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Marmol's First Save In 19 Days Nails Down Win For Cubs In Game Of 'First Since'

Today's 3-2 Cubs win over the Cardinals was notable for several "first since" events, but most importantly, this one:

It was the first Cubs one-run win on the road in 2010 since June 24 at Seattle, also a 3-2 victory. And since that game took 13 innings, this makes today -- the 117th game of the season -- the first game of 2010 that the Cubs won by one run, on the road, in nine innings.

That's not good. The Cubs' record in one-run games on the road this year is 2-16.

Other "first since" events, or nearly so, today:

  • Carlos Marmol picked up his first save since July 26 (and 20th of the season).
  • Carlos Zambrano registered his first win since June 20 (one start before... well, you know).
  • Aramis Ramirez homered for the first time since last Sunday, and only the second time since his three-homer game on July 20.
  • Derrek Lee homered for the second consecutive game -- but those are his only home runs this month.

Star-divide

This is the kind of game the Cubs are capable of playing almost every day; a decent-to-good outing from a starting pitcher and solid relief work. Carlos Zambrano wasn't totally sharp today, but he threw better than he did in his last outing in San Francisco on Monday. That's a good sign. He threw 62 strikes in 98 pitches, allowed only two walks and seven hits (six singles and a double), and even collected a hit himself.

Marcos Mateo, who likely doesn't figure into the 2011 team plans, managed to get out of the sixth inning after Z ran out of gas on another extremely hot and sticky St. Louis afternoon, and Sean Marshall and Marmol finished up. Marmol was called upon for a five-out save today and he looked great, even surviving a Ramirez throwing error and a dropped bunt popup in foul territory by Koyie Hill. Hill redeemed himself when Brendan Ryan popped up another bunt, this time in fair ground, and Koyie caught it.

In this misbegotten season, one win doesn't mean a whole lot, but it is always nice to beat your arch-rivals -- and now the Cubs have a chance to win a series, tomorrow, for the first time since they beat the Cardinals in that late-July series at Wrigley Field.

Yes, I know. It makes little sense, but if the Cubs do win tomorrow, they'll head home with a winning record vs. St. Louis for the season so far at 5-4. Enjoy the evening and the Bears' first preseason game.

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Haha, wow, that's pretty awesome

I was watching it with Kenny Albert and Tim McCarver calling it for FOX. Meh. I can tolerate bad announcing.

How were tryouts, bro? What school are you attending? I didn’t try out, though I’ll be an assistant for each team.

by Azul Cachorro on Aug 14, 2010 7:18 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yes you already are

a Cubs junkie and have been for awhile . We could not watch the game a wind storm knocked our power out . Maybe another W on Sunday ??

by cubs north on Aug 14, 2010 9:19 PM CDT up reply actions  

Must have been a lousy movie

I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren

by lookingdeadred on Aug 15, 2010 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions  

Were you watching Inception?

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 Aug 15, 2010 9:16 AM CDT up reply actions  

Didn't get to see the game today in Denver - thanks, FOX!

But it sounds like it was a well played game. I’m sure the Cards fans would LOVE to see the Cubs take the series 2 of 3 in St. Louis. What’s the pitching matchup tomorrow?

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

by DKT on Aug 14, 2010 6:45 PM CDT reply actions  

Dempster v. Lohse

"It was a perfect situation for the Brewers," Hill said. "They had a guy up there at the plate [in Counsell] who takes a lot of pride in what he does and he practices those situations, so when it does come up, he gets the bunt down to the right side of the field. They have the perfect guy on first base [in Gomez], who is one of the fastest guys in the league, and they had one of the worst fundamental teams on the field, so it was a perfect situation for them."

by louslovechild on Aug 14, 2010 7:13 PM CDT up reply actions  

And I will be there!!!

I’ll be sitting in section 235 with my brother the Cardinal fan. Thank God we won today because I don’t think I could have stood to be there if there was the possibility of a sweep.

"Cubs fans....the wind beneath the Hawk's wings." Andre Dawson, on his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, 7/25/10

by sicubsfan on Aug 14, 2010 7:17 PM CDT up reply actions  

That's a winnable game

Nice game for Z today – would love to see another 6-7 of those over the next few months…

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

by DKT on Aug 14, 2010 7:24 PM CDT up reply actions  

glad you saw a W, Al

No Cubs here, just SF SD today.

by thermal54 on Aug 14, 2010 6:48 PM CDT reply actions  

I wasn't in St. Louis today.

Watched it on TV with the rest of the regional audience.

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

by Al Yellon on Aug 14, 2010 8:27 PM CDT up reply actions  

Great ballgame today....

A-well-a Byrd, Byrd, Byrd, well the Byrd is the word.

by mikegncb34 on Aug 14, 2010 7:17 PM CDT reply actions  

I find the Cubs marketing machine amazing

In the mail today, I received a small catalog from Steiner Sports with Cubs collectibles – photos with Wrigley Field dirt, games-used and/or autographed items (bases, bats, and balls), etc.

