Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview, Friday 4/1, 1:20 CT: Opening Day!
by Al Yellon on Apr 1, 2011 11:00 AM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Game Threads
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At last, we've made it! Even though the weather forecast is iffy, even though spring training games for the Cubs were shaky, you've got to be excited for Opening Day. Here's today's lineup:
Fukudome RF, Castro SS, Byrd CF, Ramirez 3B, Pena 1B, Soto C, Soriano LF, Barney 2B, Dempster P
I like this -- moving Geo up. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised to see Soto hitting fifth against LHP this year.
Pirates lineup:
Tabata LF, Walker 2B, McCutchen CF, Overbay 1B, Alvarez 3B, Doumit C, Jones RF, Cedeno SS, Correia P
As I have done on occasion in the past, I exchanged five questions with our SB Nation Pirates blogger Charlie Wilmoth. My answers to his questions are in this Bucs Dugout post. Here are my questions and Charlie's responses:
Q. The Pirates were 10-5 against the Cubs last year, including five wins at Wrigley -- when they only won 17 all year on the road. How did they do this and can they do it again?
A. I don't know. It's strange. The Pirates even won three games against the Cubs in May with either Brian Burres or Charlie Morton on the hill, back when Morton was in the midst of a cataclysmic breakdown. I have no explanation for that.
Q. Of Pedro Alvarez, Neil Walker and Andrew McCutchen, who has the biggest upside and who will be the biggest star, and why?
A. I'll go with McCutchen. There's every possible indication that in the next few seasons, he'll make the leap from being a very good player to a big star. He has a broad base of hitting skills, he's very athletic, he never gets hurt, he's already a good hitter, and he's entering his third year in the league. That doesn't mean he'll actually do it, and he's good enough already that it might be hard for him to improve vastly in a single season, but his upside is enormous.
Alvarez has enough power to bring light to a small village, and he a great draft pedigree. But strikeouts are always on the verge of eating him alive, and he goes through stretches where he looks clueless and flails at breaking balls down and away. I think he did a nice job adjusting down the stretch last year, though, and he put up big numbers in September, so there's hope for a breakout this year. Walker had a solid rookie season last year while learning a new position on the fly, but I'd put him significantly behind McCutchen and Alvarez.
Q. Who's going to come out of nowhere to be an impact player for the Pirates this year?
As a Pirates fan, I enthusiastically embrace the premise of the question (that there will, in fact, be an out-of-nowhere impact player this year), but I'm not sure who it will be. James McDonald was brilliant after being acquired in the Octavio Dotel trade last summer, and his season might have looked even better if departed manager John Russell had done a better job removing him from games when he got into trouble. There's always hope for Charlie Morton, who has excellent stuff and has pitched well this Spring using a sinker that former pitching coach Joe Kerrigan had him stop throwing last season. Rudy Owens is another starting pitcher to watch - he'll start the season in Class AAA, but he has the polish to pitch pretty well as soon as he arrives in the bigs. In the bullpen, Chris Resop could emerge as one of the Pirates' better relievers.
Q. What can the Pirates do to return to contention? Are they on the right path?
A. A few years ago, when Dave Littlefield was running the Pirates into the ground, it seemed like all the fans complained that the deck was stacked against the Pirates financially - as if giving Dave Littlefield a $100 million payroll to work with would have been anything other than setting money on fire. Now the Pirates are actually run reasonably well, spending tons of money on amateur talent and avoiding complicated contracts at the big-league level, and it seems like many of the fans have swung in the opposite direction, complaining about the management and ownership at every possible opportunity.
Dave Littlefield aside, the deck is stacked against the Bucs. Some of their financial records were leaked last year, and what they revealed is that while the Pirates aren't losing money, they aren't making much of it, either. It's going to be really hard for them to even have an average major-league payroll for more than a year or two at a time. With some caveats, I would say that the Pirates are on the best path they can be on right now given their financial situation and the talent that exists in the organization. Will that be enough to make them a contender? Maybe. Maybe not.
Q. What's it like rooting for a team that's had as many bad years as the Pirates have in a row? Does it get depressing? Do you see any hope for the future?
A. I'll resist the temptation to note the irony of a Cubs fan asking me this, because whatever problems the Cubs have, they're nothing compared to those of the Pirates. Yeah, it's tough. In the early part of the 2000s, I tried to force myself to become a fan of a new team - the A's, the Red Sox, anybody. That didn't work, so I started a blog. By the time the Littlefield years got really absurd, I had built up a small readership, and if I hadn't had those couple hundred readers a day, I probably would have quit, because there are only so many ways to say, "The Pirates played like a Little League team today," or to ask the eternal question of whether Dave Littlefield is evil or merely stupid. Yeah, you can use humor and sarcasm, but that stuff gets old really fast when the team you love is circling the bowl.
