Cubs Say Farewell To Sun Life Stadium With Sweep Of Marlins
by Al Yellon on May 19, 2011 9:40 PM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
Email
Print
BOSTON -- It's been called many things -- these are the printable ones: Joe Robbie Stadium, Pro Player Stadium, Dolphin Stadium, now Sun Life Stadium -- but the football/baseball stadium located about halfway between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale is the scene of one of the worst Cub fan memories, the Game 5 loss in the 2003 NLCS that could have been the Cubs' ticket to the World Series.
That's why it is, at the very least, of some small satisfaction that the Cubs won the last five games they played there, including tonight, a 5-1 victory over the Marlins of which you, the Cubs fan, can have very, very few complaints. Thus, the complaint department is closed.
About the only thing you could complain about -- if you were so inclined, and on a night when the Cubs won, why would you? -- is Casey Coleman issuing five walks in 5.2 innings of work. Nevertheless, he worked his way out of the trouble each time, and when he was finally removed after 109 pitches, Scott Maine helped him get out of a jam without scoring a run.
The only run scored tonight by the Marlins was a solo home run by Mike Stanton off Kerry Wood. Some of you might complain that shows Wood "doesn't have it", but Stanton is a really, really good hitter and can take just about anyone downtown. So don't be too hard on Kerry for this one, especially since the Cubs won.
The Cubs nursed a 1-0 lead into the fourth inning when Marlon Byrd homered, his second in as many days, and drove in a pair of runs making it 3-0. Starlin Castro hit a two-run double in the ninth inning to provide a cushion, although it took a save opportunity away from Carlos Marmol, who finished anyway with a pair of strikeouts.
Now seriously -- if we're complaining about a lost save op because the Cubs scored too many runs, things must be decent enough, even if it's just for today.
John Grabow also threw a scoreless inning tonight.
Now, Coleman's good outing might raise the question: could the Cubs live with him for another start or three before Randy Wells returns? With all the walks -- 25 issued in 33 innings -- maybe not. Wells will throw another rehab start on Sunday and may be ready to return to the rotation May 27 or 28 against the Pirates at Wrigley Field. That's the best-case scenario for the rotation, which has been somewhat better since Doug Davis joined it and Matt Garza has settled down. All the Cubs now need is for Ryan Dempster and Carlos Zambrano to become the pitchers they were supposed to be before the season started and maybe this team can reel off a winning streak longer than two games. Before the season started, starting pitching was supposed to be a strength of the Cubs; instead, the starters have been pretty bad and it's been the bullpen that's been surprisingly good.
So the Cubs split the first four games of their road trip and have a decent 10-10 record on the road this season, going into the historic series this weekend at Fenway Park. I'm excited to see Fenway for the first time in 28 years and think the pitching matchups -- with the Red Sox rotation also hurting -- might even favor the Cubs.
For those of you coming to the meetup Saturday near Fenway, I look forward to meeting those I haven't yet and to renewing friendships with those I've met before. And just to make everyone feel at home here in Boston -- it's cool and drizzly and there's a fair chance of rain all three nights.
Bring on the Red Sox. Should be fun.
193 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Everyone should watch BREAKING BAD.
Also, Starlin Castro is the future. LOCK THAT MAN UP.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on May 19, 2011 9:46 PM CDT reply actions 3 recs
As soon as Netflix
puts it on Instant Streaming. Everyone should also watch this season/series of Doctor Who.
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on May 19, 2011 9:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Torchwood and Captain Jack Harkness
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Breaking Bad is awesome.
And so is Starlin Castro. I approve of this comment twice.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
Yes,
bring on the Red Sox. Good game. Coleman impressed. Byrd looking much better too.
1908 uniforms Saturday night will be interesting.
We'll miss you Big Boy. #10 for Hall of Fame.
by mrcubsfan on May 19, 2011 9:49 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
It's 1918 uniforms, not 1908, at least that's my understanding.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
That makes sense, they did face each other in the World Series that year
by braziliancubsfan on May 19, 2011 10:04 PM CDT up reply actions
Those are awesome!
What are the Red Sox wearing?
"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie" -- Tony Montana
Ooooo...
I didn’t know about the throwback uniforms. Now, I’m even more excited about this series.
