow.
We have met the enemy and they are us! ~ Walt Kelly, Pogo, 1971
And being first on these recaps ain't what it used to be.
We have met the enemy and they are us! ~ Walt Kelly, Pogo, 1971
Kind of like an elbow macaroni?
I think I speak for everyone here when I say, "Wait, what the hell are you talking about?"
L&B mentioned
That Dotel has broken the single-season record for games saved vs. the Cubs with his 8th today.
"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
Little consolation but actually today was only his 7th save against the Cubs this year.
The rest: 2 each against CLE & CIN and 1 each against MIL, PHI, StL, SF and AZ
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
He's got 3 more chances at the record, then.
"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
What else can you say? Nothing sir.
My suggestion is that you report what you see with the impartiality of a rookie reporter:
Lede
Nut graph
Body
Stats
I think your writer’s psyche will thank you for the break while you follow this recipe.
Maybe I need one of those do-it-yourself recaps.
Those are a lot of work, though.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Maybe the Bizarro Game Preview would help
Upside-down pictures, platitudes about the opposing pitcher/team, etc.
Otherwise we’re left with this Einstein quote, since that’s what the Cubs appear to be doing offensively:
Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
In that vein...
Al, maybe you should let TJ take over for a series or two. Easy enough to do that positive kool-aid stuff for comments here and there, but let’s see how he does with an actual game preview and recap! Now that would be a true measure of performance art…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Wow, that would indeed be performance art.
Maybe I could do it in TJ style?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Al, i dare you to give it a try
Unofficial Self Appointed President of the Player Formerly Known as Castro Blocker Fan Club
Bleed Castro Blue
I'm not sure the work they entail
is worth it, Al.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 30, 2010 5:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah. It'd be less work to type out a AP-style blurb.
CHICAGO—The Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Chicago Cubs today 2-0 in front of 33,762. [Nameless Pirates’ pitcher] (2-13) held the Cubs to five hits over six-and-two-thirds innings.
Lastings Milledge hit a one-run double in the eighth and Sean Marshall walked in a run with the bases loaded.
The Cubs play the Cincinnati Reds tomorrow afternoon and the Pirates will travel to [wherever] where they’ll recapture their losing magic, lost only when they face the Cubs.
That took me less than two minutes to type. No biggie.
You're hired.
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on Jun 30, 2010 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions
This could happen to almost any team facing the Cubs this year.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Preparing to hike to the summit of Mount Washington in New Hampshire on Saturday, July 10....
State high point count: 2/50
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jun 30, 2010 7:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Soriano's fly ball watching
I’ve never been a big fan of his, and a big reason is because of his tendency to stand at the plate and admire his work when he should be putting his head down and running hard the way Marlon Byrd does on everything he hits. However, I gave him credit where it was due for changing his ways after Lou chewed him out for it several weeks ago. I didn’t see today’s game, but I noticed he stood and watched his second HR last night, even though it landed just a few rows into the bleachers. I hope this doesn’t mean he’s going to revert to his old ways. If I was getting his money, I’d be embarrassed to loaf like that.
by Mike Vails Evil Twin on Jun 30, 2010 5:41 PM CDT reply actions
He watched it
But it ended up being caught anyway. He’s not going to get any flak for this one.
"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
And,
there was a runner on first base. Soriano wasn’t going anywhere fast if that ball dropped.
Come visit me inside Wrigley along the Addison side mezzanine fence straight up from 1st base.
by section229beer on Jul 1, 2010 12:48 AM CDT up reply actions
He watched both on Tuesday
That really hasn’t changed.
by Shanghai Badger on Jun 30, 2010 7:06 PM CDT up reply actions
The Bucs SBN was fun.
That’s a positive?
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on Jun 30, 2010 5:43 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
How many people
are on that site, anyway?
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 30, 2010 5:49 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah they were pretty cool there.
though I would say there wasn’t many there to relate with…which isn’t surprising since our season has made our own gamethread get thinned out.
"The ones who want to achieve and win championships motivate themselves." - Da Coach
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 1, 2010 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions
I like that. We should invite them over some time.
Once we explain the bacon jokes we’d all be on the same page.
"The ones who want to achieve and win championships motivate themselves." - Da Coach
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 1, 2010 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions
Lou made a comment during the postgame about Colvin swinging at bad pitches.
Which is awesome, because Lou will probably use that as an excuse to sit Tyler for a while.
It's true, eg
He does swing at the low, inside fastball/breaking pitch. Over and over again.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 30, 2010 5:50 PM CDT up reply actions
I think they teach that to lefties these days
"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
what is also true ...
is that Kosuke Fukudome is a far worse option. Do you really disagree?
I'm not sure I agree with "far worse"
but the opposition has found the hole in Colvin’s swing. It’s up to Colvin to adjust to that.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 30, 2010 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Sure, it's up to Colvin to adjust.
But it’s been up to Kosuke to adjust for more than two years. He hasn’t.
Do you think Fukudome should be starting over Tyler Colvin — one of the few bright spots in this awful season? I’m not saying that Colvin will become Andre Dawson, but there’s a better chance that he’ll become something than Whirlybird Fukudome.
Do you actually disagree?
For the most part, I don't
but that doesn’t make Lou’s opinion any less valid.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 30, 2010 5:59 PM CDT up reply actions
You mean his opinion in the comments today?
Because if that’s what you’re saying, we’re in agreement.
But if you’re saying that Lou would be right to start Kosuke over Colvin going forward based on the comments today, then I really think you need to get your head examined, NBF.
No offense.
I didn't take that out of what he said, eg
And I should have my head examined, but the reason you cite should be last on the list.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 30, 2010 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Gotcha.
I agree with the assessment on Colvin, FWIW. I just have a feeling that Lou will use this to start Kosuke more. Which would be a huge mistake.
Unless (and only unless), the intent there is to showcase Dome for trade possibilities
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Who is gonna trade for him?
His defense is his only plus, right now. He can’t hit his way into the lineup anymore.
There are tons of guys all over the AAA level who can give you his numbers right now for a fraction of the cost.