Now the Pirates do still play like a Little League team sometimes, but at least I don't have to ask the evil/stupid question about the Bucs' management, and there's actually a lot of interesting stuff going on down in the minors where there was practically none even a few years ago. That's the sort of thing that sustains me right now. It isn't much, but it's enough.
More on today's game after the jump.
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Ryan Dempster threw three times against the Pirates last year. Twice, he gave them three runs in seven innings -- and lost anyway. Then, in his last start against them on August 31 at Wrigley Field, he decided to change it up by giving them seven runs in three innings. That was also a loss. Enough of that noise. Current Pirates are hitting .306 against him (30-for-98), with three home runs, two of them from an unlikely source, John Bowker (who has only five career HR in almost 600 career PA).
Kevin Correia, who has spent his entire career in the NL West up to now, has made eight career appearances vs. the Cubs (four starts) with a 5.63 ERA in 24 total innings. The only two Cubs who have 10 or more AB against him are Marlon Byrd (0-for-10) and Kosuke Fukudome (4-for-13). Oh, and one more thing -- what's he looking at?
Today's game is on WGN -- hooray, WGN on Opening Day! -- and ROOT Sports, which is a new name for three of the old FSN regional networks (Pittsburgh, Seattle and Denver). Here is the complete MLB.com Mediacenter for today.
Baseball-reference.com game preview
Please visit our SB Nation Pirates site Bucs Dugout.
Today's first pitch thread will be up at 1:15 pm CDT and the overflow threads will post at 2:15 pm, 3:15 pm and 4 pm CDT. These time frames will be pretty standard for most regular season games this year -- game preview about two hours to game time, a first pitch thread (on the front page) at game time, and then overflows at an hour, two hours and 2:45 after game time (approximately). If you need more overflows due to rain delays or extra innings, post them in the fanshot section.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
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first!!
argh
GO CUBS GO!!
"I’m not going to say a lot, because if you say the wrong the thing to me, then you (hanley) might wind up on the floor on your rear end," Dawson said with Tony Perez standing by his side in a coach’s office at Sun Life Stadium
aye yee stand upon the bowsprit
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Amusingly, some other SBN sites
Appear to have settled on this font as their Sarcasm Font
I like ours better.
"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
cruel abuse of Capt'n Graybeard - arrrrrgh
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
@arrgh@ in the main textbox =
arrgh in the main textbox
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Here we go!!
Please come out of the gate strong!!
"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball."
Pessimism- cubs are Half a game back already...
Optimism- the cubs are half a game ahead of the Cardinals and Brewers.
"There had to be a place where the game could be fun again….that place is called Wrigley Field"---Andre Dawson
A win today puts in a tie for first!
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted - George Best
somehow, we'll figure out a way to go 161-1...
…and have to settle for the wild card! :)
i LOVE the optimism that comes w/ another spring…
so, are we getting this one in today??
"I’m not going to say a lot, because if you say the wrong the thing to me, then you (hanley) might wind up on the floor on your rear end," Dawson said with Tony Perez standing by his side in a coach’s office at Sun Life Stadium
1 Game Ahead in the Loss Column
of both the Cardinals and Brewers.
2011 - The 103rd time is the charm.
Oh, and one more thing -- what's he looking at?
Hopefully a homerun ball on 4/1/11 at Wrigley
"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball."
How is the weather?
How is the weather in Chicago? With all the anticipation, I don’t know if I could manage a cancelled opening day game!
CORREIA
LIGHT EM UP!!
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
by Hammer on Apr 1, 2011 11:16 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
music to my ears.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Apr 1, 2011 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Love this!
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
Who does this sound like?
Alvarez has enough power to bring light to a small village, and he a great draft pedigree. But strikeouts are always on the verge of eating him alive, and he goes through stretches where he looks clueless and flails at breaking balls down and away
Not as old, tho.
"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
Lets trade them and hope Pittsburgh doesn't notice
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Apr 1, 2011 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions
Thought this day would never get here.
Happy Cubs Opening Day, folks.
Weekend contributor at Windy City Gridiron
by Steven Schweickert on Apr 1, 2011 11:19 AM CDT reply actions
Coincidentally, our manager scheduled a "morale event" for our team at 1PM today
The company will be picking up the tab for the beer. Life’s good sometimes.
