Marlon Byrd Injured In Wacky Cubs 9-3 Win Over Red Sox
by Al Yellon on May 22, 2011 7:15 AM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
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BOSTON -- The two things in the headline aren't related, but they're there because they are the two big stories from Saturday night's 9-3 Cubs win over the Red Sox, played in weather reminiscent of the misty, windy, cold conditions that have prevailed in Chicago (and Boston, for that matter) most of this spring.
In the top of the second inning, Marlon Byrd was hit by an Alfredo Aceves pitch in a manner reminiscent of the beaning Sammy Sosa took from Salomon Torres in Pittsburgh in 2003; the 2003 beaning shattered Sosa's helmet. Byrd's stayed intact, but only because the ball hit his face underneath and gave him a gash that required his immediate removal from the game. The way Byrd writhed around on the ground when he first went down was truly frightening. He did walk off under his own power, but has been in a Boston hospital overnight and is likely going to be out for a while. All I can add is that I hope he'll be all right. It was the second HBP of the game -- Kosuke Fukudome had been hit to lead it off -- and Carlos Zambrano hit Kevin Youkilis later on, but according to these tweets from Carrie Muskat, Z was "trying to make his pitch". Given the breezy and damp conditions, I believe him.
Now, this would normally be enough to make a game like this memorable. Oh, but we are just beginning.
The teams took the field wearing 1918 throwback uniforms; it seems odd that the Red Sox would have worn completely blank white uniforms and caps, but indeed, that's exactly what they looked like that year; numbers were added to the backs of both teams' shirts, since neither wore uniform numbers until the 1930s.
For two innings during the middle of the game, Fenway Park "reverted" to a replica of what it might have seemed like in 1918. The PA was turned off except for the organ and two men with megaphones announced the batters. Even from my seat in the left field pavilion (which would be roughly comparable to a front-row seat in the Wrigley upper deck in the left field corner), you could occasionally hear what was being said by them. No ball and strike counts were kept on the side scoreboards, but the lights indicating ball/strike/out on the Green Monster board did continue to indicate those numbers. Incidentally, I learned something about that manually operated board that I did not know before; although the score of the game at Fenway is updated from the inside, the out of town board is only changed between innings, when someone with a ladder comes out from the little door at the board's left and changes scores. Charming, in a way, although there is no other out-of-town board in Fenway at all.
And we still haven't gotten to the real interesting part of Saturday night's win.
The game slogged through the fog, the Red Sox taking a 2-1 lead on a David Ortiz two-run homer off Z in the fourth and extending it to 3-1 in the sixth before Z was lifted after having thrown 122 pitches. That is only the 17th time this year a starting pitcher has thrown that many or more pitches (most: 130 by Roy Halladay on April 24, but he threw a CG). Every one of those other 16 games had the pitcher involved go at least six innings; Z was pulled with two out in the sixth.
Part of that has to be the Red Sox. I have never in my life seen a team play as slowly as they do; we make fun of the nationally televised Red Sox/Yankees games for taking so long, but it's not the Yankees causing the problem. Red Sox pitchers. Are. The. Most. Deliberate. People. I. Have. Ever. Seen. They take their time at the plate, too.
So it was that more than three hours had gone by when the Cubs came up against reliever Matt Albers in the top of the eighth trailing 3-1. About 35 minutes and a pitching change later, the Cubs had their biggest and weirdest inning of the year; it contained five hits, two walks, three Boston errors and seven straight Cubs reaching base before Koyie Hill made the first out of the inning (a strikeout). It was so bizarre that the Red Sox actually had two chances to get out of it with fairly minimal damage, only to see normally sure-handed shortstop Jed Lowrie drop an easy popup, and then have a left fielder make an error on a play that started with a catch made in right field. It was so wacky that Alfonso Soriano made a serious baserunning mistake -- and not only did he score, but so did Jeff Baker, running behind him.
It was nice to be able to be the one laughing at the result of a poorly played inning, instead of being the fans of a team being laughed at. Kerry Wood and Carlos Marmol (unnecessarily, I'd say, for Marmol) finished up the 9-3 win and, once again, for the tenth time this season, the Cubs go into the rubber match of a three-game series with a chance to win the series. In the previous nine tries, they have succeeded twice (in Arizona, and in Los Angeles).
It's not going to be any easier Sunday night, after the announcement that Matt Garza's turn in the rotation is going to be skipped because of elbow tightness. Garza says it's no big deal, although he'll be examined in Chicago on Monday, and he knows the reason:
"I'd say it's a weather issue," Garza said. "I'm just not used to pitching in the cold weather a lot. The best thing to do now is listen to them and do what's right.
"It hasn't gotten worse. It just hasn't gotten better."
Who will start on Sunday will depend on who is used out of the bullpen in Saturday's game. Cubs manager Mike Quade said it may be similar to a Spring Training game in which everyone chips in. The Cubs have Monday off.
Now, seriously, that's a really bad idea for two reasons. This isn't spring training, and why would you tell your opponent that you're basically blowing off a regular season game. Worse, after that article was written, the Cubs announced that James Russell will once again start. That's bad enough on its face -- he has an ERA of 10.05 as a starter, compared to 8.2 scoreless relief innings, proving that he has no business starting -- but beyond that, the Cubs did have another option. Randy Wells is scheduled to pitch tonight in Iowa. What would be the harm in flying him to Boston and limiting him to 75 pitches or so? It couldn't possibly be worse than sending Russell out there, especially after he threw 39 pitches on Friday night!
I just don't understand some of Mike Quade's decisions. At times, they seem completely divorced from reality (and winning baseball games).
Finally, thanks to BCBers Vermont Cubs Fan and CaughtInTheVines for organizing our meetup last night at Boston Beer Works across the street from Fenway Park. And thanks too to Tom Ricketts (and Cubs marketing exec Wally Hayward) for stopping by to share a couple of drinks with us. Just to complete yesterday's weird happenings, I was driving over to Fenway yesterday afternoon, stopped at a light in downtown Boston, when I hear my name called from the car next to me. It was Tom Ricketts, sitting in a taxi stopped next to my rental car.
A strange day and night, but ultimately enjoyable in every way. My thoughts are with Marlon Byrd; hope he's OK, and now, let's win this series tonight.
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"it may be similar to a Spring Training game"
Unbelievable. I was a Quade supporter and it is still early (but that excuse gets older every day) but Sandberg is having success with the Philly farm club. Guh.
Did you ask Tom Ricketts about his bone-headed statement of the other day, perchance?
Did you ask Tom Ricketts about his bone-headed statement of the other day, perchance?
Which statement was that?
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I think it's this.
I can’t stand it when I hear someone say they can’t afford to go to a game. It might be hard to get tickets for a Yankees or Sox game, but there’s no reason why they can’t afford to go to another game. We want to get more fans in the park.
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 22, 2011 7:30 AM CDT up reply actions
Oh, that one.
Not the appropriate venue to discuss that.
But I will at some point.
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Okay, let us know what he says.
I also agree it wasn’t the right place and time for that discussion.
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 22, 2011 7:33 AM CDT up reply actions
I was tempted to ask
him about that and a few other things as well as ask Hayward about some issues, but I on my best behavior, not wanting to embarrass Al or VCF. If Crane Kenney had come by, I don’t think I would have been so restrained.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on May 22, 2011 8:50 AM CDT up reply actions
Thank you.
I didn’t want to have to call the Boston police.
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Spanien Inq..... never mind
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
by eths on May 22, 2011 9:09 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I did see Crane Kenney
He walked right by my seat during the game. My friend made fun of me for knowing that the Cubs’ PR exec looks like.
Yeah,
I would have had to call the Massachusetts State Police in that case.
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 22, 2011 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions
What IS the appropriate venue?
You have a Q&A session with the owner of the club. When is it appropriate to ask him about idiotic statements he made?
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 22, 2011 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions
That would be the time.
I hope to have another such session soon.
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or to put it more diplomatically...
try to ask some relevant serious questions even if it does put him on the spot. He’s the chairman of the board – he ought to be comfortable with being on the spot and answering for it. There’s a proper way to ask such questions and I’m sure you know how to.
He may not like having to answer the hard questions, but if they’re fair and direct questions, I think he would respect you for asking them. And if he doesn’t, well, that also would be telling and add to his body of work.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Exactly
We are not asking you to seriously push TR into answering serious questions. If he dances around we can figure it out. If he doesn’t answer, you can just mark it as NA.
I think you are getting a great opportunity to interview the top man, so please spend your time wisely and be efficient with your questions.