Fasten those seat belts...
I have never been so excited for a baseball series in my life.
GO CUBS!!!!
Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008
03 NLCS? 03 NLDS? 08 NLDS? 07 NLDS? 98 NLDS? 89 NLCS? 84 NLCS?
Meet Keith Moreland! Click here for more information or email me!
Keep that Q Train rollin' in '11. Let's win it for Ronnie.
Gotta keep ya honest my friend
Meet Keith Moreland! Click here for more information or email me!
Keep that Q Train rollin' in '11. Let's win it for Ronnie.
by mikegncb34 on May 20, 2011 1:09 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Very nice to see the Cubs rebound after a tough series in Cincinnati
And I hope the Red Sox don’t crush Davies tomorrow
by braziliancubsfan on May 19, 2011 9:58 PM CDT reply actions
After a terrible series in Cincy
this was a great last two days.
Every time I temporarily give up on this team, they suck me back into it. 5.5 games out and here I go again falling for it lol
On to Boston. Go Cubs
Meet Keith Moreland! Click here for more information or email me!
Keep that Q Train rollin' in '11. Let's win it for Ronnie.
One Complaint...
Ivan DeJesus absolutely should have sent Pena home in the 8th on Byrd’s double to the right field corner, especially with 2 out. DeJesus has now turned too conservative. Pena could have scored easily and things got interesting when Stanton’s homer and the bloop single brought the tying run to the plate. DeJesus needs to find the middle path ~ not Wavin Ivan and not a roadblock either.
well he is a Pendulum
and will swing back and forth as he figures it out – hopefully he can rest in the middle
by hansman1982 on May 19, 2011 10:21 PM CDT up reply actions
He may be getting a little conservative...
… given the runners he’s sent into sure outs recently.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
I agree in hindsight, but I'm not so sure if Stanton doesn't miss the cut
I agree, the way it turned out, Peña would have definitely scored. But if Stanton hits the cut, I think Peña might be pegged at the plate, which would mean it’s the right call. Tough one.
We'll all miss you Ron.
saw his son last night
Least I think it was…ivan dejesus jr playing for the reno aces…looked pretty good…is reno the Milwaukee farm team? Saw a pitcher named grienke but I thought he was with the brewers
by nmcubsfan on May 20, 2011 12:48 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Hopefully Soriano will DH only in the Boston Series
Can’t Imagine him playing balls of the monster very well. Also Boston may have 2 weak pitchers in this series but they have an offense that can make up for it.
2003 NLCS
the scene of one of the worst Cub fan memories, the Game 5 loss in the 2003 NLCS that could have been the Cubs’ ticket to the World Series.
Looking back I never really felt like game was one of the worst memories. They never really mounted any offense for Zambrano. I remember ARam hitting one just foul down the left field line, but that’s about it.
My memory is a little hazy though – kind of get blocked by Game 6…
Scott Bora$ is satan.
by Canadian Cubs Fan on May 19, 2011 10:59 PM CDT reply actions
Game 5
No one was gonna beat Beckett that day.
Yet I still felt so confident heading back to Chicago for game 6…..
……………..
Meet Keith Moreland! Click here for more information or email me!
Keep that Q Train rollin' in '11. Let's win it for Ronnie.
by mikegncb34 on May 20, 2011 1:11 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I'm going there ...
SEE!!!
WARM WEATHER warms up the Cubs! Pundits (and players) have said as things warm up, so will the Cubs.
I like it when the Cubs win.
That is all.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 19, 2011 11:04 PM CDT reply actions 6 recs
Simple and true
"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
Shaky at times
But didn’t seem to let it rattle him. And Quade got him out of there at the right time, too.
"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
Yep, at least Quade knew he was living on borrowed time with him
and got him out of there before the lad was gone.
"Go Cubs!"
How many teams have such a fast thinking sharp manager like we do?
We are very lucky. Ricketts has really turned this ship around
TJ?
I've come to the conclusion that the two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen. ~Bob Lemon, 1981
He's been trying to do a quasi-TJ all night
I don’t really like the schtick, but hey, to each his own.
We'll all miss you Ron.
No one knows what it's like
To be the bad man, to be the sad man
Behind blue eyes…
"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
Who??? ;-)
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
But my dreams, they aren't as empty
As my conscience seems to be….