"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
are y'all hiring, Clutch??
"I’m not going to say a lot, because if you say the wrong the thing to me, then you (hanley) might wind up on the floor on your rear end," Dawson said with Tony Perez standing by his side in a coach’s office at Sun Life Stadium
Not in this department
At the moment. Besides, you’d have to move to Fargo.
"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
well...is fargo a lateral move from...GULP
memphis, tenn?? :)
i guess at least here i get to see the iowa cubs from time to time…
"I’m not going to say a lot, because if you say the wrong the thing to me, then you (hanley) might wind up on the floor on your rear end," Dawson said with Tony Perez standing by his side in a coach’s office at Sun Life Stadium
You've got it warmer
Better BBQ, too. But there’s less in the way of depressing, crushing poverty here.
At least your river flows the right way.
"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
Great start time, no risk of sleepiness :D
Let’s get off to a winning start!
by English Cub Fan on Apr 1, 2011 11:21 AM CDT reply actions
Soto and Byrd should be switched in the order, otherwise it looks good
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
Good to see you all!
And a warm welcome to the n00bs. Let’s do this!~
"I'm not a broadcaster! I'm me!"--Ron Santo
Not a newb here...
Just an absence and a name change. :)
Weekend contributor at Windy City Gridiron
by Steven Schweickert on Apr 1, 2011 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions
Hahaha, no.
SJS_illini.
Weekend contributor at Windy City Gridiron
by Steven Schweickert on Apr 1, 2011 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions
That's not very nice of you... ;-)
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Not sure if I should admit this publicly...
…but I’ve contemplated creating a fake Eric Hanna twitter account.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
You will increase Twitter's traffic tenfold.
The world needs it. Do it!
"I'm not a broadcaster! I'm me!"--Ron Santo
GEDIT DONEDAVE!
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Apr 1, 2011 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions
If you see a peanut bag moving on its own in
Yankee Stadium today, it’s ERIC HANNA!
may addition by subtraction be real
For those of you that are superstitious
Time to consider some blackeyed peas for a season of good fortune.
For those of you not superstitious, yeah, right.
I would never
consider Black Eyed Peas for any reason.
Weekend contributor at Windy City Gridiron
by Steven Schweickert on Apr 1, 2011 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions
It was a mistake to have them at the Super Bowl.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 1, 2011 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions
The pulse?
"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
No, the grain.
I’ve never tried them on Cubs opening day. Hence……
We should visit the troughs after having a fist fight?
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
THHHIIIISS ISSSS THE YEAR!!!!
Final score: Cubs 7, Pirates 5
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on Apr 1, 2011 11:26 AM CDT reply actions
Fearless prediction...
Demp goes seven strong – Soto hits a HR, Castro goes 3 for 4 and the CUBS WIN 6-2!
OPENING DAY IS HERE!!
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
Hip Hip Hooray - Opening Day!
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Let's get off to a good start this year, eh?
GO CUBS GO!
Keep that Q Train rollin' in '11. Let's win it for Ronnie.
Stuck at work
Anyone else have a problem getting Gameday? Every time I go there, I get nothing but a black screen w/ the Gameday logo and a link to Gameday audio at the top.
Johnny Knox is so fast he lives in the future
my work has IE6
so I can barely pull up mlb.com let alone anything fancy-dancy like Gameday – think I might have a cough coming on…
Are you running AdBlock or something similar?
You may have to make an exception for the Gameday site in 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
Thanks!
I think disabling that did it.
You are Clutch indeed!
Johnny Knox is so fast he lives in the future
It's a gift
"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
No problems with the graphics but...
I couldn’t get the audio to play within Gameday yesterday. There were audio streaming issues yesterday and they got them straightened out about an hour into the first game. Hopefully, things will go smoother today.
Baseball is back!!
by cowsarecool220 on Apr 1, 2011 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions
I just assumed it would be on tv here for some reason
Wrong. Oh well I can watch the Phillies & listen to WGN. . . . .and miss Ron.
At Least Beat Pittsburgh
Captain Obvious says that the Cubs better win the season series with the Pirates to have any chance of making the playoffs.
2011 - The 103rd time is the charm.
My hat goes off
to those loyal Pirates fans. They deserve better. Of course, I can at least remember the Pirates winning a World Series. Can’t say that about the Cubs.