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on Jun 30, 2010 6:14 PM CDT up reply actions
So because the opposition has found a hole in Colvin's...
…swing, which is very apparent, Lou will use that as an excuse to sit him? I’m not saying he won’t but that makes even less sense to me than so many of his other moves. I mean, seeing as this is obviously a lost season, wouldn’t it be better to play Colvin A LOT and give him a chance to make adjustments?
at the very least it might give the Cubs a little head start on how to plan for next season.
by bluekoolaide on Jun 30, 2010 7:19 PM CDT up reply actions
yabbut
that makes sense
"Shut the f*** up" – Derrek Lee. Well said my man, well said.
by jesus christos on Jun 30, 2010 7:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Right.
For a second I was actually thinking that Lou didn’t manage in the bizarro world.
by bluekoolaide on Jun 30, 2010 7:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Did Lou say "I'm benching Colvin"?
If he didn’t, then I don’t get what the point of this exercise is.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 30, 2010 8:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Really?
That’s the reason Lou will start him numerous times over the next few weeks.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Preparing to hike to the summit of Mount Washington in New Hampshire on Saturday, July 10....
State high point count: 2/50
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jun 30, 2010 7:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Lou's about as dumb as you can get.
Yes, Colvin has been getting victimized by that pitch lately. Soriano has been victimized by the low and away slider since he put on spikes. Theriot can’t work a count. There are numerous holes in the individuals on this team, and to call out a rookie, who has had limited playing time despite hitting better than everyone but Byrd, is particularly stupid.
Lou is done. He pulled this disappearing act in Tampa when he realized the team was a lost cause. He’s phoning it in, and by not tying the can to him, Hendry is phoning it in too.
Scott Bora$ is satan.
by Canadian Cubs Fan on Jun 30, 2010 8:07 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
To be fair to Lou
He was asked about Colvin. Specifically, he was asked about Colvin batting for Gorzelanny, and the reporter was asking if it was because Gorzo was finished for the game. Lou mentioned that Gorzo was on a pitch count, and then mentioned that Colvin missed on a few pitches. There was nothing more to it than that.
"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
Imagine there is a Cubs' game and nobody shows up.
Wrigley Field (almost) completely empty – Might wake a few people up.
I just dunno…
"A waist is a terrible thing to mind." - Terry 'Fat Tub of Goo' Forster
Miller Park South, anyone?
"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
I advocated that back during my more militant days.
But it won’t happen. Given the chance, I’d go to the park no matter how hucking forrible the Cubs are.
I'm not sure about this, but I seem to remember,
that the fans, all 30,000 (?), of one of the large German soccer clubs stood with their backs to the field, silently, for the first half to show their dissatisfaction with the team’s play.
If this team and its management continues to appear so lackluster, I would not be surprised to see something like this occur in Chicago.
"A waist is a terrible thing to mind." - Terry 'Fat Tub of Goo' Forster
by eths on Jul 1, 2010 12:57 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I sure hope so...
for the sake of the Cubs.
I am starting to get bothered by the lack of a showing by the Ricketts family regarding all this mess.
I know they care about winning, but maybe they could let the rest of us know THAT THEY CARE.
I feel like we are drifting on a sea despair with no sail and a half gallon of gas in the tank.
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on Jun 30, 2010 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions
What is it you'd like them to do?
Formerly known as BleedsbluinMi.
"You ain't a beauty, but hey you're alright. And that's alright with me" - The Boss
First off
Apologize to the fans for the crappy product they are putting out on the field.
Offer to roll-back some prices on tickets for the 2nd half of the season.
And then reaffirm that this is an atypical year which will not be tolerated in future years.
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on Jun 30, 2010 6:18 PM CDT up reply actions
In fairness to them
I don’t expect an apology any more than I expected an apology from a new president when he inherits a prior’s mess. This is the honeymoon for the Rickets. If they show a lack of caring next year then we’ll be talking.
apologize for the team?
did Ricketts build the team? Rolling back the prices may be something that might be feasable – only problem is then you piss off the people that bought them early and that might drive down pre-season sales next year…
Sipping the Kool-Aid since 1982 - Kinda
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
A partial rebate to season ticket holders would be a nice gesture.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
ya
season ticket holders are a different animal than the rest of us – I know that looking at next year, if I could potentially get cheaper tickets come July 1 for a game I might have bought anyway March 1 then I would wait…
Sipping the Kool-Aid since 1982 - Kinda
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
So, in the end
all we can do is continue to get screwed by the (Cubs) system and be happy that we have the privilege of paying the 2nd highest prices in baseball for a very BORING, UNDERPERFORMING mediocre team?
All I can say is: Ricketts family, I hope you had a great vacation in Africa and we are looking forward to your next exciting vacation (where ever that might be) while us Cub fans continue to cheer for the “hitless wonders”.
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on Jun 30, 2010 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions
so dont buy the tickets...
I am just thinking/stating as if I were the owner of the team…
Sipping the Kool-Aid since 1982 - Kinda
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
I'm not going to...
I have already postponed a trip to Wrigley in September.
I don’t like paying for mediocrity in products.
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on Jun 30, 2010 6:35 PM CDT up reply actions
ok there ya go...
…voting with your wallet – ahhhh the wonders of the free market…what game were you going to goto?
Sipping the Kool-Aid since 1982 - Kinda
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
oh....
and what about those of us who bought tickets from stub hub? Now those who sold me the tickets get to make another $5 per?
Sipping the Kool-Aid since 1982 - Kinda
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
The last team that got called the "hitless wonders"
Won a World Series. I somehow don’t think this team is quite up to that standard.
"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
"The scoreless wonders!"
They get runners on base, but do not score them! They get runners in scoring position and then strand them! Their leadoff “hitter” does not look to walk, and their manager doesn’t care!
I present to you the 2010 Chicago Cubs!
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Preparing to hike to the summit of Mount Washington in New Hampshire on Saturday, July 10....
State high point count: 2/50
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jun 30, 2010 7:15 PM CDT up reply actions
You should add a "And go f*ck yourselves!" after that.
it only seems fitting, with all the bad vibes coming from the clubhouse.