Also allocate your time properly between questions regarding the current state and the future. I really don’t like 200 questions framed around the stupid Triangle building.
The Triangle building is important to the future of the franchise.
I’m not sure why you don’t think it’s not.
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but if Al didn't ask a variety of "softball" questions
would he ever get a chance @ another interview?
No offense Al
by Madison Cub Fan on May 22, 2011 5:57 PM CDT up reply actions
the 10th wonder of the world
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
It really wasn't appropriate.
Tom was just sort of hanging out introducing himself to people in a really casual bar environment. It was awesome, but asking him anything about the management of the team then would have been weird.
Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008
now had one of you taken a napkin and a pen
and written up a resume, and asked him to consider you for a position, that would have been priceless
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
HA HA HA HA HA!
That would have been pretty good. I’m excellent at scoring games, been doing it since I was 7, and knew you shouldn’t have started Sori in Left on Friday night…PLEASE Hire me?
Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008
keep a mental note in case the opportunity presents itself again
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
If you want to talk to Tom Ricketts
and are going to be in Eastern Tennessee on Tuesday, the Smokies are having a charity luncheon with Tom and Laura Ricketts. Tickets are only $25.
Not to defend the Ricketts or anything, but for an owner to do something like this for their AA team is pretty unheard of. Remember, they don’t own the Smokies.
I realize you probably aren’t flying in to Knoxville for this, but if anyone else is in the area, I’d love for them to go and tell us what was said.
by Josh Timmers on May 22, 2011 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions 6 recs
rec
Good of you to publicize a small charity event.
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on May 22, 2011 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions
thats awesome of them
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
"Let's win this series tonight"
Might be a little difficult. I’m glad I’m heading back to Vermont later today, this could be ugly tonight for us.
Nice seeing you yesterday at the Beer Works, too. I like the fact that people came and went and it wasn’t just the same group the whole time.
I’m saving my ticket from last night. It was the first Cubs road win I’ve seen since June 2007. If I had to guess, it was 40-45% Cubs fans at Fenway last night.
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 22, 2011 7:28 AM CDT reply actions
Nice to see you and everyone else, too.
Yes, there were a ton of Cubs fans last night. Nice to see a win. All we can do is hope for the best tonight and that the Cubs can pound Wakefield.
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I actually went across the street after the meetup
And got a Cubs/Red Sox hooded sweatshirt. When I was stretching my legs during the game, a Red Sox fan asked me where I got it.
I heard no smack talk from Boston fans at all.
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 22, 2011 7:34 AM CDT up reply actions
The Red Sox fans have been friendly and welcoming.
Even last night, when their team looked horrific in that eighth inning, they still greeted us with friendship when we were leaving.
This series has been great fun. Now let’s win it.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
I actually ran into an old college friend
At the Beer Works, about 30 minutes before the game began. When I showed him my tickets, he asked “Okay, where’s mine?” He’s a lifelong Red Sox fan and was astounded at how many Cubs fans there were around this weekend.
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 22, 2011 7:46 AM CDT up reply actions
Missed folks at the BBW meet up
ran a little late so was sorry to miss crew and Ricketts. Was great meeting VCF though we didn’t have alot of time as game was starting. Perhaps will catch some folks in DC for July games
by BeltwayCubsFan on May 22, 2011 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions
Also have 2 more extra tix for tonight
if anyone needs, section 102. Face value is 90 but I’ll take 75-80
by BeltwayCubsFan on May 22, 2011 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions
It was great meeting you too.
I just wish I’d had more time to chat and get to know you better, but I was trying to head out to meet my brother so I could go into Fenway.
Next time I’m in your area I’ll drop you a line so we can go to a game together.
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 22, 2011 1:26 PM CDT up reply actions
sounds great man
it was a little nuts in the bar.
by BeltwayCubsFan on May 22, 2011 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions
I popped in over at the SBN site "Over the Monster"...
just lurking and didn’t say anything, but, the fact that the Cubs fans were whooping it up, was pissing some of those people off over there…it was great. Hats off to the outta towners…or to even the local Boston fans. Then they started ripping on Illinoisians and Cubs fans (an 8 run inning will do that, I guess), so, using better judgement, I scooted on out of there.
I've come to the conclusion that the two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen. ~Bob Lemon, 1981
Considering what Red Sox fans
do in every other park in the American League, I’m not shedding a tear for them.
by Josh Timmers on May 22, 2011 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions
They get worse as you get farther away from Fenway.
These were the nicest opposing fans I’d ever been around. My co-workers up here have to own up quite a bit now.
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 22, 2011 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions
The "Nation" is heavy with front-runners
Never saw a “B” cap in SD until they won a series. Now, I see the “B” everywhere. Did all these people leave Boston right after the WS victory?
Of course not. Everybody loves a winner. What was a riot was when the Bosox came to town, and long-time Padres fans took off their gear and openly rooted for the Sox. Some Padres players (who knew these were long-time Pads fans due to individuals being full-time season ticket holders) were appalled.
Some players even went as far as to approach these fans and ask — are all of you from Boston, originally? None were. “The Sox are our AL team” most said, others said ’They win more."
Why the players would give a damn, I don’t know but that weekend, it was similar to a Cubs series, with half the crowd openly rooting for the Sox.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on May 22, 2011 3:00 PM CDT up reply actions
reminds me of the Atlanta fans who came out of the woodworks in the 90's
and no longer are seen like before
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
I had a good excuse
I was living there at the time. ’Course, it helps that my mother was a huge fan of the Milwaukee version.
"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
excuses, excuses
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
The Braves violate one of my rules of sports
Teams shouldn’t leave. Except in the most extreme circumstances.
Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008
Pretty Much
Because it’s obvious Atlanta fans (residents of the ATL) don’t care for any of their teams, unless they win.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on May 22, 2011 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions
It's a city of transplants
You don’t add 3+ million citizens in 15 years by reproduction alone. People moved in and brought their loyalties with them. If this had happened before the days of national sports media and the Internet, a lot of the new folks would have converted, but as it stands, they can (and do) keep their loyalties.
"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 understand because that was San Diego
25 years ago. Not as many people move here from out of state unless they are dripping with cash. Nothing’s affordable as it was when I moved here. People are heading to Atlanta/Phoenix/Houston.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on May 22, 2011 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Ubs Win! Ubs Win!
That 8th inning was a thing of beauty. Too bad I couldn’t see it because it was blacked out. And the Yankees/Mets game was well over when the offensive explosion went down. What, no “bonus coverage” in prime time??
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
Ubs?
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 22, 2011 9:10 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I think it's the beginning of a trend
Amirez, Oriano, Astro, Arney, Ambrano, Ood, Armol, Ukudome, Oto, Arza, Ena, Aker, Empster…
and my two favorites – Ill and Icketts.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
if the Win do it
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
s ong s Ed he Ox osses o he Ubbies..
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 22, 2011 9:53 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Al, what did you think of the Jumbotron at ancient Fenway Park?
Wouldn’t it be nice if Wrigley Field had one?
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse
I was looking very carefully at that.
The video board at Fenway (two of them, actually) give lots of good info and don’t overwhelm people with ads or dumb scoreboard games.
The problem is this: those boards are a decent size, but neither is as large as some of the new video boards (like the ones in Milwaukee or San Francisco). But even the smaller Fenway board is at least two or three times the size of the old manual board at Wrigley.
There just isn’t any place to put something like that at Wrigley.
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Take down the antiquated manual board.
Welcome to the 21st Century.
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse
what you could do
is move the toyota sign to just right of the CF bleachers and put the jumbotron where the toyota sign is
Then half the bleachers couldn't see it.
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half the bleachers aren't usually watching the game anyway...
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
They're watching you?
"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 then what the hell
are you doing looking at a jumbotron
by hansman1982 on May 22, 2011 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
well, we were talking about half the bleachers
I would presume you to be in the baseball half of the bleacherites.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
is that half talking about
ticket prices
who to DFA
the horrible $3 beer idea
signing Ryno vs Quade debate
what to post on the game thread in the future
searching for ERICHANNA
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
It's still not a big enough space.
And the manual board is landmarked. Can’t be altered.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
Can't the owners work around the Landmark status and get the old scoreboard torn down?
How hard is it?
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse
Impossible.
Plus, why would you want to do that? Many parks are putting in manual boards because they want to emulate Wrigley Field.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
Why not put one on one of the rooftops?
Wouldn’t a video board the size of the old Torco sign be enough to display lineups, etc and ads in between innings? Doesn’t Ricketts own one of those buildings? Just a thought.