I think the Pirates have a pretty solid lineup this year. Their pitching is going to be a major, problem.
by Josh Timmers on Apr 1, 2011 11:35 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
The Majority of Pittsburgh High School Seniors....
were not even born when the Pirates last had a winning season in 1992. Since that time, the Steelers have been in 8 AFC Championship games, 4 Super Bowls, and won 2 of those Super Bowls. The Pirates do have a big problem competing with the Steelers in Pittsburgh.
2011 - The 103rd time is the charm.
I remember when Sid slid
And crushed those Pirates’ dreams. Poor Barry Bonds looked so skinny 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
If he was roiding then
He’d’ve thrown out Bream
Sure
But it’s not like it’s an either/or thing. I’m pretty sure you’re allowed to be a fan of both teams. They only play at the same time about half a dozen times a year (and by that time, even the Pirates players don’t care about the games.)
by Josh Timmers on Apr 1, 2011 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions
Only So Many Sports Dollars to Go Around
I believe the majority of sports fans in Pittsburgh would rather spend their money on the Steelers than the Pirates. They may just save their money for football season and not spend it during the first five months of baseball season. Even when the Pirates were good in the early 1990’s, they were just in the middle of the pack attendance wise in the National League. The Steelers weren’t making any deep runs in the playoffs back then. It was that 1992 season for the Steelers, which ended after the Pirates last playoff run, that signified that the Steelers were back as an NFL contender. It’s going to be really difficult for the Pirates to reestablish any time of fan following.
2011 - The 103rd time is the charm.
At this point
The Pirates rank, what, fifth in the city in terms of interest?
1. Steelers
2. Penguins
3. Pitt football/basketball
4. Pitt football/basketball
5. Pirates?
"Stuff like this is why they should shut off the internet."
by Orval Overall on Dec 17, 2010 1:19 PM CST
The Penguins
They won 2 Stanley Cups during that early 1990’s run the Pirates had of winning 3 straight NL East titles. Since 1992, the Pens have been in the conference finals 4 times, the Stanley Cup finals twice, and won the 2009 Stanley Cup. They’ve done quite a bit better than the Pirates in recent history.
2011 - The 103rd time is the charm.
I think the Pirates got our attention last year, we'll be OK.
I ran my cubs flag up the flagpole last night. I’m ready!
We'll miss you Big Boy. #10 for Hall of Fame.
Did anyone salute?
"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
Opening Day Is Here!!
Lets just hope the weather cooperates with us. Go Cubbies!!
SKOL VIKINGS!!!! Go Spurs Go!!!! Go Cubbies!!! Hook Em' Horns!!!!
Checking in, folks
I took the day off and barbecued some beef spare ribs.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010) and Ron Santo (February 25, 1940-December 2, 2010).
Did you then send them to Iowa?
"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
Nope
But I ate well for lunch and will have leftovers.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010) and Ron Santo (February 25, 1940-December 2, 2010).
He tried, but they were blocked by a Hill...
Weekend contributor at Windy City Gridiron
by Steven Schweickert on Apr 1, 2011 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions
WHAT!?!?!
why did you do that to our AAA catcher? OH THE HUMANITY – although that does sound delicious
You're selling Barney short, Al
Reading your interview at Buc’s Dugout. He actually was on back-to-back College World Series Champions.
Law has his blind spots
But to be frank, people around here are too high on Barney.
by Josh Timmers on Apr 1, 2011 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm trying to keep my expectations in line...
…but seeing him and Castro on the field at the same time in one of the spring training games really got me rooting for him to somehow claim a starting role. I think the question is: What’s the minimum Barney would have to hit for his strong defense to keep him in the lineup? I’m just not sure.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
I'm really rooting for Barney
and I’ve been a fan of his since we drafted him. I’ve followed him through Peoria, Daytona, Tennessee and Iowa.
But he simply doesn’t have great tools. He’s a guy who gets the most of of what abilities he has simply because he’s smarter than most ballplayers. But he’s a middle infielder without power or speed. He also doesn’t walk much. Pretty much all of his offensive value comes from his ability to put the ball into play. It’s tough to succeed regularly that way.
Maybe Al’s right and he’s bulked up and added some power. That would be very good news.
by Josh Timmers on Apr 1, 2011 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions
I think I heard him say in an interview...
…that he added 18 or 19 lbs. of muscle this spring at Camp Colvin. If he can maintain his contact rate with more power, I guess there’s some hope there. I’m not betting the farm on it or anything, but I guess you never know.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
GO CUBS GO
WE GOT THE POWER WE GOT THE BACKUP CATCHER TO BE THE BEST IN THE NATIONAL LEAGUE!
been stuck in my head all day…
...
