Yawn. Cubs Lose Again, 13-3 To Marlins. Now, Let's Talk Chris Carpenter
by Al Yellon on Jul 16, 2011 3:50 PM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
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Today's 13-3 Cubs loss to the Marlins was one-sided and dull, over by the fifth inning, so let's do two things instead of talk about the game itself.
- Write a good caption to the photo that's with this recap (that one's up to you)
- Discuss why Ramon Ortiz is still on this team instead of Chris Carpenter
Ortiz came into the game after Carlos Zambrano allowed two long home runs to Mike Stanton that put the game out of reach, and put the game even further out of reach, allowing a three-run homer to Logan Morrison.
Why is Ramon Ortiz even in major league baseball any more? Ortiz wasn't even good when he was good -- look at his career numbers -- he had one year (2002) when he was a little above average, and even that year he led the AL in home runs allowed (40). He did manage to get a World Series ring out of the deal; apart from that he's been bad, and except for 16 bad outings for last year's Dodgers, he had not been in the major leagues before then since 2007.
Ortiz. Rodrigo Lopez. Doug Davis. Dave Bush. Who's next? Steve Trachsel? Jason Bere? Jeff Suppan? Eric Milton? (Milton's younger than Ortiz.) The return of Glendon Rusch?
Maybe I should stop before I give Jim Hendry any ideas.
That said, there is one good reason to send Chris Carpenter to Iowa, even if Ramon Ortiz should be given the proverbial gold watch and be sent home.
Carpenter, who has a live fastball that occasionally reaches 100 MPH, is reportedly going to be installed as the closer at Iowa. Granted that the I-Cubs are in last place and haven't had all that many save opportunities (seven different pitchers, John Gaub, Scott Maine, Esmailin Caridad, Polin Trinidad, Marcos Mateo, Justin Berg and Carpenter, all have saves for Iowa this year), but the thought apparently is, if Carpenter can get accustomed to the role and do well, he'd be back in September and get some chances to close then.
If he can do well at that, the Cubs might have a tradeable commodity in Carlos Marmol this offseason. And who knows? The other Chris Carpenter -- the Cardinals starter -- is a free agent after this season. Maybe the Cubs could sign him and put two Carpenters on the pitching staff.
You might argue that Marmol's fairly expensive, and teams often develop their own closers. But Marmol was in the outfield before Saturday's game working on his mechanics, and if he can get back to last year's level, there would surely be teams looking to acquire him.
At least that's looking to the future, instead of wasting time on pitchers who were barely passable in their "primes".
Aramis Ramirez hit a meaningless three-run homer (his 11th in his last 21 games) to give the Cubs their only runs Saturday. Carlos Zambrano was pretty bad; he looked like he still might be favoring his injured back. The announced crowd of 40,709 had maybe 5,000 no-shows, but the bleachers were not sold out, likely due to the $81 price for the day, and many of those who did show up left early.
Perhaps the Cubs can split this series tomorrow. That'd be nice, considering Rodrigo Lopez has to face Cole Hamels on Monday.
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maybe they like Ramon Ortiz
…as he cooks better Spanish food than Carpenter….who brings in McDonald’s?
Two Words: Salty Saltwell
by Unclemike on Jul 16, 2011 3:55 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
I really wish I could say something positive...
In about 212 days pitchers and catchers will report for 2012 spring training.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
If I knew the exact date, I'd post a countdown clock.
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I'm guessing based on this year...
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
I'd like to see a countdown to Mikey and Jimbo getting shown the door.
Maybe Ricketts will get tired of this, and sell the team?
"I'm not much of a chemistry guy, you know. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded"--Jim Frey, Chicago Tribune, 1985.
by zevkalman on Jul 16, 2011 4:06 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Right now he couldn't afford to.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
CAPTION
Carlos Zambrano attempts to push out a turd that stinks more than the 2011 Chicago Cubs while pitching (poorly) against the Florida Marlins on July 16, 2011.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
So when he goes down and gets used to closing....
He will be brought up and pitch long relief right? Thats what the Cubs do. Stupid stuff.
I am really questioning if the Cubs will make any moves at the break.
Has anyone asked hendry if they still think the Cubs are in it?
I know Garza does.
I am really questioning if the Cubs will make any moves at the break.
Two weeks to the deadline. If they don’t make any moves by then, sure, you can bitch.
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Within reason. And without profanity. And without exclamation points.
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I'm just sayin'.
The other individual has been warned not to do that again.
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Define big splash?
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
It would show a mindset that would indicative of truly wanting a rebuilding process. And that would be nice to see.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Yeah, actually I do see them making a move or two.
It may not be until deadline day, but I do think it will happen.