"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie" -- Tony Montana
by calicubfan on May 22, 2011 11:20 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
That's an idea.
But that sign is smaller than you think. It works for a beer ad, but for lineups, etc? Too small.
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lets go a new direction
get a helicopter to sit above the stadium with a huge sign so all you have to do is look up. and if it is raining we could hire a few more helicopters and no more rain out
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
Would have been a great game to watch....
but I was once again a victim of FOX who decided that I should watch Rangers/Phillys. I chose to not watch any game.
Again, a reason why...
… MLB and Fox should allow people to watch an alternate game online — they could even feed you the local advertising in your area, which is the whole point.
Someday, MLB TV policies will get out of the 1970s. Maybe.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
Not only did I get the Giants/A's
but we got Dick Stockton and Mark Grace calling the game. I thought I was in Al Yellon’s Hell.
Luckily I just turned off the sound and listened to Pat and Keith on-line. It was my first chance to listen to Keith for a whole game. I don’t know why people were complaining about him—he seems fine. He wasn’t great yet, but for someone only on the job for seven weeks, he was pretty good.
by Josh Timmers on May 22, 2011 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions
Stockton and Grace.
Seriously, what is Fox thinking?
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Normally I can only stand a little bit of Fox
Last night was the expection. It was fun to watch. Watched about 1/2 the game on Fox. Enjoyed the uniforms. I think the pitchers should wear their socks like that. Makes them look a bit bad ass. Even had they lost, it was still neat to see old school uniforms and seeing ball hit off of the green monster
by Madison Cub Fan on May 22, 2011 8:33 AM CDT up reply actions
rub it in ;-)
I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. -J.R.R. Tolkien
For once I wasn't a victim of Fox
In the pre-game Al mentioned that all of Missouri would have the game EXCEPT the Springield market. They must have changed that bizarre decision because we had it on our local affiliate.
I have PMS & a GPS -- which means -- I am a bitch, and I will find you.
by cub in louies nest on May 22, 2011 10:15 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Vegas was ticketed (according to the Fox map) for A's Vs. Giants...
but we got the Cubs game. Was (eventually) happy for the reprieve. KVVU must have a Cub fan in programming or management…but I’ll take it!
For some strange reason FOX televised this game in LA
usually its Dodgers, Angels, Yankees, etc. but yesterday was a pleasant surprise.
It was Jeff Baker scoring behind Soriano
not DeWitt
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
"My favorite food is Macaroni and Cheese, from the blue box." Geovany Soto
Yeah, you're right.
I forgot that Baker had batted for DeWitt. I’ll fix it.
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It appeared the gaffe was Baker's, not Sori's
Ball not deep enough to tag, but Baker tagged and tried to advance to 3rd. Which is pretty dumb when the guy on 3rd isn’t advancing.
by salparadise23 on May 22, 2011 8:01 AM CDT up reply actions
The radio description was a lot more, well, descriptive than TV's
Fox guys: “A fly ball out to right. We’ll see if that’s deep enough to get Soriano home. Oh, some problems on base! My goodness. OH AND THE THROW GETS AWAY FROM YOUKILIS! Soriano scores anyway! An additional run scores! (pause) Soriano and Baker both score after it looked like the Cubs had run themselves out of a chance to plate an additional tally. Cue up the monkey and the organ grinder. My goodness!”
Pat Hughes’ call was right on: “Barney hits one in the air to right field. It should be deep enough to drive in a run. Drew’s gonna make the catch. Here comes Soriano, it’s only a bluff. And Baker goes to third, there are two runners at third base, THE THROW OFF THE GLOVE OF YOUKILIS. Cubs get a break! Soriano scores! Baker heads to the plate. The throw: not in time, it gets away. Baker scores, going to third is Kosuke. Cubs get a break, they lead 8 to 3.”
Welcome to the PBP world
of Matt Vasgergian. Whatever makes him sound funny, hip, glib or swarmy is how he calls a game. Nice of Karros to shut him up every now and then. Karros’ Cubs bias would leak out, too. No reason to refer to the “End Of World” but Vasgergian just had to try to be funny. Karros just said nothing, didn’t react and moved on.
Only one “Santa Maria!” out of Vasgergian, too so it was a quiet night.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on May 22, 2011 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Randy Wells is scheduled to pitch tonight in Iowa. What would be the harm in flying him to Boston and limiting him to 75 pitches or so? It couldn’t possibly be worse than sending Russell out there, especially after he threw 39 pitches on Friday night!
I just don’t understand some of Mike Quade’s decisions. At times, they seem completely divorced from reality (and winning baseball games)."
Seriously Al, we all know this is not entirely Quade’s decision. I share everyone’s frustration with this situation but I think blaming it on Quade is taking the easy way out.
by Ron Swanson on May 22, 2011 7:48 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Perhaps so.
It just doesn’t make any sense on any level, no matter who made the decision.
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The frustrating thing is the cubs could dl byrd
Put him on the 7 day concussion list, call up a legit starter for Sundays game. Or as al suggested, use Wells since he’ll be throwing anyway. I am really concerned about Garza going down, wouldn’t be surprised if Tommy John surgery is in his future.
by mr_einstein on May 22, 2011 8:07 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
The article seems to indicate that Garza's issue is minor.
I wouldn’t take the leap from what was stated to TJ surgery. Not yet, anyway.
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Seriously.
This is where our organization constantly and consistently falls short.
It is as if management is tone-deaf. Mr. Ricketts is IN BOSTON. He sees the hordes of Cub fans who spent good money to be there. He surely knows that this will be the second straight night on national television.
Do right by the fans and call up a legitimate starter. Blast Hendry and Quade for essentially giving away the game.
Moves like this were understandable when the organization was under absentee ownership and senile on-field management. They are wholly unacceptable now.
by bourbon_and_branch on May 22, 2011 8:24 AM CDT up reply actions
Owners don't do that in public any more.
We don’t need a Steinbrenner blasting people in the media. Incidentally, in the years the Yankees were winning, he didn’t do that.
Privately? Sure. This is a bad choice — who knows, maybe it can even be changed by game time.
But to have an owner call out his employees in public? No, I wouldn’t want that.
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What is it you want from him, TJ?
Public rants? Mass firings? Baseball owners just don’t work that way.
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DO SOMETHING!!!!
There is much stupidity with the Cubs right now…..
Nothing seems to be happening behind closed doors either.
He should be pulling Quade and Hendry in and saying…..
Since it isnt working your way,
Russell will not start any more
Why not put Soriano at DH whenever possible?
Why the heck is DeWitt in LF?
What is the facination with Hill?
Why am I paying for backup OF when you are going to just put IF out there?
Why should we bother to bring people up from the minors if they are just going to hang out on the bench watching people who have gotten us to this point or play out of positon?
And for the heck of it……Thanks again Jim for letting me pay for Silva this year….Nice job on Bradley…..
At some point its his team and he needs to step in. If not and all he wants is to let his “baseball guys” run it, well get some real baseball guys in there and not let the circus continue.
As long as the dumb stuff keeps happening I have to believe Ricketts is fine with the direction his guys are going in.
You know this how?
Nothing seems to be happening behind closed doors either.
by Ron Swanson on May 22, 2011 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Exactly.
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
In a sense, perception is reality
People see the “Fanboy Tommy” persona, even as the team has sagged under the weight of aging veterans and their prohibitive contracts. This makes it hard for people like me, who are disappointed if not downright disgusted with the way the team is going, to believe Ricketts has an eye for spotting the obvious shortcomings of the club.
Maybe the upcoming meetup he’s attending in Tennessee will be an opportunity for him to voice his own unhappiness with the state of the team. Not that he has to rant and rave, mind you… just an acknowledgement that things need to improve.
I didn't expect an instant fix for this team when he bought it.
Sometimes things have to get worse before they get better. We don’t know what he is saying to Hendry or Quade behind closed doors. I feel he knows things are not good and need to change so I don’t need a public statement from him.
You have to be careful how you handle things if you want to attract the better quality players in the future.
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
by sue369 on May 22, 2011 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
If you want better players to come you should win
Better players would like to play for winning ball clubs where they have a chance to win championships. They don’t base their decisions on what the managements says in public. Steinbrenner has been absolutely critical about everyone in the Yankee Org in the media. But that didn’t stop superstars from wanting to become a Yankee. In today’s world it’s all about winning and money
You have to get those better players to win.
I’ll give him a little longer to get those players.
