Cubs Fall To 20 Games Under .500 With Loss To Marlins
by Al Yellon on Jul 17, 2011 5:25 PM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
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PrintI'm not sure where to start today, so how about this: The Cubs will never play the Florida Marlins again. As I noted when this series began, the Marlins are changing their name to "Miami Marlins" next year as part of the deal that moves them into their new stadium. "Florida Marlins" doesn't have very good connotations in Cubs history, so I say "Good riddance", as the Cubs finish their season series with the... team from south Florida.
They split the season series 3-3 after today's 7-5 Cubs loss, which included:
- Randy Wells again imploding in the first inning (including a monstrous home run by Hanley Ramirez that nearly hit the TV camera hut), then settling down and pitching credibly. Wells has an ERA of 10.80 in the first inning this year, 5.53 in all other innings. Both are bad, but that first inning is horrific. What can you do when your starting pitcher puts you behind before you bat?
- The Cubs did tie the game in the last of the first with three straight doubles and a single, although Blake DeWitt, who hit the single, got caught in a rundown.
- Some really egregiously bad calls by umpires that went against the Cubs, including a pickoff play at second base in the decisive Marlins eighth that would have ended the inning with no runs scoring. Replays showed that pinch-runner Brett Hayes was clearly out, picked off by Kerry Wood.
- Some bad pitching by Wood after that, including a bases-loaded walk.
- The failure of the Cubs to have a single baserunner from the second inning until there was one out in the eighth; 20 straight Cubs went down at one point in the game.
It was really hot today, 94 degrees at game time. Perhaps that's part of the explanation for thousands of empty seats in the bleachers; I don't know how many bleacher tickets were actually sold, but the bleachers weren't sold out and maybe 60% of the seats were filled. Hot weather hasn't kept people away when the team is doing well, so that may be part of it, but the ticket prices and the no-name opponent and the team losing are other factors. I haven't seen the bleachers that empty on a summer Sunday ... well, really, since the 1970s. It is a cautionary tale that is likely to be repeated next weekend when the worse-than-the-Cubs Astros come to town, and more so after mid-August when colleges go back in session and the summer tourist season fades.
You can't sell Wrigley Field at these prices when the team isn't winning. It really is that simple. Ticket prices on the secondary market, with a handful of exceptions like the Yankees and White Sox series, are running about half face value. The Cubs have choices to make in this area or risk a huge drop in ticket sales in 2012. Today's crowd, announced as 37,634, had at least 7,000 no-shows, maybe more. Yes, the heat may have been a factor -- but it surely isn't the only one.
What more can be said? The Cubs got out of many jams in this game, only to wind up losing after a bad umpiring call. You can't completely blame that, because Wood did not pitch well after that, but...
There's one other thing I want to mention today, and it's a small thing but speaks to team discipline and respect. I see this almost every day, and did today: the entire visiting team standing outside their dugout at National Anthem time, with the exception of their starting pitcher and a couple others, who are doing pregame bullpen work.
Who did I see standing outside the Cubs dugout? The coaching staff, Reed Johnson and Tony Campana. I may have missed a player or two, but the entire Cubs team never is seen standing for the anthem as their opponents are.
This is tremendously disrespectful to Cubs fans and to the game itself. What's the big deal? Too hot? Fans are standing in the heat. If the visitors can do this, the Cubs should do it too.
Maybe it's just frustration with the team now being 20 games under .500 -- for the first time since they were 20 under after Mike Quade's first three games as manager last August -- but the entire organization seems to be in disarray. And tomorrow the major league-best Phillies come to town.
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ZZZZZZZzzzzzz.ZZZZZZZZZZZzzzz. ZZZZZZZZZZzzzzz.
That’s all I got.
"So sad, This Cubbie Thing" Courtesy of E-Man, 6/25/2011
Disarry is a good word.
Mess is another. Not even remotely sure where to start to fix this.
We'll miss you Big Boy. #10 for Hall of Fame.
by mrcubsfan on Jul 17, 2011 5:34 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Get better players.
Really not as hard as it sounds, but obviously not easy either. Not much you can do in season…
by SenorGato on Jul 17, 2011 5:59 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
thats easy
start with hendry , then anybody that hendry hired
by Roman the greek on Jul 17, 2011 8:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Frustrating game
Aramis is still raking. That’s about the only positive I can take out of this game.
Wow, Al great point on the anthem
and this been going on for years. When I would always rush in early for bleacher seats in the good ole days…’07, ’08 and part of ’09 you would only see a couple of players out there.
It's completely disrespectful...
… and another symptom of how disorganized things are.
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Just one more symptom of
a team lacking a Leader/Manager
"So sad, This Cubbie Thing" Courtesy of E-Man, 6/25/2011
You're right- I noticed that in KC
"For the charming if somewhat curious branch of mankind known as Cub fans, spring is a sanguine time.. Every spring holds the blithe hope that perhaps this is the season in which Satan will grow weary and ease up on the headlock in which he has diabolically held Chicago's mightily struggling National League baseball team since 1908..." Lonnie Wheeler- "Bleachers"
by tommy veryzer on Jul 17, 2011 6:38 PM CDT up reply actions
I am not a fan of national anthems - any of them - or other "patriotic ceremonies".
I fail to see this as disrespect.
Maybe this is already way off topic.
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 17, 2011 5:50 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions 4 recs
Regardless of your opinion of the ceremonies....
… the fact is, they exist, and other teams respect them. The Cubs don’t. That’s a problem.
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by Al Yellon on Jul 17, 2011 5:53 PM CDT up reply actions 12 recs
^ THIS ^
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by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 17, 2011 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Before starting an argument...
Let us agree to disagree on this particular point, but agree that many other things are in terrible shape in the team and organization.
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 17, 2011 5:58 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I agree with that.
The point is, this is another symbol of how dysfunctional this team is.
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Sometimes...
…the little things, tell you a lot about the culture and leadership about a ballclub.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
I don't understand this.
Both teams stand for the anthem in the minor leagues.
The Cubs have performed this season in every way LIKE a minor league franchise and THIS is the way they choose to not too? By not standing for the NA?
Maybe the line at the players dugout urinal is preventing guys from getting on the field in time…
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
agreed the visiting teams are always out there
why aren’t the Cubs? I’ll never forget from the right field bleachers watching Tony LaRussa sprint from the dugout to make sure he was out there in time. You look over at the Cubs dugout and there are NEVER more than four or five players standing out there. This happened under Pinella and now Al is reporting it continues under Quade. I haven’t made it early for one game this year other than the Saturday Yankee game so I haven’t noticed it like Al.
Well said...enough people died under that flag, the least people can do is stand...
…in respect when it’s being honored.
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
by troutfishin on Jul 17, 2011 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Absolutely.
Including the entire Cubs team. EVERYONE.
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I understand what you're saying, but...
Yes, they exist and other teams observe them. That is a fact.
The Cubs do not observe them. That is also a fact.
It’s a problem? That’s an opinion.
You’re entitled to yours just like everyone else is entitled to theirs.
I vehemently disagree
I can find more offense with your assertion that the team is showing disrespect for not standing, than them actually not standing.
I don’t generally stand for the national anthem. Is it out of disrespect for those that care? No. Is it a result of the way in which I feel my country operates? Absolutely.
I don’t necessarily think that the team is making a statement, and I do agree that it would be a nice sentiment shown towards those that really care about such things. But freedom is freedom Al. You don’t get to complain about people not caring about patriotic ceremonies. At least you don’t get to complain AND be correct about it.
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by WittyUserName on Jul 17, 2011 6:50 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
It's a matter of team discipline.
Every other team does it. Why shouldn’t the Cubs do it, especially in their home park?
It’s tremendously disrespectful. Fans are asked to stand, and pretty much everyone does. But Cubs players are excluded?
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I agree that it would be a nice gesture
And it also speaks volumes regarding that lack of team unity and discipline.
However, they are under no obligation to stand and recognize a flag that they feel no pull to. In fact many players don’t call America “home”, and perhaps have quite negative views of the USA engrained from the country they are from.