Then this afternoon, I was listening to the game on radio while I was running an errand. And during the game, there comes the Cubs-Steiner promotion for this Wednesday’s game – a free Cubs key chain with Wrigley Field dirt.

"They come to see me strike out, hit a home run, or run into a fence. I try to accommodate them at least one way every game." - Gorman Thomas

by RiskyBusiness on Aug 14, 2010 8:05 PM CDT reply actions  

Yeah, I got that catalog in today's mail too.

You’re right, the marketing never stops. I understand the reasoning, but I can’t imagine they’re selling a whole lot of stuff right now.

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

by Al Yellon on Aug 14, 2010 8:30 PM CDT up reply actions  

The timing of the mail drop and radio plug

Is better than most Cubs hit and run plays.

"They come to see me strike out, hit a home run, or run into a fence. I try to accommodate them at least one way every game." - Gorman Thomas

by RiskyBusiness on Aug 15, 2010 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions  

The Zambrano conundrum and E-5s

Kenny Albert dropped in a note after Ramirez’ error in 9th (his 2nd of game): Cub 3B have 24 errors on the season. That’s a helluva lot. What’s the solution? Signing Beltre? I’m kinda assuming Ramirez (who I always considered an above-avg. fielder) comes back. We kinda need a defensive replacement type if he’s not gonna rebound (anyone think his errors might be injury related? A lot just seem to be sloppy). Anyway, it’s an area of concern.

And I remain torn on Zambrano. If we trade him in off-season or even during the stretch we’ll be getting very low return, although shedding some $$. If we keep him, there is still a possible upside of a solid starter, and he could be traded midway thru or after 2011. I think it might make more sense to keep him since, realistically, 2011 is a bridge year, unless we can package with a prospect to get a decent return that can really help in the future.

Just like Carlos to tease/torture us these last 6 weeks!!

by QuincyCub on Aug 14, 2010 8:11 PM CDT reply actions  

Z won't be traded until the offseason, if then.

If he’s good over the last seven weeks, the Cubs might be able to get someone to take his contract — shedding that $18 million would give the team a lot of flexibility payrollwise.

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

by Al Yellon on Aug 14, 2010 8:28 PM CDT up reply actions  

Ramirez and Zambrano

Ramirez wasn’t a good fielder during his first few Cub years, he improved and now seems to have regressed. Because if this and because he can have one injury after another, they should have a servicable 3B backup nect year.

I think Zambrano will be traded for another bad contract. It would be an MB-type situation.

by AboutTheCubs on Aug 14, 2010 9:50 PM CDT up reply actions  

I saw just a few minutes

of the game. Glad to see they won. Hopefully I can watch the game tomorrow.

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

by sue369 on Aug 14, 2010 8:18 PM CDT reply actions  

Keep it up

Winning the season series versus the Cards is one of the few remaining goals worth achieving.

"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk

by vonde6 on Aug 14, 2010 8:26 PM CDT reply actions  

Agree w Quincy about Z

Although today may not be a harbinger of things to come, Z did show flashes of his old self: good velcity for the most part, wide array of pitches, and tightening the screws a bit in jams. Assuming no further blowups, I don’t see the point in puking up a guy who may very well be an above-average SP next year and paying handsomely to do it. No matter how well he pitches from here on out this season, his value is going to be minimal this offseason and teams will be low-balling Cubs in terms of how much money they’ll pick up. Screw them; let him either help us compete( very unlikely) or estabilish value as a sane, productive SP with only 1 1/3 yrs left on his contract come next year’s trading deadline.

by Mmurton on Aug 14, 2010 8:55 PM CDT via mobile reply actions  

Great job by the Cubs today!

Nothing better than overcoming some adversity and finally winning one of these road nailbiters, especially when it comes against the divsion leaders.

"Any player who gets the opportunity to play at Wrigley should welcome it"

by Itchy on Aug 14, 2010 9:38 PM CDT reply actions  

I don't get this team

They beat Lincecum and Carpenter in the same week yet they can’t get any runs off guys who are #3-5 in a rotation.

by ak123 on Aug 14, 2010 9:43 PM CDT reply actions  

I don't get it either.

"Fasten those seatbelts!"-Pat Hughes

by katie casey on Aug 15, 2010 9:23 AM CDT up reply actions  

Ted Lilly wins another tight one for LA over ATL, 2-1

6 inn. 3 hits 0 runs

"Any player who gets the opportunity to play at Wrigley should welcome it"

by Itchy on Aug 14, 2010 9:55 PM CDT reply actions  

By pitching for the Cubs

Ted was perfectly positioned to pitch for another team that can’t score runs. The difference is the Dodgers play better D and have better mid to late inning relief pitchers.

We have met the enemy and they are us! ~ Walt Kelly, Pogo, 1971

by Zeke on Aug 15, 2010 7:13 AM CDT up reply actions  

Looks like Cards are skipping Lohse

Yahoo now lists Garcia for tomorrow. Guess we are making TLR nervous.