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 was expecting a shitty 2011
while we wait for a lot of $$$ to roll off, then see what happens. Next off season we will get a better feel for how this team is going to be run.
It is also funny many of those calling the owners cheap and complaining were the same ones saying we have to stop spending money, kinda unfair IMHO
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
by Cubbie-Tim on May 22, 2011 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think the majority of us wants the management to have _a_ plan and stick with it
Do they want to rebuild from within/Do they want to rely on FAs/A combination of both
Either way you need competent baseball people running your baseball side of things. Get a team president who knows baseball, let him evaluate and decide the fate of Hendry et.al. Keeping Crane Kenney as your team president is stupid. If you want to rebuild, why the heck did we trade for Garza? What the hell is Koyie doing on the 25 man roster? Why aren’t we seriously trying to find out if Colvin has a future as a starting or 4th OFr?
Looks to me like a combination of both
I will agree with you about Kenney needing to go, however.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 22, 2011 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Hill is a dumb thing to bitch about
no team has a All Star back up catcher, those complaining about him on the roster are at times looking for something to bitch about.
Kenney, I agree should be long gone as well, i do not know why he was hired to begin with and am curious to see what happens with him going forward.
The past two seasons are the downside to the Trib/Zell era where spending someone elses money was their goal while trying to win quick (07-08).
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
No one said anything about Hill not being an all start catcher
Again you haven’t provided one real reason why he is on the 25 man roster?
for starters
he is better defensively than Beef, who would be next in line. the pitchers (according to reports) are more comfortable with him behind the plate. there are two reasons he is. he also is a back up catcher, if our back up catcher is our main issue on the 25 man, we are in good shape…guess what, that isnt the case
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
Ok, if you are talking about what I posted up above
Then you should damn well know that the backup catcher is not the main topic. The main topic is about the Ricketts having a plan, a direction, a strategy. That was the main topic.
You chose to cherry pick Koyie Hill from that. Also, how do you so emphatically know that Koyie Hill is better defensively than Castillo given Castillo’s limited playing time so far?
and if you have read my other comments
last year and now this season are the downside to the Trib/Zell era where spending someone elses money was their goal while trying to win quick (07-08). I have made this point many times, mostly when the Soriano contract has come up
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
Ok, that is fair to say.
But I haven’t seen anything from Ricketts so far to suggest that he at least has a plan going forward. Everything he touched has been a disaster starting from ticket prices to draft to keeping Kenney in the baseball hierarchy. Next offseason will be the tipping point and we can know for sure.
agreed
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
and i didnt mean to seem like
i was cherry picking the Hill part, but the bitching about him on BCB in general has been over the top crazy all season. Not from you alone in your comment, just over all
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
What's wrong with passionate owners ?
I would much rather have an owner who cares and rants a la Steinbrenner or Cuban than someone who calmly accepts a sub-mediocre team with a huge payroll. Personally I would love to see Ricketts get good and pissed off in public. At least we’d know be has a pulse!
"...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 22, 2011 12:17 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
"Cares and rants".
Ranting does not necessarily mean you care more than someone who doesn’t rant.
This is the Milton Bradley theory of ownership: Bradley was supposed to bring “fire” to the team. How’d that work out?
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I'm not sure why people need to see Ricketts
howl and scream and etc. Heck, there were people here who were ticked off the other night because he actually was smiling at a baseball game, despite his team losing by 10 runs.
People shouldn’t project their feelings about the team onto players and management.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 22, 2011 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions 5 recs
We're not people
We’re Cub fans. It’s a family. So when you say
People shouldn’t project their feelings about the team onto players and management.I totally disagree. It seems you would prefer a dispassionate fan base. As I’m confidant the Cub and Bosox fans who attended games in Fenway would attest, they project all the time. That’s who we are.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
So yesterday,
When Ricketts walked by me during the middle innings in the grandstand at Fenway, I should have vented about the state of the team right there and then?
Good grief. I have many issues with how the Cubs are run these days but I’m not going to yell at someone I barely know just because I don’t like how he’s running the team. Nor will I grill him in an interview-like session because that is simply not the time or place to do either.
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 22, 2011 4:41 PM CDT up reply actions
you should have egged him, heckled him
and then chased him to the next BCBer with your pitchfork
sarcasm
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
Where in the world
did you get the idea that I suggested a confrontation with Ricketts? I never even hinted at that nor would I. Perhaps you can reread my comments correct yours.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
Reread your own comment.
You said we project our feelings onto management all the time, and you were saying we should complain to management.
So when Ricketts walked by me, I should have vented about the Cubs? I’m basing what I said upon your comment. You still haven’t answered my question.
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 23, 2011 6:59 AM CDT up reply actions
i am a BIG BIG BIG fan of Cuban
but for the record, Mav players a few years ago told him to sit down and shut up, they were fed up with him in that manner. The same players who did that will also fight tooth and nail for him and love him (just ask Dirk).
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
Well Mark was really giving it to the refs.
That’s what the players were speaking about. They felt the refs would retaliate against the players by called a bad game.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
i know
but what i liked best Cuban took it into consideration, did not take it out on any player who spoke out about it, and kept a good working relation and friendship in some cases. it showed the mutual respect between ownership and players
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
It's been said time and again
how much the players like him….thought not as much as pitchers like Hill.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
how is a talk about passionate owners
being turned into a comparison to Hill? Seriously?!?!?!
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
I had forgotten
that everything had to make sense on here. Seriously.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
im trying to figure out how
you are going to take a chain talking about ownership and turn it into another bitch fest about Hill?
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
It was a comment
plain and simple. Notice the correlation between people liking people. No big deal to me. Sorry it was to you.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
Al, you conversation with Ricketts
on or off the record? any stuff you are going to post?
There wasn't any real substantive discussion yesterday.
Just some friendly bar banter.
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did you get the feeling
he wasn’t too pleased where this team is at.
Hard to tell.
Like I said, mostly just friendly bar banter.
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Did he at least pick up the tab? :)
I think I speak for everyone here when I say, "Wait, what the hell are you talking about?"
TJ all due respect
please stop repeating the same bullshit over and over and over and over, it is becoming the BCB version of “The Boy Who Cried Wolf”
I would bet my testicles he cares and wants to win, and if you look at the salaries coming off the books for next season, I would be willing to bet you $100 donation to a Cubs affiliated charity we will be much improved. He is being a smart businessman, and letting a lot of salary roll off before trying to make a big splash.
but seriously, enough of the ranting and raving of the same shit every time you post. I respect you, but it is getting old.
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
by Cubbie-Tim on May 22, 2011 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions 6 recs
Who is going to help land that big 'splash'?
Kenney? Hendry? This organization is being run like crap and into the gutter day after day.
as I said above
The past two seasons are the downside to the Trib/Zell era where spending someone elses money was their goal while trying to win quick (07-08). I have made this point many times, mostly when the Soriano contract has come up
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
by Cubbie-Tim on May 22, 2011 2:16 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
How many times can I rec Cubbie Tim?
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on May 22, 2011 3:07 PM CDT up reply actions
how many accounts on SBN do you have lol
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
Well said Tim!
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 have now completely given up on Quade.
And I know this is a tired old refrain but I’m mighty peeved at MLB.com for blacking out access to the game. This is one I really wanted to see and Fox was broadcasting the Giants. Ptooey,
I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. -J.R.R. Tolkien
See above.
You can blame Fox for this one, and the antiquated “regional” rules.
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I think we are starting to get paranoid.
On one of Z’s last pitches both my husband and I looked at each other alarmed because Z looked a bit awkward/uncomfortable. The thought that he pulled something went through our heads. The next pitch looked ok though and we breathed a sigh of relief. I think this Garza thing really got to us.
Fasten those seat belts...
great game
lots of ups and lots of downs.and mr ricketts if you want asses in the seats you have to put together a winning team. the cubs skated for a lot of years but the fans are sick of a team with one of the highest payrolls in the game not winning.
Do people remember?
When the Cubs only finished above .500 twice in almost 20 seasons?
The Cubs having a decent payroll and expectations is something that has only happened in the last 10 years.
by Hookers or Cake on May 22, 2011 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Not even that long, really
2003 changed everything.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 22, 2011 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions
What exaclty is your point?
That now that we do spend money we should be happy with mediocrity?
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 22, 2011 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions
I just finished the highlights on Comcast...
When Q came to get Z he held his hand out for the ball quite a while. Z would not hand it over and Q said something to him. I don’t want to speculate what it was. Did anyone else notice this?
I was amazed in the 8th inning, just glad it was someone other than us playing bad baseball.