Is it just as disrespectful when fans, myself included, don’t stand? Nobody, in any circumstance, is obligated to stand for the national anthem, at least not in this country. Fundamental rights here, I don’t have to observe that which you may care about.
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by WittyUserName on Jul 17, 2011 7:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Here's the thing.
All teams have plenty of non-US citizens on them. ALL the visiting teams have respect for the ceremony itself. The Cubs don’t.
The Cubs ask of their fans to stand. The players should do the same. Simple as that.
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Ok, I agree,
It would behoove the team to observe the tradition out of respect for the country that allows them to play a game for a living. Also appeasing those in attendance who appreciate such gestures.
I just don’t see the inherit disrespect that you see. One of the many things that flag is supposed to represent is freedom of speech, in all of it’s forms. I see no reason how abstaining from the national anthem fails to qualify.
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by WittyUserName on Jul 17, 2011 7:08 PM CDT up reply actions
The anthem is an old school tradition of the game
… if they don’t want to stand out of respect for the country, they should stand out of respect for baseball
by chit0wn on Jul 17, 2011 7:34 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
That's my view. It's a sports thing.
I don’t stand enthusiastically and always with ambivalence, but I ::do:: stand for respect of the tradition.
We stinks. -- CZambrano
The team may have a rule
that doesn’t require players to stand for the national anthem. If Japanese tourists come to watch Kosuke play, they are not obligated to stand even though the Cubs organization asks politely for fans to stand.
I see no problem with the Cubs team not placing their players in a difficult situation asking them to observe the flag of a country they are not a citizen to. Furthermore, it would surprise me to find that other teams had rules like that for all players on their teams- my guess is that they stand together out of a voluntary show of respect and team unity- that says VOLUMES more then any rule that requires players to do something they may not be comfortable with.
To sum it up from my perspective
Voluntary shows of unity and respect are always more desirable then forced observance of a tradition that is highly uncomfortable and not applicable for some individuals.
The Cubs ask politely that fans stand, I think it would be a very nice gesture if they do so of the players, too. It should NOT be a team rule or a requirement. If players chose to observe it, then that gives me a greater respect for them and insight into the solidarity of the team.
did you see that crappy call the umpire made at 2nd....I vote for replay!
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 7:19 PM CDT up reply actions
When a Canadian team plays in the US or a US team plays in Canada
both hockey teams stand for both anthems. Citizenship isn’t a factor to them, I guess. Just respect.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
Correct.
EVERY team has players from other countries. ALL of them stand outside the visiting dugout at Wrigley Field out of respect.
Only the Cubs don’t do that.
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That's called the bandwagon fallacy
Just because players from other teams do something doesn’t mean that the Cubs should force their players to do it.
Yes it does
… it has to do with respecting the game and the tradition of baseball. Before they sing it they ask the fans to rise and kindly remove their caps. It is disgraceful for the cubs to not be a part of this tradition. This game has made all these players very rich so its the least they could do out of respect of the game
I disagree
Fans have every option of not standing. It’s not required or mandatory. A foreign citizen visiting Wrigely may very well chose to participate, or not participate. This is America- we have freedom to chose to participate in or not participate in cultural and patriotic traditions. Citizens and non-citizens alike.
This should be the same standard for the players. The players ought to be held to the exact same standard as everyone else. Yes they’re making good money, but where do you draw the line? Anyone making 100,000 or more has to participate? 80,000? I think that’s a pretty silly concept.
Furthemore, suggesting that the Cubs should do it just because other teams do (voluntarily or due to a team rule) is not necessarily a logically sound argument.
Havent u ever noticed what they put into anthems
… for things like the World series; opening day, and Superbowl? I mean they even fly the Stealth for them sometimes. So obviously the anthem means alot to alot of people and it is a historic tradition of a historic game. Players should realize this tradition and act like professionals by showing respect
The anthem is just as much a part of baseball as hot dogs are!
I understand that perspective
I just happen to think the players deserve the same choice as any individual attending the game, who can chose to abstain from participating.
The tradition of singing the National Anthem was started when baseball was still segregated. Obviously some traditions can be broken. I think this is one that should be done away with, and you think otherwise. We’re probably not going to agree :\
by markrvdl on Jul 17, 2011 10:16 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
If fans choose not to stand or participate thats their choice,
but jeez this was a game honoring veterans…this is a public assembly and the players are a part of that. Its a show/game and part of the show, like it or not includes the anthem. Why do they agree to wear patriotic hats on holidays (which I can do without)….I really think the point is that these players dont think as a team united, and never will.
I dont know…this is just my opinion of it.
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 10:26 PM CDT up reply actions
...game honoring veterans... - It was? I wasn't aware of that.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
I understand
that many of these players are not and maybe dont want to be American citizens and we shouldnt expect them to be patriotic about America, but is it too much to ask for 2 minutes out of their day to show some damn respect for our customs?
Here's the thing...
They would not need to be asked to actually OBSERVE the flag of the country, they are being asked to respect the flag of the country.
I’m not Canadian, but I always stand and observe both the Canadian flag and American flag during hockey games, because it is the correct thing to do. I feel no allegiance to the flag, but I respect those that do and respect the country as a whole.
The Cubs players don’t need to observe the flag, but they certainly better respect the fact that people die every day for that flag that allows them to make millions of dollars a year playing a game. They would not have nearly the life they do if it were not for that flag, so while I don’t expect them to feel allegiance to it, they certainly show at the very least show the respect to those that do.
by bdlugz on Jul 18, 2011 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
Absolutely.
Well said.
Fasten those seat belts...
by katie casey on Jul 18, 2011 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions
Sorry, but no
The fact that this is green is quite disheartening.
You don’t stand during the Canadian and American National Anthems because it’s the correct thing to do. You stand because you believe it’s the correct thing to do.
You cannot demand respect from anyone. This notion that “people die every day for that flag that allows them to make millions of dollars a year playing a game”, is no more relevant than me saying that the flag is used as a shield by those who actively oppress others around the globe, and put citizens who die in a position to do so for their own personal gain.
You don’t get to be right because you think you are. Your personal truth for what the flag, the anthem, and observing them both represents, is not the same as mine. And you have no right to tell me that I’m wrong, nor would it be correct for me to tell you that your beliefs are invalid.
That said, I think it would be a nice gesture, and showing of discipline, from the team to observe such traditions. But any rancor over the lack of perceived respect for the ritual fundamentally contradicts all that the flag represents.
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by WittyUserName on Jul 18, 2011 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
...to me, this is the same as demanding respect/discipline
That said, I think it would be a nice gesture, and showing of discipline, from the team to observe such traditions.
and that’s the problem, the players seem to do whatever the heck they want, in every aspect of this season. I do see your point to a certain extent, but then your point seems to become too much of a patriotic thing.
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 18, 2011 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions
As I have been saying.
This has nothing to do with patriotism or anything else. Simple respect and discipline. Those things seem missing from the Cubs.
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I don't see it as a problem
The Chicago Cubs, as a private organization, have the right to set their own rules. Tomorrow they could come out and say “Due to reasons X, Y, and Z, we no longer request that our player personnel participate in standing for the national anthem”. That would be perfectly within their rights as a private entity to refuse to participate in such a tradition.
Conversely, what if the Cubs were to mandate that the team was to participate in prayer before each game? Do you see the inherent hypocrisy?
Yes, it’s tradition. And yes, it is something that bears meaning to a great number of people. It would be a nice gesture for the team to observe such traditions, if for no other reason than to honor the men who played the game and stood in their places before them. However, while an emotional disapproval may be a reasonable response to a lack of participation, the team nor the players are in the wrong for abstaining.
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by WittyUserName on Jul 18, 2011 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions
let me just say....that's not what I'm saying :)
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 18, 2011 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions
This is the post that should be green.
"They sell every ticket to every game, win or lose!" - Tom Ricketts
And yet....
Four people are fans of the knee-jerk, rah-rah, wrap-yourself-in-the-flag comment you posted while two are fans of a well-stated counterpoint. Not really telling of very much. What is interesting is that rather than offer an intelligent response to WIttyUserName’s comment, you chose to post a smart-ass response to a comment that showed support for the position contrary to yours. Congratulations.