"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry

by Doggie Stalker on Aug 14, 2010 9:59 PM CDT reply actions  

STILL here D-Stalker?!

Just testing out my “new look”… have a nice nite. 2 of 3 would be big for cubs, but I do not wanna “help cinnci” (braggerts). G’nite… (I got “work” to do now… :])

on the sands of hesitation, lie the bones of countless millions, who, at the brink of the best, sat down to rest, and resting...they died. Author Unknown

by jeffstorm2 on Aug 14, 2010 10:30 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yipes! My "new look" is laggin behind...

Lets try it now… :)

on the sands of hesitation, lie the bones of countless millions, who, at the brink of the best, sat down to rest, and resting...they died. Author Unknown

by jeffstorm2 on Aug 14, 2010 10:34 PM CDT up reply actions  

Ahhhh....

Believe me when I say: “Its just as hard to go from Joker to Batman, as from 97 wins to 100 losses”…

on the sands of hesitation, lie the bones of countless millions, who, at the brink of the best, sat down to rest, and resting...they died. Author Unknown

by jeffstorm2 on Aug 14, 2010 10:36 PM CDT up reply actions  

downright PAINFUL...

I’m all good now!

on the sands of hesitation, lie the bones of countless millions, who, at the brink of the best, sat down to rest, and resting...they died. Author Unknown

by jeffstorm2 on Aug 14, 2010 10:53 PM CDT up reply actions  

I don't mind helping the Reds

much prefer them over the Cardinals

"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry

by Doggie Stalker on Aug 14, 2010 11:17 PM CDT up reply actions  

MLB has

Lohse listed as the starter. Yahoo is not always right who they list. Obviously one of the suckers is wrong or TLR is pissed and he’s going to surprise everyone who the starter is. I know he’s going to start Carpenter again…………LOL

by Swoosie on Aug 14, 2010 11:43 PM CDT up reply actions  

Listed as Lohse on the Cubs' sortable schedule.

I hope he takes the Lohse later today.

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 Aug 15, 2010 7:30 AM CDT up reply actions  

Yahoo has Lohse now

but let’s see do you want the Cubs to face a guy who was never that great making his first start in over over 2 months or a good young pitcher? Well on the bright side at least it is not a soft tossing lefty making his MLB debut.

"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry

by Doggie Stalker on Aug 15, 2010 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions  

I'd rather face the first.

Also, nice try at an optical illusion there.

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 Aug 15, 2010 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions  

I finally saw

the Cubs win in St. Louis!! This brings my all-time record at Busch to 1-18. Record at Wrigley: 9-1.

Was great to finally get rid of that goose egg!

by jthack on Aug 14, 2010 10:21 PM CDT reply actions  

My record at Busch so far is 1-1

Rubber game tomorrow! Saw Dempster pitch a gem last time I was there, only to watch the Cards walk off in the bottom of the ninth. Sat right behind the Cubs bullpen and watched Bobby Scales bump a ball over the wall for a Cardinals home run (that was not in the bottom of the ninth, but earlier in the game.)

"Cubs fans....the wind beneath the Hawk's wings." Andre Dawson, on his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, 7/25/10

by sicubsfan on Aug 14, 2010 10:38 PM CDT up reply actions  

I wouldn't quite agree that the Cubs are capable of playing like this

almost everyday now. Their starting rotation is missing Lilly, Silva for an indefinite amount who may or may not return to healthy form….the bullpen is a complete crapshoot, especially getting to the M&Ms, and the position players…well, they haven’t been consistent for the most part all dang year. Yeah, they are capable of winning on any given day like this, but not almost everyday.

Colvin is probably tired from a longer season than played before, Rami does not seem capable of maintaining a streak or focus…the list is endless. We know what we have now this year. This team has a lot of rookies and will play very erratically now, expecting different is pointless.

It was very fun today to see them play well and beat the Cards, if a little bittersweet. I hope we have an impact as spoiler the rest of the way, couldn’t happen to a more deserving team.

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 Aug 14, 2010 10:35 PM CDT reply actions  

Hello SET

I, for one, prefer we ruin it for Reds!

on the sands of hesitation, lie the bones of countless millions, who, at the brink of the best, sat down to rest, and resting...they died. Author Unknown

by jeffstorm2 on Aug 14, 2010 10:37 PM CDT up reply actions  

Sounds good to me.

I heard some espn idiot wondering where the Dusty/TLR feud came from the other day, whether it started this season or not…guess he never watched the Cubs play the Cardinals during Dusty’s reign here. Don’t have much love for either the Reds or the Cards.

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 Aug 14, 2010 10:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

Sadly, I don't understand

the arrogance of cinci fans? They’ve won NOTHING. Cards, tho I “get it”, we sat down 2 of last 3 years. They too, are becoming arrogant. They too, were swept outta playoffs! G’nite.

on the sands of hesitation, lie the bones of countless millions, who, at the brink of the best, sat down to rest, and resting...they died. Author Unknown

by jeffstorm2 on Aug 14, 2010 10:47 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yep.