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I think between 4-6 guys go between July 29 and August 31
Pitchers: Ortiz, Lopez, Grabow all hit the DFA bus
HItters:
- Fukodome will get traded on 7/31, but the Cubs will eat 90% of the salary.
- Pena will get traded if the Twins can stay in the race
- Hill might get released to free up 40-man space, with an agreement to come back as an NRI in ST.
It's a simple question, Doctor: would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs??
by Invalid User on Jul 16, 2011 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Plausible.
I think just about anyone is dealable if the Cubs eat the money.
How about this idea? Soriano to the Giants for Barry Zito.
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With Soriano's bad legs? Really?
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
No way will the Giants do that.
R.I.P. to my grandfather, Andrew Wiley
The reason I am a Cub fan forever
Nope
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 16, 2011 4:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Too bad.
They could use an outfielder, and they get some value out of Zito’s deal.
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I think Zito would be a good fit here.
He hasn’t been that bad for the last 2 years.
I just think Zito is worth his money more than Soriano is.
R.I.P. to my grandfather, Andrew Wiley
The reason I am a Cub fan forever
isn't he a mega flyball pitcher?
Blake "The Franchise" DeWitt will lead us to the promised land
by jesus christos on Jul 16, 2011 5:11 PM CDT up reply actions
In the longterm future.
I think Soriano has been better over the last 4 years though, obviously.
R.I.P. to my grandfather, Andrew Wiley
The reason I am a Cub fan forever
So does everyone with a brain
including the Giants. Sori is only tradeable to a baseball league that doesn’t allow breaking balls.
If it wasn't for the injuries, we'd be printing WS tickets right now.
Maybe they would take Soriano and Hill for Zito
IIRC the giants might have an injured catcher….
by NorCalCubsFan on Jul 16, 2011 7:35 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't think Sori will be traded ever..
But if the Cubs pay a chunk of his salary I could see the Red Sox being a fit since Big Papi is wanting a big contract. Sori and the green monster would be a nice fit.
no matter what they do
if hendry is involved it will be wrong
by Roman the greek on Jul 16, 2011 7:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Where is Marshall, Ramirez, and Zambrano on that list?
Guys, hitting is not about muscle. It's simple physics. Calculate the velocity, v, in relation to the trajectory, t, in which g, gravity, of course remains a constant.... It's not complicated. - George Costanza
That other individual has been on a tear this year.
I don’t remember him being so vicious. Don’t know what’s up with him.
R.I.P. to my grandfather, Andrew Wiley
The reason I am a Cub fan forever
The "other individual" is going thru some
major life/career changes. Tho I don’t agree with what happened, I think we should cut him some slack.
"So sad, This Cubbie Thing" Courtesy of E-Man, 6/25/2011
totally agree
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 16, 2011 6:45 PM CDT up reply actions
I've been away but I gather
it is the person that said Seinfeld was the worst tv show ever the other night in a game thread?
by LT on Jul 16, 2011 6:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Correct LT
I have a bit of a “relationship” with the “individual” and hold him in high regards, for what that’s worth. After 2+ years here, that is the single incident that I have seen him act in such a manner. We all have a bad day. Again, I think we should give it a rest.
"So sad, This Cubbie Thing" Courtesy of E-Man, 6/25/2011
Jeff you have always been cool here, so I will listen to you....
I might irritate him, but that was unreal….
Is this also the same individual that said...
You should just get a pet you don’t care much about.
It gets sick? Toss it in the lake…
…in a response to a situation I’m going through?
Sorry, but I don’t think that kind of comment is very slack-worthy.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
BH- In those immortal words of TJ11
“you’ve always been cool here”. Look, I don’t claim to be that individuals best friend…but I think even you’ll admit he was “not himself lately”? I spoke to him directly regarding that incident. Tho he did not apologize, he did explain himself to my satisfaction. It was an “unintentional rudeness” that could not be recalled once said. He did not mean it in the way you took it, but, as you said “there’s no button to hit recall”. So, he couldn’t recall the comment. JS2 (How’s the pooch?)
"So sad, This Cubbie Thing" Courtesy of E-Man, 6/25/2011
sorry to hear about your dog, hope he/she is doing better, it's a hard thing to go thru.
I feel for ya.
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions
Agreed
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning the devil says, "OH CRAP, SHE'S UP"!
Sue-
I think you’ll get my point from my comments above? I think we’d all agree those comments were most unusual from the source? I do not know what caused them…but any single one us us could have a bad day… can’t we just let it die? JS2
"So sad, This Cubbie Thing" Courtesy of E-Man, 6/25/2011
As I have said
I have asked this person to apologize here. He hasn’t responded to my emails. I wonder if he’s deliberately taking time away from being online for a while.
Let’s see what happens.
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Thanks Al
Although I cannot defend the comment, I think we’d all agree that it is “out of character” for him.