It should not matter how you feel about how your country operates,
it is about the men, women, and children who have died SO you have the choice to stand or sit. Protest our current government some other way, like voting them out.
Nope
For you, the anthem is about the men and women who have paid with their lives to allow us freedom. That is not what the flag or the anthem inherently stand for.
I’ll voice my opinion, or silence, in any way I please. I would think that it would do more to dishonor those who died for my freedom to strip me of it, than to demand my obedience.
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by WittyUserName on Jul 18, 2011 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions
no offense eths, but maybe you've been away too long. as long as we have the anthem, we all should show respect
like anyone else, including those who are earning millions of dollars playing baseball….I am the most unpolitical person in the world, but if the anthem is played, you stand, you take your hat off and show respect. that is a big problem in this country….sounds cliche, but there is a lack of respect for each other.
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 5:57 PM CDT up reply actions
I do think that the veneration of the national flag
is way more prevalent in the USA than elsewhere.
Let's not let this devolve into politics, please.
It’s a simple point. Whether you think the anthem should or shouldn’t be played before USA sporting events, the fact is: it is, and it’s going to continue.
It should be a simple matter of respect: the entire Cubs team should be standing outside the dugout when it’s played. The visiting teams do it. The Cubs should do it.
It’s just that simple.
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by Al Yellon on Jul 17, 2011 6:04 PM CDT up reply actions 7 recs
agree.
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 6:06 PM CDT up reply actions
+1
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by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 17, 2011 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions
This is really surprising to me
On one level, this is a cultural thing: I’m not from the USA and to be honest I find the entire “playing the national anthem before a sporting event” business a bit unsettling (it happens before international games in Europe, but in the UK at least, never before regular domestic matches – in ANY sport). In my experience, ChipSet is right, at least as far as Northern Europe is concerned. I don’t know about Eastern Europe or the Balkans, where maybe they still have recent memories of national identity being suppressed. Maybe that makes a difference.
On another level, though, I’m really, really surprised at the Cubs, partly because playing the national anthem and all that goes with it is the cultural norm in the USA; but mostly because I’d always assumed that it was actually an MLB rule that everyone stood in a row, cap off, while the anthem was played. I’m genuinely surprised to find that it isn’t.
by Limey Cub Fan Jay on Jul 17, 2011 7:00 PM CDT up reply actions
I think baseball goes overboard on the patriot card.
Singing God Bless America in the 7th inning (at least the Cubs don’t do that), the cheesy caps on national holidays.
The Padres’ camo unis on Sundays is the height of commercializing patriotism.
by Clark Addison on Jul 17, 2011 7:45 PM CDT up reply actions
agree with that totally...
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 7:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Camp Pendleton one of the largest Marine Bases in the country...
…is in San Diego and the Marines have used the uniforms as a recruiting tool. What exactly is wrong with that? Can someone tell me what exactly is wrong with being patriotic and paying homage to what the flag represents?
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
nothing at all....but it's the freedom clause that our troops fight for that lets those in America choose
to do as they wish. IMHO
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 7:55 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Rec
Very well put. You responded better than I would have to someone who wants everyone to think and act the same way.
by WhistlerWilliams on Jul 17, 2011 8:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Do what Harry Shearer once suggested
Pass out arm bands that say “I Choose Not To Stand For The National Anthem” armbands to those sitting down.
From afar, I find the NFL even worse
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 17, 2011 7:54 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
About those "cheesy caps" on national holidays
You need a history lesson. MLB started selling the caps in 2008 to raise money for Veterans while working with the McCormich Foundation – here.
I can’t say I each of the variations for the Stars and Stripes cap, but MLB is doing something right here:
Chicago Cubs Authentic 2011 Stars & Stripes Performance 59FIFTY On-Field Cap
Special-edition cap to be worn on-field for games played on Memorial Day and July 4th to raise awareness for the Welcome Back Veterans Fund*
…
MLB.com will donate ALL NET PROCEEDS to the WBV Fund for each cap sold
"On offense, your most precious possessions are your 27 outs" - Earl Weaver
by RiskyBusiness on Jul 18, 2011 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions
The idea is good.
The merchandise sold to raise money is awful. If you’re going to make a cap like that, at least make it attractive.
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Meant to say
I can’t say I like each of the variations for the Stars and Stripes cap.
I have the all blue one from 2008 and I like it.
And unfortunately, baseball is full of awful baseball caps
"On offense, your most precious possessions are your 27 outs" - Earl Weaver
by RiskyBusiness on Jul 18, 2011 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions
I did not know that....thanks for the information and good for the MLB
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 18, 2011 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions
You're welcome
I was at the game Thursday night with my daughter and the Cubs did a nice tribute to Vietnam Vets. The Cubs announced that the had the replica of the Vietnam War Memorial Wall outside Wrigley and the Vietnam Vets got a standing O along the first and third base lines. A lot of clapping.
The Cubs have not had a lot of military imvolvement before. I don’t know if this was pushed by MLB recently, but the Cubs have improved on this front.
"On offense, your most precious possessions are your 27 outs" - Earl Weaver
by RiskyBusiness on Jul 18, 2011 2:05 PM CDT up reply actions
if you watched the women's soccer game today
EVERYONE was standing for both national anthems. so there. NBA sez all players will stand respectfully during the anthem.
I don’t expect Fukodome to stand there for our anthem, he’s a Japanese citizen. BUT, he should be down out of sight, inside. As for the American citizens, get your asses out there.
I'm going to the 2012 Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp!!! Who's with me?
by VegasCubFan on Jul 17, 2011 11:23 PM CDT up reply actions
It should have nothing to do with what country you are a citizen of.
All teams have players from multiple countries. EVERY visiting team at Wrigley has all players standing outside the dugout. It’s a simple matter of respect and team discipline.
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Seriously,
How do you think fans in Germany would react if a football team there ignored the German national anthem?
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
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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 Jul 17, 2011 5:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Most Germans could not care less.
Germany learned a terrible lesson in the 30’s and ’40s about the abuse of so called patiriotism.
But really, I don’t not want to stray so far off topic.
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 17, 2011 6:01 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions 2 recs
I understand your position, please understand...
… that since the anthem exists as an event, and is going to continue, the Cubs should show the same respect that the visiting teams do.
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One last comment
One of the most absurd things I’ve seen, was about 10 years ago. A boxing match in Germany, where none of the participants apart from Don King and his cohorts were U.S. citizens, they played the U.S. anthem because the fight was being broadcast to the USA.
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 17, 2011 6:24 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
yeah, that's silly...but so is boxing and Don King ;)
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 6:30 PM CDT up reply actions
We get it
eths – you’re obviousy anti-patrotic. Most of the rest of us aren’t so let’s stay with cub bashing
by Feenix Cubfan on Jul 17, 2011 6:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Please understand.
eths lives in Germany. I understand his point of view regarding patriotic ceremonies.
Let’s stop the political discussion here. This is about respect.
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Cmon Al
You started the discussion by bringing up the flag. Eths and a few others simply don’t see not standing as a “lack of respect”
If you didn’t want the discussion to go this way, you shouldn’t have brought it up in the first place.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 17, 2011 8:41 PM CDT up reply actions
i dont know who said it
but someone said the flag is the last refuge of a scoundrel. sounds like mark twain or will rogers
by Roman the greek on Jul 17, 2011 8:53 PM CDT up reply actions
It was Samuel Johnson that once said...
…“patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel”. Johnson wasn’t keen to the acts of the continental congress and in some of his writings didn’t seem thrilled about going against the British Throne.
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
Sinclair Lewis was famous for saying
“When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross.”
by EalyEagle on Jul 18, 2011 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
No, it's not the flag or patriotism.
It’s a RITUAL that is done at the beginning of every game. Whether you agree with it or not, it’s done. Other teams respect it. Why don’t the Cubs?
Respect and team discipline are the issues here, not the flag. Don’t twist my words.