Hope you have a good nite jeff.

That fight that broke out was pretty ridiculous on both sides. Both were wrong and tried to accuse the other of being responsible. they acted childish, and to me what seemed silly was the outspoken ones ignoring their own actions and saying the other guys were at fault…man up and admit your mistakes before casting stones. Hearing Carp and TLR pretending their teams were victims only was such crap. And Cincy…kicking that guy…yeesh. Amateur hour.

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 Aug 14, 2010 10:54 PM CDT up reply actions  

Maybe seeya 2moro on BCB during game???

on the sands of hesitation, lie the bones of countless millions, who, at the brink of the best, sat down to rest, and resting...they died. Author Unknown

by jeffstorm2 on Aug 14, 2010 10:56 PM CDT up reply actions  

I'd like that.

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 Aug 14, 2010 11:13 PM CDT up reply actions  

On a "lighter note"...

Is it possible our Bears are “mailing it in” from the Pre-Season?! I too don’t “love” either, but I’ve learned to respect The Cards

on the sands of hesitation, lie the bones of countless millions, who, at the brink of the best, sat down to rest, and resting...they died. Author Unknown

by jeffstorm2 on Aug 14, 2010 10:42 PM CDT reply actions  

The Bears look like...

They are into publicity now as pretenders to me. Don’t really know what to think of them other than probably not very good this year. Their offense has so many question marks it would be very surprising if they score with consistency.

Living in STL I guess I don’t respect the Cards quite as much, seeing their arrogance here, but surely do respect their legacy of contending consistently. Their lineup is good enough to win the division , but not a lot right now beyond that to me.

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 Aug 14, 2010 10:45 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yipes! I didn't know you were a StL native!

I meant no harm. Are you a Cards Fan??? hee-hee! Goodnite my friend. I’ve missedya on the threads lately. I’ll try to post during tomorrows game. A W helps Reds, a Loss, Cards… tuff place to be in, when our record no longer matters

on the sands of hesitation, lie the bones of countless millions, who, at the brink of the best, sat down to rest, and resting...they died. Author Unknown

by jeffstorm2 on Aug 14, 2010 10:51 PM CDT up reply actions  

No offense taken.

I grew up near Rockford, moved to STL 15 years ago or so…hope to see you soon, and NO, I started out here having a mild like for the Cards as a rival, but the fans taunt Chicago the city, the fans, and the Cubs so much they ruin much of any enjoyment I could get out of watching the Cards play. Its not “hate”…just a dislike lol.

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 Aug 14, 2010 10:56 PM CDT up reply actions  

Tony La Russa is a joke

He’s an arrogant douche. Who the hell hires Mark McGwire as their hitting coach. It’s all a big publicity stunt to get him in the hall of fame. The guy is one of the most overrated managers ever. Just because he ran a steroid factory inside his clubhouses is why his records are so good. Oh, and that Dave Duncan guy. I guess because he makes 700 pitching changes means he’s a genius. Bottom line: Tony La Russa is big douche.

by LouPiniellaIsRetiring on Aug 14, 2010 10:52 PM CDT reply actions  

such a tuff call...

I too, suspect he knew…how much he knew…? I cant agree with the douche call tho, good mgr (IMHO)

on the sands of hesitation, lie the bones of countless millions, who, at the brink of the best, sat down to rest, and resting...they died. Author Unknown

by jeffstorm2 on Aug 14, 2010 10:55 PM CDT up reply actions  

He is a good manager, HOF for sure.

But there is definitely a seedy underbelly here to see for the resident seeing them everyday. He fostered an environment of not caring about his players partying and drinking, took Spezio going nuts and another driving into a car on the highway for him to take it seriously. His don’t ask don’t tell philosophy of steriods is bad but …most managers didn’t want to know during the steriod era (If its over..if it just hasn’t shifted to doping and HGH). He’s definitely one of the most arrogant managers talking to the media here…it’s so paltry and kiss up he doesn’t get challenged at all.

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 Aug 14, 2010 11:01 PM CDT up reply actions  

And I forgot that time when he was drunken asleep at an intersection at 2am in the morning and got a DUI. He’s just simply a horrible horrible person. For some strange reason he’s glorified as a genius. Probably by the self proclaimed shittiest fans in baseball. God Brandon Phillips was right.

by LouPiniellaIsRetiring on Aug 15, 2010 12:36 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions  

Tony La Russa is not a genius. He’s teams are always roided up bitches (Carpenter). He constantly makes pointless pitching changes. He hasn’t gottten a hair cut since 1991. He and his teams are always mad at other teams when they do the same shit his teams do. He constantly ignores the fact that his teams always used steroids. What has La Russa done to innovate the game except innovating with steroids. He’s not a genius and he never was. Holy shit I hate Tony La Russa and his roided up Cardinals.

by LouPiniellaIsRetiring on Aug 15, 2010 1:16 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions  

I sense jealousy

As for ignoring steroids, the entire baseball hierarchy including the owners, commish, GM’s and managers ignored them. Not sure why you single LaRussa out.

