93 Years For This? Cubs Blown Out By Red Sox 15-5
by Al Yellon on May 21, 2011 6:30 AM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
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PrintBOSTON -- What a great scene Friday night!
For the first time in what area residents say seemed like weeks, the sun came out late Friday afternoon in Boston as people gathered outside Fenway Park before the Cubs and Red Sox were to meet. The atmosphere was festive; Red Sox fans greeted Cubs fans like they were long-lost family.
Crowds of media spoke to players and management on the field during batting practice as fans gathered along the first row of seats to ask for autographs and take photos of this historic matchup. It was almost a playoff atmosphere, and smiles could be seen everywhere on the faces of Cubs fans, many of whom were seeing the nearly 100-year-old Fenway Park for the first time.
And then the game started.
The Red Sox demolished the Cubs 15-5 Friday night and the embarrassing part was... well, just about everything. The Cubs got 12 hits, a pair of walks, a hit batsman and five runs off Jon Lester, one of the best lefties in the American League. When you do that, you really ought to win the game.
Unfortunately, Cubs pitchers and fielders were not cooperating with that scenario. Doug Davis got hit early and often, finally having to be taken out with two out in the fourth inning having allowed eight hits and three walks. It might not have been quite as bad, except Scott Maine threw only four pitches before Kevin Youkilis hit what became the first of a pair of Red Sox home runs. You'd have also thought the Cubs might have thought about walking Adrian Gonzalez, who batted before Youkilis. At the time the score was still a manageable 4-2 and with runners on second and third with two out, you simply don't let the opposition's best hitter beat you.
Gonzalez hit a 3-2 pitch for a two-run single and four more batters reached before Maine was able to end the inning. Even after that, the Cubs managed to pile up three runs off Lester and make the game "close" again at 8-5 in the top of the fifth.
Maine took care of that by giving up a home run to Jarrod Saltalamacchia that somehow wound up in the hands of Cubs team president Crane Kenney (who gave it to a kid) after it nearly cleared the large Volvo sign closest to center field over the Green Monster seats.
As if that weren't enough, Jeff Samardzija, who has been pretty good this year, was awful last night, facing 10 batters in an inning that seemed to take about an hour. Five runs scored on four hits, a pair of walks and Starlin Castro's second error of the night. Castro had a really, really bad game; in addition to the errors, both of which came on what appeared to be routine ground balls, he went 0-for-5, striking out twice.
Many of us criticized Mike Quade's decision to put Alfonso Soriano in left field; Soriano had played many times at Fenway as a Yankee and Ranger, but never in the outfield. He did make one error, swiping at a base hit by Saltalamacchia, who wound up on second base, but that inning was one of the few that had no damage. The choice to put Soriano in the outfield was ridiculous -- the right decision should have put Reed Johnson in left, Jeff Baker in right, Aramis Ramirez at third base and Soriano at DH -- but that was the least of the problems Friday night. About the only thing that went right was James Russell throwing three scoreless relief innings.
Fenway Park, though, was everything I'd expected it to be. The last time I set foot in Fenway was August 14, 1983 -- long before Fenway became the everyday-sellout home of a perennial playoff contender, and before multiple renovations made it old, but somehow fresh and new. They close off some of the streets outside the park before the game; this TwitPic I sent yesterday afternoon should give you an idea of the festive atmosphere, something the Cubs want to duplicate when (if?) they ever get their Triangle Building constructed on Clark Street. The park itself has been freshened up with many coats of paint and lots of premium seating that's been constructed above the main level; Fenway doesn't have a true "upper deck" -- in fact, had no seating above the main level at all before the extensive renovations and expansions began in the 1990s.
Sightlines from my seat, about 30 rows off the field behind third base, were pretty good; a post blocked my view of the third baseman, meaning I missed the nice stab Youkilis made on a Darwin Barney line drive in the sixth inning. But everything else was easy to see... except when people in my row got up and down for beer (and it was all beer they were bringing back; didn't really see anyone bring any food back). There are no beer vendors at Fenway; if you want it, you've got to go get it yourself. And the problem with this, at least in the grandstand area I was sitting in, is: the seats are really, really small. And the legroom is almost nonexistent. So if you're seated near people who drink even moderate amounts of beer, you are constantly going to be getting up and down. And if you're sitting behind people like that, you're going to miss some action while the people in the row in front of you have to let people by. It's kind of like seeing a wave go by, only longer. (And the people at Fenway did the actual wave too, unfortunately.)
Given the difficulty of getting in and out of the seats and the distance my seat was from a concession stand, I did not sample any of the Fenway food, having had a fairly large lunch earlier in the day at a place in Harvard Square in Cambridge whose name now escapes me. I'll try to sample some Fenway food options tonight.
When, presumably, the Cubs will have gotten rid of the holes in their gloves and replace the 84 MPH fastballs of Doug Davis with the (hopefully) better repertoire of Carlos Zambrano. If you're going to lose a game, at least lose the one where your No. 7 starting pitcher is going.
Red Sox fans were great, friendly and welcoming, just as they were in 2005 when many visited Wrigley Field for an interleague series. I'm guessing the big win helped that attitude. This season's been crazy enough, the Cubs could just return that favor tonight. But Mike Quade? Please, enough of Soriano in left field, at least during interleague games at AL parks. There was no reason to do it; the choice, as noted, had no bearing on the result of the game... but don't tempt fate again.
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All I can say is
Pee-yew! That game STUNK!
The Cubs look like a minor league team.
Sad.
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
It's weird, isn't it?
They looked pretty good against a good Marlins team in Miami.
But last night, not even close.
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Nope.
I got home early from the Lugnuts game (A Lugs win over the Bowling Green Hot Rods in a snappy 2:13) and what I saw in the Cubs game from the 6th inning on was pretty ghastly. And it was already out of hand at that point.
Blech.
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
How's it going Zeke?
Enjoy those Lugnuts because I live in Clinton, Iowa and get to “enjoy” the Clinton Lumberkings, who may be fielding the worst team EVER in minor league baseball!
Our fielding is a little rough this season.