"Nothing can happen till you swing the bat."
-Haruko Haruhara
by windycitywarrior on Jun 30, 2010 7:19 PM CDT up reply actions
That's BS! STFU!
"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
We need more replacement watercoolers.
I blame Ricketts for that.
"The ones who want to achieve and win championships motivate themselves." - Da Coach
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 1, 2010 9:14 AM CDT up reply actions
How did you get screwed?
Were you forced to buy? Guaranteed wins? Help me understand.
by Shanghai Badger on Jun 30, 2010 7:09 PM CDT up reply actions
Not me directly, because I live in Detroit
but many of you who go on a more frequent basis, and especially for the Season Ticket holders.
The least they could do is give the Season Ticket holders a small discount (even 1% would be fine with me) at the end of the year for a below average product on the field.
Look, I know not everyone will agree with that, and that is fine. But if you don’t agree that the Cubs are charging people for a premium product and delivering mediocrity instead, then go on and enjoy the experience.
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on Jun 30, 2010 8:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Thing is, all a ticket guarantees you is an official game
Nothing more, nothing less.
If the Cubs had a better team, I’d have gone to more than two games (one in Milwaukee) at this point. But they don’t and I haven’t.
However, they haven’t “screwed” me. In addition to what I’ve already said, “screwing” the fans implies that they’ve somehow benefitted by sucking.
Again, help me understand, because I still don’t.
by Shanghai Badger on Jun 30, 2010 8:35 PM CDT up reply actions
I probably won't help you understand...
but I will give it one more try.
I’m not necessarily offended when a team like the Yankees or Red Sox charge crazy prices for their product, because they put an entertaining and quality product on the field every year.
However, I do have a problem with a team who continues to sell their product at “premium” prices, yet delivers an uninspiring and below- average product on the field. At some point, that team has to “fess up” and tell its fan base that they recognize the problem, and will at least, try to help ease the pain in some small way.
For me, that would be a reduction in the tickets prices (no matter how small that may be). Basic law of supply and demand.
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on Jun 30, 2010 9:09 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
LSA.
And rec’d.
It probably won’t happen during the season, though.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Preparing to hike to the summit of Mount Washington in New Hampshire on Saturday, July 10....
State high point count: 2/50
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jun 30, 2010 9:13 PM CDT up reply actions
Much more well articulated
That, I can see. The original came across as somewhat of a sense of entitlement, which for whatever reason, I’ve run out of patience with.
by Shanghai Badger on Jun 30, 2010 9:17 PM CDT up reply actions
I think everyone has had a problem with patience
after watching this team for half a year.
"The ones who want to achieve and win championships motivate themselves." - Da Coach
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 1, 2010 9:16 AM CDT up reply actions
so if the Cubs win
100 games and the World Series would it be ok to charge the season ticket holders an additional 1% for that?
Sipping the Kool-Aid since 1982 - Kinda
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
I make it to so few games per year.
Going to any games is a luxury for me.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Preparing to hike to the summit of Mount Washington in New Hampshire on Saturday, July 10....
State high point count: 2/50
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jun 30, 2010 7:23 PM CDT up reply actions
i heard they
Were in the bleachers today?? Is that not the case.
by cozmotaylor123 on Jun 30, 2010 6:45 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
No runs. No offense. No fun to watch.
No chance for the postseason…
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
June is over...
Fire Pinella and Hendry and let the rebuilding begin. I love Jimbo but enough is enough.
I'm wet nurse to a (4th)-place, dead-to-the-neck-up ball club, and I'm choking to death!
noooo
if you are going to fire sale I would say you would want Hendry…
Sipping the Kool-Aid since 1982 - Kinda
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
Hendry is arguably more culpable than Pinella
Pinella merely sits in the dug-out and picks his nose. Hendry is guilty of assembling this rif raf.
I'm wet nurse to a (4th)-place, dead-to-the-neck-up ball club, and I'm choking to death!
I am not arguing that
who is culpable is debateable - just Hendry is good at trading
Sipping the Kool-Aid since 1982 - Kinda
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
This is pretty similar "riff-raff"
to the team that won 97 games a couple years ago. I’m starting to think they won all those games despite Piniella, not because of him.
Scott Bora$ is satan.
by Canadian Cubs Fan on Jun 30, 2010 8:09 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, at least losing 14-12 has some entertainment value
This team is about as exciting as watching an embalming….
I've never watched an embalming.
Is it interesting? Are they giving 80% discounts on tickets?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Actually, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience...
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Kind of deadbeat if you ask me.
"A waist is a terrible thing to mind." - Terry 'Fat Tub of Goo' Forster
I've been told leprosy victims get half off.
"The ones who want to achieve and win championships motivate themselves." - Da Coach
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 1, 2010 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions
The Reds
are gonna come in here and just beat our brains out—I can feel it.
The guy they couldn’t decide if they wanted to resign this past winter, Johnny Gomes, already has over 52 RBI! And that doesn’t even lead the team.
Real scarry team to play against right now.
Besides I heard they have Cy Young, Bob Gibson and Tom Seaver going for them this weekend against the the Cubs.
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on Jun 30, 2010 5:56 PM CDT reply actions
Screw the recap - let's get to the real stuff.
C’mon Al – inquiring minds want to know. What did Tom Ricketts have to say when he stopped by your seats? ;-)
Obviously my vantage point was a bit awkward being down in the street, so I had to mostly read lips, but it looked like it went something like this…
Tom: “So Al, what do you think of our $10 Ron Santo Ticket Tribute?”
Al (grunts and extends arm): “Talk to the scorecard, Tom. Talk to the scorecard…”
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Perhaps briefly - it looked more like he was talking to the whole group in Al's area.
I watched Ricketts slowly make his way along the walkway behind the LF bleachers, stopping and talking to fans now and then, posed for a few pictures. No big entourage, just him and maybe one crowd control person here and there. He certainly wasn’t making a big deal out of it.
Putting aside for the moment the current maelstrom the Cubs are in, I kinda liked what he was doing. Definitely low-key, just walking by. He actually approached a few fans and engaged them – almost positive they had no idea who he was at first, though I’m guessing he probably introduced himself at some point.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Yes, Tom stopped by for a while.