"So sad, This Cubbie Thing" Courtesy of E-Man, 6/25/2011
Oh profanity with many exclamation points. ;-)
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
To be clear,
any moves that are made should be done to clear contracts, get some minor prospects, and make room for anybody in the system. I’m not really interested in getting somebody that’s gonna “help this team out” in 2011.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Right.
Which also means that trading marginal parts like Jeff Baker is pointless. You’re not going to get much for him, and he could be a useful bench player in the future.
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I think with this Baker situation I'm more concerned with the
lack of mindset that we should be trading anybody we can, because nobody on this team is very good. The mindset that Hendry (apparently) has that Baker is worth something is somewhat frightful.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
No, that's not the point.
Some players have zero trade value. Of course you’d LIKE to deal them, but the reality is only a handful of players on this team have any trade value.
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We're slicing hairs here, so alright.
I am just operating under the assumption that if we’re talking about Baker some other team has asked about his value and Jimbo said no.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
There have been rumors about the Tigers wanting Baker
Can’t see them giving up anything useful for him, though.
[...]when Giants coach Steve Owen, a certified defensive genius, was asked how he planned to stop Nagurski, he said: "With a shotgun, as he’s leaving the dressing room."
by NobodySpecial on Jul 16, 2011 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Why announce he is untouchable? I agree with what you are saying Al.....
But does that not sound stupid to call a player like that “Untouchable”
I doubt Hendry used that word.
Sounds like a media creation to me.
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Not even trading him in a package deal to sweeten the pot a little?
Sounds like Hendry to me. What he values I find strange.
Guys, hitting is not about muscle. It's simple physics. Calculate the velocity, v, in relation to the trajectory, t, in which g, gravity, of course remains a constant.... It's not complicated. - George Costanza
That's where his loyalty is his weakness.
I think he would make a better dog than a GM.
Guys, hitting is not about muscle. It's simple physics. Calculate the velocity, v, in relation to the trajectory, t, in which g, gravity, of course remains a constant.... It's not complicated. - George Costanza
that is not really fair...
…to dogs.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
I just apologized to my dog who is sitting next to me.
Guys, hitting is not about muscle. It's simple physics. Calculate the velocity, v, in relation to the trajectory, t, in which g, gravity, of course remains a constant.... It's not complicated. - George Costanza
That's not fair to Hendry
While I am unhappy with the job he has done the last several seasons. It is uncalled for to insult him. I am fortunate enough to work for an employer who is loyal. Loyalty in many situations is a strength. However, loyalty is a great weakness when it blinds those in charge of the weaknesses of those under them. Loyalty is his greatest weakness in this case.
I don’t want to play golf. When I hit a ball, I want someone else to go chase it.
by cub in louies nest on Jul 16, 2011 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions
I wasn't calling him a dog.
It was a joke. Dogs tend to be loyal almost to a fault same as Hendry.
Guys, hitting is not about muscle. It's simple physics. Calculate the velocity, v, in relation to the trajectory, t, in which g, gravity, of course remains a constant.... It's not complicated. - George Costanza
Understood
It just struck me wrong at the time.
I don’t want to play golf. When I hit a ball, I want someone else to go chase it.
by cub in louies nest on Jul 16, 2011 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions
That certainly....
…should be the goal, especially since many hope (especially me) that someone else is going to be putting the roster together for 2012 and you want that guy to have as clean a slate as possible.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Todd Hollandsworth tried to say that the Cubs
might try to get some value for Ortiz and that’s why he stayed.
That point.. is an horrific point to make. No one is going to take Ortiz from the Cubs — unless the Cubs GIVE AWAY Ortiz to someone. Still, it’s no reason to have Ramon Ortiz on the roster instead of Chris Carpenter.
This team is just flat out bad. Save Ramirez and maybe Byrd for the last couple days… the rest of the team is flat on offense. If this team continues to look and play as bad — no one will want to come here.
R.I.P. to my grandfather, Andrew Wiley
The reason I am a Cub fan forever
What?
Seriously? The Cubs think Ortiz has trade value?
That’s delusional.
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Not true, I'm sure you could get a box of balls for him.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
The way some of these guys are hitting...
The Cubs act like they are hitting wiffle balls.
R.I.P. to my grandfather, Andrew Wiley
The reason I am a Cub fan forever
Smurf Balls
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
ball bearings?
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
...
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 Jul 16, 2011 4:41 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Geovany's production would improve dramatically.
R.I.P. to my grandfather, Andrew Wiley
The reason I am a Cub fan forever
If he stopped smokin' weed? I agree.
Guys, hitting is not about muscle. It's simple physics. Calculate the velocity, v, in relation to the trajectory, t, in which g, gravity, of course remains a constant.... It's not complicated. - George Costanza
Enough of that.