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 May 20, 2011 7:03 AM CDT up reply actions
Boston better watch out
The Cubs are Red Hot and even Byrd is hitting Home Runs. Our Magic number is down to 137 after tonight’s win.
I hope Campana makes it to the playoff roster.
Al Yellon at Fenway 28 years ago
What game did you see at Fenway Park 28 years ago? It was in 1983 right?
Jack Brickhouse: "Hey! Hey!"
Harry Caray: "Holy Cow!"
Vince Lloyd: "The Chicago Cubs are on the Air!"
Len Casper: "Cubs Win! Oh Baby!"
Bob Brenly: "Give it to a Kid!"
Ron Santo: "YES!" "All Right! Let's do it!" "Ohhh Nooooo!" "Gee Whiz! Come on!" AND... "This Is The Year!"
by #1 iowan cubs fan on May 19, 2011 11:42 PM CDT reply actions
I saw them split a doubleheader with the Royals on August 14, 1983
Wasn’t supposed to be a DH, but there had been a previous rainout.
Very excited to see all the changes at Fenway since then.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
Well, that was a strange ending
Situation: 0-0, 2 on (2nd and 3rd), 1 out, Bottom 9 in SD vs. MIL.
Ron Roenicke ordered Marco Estrada to IBB Chase Headley, bringing up Orlando Hudson. Then, Roenicke visited the mound and gestured for Mark Kotsay to come in from LF and play as a 5th infielder.
It didn’t matter, as Hudson hit the first pitch for a sac fly to RF to win the game, but it was still a very strange sight.
"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
This team is bizarre
the blow two 4-run leads, albeit it is the hard-hitting Reds, then shut down the Marlins in a place where we notoriously do not do well. Crazy, but I love it. Let’s show these American league fools how we do things in the National League this weekend
I'm going to the 2012 Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp!!! Who's with me?
well according to Leyland
we should have a distinct advantage heading into this weekend
by hansman1982 on May 20, 2011 12:10 AM CDT up reply actions
Honestly I think AL teams have the advantage in AL parks
Since their rosters are actually put together to pay an extra hitter (DH) millions of dollars and NL teams don’t.
The Cubs are already paying a DH.
Unfortunately, he has to play LF in Wrigley.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
Oh, SNAP!
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
I knew someone would say that
But at least the Cubs’ DH can play the field (somewhat). When the Red Sox go to the NL parks David Ortiz becomes an expensive pinch-hitter.
True.
But Soriano is becoming a real liability in the field. He really needs to DH all weekend in Boston and have the Cubs have a real outfielder in front of the Green Monster.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
I totally agree
I’m just saying AL team rosters (especially the Yankees and Red Sox) are built for that extra “expensive” hitter that most NL teams don’t have.
scary part is this
Quade will not probably not DH him all 3 games for some mysterious Quadethinkreason.
I'm going to the 2012 Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp!!! Who's with me?
And his reasoning will be
“We have to keep him from being lazy by putting him in the outfield.”
Zing!
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 May 20, 2011 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions
And if he hits really well in interleague
can we get 20 cents on the dollar for the contract?
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on May 20, 2011 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions
We'll do that
But I hope that we do it in a good way
"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
Cubs win = very good thing
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
by eths on May 20, 2011 1:31 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Off to Boston
For anyone flying in today, delays expected. Hope to see a bunch of you tomorrow at the meetup
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
Or training?
Or busing? Lots of ways to get between those two cities. Hell, one could take a boat if one so desired.
"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
Pogo Sticking
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Bus
Just got here. About 4 1/2 hours but only $15. Already got a friendly razzing. Walking out of the station wearing Cubs hat & jacket a young lady collecting money for an environmental group looked at me and started saying " Oh no, no , no, I am not going for that" I told her it was just for the weekend, otherwise ( unlike a lot of Cub fans) I root for the Red Sox. She still said no.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on May 20, 2011 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions
The Cubs will sweep the Red Sox
you heard it here first…
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
by DKT on May 20, 2011 7:30 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Where was this friggin' headline in 2003 when we really needed it?
Cubs Say Farewell To Sun Life Stadium With Sweep Of Marlins
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
We were at Game 5 in 2003.