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 1, 2011 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions
Quick drink some of this
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
this is awesome
i’ve gotta get a petition started to carry it at my local piggly wiggly
"I’m not going to say a lot, because if you say the wrong the thing to me, then you (hanley) might wind up on the floor on your rear end," Dawson said with Tony Perez standing by his side in a coach’s office at Sun Life Stadium
♪♫ The power of Koyie...
…is a curious thing. ♪♫
♪♫ Breaks a Cubs fan’s heart, when they see him swing. ♪♫
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
♪♫Throws the ball.. a little too slow.
Stands between the Cubs and a ring♪♫
Yay Barney!!!
How awesome would it be if he is the “Colvin” of 2011. We need a real second baseman.. I’m not expecting a lot, but a pleasant surprise at that position would be huge for the Cubs. Too bad he can’t lead off and steal a bunch of bases.
by DisCUBbobulated on Apr 1, 2011 11:41 AM CDT reply actions
I think he'll be too busy
Being the second coming of Ryno. I like the kid, but damn, the hype’s really amping up around him.
"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
All I'm asking for is that he doesn't turn into Theriot part II.
"I'm not a broadcaster! I'm me!"--Ron Santo
If he is, it's at big league minimum
Not like the guy the Cardinals have.
Skippy?
Riot is back at SS. Feel free to LOL
"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
Happy Opening Day, all.
Uh…I guess that’s all I have to say.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
Good job
Go get a beer. You’ve earned 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
I am a little parched after all that effort.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
Beer good
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010) and Ron Santo (February 25, 1940-December 2, 2010).
Drinking a Schweinsbräu Helles here
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
The boss bought Bud Light today
I guess I’ll have to settle for that
If the world didn't suck we would all fall off.
I'm going to crack the first bottle of my first attempt of home brewing
I’m calling it “Wait till next beer”
But... next beer is here!
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted - George Best
This is the beer!
Weekend contributor at Windy City Gridiron
by Steven Schweickert on Apr 1, 2011 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Sweet
But i hope it’s not the start of a self fulfilling prophecy
If the world didn't suck we would all fall off.
As someone who has tasted a first attempt at someone's homebrew...
Wait till next beer? I think I will.
Weekend contributor at Windy City Gridiron
by Steven Schweickert on Apr 1, 2011 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions
The Weihenstephaner Berg is in Freising, just outside of Munich, and the brewery there
is associated with the most important brewery school in Germany. The Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan is considered to be the worlds oldest brewery (goes back to the 8th century). So they must be doing something right.
Personally, I think most of their beers are good to very good, but not necessarily my favorites.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
i was WONDERING
who was gonna be the first poster to post BOOBS in 2011…
ding-ding!!
johnny, tell ‘em what they’ve won!!
"I’m not going to say a lot, because if you say the wrong the thing to me, then you (hanley) might wind up on the floor on your rear end," Dawson said with Tony Perez standing by his side in a coach’s office at Sun Life Stadium
Let's get this party started
"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
...
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Yesss
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
That's enough
OK folks. That’s enough with the tasteless Greeting Cards.
by Josh Timmers on Apr 1, 2011 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Its odd
So I move to Cali and the game starts at 11am. That will take some getting used to.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
Yeah, wait till NFL season.
You can see the Sunday Night and Monday Night games end, not to mention late-night MLB and NBA games. What a concept!
Weekend contributor at Windy City Gridiron
by Steven Schweickert on Apr 1, 2011 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions
Move to Germany and listen to the last innings of west coast night games while eating breakfast
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
NFL football starting at 10am sucks
not to mention college games starting at 9am
It's even better during football season
Nothing like showing up at the bar at 8AM to make sure you get a seat for those 10:00 games.
"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
That's what I love about the West Coast
The games all start early. You don’t have to wait all day for it to start.
by Josh Timmers on Apr 1, 2011 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions
Not to mention
that when the games ends today at 230 it should be about 90 degrees – guess Ill hit the pool.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
I lived out there for six years, and NFL Sundays were truly strange. The radio promos would be like [in tough-guy voice], “Tune in to whatever FM to hear your Chargers take on the New England Patriots! PREGAME STARTS AT EIGHT AM!!!!”
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 1, 2011 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions
That's a bad thing?
Weekend contributor at Windy City Gridiron
by Steven Schweickert on Apr 1, 2011 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions
I don’t think it’s bad, just that I can’t get geared up for a ballgame at 8:00 AM, no matter how badly I want to see it. That might be just me.
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 1, 2011 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions
I watched an
Aussie Football game at 3:30 this morning
Yeah
Beer and scrambled eggs go ggggrrrreeeeeaaat together. Been there, lived in SD for 3 years
"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball."