Hope Byrd has limited damage, he was starting to play consistently well.
We may be so far behind after Russell’s couple of innings; I would rather go to all relievers and Russell late, not early. Maybe we will be surprised tonight, like the 8th inning last night.
We'll miss you Big Boy. #10 for Hall of Fame.
by mrcubsfan on May 22, 2011 8:30 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Really good game for the Cubs, we needed that win!
I recall earlier this year posting that “Jim Hendry was collecting pitchers like The Dark Lord collects rings”. I think the consensus was it “was normal for ST”. Now, many of those early season pick-ups/try-outs are gone and our SPs are in shambles. And once again, we’re gonna force John Russell (square peg) into a starting role (round hole). I’d rather see Jeff Spellcheck pitch tonite as those results are unknown…Russells results are known. Yuck!
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
The worst part about Russell starting...
… is not just his poor results in that role. It’s that he threw 39 pitches on Friday night. So essentially, you’re sending a guy out there who can maybe give you two innings.
This isn’t a spring training split squad game.
Get Randy Wells to Boston to start tonight, instead of wasting his start for Iowa.
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Sadly, that move would
be far too logical for our Cubbies. With tomoro off, this would seem to be a no-brainer. If (for reasons unknown) they won’t bring up Wells, I’d prefer anyone over Russell.
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
This. A Thousand Times This.
Russell was not good Friday, either. :( It’s just not going to be pretty tonight, methinks…
Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008
Are John Russell would be a surprise
considering the actor passed away quite a few years ago
by Madison Cub Fan on May 22, 2011 8:40 AM CDT up reply actions
Whoops! JAMES
Russell. I suppose my inability to remember his first name speaks volumes on my respect for him. (Either that, or JOHN Russell pitching might explain these horrid results!) :]
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
I think I'd rather see John Russell pitch than James.
Maybe even Jane Russell. And she’s also deceased.
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I vote for Kurt Russell - his Herb Brooks role from "Miracle" would be most appropriate.
but then the rest of the season, I want him as Snake Plissken, coming out of the bullpen on his motorcycle…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
I love this plan!!!
Gotta run, work to be done before I get to watch James, John, Kate, Kurt (whoever) Russell get pulled by the middle of 3rd inning!
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
How about Russell Crowe?
This guy would put fear into the Red Sox:
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I'm 100% behind this plan
(as long as he’s armed with either a sword…or a hotel telephone!)
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
I say Bill Russell
Even at his age, he’d bring a lot of grit – and what a psych-out for the Bostonians!
"It's cold in April and nobody likes hard stuff in April. You go right after them and get in on their hands and get them unexpected, and it's a lot of fun." -- Matt Garza, 3/2011
by CaughtInTheVines on May 22, 2011 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions
Apparently, Romans spoke with Australian accents
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsqJFIJ5lLs
"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 might WANT Snake Plissken, but what we always get is Jack Burton
Okay. You people sit tight, hold the fort and keep the home fires burning. And if we’re not back by dawn… call the president.
WWOZ.org - New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Station
by Gibbon Jockey on May 22, 2011 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions
Who?
"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
..
Just remember what ol’ Jack Burton does when the earth quakes, and the poison arrows fall from the sky, and the pillars of Heaven shake. Yeah, Jack Burton just looks that big ol’ storm right square in the eye and he says, “Give me your best shot, pal. I can take it.”
WWOZ.org - New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Station
by Gibbon Jockey on May 22, 2011 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions
Great 90 minutes spent watching that flick the other day!
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
And then..
Keri Russel might be better than James. And better to look at too. Just sayin…
"They say that money doesn't buy happiness...but it DOES by Cub tickets. You ever see a sad person with Cub tickets?"
by redivycubs on May 22, 2011 12:11 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
ARam is one of those players that drive me nuts on the Cubs
But another odd happening, was ARam’s excellent at bat in the 8th. I think that has to be one his better AB’s of the season. He gets out there it’s a whole different inning.
by Madison Cub Fan on May 22, 2011 8:37 AM CDT reply actions
Good Morning M C F
I agree. Fantastic AB by Rami. If he’d start clickin’ on a regular basis, we’d be a very different team. That was one of the best ABs I’ve seen from Aram.
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
I say this with all seriousness
If he battled like that even one AB a game………and went back to the ARam we’ve seen the rest of the season for the other 2 or 3 AB’s I’d be incredibly happy
by Madison Cub Fan on May 22, 2011 8:48 AM CDT up reply actions
Well, there's the one on this post, for starters.
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If you click on the "more photos"
on Josh’s minor league post you can see a few.
Fasten those seat belts...
Or, click on the same thing on this post.
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Z was “trying to make his pitch”. Given the breezy and damp conditions, I believe him.
If by making his pitch, he means he was trying to send a message, then yes – I believe him as well.
Al, maybe you didn’t have a good angle on Z and home plate, but that was as intentional HBP as it gets. And all parties involved handled it appropriately. Z aimed for Youk’s butt, Youk shook it off and trotted to 1B, umps issued the perfunctory warning, and the managers added the appropriate amount of theatrics with their squawking. Matter settled, end of story, game continues.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on May 22, 2011 8:43 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Agree with this.
#10 You will be missed.
by Bricks and Ivy on May 22, 2011 8:52 AM CDT up reply actions
Z did what he had to do. Youk understood. Umps did their job. No fights.
#10 You will be missed.
by Bricks and Ivy on May 22, 2011 8:52 AM CDT up reply actions
Just watched the extended highlights on Quick Pitch (MLB Network)
and they had a great close-up of Quade after the Z HBP. Not sure who he was yelling at (Francona?) but he held up his fingers and said, “That’s 2 to 1” – of course meaning that two Cubs had been hit and now we got one back…
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
Just re-watched the Youkilis HPB on MLB
Last night I thought the Fox guys were saying Z’s plunking of Youkilis was not intentional, but I misunderstood. (Vasgersian) “Again, Marlin Byrd hit in the face in the second, and this behind Youkilis.” (Karros) “And not any question that Zambrano was going after him. We had somebody gets hit in the head or face, even if it’s not intentional, which, it’s clearly was not intentional.” So, what Ballhawk said: Byrd’s hit was not intentional (agreed), but it was in the face, so Z had to plunk Youkilis. Appropriately handled all around.
Baker and Johnson had huge hits for the Cubs in that 8th inning.
Either should have started for DeWitt who did nothing.
Soriano popped up to Jed who dropped it with runners on 2nd and 3rd with no outs. He was trying to make his usual out then the Red Sox let him get away with not running the bases right. Is there a reason he needs to play tonight?
My guess is with Byrd out Johnson will play CF tonight. Its time for a Campana start in LF, But I think it will be Soriano or DeWitt again.
Wakefield will make Sori look terrible witht the knuckleballs.
Campana might be due for a start.
Tonight might be a good time.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
He was due last night....
But I fear DeWitt will start again…..But I forgot, it is a Spring trainning game….
The manager said so.
First of all, I really wish Byrd the best and wish him a quick recovery.
With that being said I hope he is able to come back and not lose anything at the plate. I can imagine it would be hard to step back in there and be able to swing with confidence with that in the back of your mind.
I’ve heard people say that the quicker he steps back in the box the better.
#10 You will be missed.
You'd be surprised
For Byrd, it’s one PA out of over 3,700 in his major league career. I don’t think he’ll have any (mental) problems in the batter’s box because of 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
After Byrd's injury I'm reluctant to push this,
but Reed Johnson has got to get more AB’s. The guy makes things happen. I hope he gets the starts in CF now but should have been in left. I’m all for getting bench guys a start but not way out of position. He is our energy guy, he needs to play….just wish it wasn’t because Byrd got plunked.
We'll miss you Big Boy. #10 for Hall of Fame.
by mrcubsfan on May 22, 2011 8:58 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
I wish Byrd was in CF tonight with Johnson in LF....like it should have been last night.
Now it should be Campana in LF and Johnson in CF
Did you see that great slide home?
I think that throw beat him, but the way he went around the catcher was awesome.
Fasten those seat belts...
That was freaking awesome.
I know many on here say he is done but I’m not buying that.
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
did Campana teach it to him?
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
There is another option to Wells
As we discussed briefly last night I do not think Wells should start. I don’t want a guy on a crucial rehab to make his return in bad weather and in such a major game. He needs at least one more rehab start, it is not remotely the same thing to throw those 75 pitches for Iowa Vs in Boston. Rehab starts often involve testing/checking things out and you can not do that in an MLB game.