Our shortstop already has over 20 errors. But otherwise, they hit well, pitch fairly well and are within shouting distance of first place…
unlike the Cubs… :(
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
That's because
the bottom line is they’re NOT a good team. They’re a mediocre team that occasionally plays well. They’re not going to be horrible EVERY game, but they’re a lot closer to bad than good.
That play by Soriano was horrid. Yet ANOTHER bad decision by Quade. There’s going to have to be a point before the end of Soriano’s contract that the Cubs are going to have to bite the bullet and say, “ok, that’s enough.” The very second that Soriano is blocking a legitimate LF prospect, or we have a chance to pick one up via free agency, he’s going to have to be released.
You are thinking like a real team would...This is not a normal team....
Soriano in LF EVERYDAY because of the contract.
It was so sad to see how bad we have become
I sure hope that Mr. Ricketts noticed how close we are to his mentor organization. This was an embarassing blowout. Mateo has been replaced by Maine with the same results. Soriano is just as poor defensively as he is in any other baseball stadium. Our defensive rock Hill with a PB, error and hitless. Perhaps someone in the organization can tell us just how close we are to realizing we’re not close at all to being a contending team.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
What you say is very true.
But if Ricketts cared he would do something about the circus of crap we see on the field.
You know
We are actually asked to believe we are merely a break or two away from contending. We add a $10M guy who hit .220 and bring back Wood and we’re expected to believe we’re good enough. Take a good look at this team and the way it continues to perform. No power. No speed. terrible defense. And the truth is we’ll see most of that same team be on our roster next year.
Regardless of cost, is it fair to ask Cub fans to endure Soriano patrolling left field for 4 more years? What would the Red Sox do with this roster?
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
very embarrassing
That game was pretty bad. Al is right about the fans and the Red Sox employees. They were very polite and friendly. I was pretty impressed by the park and the atmosphere (though I am not sure what the “Sweet Caroline” thing is all about). But it is hard to sit there and watch the Cubs play so poorly. I think the Red Sox fans felt more sorry for us than anything else since we appear not to be very competitive.
wccubfan
How bad we have become?
I don’t see the 1966 Cubs.
59-103, over 600K in attendance?
Ledge jumpers, unite. This is just an average team. Nothing more, nothing less.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on May 21, 2011 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Good to see you again, Al!
by Ghost of Fred Merkle on May 21, 2011 7:04 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Good to see you, too.
And all the other BCBers I met last night. Look forward to seeing more of you tonight.
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Fenway
Completely agree with your Fenway seating assessment, Al. It’s reasons like that why I don’t go to the park unless the tickets are free or the Cubbies are in town. And I live a mile from the park. We were in the bleachers last night and by the 6th innning the drunks were embarrassing themselves. Fortunately, my tix for Sunday are in the “family friendly” section which is dry.
Anyone think Baker will get another start tonight after getting 4 hits?
There is the possibility that Castro is out tonight because he is the only one held accountable on this team by Quade. Baker could play 2b with Barney at SS.
How about Campana in LF batting leadoff? Leave Reed in there?
Nah, Soriano in LF!!!!!
Amazing!!!!!
Campana looked pretty foolish on those curve balls last night...
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 21, 2011 8:14 AM CDT up reply actions
I was happy that we got somebody up that could run
as we have needed this a few times lately but if this is the only tool in the box… No thanks. Prove me wrong Campana.
There goes one over the fence...a Tru-Link fence.
by truelinkfence on May 21, 2011 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions
He had the flu
That’s gotta be 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
So Al, have you finally lost respect for Quade?
There was no doubt in my mind Soriano would play LF last night. That could change tonight, but common sense does not seem to go with this team.
Losing is one thing, but losing stupid is another. Stupid moves by the GM, manager and poor play by the players.
Its sad. Very real possibility we finish behind the Pirates.
When will Ricketts wake up?
Yes.
The decision to start Soriano in LF, though it had no bearing on the outcome of the game, was inexplicable.
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Hey... cut him some slack
Soriano would’ve made that error in ANY ballpark!
"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)
by SackMan on May 21, 2011 8:25 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
He really would have, unfortunately
Soriano’s very best chance to be an impact LF any more may be in the tiny confines of Fenway’s LF. He played a couple of balls off the Monster perfectly, and his lack of legs weren’t an issue in that (comparatively) tiny space.
"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
Stop making sense
that just doesn’t fit here.
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on May 21, 2011 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions
But Soriano flawing away at outside pitches
all night long sure did have some bearing on the outcome. I swear a few times he started his swing before the pitcher released the ball.
We had a our chances to score runs. Hitting with RISP was terrible AGAIN!
Even Billy Buck made some great observations about the team, saying that the “little things win ballgames” and that we don’t seem to do the little things very well.
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on May 21, 2011 8:31 AM CDT up reply actions
That was really a terrible decision.
The only reason the first two hits off the monster weren’t a disaster was that they were played by Byrd – who got there from Center b/f Sori could from Left. sigh
Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008
And how is giving way to a player that has a better chance at the play
Now considered playing poorly? Sometimes, the other guy has a better shot and your best move is being there to back him up.
"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
You are correct that he made the right decision
However, it was embarrassing, at least to me, that Byrd could literally get to Left and play the ball better before Sori could get to the ball. That is not an appropriate left fielder at Fenway, at all. And the kicker was, he didn’t have to be there! He could have DH’d!
Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008
I agree with you completely
On that last part.
"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
Ricketts will
wake up when Daddy makes him quit his hobby and sell the team to a grownup.
Regarding Soriano......
……someone here once told me when I suggested that the Cubs “have” to play their high-priced players because of their contracts, that the “best” lineup should be played everyday regardless of salaries. Do you think the Cubs are playing Soriano because of the price they paid and don’t care about giving playing time to more “cheaper” deserving players (Colvin)?
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse
The Cubs say no.
I don’t know if that’s the right answer or not. It is, at times, inexplicable.
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OK enough with Colvin.
Deserving is not a .100 batting average.
How's he doing in Iowa?
I haven’t really kept up.
"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's 2-8 with 2 doubles in his two games in Iowa...
1 BB, 3 K. .250/.333/.500 (.833 OPS)
In the tribune article I just read Quade says he might DH Soriano on Saturday and play DeWitt in LF....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WHY WHY WHY WHY??