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This is dangerously close to politics.
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
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 Jul 17, 2011 6:42 PM CDT up reply actions
oh I think you are misunderstanding our eths....
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 6:43 PM CDT up reply actions
Thanks Coolio and Al.
It would take way too long and go way off topic to explain why I consider myself a patriotic German and American citizen (I am a dual-citizen) but have a deep abhorrence of “patriotic displays”.
Can we please just drop the subject and go back to worrying about the Cubs.
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 17, 2011 7:02 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I accept your position...
…. and repeat that mine is a matter of team discipline and respect, nothing more.
Sure, what are you worried about re: the Cubs today? Fire away.
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It's only a matter of discipline
if it’s a team rule. The Cubs obviously don’t care to make it a rule so it’s a personal decision by each player. There is nothing political about their choice, particularly since the majority of players probably aren’t American. I suspect the Marlins have made it a team rule. That’s a choice that Ricketts hasn’t made.
If it wasn't for the injuries, we'd be printing WS tickets right now.
The Marlins and EVERY SINGLE OTHER TEAM that visits Wrigley Field.
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Do you know if it is a team rule
or not for every other team in baseball?
If it wasn't for the injuries, we'd be printing WS tickets right now.
I'm presuming that it is a team rule, yes.
Why the Cubs can’t have this simple rule is beyond me. It’s extremely disrespectful.
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I don't disagree at all
But if it’s discretionary, and every else makes it mandatory, isn’t that just another instance of an undisciplined organization?
If it wasn't for the injuries, we'd be printing WS tickets right now.
I agree
I would like to see TR come in and make some changes to basic dress, grooming and overall conduct. Use military standards for hair length and facial hair, players must come to the games in at least business casual, you have to show up at certain times – we all bitch and moan about this team lacking leadership, fundamentals and the like…it all comes down to discipline and if you instill that discipline all the time, everywhere then I think the results will speak for themselves.
Use military standards for hair length and facial hair, players must come to the games in at least business casual
What do hair length and street clothes have to do with winning baseball?
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No, that's not correct.
You can play winning baseball with long hair and a beard. Your street clothes come off when you put on the baseball uniform — fans rarely see those.
Having team discipline and respect for a ritual that is performed in front of a stadium full of fans: that does have meaning.
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it would be about creating a no-nonsense
atmosphere that would help to set the tone that ownership and management mean business and if you dont give 100% and perform you can sit the bench…the Yankees do it and it doesnt seem to hurt…
Just chalk it up to the intagible things that make an organization improve from the dark ages.
by hansman1982 on Jul 18, 2011 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions
I think the Yankees would win with a bearded Brian Wilson.
Don’t you?
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Just to be clear, the second part of my comment was in reply to Feenix Cubfan
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 17, 2011 7:49 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
That's outstanding
I would love to see MLB institute a rule that the National Anthems of every country that with a citizen on either team playing that day be played before the game.
by Holtzmaniac on Jul 17, 2011 7:04 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I dont get what this has to do with Cubs players not standing for the anthem.
… This game was played in Chicago, not Germany.
… do not …
Sorry
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 17, 2011 6:04 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Your comparison is off base
The Germans played off nationalist pride after the fall of the Viamar Republic to institute a form of statism the world has never seen. If you’ve ever stood in the presence of a wounded American warrior you would know that there is nothing contrived about our type of patriotism.
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
by troutfishin on Jul 17, 2011 6:27 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
LMAO
Your logical leap from showing respect to “American warriors” to jumping up every time anyone plays the National Anthem is staggering. In fact, a strong case can be made that playing the National Anthem before a sporting event actually trivializes the military.
I can’t say more without violating the prohibition on politics.
by Holtzmaniac on Jul 17, 2011 6:59 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah, let's not go there.
As I said: regardless of personal feelings about ceremonies like this, the fact is: they exist, and are going to continue to exist.
It behooves the Cubs, in my opinion, to show the same respect for them that they ask of the fans in the ballpark, and that the visiting teams show. Simple as that.
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Yeah, standing at attention every time the national anthem is played...
…I guess is asking to much. Standing up for anything isn’t much of a priority for the fat, slothful, video game addled portion of our society.
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
by troutfishin on Jul 17, 2011 7:16 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Really?
You read what I wrote as saying “standing at attention every time the national anthem is played…is asking too much”? Really? That’s what I said when I pointed out a severe flaw in your ability to articulate a logically sound argument? I love the internets!
OK
If you’re going to make statements about German patriotism, at least know how to spell “Weimar.”
by Josh Timmers on Jul 17, 2011 8:00 PM CDT up reply actions
I phonetically spelled a world, without first seeking the use of google...,
oh my. That doesn’t make the point invalid.
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
No, the rest of your comment did a pretty good job of making it invalid
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 17, 2011 8:43 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't know which is more ridiculous
that you are lecturing someone IN GERMANY about what went on there, or that you think Patriotism is NEVER used as a propaganda tool here.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 17, 2011 8:43 PM CDT up reply actions
I never said patriotism is never used as a propaganda tool but what...
…kind of propaganda is being spread. Nationalist propaganda used to whip people into a fervor and creating a boogeyman of the Jewish people isn’t anything like we’ve seen here.
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'm not going to go down this road, but you are very misinformed
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 17, 2011 10:44 PM CDT up reply actions
So the German Government didn't use fervent nationalist...
….propaganda after they were crippled economically due to the Treaty of Versailles and the global economic depression to blame the Jews for their downward spiral? The embarrassment of the Versailles treaty and the economic collapse that resulted was exploited by Hitler and he used it masterfully to create a boogeyman of the Jewish people. That’s the truth, talk about being misinformed.
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
by troutfishin on Jul 17, 2011 11:09 PM CDT up reply actions
You're trying to compare apples to oranges.
What happened in Germany in the 1930s is nothing like presently honoring the troops at a baseball game. They’re two completely different kinds of patriotism.
Germany in the 1930s was Xenophobic patriotism, where anyone who wasn’t German was viewed as an enemy of the state.
Today, we simply have people who are proud to be Americans. Asians, Hispanics, Native Americans, African-Americans, Middle Easterners and other ethnic groups living in America are hardly ever viewed as enemies.
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
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 Jul 17, 2011 11:05 PM CDT up reply actions
I agree 100%
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
by troutfishin on Jul 17, 2011 11:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Eths used the topic of the Germans and "the abuse of so-called...
…patriotism in the 30’s & 40’s and I disagreed with the analogy.
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
by troutfishin on Jul 17, 2011 11:15 PM CDT up reply actions
I was answering a question and pointing out why I answered it the way I did.
I was not equating the behavior of Cubs fans to the evil excesses of the NSDAP and other nationalistic-fascistoid organizations in Germany from 1919 to 1945.
If this discussion must be continued, we should do it it elsewhere.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
I (almost) feel sorry for causing this sub-thread.
I didn’t think my remark would be sooooo contentious.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Sorry about that I shouldn't have said analogy, I was just...
….pointing to the differences of the patriotism used in a fascist environment (pre -1945 Germany) and the type displayed here.
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
No offense taken - No harm done
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
I agree - in one respect ...
I HATE HATE HATE it when people make a performance piece of the anthem.
The anthem is too hard to sing in the first place, impossible when people try their own ‘rendition’ of it.
Give me Wayne Mesmer singing it any day.
Or Jim Cornelison.
Agreed that the majority of anthem singers at Wrigley are awful.
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The same Wayne Mesmer who sings the anthem incorrectly every single time?
He butchers the ending. I can’t stand him.
I think I speak for everyone here when I say, "Wait, what the hell are you talking about?"
Would rather hear him than...
… the singers who think it’s a country ballad. Or who think it’s a funeral dirge and take three minutes to sing it. Or who pronounce “perilous” as “par-a-less” or “para-luss” or some other such nonsense.
Like I said, the overwhelming majority of anthem singers at Wrigley are awful. The Cubs should ask Cornelison to sing as often as he’s willing to do it.