Now for the other option, let Demp go on 3 days rest. He offers the best shot of getting 4-5 innings and he thew a relatively low 90 pitches in his Wed start. It buys you until Friday to see if Garza might have a more serious injury. It is better than messing with Wells or starting Russell.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on May 22, 2011 9:01 AM CDT reply actions 5 recs
Yeah, that might be a decent possibility.
Maybe they’ll change their minds this morning.
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This is a good idea...
Rec’d
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Avatar provided courtesy of AndrewJStone.
Al, no mention of Rich Hill?
I was surprised when they said he was warming up and eventually got in for a couple of batters. I had lost track if him.
We'll miss you Big Boy. #10 for Hall of Fame.
by mrcubsfan on May 22, 2011 9:07 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
He plays for the Sox?
#10 You will be missed.
by Bricks and Ivy on May 22, 2011 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions
Yes.
He’s from the Boston area originally. Has actually been doing pretty well for them as a middle reliever.
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well its official
I hate the baseball side now as much as I hate the business side of the Cubs…
Seriously, who in their right mind would throw Russell out there again – at this point I would rather see Marshall starting.
Start DeWitt at pitcher.
Makes about the same sense.
We'll miss you Big Boy. #10 for Hall of Fame.
by mrcubsfan on May 22, 2011 9:22 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I'll pitch, if they ask me to.
My 45 MPH fastball would baffle Red Sox hitters.
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You'd still have a faster one that Wakefield.
#10 You will be missed.
by Bricks and Ivy on May 22, 2011 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions
Can you throw a knuckler?
Or a screwball?
"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 actually taught Wakefield to throw his knuckler.
#10 You will be missed.
by Bricks and Ivy on May 22, 2011 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions
Say what you want, Al
I don’t like Quade very much as a manager, but I don’t think even Tommy Lasorda could make this team a contender. Going to the bullpen to find a starter for today isn’t conceding the game. It makes it more unlikely that the Cubs will win today, but it doesn’t guarantee a loss. As much as I’m a proponent of gloom and doom around here, I’m inclined to agree with you that this is a concession in practice. Let’s just hope the Cubs bats can come out again and make the difference today. I’d be happy to take this series against an AL team.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010) and Ron Santo (February 25, 1940-December 2, 2010).
If you disagree with me in any way, you are wrong.
The only reason the Cubs have a shot at this game...
… is that Tim Wakefield could get hit as hard as Russell likely will.
We could see a 15-14 game.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
It'll be Monday before it starts for some of us
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 22, 2011 10:00 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
apparently the Sox crappy play
(omg it can happen to other teams!!!) was due to them losing a bet about the world ending yesterday
Ricketts
Al, I think Tom Ricketts was depressed because you did not buy him a beer at Beer Works.
wccubfan
I wonder if Tom reads BCB....
If he does, he probably just about everyone here. His favorite posters have to be Al and me.
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
"My favorite food is Macaroni and Cheese, from the blue box." Geovany Soto
he probably *hates*
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
"My favorite food is Macaroni and Cheese, from the blue box." Geovany Soto
I think Al said he does read BCB.
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
He does.
I don’t know if he reads all the comments, though.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
Did he tell you I was his favorite?
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
"My favorite food is Macaroni and Cheese, from the blue box." Geovany Soto
I'm everyone's favorite...
just making sure
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
"My favorite food is Macaroni and Cheese, from the blue box." Geovany Soto
I think e prefers NBF and Alkappy and Husker/ij
I do not believe he is a fan of my current work. He liked it before because he missed the point…Like he does with his team…
I also think he hates the Grinch
As I posted in Game Thread 3
last night – I am happy for those of you who spent the weekend in Beantown got to see one W, at least!
Today is gonna be tough, so just relax and take in everything!
Go Cubs! Go Bulls!
by The E-Man on May 22, 2011 9:41 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Relax and Take in Everything?
TWYMS
WWOZ.org - New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Station
by Gibbon Jockey on May 22, 2011 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions
I went fishing the other day. I used a dotted line.
I caught every other fish.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Lets not confuse the issue with
facts and statistics please!!!
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
"Enjoyable in every way" is right!
I have to send my thanks out to Vermont Cub Fan, for getting the meetup started; it was a total treat to meet so many people from here. And, I was the somewhat-random beneficiary of a free beer purchased by Mr. Hayward of the Cubs, which tasted mighty good – finally some tangible payback after over four decades of fandom!
Thanks are also due to all the Cub fans who’ve given Boston such a great atmosphere this weekend. It really has been fun; competitive, but in a playful spirit, which is just as these things should be, and I think the Bostonians have appreciated that. I’m not sure how much they appreciated the big knot of Cub fans in the right field corner belting out “Let’s go, Cubbies!” during the game last night, but I know I’ll always remember it!
And, of course, huge props to Al for creating and maintaing BCB at such a high level, and also for adding to my baseball knowledge last night by explaining that catcher’s interference is scored as an “E2.”
The Byrd HBP was seriously scary, and I’ll be pulling for him….it’s very good that they were able to take him to Mass Eye and Ear, which is a world-class facility.
All in all, it really was a memorable evening, and one of the very best ballpark experiences I’ve ever had. Now let’s win the finale!
"It's cold in April and nobody likes hard stuff in April. You go right after them and get in on their hands and get them unexpected, and it's a lot of fun." -- Matt Garza, 3/2011
by CaughtInTheVines on May 22, 2011 9:48 AM CDT reply actions
E2? aha
I’m getting good at this scoring thing. That’s what I put until my husband said he’d put CI. Of course I didn’t trust my own instincts and changed it to CI. Can’t wait to tell him I was right about something for once.
Fasten those seat belts...
by katie casey on May 22, 2011 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Actually, I was going to thank you,
As it took a combined effort from both of us to make the BCB get-together such a success as so many fellow BCB’ers stopped by: Jessica, wccubfan, slcathena, you, me, and a few others.
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 22, 2011 1:24 PM CDT up reply actions
And seriously
Thank you both for arranging the meetup. I was running so far behind I almost didn’t go, and I’m really glad I did, b/c you all were great. :)
Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008
This post is right on about everything about this series
It’s been a lot of fun. I agree with you that they prob didn’t love us all screaming “Let’s Go, Cubbies” (anymore than they liked the spontaneous chorus of Go Cubs Go that erupted in right field after the game (THAT was amazing), but I think they appreciate it for what it is, and it has been a good run.
Tonight’s game will likely be painful, but what are you going to do?
Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008
Nice
To not be harrased by Boston fans that had had a little too much to drink. Friday was not pretty around our hotel. Several stories of people that had to pull on sweatshirts to cover up Cubs jersey’s etc. to avoid being sworn at.
Nobody said a peep last night.
Sorry I did not make it by Beer Works in time last night, but my wife and I did score a pair of bleacher tickets and got to watch BP.
Good Guys Wear Blue
by Cubskingdom on May 22, 2011 9:54 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
If you are going to be Russelled, then just relax and try to enjoy it.
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 22, 2011 10:02 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
There has just got to be someone better
to trot out there than Russell. I read about a kid on here from Tennessee named Chris Archer. Don’t know much about him but why not give him a shot. I don’t think he could do any worse.
Suggested uniforms for today's game...
Commemorating the heartbreaking years of 1978 and 1969, which have been immortalized in many a book and documentary ever since:
I think they should wear the same thing as yesterday for luck.
Fasten those seat belts...
by katie casey on May 22, 2011 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions
I hope and pray that Marlon is in good health.
That really could have been worse than it was.
Props to Baker and Johnson, without these two I think the Cubs are ten under .500.
This was a much needed win. However Quade and this management team pours cold water on about everything positive.
DeWitt in left? You have to be kidding me. Tonight is being treated as a spring training game? Nice. Will Beef get a start tonight? I know all of the complaints, but give the kid a start once in awhile to at least give him a chance to perform. And a major league team starting Russell again tonight, my oh my.
One last thing. I have for the most part been in Soriano camp. Defended to some extent his play or lack of play. He really is getting worse. Soriano should not of hesitated last night on the SAC Fly or should of been a SAC Fly. I don’t know what DeJesus might have said, but Soriano as a player with a lot of experience should of gone without any input from anyone. He has been horrible with runners on. The pitch in the 8th he pop up for the error was a hanging curve he should of hit to Roxbury. Cubs are really in a tough spot with him.
Start Campana tonight. DH Soriano and hope we can keep the Red Sox under 8.
Hill started almost everyday in ST until his avg went under .100 so he will start...