Campana, Johnson? Really? These are not better options?
Come on, Kool Iad drinkers defend this, somehow?
What do yo think Al? Good move by Quade?
In the tribune article I just read Quade says he might DH Soriano on Saturday and play DeWitt in LF.
I deleted your !’s in the blockquote, TJ.
Decisions like this make me think Quade is playing this entire season like extended spring training. It makes no sense at all.
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I think I saw a quote from him
Saying it’s slightly harder to play RF in Fenway, I’m guessing because of how much room there is out there. I supposes that’s why Reed was in RF. I will say Sori played the monster actually very well, his error came on a play that had nothing to do with the monster.
We'll all miss you Ron.
I guess that's why Reed made an error last night?
I’d guess tonight we see Reed in LF and Fukudome in RF.
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Also...
… Soriano didn’t really play the Monster well. He essentially let Byrd play all the balls that bounced off it.
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There were 2 or 3 that drilled the monster that when I saw it live
it didn’t looked like he was even close, and then without fail, they bounced to right where he was waiting
We'll all miss you Ron.
Sorry, didn't see this b/f I posted my comment below
Thank you! This was so ridiculous to me I commented on it to a stranger sitting next to me.
Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008
Actually that whole Reed sentence I have no idea what I was saying. Yikes. That's weird haha
We'll all miss you Ron.
Ahhh! Now I do. I see what you were saying now. Wow, I feel stupid.
Yea, Sori’s error wasn’t exactly an error relative to how difficult his field was though. It was just typical Alfonso.
We'll all miss you Ron.
Yeah, his error was just a normal "Ole'...." play by Fonzie.
Little league lesson #1: Always Keep your Body in Front of the Ball.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 21, 2011 8:25 AM CDT up reply actions
That's my point
He played the monster well, his error was just typical Alfonso.
We'll all miss you Ron.
Did he even touch that ball?
Looked like he just swiped at it as it went by.
If he didn’t touch the ball, that’s another first: an error given to him on a ball he never even touched. Or, likely, even saw.
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I have no idea haha
I should clarify my position though, if it were up to me I’d DH Soriano, and I was disappointed to see he wasn’t, but I suppose it’s no harm no foul, and he did perform admirably on some difficult balls off the wall, he just ruined most of that credit with his error. It sounds like Q is planning on DHing him today (and hopefully tomorrow).
We'll all miss you Ron.
Last night was my first chance to see Doug Davis pitch in a Cubs uniform
and it put a damper on the whole evening when it became readily apparent that we would be fighting from behind the entire game. Let’s move on to Big Z tonight and see what happens. Oh wait, my FOX affiliate is forcing the Yankees/Mets game down my throat! Like I don’t get to see that matchup every friggin’ year?? The Cubs haven’t been to Fenway in 93 years – and being completely objective – there’s no reason why Cubs/Red Sox shouldn’t be in 99% of the country…
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
by DKT on May 21, 2011 7:38 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Yeah I get the damn Yanks/Mets in fox too. I have the MLB extra innings package and still can’t watch this historic matchup. I can’t believe its not Cubs/Sox on fox.
THIS IS THE YEAR!
by CubsPanthersTarHeels on May 21, 2011 7:53 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Yup, I get the MLB package, too...
Infuriating that I can’t see the game I want to. Looks like I’ll be camped in front of the computer tonight…
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
I Hate This.
I also am a EI customer, I get the Phillies.
Live in Denver
Also and EI customer and I get the Yanks/Mets too….seriously it is old…last week Red Sox/Yanks and this week Yanks again….pure bs in my opinion!!
You will never move forward by looking back....
by By Santo's Grace on May 21, 2011 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions
San Diego will see Cubs/Sox.
Not sure Why, when the Yanks and Mets are there for the taking. Had to be a local choice, against Net dictates.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on May 21, 2011 2:46 PM CDT up reply actions
99% of the country shouldn't be forced to watch this team
"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)
by SackMan on May 21, 2011 8:30 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Perhaps it's because the network doesn't want to televise a minor league-caliber baseball team
I live in NY and I know the Mets aren’t much better than the Cubs, if at all, but with the Cubs as bad as they are, nobody has a right to demand that the networks choose to put them on TV.
Did we really put Jose Macias on the field? Really???
Keep in mind that the Red Sox are popular and winning right now.
It’s not just all about one team in the matchup.
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At least I get
the A’s and the Giants.
I’m not that mad about missing the game because the Cubs stink, but I’m PO’d about not getting to see them play in the 1918 uniforms.
by Josh Timmers on May 21, 2011 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm getting the A's vs. Giants, too...
and am also bummed about missing the old uniforms. But luckily I’ve got MLB.TV and can go in afterwards and see the archived game. Unless Fox doesn’t let MLB put up the archived national games. Probably better to know the score before I start…might keep the blood pressure down!
outfielders play the outfield, infielder play the infield
Maybe Quade thinks this is Little League and everybody should play a position they normally don’t play. Sunday Zambrano plays first and Pena can pitch
And let me mention how much I missed Brenly last night...
I’m sure Bill Buckner is a great guy and helps save kittens from the local animal shelter, but he about put me to sleep by the 2nd inning last night. Somebody should have given him a case of Jolt Cola before the game…
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
by DKT on May 21, 2011 7:45 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
A guest...
… who wasn’t allowed on the air. He has no broadcasting presence. Whomever thought he would be a good idea to have as a fill-in should be lashed with a wet noodle.
I love Buckner
but after last night’s performance, I’d offer him one suggestion. Don’t give up your day job.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
I don't normally drink caffeine after 5PM
Old man’s gotta get his sleep, y’know? I had to have a Diet Coke during the 6th inning, though. Billy Buck made me wish that I got NESN.
"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 you don't...
… we watched them for a while last night. Bleah.
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
Okay
*had a choice to listen to Pat and Keith instead.
"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
Mucho mejor
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
Buckner wasn't good, but he was fine for one game. who cares?
Brenly got one night off. You cant expect WGN to go on a nationwide hunt for a one game replacement. This should be pretty easy to get over.
by holy mackeral on May 21, 2011 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm over it
It stunk, but it’s over now.