So much anticipation around the stadium before the game. So much dread after. Then we got a couple of hours of sleep and drove 18 hours straight to get home.
One of Lee Elia's 15%
by waiting4cubs on May 20, 2011 8:18 AM CDT up reply actions
I was very conflicted before game 5.
I had tickets for game six. If the Cubs won game 5 in FLA, there was no game 6 and the Cubs were in the WS. I really wanted to attend just ONE Cubs playoff game in my life.
So I wasn’t heartbroken when the series came back to CHI. Prior and Woody were in line for games 6 (and 7 if needed), so what was there to worry about? My family and I were going to see the Cubs win, go to the WS and witness the “Eamus Catuli” sign change to ‘000095’ live and in person.
What idiotic thinking THAT was…
(And I’m old enough to have seen the collapse of 1969, so I should have KNOWN better)
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
Sigh.
I was ready to celebrate in Miami after game 5 and figure out how I was going to pay for a WS ticket in either NY or Boston.
Oh, well.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
posted below
even after the loss you were still upbeat:
Right now I’m not concerned about the Florida staff, nor am I concerned about the Cubs’. If there is anyone who is nearly automatic, it’s Mark Prior, especially throwing in what is supposed to be a cool but clear night. Mike said he was worried, somehow, that it didn’t feel right, but there are a lot of teams who have games like this, even in championship series, and come back strong the next night.
I just went back and looked at some of those too.
I looked at the D-Lee for Hee-Seop trade post.
End result: this isn’t a terrible trade, just an unnecessary one, as the Cubs have larger holes to fill. I’d suspect Lee could bat fourth, behind Sammy Sosa, with Aramis Ramirez fifth and Moises Alou dropped to sixth.
Safte to say, not a terrible trade.. haha
We'll all miss you Ron.
But Al we did "celebrate"
Remember where our group went after the game
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on May 20, 2011 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions
2003 loss
Read Al’s recap of the game 5 loss in 2003. This got me:
Right now I’m not concerned about the Florida staff, nor am I concerned about the Cubs’. If there is anyone who is nearly automatic, it’s Mark Prior, especially throwing in what is supposed to be a cool but clear night. Mike said he was worried, somehow, that it didn’t feel right, but there are a lot of teams who have games like this, even in championship series, and come back strong the next night.
Game 1 was the game that was there for the taking...
Cubs were up 4-0 in the first inning, but Big Z gave up 5 runs in the 3rd inning. Sammy hit that 800 foot HR in the bottom on the 9th to tie up the game. At that moment, I thought there was no way they would lose that game…
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
Random thought.
The Cubs seem to be playing better in lower-stress situations. They’re generally better on the road, and they looked a lot better in low-stress Miami than against a division opponent in Cincinnati (yes, I know the Reds are very good). They also played well in LA and in Houston. Maybe I’m forgetting some bad road series …
Boston will be interesting. On one hand, there will be a lot of attention. On the other, we’re not facing a division opponent or one with whom we have any sort of history.
What an odd team we have this year.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
They also did OK in Arizona (four-game split)
But lost 2 of 3 at Milwaukee and Colorado.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 20, 2011 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions
not that random of a thought
this is the Cubs M.O. with few exceptions.
Coleman is going to have a genuine opportunity to earn his keep,
since Cashner will be out even longer than hoped for. Would like to see Casey put together some consistent outings, and build confidence. You never know how his career will pan out.
Even his new mentor (Maddux) struggled during his first two seasons in the bigs, with ERAs over 5.50.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
Coleman also pitched through a wart for a while.
I dunno. I’m not convinced Casey has enough pure stuff to be even a No. 5 starter, and I’m not sure he’ll get many opportunities with Wells and Davis in the mix. Davis might not be more than a No. 5 himself at this point, but he’s left handed, which gives him an advantage over Casey.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
So you think the Cubs will...
…cut ties with Doug Davis once Randy Wells is back? I have a feeling Coleman will be sent down to work on his control issues when Wells returns — assuming Davis can eat up innings relatively effectively.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
I'd rather watch Coleman for another month than Davis... wouldn't you?