He was just saying hello. He got back from Africa yesterday.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
You sound so non-chalant about speaking with the president of a professional team!!
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on Jun 30, 2010 10:26 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
He actually approached a few fans and engaged them – almost positive they had no idea who he was at first, though I’m guessing he probably introduced himself at some point.
Considering he was wearing a team ID badge around his neck that said “TOM RICKETTS”, I suspect it was pretty easy for people to identify him.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
you didn't seem some of the fans he was talking to... ;-)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Oh, just in case it wasn't obvious...
I was kidding about that whole Ron Santo $10 ticket conversation. I have no idea what they talked about.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
jody davis tribute in Aug
Tickets going for $7.
by cozmotaylor123 on Jun 30, 2010 6:47 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
July 15th is
Joe Hansman throws out the 1st pitch and sings the 7th inning stretch day – tickets are $1,000 a piece to start at…
Sipping the Kool-Aid since 1982 - Kinda
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
I can't wait for Al Oliver tribute days...
by Shanghai Badger on Jun 30, 2010 7:10 PM CDT up reply actions
You fools... you have no idea what awaits you after the All-Star break...
Hey Cub Fans! Come to Wrigley Field and help celebrate the return of our very own 3-time All-Star, 3-time Silver Slugger Carlos Zambrano with $38 Upper Deck Reserved tickets!
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
I just hope they don't have a Theriot or Fukudome tribute.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
$1 seats for the Theriot tribute.
Because that’s how many (or few) pitches he takes.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Preparing to hike to the summit of Mount Washington in New Hampshire on Saturday, July 10....
State high point count: 2/50
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jun 30, 2010 8:25 PM CDT up reply actions
The Blue Man group is
is doing some sort of Theriot promotion where in addition to a ticket to see a show you get an autographed Ryan Theriot baseball!
"You've got to get your damn shirts rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass. That's what you've got to do. Period." -- Lou Piniella
What about Aaron Miles...
probably would work easily when the Cards swing by Chicago.
"The ones who want to achieve and win championships motivate themselves." - Da Coach
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 1, 2010 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions
Worst thing about this
is that we’re still ten games behind Baltimore in the Anthony Rendon sweepstakes. Never going to catch them.
by Josh Timmers on Jun 30, 2010 5:58 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Purke won't be a draft-eligible sophomore, either, will he?
If not, there’s always hope for the 2012 draft.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
maybe thats why lou is playing fukudome more
"Shut the f*** up" – Derrek Lee. Well said my man, well said.
by jesus christos on Jun 30, 2010 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Rice University
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
Maybe Felix Pie will triumphantly return and lift the O's out of the MLB cellar.
I mean, if this keeps up for a bit, we have a shot at catching the O’s. It’s gonna take some luck and a Baltimore winning streak, though.
Aw, who am I kidding. Even if we get the #1 pick we’re just going to take someone else.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
Random, but... that wristband system...
is pointless. I went to the game last night and had a few beers. No wristband at all. I just had people I’m with buy me beer. I’m over 21, I just lost my ID. Apparently the vendors still make you show ID when you buy beer though. So… what’s the point?
If security catches you with a beer and you don't have a wristband...
…. you’ll be thrown out.
Were you in the bleachers? The wristbands are only in the blachers.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Given today's performance, somehow "blachers" seems more appropriate
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Yeah, as soon as I typed the correction, I thought the same thing.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
im suprised
This site doesn’t have spellcheck ability that u could turn on and off as a personal setting.
by cozmotaylor123 on Jun 30, 2010 6:50 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Get Firefox
Built in spellcheck!
"Nothing can happen till you swing the bat."
-Haruko Haruhara
by windycitywarrior on Jun 30, 2010 7:05 PM CDT up reply actions
not for me
I’m a gud speller.
by cozmotaylor123 on Jun 30, 2010 8:08 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
me to!
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jun 30, 2010 8:09 PM CDT up reply actions
ewe nevr sea speiling badd frum me
Unofficial Self Appointed President of the Player Formerly Known as Castro Blocker Fan Club
Bleed Castro Blue
Vat iz dis spelling ding? Do I kneed won?
"A waist is a terrible thing to mind." - Terry 'Fat Tub of Goo' Forster
by eths on Jul 1, 2010 12:29 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I have Firefox.
Yes, it has spellcheck. It doesn’t have type-too-quick-and-hit-post-check.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Does Safari have the spellcheck as well?
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Preparing to hike to the summit of Mount Washington in New Hampshire on Saturday, July 10....
State high point count: 2/50
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jun 30, 2010 8:25 PM CDT up reply actions
LOL.
Well played, sir.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Preparing to hike to the summit of Mount Washington in New Hampshire on Saturday, July 10....
State high point count: 2/50
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jun 30, 2010 8:27 PM CDT up reply actions
I sure was...
and no wristband doesn’t equal getting thrown out. The usher guy approached a guy who looked like he was 16 years old who was drinking and didn’t have a wristband on, talked to him, and then left. The usher guy, that is. The fan remained there the rest of the game.
Interesting.
Because I have seen non-wristbanded people tossed.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Huh.
This is strange. I’ll have to see what this is like on July 21 when I’m in the blachers.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Preparing to hike to the summit of Mount Washington in New Hampshire on Saturday, July 10....
State high point count: 2/50
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jun 30, 2010 7:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Oldest remedy----FIRE THE MANAGER
Lou is done and will get paid for the final four months. Put him in the front office if he wants to do something.
Yes he is not batting but the team has taken his personality of mailing it in.
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
Did we even get any walks today?
It could be two straight days of not getting any walks.
And that is a really bad sign of hope for the future.
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on Jun 30, 2010 6:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes!
There was one exciting walk! It happened leading off the sixth inning, giving Cubs fans extremely good hope!
Perhaps another walk will come along tomorrow! I can hardly wait!