"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 gee, I never said that
All I said was Pat and Keith were better than the Red Sox guys.
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
I don't think...
… that anyone is going to demand that someone at WGN be fired, but that doesn’t make the decision to have Buckner a good one. Otto or Hundley would have been better. Having Kasper solo would have been better. Heck, mike up Dempster in the dugout.
Nah
They tried someone, it didn’t work out. It was worth the gamble.
by Josh Timmers on May 21, 2011 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes
I didn’t see the game, but I heard Billy Buck was brutal. It’s not like he’s going to be doing lots of games for years to come, so chalk it up as a failed experiment.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 21, 2011 2:30 PM CDT up reply actions
I've heard interviews with him
and he’s not bad being interviewed.
But man oh man, was he bad as a color man last night.
by Josh Timmers on May 21, 2011 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Agreed...
let him sing TMOTTB at the 7th inning stretch in Wrigley, but, if he sits in front of another microphone then WGN, CSN or whoever else, should be fined and made to go to a Test Pattern for 1 week. I may need therapy after listening to him last night. I had to turn it off…and not because it was a blowout, either. It coulda been 1-1 and I’d have still walked away. Brutal is the only word to describe it.
I've come to the conclusion that the two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen. ~Bob Lemon, 1981
I wasn't paying that much attention before the game...
…but does Buckner do color for some other ML team?
Kind of a strange decision by WGN to have him there the entire game if not.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 21, 2011 8:17 AM CDT up reply actions
No, Buckner is managing in the Independent League right now...
They brought him in because of his unique perspective of having played for both the Cubs and Red Sox. Which makes sense on paper, but lacked execution in real life…
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
Yeah, I realize why he was there....
….but, like Katie said, would have been better as a couple inning guest, not a full-fledged color man. Where was Keith Moreland, I wonder.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 21, 2011 8:31 AM CDT up reply actions
Working with Pat, I expect
"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 kidding
I finally found the right balance between box fan and volume level where I could hear Len clearly and nothing but mumblamumbla from Buckner. He did have some rather pointed commentary early on (basic baseball stuff) that we dont usually hear.
There goes one over the fence...a Tru-Link fence.
by truelinkfence on May 21, 2011 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions
Ricketts and Kenney laughing
That’s what I’ll remember about last night. We all know this team stinks so the result is no surprise.
Al, the WGN cameras focused on Ricketts and his waterboy Kenney laughing as they stood watching the game in the green monster seats as Doug Davis was getting pelted. I have no hope and no faith in this organization turning around anytime soon with these two frat boys running the show. It’s actually getting to be more and more intolerable with these two.
By the way, what’s the longest a big league team has gone w/o winning more than three in a row to start the season?
What else do you want them to do? Cry? Throw beer on the Red Sox outfielders? Sit with their as*** towards the home plate when Soriano bats?
I do think Ricketts knows that we have a horrid team. But I do think he is waiting for the ugly contracts to fall off before making moves. I am not saying this is right but he doesn’t appear to be the aggressive owner that we would like him to be.
The drop in revenues might force his hand, so let’s see
At no time last night was I laughing
and I presume most Cub fans felt the same. It’s just bad form to behave as if everything was rosy when you’re getting your ass kicked.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
Seriously...
… you think we should sit at a baseball park stonefaced, regardless of the result of the game, and not smile nor laugh at all? Not speak or share a joke or laugh at something that might be humorous?
That’s just wrong.
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I never said that
But tell me how many roaring laughs you had during the game after we were getting roasted? Maybe you take getting embarrassed more easily than me.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
Are you talking about the TV shot after the ball landed near them above the green monster?
Because that was pretty early in the ballgame and we had yet to get our ass handed to us.
Were there more than one TV shot of them?
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 21, 2011 8:30 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, actually, I did laugh some.
Not at the game itself. That was pathetic. But you’re saying I shouldn’t have fun or laugh at a ballpark? Nonsense.
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Again I never said that
However, I’ve never had fun during a blowout. I take it very seriously when I’m getting embarrassed. That’s no time to be telling jokes and acting as if it’s OK.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
Respectfully, I disagree.
No one’s “acting as if it’s OK” that your team is getting embarrassed. However, the idea that you should sit stonefaced at a ballpark and not enjoy yourself is, in my opinion, ridiculous, no matter whether you’re just a fan, or an executive of the team.
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Agree to disagree
I find the ability to enjoy getting embarrassed not within my psyche. Losses are one thing but what happened last night was over the top.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
You really need to calm yourself down
It ain’t life and death, it’s baseball. It’s not like this hasn’t happened before.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on May 21, 2011 3:27 PM CDT up reply actions
You need meds.
You’re taking it waaaaay too seriously. A blowout is a blowout. The pitching matchup was ridiculous, and I was impressed that the Cubs got 5 off Lester. If you’re at the park for a historic weekend with friendly Sox fans that respect your dedication to your team, damn right you can laugh.
Al/Ricketss/Kenney/everyone’s level of intensity had no bearing on the outcome.
Relax.
Scott Bora$ is satan.
by Canadian Cubs Fan on May 21, 2011 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah, but YOU weren't embarrassed
A team you roor was. Big difference.
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
roor, root, whatever
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
I take it very personally
Same as when my kids embarrass me.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
Then I suggest you reconsider your approach
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
I sorta get what tharr is saying.... I think...
…I also get what Al is saying….
It’s one thing for us, the fans, to sit in the stands and get a good laugh…not necessarily AT the team, but, just enjoying the game…Ricketts is a different story tho. He owns this team and I understand he IS a fan, too, but…this team has the potential to be dead last in the NL…there’s should be nothing funny about that to anyone in management. How can they be having “fun” watching this team?
You ever watch a Dallas Mavericks game and see Cuban laughing when his team is getting its ass handed to them? Probably not….and they’re usually a good team.
I've come to the conclusion that the two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen. ~Bob Lemon, 1981
I can see how his laughing can rub people the wrong way,
but on the other hand he does have a product to sell. Wouldn’t it be bad for sales to show him looking miserable? Just a thought.
Fasten those seat belts...
Ricketts has literally done NOTHING in way of trying to be a good salesman for this team and orgainzation so far.