Wait till the 11:20 central time starts
The game is on at 9:20 on the west coast. Nothing like eating breakfast and watching a cubs game.
I dont recall many of those.
Cincinatti does a few high noon starts but thats about it
I got a feeling Pena goes yard today.
Let’s get off on the right start today, like the line-up (though as a major Colvin supporter, we all know where i stand on that particular position)
Let's do this Cubbies!
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Avatar provided courtesy of AndrewJStone.
I'm not asking for much
Just a sweep of Pittsburgh. 2 out of 3 would be OK.
Let’s get this season started right!
by jerry morales rules on Apr 1, 2011 11:51 AM CDT reply actions
as I stated yesterday
175-0 BABY (apparently the extended the NLCS and WS back to 9 games without telling anyone)
Hel yeah it's opening day!!!!!!!!!
I’m super excited about Barney starting. He’s the kind of scrappy player that will play enough defense to keep SWL relatively happy.
Shock the world Cubs!!!!
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Apr 1, 2011 11:53 AM CDT reply actions
Opening day should be a National holiday!
Chicago Cubs - Arizona Cardinals 167 combined years and no rings
I guess I'm a masochist
I agree with this!
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Can someone splain to me
How Theriot only received one error yesterday on ‘the play’?
Drops ball, runner scores.
Errant throw allows batter to take second. A good throw would have kept him at first.
His handsome good looks swayed the official scorekeeper.
"I'm not a broadcaster! I'm me!"--Ron Santo
It was his birthday?
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
He can talk his way out of anything.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
after his comments about the Cubs
I loved that boot yesterday
Chicago Cubs - Arizona Cardinals 167 combined years and no rings
I guess I'm a masochist
Just poured a big glass of Kool-Aid
I got enough for everybody!
Looks iffy on the Internet
http://www.wunderground.com/sports/MLB/hometeam/Chicago:Cubs.html?st=1301667600
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Look at the animated radar
It’s moving through quickly. In Iowa we only got sprinkles from the system, most of it didn’t hit the ground.
Woo-hoo!
Can’t wait!
I never listen to the radio in the car…unless it’s a Cubs (or Wildcats) game. It’ll be nice to wrap up work on a Friday and head home listening to Pat.
I hope he says “trousers” today. :)
I like how he describes what the players are wearing in detail.
Baseball is back!!
by cowsarecool220 on Apr 1, 2011 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions
It's for his British fans
If he says “pants”, they’ll think they’re running around in their skivvies.
by salparadise23 on Apr 1, 2011 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Good thing he doesn't talk about the fans
I can’t imagine the Brits’ reactions to someone walking around with a fanny pack.
"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 raked it last April
But, yeah…
"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
Look man...
he provides clubhouse leadership and a great positive attitude, which I’ve been told is extremely important and something this team will really need.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 1, 2011 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions
It's all about the
"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 believe it's pronounced "sizzurp"
"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
Meth Lab?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 1, 2011 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions
You're gonna need moar than that
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
not going to the game
but I made a point to wear Cubbie blue today, go Cubs
Chicago Cubs - Arizona Cardinals 167 combined years and no rings
I guess I'm a masochist
Yah baseball
We can't win at home. We can't win on the road. I just can't figure out where else to play!
-- Pat Williams
by Fat Punk Kicker on Apr 1, 2011 12:20 PM CDT reply actions
Ted Lilly could kick his ass.
"The trouble is not that players have sex the night before a game. It's that they stay out all night looking for it." - Casey Stengal
Chuck would kick his own arse, so that Ted doesn't get his shoes dirty
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Whats the weather like currently?
Hopefully we can get this in. I didnt take the day off for nothing!
Right now it's about 71 degrees and sunny....
oh wait, you meant at Wrigley…nevermind.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 1, 2011 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Didn't they just finish doing 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
Dusk and about 55°... oh never mind
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
I've heard this term before...
but I can’t remember what it means. I’ll have to look it up on urbandictionary.com
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 1, 2011 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Look out to the southwest
See all that blue stuff? Imagine that falling from the sky, and you’ll get some idea of what they’re talking about.
"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
Skilling had better
use his Jedi mind tricks to send it the other way.
HEY ALL!
Welcome to another Cubs season! Always nice to be here, but I’m afraid I can only pull a brief cameo as I’m stuck at work on a VERY busy day.
Sigh.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 1, 2011 12:42 PM CDT reply actions
today is the first day of the month
i’ve got 29 more days to hit quota…bring on Opening Day!!!