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actually I thought the girl today was pretty decent
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 6:17 PM CDT up reply actions
she sounded decent on tv :)
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Jose Feliciano
My older sibs have told me about the flap he caused with his version during the 1968 World Series.
Yep.
Here’s the story and the anthem version, which was scandalous then, but sounds really good to me now.
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They should just play the Jimi Hendrix rendition...a sure classic.
With the 1st pick in the 2012 Baseball Amateur Draft, the Chicago Cubs select...
YES!!!!!!!!!
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 6:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Agreed
Most people who sing it anywhere butcher it.
This is how a National Anthem should be done, IMO
"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie" -- Tony Montana
cool! you know who else does a great anthem? Ray Charles
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 6:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Oh...Super Bowl XXV...Whitney Houston...best I've ever heard.
With the 1st pick in the 2012 Baseball Amateur Draft, the Chicago Cubs select...
No one does the anthem like Jim Cornelison.
He makes everyone else sound like an amateur (Canadian anthem included in that link)
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no one does it with such heart and soul
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions
You got that right
with a trained opera singer you’re going to get it done right, the way it should be sung.
They say it's a very difficult song to sing
I’ll never forget this poor girl who butchered it. It almost hurts to watch.
"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie" -- Tony Montana
Christina Aguilera?
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
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 Jul 17, 2011 6:40 PM CDT up reply actions
That’s one of my favorite videos. Unbelieveable class by Maurice Cheeks.
by sanshokubento on Jul 17, 2011 8:26 PM CDT up reply actions
That was pre-recorded -- Houston's version
No slight to the former star, but when you can lay down a great track in a studio, it’s going to be good.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jul 17, 2011 8:17 PM CDT up reply actions
One fun thing to do with the anthem is
start singing the second verse.
Then when people look at you funny, say Oh I’m sorry, and start singing the THIRD verse.
Totally blow people’s minds and mention there is a fourth verse …
I had no idea this was going on
What a load of crap. Not to mention the gamesmanship. Quade standing there looking over at a team. Focus on team. Must feel like Coach Klein. Or maybe not.
There goes one over the fence...a Tru-Link fence.
by truelinkfence on Jul 17, 2011 6:19 PM CDT up reply actions
100% agreed.
I never noticed this at all, but it’s a bunch of crap. Get your asses out there and show some respect!
How long ago was it
that the anthem(s) would be played AFTER the home team took the field? They’d face the flag, caps off, in position.
As I recall, the opening lines of “Damn Yankees” were, “…and the home of the brave.” “Play Ball!”
Does anyone recall when that tradition stopped, or know why?
How about futile?
That pretty much works as well as any other descriptor. Bad team, bad manager, bad front office…bad, bad, bad.
"When the day comes with that last winning run and I'm crying and covered in beer. I'll look to the sky and know I was right to think someday we'll go all the way." - Vedder
Glad I didn't watch or listen... or heck, I wasn't even concerned.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
I know we keep asking this but how much more can Ricketts take?
Could we please at least get Crane Kenney’s resignation as president like right now and start the ball rolling?
Many, many injuries. Bad call by ump.
Once again, cubs can’t make it to first AB without being behind.
"So sad, This Cubbie Thing" Courtesy of E-Man, 6/25/2011
Well at least the WWC 2011 final was exciting.
Sounds like I didn’t miss much on the baseball front.
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 17, 2011 5:45 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Was a fantastic game
Japan played with a lot of heart- best game I’ve watched in quite some time
One really stupid mistake lost it for the US women.
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 17, 2011 5:52 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I wouldn't say that - more like failure to finish plays
Saw most of the first half while working out. The US team should have been up 2-0 or 3-0, but they couldn’t convert on some really prime chances.
WWC was a US Failure
I know it sounds like sour grapes, but the game should have been 3-1 or 4-1 for the US. Failure to convert offensive opportunities, poor play on defense. In fact, it was positively Cub-like.
I know it is patriotic to say “rah-rah” and talk about the Cinderella story of the Japanese, but I think that is BS. They made too many mistakes and they lost.
I think I speak for everyone here when I say, "Wait, what the hell are you talking about?"
i listened to the USA
women b4 the game they were making plans for disneyland and book and movie deals
by Roman the greek on Jul 17, 2011 8:59 PM CDT up reply actions
but the entire Cubs team never is seen standing for the anthem as their opponents are.
You know that really pisses me off…Gary Sinese was here FOR the Vets today…Vets were at the introduction of the game, that is this team in a nutshell…I’m convinced now they’re lazy, not caring, uninterested, unmotivated and in desperate need of discipline and leadership! this sucks
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 5:46 PM CDT reply actions 2 recs
i'm scared of you
"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
Why in the world wasn't Quade out there at least asking for an explanation on that blown call at 2nd?
WE NEED REPLAY IN BASEBALL NOW!!!!
Jack Brickhouse: "Hey! Hey!" Harry Caray: "Holy Cow!"
Vince Lloyd: "The Chicago Cubs are on the Air!" Len Kasper: "Oh Baby!!!!"
Ron Santo: "YES!" "All Right! Let's do it!" "Ohhh Nooooo!" "Gee Whiz! Come on!" AND... "This Is The Year!"
by #1 iowan cubs fan on Jul 17, 2011 5:47 PM CDT reply actions
ICF
I fear I gotta disagree on this, sorry. ’sides, it was almost a given Cubs would find some way to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory!
"So sad, This Cubbie Thing" Courtesy of E-Man, 6/25/2011
I tried to tell you guys Randy Wells was
overrated. Instead I heard he was better than Garza…
That said, I do agree it was smarter to trade Gorz than him of the sell high guys. Now at this point it’s pointless and you might as well hope be regains his form to play number 4 next year.
Dewitt, Quade, Hendry, Ricketts complaint here.
by SenorGato on Jul 17, 2011 5:49 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
2nd
The sun is up. They sky is blue. It's beautiful, and so are you. Dear Prudence, won't you come out to play? ~Lennon & McCartney
by SouthWabashSoul on Jul 17, 2011 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions
he was pretty awful in the 1st last year as well
Blake "The Franchise" DeWitt will lead us to the promised land
by jesus christos on Jul 17, 2011 5:53 PM CDT up reply actions
I believe it...
He’s throwing like crap. Better than Garza is lawlable at this point, and I think it helps show that as far as athletes go the older you are when you reach the majors the less likely you’re a stud. Garz and Wells have a difference in age and raw stats would maybe tell you that they’re not so far apart as pitchers (heading into the year)…scouting and AROL otoh said different.
by SenorGato on Jul 17, 2011 6:08 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
...and did you see her in Spartacus?
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 6:28 PM CDT up reply actions
To me, there's no doubt he's still hurt.
There’s been only a 6-8 MPH difference between his FB and slider and the breaking pitches have absolutely no snap. Now, Wells was obviously always going to get by on location and ‘knowing how to pitch’, but what stuff he had just isn’t there.
He’s either still hurt or holding back for fear of re-aggravating the injury. Neither is good.
"Stuff like this is why they should shut off the internet."
by Orval Overall on Dec 17, 2010 1:19 PM CST
by fsuapollo on Jul 17, 2011 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Not every player who sucks is hurt.
I’ve seen you do this a bit too much Al.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 17, 2011 8:44 PM CDT up reply actions
No, but as noted by fsuapollo above...
… he sure doesn’t seem 100%. What happened to the Randy Wells of the second half of last year?
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nah...
he just isn’t that good
"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
only his pride is hurt
I think…
I'm going to the 2012 Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp!!! Who's with me?
by VegasCubFan on Jul 17, 2011 11:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Think not agree...
On the Gorz/selling high point.
by SenorGato on Jul 17, 2011 5:50 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
i dont
know what is gonna be done to fix this mess in2012.the fans are starting to stay away as all guys can attest to.maybe when they start getting rays like attendence they will make changes.the problem is the cubs wont admit their mistakes.maybe quade isnt the guy.maybe hendrys time is up.maybe kenney needs to be released.and when the marlin announcers tried to bring up bartman in the 8th the csi guy said nicely please dont even go there.because in tampa we have to listen to these morons during al;l fish cub hames.