Gimme one example of something besides ticket promotions that he’s tried.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 21, 2011 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions
He grins a lot?
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Donuts on 1st day of ticket sales
I hear they went over huge.
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on May 21, 2011 1:42 PM CDT up reply actions
donuts?? i didn't get any d#%m donuts!
tiny cups of coffee was all I got
by doofus cubs guy on May 21, 2011 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Expresso??
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on May 21, 2011 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm not really sure what kind of example you want.
All I was basically saying is that I can see both sides of this.
Fasten those seat belts...
Bottom line...
….actions are the only thing that matters in regards to how he runs the team. Words are meaningless, just as they are with politicians.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
I reconsidered
Same result.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
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
And here he is playing Duck Duck Goose with Bernie Williams
"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
One of these guys is no longer with us.
And the other two are no longer on this earth.
"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
Alternate Caption
“Hey, remember wen I fired you guys?”
“Which time, George?”
“All of ’em! Good times…”
"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
Owning the Yankees: Serious Business
"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
Decisions, decisions...
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
As Al pointed out, it was just one TV shot
They can’t be so damn camera sensitive every time the Cubs get their as*** whipped. The Cubs will get canned a lot more times this season and we haven’t seen the beginning of ugly so far. So no laughing and smiling for Ricketts and Kenney in 2011?
Don't know the answer to your question.
However, just because Ricketts & Kenney had a laugh during a single TV camera shot during a single game, doesn’t mean they don’t care about winning. Total red herring.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
Maybe it was gallows humor.
Nothing happens unless it's first a dream
by puckishcubsfan on May 21, 2011 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions
OH GOD
HOW EVIL RICKETTS WAS LAUGHING! KENNEY TOO!
They should have been shooting themselves.
This is as crazy as the stuff about Jay Cutler in the NFC title game or Erik Kramer smiling when losing in Detroit in the mid 90s.
OF course the so called fans jumped all over Cutler and the idiots blasted Kramer (even after it turned out he was congratulating a Lions employee he had given money to to do something and it was done).
Probably one of the people that think the circus clown Cuban would do better.. No Cuban would be acting like a clown making the series all ABOUT HIM.
But this is the Jersey Shore era.
Nothing happens unless it's first a dream
by puckishcubsfan on May 21, 2011 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions
Perhaps you might see his team
performing very well in the NBA playoffs. Strange thing is that I’ve hardly noticed him.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
Look for many more empty seats next week
just saw the weather forecast for next week, it will not be above 60 degrees on the lakefront for any of the Mets games….might be a little bit warmer for the Pirate series but I expect many more empty seats—$65.00 bleacher seats for the Pirates—good luck—during the nine game home stand…that will be 33 home games in and Wrigley with only 50 to 60% of people in the actual ballpark during the majority of those dates.
For those who think better days are ahead
The Cubs have the highest BAbip in the league .328. And other teams are so fearful of us that we have been given 4 IBB all season. We’ve taken the fewest BB. Our pitchers have issued the most BB. Given up the 3rd most SB. Turned the fewest DP. Given up the 2nd most runs per game. Stolen 2nd fewest SB.
If someone can give a Knute Rockne speech, now would be a good time. In the mean time, I’ve given up any hopes for the playoffs this year. I’ll still watch the team and root for them. And I’ll still travel to Wrigley like always. And for those who want to believe the fat lady ain’t singing yet, god bless them.
But the highlight of my year will be watching the prospects in our system and hoping they get to play in Wrigley despite our manager’s distaste for rookies. It seems that our manager is out of his league despite his finishing act last year. In fact, the only consistency is his insistence that Koyie Hill is the best catcher on our active roster.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
The prospects are really the Aces up Hendry's sleeve in saving his job
If BJax and the other call ups struggle intially that will blow up in Hendry’s face. Our lack of pitching depth has already been exposed.
These are truly horrifying statistics
Are these really correct?
"...the name on the front is a lot more important than the name on the back." Ryne Sandberg 7/31/05
by shifafaontheside on May 21, 2011 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions
Yes, it's all true. The sunshine brigade will latch onto the first fact and slam the rest of us for paying attention to the rest of the facts.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 21, 2011 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions
I assume you're referring to BAbip
I mention it because it suggests we are overly lucky in getting our hits to drop in. Accordingly it should average out close to .300 by season end. That would mean our BA the rest of the year will be lower and we won’t score as many runs.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
Yes...and I know exactly what you're saying.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 21, 2011 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions
How about this?
The Cubs farm system is at 97-69 right now.
by Josh Timmers on May 21, 2011 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions
*warm fuzzy feelings*
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
With the exception of Castro
one might make a case for replacing all other position players with top prospects.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
Barney's a top prospect
and may win the first two rookie-of-the-month honors
Come visit me inside Wrigley along the Addison side mezzanine fence straight up from 1st base.
by section229beer on May 21, 2011 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Why Castro's exception?...
and how long until “he’s just a youngster learning” doesn’t fly anymore? Ya know he’s on pace for WELL over 30 errors this year, right? Maybe that switch to 2nd base should happen sooner than later.
I've come to the conclusion that the two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen. ~Bob Lemon, 1981
I'm gonna wait until he's been legally able to drink in Chicago for at least a year
Before I consider him an old man.
"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 comment
easily shows the least perspective possible.
by ForTheLoveOfBiitner on May 21, 2011 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Al-As someone who's never been to Fenway
I really appreciate your descriptions of the park, etc. It sounds really exciting to be there. The score kept the green eyed monster over not seeing the green monster in check though. I really wish I could be there tonight to see this throwback game. Had I known ahead of time that they were doing that I would have nagged my husband to death to go.
Fasten those seat belts...
If the Cubs play as poorly tonight
he may well do just that.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
Or....
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 21, 2011 8:21 AM CDT up reply actions
Wow.
The Red Sox really are going to wear that jersey with no team name on the front?
They won’t sell a lot of replicas of that one, I predict.
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My husband would never be able to wear that.
No way to hide his mustard stains.
Fasten those seat belts...
On behalf of your husband....
….. thpbbt…..
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
I think I have one of the Red Sox uni's in my closet.