Let’s be realistic here… we’re not competing for a division, or even a wild card in 2011. Davis has no future with this team. On the other hand… Coleman MIGHT have a future.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
While many fans have, I don't think the Cubs have given up on 2011
And I think they’ll go with whoever gives them the best chance to win at the moment. Let’s see how he does today, he only gave up 1 run last outing, and he’s done this before, so he probably will give us the best chance to win until Cash is back.
We'll all miss you Ron.
by alkappy on May 20, 2011 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I agree
Plus I think it’s better to send Coleman down than cut ties with Davis. Even when Wells is back, who’s to say another pitcher doesn’t get hurt. If you cut Davis you’re back to James Russell starting, and I don’t think anyone wants that.
Exactamundo.
There’s no guarantee Davis is going to last for the rest of the season.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
The posts that begin with "let's be realistic here"
and declare the Cubs dead are the ones that always get me. What they’re saying isn’t realistic.
In two months, if the Cubs are buried, then it will be realistic. Not now.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 20, 2011 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions
Because the second worst winning % in the league is somehow unrealistic?
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
But it's still early
And although unlikely, teams have come back. Remember how bad the 2005 Astros were at the end of May?
And where is this improvement going to come from?
Carlos Pena? He’s hit 5 HRs in May, and we’re 7-9 this month.
Aramis Ramirez? He hit 20 HRs after June 25th last year, and we finished in 5th place.
Alfonso Soriano? He’s hit 11 HRs and leads the team with 23 RBI, and we’re in 5th place.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
I'm not saying it's going to happen
I’m just saying it’s possible. Unlikely? Yes, but you never know.
And how many teams who were this bad at the end of May ...
ended up being this bad at the end of the year? We need to stop mentioning the freaking 2005 Astros.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
So what you're saying is
just throw in the towel and call it a season?
We should make a couple of midseason trades and we will be right back in it
Big market teams don’t rebuild or trade proven veterans like Byrd. All things will work themselves out. Tell me if we are still out on Sep 30 and then I will believe it. Until then, full speed ahead!
How about...
We’re probably not going to contend for the division this year, so don’t get your hopes too high.
Or is that too defeatist?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 20, 2011 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions
there are two (yes 2)
teams in all of baseball with fewer wins than the Cubs…
It's not all about stats..Stats don't tell you how gritty the Cubs really there
It’s all about the intangibles. The intangibles will carry the Cubs into October. Remember, it’s a marathon not a sprint.
Not sure if that was sarcasm or not.
I’ll address it as ‘not sarcasm’. We are 25% through the season and 27 of the other 29 teams have a record that is equal to or better than the Cubs… that’s pretty tangible. Unless they have changed the requirements for getting into the playoffs, it’s all about the tangibles and we don’t have them. I’ll take tangibles over intangibles every day. You should run a marathon so that you don’t have to sprint to the finish just to contend. We’re 7 miles into the marathon and starting to get cramps in our legs.
Only 4 teams have a better record than us
in our division.
"Beisbol been berry berry good to me." -Tony Oliva
But what if the other guys fall in the final few laps of that marathon
Look, the Cubs know what they are doing. I have full faith in Quade, Riggins, Hendry and Ricketts. All we need is a couple more Tony Campanas at the deadline and we are right in it. Maybe Tampa is willing to part ways with Fuld?
You must be really proud of your Excel skills right? The game is played by human beings not cells and rows.
Just think about it...
Fuld in LF, Campana pitching. You could fill the other positions with billy goats and black cats and we’re winning 125 games that year, with Co-MVPs and a Cy Young winner (Campana, who pitched 130 CGs) They could cover the ENTIRE field on Defense and beat every hitter to 1st base. I’m all in!
"Beisbol been berry berry good to me." -Tony Oliva
Actually I am
If that post was a reference to golf it lost me. Playing every position just made me think Bugs Bunny.
Again, not sure if this is sarcasm, so...
So we’re hanging our hopes on the race leaders failing? That’s a great strategy. How about we get a team that gets out front and pulls away. Apparently all we need to do that is get a couple more 5’8"-160lb light-hitting gritty bench guys at the trade deadline?
Kinda like
the 2008 team, you mean?
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 20, 2011 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions
You mean the one
that got swept in the first round of the playoffs?
no, key word 'swept'
anyone here feel good about the ’08 season?
No, but better than 2009, 2010, and (so far) 2011
But at least in 2008 I was kept interested until October.