Soto was caught two years ago. He admitted a mistake, and there has been no repeat. Let’s not put false accusations here.
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So we can't joke around here?
It’s a joke, satire.
Guys, hitting is not about muscle. It's simple physics. Calculate the velocity, v, in relation to the trajectory, t, in which g, gravity, of course remains a constant.... It's not complicated. - George Costanza
It's a joke.
We can use a few nowadays.
R.I.P. to my grandfather, Andrew Wiley
The reason I am a Cub fan forever
I guess.
Kind of old and lame, though.
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Yeah....
because everyone stops their vices when they are caught.
You know what most people do? Work harder at not getting caught.
Come on Lisa, I'm trying to impress people here. You don't win friends with salad. ~ Homer J. Simpson
by TheBeerBaron on Jul 16, 2011 9:23 PM CDT up reply actions
How about schweatty balls?
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jul 16, 2011 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Notice is was made by Todd Hollandsworth
and not someone in the Cubs front office. It doesn’t really matter what he, or any of us think they’re doing.
We'll all miss you Ron.
LOLWUT
Blake "The Franchise" DeWitt will lead us to the promised land
by jesus christos on Jul 16, 2011 4:17 PM CDT up reply actions
A nice bit of trivial information
#Braves join #Giants and #Cubs as only franchises w/ 10,000 Major League wins. Always envisioned Sherrill getting the last out.
Tweeted by @mlbbowman
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
The interesting thing about that is the Braves' all-time record
… 10,000-9,992.
Eight more losses and they’ll become the only team with 10,000 of both.
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Now praying for an 8 game losing streak.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
10,278-9,744
I was surprised to see we are that much over .500.
R.I.P. to my grandfather, Andrew Wiley
The reason I am a Cub fan forever
Where did you find this?
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Don't believe me?
I thought my reputation was good in these parts. :-)
R.I.P. to my grandfather, Andrew Wiley
The reason I am a Cub fan forever
Reputation?
Oh…oh, yes, yes…for stats you mean? Yes, it’s just fine (for stats). :]
"So sad, This Cubbie Thing" Courtesy of E-Man, 6/25/2011
It's not that I don't trust you... ;-)
Thanks for the link!
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Hmmm...was there any mention of game #20,000 back in June?
If there was, I musta missed it.
With the 1st pick in the 2012 Baseball Amateur Draft, the Chicago Cubs select...
If baseball-reference.com is accurate then 5 teams have 10,000 or more wins.
and only the Philies have more than 10,000 losses.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
The two other teams have wins in the American Association
But in NL play, they have less than 10k.
A LO PROFUNDOOO...NOO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NOO...DIGALE QUE NO A ESA PELOTA!!!
GANAN LOS CACHORROS DE CHICAGO!!
by Azul Cachorro on Jul 17, 2011 1:45 AM CDT up reply actions
I have to wonder at this point if Hendry and Quade are trying to sabotage each other
Hendry by signing clearly bad players (but ones far enough out of memory to hide how bad they were before) to put the blame on Quade when they don’t perform. Quade by making sure the team tanks and takes everybody with him.
That would explain a lot about Quade’s attitude. He knows he’s gone, so why not take the architect of his demise with him?
[...]when Giants coach Steve Owen, a certified defensive genius, was asked how he planned to stop Nagurski, he said: "With a shotgun, as he’s leaving the dressing room."
Sounds like a Hollywood story to me,
and not something a first-year MLB coach and career-baseballer would do.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
I know it sounds really cute and all (have two Chris Carpenters)
but please don’t give this lame ass organization any ideas. Chris Carpenter is pretty good pitcher but if the Cubs are going to rebuild (youth movement) signing Chris Carpenter is not the way to do about doing that.
Guys, hitting is not about muscle. It's simple physics. Calculate the velocity, v, in relation to the trajectory, t, in which g, gravity, of course remains a constant.... It's not complicated. - George Costanza
I dunno.
One thing that’s been really bad this year has been starting pitching. Shore that up and you can win a lot more games.
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No thanks, this organization is going to be a lot more judicious...
..in free agency. I’m starting to believe that Hendry is gone at the end of the season and bringing in a 36 year old who is injury prone and is starting to regress is a move that Hendry would make. Think younger.
Guys, hitting is not about muscle. It's simple physics. Calculate the velocity, v, in relation to the trajectory, t, in which g, gravity, of course remains a constant.... It's not complicated. - George Costanza
is ramon ortiz younger than carp?
Blake "The Franchise" DeWitt will lead us to the promised land
by jesus christos on Jul 16, 2011 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions
well there goes hendry's idea for going younger
Blake "The Franchise" DeWitt will lead us to the promised land
by jesus christos on Jul 16, 2011 4:58 PM CDT up reply actions
What?