An all-white button-up shirt.
"It's easy to do what's ordinary, it's difficult to do what's deemed impossible -- I guess that explains why my life is so hard, because nothing is impossible for me"
With no collar?
"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
At least we don't have a throwback game with the Giants
and they aren’t wearing their 1906 uniforms.
Would some pitcher go Dock Ellis on them and try to hit every batter who came to the plate?
by Josh Timmers on May 21, 2011 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions
anyone else
not know davis would get demolished?lets hope z gets it done because wakefield shut us out in 2004.the sox are tuff to beat but its not impossible.but with this collection of screwups an underachievers i can see us getting swept.and mercifully i only caught a couple of innings last night. kudos to russell for doing a great job.
oh yeah
and its nice to see reed playing. thats the problem with having an 18 million dollar albatross hanging around. you cant get playing time for guys like johnson or colvin or whoever else when they are playing well.
Someone here please convince me that....
We hired Quade on purpose, only to buy time for one year before getting a real manager.
"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)
by SackMan on May 21, 2011 8:33 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
two years.
like aaron miles, but without hope of recovering any value.
Come visit me inside Wrigley along the Addison side mezzanine fence straight up from 1st base.
by section229beer on May 21, 2011 1:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Nice to see Baker have a good game
He was 4-5.
What is wierd are the batting averages of the Cubs (most are over .300) but the horrible plate discipline when they are actually batting. No one wants to take a walk and some are total guess-hitters, swinging at stuff way off the plate while taking pitches right down the middle.
Those hitting stats are pretty “hollow” for most of our guys.
Our pitchers really struggled too. It seemed like they had a 3-2 count on almost every Boston hitter!
Let’s turn it around tonight, guys!
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on May 21, 2011 8:44 AM CDT reply actions
Pena, and Fukudome being the exception to the rule.
But yeah, pitch selection and discipline are one of the many reasons we are 19-24.
"It's easy to do what's ordinary, it's difficult to do what's deemed impossible -- I guess that explains why my life is so hard, because nothing is impossible for me"
A bright spot on a very dim night
12 hits was good to witness also
"If The Phone Doesn't Ring, It's Me"
"Miami Redhawk Hockey"
Was it just me or was Lester the slowest pitcher ever?
It was like throw the ball already.
Fasten those seat belts...
Slow but not as bad as Traschel
Who I swear would throw balls to first even if there was not runner on.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on May 21, 2011 8:57 AM CDT up reply actions
It's not just Lester.
It’s all the Red Sox pitchers. Of their 44 games so far this year, 26 of them have been over three hours.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
That's a marketing decision by the team
to sell more goodies. Expect Ricketts to follow suit.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
Between Lester and Pena
I’m surprised the home ump didn’t fine them both 5 yards for delay of game.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
Davis is just as bad
I felt like my satellite feed kept going out every time he was in the middle of his delivery.
There goes one over the fence...a Tru-Link fence.
by truelinkfence on May 21, 2011 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions
Scary Cubs stat of the day
Yesterday the Cubs and their 4 minor league affiliates combined for 13 errors. Love those fundamentals
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
Except for the Major League team
of course.
by Josh Timmers on May 21, 2011 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions
I was going to say...
When I saw that we’d gotten our 4th error I was done. I stuck it out through the last pitch b/c I’m a diehard, no other reason.
Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008
I realize Soriano is the favorite whipping boy today.
But they didn’t lose that game because of Soriano. They lost their 4th and 5th starters and Hendry didn’t do anything about it for weeks. Just like when he lost D Lee a fews years ago. And when he does act he gets a guy who is done. Soriano is maddening, but the Cubs don’t get to the playoffs in 2007 and 2008 without him.
His contract is killing us. But what did you want him to do. Say, “Jim, don’t you think that is too much money and too many years.” ‘I can’t accept that".
And I thought he actually played the balls around the wall pretty well last night. I would have DH’d him. And so would most of you.Tthe guy Hendry hired didn’t.
But the Cubs suck because of their pitching. Not because the guy in left field, who has sucked for the last 4 years, still sucks.
No they didn't lose because of Soriano
But his presence will always be a thorn in the side of most Cub fans. And we have 4 more years of watching his skills deteriorate. That constant reminder is just unbearable to a fan base that sees him as a major impediment to building a winning team.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
Confused?
How can you say the cubs don’t make the playoffs in 2007 & 2008 without Soriano and then at the end of your post state that he has sucked for the last four years?
by cubbiefanTN on May 21, 2011 11:22 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
No, Soriano is not the whipping boy,
he’s just one of many so-called villains perceived here, from Hill to Koskie to Ramierz, to Pena, to Spellcheck, to Hendry, to Quade, to anybody named Ricketts, to the guy who sells Old Style, to the promotions dept, to the ticker sellers, to even guys not here anymore, like Milton Bradley.
Different Day, different whipping boy. But we loves us our 4th string outfielders who run into walls and get traded away.
I think assigning a different individual their own “whipping boy” day of the week would be less confusing.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on May 21, 2011 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions
How about a pocket schedule
That tells you opponent, home or away, when the game starts, and who to blame?
"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
Don't blame the Old Style vendor
them there are fightin’ words
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on May 21, 2011 3:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Fenway
I’ve only been to Fenway once, and that was in 1998. I, too, was sitting in the grandstands behind 3rd base about 30-35 rows up. As I recall, the seats were slightly tilted to the left, which made watching the batter at the plate slightly awkward. Is this still the case?
"All I'm asking for is what I want." -- Ricky Henderson
Most things in Boston tilt to the left.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
Worst seats are in Right field.
If your sitting by the right field pole (Peski Pole) you are looking straight at the Green Monster. Some of those sitting near us we not happy having to look left the entire game around the person to thier left.
We were right next to the Cub’s bull pen and the big joke there to the pitchers was the size of the tiny bath room out there.
The pitchers were great smiling for photo’s between innings for all the Cubs & Sox faithful
"If The Phone Doesn't Ring, It's Me"
"Miami Redhawk Hockey"
Get any good shots of Andy Lane?
"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 Sorry
He seems to be the low man in the bullpen, he warmed up every pitcher.