(Channeling TJ11)
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
no Al, more like...Dont worry Cubs fans, we'll get another walk tomorrow!...no that's not right either, only TJ can be TJ :)
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jun 30, 2010 6:16 PM CDT up reply actions
Walks just clog the bases!
This team is too good to walk! We will hit 3 HRs tomorrow with the win blowing in! Lou is going to chat up the boys tonight, tomorrow begins our 10 game winning streak!
wow... you're good!
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jun 30, 2010 6:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Now THAT'S more like TJ11.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Preparing to hike to the summit of Mount Washington in New Hampshire on Saturday, July 10....
State high point count: 2/50
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jun 30, 2010 7:17 PM CDT up reply actions
And Lee got HBP
"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
Woo Hoo
then there IS HOPE for the future!
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on Jun 30, 2010 6:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Actually, it goes...
“Walks take too long, the Cubs are showing support for their fans by moving the game along faster!”
by Steven Schweickert on Jul 1, 2010 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions
In fairness to Soriano
there was a man on first when he hit the fly ball.
It was hit high enough that either it was going to land in the basket or be caught. The chances of it hitting off the wall were minimal and even if it did, the man on first was near the bag…he didn’t even go halfway.
But, in general, I agree, standing and admiring your big flies, especially one that barely made the warning track, is a bad habit.
It's true there was a man on first
But off the bat, it wasn’t a “hesitantly trot toward the bag” moment – it was a “Boy, I hit that a long way!” moment.
"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
Agreed
All I’m saying is that it wouldn’t done any good to run hard out of the box.
The posing stuff really grates on me. It’s no wonder pitchers tend to respond with one under the chin.
That's another reason Byrd tends to get a bunch of love around here
No admiration, he drops the bat, trots the bases, steps on home and gets in the dugout. Plenty of time for celebration there.
I just wish he’d hit more homers so other guys would have an example.
"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
Roughly halfway through the season
10 games below .500. Two teams at the top of the division on pace for 90 wins. It’s not looking good.
Cubs now on pace to win 70 games this year
I'll go to my grave believing Armando Galarraga tossed the 21st perfect game in MLB history.
I used to hate day games
because of my work schedule, I am hardly ever able to follow day games.
It’s really sad that I’m beginning to look forward to them because it’s already over when I check in. I can quick read the recap and call it a day.
That depresses me a little.
It never gets to be easy
I was listening today on XM...
I left the office when it was 0-0. By the time, I got down the elevator and the reception came back, the Pirates had scored their 2 runs. At that point, I knew it made no sense to listen to the rest.
Visit bloggingthebracket.com, SBNation's bracketology/CBB rambling site!
by Chris Dobbertean on Jun 30, 2010 7:22 PM CDT up reply actions
After the Pirates scored one,
I just closed MLB Gameday. I knew it was over.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Preparing to hike to the summit of Mount Washington in New Hampshire on Saturday, July 10....
State high point count: 2/50
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jun 30, 2010 7:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Imagine that yesterday was attending your FIRST Cubs game in person.
Would YOU ever go back? Well, that was the case for one member of our foursome. We’re going back today for our last shot, but based on what I expect will happen, he’ll never come back – and I wouldn’t blame him.
Sad that it’s come to this…
We have met the enemy and they are us! ~ Walt Kelly, Pogo, 1971
If I was a fan, anyway, yes.
Let’s stick to home games for a second – there are 81 of them every year, and at each one, several fans are at their first Cubs game. Even in the best of years, the Cubs lose at least 30 of those. Of those 30, at least 15-20 are probably clunkers. That’s just the luck of the draw.
As for yesterday, well . . . this is just not a very good team.
I hope you see a better one today.
by Shanghai Badger on Jul 1, 2010 6:46 AM CDT up reply actions
Or their first Cubs game at Wrigley Field.
I often see a picture of the scoreboard in Center Field from my first game at Wrigley posted after the Cubs win (Cubs beat the Mets 3-0, scoring one run in each of the first three innings).
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Preparing to hike to the summit of Mount Washington in New Hampshire on Saturday, July 10....
State high point count: 2/50
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 1, 2010 6:58 AM CDT up reply actions
red sox signed rich hill
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/06/red-sox-sign-rich-hill.html
bow down yankees!
"Shut the f*** up" – Derrek Lee. Well said my man, well said.
Hill to the Red Sox? Barrett to the Mets?
Clearly the only proper response to this would be for the Yankees to sign Prior…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
He worked out for scouts today
You never know.
"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
Pitchers are in such short supply with the amount of teams in the league
that it becomes difficult for all of them to lose interest in one, specially if they are cheap.
"The ones who want to achieve and win championships motivate themselves." - Da Coach
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 1, 2010 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions
The only question that matters
Did the hoi polloi burn down the bleachers today?
by JSB on Jun 30, 2010 6:28 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Arguably the finest ever Three Stooges short
I'll go to my grave believing Armando Galarraga tossed the 21st perfect game in MLB history.
Because of low attendance
will the Cubs bring back ladies day. My uncle went every Tuesday from 1952 – 1963.
Ladies Night happens on Fridays in some minor league parks.
It’s not the 1950s and it’s not the majors, but it’s still alive…
We have met the enemy and they are us! ~ Walt Kelly, Pogo, 1971
There really
isn’t much to say anymore. The board use to be fun around here, but gracious this team has taken us all down.
I understand the reasons why people don’t want to fire Lou, I get it. But when your team is dead, is treading water ( actually under water) and lifeless, a change needs to be made.
Will it help? who knows, but damn enough already, how about a different voice. Trammel, maybe not Casey Stengel, but this dreariness has to stop doesn’t it?
They couldn't do worse if any of us were the manager.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I would love to shadow
Lou for a day – just to see what all goes on that we dont see that influences his decisions…
Sipping the Kool-Aid since 1982 - Kinda
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
Careful.
You might fall asleep an hour before game time.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
It is debatable
if Lou even wakes up for the day…the problem with him is his age. By the time the 1:05 start rolls around it is dinner time and the 7:05 game is already 2 hours after his bedtime - if the games were to be 5:05 in the morning we would be undefeated and Lou would have gotten us 3 rings already
Sipping the Kool-Aid since 1982 - Kinda
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
Naps are healthful and refreshing
Wouldn’t do me any harm, even if it doesn’t do the team any good….