Yeah, I do
What happened in the playoffs doesn’t negate what happened in the regular season. Disappointing? Absolutely. But it doesn’t outweigh it.
If it does for you, then what’s the point of watching baseball?
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 20, 2011 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Hello,
You play to win the game!
signed, Herm Edwards
I watch with the end goal in mind, which is how I hope that the Cubs are managing. If your goal is to make the playoffs, that’s all you’ll ever do. My goal is to win a World Series, I hope the management/team feels the same way.
How do you win a WS?
Have to make the playoffs first. Before that you have to play 162 games, sometimes 163.
"Beisbol been berry berry good to me." -Tony Oliva
I think that's everybody's goal
but at the same time, the journey is more important than the destination.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 20, 2011 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes, it's all about the journey
And the Cubs provide us with a very exciting and wild ride every year. What more can you ask for? Would you rather like a long drawn boring smoooth ride?
Whatever
I want the Cubs to win the World Series as much as anybody, but I hate what this pursuit has brought out in a lot of fans. It’s been pretty ugly and pathetic.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 20, 2011 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes, Ricketts said so in those exact same words
The goal is to win the World Series. But you have to unfortunately play and win the NLDS and NLCS before you can get to the WS. It’s been that way for a very long time now on planet Earth. Not sure about Jupiter and Saturn though. They might play their WS first and then worry about NLDS later.
Ricketts knows what he is doing. Kenney knows all about winning baseball games. As fans we just need to keep the trust.
No, it was a terrible season.
Everyone was bitching and moaning… “why can’t Lou fire up these guys to win 117 like he did in Seattle?” “These bums are awful!” “I hate the boring unenthused days at Wrigley!” “My W flag can’t take more of this, please knock it off Cubs!”
"Beisbol been berry berry good to me." -Tony Oliva
You don't have a clube about baseball
If you cannot honestly feel good about the 2008 season. The Cubs were a 97 win team in 2008. Sh** happens in the playoffs. I would take 2-3 2008 teams per decade than 10 2006 teams
But,
wouldn’t you take 1 WS winner a decade and trade the other 9 seasons?
I think it all comes back to good ole' JH
Look at the Yankees…high payroll and built around a core of homegrown players (Jeter, Posada, Rivera). The Cubs are now in a similar situation with Castro, Soto, and Marmol, but can’t get ’er done.
Yes, we took one 1908 season and traded 103 other seasons!
That was the plan all along. You can’t expect to win a WS every damn century. What about other teams. Like NBF said, it’s about the journey and not the destination
I didn't feel bad that they won 97 games,
I felt bad that they didn’t finish the race
Apparently. Thankfully Kenney and Ricketts have tons of clues
The Chicago Cubs fans are really whiny
You're thinking of quidditch.
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted - George Best
That's the one
I guess the point I’m trying to make is you can predict all you want, and you can try to forego one season to build up to another, but nothing is guaranteed.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 20, 2011 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions
Reed Johnson is no light-hitting bench guy.
He carries a heavy stick.
"Beisbol been berry berry good to me." -Tony Oliva
Harmon Killebrew was only 6' 0" and 195 lb.
We are trying to win baseball games here not Boxing titles.
Again, it’s not about who gets out front on May 20 but who stays front on Oct 01. Are you a new Cubs fan? You need to develop some patience and perseverance.
I'm not sure if you're sincere
or trying to do a TJ impersonation sans exclamation points, cl. Either way, it’s interesting.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 20, 2011 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions
I can't stand it when i hear someone say they can't affort to wait any longer for a Cubs World Series.
I can understand Yankees fans or Red Sox fans not being able to wait, but there’s no reason why we can’t afford to go another few decades without a championship. We want to get more divisional playoff experience.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 20, 2011 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
There you go SWL..
We waited 103 years..Why not 10-15 years more? What’s the big deal huh? What are you going to do once they win the WS? Who are we going to whine at then? Will it be as exciting as it is now? If your answer is no, you better stop complaining and start clapping every time Soriano catches a ball in LF.
Okay forget the 2005 Astros
How about the gulp 2003 Marlins. They were also in bad shape before Jack McKeon took over (I know…bad thread to bring this up).