I think its more likely with this manager that we will see DeWitt again in LF than Campana getting a start.
Its like they are scared Campana’s energy will show up Soriano and there will be even more pressure to play him instead..
Do you have a conspiracy theory for everything?
"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
osama bin laden is the loch ness sasquatch!!
ESPN Stroke Count for the month of May: 3
by jesus christos on May 22, 2011 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions
Classic.
And I (for one) firmly believe that yes, TJ11 has a conspiracy theory for everything! :]
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
I was
counting on it…
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
Kind of like when they kept Colvin on the bench last year for no reason....
I guess the reason is the amount of money the other OF make….
But then that does not explain DeWitt ut in LF…..UNLESS they are still trying to prove getting him for Lilly was a good deal….THAT must be it!!!
There is a TJ69 now
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
"My favorite food is Macaroni and Cheese, from the blue box." Geovany Soto
OT- Is anyone else
having problems with todays page? Mine is slow to post and very “fickle”. (Cripes, I hope this has nothing to do with those Impossible Things to do with A Hamster sites!)
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
It's been that way for some time now.
I’m actually starting to time it. This morning, it took 2 min 5 sec before everything fully loaded and I got the little “Done” in the lower left corner. It’s usually at least 45-60 secs before any images start to load. Seems to spend a lot of time retrieving data from sbnation.com, sitemeter.com, twitter.com, getclicky.com and blogburst.com. Just tried it again, and it took 1 min 57 secs until “Done”.
And no, you can’t chalk this one up to using Internet Explorer, as SBN always seem to do. I’ve got a MacBook Pro, using FireFox with Adblocker. I don’t seem to have any problems with other sports sites (or any sites for that matter) loading up.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
getclicky gets *real* slow sometimes
I just adblock 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
what is getclicky providing to this site? anything I'd be remiss in not seeing?
know anything about blogburst?
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Thank You both B-Hawk & Clutch
I am having better luck with Firefox. Hmmmm
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
Web analytics
So it’s more for SBN (and Al). Of course, if you’re not seeing ads anyway, what’s the point in contributing to the demographic pool?
"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
Personal to Jed Lowrie, to be read after tonight's game.
Use two hands, pal.
"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
As far as I'm concerned he can drop some more popups today.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
I was so happy when I finally
turned the tv on that I did get the Cubs game.
Really hope Marlon will be ok. I didn’t see him get hit but I’m sure it was very scary especially for him.
It was a great game and those who were there in person I envy you.
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
...
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
"My favorite food is Macaroni and Cheese, from the blue box." Geovany Soto
Love all three of these guys.
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
nice
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
There is one more choice the Cubs could make for tonight
Armando Galarraga was DFA’d by the Diamondbacks a few days ago. He last started on May 16.
He’s not very good, but he has thrown at least five innings in six of his eight starts this year. The Cubs could trade for him, give the D’backs a PTBNL, fly him to Boston, and let him start tonight.
That would be a better option than James Russell.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
Lets not forget option B
Greg Maddux hasn’t pitched since 10/15/2008 and he’d still be a better option than Russell.
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
Al mentioned this last might
I think I might prefer his son Chase but I think he is only 15 and I believe has an age minimum of 16.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on May 22, 2011 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Galarraga
already cleared waivers and has accepted assignment to AAA Reno.
If the Cubs wanted him, they should have claimed him off waivers.
Actually I realize now why it was not happening
Galarraga’s contract is 2.3 million and the Cubs were never going to 2/3rds of that or whatever remains of the season.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on May 22, 2011 3:14 PM CDT up reply actions
If Randy Wells pitched Sunday for the Cubs
and got hurt, the torch and pitchfork crowd would be meeting Quade at the plane.
When you’re rehabbing a player, you make a plan and stick to it.
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
I suppose.
What do you think of my Armando Galarraga idea above?
He may be bad, but his ERA as a starter is more than four runs lower than Russell’s.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
I am for
any alternate plan other than Russell until when and if this “back-up SP” situation is resolved. In all honesty, we cannot do worse than Russell. He’s become an automatic “L”. I used to think (eventually) the law of averages would work in his favor…not.
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5I-SbwCHJ80
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
I believe!!!
Now, I’m off to the garden center to throw more money I don’t have into garden. I’ll try to stop back tonite, but Supernatural Finale is on… (one of about 4 shows I follow)
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
It sounds like might have had enough time for Galarraga
They decided on Garza before the Saturday night game. So they could have flown him into Boston on early Sunday.
His best asset would be experience vs. Boston that Russell does not have.
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on May 22, 2011 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions
Galarraga
clearly has the stuff to get major league hitters out. His problem is and has been command.
For a team to be interested in him at this point, they would almost have to have spotted a mechanical flaw that they think they can fix. Like the White Sox with Edwin Jackson last year.
When Galarraga can hit his spots, which isn’t often, he is dominant.
Your idea?
One more Big Gulp for me. I brought it up as soon as you told me Garza was down. Anyway it would be good idea or starting Demp on 3 days. Pitching Wells or Russell are both bad ideas but as usual we will start Russell anyway
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on May 22, 2011 2:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Let's not overlook...
Yet another serious running gaffe by the Cubs… Plenty of blame to go around on this, DeJesus, Soriano and Baker all… just because they “pulled a Homer” doesn’t mean that it should get a pass. It is fundamental breakdowns like this that drive me crazy.
I think I speak for everyone here when I say, "Wait, what the hell are you talking about?"
Barring a change, here's what I'd do...
Russell 2IP
Shark 2IP
Grabow 1IP
Marshall 2IP
Wood 1IP
Marmol 1IP
Don’t try to get anything more out of Russell and Shark, and you might be okay.
Scott Bora$ is satan.
by Canadian Cubs Fan on May 22, 2011 11:40 AM CDT reply actions
Great.
So play it like a spring training split squad game.
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Only dealing with the reality.
I’d rather have Austin Bibens-Dirkx come up for 4 or 5 innings myself.
Scott Bora$ is satan.
by Canadian Cubs Fan on May 22, 2011 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions
No love for Maine?
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on May 22, 2011 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Well, no reason for 'Canadian' Cubs Fan to remember the Maine...
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Um I forgot the sarcasm font.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on May 22, 2011 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions
OMG
This will be a disaster. The Red Sox offense is really good, remember what they did to Davis/Russell/Maine/Shark the other night?! Do we REALLY want to go there? In this scenario by the time Marshall gets the ball we’re down 10.
Can we PLEASE do the Demp idea that Jessica proffered, or, you know, anything else?
Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008
Well, DeWitt in LF last night was supposed to be a sign of the apocalypse
and the Cubs won by six. (Wait, maybe that is a sign of the apocalypse.)
I’m not crazy about this, but it’s an emergency, so let’s see how it goes. Mabye it’ll be a 13-12-type of game.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 22, 2011 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions
cant wait
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
we could try and throw them a curve ball
and every out pitch someone else until the 9th inning.
sure, that would mean some interesting movement in the field, but so be it
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
Byrd might have gotten beaned
But the Cubs PUT A BEAT-DOWN ON THE RED SOX.
Love it.
"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
Marlon Byrd released from hospital
Good news, though he’ll likely be out for a while.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
Yeah, it was scary hearing about it.
Should they call up Colvin to replace him, Or do they have to go with another OFer?
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Avatar provided courtesy of AndrewJStone.
The problem with calling up Colvin
is that the reasons for sending him down haven’t changed.
by Josh Timmers on May 22, 2011 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Colvin hasn't been down for 10 days
Can’t call him back up yet. BJax?
And watch with caution: http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=15040897
"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
Does that rule get waived if Byrd goes on the DL?
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Avatar provided courtesy of AndrewJStone.
But he would have to be DL'ed
I don’t think he’s gonna be down for a week. It was a nasty shot, but I hope two or three days to let the swelling go down will be all that’s necessary.
"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
Hope yer right.
Like Josh says above, Colvin needs to stay in Iowa to work out his problems, not rot on the bench while DeWitt and Baker get all the starts.
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Avatar provided courtesy of AndrewJStone.
Tthe artricle says their are
exceptions to that rule in case of an injury.
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
Thanks Sue.
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Avatar provided courtesy of AndrewJStone.
You're welcome and
I just saw I used their instead of there.
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
NL in interleague...
So far, and I know it’s only 2 days, but the NL is 17 & 11. Not bad…
Scott Bora$ is satan.
by Canadian Cubs Fan on May 22, 2011 12:39 PM CDT reply actions
Really a shame they blew both those Cinci games
This would have been a really good trip to three tough cities.