“shoring up” our rotation would have us at .500
There still isn’t winning ballclub talent on this roster.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 16, 2011 4:55 PM CDT up reply actions
I dunno...
Maybe the Cubs could sign him and put two Carpenters on the pitching staff.
Knowing the Cubs, the structure the Carpenters would wind up building would look like this:
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
Bridge actually.
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
We have been shoring it up
Davis, Ortiz, Wellemeyer, Bush. Why wouldn’t we expect the same sterling choices of stale meat in the future?
If it wasn't for the injuries, we'd be printing WS tickets right now.
I cleaned out the garage today rather than watch the Cubs...
But I did check the score from time to time…
3-0 Marlins
4-0 Marlins
11-0 Marlins
Way to fight, Cubs! At least my garage is nice and clean now…
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
I took a nap!
Time spent well.
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
Not trying to be nosy or anything...
…but how does one go about cleaning out the garage. Where did the stuff go? I look at my garage and I don’t know where to begin. Other than my tool boxes the garage is a mess.
Guys, hitting is not about muscle. It's simple physics. Calculate the velocity, v, in relation to the trajectory, t, in which g, gravity, of course remains a constant.... It's not complicated. - George Costanza
Big pile of stuff donated to Goodwill...
Big pile of stuff going to my wife’s mom and sister who just moved out here to Denver…
Big pile of stuff in the trash!
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
Thanks, mine such a mess, I look at it and throw my hands up because I have no clue..
…where to begin. You have offered me a few good ideas, time to bring the company truck home and unload my crap to charity.
Guys, hitting is not about muscle. It's simple physics. Calculate the velocity, v, in relation to the trajectory, t, in which g, gravity, of course remains a constant.... It's not complicated. - George Costanza
There ya go - glad I could help...
The general rule is – If you haven’t used it or worn it in over a year, it goes to the donate pile…
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
Please forward this suggestion to Hendry.
If it wasn't for the injuries, we'd be printing WS tickets right now.
Do you suppose Goodwill will accept some of these pitchers?
Or will DKT’s inlaws have to take them?
My in-laws just moved from Burlington, WI
and they are pseudo-Brewers fans. 49-45 and one game back looks pretty attractive right about now…
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
What's really scary is that the paid attendance was announced at over 40,000...
…for a game against the Marlins? I know it’s a weekend game, but, I wonder how long before a Saturday game of OVER 40,000 turns in to a Saturday game UNDER 25,000. It’s gotta be coming.
With the 1st pick in the 2012 Baseball Amateur Draft, the Chicago Cubs select...
I didn't see the game but I would be surprised and saddened if there were actually...
…40,000 people in attendance.
Guys, hitting is not about muscle. It's simple physics. Calculate the velocity, v, in relation to the trajectory, t, in which g, gravity, of course remains a constant.... It's not complicated. - George Costanza
Like I said in the recap...
… there were probably 4,000-5,000 no-shows. The park was pretty full.
The key is that the bleachers did not sell out, due to the “marquee” $81 price. That’s the first Saturday game not sold out in the bleachers in… probably 30 years.
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This should send shivers through the front office:
That’s the first Saturday game not sold out in the bleachers in… probably 30 years.
Holy crap.
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
So there's room in the bleachers for us to come in for Sunday's game?
I’ve been lobbying Mrs. Zeke. So far, no dice.
She’s done with the Cubs for the year I’m afraid…
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
Yes, plenty of room.
Come join us! Tickets are plentiful!
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OK, let's say that Carpenter being groomed to be a closer is an acceptable answer for why he was sent down
There still isn’t one for Ramon Ortiz remaining on this roster. There isn’t ONE other kid in AAA or AA that could use a look in the Cubs pen right now? Not one?
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
Come on Lisa, I'm trying to impress people here. You don't win friends with salad. ~ Homer J. Simpson
by TheBeerBaron on Jul 16, 2011 9:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Hey Al...
I was wondering something…I’m not sure what’s required of you (if anything) for SBNation as far as going to the games and all, but…I know you love baseball, and the Cubs, but, after watching something like this team this year, do you ever just want to NOT go to the “next” game?
With the 1st pick in the 2012 Baseball Amateur Draft, the Chicago Cubs select...
What? you trying to score free tickets?
Guys, hitting is not about muscle. It's simple physics. Calculate the velocity, v, in relation to the trajectory, t, in which g, gravity, of course remains a constant.... It's not complicated. - George Costanza
cubs tickets are essentially free, anyways
Blake "The Franchise" DeWitt will lead us to the promised land
by jesus christos on Jul 16, 2011 5:00 PM CDT up reply actions
I hear they're being given out as bookmarks at the local library.