This game was so boring, that I actually fell asleep in the 4th!! Didn't wake up 5 minutes after the final out.
Also, Lou didn’t mention how his team can’t play small ball. 4th shutout in the last 11 games against 4 different opponent is PATHETIC
by braziliancubsfan on Jun 30, 2010 6:38 PM CDT reply actions
Heck, I will get afternoon naps over the next few days against the Reds.
The 2010 Chicago Cubs are an anesthetic, didn’t you know that?
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Preparing to hike to the summit of Mount Washington in New Hampshire on Saturday, July 10....
State high point count: 2/50
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jun 30, 2010 10:08 PM CDT up reply actions
What BCF didn't mention was that he was AT the game. He was sitting next to me.
His snoring kept me up!
We have met the enemy and they are us! ~ Walt Kelly, Pogo, 1971
Are you kidding?
I didn’t learn how to nap until I went to college.
I hated naps as a kid, family legend says I pretended to sleep at pre-school and then crawled around and tied peoples’ shoe laces together.
Things work out best for those that make the best out of the way things work out - Coach Wooden
Just the kids wearing White Sox shirts though, right?
"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
Cardinals for me.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Preparing to hike to the summit of Mount Washington in New Hampshire on Saturday, July 10....
State high point count: 2/50
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jun 30, 2010 10:15 PM CDT up reply actions
No idea
family legend is awful sketchy.
but it was more likely to be kids who wore Packer gear.
Things work out best for those that make the best out of the way things work out - Coach Wooden
Hey now.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Preparing to hike to the summit of Mount Washington in New Hampshire on Saturday, July 10....
State high point count: 2/50
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jun 30, 2010 10:19 PM CDT up reply actions
I was just more likely to notice green
than black.
Things work out best for those that make the best out of the way things work out - Coach Wooden
Until ~2003, I was more likely to notice blue and orange.
After that, it became purple and yellow.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Preparing to hike to the summit of Mount Washington in New Hampshire on Saturday, July 10....
State high point count: 2/50
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 1, 2010 6:39 AM CDT up reply actions
My standbye story...
back in the day of writing stories about dull softball games in my old job as an SID, I always wanted to write a lede like this…
No one was injured Wednesday as the Chicago Cubs fell to the Pittsburgh Pirates, 2-0 at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
I think I speak for everyone here when I say, "Wait, what the hell are you talking about?"
The Cubs scored 0 runs
And were lucky to get that many.
"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
Is there any hope for this team?
With all of our long-term contracts, and the complete lack of production, is there any scenario where the Cubs are in the playoffs before 2013? I haven’t seen anything realistic. Just wildly optimistic trade scenarios that will never happen.
You never say never
A lot of things can happen, sometimes sooner than you think.
Anybody in late 2007 think the Blackhawks would be Stanley Cup champs less than three years later?
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 30, 2010 6:42 PM CDT up reply actions
NBF, you and I are both optimists by nature.
But man, my optimism is being severely tested these days.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Always are the times
that try Cubs’ fans souls. :)
Two 2-0 losses and two 2-1 losses in the last eight days isn’t exactly a recipe for putting away the sharp objects, I’ll admit.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 30, 2010 6:49 PM CDT up reply actions
And me too
Things work out best for those that make the best out of the way things work out - Coach Wooden
I don't know hockey
But didn’t that crazy owner die, and the new owner put the Hawks on TV, creating a massive new revenue stream? I don’t see something like that happening with the Cubs.
Cubs Baseball System?
or Cubs Broadcasting System, Cubs Baseball Station, Cubs Baseball Network??? possibilities…
Sipping the Kool-Aid since 1982 - Kinda
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
that's the kind of thinking I'm talking about
maybe a Cubs channel would create enough revenue to buy out the contracts of all of the overpaid underperformers on this team
I imagine it would create
some big bucks…should also increase the revenue from the other advertisement signages…
Sipping the Kool-Aid since 1982 - Kinda
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
oh oh
let’s impose a “Cubs tax” on a few freeloader teams like the Brewers, and use the money to sign some free agents… like maybe Ryan Braun.
Why are the Brewers freeloaders? Because they only sell tickets when the Cubs come to town.
too many CBSes
"Shut the f*** up" – Derrek Lee. Well said my man, well said.
by jesus christos on Jun 30, 2010 6:51 PM CDT up reply actions
So that's what CBS stands for!
I was always wondering about that.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Preparing to hike to the summit of Mount Washington in New Hampshire on Saturday, July 10....
State high point count: 2/50
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jun 30, 2010 7:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Essentially.
Bill Wirtz died and Rocky struck the deal. Home games are now on WGN and CSN like road games. No new network was created or anything like that.
Bill was focused on making money by spending as little as possible, hence the nickname “Dollar” Bill Wirtz. He thought that blacking out all home games would get people into the UC, but all it did was make people forget hockey existed.
by Steven Schweickert on Jul 1, 2010 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions
Based on where the Cubs are now, 3 years seems like a good over/under for a turnaround
But that does bring us to 2013….
Most of the Cubs bad
contracts come off the books in the next year or two. If Hendry would admit mistake and failure, he could speed up that process. If the payroll remains where it is now (a big if) the Cubs could be a contender again in 1-2 years.
DEJESUS!!!
Less payroll committed then
Right now, there won’t be room to make any real personnel moves until after 2011.
In 2011, the team already has $101M committed to Soriano, Zambrano, Ramirez, Fukudome, Dempster, Silva, Byrd, Grabow, and Samardzija. Add arbitration for Marmol, Soto and Marshall, and you don’t get a lot of change from your $140M bill….and you still have 14 roster spots to fill (unless Samardzija finally sticks with the Cubs).
1950s Cubs
This team is as bad as most of those 1950s Cubs teams. Trust me, I was there. The only difference is that, in the 50s, the Cubs had worse pitching but much better hitting, which at least made them more fun to watch. Hey, if they lost 12-7 but Ernie still hit two HRs, you went home with something. These guys give us nothing but depressingly boring losses, Maybe we should fire Lou now and give the “college of coaches” a second try. (Just kidding.)