John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.

by rlpete on Aug 15, 2010 7:30 AM CDT up reply actions  

Jose Canseco and Rafael Palmeiro would like to have a word with you.

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 Aug 15, 2010 7:49 AM CDT up reply actions  

Carpenter used steroids?

Dude. Simmer down on this. You don’t like Tony (we get it). You think he’s overrated (we get that, too).

Tony is an ass and a half, but he’s a HOF manager. Sure, he had a lot of guys linked to steroids, but so did other managers of the era. Tony distinguished himself against most of those managers, even if he was a complete jerk while doing so.

The McGwire thing really pisses me off, too. But Tony is one of the best managers in the past 30 years.

by elgato on Aug 15, 2010 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions  

I was wondering about that too.

I’ve never heard Carpenter’s name linked to steroids at all.

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 Aug 15, 2010 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions  

Well, so what?

Bobby Cox probably wouldn’t have been as good if he didn’t have Leo Mazzone all those years. If a manager is responsible for everything that happens on a team, he gets the good, too. Or, at least he should.

by elgato on Aug 15, 2010 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions  

sorry

but tony larussa is not a douchebag nor a horrible person. i asked tony to sign a cubs yearbook when he was playing in the minors.yes cubs he did play in our system.after the game he took me in the clubhouse and spent some tine talking to me.and invited me back next time they played. sound like a horrible person?being nice to somebody he never met before. im sure he is still the same way.even though he managed the sox and cardinals i cant hate the guy. the snot nosed kid in me will always remember that act of kindness. AND GO CUBS.

by NOMAR on Aug 15, 2010 8:11 AM CDT reply actions  

And one thing most people don't realize about Tony LaRussa,

He once appeared in a game playing for the Chicago Cubs. He was subbed in as a pinch-runner.

No joke.

Don’t believe me? Here’s the box score.

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 Aug 15, 2010 8:17 AM CDT up reply actions  

I was at that game.

I have no idea how LaRussa wound up on the 1973 Opening Day roster. It must have been a last-minute decision, because he wasn’t on the printed roster on the scorecard — my card has my handwritten addition of his name.

He scored the winning run on a bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the 9th. It was his last appearance in the major leagues — soon after, he was sent to the minors. That year, the Cubs’ Triple-A affiliate was Wichita; he spent the year there, never to be recalled.

Oh, and one more fun fact. Who did LaRussa pinch-run for that day? Ron Santo. TLR was a middle infielder. Had the game gone into extra innings, he’d likely have stayed in to play third base.

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

by Al Yellon on Aug 15, 2010 8:33 AM CDT up reply actions  

And Santo only got on base thanks to an error by the Expos' second baseman.

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 Aug 15, 2010 8:37 AM CDT up reply actions  

Again why would TLr hire Mike McGwire as the hitting coach? The only explanation is that he wanted him yo get in the hall of fame. He’s one of the most arrogant managers ever. All he did to innovate was invent the awful, awful, awful statistic of the save. He throws a fit when teams try to steal the Cardinals signals but he does it all the time back. To say he’s not an arrogant Manager is wrong. It’s cute that he signed your yearbook and he may be a good person but I think we can all agree he’s an arrogant manager and overrated. And of corse I’m jealous. The Cardinals are so much better than us every year that’s why. It’s not because of Tony DUI la russa

by LouPiniellaIsRetiring on Aug 15, 2010 9:13 AM CDT via mobile reply actions  

Overreact much?

I admit Tony LaRussa is no John McGraw, but at the same time, he may not be as bad as you make him out to be.

Step away from the computer, take several deep breaths, and calm down.

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 Aug 15, 2010 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions  

Again I just want somebody to tell me a couple. Things he did to innovate the game because people make him out to be some genius when he’s not at all.

by LouPiniellaIsRetiring on Aug 15, 2010 9:23 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions  

Also, just an FYI,

LaRussa was serving his suspension from the Cardinals-Reds fight the other day. So he was not at the game at all, unless he pulled a stunt a la Bobby Valentine and sat in the dugout in disguise.

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 Aug 15, 2010 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions  

I think you need to drop this.

Because, in fact, one of the reasons the Cardinals have become a consistent winner is because of TLR.

He did not “invent” the save. That’s blatantly false.

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

by Al Yellon on Aug 15, 2010 9:23 AM CDT up reply actions  

Tell me what TLR has done to innovate the game. Other than his teams being roided up and arrogant whiners he’s won a lot of games, but why? What does he do that’s so great other than being an a hole. I want answers

by LouPiniellaIsRetiring on Aug 15, 2010 9:39 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions  

We're giving you answers.

I’m sure we’re all really sorry for them not fitting your opinions. If you like, you can provide us the answers you want ahead of time and then we can try our best to give you what you want.