"If The Phone Doesn't Ring, It's Me"
"Miami Redhawk Hockey"
You can get a good look at a steak by sticking your head up a bulls a##
but I think I would have rather skipped the game last night and waited for Al’s recap.
There goes one over the fence...a Tru-Link fence.
I'm pretty sure it has to be YOUR butcher.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on May 21, 2011 1:00 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Pitching coach or Managers visits to the mound
I dont think I have every watched a game when pitchers like Davis, Maine & Shark were getting hit so hard and often in a 15 run game the pitching coach or manger only made 1 visit to the mound without pulling the pitcher. It seemed like when the score was 8 – 2 in the bottom of the 4th Quade wrote the game off only to see the Cubs put up 3 runs in the top of the 5th. It would be interesting now to know what all the players who stood up for Quade at the end of last year think about his managing ability now.
"If The Phone Doesn't Ring, It's Me"
"Miami Redhawk Hockey"
Question for those keeping score at home & ballpark
When the Cubs infield shifted for Ortiz and Baker played behind 2nd base, did Castro officially become the 3rd baseman ? We were discussing that in the right field stand last night.
"If The Phone Doesn't Ring, It's Me"
"Miami Redhawk Hockey"
I'm new to scoring
so don’t confuse me. I’d say no, but I might make a note of the shift somehow.
Fasten those seat belts...
No
They are considered whatever they were assigned to as their positions.
Tonight Z could run and make a catch in deep center field and he still would be considered the pitcher for the play. (and wouldn’t that be kind of fun to watch too).
Nothing happens unless it's first a dream
by puckishcubsfan on May 21, 2011 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions
Yes but
Z would of started the play and batter as a pitcher. Baker clearly started the batter as the SS the # 6 spot in the infield as the first position player between 2nd base and 3rd base and Castro the #5 spot closest to 3rd base ???
"If The Phone Doesn't Ring, It's Me"
"Miami Redhawk Hockey"
Official box score
Has him listed as only SS for the entire game.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
It's obvious that alot of changes need to be made,
to turn this team into a legit contender.
"It's easy to do what's ordinary, it's difficult to do what's deemed impossible -- I guess that explains why my life is so hard, because nothing is impossible for me"
At this point Soriano's presence in the OF is hurting the Cubs very bad
I didn’t have any problem with the Cubs signing Soriano when they did. He was supposed to be the best FA available on the market and for once in my lifetime, the Cubs did all they could to sign him. They for once that offseason acted like a big market club. But big FA signings have a habit of not panning out as planned and so do many many number 1 draft picks especially in baseball.
I also didn’t find a problem when the Cubs signed Bradley. For some reason they wanted a LH bat with good OBP and Bradley was coming out of a very good season. Hendry chose to ignore all the baggage with Bradley and probably believed that he was a changed man. That is OK. Just like the big money FA signings above, you have to take chances.
But I have a serious problem with how the Cubs handle rough situations. Soriano is hurting the Cubs right now and he is a huge defensive liability everywhere he plays. He is taking playing time away from other players who we can try out in a lost season. Soriano in all fairness is DONE. He was a very good player once and now he is nothing but a drag on the team. Cubs should bench him and play the kids or should man up and cut him. He is a sunk cost and no one in their right mind would trade for him. If you want to be like the Red Sox then try to emulate the important parts and not just focus on matching the brand of peanuts to sell.
With Bradley, everyone knew what kind of a player the Cubs are getting. So don’t act all surprised when Bradley acts like Bradley. If you sign that kind of a player, you better be prepared to handle when sh** breaks loose. But Hendry and the Cubs acted all surprised and allowed the circus to continue until Bradley literally forced their hand by bad mouthing the organization and the fans.
The Cubs don’t have a plan. They have a multiple personality disorder. They don’t act like a big market club and they don’t act like the Twins.
Bottom line is we fans are fuc***d.
Twins are in last place, FYI.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on May 21, 2011 3:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes, but right now the Twins are not the best choice of teams.
The Tribe might be a better reference. They are doing it with youth. My point, which I have stated before, is that it takes a while to turn around an aircraft carrier.
The team was built to win, and didn’t in the window they had. That window has slammed shut. If those here think this team was going to turn things around the split second the keys were handed to Ricketts, they are damn naive.
The Cubs had their chance. They were 5 outs from a World Series. That’s done and over.
This constant fire him/bench him/ DFA him is just so much crap from people who have an attention span of 5 seconds. The team is committed to these contracts. We will have to wait until this crap is off the books.
That’s all I’m saying. Until then, I’d suggest those who are so frustrated — just not watch. I don’t watch every game any more. It’s not worth my time, and I’m busy. I DVR’d the 1st game of the Boston series — I’m at work.
I’m not going to watch it, no reason to. What’s the point? I’ll check the highlights.
I used to agonize over games too. For what purpose? I’m over it. I’m just as frustrated as the rest of you, since I’ve been at this longer than most, I’m Al’s age.
But it’s not life and death for me anymore. If they win, great. If they don’t I have other things to do. I’ve stopped going to Cubs games in SD because it’s not much fun. I live 10 mins from the damn park. But, if I’m not having fun, why bother?
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on May 21, 2011 3:42 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
James Russell
Al, u once again referred to him as jeff russell. Not a big deal and a mistake I routinely make myself.
by RynoRooter on May 21, 2011 9:56 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
When he pitches good,he is Jeff Russell.
Kind of like when Rose plays bad he is David Rose.
...
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Just saw the 5th inning - Now even sadder.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
koyie hill, scott maine
Scott Maine your bus awaits for Iowa, Koyie Hill nice guy we will find you a nice coaching job somewhere. When is Wellington Castillo going to play?????
Quade is managing scared.
His decision to play Hill over Castillo shows this. If he puts DeWitt in left tonight instead of Johnson, it shows he’s over thinking the lefty/righty scenario, which is a typically lazy approach.
Watching Red Sox hitters having quality at-bat after quality at-bat just re-emphasizes the poor approach of Cub hitters. The year they won 97 games, they walked to most times in frachise history. What happened?
Unfortunately with Davis starting last night that game was going to be a writeoff. The next two are very winnable. The real maddening thing about this road trip is that if they’d at least won 1 of those games in Cinci, it could have been a really successful trip.