Guys, hitting is not about muscle. It's simple physics. Calculate the velocity, v, in relation to the trajectory, t, in which g, gravity, of course remains a constant.... It's not complicated. - George Costanza
The going price on the street is about half face value
… for most games. Yankee & White Sox series was an exception.
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Stubhub seems strong for the next couple of series
Philly and the weekend series vs. Houston and Cinci still have relatively high prices (cheapest seats in the $14-25 range.
I’m looking at going to the Nationals game on 8/8 or 8/9… I didn’t make it to Wrigley last year and haven’t been this year (although I’ll end up seeing 8 road games this year). The Outfield Terrace Boxes are already down to $30 and we’re still several weeks away, and blocks of Infield Terrace Reserves are down to $12.
It's a simple question, Doctor: would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs??
by Invalid User on Jul 16, 2011 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions
After the Reds series.....
… attendance may start falling; colleges go back in session and the team is likely to be plummeting in the standings.
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Not that I've drank TJ11s koolaid
but this is true. In the recent past, it seems to me, Houston has always made a late-season push… ::gulp::
"So sad, This Cubbie Thing" Courtesy of E-Man, 6/25/2011
The Astros are pretty bad this year.
Although, they are 4-2 vs. the Cubs and have outscored them 42-27 in the six games.
THE BATTLE FOR LAST PLACE! NEXT WEEKEND AT WRIGLEY!
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TJ11-
…I’ll take that Koolaid now, please…easy on the ice…
"So sad, This Cubbie Thing" Courtesy of E-Man, 6/25/2011
Al, how do you get these stats so quick
New to site, but amazed at Al’s and everyone’s insiteful facts,
by Feenix Cubfan on Jul 16, 2011 9:00 PM CDT up reply actions
I know where to look stuff up.
Thanks.
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It hardly seems possible to plumet
when we have the 2nd worst record in baseball.
If it wasn't for the injuries, we'd be printing WS tickets right now.
Well...
…. that’s a reasonable question.
I do love baseball and the Cubs. Yes, sometimes it gets to be a bit of a drag. But I love the game, and so onward I go.
BTW, this makes 258 consecutive home games for me, today. Last home game I missed was May 31, 2008.
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Lou gave him the day off...he said....
…“you need a rest kid, so I’m given you the day off”
Guys, hitting is not about muscle. It's simple physics. Calculate the velocity, v, in relation to the trajectory, t, in which g, gravity, of course remains a constant.... It's not complicated. - George Costanza
They would be at gunpoint...
…with the media begging Lou to put the gun down.
Guys, hitting is not about muscle. It's simple physics. Calculate the velocity, v, in relation to the trajectory, t, in which g, gravity, of course remains a constant.... It's not complicated. - George Costanza
The thing that makes it hard to watch is this team seams like it should be better
Granted they don’t have a third or forth starter
yeah they due
But they are currently employed as no’s 1 and 2
by Feenix Cubfan on Jul 16, 2011 9:03 PM CDT up reply actions
I got really upset at Lou last year,
he pretty much gave up on the team. But he was sure a hellva lot better than Quade, who looks like he has no idea what he’s supposed to do on a daily basis. Lou knew what to do—he just didn’t give a shit anymore.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
I missed two games while I was gone.
And yes, one of them was a good game.
I should note that the last three times I went to a college reunion and missed games — 1998, 2003, 2008 — the Cubs made the playoffs every time.
I suppose I should plan on going to the 35-year reunion in 2013.
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fourth times the charm
Blake "The Franchise" DeWitt will lead us to the promised land
by jesus christos on Jul 16, 2011 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions
That would work for me.
And for everyone else here, I’m guessing.
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Yeah, I know.
Was glad the Cubs won… sorry I missed it.
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LOL
I could. But that gets expensive!
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Are those cupcakes knit?
"It's been my policy to view the Internet not as an 'information highway,' but as an electronic asylum filled with babbling loonies." - Mike Royko
by DTJchris on Jul 16, 2011 6:36 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Yeah, now that you mention it, they are. Here are some tastier ones.
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those are some fuzzy cupcakes
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 16, 2011 6:46 PM CDT up reply actions
I KNOW that's our year! GOOOOOOOO!
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 16, 2011 6:54 PM CDT up reply actions
258? Here's hopin' before you hit milestone #500...
there’s a couple World Series games in there.
With the 1st pick in the 2012 Baseball Amateur Draft, the Chicago Cubs select...
That'd be nice.
Total Cubs game count after today: 2328. 2145 home games, 183 road games.
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2328 scorecards.
You’re gonna have to add on soon…
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
what is the Cubs record in all those games?
I'm going to the 2012 Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp!!! Who's with me?
Since you asked, including this year:
1188-1137-3
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Nope.
That’s regular season plus playoffs.