"All I'm asking for is what I want." -- Ricky Henderson
I like having fun, even if the Cubs end up on the bottom.
I wouldn’t mind the building losses as much if the games were at least a little entertaining. That’s why I like it when the new kids come up and play (and why I don’t like it when they get called up to warm the bench.)
"Nothing can happen till you swing the bat."
-Haruko Haruhara
by windycitywarrior on Jun 30, 2010 7:15 PM CDT up reply actions
To paraphrase Branch Rickey
The Cubs could be where they are now without DLee, Rami, Z, Soriano, Riot, et al.
"All I'm asking for is what I want." -- Ricky Henderson
by sweetswinger on Jun 30, 2010 7:29 PM CDT up reply actions
No to Trammel
Why suggest Trammel…..it would be the same lineup & same style of play. . Reassign Hendry & get a baseball mind in place that knows the “true” value of contracts. Gorzellany should have never been moved out of the rotation. at the time, he was out-performing Wells. Lou reacted too early on moving Big Z to the bullpen & let him sit for 6 weeks with little work . I don’t condone his actions but someone has to step up & light some fires. Lee & Ramy should bat 7th & 8th & have Colvin, Sori, Byrd in the 3-4-5 slot & move Castro maybe to the 2 spot. Find the best leadoff hitter in the minors with some speed & get some new blood into this team. Fontenot, Baker, Nady & yes Theriot have done absolutely nothing to get us some wins. Cashner should be the next starter in line when a pitcher is traded. Don’t assign “Z” to the bullpen but let him come back as a starter after he apologizes to everyone from top to bottom.
I am not over-impressed with Ricketts as an owner so far just because he was quoted that Hendry is in charge. He is the guy who got this team in trouble with huge multi year-no trade clause contracts. He shows up at wrigley as an arrogant “lnow it all” when he is the laughing stock of all GM’s in MLB. He tried to supress Ryno from winning by assigning the top prospects in AA instead of AAA. How did Castro not land in Iowa or better yet in the opening day lineup. Call it favortism to the “Louisiana Playboys”. We have prospects within the organization that deserve a shot like our vitamin C boys (Castro, Cashner, Colvin.). There is no leadership from the staff & Jaramillo’s offensive system has worked wonders in the minor league system but hasn’t worked with our “prima-donnas” on Sheffield & addison. We go against a catcher who was 4 of 64 in throwing out runners yet we don’t steal hardly at all. We play the same bad baseball everyday & I don’t want our younger players to catch this virus. If Lou has done everything possible, which he hasn’t, what the hell is Trammel & the over-rated Rothschild telling him…nothing because they our intimidated by the icon in the dugout. The potential answer to our Cub fan ills is sitting in Iowa a phone call away. Don’t use him now but Ricketts needs to tell him don’t sign on with any other team because you are the man in charge at Wrigley in 2011 no matter what the “Big Whopper” Hendry thinks. It time to over-rule the poor decisions. Yes, the african safari didn’t help matters either. Never heard of an owner going on vacation during the season. Only happens in Cubdom.
One last request, please let Jim Hendry sing the 7th inning stretch so Cubs nation can show up 40,000 strong to let Ricketts know how they really feel. Give a 24 hour notice to Gary, Indiana about the earthquake of “BOOS” from the Northside.
He tried to supress Ryno from winning by assigning the top prospects in AA instead of AAA. How did Castro not land in Iowa or better yet in the opening day lineup. Call it favortism to the "Louisiana Playboys".
Is this a conspiracy theory or is there actually truth to this? Someone explain to me.
"Nothing can happen till you swing the bat."
-Haruko Haruhara
by windycitywarrior on Jun 30, 2010 7:23 PM CDT up reply actions
I wouldn't take seriously any opinion
that eschews the use of a paragraph mark.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 30, 2010 7:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Just like I wouldn't take seriously
any posts that use exclamation points liberally.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 1, 2010 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions
it was on the mythbusters
"Shut the f*** up" – Derrek Lee. Well said my man, well said.
by jesus christos on Jun 30, 2010 7:25 PM CDT up reply actions
They should do a Cubs special, plenty of material to work with.
"Nothing can happen till you swing the bat."
-Haruko Haruhara
by windycitywarrior on Jun 30, 2010 7:28 PM CDT up reply actions
They could like... shoot a billy goat out of a cannon
Or shoot a black cat… out of a BIGGER cannon!
"Nothing can happen till you swing the bat."
-Haruko Haruhara
by windycitywarrior on Jun 30, 2010 7:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Made out of duct tape!
"Juuuuuuussst a bit outside. He tried for the corner and missed..."
- Harry Doyle
by Rusty in Peoria on Jul 1, 2010 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions
It's pure silliness
Most teams assign their top prospects to AA. Unless the Marlins (Stanton) and Nationals (Strasbourg) were engaged in a similar conspiracy.
by JSB on Jun 30, 2010 7:30 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
It's everywhere!
It never gets to be easy
by chitownhawkeye on Jun 30, 2010 10:11 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm not impressed with Ricketts either.
His power level isn’t over 9000.
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
Or magically spikey long har.
"Nothing can happen till you swing the bat."
-Haruko Haruhara
by windycitywarrior on Jun 30, 2010 7:34 PM CDT up reply actions
I also thought
that when referring to the streets that Wrigley sits on it wasnt Waveland and Sheffield…Clark and Addison maybe?
Sipping the Kool-Aid since 1982 - Kinda
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
Who is AngryAndy?
Someone who was formerly on BCB with that alias?
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Preparing to hike to the summit of Mount Washington in New Hampshire on Saturday, July 10....
State high point count: 2/50
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jun 30, 2010 8:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes, either that name or some variation of it
He seemed like a most disturbed young feller, easily agitated and prone to go off on rants every now and then…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Some believe he is Eric Hanna's alter-ego
I’m not making that up.
by Shanghai Badger on Jun 30, 2010 8:29 PM CDT up reply actions
He was more on the Bulls SB site
it was rather amusing. He was their Blou.