Scott Bora$ is satan.
by Canadian Cubs Fan on May 22, 2011 12:43 PM CDT reply actions
Who the heck was the Fox play-by-play announcer?
He’s the worst I’ve ever heard, and actually had me longing for Tim McCarver and Thom Brenneman (not really, but pretty close). He obviously didn’t do any pre-game research, because at one point he talked about Barney and Castro coming up together through the Cubs’ system just like Ryne Sandberg and Shawon Dunston. He also claimed that Z hit Youkilis on purpose, even though it was a terrible time to retaliate since the Cubs were trailing by a run at the time and it put two runners on base. Then, the camera showed Q holding up two fingers on one hand and one on the other, and the announcer claimed he was telling the Boston dugout that the HBP count was two for them and one for the Cubs. I guess it never occurred to him that Q might have been flashing the score to someone.
Eric Karros showed remarkable restraint by not tossing that goomer out of the booth, and most of the night he just seemed resigned to the fact that the guy was going to say something stupid just about every time he opened his mouth. I hope Fox never lets him near a microphone again.
Yeah, I know there should be an apostrophe in "Vails," but punctuation wasn't an option when I signed up.
by Mike Vails Evil Twin on May 22, 2011 1:11 PM CDT reply actions
It was Kenny Albert.
The sad thing is, he seems to be a regular on the Fox Saturday baseball telecasts.
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 22, 2011 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions
It wasn't Albert yesterday.
It was Matt Vasgersian. And he wasn’t that bad.
A LO PROFUNDOOO...NOO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NOO...DIGALE QUE NO A ESA PELOTA!!!
GANAN LOS CACHORROS DE CHICAGO!!
by Azul Cachorro on May 22, 2011 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Obviously, I did not see the TV broadcast.
But Vasgersian is a terrible PBP guy. As a studio host on MLB Network, he’s decent.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
After listening to Dick Stockton and Mark Grace
I pray to get Matt Vasgersian doing PBP on my Fox game of the week.
by Josh Timmers on May 22, 2011 2:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Didn't he get his MLB start doing Padres games?
IIRC, he was an up and comer back then.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
I always thought of him as a Brewers guy
And Wikipedia confirms it for me – ‘97-’01 with the Brewers, ‘02-’09 with the Pads.
"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
brb i need to go update his wikipedia page
lol
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
I didn't edit it :P
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
what if i edit it
to him being your neighbor and that he was the first one to walk on the Brat Stop?
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
Make sure you change
His B-R entry to match.
"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
cheater
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
Fine
MLB.com doesn’t let me edit their page.
Yet.
"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
see, now you are letting facts
get in the way
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
If anyone is wondering why there was such a long gap in between comments I've made,
As in you see some early this morning and now I’m commenting again midafternoon, I’ve just driven back home to Vermont.
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 22, 2011 1:30 PM CDT reply actions
nope - wasn't wondering. But thanks for letting us know.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on May 22, 2011 1:41 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
Glad to see you had a safe trip!
I’m off now to go plant my (wish I had it back) money in the garden. May stop by tonite… Go Cubs Go!!!
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
LOL.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 22, 2011 4:28 PM CDT up reply actions
For Those of you ( Al) who wanted Wells to start
His line today was 7 earned runs in 4 innings. Now it is a rehab start and he may well just be trying things out to get comfortable as that happens in rehab starts. However I would NOT have wanted him to start tonight and I have no idea if he is going to get more rehab starts but the worst thing they could do is rush him back because they are desperate.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
I thought the point in your earlier comment was good
It’s such a shame Garza went down, we have no suitable options.
We'll all miss you Ron.
if it were September and we were 1 game out
sure, rush him, but for a season where we likely are punting, no reason to rush him
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
Seriously
You don’t know what Wells was doing, whether he was working on something or throwing all fastballs or what. Results of a rehab start aren’t necessarily important.
BTW, Garza said that if this were a playoff game or pennant race game, he would have started tonight.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
I agree Al
I pointed out in this thread and above that rehab starts allow a pitcher to work on things without worrying about the consequences and this is what Wells needed, not to be rushed up for a very important start in bad weather. Demp still remains the best option and the fact that they are not doing it is one more sign to me that Quade is clueless about some things.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on May 22, 2011 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Or a sign that they have already given up on this game
which is really too bad, because we’d have a pretty good shot v. Wakefield with Demp out there.
Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008
We want a pennant tonight Al!
Don’t you understand!!!!!!!!
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on May 22, 2011 3:09 PM CDT reply actions
Sorry "sarcasm font"
Still have to point it out, I guess
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on May 22, 2011 3:21 PM CDT up reply actions
There is ZERO chance I see the whole gang tonight
I have to catch a midnight bus back to NYC which means living the park around 11, game starts at 8. Russell Vs Wakefield , I am guessing at the 3 hour mark will be in the top of the 5th scored 12-9 (not saying which team has the 12)
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
ha ha ha ha
I was going to say that seems optimistic given how SLOWLY they pitch . I’m thinking top of the 4th, same score. Us on the bottom.
One of the Boston fans commented to me last night “Wow, Z works fast!” and I wanted to be like, no, you all just pitch REALLY slow!
Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008
They pitch slowly?
I had no idea. Oh wait … they … took … a … minute … between … every … pitch … last … night…..
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 22, 2011 3:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Marlon Byrd on 15 day DL with multiple facial fractures.
Time for Brett Jackson or do we see what Campana can do?
Considering Jackson
is on he DL with a busted finger, he’s probably not a good choice.
by Josh Timmers on May 22, 2011 4:37 PM CDT up reply actions
taking the fun out of it Josh
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
Oh, damn
Fractures, you say? Somewhat expected, but this is the first time I’ve heard the full diagnosis.
Double damn.
"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
BCB game recap thread
340+ comments and counting.
Over The Monster comment tally ( for Fridays 15-5 Boston win), – see for yourself http://www.overthemonster.com/2011/5/20/2182373/boston-red-sox-score-chicago-cubs-game-may-20. That’s amazing. Without researching it I wonder if this is the most widely commented on SBNation site on an average day to day basis?
Check out McCovey Chronicles some time...
"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 mention of Sean Marshall?
Seeing as how he was the winning pitcher I’d expect at least a mention of his name.
Doesn’t surprise me. The Cubs seem to have forgotten he exists.
By the way, what’s the worst that could happen if the Cubs moved Marshall to the rotation while Wells is out?
I went to the game
and had a fantastic time. Fenway is a great example of a very old ballpark rehabbed to great condition. The field was pristine, the sightlines were great, and everything seemed crisp and clean. The concrete and seats were all in great condition, and the concourses, while cramped, seemed bright, clean, and well-lit. There are a ton of ads at Fenway, but it doesn’t detract from the stadium, which surprised me because I’ve been wary of any new ads going up at Wrigley.
Yawkey way was a really neat area. They had a band playing, a speed pitch station for kids, and an old-fashioned looking ballplayer on stilts. It’s hard to describe, it just seemed like a very wholesome and fun area, and not a place you’d be scared to have your kids at. It didn’t seem overly commercialized and fake.
One of the things that struck me was how different the environment was there compared to Wrigley. It is an older crowd, and less of a booze-fest. They have a “fan code of conduct” that includes rules against people talking loudly on their cell phones or making a spectacle of themselves around the tv cameras. When someone got even a little out of line, security gave them a gentle and friendly reminder to behave. After seeing the crowd at Fenway, I have a better appreciation for why the crowds at Wrigley bother people so much.
I came away from the park thinking that this would be a great model for Wrigley. I don’t think there is any comparison currently—Fenway is better than Wrigley. Better in pretty much every way. But Wrigley could be made just as great if the Ricketts do a good job restoring/improving it over the next few years. I have faith that they can do a good job making the hardscape within the park look great, but I’m a little skeptical of their ability to turn it into the same kind of atmosphere that Fenway has without making it seem fraudulent and overly commercialized. I hope Ricketts was paying close attention there.
DEJESUS!!!
Your comments about the "booze-fest" are right on.
Fenway has serious cutoff times for beer sales, and there are vendors only in select areas. Otherwise you have to walk a long way to get beer, and with the narrow aisles it isn’t as easy a task as it is at Wrigley.
Yes, they party at Fenway. But the party is secondary to winning baseball. The Cubs have to put a winning team together FIRST; ticket sales come later.
Security is unobtrusive but always there and professionally run. The Cubs could learn a lot from that, too.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
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