Scott Bora$ is satan.
by Canadian Cubs Fan on May 21, 2011 10:47 AM CDT reply actions
If they can win the next two...
… a 4-3 trip to Cincy, Miami & Boston? I’ll take it.
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The core of the players aren't here anymore.
DeRosa, Lee, Theriot (the patient one) were patient hitters and a vital part of the 2008 team. That window is closed.
It seems like Hendry thought that he just had to tweak the roster the last couple years, when in reality, he really needed a new core of players to build around. The 2008 team wasn’t good enough to win a title. We needed to get better. We’ve gotten worse.
Our best pitcher that year was Dempster, he’s in the decline, our best hitter in 2008, was Ramirez, he has declined. It’s time for a new era and hopefully we build around players like Castro and Cashner.
"It's easy to do what's ordinary, it's difficult to do what's deemed impossible -- I guess that explains why my life is so hard, because nothing is impossible for me"
Overthinking is lazy now?
Okay…
"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 wants a LH batter to play LF....hopw about Campana?????
Since it gets him excited to bat Dome 1st, bat the kid last in the AL park…..Think about it. Speed in front of the top of the order instead of Hill who is anti-speed…..
This really isnt that hard……..except for the Cubs….
On Fenway food
I’ll try to sample some Fenway food options tonight.
Len seemed to enjoy his lobster roll. That may have been the high point of his evening.
"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 always get a Sausage and Peppers at Fenway
Never tried the Lobster Roll…
Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008
Something that pissed me off the most last night
was the fact that he left Maine in for so long. Maine couldn’t throw strikes and when he did they had little effect because they were hit and hit hard. It’s almost like Quade gave up. The game was made close at 8-5 and he should have started a new pitcher that inning. Quade saw that Maine was having some problems, so if you leave a guy in like that then you’re obviously not trying to win a game. I know exactly what Quade was thinking. Let’s hopefully get Maine to throw at least 2 to 3 innings, and save our bullpen for Saturday and Sunday. I don’t think you’ll have to worry much about Z having a short outing, he should go 5,6, maybe even 7. Garza should go 5 at least possibly 6, with his experience at Fenway. If we needed to use up the bp it needed to be last night. Monday is an off day so last night was the night to do it, especially if you’re trying to win ball games.
One of these days, we're gonna look back on that box score
And see that our pitchers were Davis, Maine, Russell, and Samardzija. And nobody’s gonna remember what any of their first names were.
"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
by Clutch16 on May 21, 2011 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Ha ha ha ha ha
It’s so sad, and true.
The fact that the Red Sox only scored 15 runs off this group is sort of remarkable.
I was in one of the VERY LONG beer lines and I commented to the Red Sox Fans next to me when Russell went up in the pen that they were looking at scoring at least 15. I’m sad I was wrong.
Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008
Win the next 2
The Reds and Cardinals lost their interleague games while the Cubs were losing theirs.
Too much (IMO) is being made over Soriano having played in LF. He probably should have DH’d though. Pena is the one who should have sat. Baker at 1B and experienced OFers including Fukudome, Byrd and Johnson should have manned the outfield. Therefore, I agree about Quade having over-thought the righty-lefty thing under the circumstances.
I don’t know what their problem is with playing Castillo. When is Soto going to be back?
Didn’t like the balls and strikes calls last night.
The Cubs need to win this series.
Just checking in.
I’m in Boston right now, preparing for both the meetup and the game tonight.
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 21, 2011 11:15 AM CDT reply actions
I'd be worried
I’d be worried if the Cubs were better.
The world is actually going to end end on OCtober 21st.
What if the Cubs start a winning streak tonight and go on a tear? They win the series on OCtober 21st then the world ends.
Nothing happens unless it's first a dream
by puckishcubsfan on May 21, 2011 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions
Maybe, just maybe....
The Cubs will get raptured and there’ll be a new team to replace this bunch. That will make some people happy.
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
Free game-worn unis for the grounds crew!
"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
YAY!
Still at 4? I’m chilling at my house trying to figure out the best way to get down there. :)
Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008
Yes, still at 4.
See you then.
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 21, 2011 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions
On my laptop
On my laptop at my friend’s house in Boston.
Unable to make meetups. I am getting this trip paid for by my employer because I am also doing work related things while here.
Sat with a bunch of Red Sox fans last night. I think the fandoms are very similar.
I want to shoot myself listening to the ESPN idiots.
Nothing happens unless it's first a dream
by puckishcubsfan on May 21, 2011 11:29 AM CDT reply actions
Anyone ever notice.......
…… how each recap thread after a loss turns into a post mortem on the entire season and a recap thrwad after a win not so much?
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
by BeerCub on May 21, 2011 11:47 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
thrwad? thread?
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
Anyone ever notice......
……how there are a lot more recaps threads after losses than there are recap threads after wins?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 21, 2011 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
Anyone ever notice......
……how there are a lot more recaps threads after games than there are recap threads before games?
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
A lovely sunny afternoon in Boston
Walking the north part of The Freedom Trail. See things are not so bad Boston at least until I get to Fenway.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on May 21, 2011 11:55 AM CDT reply actions
Tonight has to be better.
They are pitching Aceves. It’s sort of like when we started Russell, but not as bad.
Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008
Maybe I should stay up all night...
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
I watched Aceves
Last Monday against the Orioles, I think we have a chance. A pretty good one if we can rein in the errors and use the good parts of our pen.
Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008
You do realize Aceves is...
15-1 with a 3.14 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP for his career, right?
I've come to the conclusion that the two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen. ~Bob Lemon, 1981
Yes!!!!!
For whatever reason, I’m getting the game here in LA!! Was sure we wouldn’t get it!!!!!!
by daily2b on May 21, 2011 1:50 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
...
This alone proves Bud and Fox have no idea what they’re doing.
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 21, 2011 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions
Well,
no buck and mccarver for our game. That’s excellent!
Come visit me inside Wrigley along the Addison side mezzanine fence straight up from 1st base.
by section229beer on May 21, 2011 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions
I'll be darned
LA Times says Yankees/Mets.
That map makes no sense whatsoever.
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
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