I estimate I’ve seen about 200 spring training games. Don’t have an exact count.
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Other than the three college reunions
how many home games have you missed during that span?
"That’s what I love about my skip, man. He’ll tell you that you suck...I know I suck. We know we suck...Yeah, we suck. But we’ll see who sucks at the end."
- Gary Sheffield
by DrGalazkiewicz on Jul 17, 2011 5:49 PM CDT up reply actions
I slept through the day...
it appears the Cubs did too.
I think I speak for everyone here when I say, "Wait, what the hell are you talking about?"
Wow! Hamels is pitching Monday?
I know the Cubs are struggling, but Philly is pretty cocky if they are going to pitch Hamels on one day of rest.
Fukudometer: Created 3/31/08 Wrigley Debut 4/5/08 WGN and Japan TV Debut 4/6/08 Sun Times Debut: 4/20/08 Coffee Table Debut: 7/17/08
Hmmm.
I thought I had heard it was Hamels Monday. Guess they changed up their rotation. It may wind up being Cliff Lee.
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Looks like the correct matchups are
Monday: Kyle Kendrick vs. Rodrigo Lopez
Tuesday: Matt Garza vs. Roy Halladay
Wednesday: Ryan Dempster vs. Cliff Lee
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Oh, I dunno.
The Cubs have hit Halladay in the past and Garza’s last two starts at home have been excellent.
And the Cubs may be able to beat Kendrick, too.
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I thought that too.
Look who’s pitching for the Cubs of Chicago on Monday. BLAH.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
RoLo shall carry the team on his shoulders
Blake "The Franchise" DeWitt will lead us to the promised land
by jesus christos on Jul 16, 2011 5:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Our first 3 game winning streak
is imminent.
If it wasn't for the injuries, we'd be printing WS tickets right now.
this will be my "play-off" type goal for the season
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 16, 2011 7:30 PM CDT up reply actions
The longest journey begins with but a single step
If it wasn't for the injuries, we'd be printing WS tickets right now.
"Imminent"?
You mean, at least three games from now.
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The Cubs official dictionary
defines imminent as within recorded history
If it wasn't for the injuries, we'd be printing WS tickets right now.
Hmmm... did anyone else notice Al
tried to “slip RoLo in”? (Listed him 2nd and led with Cubs Pitchers in gms 2 & 3…) :]
"So sad, This Cubbie Thing" Courtesy of E-Man, 6/25/2011
RoLo is everywhere
he is not a man, he is an idea
Blake "The Franchise" DeWitt will lead us to the promised land
by jesus christos on Jul 16, 2011 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Ah, I see...
RoLo- The Concept. Should go well with The Franchise.
"So sad, This Cubbie Thing" Courtesy of E-Man, 6/25/2011
The comedy in this for me is that
At one point nobody pushed Ortiz to the majors like BCB. Some will excuse pushing him in May because we were nearly .500, which actually I’ve already heard. As if you know…Ortiz would helped then eiher.
I expect to see alot of young pitching the last two months of the season. Jay Jackson, Cashner, Gaub/Beliveau, and Carpenter at least…
by SenorGato on Jul 16, 2011 5:51 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
If Cashner comes back...
… it’ll be in relief.
I don’t think Gaub is a major league quality pitcher.
Jackson — I’d love to see him succeed, but I dunno.
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Don't let the facts get in the way of a good whine
The people that you were referring to wanted someone other than Russell starting. No one was suggesting that Lopez was the team’s savior.
by Shanghai Badger on Jul 17, 2011 6:50 AM CDT up reply actions
Does that even matter?
It’s still a bad team starting an old, bad pitcher.
by SenorGato on Jul 17, 2011 3:24 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I don't have any issues sending Carpenter down right now
He walked 7 guys in 9 innings. That’s not good – send him down, let him, regroup, then let’s bring him back up. With that BB rate, he’ll get blasted eventually and there’s no reason to start messing with the kid’s confidence.
That was what I said in a post on the pregame thread....
Before activating Z, the Cubs had Grabow, Ortiz and Lopez on the roster. So why is shipping Carpenter to Iowa Plan A? HIAFI
I heard the Cubs are actively scouting
the Randy Johnson commercial where the Big Unit wings the guy with a snowball. Brace yourselves, this is the sort of move that will put us over the top.
"Playoffs?!" -Jim Mora
by Castro Por Presidente on Jul 16, 2011 6:57 PM CDT reply actions
Cubs Marketing Would Love Having Two Carpenters on the Roster...
Marketing theme: Come See The Cubs…We’ve Only Just Begun
After an abysmal start, theme changes to: Rainy Days and Sundays (apologies to Richard and the late Karen) Always Get Us Down
Well I thought this was funny....
I wish the Cubs could find themselves “On Top of the World” someday!