Would you like this?

Seriously, if the answers we provide do not agree with what you think, why do you continue asking? You and I both know what we say will do nothing but annoy you.

Just my $0.02

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 Aug 15, 2010 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions  

Ha ha what? Are you smoking

What are you talking about. The only comments I see are him signing someones yearbook. Nobody on this thread has said anything abot him innovating the game. Please show me these answers.

by LouPiniellaIsRetiring on Aug 15, 2010 9:50 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions  

So his entire team "is roided up" simply because you said so?

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 Aug 15, 2010 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions  

No one's claiming he's "innovating the game".

Nevertheless, his teams are winners. You’d take the 14 playoff appearances and two World Series he’s won, wouldn’t you?

I’m done arguing with you, because clearly, you have a closed mind.

Also, please stop with the DUI comments about him. He’s paid the penalty for that. Enough.

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

by Al Yellon on Aug 15, 2010 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions  

You don't have to be innovative to be a good manager.

Would you be saying the same thing about people like Terry Francona or Joe Torre?

Seriously, your argument doesn’t hold water.

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 Aug 15, 2010 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions  

Then why people is he a genius

a genius should change something. Because he won a lot of games with steroid using players and Dave Duncan means he’s a good manager. Think a little more people. I’ll actually do some research and provide facts.

this

this

this

this

by LouPiniellaIsRetiring on Aug 15, 2010 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions  

You don't have to innovate to be a genius.

I dislike Tony, too, dude. But ease up — it sounds like the guy ran over your dog, or something.

by elgato on Aug 15, 2010 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions  

Your point being?

Everyone ignored the steroid problem in that time span. You’re trying to blame LaRussa for something that was baseball-wide.

I am willing to put money on it that you would be saying the same things about Joe Torre or Terry Francona if we played the Dodgers or Red Sox more often.

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 Aug 15, 2010 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions  

Tony La Russa has continued to deny it

go ahead and click on google and type in Tony La Russa steroids about a million pages come up. Then type in Francona and Torre. Not the same results

by LouPiniellaIsRetiring on Aug 15, 2010 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions  

Let me make one thing clear.

I dislike LaRussa too. But please lighten up. If he had done something to you directly, I would understand why you’re posting about him like this.

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 Aug 15, 2010 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions  

Oh yeah

this

http://www.fistedfoul.com/featured/2010/8/11/brandon-phillips-tells-the-truth-about-the-cardinals.html
I like this paragraph form that article

The LaRussa Cardinals are all about arrogance. That’s their stock and trade. Tony’s pissed off because he’s knows everything Phillips said is true. Well, except for the part about him loving the Cubs, that was more weird than true.

The Cardinals aren’t arrogant? Really?

Hiring a disgraced steroid douchebag as your hitting to try to rehab his image in an ill-fated attempt to get him into the Hall of Fame isn’t arrogant?
LaRussa’s refusal to acknowledge the possibility that McGwire was helped by steroids isn’t arrogant?
Running a steroid pharmacy out of your weight room led by your “strength coach/first base coach” McKay and pretending you never did it isn’t arrogant?
Getting a DUI and hoping you set the State of Florida Breathalyzer record isn’t arrogant?
Spending every second of every game trying to steal the signs of the other team, but throwing a hissy fit of you think they’re trying to steal there’s isn’t arrogant?
Having umpires check the baseball for scuff marks whenever a young pitcher is pitching well against your team just to see if you can rattle him, but acting like Angelina Jolie when the LA police gave her the wrong son if a team challenges one of your pitchers isn’t arrogant?

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/2009/03/08/2009-03-08_tony_la_russa_disapproves_of_arod_in_den.html

Thats from ny news too.

by LouPiniellaIsRetiring on Aug 15, 2010 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions  

Well, I must say I am impressed.

I didn’t know Tony LaRussa was evil. I’m glad we have you here to point these things out to us.

When you tell us what Tony LaRussa did to you, I will be willing to continue this conversation with you.

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 Aug 15, 2010 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions  

OK, we get it.

You hate LaRussa. You’ll stop at nothing to denigrate him.

Now please stop doing it here. If you want to start an “I Hate TLR” blog, go do it somewhere else.

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

by Al Yellon on Aug 15, 2010 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions  

Then can you guys stop calling him a genius

that’s why? You guys keep calling him a crazy good manager and I keep on pointing out he’s not. He’s just crazy and your reply is that I hate Tony La Russa stop spouting off. I provide facts you guys provide nothing to deny it.

by LouPiniellaIsRetiring on Aug 15, 2010 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions  

Maybe it's because you're taking

Such a closed-minded approach to this whole Tony LaRussa argument that you’re not even willing to consider the people you’re arguing with might have a point.

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 Aug 15, 2010 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions  

Once again I ask where?

I’ll say the same thing somebody provide me with facts on why he’s a good manager other than “he’s won a lot of games.” You know who’s won al lot of games: Lou PIniella. Again facts people

by LouPiniellaIsRetiring on Aug 15, 2010 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions  

You know who turned a blind eye to steroids in baseball?