Nomar, just eliminate a few of your "maybes" and you're dead-on! :)
"So sad, This Cubbie Thing" Courtesy of E-Man, 6/25/2011
What do you mean admit their mistakes?
What are they obligated to do in season that will significantly change anything?
The most they can do is make some trades and call up kids to close it out…it’d be stupid and reactionary to chop off heads right now for the sake of fan pleasing.
by SenorGato on Jul 17, 2011 6:12 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
But they have done exactly the reverse.
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Sure, but then you'd think he'd pull
what would amount to the ultimate fan pleasing move.
by SenorGato on Jul 17, 2011 6:58 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
thank you
but i think all 3 will get free passes due to all the injuries.nevermind the sloppy play and lack of clutch hitting.
Respectfully disagree, NOMAR...
the more losses this team manages to accumulate, the surer I am that Ricketts will have NO choice but to start the ax wielding. First Kenney…then Hendry and the rest (Quade, Jaramillo, Riggins) will fall when the new front office team is in place. There’s no way Ricketts will sit pat this winter. I say that NOT because I have faith in him, but, I have faith in his old man…pops ain’t gonna sit by and watch his almost billion dollar investment clean him out. So, like I said earlier…every Cubs loss is a blessing in disguise. The only ones who suffer are the poor souls who have season tickets. The rest of us can just turn the channel.
With the 1st pick in the 2012 Baseball Amateur Draft, the Chicago Cubs select...
You nailed it Ed
He did not get where he is today without alot of common sense and guts . Someone will have to figure out this mess . I would have thought a coach would be thrown under the bus by now . Remember Gerald Perry ?
OT: Somebody on SB Nation just did an interview with this guy
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
by SackMan on Jul 17, 2011 5:58 PM CDT reply actions 4 recs
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
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 Jul 17, 2011 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Here's a depressing thought.
His vote counts as much as mine in an election.
Sigh.
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
OMG what a moran!
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 6:05 PM CDT up reply actions
LOL....what he said about the picture above,
can’t talk about that. I’m in the process of suing that photographer and a bunch of internet people, if I can find a lawyer who’ll represent me. [To tape recorder] If anyone listening to this is a lawyer or an attorney, please contact my twitter so I can sue somebody.
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 6:16 PM CDT up reply actions
The only people this guy would have a chance at winning a lawsuit against...
…are his mom and dad.
With the 1st pick in the 2012 Baseball Amateur Draft, the Chicago Cubs select...
That's hilarious
It’s almost too funny to believe though. i did subscribe to his twitter feed, a few doozies in there too.
This has got to be a satire. Nobody is that moranic.
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 17, 2011 6:49 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I think it is.
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
You really can't blame the ump on the pickoff call.
From his angle, yes the ball beat the runner’s hand but it seemed like the swipe didn’t touch him. From the opposite angle, yes he was clearly out.
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse
I can
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 6:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes, I can too.
And that’s why we need replay review of plays like this.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
Do you realize with replays of close plays, we could be looking at 4+ hour games?
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse
Not at all.
If you have a fifth umpire in the booth, reviewing immediately and sending the right decision to the field (by radio, maybe), it would take LESS time than the stupid arguments that get managers ejected.
You’re not going to have more than 2-3 of these a game, if that. If anything, it would speed up games.
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Do you realize with replays of close plays, we could be looking at 4+ hour games?
1st of all that was not a close play, the dude was at least 1 foot away from the bag when the tag was made and the replay of that play would have been done in 2 minutes. In fact, most replay challenges would be over in a few minutes because the calls that would usually be up for review are so egregious that the ump shouldn’t have made such a stupid call in the 1st place.
And I don’t think anybody would advocate replays for every questionable call. MLB should use the NFL replay rule as a model, give each manager 2 challenge flags and if the manager is wrong, he loses his challenge and if he’s right he gets to keep the challenge flag.
bud selig
is that you?
Blake "The Franchise" DeWitt will lead us to the promised land
by jesus christos on Jul 17, 2011 6:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Selig is busy trying to book hotel rooms for the world series...
No time to post here.
The guy was looking at it dead on from less than 10' away
and blew the call. I thought BB was going to have the big one in the booth.
"For the charming if somewhat curious branch of mankind known as Cub fans, spring is a sanguine time.. Every spring holds the blithe hope that perhaps this is the season in which Satan will grow weary and ease up on the headlock in which he has diabolically held Chicago's mightily struggling National League baseball team since 1908..." Lonnie Wheeler- "Bleachers"
by tommy veryzer on Jul 17, 2011 6:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Pat and Keith were not happy either.
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning the devil says, "OH CRAP, SHE'S UP"!
How are we going to get better?
Because I’m tried of watching the same crappy game 9 times out of 10.
R.I.P. to my grandfather, Andrew Wiley
The reason I am a Cub fan forever
Are the 8th inning runs unearned?
The inning would have been over if not for the dropped 3rd strke.
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse
No.
They would have been unearned if it had been a passed ball, but since it was ruled a wild pitch, the runs are earned.
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Why the difference? Both are defensive lapses.
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse
A passed ball is the catcher's fault.
A wild pitch is the pitcher’s fault — part of his pitching, thus the runs earned to him.
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Thanks for the clarification. I always wondered about that. So a passed ball is classified as an error?
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse
Not technically.
But since it is the CATCHER’S fault, you don’t blame the pitcher.
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the dropped 3rd strike is irrelevant
since that was erased on the DP. they would have been earned tho.
Go Cubs Go! Go Cubs Go!
Hey Chicago what do you say,
The Cubs are gonna win today!
I'm starting to think...
…the rest of this season, has a chance of turning real ugly. I mean, real ugly.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Yeah, I agree with you.
Unfortunate, but true. We could be headed for a club record in losses.
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A scary thought, but not, to my distress, unlikely
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 17, 2011 6:40 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
If that happened do you think Ricketts would FINALLY do something....
Something other than say fire Riggins or DeJesus?
No doubt about it.
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning the devil says, "OH CRAP, SHE'S UP"!
I didn't think they'd be so bad that they'd lose 100 games
But I’m starting to think that 60-102 is a serious possibility.
As of this morning, Baseball Prospectus projects them to be 70-92. I think that’s even unlikely than 60-102.
It's a simple question, Doctor: would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs??
by Invalid User on Jul 17, 2011 8:17 PM CDT up reply actions
100 losses...
…is not easy to do, but they may have a fighting chance.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Well
we should see B Jax and Co, soooo….it could be a little entertaining
"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
The Cubs organization
should take a few lessons from the Blackhawks in how to run a professional sports team.
The Cubs are so disjointed that the right hand doesn’t know what the left hand is doing. They are disorganized from top to bottom. The players look like they have no energy and seem like they don’t give a crap.
They need to fix it………..the sooner the better.
It's called leadership...
…and the lack of it.
It all starts at the top and trickles down over time. We now have 10 years of trickle effect from the baseball organization.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
I just wonder how much longer this failure will be tolerated?
Watching Ricketts fiddle as the Cubs burn down is so frustrating. Quade’s “we’ll get em tomorrow” mentality is just the same bs, day after day. Nobody in the Cubs organization seems willing to stand up and speak the truth, to take action, to make a difference. It seems like everything that can go wrong has gone wrong.
I know there is little that can be done on the trade front – there are a few guys who might get something decent back, but certainly nobody who is a true game changer. Similarly, none of the guys who are being brought up are true game changers.
Perhaps it is just rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic, but I would like to see something happen – somebody to act like they give a damn. Because if the same guys are here next year, playing the same mediocre baseball, then what reason do any of us have to support this team?
I think I speak for everyone here when I say, "Wait, what the hell are you talking about?"
by Ross on Jul 17, 2011 6:21 PM CDT reply actions 2 recs
you know they could have tied all the deck chairs together and made a humongous raft :)
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 6:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Quade’s "we’ll get em tomorrow" mentality is just the same bs, day after day.
hey, eventually he’ll be right
Blake "The Franchise" DeWitt will lead us to the promised land
by jesus christos on Jul 17, 2011 6:27 PM CDT up reply actions
maybe...