"There had to be a place where the game could be fun again….that place is called Wrigley Field"---Andre Dawson
Happy Opening Day gang...
about frickin’ time!!
"The trouble is not that players have sex the night before a game. It's that they stay out all night looking for it." - Casey Stengal
Judd Sirott Pregame
gross.
"There had to be a place where the game could be fun again….that place is called Wrigley Field"---Andre Dawson
Baseball currently sounds good.
Even if it’s Judd’s screechy screamy voice talking about it.
Weekend contributor at Windy City Gridiron
by Steven Schweickert on Apr 1, 2011 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions
i'll grant that on opening day...
no other.
"There had to be a place where the game could be fun again….that place is called Wrigley Field"---Andre Dawson
Hence, currently.
Any other time…
Weekend contributor at Windy City Gridiron
by Steven Schweickert on Apr 1, 2011 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions
No pregame audio here, dagnabit
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
MLB.com Audio stream up via Gameday page...
…but they seem to be streaming WSCR instead of WGN-AM. Have to settle for the Pirates steam for now.
My time on the blogs today is likely done,
Since my lunch break is over. I’ll check back in later.
GO CUBS!
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 1, 2011 12:49 PM CDT reply actions
TV Stream from Wrigley appeared briefly...
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Aardvarks for Baseball
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Is it raining out there yet?
"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"
Hello everybody!
When the hell does this game start? And there’s talk of rain?!?
"People ask me a lot about the values I got from playing for the Cubs for so many years. The value I got out of it was patience. A lot of people these days are not very patient." -- Ernie Banks
by CubFanInCanberra (9387milesfromWrigley) on Apr 1, 2011 12:53 PM CDT reply actions
It's raining downtown.
Haven’t heard anything about a delay though.
"I'm not a broadcaster! I'm me!"--Ron Santo
It better not rain...
I’m up at 5am for Cubs baseball here, so I better get some #&%@ baseball!!
"People ask me a lot about the values I got from playing for the Cubs for so many years. The value I got out of it was patience. A lot of people these days are not very patient." -- Ernie Banks
by CubFanInCanberra (9387milesfromWrigley) on Apr 1, 2011 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions
getting the wave started early!
Al wont be happy about this.
Awww.
Weekend contributor at Windy City Gridiron
by Steven Schweickert on Apr 1, 2011 12:56 PM CDT up reply actions
THIS COULD BE PERCEIVED AS A MILD FORM OF CHILD ABUSE
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 1, 2011 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah
I worried I would be reported when I posted pics on flickr of my baby in a Cubs outfit…
"People ask me a lot about the values I got from playing for the Cubs for so many years. The value I got out of it was patience. A lot of people these days are not very patient." -- Ernie Banks
by CubFanInCanberra (9387milesfromWrigley) on Apr 1, 2011 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions
Hey Drew!
Is that your new addition?
Just had our first during the offseason, and yes she has Cubs clothing already too! :)
"People ask me a lot about the values I got from playing for the Cubs for so many years. The value I got out of it was patience. A lot of people these days are not very patient." -- Ernie Banks
by CubFanInCanberra (9387milesfromWrigley) on Apr 1, 2011 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions
indeed he is!
Born Feb 28th, and ready to rock and roll!
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Apr 1, 2011 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions
congrats!
my girl was born Oct 24 and even if she ends up with an aussie accent, she will still be a Cubs fan… :P
"People ask me a lot about the values I got from playing for the Cubs for so many years. The value I got out of it was patience. A lot of people these days are not very patient." -- Ernie Banks
by CubFanInCanberra (9387milesfromWrigley) on Apr 1, 2011 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Congrats on your little girl.
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
well, see, that's funny.
We were told that his head was 40 week size at 36 weeks. We were told he would be born 8 lbs, 11 oz.
So we told everyone to not get us newborn stuff. None of it would fit, right?
Instead, he was born 7 lbs, 1 oz, so NOTHING FITS. Those pants are 3-6 months, because they’re some of the smallest pants he has.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Apr 1, 2011 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions
hahahaha
we had an 8lb 6 oz baby and newborn stuff fit just right…now we have a hard time with our 90th percentile chunker finding ANYTHING that fits length wise and isnt chopping him in half around the waist
somone gave us a pair of jeans
that he doesn’t touch the sides of at all. We just drop him in, and it’s like he’s wearing a snuggie.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Apr 1, 2011 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Aw....so adorable.