In those days, everyone. LaRussa, the commissioner, EVERYONE.

Why are you so intent on blaming LaRussa for a problem that involved every team in baseball?

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 Aug 15, 2010 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions  

Did you read the links i sent outS?

to this day he won’t admit McGwire used steroids. Oh and Conseco oh and palmero oh and franklin. AGain not the point still haven’t seen any facts on why he’s a good manger other than “he’s won a lot of games.”

by LouPiniellaIsRetiring on Aug 15, 2010 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions  

Please name a manager ...

who was up front about steroids in those years?

by elgato on Aug 15, 2010 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions  

To be honest,

I don’t think there are any managers from those days who are up-front about steroids, even now.

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 Aug 15, 2010 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions  

You don't have to be innovative to be a good manager.

Bobby Cox, Joe Torre, Terry Francona, etc.

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 Aug 15, 2010 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions  

I'm not sure I'd call a baseball manager a 'genius.'

But he IS a crazy-good manager. Look what his teams have done AFTER the testing policy, A championship in 2006, working on four postseason appearances …

Is he an ass for turning a blind eye to McGwire, Canseco, et. al? You bet. But that doesn’t change what he did in an era where everyone else was doing the same things.

by elgato on Aug 15, 2010 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions  

I don't think LaRussa has innovated the game much.

Which (horrors!) is what LPIR is saying. However, I think he was blessed with a good lineup and good coaching. Also, I agree with you for turning a blind eye to McGwire and Canseco, among others, but heck, everyone else did that, as you say.

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 Aug 15, 2010 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions  

Tony wasn't BLESSED with good coaching.

He HIRED good coaching. And he gets more results out of spare parts players (look at Aaron freaking Miles!) than any manager not named Bobby Cox.

He’s a total jerk, and hiring McGwire as a hitting coach was just despicable. But he’s a great manager, a HOF manager. I’ll be happy when he leaves the Cardinals, because it will be a HUGE hit to our arch rival.

And let’s remember that that arch rival is always a contender. You have to go back more than 10 years to find a Cardinals team that didn’t at least sniff the playoffs. Compare that to five 90-plus loss seasons in that span for the Cubs (1999, 2000, 2002, 2006 and 2010).

by elgato on Aug 15, 2010 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions  

Yep.

I completely agree with all of your points here. Very well put.

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 Aug 15, 2010 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions  

Wait.

The Cubs haven’t lost 90+ games this year. Yet.

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

by Al Yellon on Aug 15, 2010 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions  

Oh, Al.

We’ve been agreeing so much lately. But I have a question for you that seems eerily similar to those I asked you earlier in this season:

What about the way this team has played makes you think they can avoid 90 losses? Optimism isn’t reasoning, sadly.

by elgato on Aug 15, 2010 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions  

Well...

… even playing .500 ball for the rest of the year would result in 90 losses, and the Cubs have had few stretches this year when they’ve even done that.

I guess my point is, don’t include that year until it actually happens. Haven’t we suffered enough?

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

by Al Yellon on Aug 15, 2010 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions  

The Cubs haven't played .500 ball ..

over a stretch of 45 games. And with the kids coming up, Lilly, Theriot and Fontenot gone and Aramis and Soto nursing injuries, there’s no way we go 24-21.

Our amount of suffering has nothing to do with it.

by elgato on Aug 15, 2010 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions  

Oh, there you go citing facts again.

Just don’t say the 2010 Cubs have lost 90 games until they do. I am well aware that it’s likely and inevitable.

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

by Al Yellon on Aug 15, 2010 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions  

See above.

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

by Al Yellon on Aug 15, 2010 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions  

Honestly ...

we need to be rooting for 14 more wins to avoid 100 losses.

by elgato on Aug 15, 2010 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions  

Yes, Tony's a jerk!

But he’s a good manager. Some of his players juiced, but every good manager from this era had some, so he still holds up to the competition.

He is a jerk, and the comments from Phillips rang true to me and others. But ease up! You’re far too angry about this.

by elgato on Aug 15, 2010 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions  

Wow! Tell us what u really think.

Don’t u know he bats the pitcher 8th. It has forever changed the way the game is played!

by mr_einstein on Aug 15, 2010 9:35 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions  

That's why i couldn't comment

Wow I guess i’ve been warned for having an argument on Tony La Russa. Guess i’m not allowed to have a opposing viewpoint.

by LouPiniellaIsRetiring on Aug 15, 2010 10:57 AM CDT reply actions  

No one has said that you can't have an opposing viewpoint.

However, you have used personal attacks, posted things that are verifiably untrue and been unnecessarily conentious and repetitive.

No one likes that. Ease up.

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

by Al Yellon on Aug 15, 2010 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions  

PERSOnAL attacks? Are you kidding me?