… but then again….
I think I speak for everyone here when I say, "Wait, what the hell are you talking about?"
maybe the team hates quade so much they're purposely making him look bad when he says that
Blake "The Franchise" DeWitt will lead us to the promised land
by jesus christos on Jul 17, 2011 6:31 PM CDT up reply actions
So if they went out and cared but still lost the next game you'd sleep better at night?
If you’re expecting something to be done in season, something drastic, you may want to realign your expectations. I do not expect a thing to change until September 29.
No...
I want Ricketts to man up and say “wow, this team sucks and is playing well below what we expected it would. And there needs to be some improvement or some guys won’t be here”
I want Hendry to say that he actually has a plan for what he intends to do with the team – if he is permitted to keep his job.
I want Ivan DeJesus fired. Call it a token jesture, but he has failed way too much to deserve keeping his job.
I want Quade to do what he said he would and hold veteran players accountable for their actions. Plus, I want him to stand up and explain his actions or admit his mistakes. His managerial mistakes have been a major part of the Cubs failures this year.
This is what I want. This would help me sleep a little better at night – at least as far as the Cubs are concerned.
I think I speak for everyone here when I say, "Wait, what the hell are you talking about?"
by Ross on Jul 17, 2011 9:57 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I have added a loss countdown on the left sidebar.
Sad, but true.
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oh Al :(
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 6:24 PM CDT up reply actions
It needs to be out there for everyone to see.
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Let me play Oprah for a moment...
You’re getting fired!
And you’re getting fired!
And you better believe that you’re getting fired!
You’re not getting fired, but you should!
Everybody gets fired!!
Alright, who's the picture above Ricketts?
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 17, 2011 8:47 PM CDT up reply actions
hahaha
"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
Ah, I see you can read Steve Rosenbloom.
Insults like this don’t help the discussion. Let’s keep it to the facts. Those are bad enough.
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have we won three in a row yet?
Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living."
no, and when we do I'm planning something special in celebration of it!
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions
lol....I'll tell you when it happens ;)
the longer it takes the more intense the celebration will be!
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 6:42 PM CDT up reply actions
Interesting.
It may, sadly, not happen. :(
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is there a way to find out if indeed it has ever happened before?
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 6:44 PM CDT up reply actions
I looked at bad teams for the last 50 years...
… and all of them had at least a three-game streak.
I’m going to have to do more research.
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Al I noticed the Cubs Loss Countdown on the sidebar
Well done there….I am looking forward to watching that countdown!
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Avatar provided courtesy of AndrewJStone.
well, that and all the trade talk, he he
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Avatar provided courtesy of AndrewJStone.
I guess I will just read all the Fanshots
of who we SHOULD HAVE traded for, he he.
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Avatar provided courtesy of AndrewJStone.
Al, by all means, please feel free to skip looking at "bad teams"
over 50 years? Save yourself the time and start your search of pathetic teams instead? :)
"So sad, This Cubbie Thing" Courtesy of E-Man, 6/25/2011
I found three.
1916 Philadelphia Athletics.
1919 Philadelphia Athletics.
1939 St. Louis Browns.
None of those teams had a three-game winning streak. All of them were execrably bad. We could be headed that way.
bb-ref doesn’t have a way to systematically search. I did a hit-or-miss search of pathetic teams. That’s what I found. There may be others, or it may not have happened since 1939. I’m just not sure.
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Thank You.
That knowledge is horrific… I think it just as likely as not, we’ll be seeing our 2011 Cubs in that illustrious company!
"So sad, This Cubbie Thing" Courtesy of E-Man, 6/25/2011
I think the Spiders won three in a row.
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 17, 2011 7:06 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Spiders
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 17, 2011 7:23 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
From Wikipedia
With a decimated roster, the Spiders made a wretched showing. They finished 20-134 (.130), the worst in baseball history. The Spiders finished 84 games behind the pennant-winning Brooklyn Superbas and 35 games behind the next-to-last (11th) place Washington Senators.
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 17, 2011 7:24 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I shall now refer to you as "The Fountain"
(as in “of knowledge”) :]
"So sad, This Cubbie Thing" Courtesy of E-Man, 6/25/2011
Search for Spiders for a wonderful BCB fan post by SWL
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 17, 2011 7:30 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
remember this?
“I don’t like spiders and snakes
And that ain’t what it takes…..
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 7:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Cripes!
I seriously hope you heard that on the oldies station?! In my mind, you’re about 25yo, intelligent and single! :]
"So sad, This Cubbie Thing" Courtesy of E-Man, 6/25/2011
of course I am...
and all of you here are sexy baseball players in my mind! ;)
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 7:41 PM CDT up reply actions
meh, I don't mind a little bit of a beer belly
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 7:44 PM CDT up reply actions
most baseball players don't have 6-packs
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 7:44 PM CDT up reply actions
I quit drinking
but if this keeps up I may have a “12 pack”! :]
"So sad, This Cubbie Thing" Courtesy of E-Man, 6/25/2011
just eat pizza
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 7:46 PM CDT up reply actions
OT...the weird part of "POC: At World's End" is on
its so strange
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 7:45 PM CDT up reply actions
244 on DTV
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 7:53 PM CDT up reply actions
SCY FY channel
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 7:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Ah-ha!
OT- I’ve been watching “Falling Skies” but I can’t decide if I really like it or am just amused by it. On kinda late for me.
"So sad, This Cubbie Thing" Courtesy of E-Man, 6/25/2011
I am in the same boat
unsure about it – but one thing I will say is that Battle Los Angeles is the worst movie ever
They say it makes us appear
“successful”. :]
"So sad, This Cubbie Thing" Courtesy of E-Man, 6/25/2011
ha! good one
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 7:46 PM CDT up reply actions
did you ever see that samsung 4G commercial with the picture of the spider on the phone?
the guy puts his phone on the table in a restaurant and the girl next to him starts screaming…..I laugh every time :)
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 8:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes!!! Funny.
(I’d just shot the SOB! BIG Tarantula!)
"So sad, This Cubbie Thing" Courtesy of E-Man, 6/25/2011
According to baseball reference, they only won two in a row...
… but they did take 4-of-6 during that stretch – 20% of their wins.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CLV/1899-schedule-scores.shtml
I think I speak for everyone here when I say, "Wait, what the hell are you talking about?"
thanks also....I think, yeesh, not since 1939? :(
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 7:17 PM CDT up reply actions
pathetic?
someone’s sipping the koolaid
Blake "The Franchise" DeWitt will lead us to the promised land
by jesus christos on Jul 17, 2011 6:59 PM CDT up reply actions
No
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
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 Jul 17, 2011 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Barring the Mets and SD... if we don't win 3 in those series,
a quick glance says it may not happen. You could count Houstan this weekend, bit IIRC they swept us last series…
"So sad, This Cubbie Thing" Courtesy of E-Man, 6/25/2011
The Mets are actually a decent team.
So don’t count that as a real possibility at this point.
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See below
I know. I’m thinking we may just go a season w/o 3 in a row. Frightening, aint it? Odds tell me we almost havta win 3, even by “accident”…but I never thought we’d make it this long either. :(
"So sad, This Cubbie Thing" Courtesy of E-Man, 6/25/2011
Anyone wanna gimme an over/under prediction on next 12 games?
I see, at best, 4 Ws. 5 would be a sucess and 6 an incredible performance by our 2011 club!
"So sad, This Cubbie Thing" Courtesy of E-Man, 6/25/2011
WTH?!
Nobody wants to come out on the ledge with me? NOBODY? Or, does my 4-8 proposal scare yaz too much for rational thought?