But they had alot of help from their French Farm system.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 20, 2011 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Wasn't Jim Hendry with the Nationals then?
He really fleeced that French guy Littlefield and now they ask why the French hate us. Duh!
4th worst
don’t make it worse than it is.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on May 20, 2011 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, tell them like it is NBF..
Our magic number is down to 137..We are far from dead..We are hurt but not dead
Yeah, I'd definitely rather watch Coleman than Davis.
But I’m guessing the Cubs will try to get as much as they can out of Davis now that he’s in the fold. And I don’t think it will hurt Coleman’s development too much to have him return to Iowa.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
He's going to have to pitch a lot better if he wants to make it...
25 BB in 34.1 IP isn’t the best sign for a finesse pitcher.
It’ll be interesting to see what the Cubs do when Wells comes back. Do they let Davis go, or send Coleman down?
by SouthernCub on May 20, 2011 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions
On Dempster and Z
All the Cubs now need is for Ryan Dempster and Carlos Zambrano to become the pitchers they were supposed to be before the season started and maybe this team can reel off a winning streak longer than two games.
Dempster is actually having a much improved May, with 3 quality starts (his only 3 on the year), and 3.60 ERA for the month, as opposed to the 9.58 ERA for April.
Big Z, hasn’t been consistent, but probably has the two best performances on the team, going 8 innings twice. Quade and Riggins didn’t do him any favors this week, by leaving him in long enough to give up 6 runs in the 6th vs the Reds, after he only allowed 1 hit through 5. It was a fight at the bat rack, and our manager and pitching coached just sat there and watched it happen, instead of doing something about it (par for the course on the year so far from them).
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
So you're saying pitchers should be pulled after 5 innings if they have 1 hitters?
Z gave no indication until the middle of the 6th that he was suddenly going to throw horribly. Why was Q supposed to predict an explosion on the mound after a measly 5 innings?
We'll all miss you Ron.
During that span of futility in the 6th
Riggins didn’t make a single visit to the mound… not once. Larry Roth or Dave Duncan goes out there, calms his pitcher down, and buys time for the pen to warm up.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
So I guess by the headline
We’re ruling out any possibilty that the Cubs and Marlins might face each other in the playoffs?
I think the Marlins are ruling THEMSELVES out with that outfield wall counter
The how-many-days-left-in-Sun-Life-Stadium counter
We'll all miss you Ron.
The Twins did the same thing when they were leaving the Dome
They were careful to note that they were counting reguar-season games – and they were still wrong, since they played game 163 against Detroit that year.
Nice win last night.
Let’s keep this winning streak going. :)
I don't always block shots, but when I do....I block yours.
Kyle Korver is open as soon as he gets out of his car at the UC. -
Stacey King
I know someone
with alopecia and the suffering they have endured from ignorant people so excuse me if I don’t think this is funny.
I don't always block shots, but when I do....I block yours.
Kyle Korver is open as soon as he gets out of his car at the UC. -
Stacey King
Al, where you guys meeting up on Saturday?
what time? Would love to join.
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse
Info in Fan post but here is the link
http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2011/5/13/2170083/official-bcb-boston-meetup-thread
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on May 20, 2011 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Bleed Cubbie Blue
Related FanShots on Bleed Cubbie Blue
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recommended FanShots
Recent FanShots
Cubs By The Numbers
Cubs By The Numbers is a history of the ballclub by uniform number, but the biographies help trace the history of our beloved team in a new way. For everyone who's a Cubs fan, anyone who ever wore the uniform is like family. Cubs By The Numbers reintroduces readers to some of their long-lost ancestors, even ones they think they already know.
Click here to order your copy, available now!
Recent Stories in Chicago Cubs Game Threads
Recent Stories in Ticket Exchanges
Baseball Nation Recent Stories
In Association With
Big League Stew - MLB - Yahoo! Sports
- College player makes impossible over the fence catch to save tournament game (Video)
- Security!: Camden Yards guard collides with Royals’ Mike Moustakas
- The Juice: Nelson Cruz matches career high eight RBIs, Pujols stays hot in Seattle
- Benches clear at Fenway as Red Sox-Rays rivalry heats up
- Keeping good company: Albert Pujols becomes fourth-youngest player to hit 450 home runs