Point out where. Nowhere did I say i want to kill you like some other poster. Nowhere did I swear directly at someone. Thanks for making stuff up about me.

by LouPiniellaIsRetiring on Aug 15, 2010 12:44 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions  

Wow I’ve just reread this whole thread and I didn’t use any attacks. Wow you should be ashamed of yourself for making things up. Unbelieveable that you would say I used personal attacks you just disagreed so you decided to warn me and then made things up about personal attacks.

by LouPiniellaIsRetiring on Aug 15, 2010 12:48 PM CDT via mobile reply actions  

There was a portion of this thread...

… where you used the word “rape”. I deleted it because it did not belong here.

Your hatred of TLR goes way beyond anything that is reasonable. That’s why you were warned. Keep it up and you’ll be asked to leave.

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

by Al Yellon on Aug 15, 2010 5:13 PM CDT up reply actions  

I was kidding (like any person could see) and in no way or form or way was it a personal attack. Jesus Christ your older than forty right?

by LouPiniellaIsRetiring on Aug 15, 2010 6:54 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions  

Kidding?

Hardly. You need to know that’s unacceptable here, regardless of how old you are. Grow up.

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

by Al Yellon on Aug 16, 2010 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions  

Oh yeah

I forget the utterly shocking and unacceptable corpse of lou piniella. Hide the children on that one.

The following are not acceptable nor permitted on BCB (excepting, in some cases, for obvious humor between people with an existing rapport) and are subject to sanction as outlined below:

Posts created for the purpose of advertising or other commercial purposes will be deleted without notice.
Further to the above, posts created by users who have joined the community, not participated in discussions, and made their first (or among their first) posts self-promoting for their own book, website or other personal publication of any kind, will be deleted without notice. BCB does not exist to provide free advertising. If you want your book, website or other publication reviewed, contact the managing editor via the email address on the left sidebar.
In addition, posts that are thinly veiled press releases will be deleted without notice. If you want attention for your project, email a press release to the managing editor; all will be considered.
Gratuitous profanity is not permitted. I realize that in the heat of a game thread, occasional blue language may slip through. Please try to keep it to an absolute minimum.
Creating multiple user names for the purpose of trolling, posting spam, impersonating a public figure (or well-known member of this community), returning after you have been banned, or disrupting the community is not permitted. Any such user names will be banned and/or deleted without notice. Further, user names created that contain profanity or drug references are not permitted; those will also be banned. Finally, posts made for such purposes will also be deleted without notice.
Personal attacks on community members, directly or through sarcasm/belittling, e.g., “You’re an idiot”, “You don’t know what you’re talking about, moron”, “Apparently, you’ve never seen a baseball game, or you’d know?”, “My Chihuahua knows more about baseball than you do”, or posts designed for the sole purpose of mocking any member of the community, are forbidden. Such posts will be deleted without notice and anyone making such posts will be banned.
Comments that are intolerant or prejudiced (sexist, racist, homophobic, etc.) in nature, e.g., “Why don’t you go play with your dolls?”, “The Cubs shouldn’t sign black players”, “Doesn’t Damon look like a fag?”, etc. are not permitted
Harassing/baiting of users, e.g., “How about that Heilman; isn’t he great?” posted five consecutive times after another Heilman homer allowed, “The Cubs will never win this game” posted 10 times in 3 minutes, etc. is not permitted.
Comments that bring politics or religion into BCB are also not permitted (which is a non-political, non-sectarian, non-religious blog), e.g., “Obama/Bush/Clinton ruined this country by”, “Check out this link about the war in Iraq,” etc. That said, you may occasionally see a political advertisement on BCB. Running such ads does not imply an endorsement of the candidate or views expressed in the ad, just as any such ad on a television station or network or in a newspaper does not imply endorsement by such an entity. Editorial and advertising at BCB are separate, and I do not have control over advertising.
C

nowhere at all was “can change username if unacceptable” and besides that there was no vulgar in that username no attacks. In fact my wife laughed at it when I told her my username.

by LouPiniellaIsRetiring on Aug 16, 2010 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions  

Oh wait there was
Further, user names created that contain profanity or drug references are not permitted; those will also be banned.

yep no drug references or profanity. Do you read your own guidelines?

by LouPiniellaIsRetiring on Aug 16, 2010 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions  

I guess that also means no jokes.

by LouPiniellaIsRetiring on Aug 15, 2010 6:56 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions  

Not at all.

Go read the community guidelines and site info. It’s clearly obvious that you haven’t, starting with the unacceptable user name you chose when you signed up.

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

by Al Yellon on Aug 16, 2010 9:00 AM CDT up reply actions  

I didn't use rape at all in a personal attack
no matter how strong; however, personal attacks, vulgarity, and other uncivilized forms of expression are not welcome.

1.didn’t use a personal attack on anyone
2.didn’t swear at anyone
3. wasn’t uncivilized

by LouPiniellaIsRetiring on Aug 16, 2010 11:31 AM CDT reply actions  

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