When Jim Hendry sees Pujols he likes to sing “Close to You”
………………………I am better than this…….sorry
CAPTION
Let’s see…after that DL stint…I forget…do I throw left or right handed? What difference does it make?
$81 for a bleacher seat today?
Sheesh. Pass. I wonder how aggessive the Cubs will be in restructuring their pricing over the offseason? The good weather is here, and there are good dates left, but the team is terrible. September attendance could be truly scary. No way they sell many unsold tickets at face value once school has started up.
There was a lot of talk from the Ricketts camp about how they studied ticket pricing to optimize revenue. Well, they’d better look again and start slashing for next year. And, not just for the mid-week games in April.
In some good news
I’ve been reading a book a week and my work productivity has increased 22.23% compared to the last 4 summers. I wonder why I have so much more time.
Thank you Cubbies :)
The retreads and Carpenter
Ortiz’s days on the roster are numbered. They probably don’t want to rush to conclusions because, for example, Zambrano again or another pitcher might end up on the DL. As soon as Bush is called up, Ortiz is likely cut and Lopez would go to the bullpen. By the time Carpenter returns, Lopez or Bush would go or maybe somebody on the pitching staff is traded.
Apart from the retreads, I would be shocked if the Cubs made no trades before September. As long as they improve the team before next season, I’m not convinced they have to make any trades now to pave the way. They would presumably save some money and get prospects if they do trade anybody in the coming weeks.
Mike Stanton is a strong man...
He looks like he’s gonna be a beast for years to come.
Caption
Carlos Zambrano sees a pretty lady in the stands and reenacts the scene from Scarface when Manny sticks his tongue out to a lady trying to get with her….
Two Words: Salty Saltwell
by Unclemike on Jul 16, 2011 11:14 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
There will be no battle for last place with the Astros.
The Astros were 30 games under five hundred at the break. The Cubs could lose every single game to the Astros and not have to worry about being in last place.
I live in Houston. I know what it’s like here. They are just trying to get through the season. Bleachers are not $81, believe me. If they were, the bleachers would be empty. Empty.
Last month former President Bush came on the Daktronics HD screen and pleaded with Astros fans to vote for Astros players.
I lived in Chicago for thirty years and I know that even when the Cubs are winning, Cub fans bitch and moan and want to trade everyone.
The Cubs are 7.5 games ahead of the Astros.
They have nine games left with them. If they lose every one of them, and the teams match records otherwise, the Cubs will most assuredly be in last place.
Don’t think it can’t happen.
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the cubs have been an interesting story to follow this year...
big market, new owner, poor performance…
i know two things:
tom rickett’s dad said he knows nothing about baseball and put the onus on tom.
jim hendry, during the announcement of the new ownership, said he had not spoken to Tom.
put 2 and 2 together and …
by explodingpinwheelsforfunandprofit on Jul 17, 2011 1:39 AM CDT reply actions
interesting....never put 2 and 2 together like that....
"I'm not much of a chemistry guy, you know. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded"--Jim Frey, Chicago Tribune, 1985.
jim hendry, during the announcement of the new ownership, said he had not spoken to Tom.
So? That was almost two years ago. You think he hasn’t spoken to Tom Ricketts yet?
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my point
there are no stats for it of course but i found it odd that the prospective owner was in ‘radio silence’ with the GM throughout the due diligence process.
by explodingpinwheelsforfunandprofit on Jul 18, 2011 1:05 AM CDT up reply actions
for the record
I have dealt with CK in real life and he is a real d!ck. not in a good way, in a bad way. a turn off, sort-of-speak.
by explodingpinwheelsforfunandprofit on Jul 18, 2011 1:11 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't find that odd at all.
Why do you find it odd?
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i should add- it is half schadenfreude, and half what does a bad organization look like when there is REAL opportunity fo 'hope' and 'change'
by explodingpinwheelsforfunandprofit on Jul 17, 2011 1:56 AM CDT reply actions
what?
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 17, 2011 4:33 AM CDT up reply actions
big z
had nothing yesterday.we get one more year of z and thats it.sure has been interesting though.z is not the main problem though. this team is so much like last years team that they rarely can score more then 2 or 3 runs. pretty mind boggling because on paper it looks like talented lineup.just another year of underachieving players.much work to be done this winter.aramis is he only clutch hitter on this team.although castro and barney are getting pretty good.a few more players like these 3 and we might be alright.plus a lot more pitching.
Grapefruit
bathin’ suit
Chew a little Juicy Fruit
Wash away the night :)
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions
You know, it gets so damn lonely when you're on the plane alone
by Shanghai Badger on Jul 17, 2011 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions
(my favorite verse)....
drive-in
guzzle gin
commit a little mortal sin
it’s good for the soul
:)
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions
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