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
I love a season of no expectations.....
so glad all the playoff and World Series talk is behind us…..that’s when we sometimes surprise….
Get this party started
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010) and Ron Santo (February 25, 1940-December 2, 2010).
Just can't help it...
Opening day brings a tear to my eye every time.
"Cubs fans....the wind beneath the Hawk's wings." Andre Dawson, on his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, 7/25/10
Rest in peace, Ronnie. You will always be in my Hall of Fame.
The new PA announcer is doing really good.
"Cubs fans....the wind beneath the Hawk's wings." Andre Dawson, on his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, 7/25/10
Rest in peace, Ronnie. You will always be in my Hall of Fame.
What's the matter, Colonel Sanders?
Chicken?
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010) and Ron Santo (February 25, 1940-December 2, 2010).
The force
… is strong with this one…
"People ask me a lot about the values I got from playing for the Cubs for so many years. The value I got out of it was patience. A lot of people these days are not very patient." -- Ernie Banks
by CubFanInCanberra (9387milesfromWrigley) on Apr 1, 2011 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions
Byrd is the word
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010) and Ron Santo (February 25, 1940-December 2, 2010).
Marmol looks real cold
hope that doesnt affect him closing
Oh for crying out loud mlb.
Switching to the Pirates feed radio feed. Good its just a normal game & not opening day or anything.
ugh
yeah I’m hearing 670 and not WGN on their cubs feed. Geesh.
First time using MLB At-bat and
i could choose which audio to follow
"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball."
I know this is the wrong way of putting this...
but we start our season with the display of a flag that represents an epic tragedy (9/11)….
I understand why MLB continues to do it
but I’m pretty tired of it as well.
WWOZ.org - New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Station
by Gibbon Jockey on Apr 1, 2011 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions
It will go away eventually
The next generation is going to look at 9/11 much like my generation looked at Pearl Harbor
Just to be clear, I'm not advocating it "go away"
I’m just a little sketched out by the way MLB has sort of fetishized it.
anyways, that’s neither here nor there…let’s play some ball.
WWOZ.org - New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Station
by Gibbon Jockey on Apr 1, 2011 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions
I think Bud wrote the lyrics to GBA, so he gets royalties every time it's sung
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
What's an aluminum falcon?
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010) and Ron Santo (February 25, 1940-December 2, 2010).
kinda odd
to wrap the Japan and Santo situations into 1 moment of silence…
Check out the Video Blog I host: WebSmart TV
That's what I was thinking too.
Another dropped ball by the Cubs, and the season hasn’t even started.
"I'm not a broadcaster! I'm me!"--Ron Santo
Have you seen the radar?
This is pretty much it
Thanks for that clarification...
.. he was scaring me!
"People ask me a lot about the values I got from playing for the Cubs for so many years. The value I got out of it was patience. A lot of people these days are not very patient." -- Ernie Banks
by CubFanInCanberra (9387milesfromWrigley) on Apr 1, 2011 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions
If my calculations are correct, when this baby hits 88 mph...
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010) and Ron Santo (February 25, 1940-December 2, 2010).
THE LIBYANS!
Oh, my God, they found me, I don’t know how, but they found me. Run for it Marty.
Check out the Video Blog I host: WebSmart TV
by digitalbenjamin on Apr 1, 2011 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions
Still no TV stream!
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
weee
excitement ensues
Did you guys hear about the new Lebron James Iphone?
You have to keep it on vibrate because it has no rings.
Is it just me...
Or is this the slowest I’ve heard Wayne sing the Anthem?
"I'll tell you what's helped me my entire life. I look at baseball as a game. It's something where people can go out, enjoy and have fun. Nothing more." - Harry Caray
MLB.TV where the f****** h*** is the video stream?
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
They doing the (multiple) first pitches now
Not sure if those normally get streamed or not
first pitch thread is up!
someone clever post a jump… :)
"People ask me a lot about the values I got from playing for the Cubs for so many years. The value I got out of it was patience. A lot of people these days are not very patient." -- Ernie Banks
by CubFanInCanberra (9387milesfromWrigley) on Apr 1, 2011 1:16 PM CDT reply actions
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
effective...
but not many style points… :P
"People ask me a lot about the values I got from playing for the Cubs for so many years. The value I got out of it was patience. A lot of people these days are not very patient." -- Ernie Banks
by CubFanInCanberra (9387milesfromWrigley) on Apr 1, 2011 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions
i was sure this was an April Fools rick roll...
Check out the Video Blog I host: WebSmart TV
by digitalbenjamin on Apr 1, 2011 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions
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