Things work out best for those that make the best out of the way things work out - Coach Wooden
He's popped up on the Packers SBN site, too
He was good for a couple of laughs.
"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
He was on the Bears site a few times too
course, they have their own trolls.
My favorite thinks that “its cute when girls try to talk football”.
Funnily enough, I haven’t spent much time there since.
Things work out best for those that make the best out of the way things work out - Coach Wooden
Who exactly thinks that?
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Preparing to hike to the summit of Mount Washington in New Hampshire on Saturday, July 10....
State high point count: 2/50
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jun 30, 2010 10:21 PM CDT up reply actions
A guy on Windy City Gridiron
Nothing to worry about. It just rankled.
Things work out best for those that make the best out of the way things work out - Coach Wooden
This one is worth laughs.
green Bay Packers running game and defense will take them to Super Bowl
Not sure in what reality that would happen in.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Preparing to hike to the summit of Mount Washington in New Hampshire on Saturday, July 10....
State high point count: 2/50
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jun 30, 2010 10:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Jones
has been a stud against us, He drives every low pitch we throw him. Why are we still throwing low strikes to him?
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
Cub Killers
Jones is in a long tradition of so-so players who who just killed the Cubs, especially in Wrigley. Jerry Lynch, a guy who was with the Piratges and Reds.in the ’50s and ’60s is the one I remember the most. But there have been other more recent ones—e.g. Carlos Lee.
"All I'm asking for is what I want." -- Ricky Henderson
by sweetswinger on Jun 30, 2010 7:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Jerry Lynch?
I’ve never heard of him … which is probably a good thing based upon the way you say it.
Also, who are the Piratges?
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Preparing to hike to the summit of Mount Washington in New Hampshire on Saturday, July 10....
State high point count: 2/50
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jun 30, 2010 7:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Senior Piratgage?
"Nothing can happen till you swing the bat."
-Haruko Haruhara
by windycitywarrior on Jun 30, 2010 7:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Jerry Lynch
Gerald Thomas Lynch (born July 17, 1930) is a former professional baseball player who played outfield in the Major Leagues for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1954-56 and 1963-66) and Cincinnati Reds (1957-63). He was born in Munger, Michigan.
He helped the Reds win the 1961 National League Pennant. On September 26, 1961 Lynch propelled the Cincinnati Reds into the World Series with his two run home run off of Cubs pitcher Bob Anderson scoring Vada Pinson. He finished 22nd in voting for the 1961 NL MVP for playing in 96 games and having 181 At Bats, 33 Runs, 57 Hits, 13 Doubles, 2 Triples, 13 Home Runs, 50 RBI, 2 Stolen Bases, 27 Walks, .315 Batting Average, .407 On-base percentage, .624 Slugging Percentage, 113 Total Bases, 1 Sacrifice Hit and 6 Intentional Walks.
Lynch is considered one of baseball best pinch hitters of all time. He smacked out 116 hits during his career, which ranks him 10th in the all time list. Lynch is second on the all time pinch hit home run list with 18 with 5 of those coming during the 1961 season while driving in 25 runs.
Lynch was once quoted as saying, “The good pinch-hitter is the guy who can relax enough to get the pitch he can hit. You almost always do get one pitch to hit every time you bat. So you have to have the patience to wait. And then you’ve got to be able to handle the pitch when you get it.”
In 13 seasons he played in 1,184 Games and had 2,879 At Bats, 364 Runs, 798 Hits, 123 Doubles, 34 Triples, 115 Home Runs, 470 RBI, 12 Stolen Bases, 224 Walks, .277 Batting Average, .329 On-base percentage, .463 Slugging Percentage, 1,334 Total Bases, 8 Sacrifice Hits, 25 Sacrifice Flies and 29 Intentional Walks.
"All I'm asking for is what I want." -- Ricky Henderson
by sweetswinger on Jun 30, 2010 7:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Must have hit .600 against Cubs
"All I'm asking for is what I want." -- Ricky Henderson
by sweetswinger on Jun 30, 2010 8:00 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd look into it.
Especially if Gomer Pyle shot left-handed.
"All I'm asking for is what I want." -- Ricky Henderson
Lynch
Hi, sweetswinger! Nice to see someone from my era. First game I ever saw at Wrigley, was April 26th 1961. Cubs led 2-0 late when Lynch pinch hit with a man on. What few fans were there seemed to sense what would happen. Sure enough, he homered. Game ended happily when “popeye” Zimmer homered in the 10th.
"It's a funny old world. Man's lucky if he gets out of it alive." W.C. Fields
Wait.
The Cubs led 2-0 in a game? That’s impossible.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
hmm...methinks today you are particularly perturbed.
"The ones who want to achieve and win championships motivate themselves." - Da Coach
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 1, 2010 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions
A Popeye Walkoff!
I don’t remember that one, but “…Hey! Hey! Attaboy Donnie, Hey! Hey!”
I also rember one in either ’60 or ’61 when the Cubs were ahead late and the Reds had the bases loaded and sent Lynch up to pinch hit. The Cubs brough in lefty Jim Brewer to face Lynch who promptly hit a Grand Slam.
"All I'm asking for is what I want." -- Ricky Henderson
by sweetswinger on Jul 17, 2010 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Dave Smith, Mel Rojas, Neifi Perez, Steve Trachsel, Brian McRae, LaTroy Hawkins, Willie Wilson...
You did say Cub-killers, didn’t you?
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Richie Hebner.
When the Cubs finally got Hebner, they won the NL East.
Maybe they need to trade for Garrett Jones. Come to think of it, not a bad idea for next year. Cheap LH power 1B, Chicago native — GETITDONEJIM
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Milt Pappas
Oh, NO! I did NOT go there!
by Shanghai Badger on Jun 30, 2010 8:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Lou Brock
The sharpest of all double-edged swords!
"All I'm asking for is what I want." -- Ricky Henderson
Do my eyes deceive me
Or does the front page show the Cubs record as 34-43-1? Did we get one called on account of darkness and I missed 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