"So sad, This Cubbie Thing" Courtesy of E-Man, 6/25/2011
I dont know how to play
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 7:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Simply put, in the next 12 gms
(Philly, Houston, Milwaukee and StL) how many wins would you predict? I said 4…so you could pick “over” (more wins) or “under” (less wins). whatcha think CG? :)
"So sad, This Cubbie Thing" Courtesy of E-Man, 6/25/2011
I say over, very hesitantly :)
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 7:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Atta Girl!!!!!!!! (TJ approved)
:: pours CG a BIG OLE glass of Koolaid… ::
"So sad, This Cubbie Thing" Courtesy of E-Man, 6/25/2011
If somebody made me bet on a particular number, I'd bet on 4
PHL: 0.5-2.5
HOU: 1.5-1.5
@MIL: 1-2
@STL: 1-2
It's a simple question, Doctor: would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs??
by Invalid User on Jul 17, 2011 8:19 PM CDT up reply actions
this team sucks....
We all know this…..Does Hendry? Does Ricketts?
Are we still in contention? Hendry thought so a week ago…
Well TJ11
you do know we’ve suffered some INJURIES, don’y you???
"So sad, This Cubbie Thing" Courtesy of E-Man, 6/25/2011
And, while I'm at it...
“What kinda baseball do you play?” :)
"So sad, This Cubbie Thing" Courtesy of E-Man, 6/25/2011
That is true....
So who is missing now….cashner, mateo, and thats it…..So Tom what is the excuse now?
Shhh... do NOT use my real name on BCB!
Aw, erh, anyways…we had a blown call today Smarty Pants!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"So sad, This Cubbie Thing" Courtesy of E-Man, 6/25/2011
Fooled ya!!!!
(I was very sly-like, pretending to be Tom R)
"So sad, This Cubbie Thing" Courtesy of E-Man, 6/25/2011
Timmy Jendry?
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
If TJ gives in and says the team sucks
Then I call it a season. Officially.
Even though I did that back in early June.
But still.
Keep that Q Train rollin' in '11. Let's win it for Ronnie.
As far as the anthem goes...
They should all be up. like the other team…They look like idiots…
They look like the lazy, disinerested, unled team that they are.
It is pretty telling that two of the people standing are 2 of the few who actually bust their ass every game.
You get irritated TJ and you will LIKE it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Its a mix of rage at the cubs and exclamation points!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was too mad to do TJ awards at midseason....
There may be trade deadline TJ awards though….The inaction untouchable edition!
Ooh, ooh...yes,
please? And this time please don’t hold back?
"So sad, This Cubbie Thing" Courtesy of E-Man, 6/25/2011
I think I like new TJ better. SPEAK THE TRUTH MY MAN!
Keep that Q Train rollin' in '11. Let's win it for Ronnie.
by mikegncb34 on Jul 17, 2011 10:29 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
They did it!!!
Twenty games under!!! Thereby, under (my own imaginary) MLB rules, Mike Quade and his coaching staff must now switch places with the grounds crew for the rest of the season. Sure, the field conditions may suffer a bit, but we’re sure to get a nice, healthy bounce from the infusion of new leadership. Better days ahead, folks! Better days ahead!!!
Baseball is pitching, hitting, baserunning and defense.
We are only 24-42 away from a 100 losses
I’m guessing that’s the only thing it’s gonna take for Ricketts to act, the guy is just deaf, dumb and blind when it comes to a running a baseball team. It’s been stunningly bad with him as the owner. He needs to start taking all the heat, these are his clowns running this thing into the ground.
A very obtainable goal
at this point, it will take a sever over-haul for this team to be competitive in 2012. How about we trade 6-7 players to the Red Sox for Adrian Gonzalez.
You mighta been right with "sever"
as in to “cut or remove”
"So sad, This Cubbie Thing" Courtesy of E-Man, 6/25/2011
Another point, the Cubs convention and ticket sales
I find it laughable they are trying to advertise the Cubs convention now. Can you imagine if Ricketts bring this entire group back how empty that would be next year? You would have to be insane to go and that opening friday for single game sales how few people would buy? Does Ricketts understand the financial hit he will take if he doesn’t make changes?
Can you imaging the Q&A session????
I really think they would cancel it.
Probably jack up the prices on the convention too.
Cancel the stupid convention
There’s nothing and no one in this organization worth celebrating. The whole thing is just propagating the lovable loser mentality that our idiot owner seems to embrace.
"Go Cubs!"
The one session at the convention you don't want to miss....
Doggie Stalker vs. Quade, Hendry and Ricketts. I’d pay extra if they locked the doors and forced them to answer her questions.
I think I speak for everyone here when I say, "Wait, what the hell are you talking about?"
She would get one and then be removed.....
It would be cool if the fans asked all the follow up questions the reporters do not ask during the season.
Is Ricketts still at the park regularly?
Is he still walking around during games? I have to believe it is hard for him to make his way around without hearing a lot from some very angry fans.
I think I speak for everyone here when I say, "Wait, what the hell are you talking about?"
find it hard to believe he is
he’s basically been undeground since that Milwaukee series when he said Hendry and Quade are doing great jobs.
can you name me ball-girl? will you have that power?
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 8:02 PM CDT up reply actions
I think you could all do a better job than the current coaches...
But if you just want to pull a Marla Collins and sit on the field and look cute in your uniform….That is fine too! Consider it yours!
Very Well, Capt'n!
Can I be the head groundskeeper? I loves me to garden!
"So sad, This Cubbie Thing" Courtesy of E-Man, 6/25/2011
I saw him greeting and taking photos with fans
at one of the games against the Yankees. Everyone appeared to be happy to be photographed with him and I didn’t see anyone asking him “hard questions.” This was in the upper deck, down the left field line.
I know Laura Ricketts still attends most games, though often in their suite, rather than the box seats down by the field.
Al, on the bleacher sales
Cubs want $65.00 tomorrow on a Monday night, no way are they gonna get that. I expect thousands and thousands of empty seats out there all week even with the Phillies in town.
The Astros Saturday game for $81.00 might be the smallest Saturday crowd (other than that Giants game this year due to weather) since Harry showed up and the bleachers became popular in the mid ’80’s.
I was gonna buy tickets and opted for Cirque de Sole tickets instead
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 7:58 PM CDT up reply actions
the beer vendors are dying out there too
I attended prob 25 bleacher games each in 2008 and 2009, got to know the four beer vendors who stand by the aisles and poor real well. They are so down it’s not even funny. in fact, one of the guys actually went back to the seats to sell he was doing that poorly.
I feel for the vendors...they have to be hurting bad
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 17, 2011 8:04 PM CDT up reply actions
I was gonna buy tickets
But I decided burning my money would be a wiser investment.
They have two liter bottles now? To think I spent all that time demanding a liter!
The cubs ticket prices proves
… how bad this team is operated. If they were smart they would slash the prices the rest of the season and offer the difference in price as credit to season ticket holders as a good deed and incentive to renew.
"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie" -- Tony Montana
Infield Field Boxes are going for $65-70 on Stubhub
Why would anybody bother paying $65 each for a pair of bleacher seat when for 10% more they can get two field boxes?
It's a simple question, Doctor: would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs??
by Invalid User on Jul 17, 2011 8:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Infield boxes are going for $65-$70 each? Or for two?
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bleachers are down to $35.00 on stubhub for tomorrow
Al, can’t believe u would continue to renew season tickets when u can buy nearly every game for half the price of the ticket.
I really do feel bad for you, Al
Any chance you would be willing to re-locate?
Keep that Q Train rollin' in '11. Let's win it for Ronnie.
each. Sorry, it was a long day.
Still, they are cheaper than bleacher face value.
It's a simple question, Doctor: would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs??
by Invalid User on Jul 18, 2011 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions
This season is such a disaster
… its amazing that nobody has been fired yet.
I hope the Pirates win the central
I was at the game,
the crowd seemed more apathetic than usual. Tons of no shows. Beer did not even help the game. It was ugly and not exciting at all.
The first two innings, the team actually looked like
they knew how to play baseball. Being patient at the plate, nice sacrifice fly from Reed Johnson. Then after that, it’s like they just gave up, even though it was still a win-able game.
There has to be some serious clubhouse frustration or issues. To add to the national anthem, during the game, the majority of the Cub players are sitting on the bench. The visiting team, most of them are up on the fence cheering on their teamates.
Agree with Al on the Anthem disrespect
Shows a sign of indifference to everything around them…hate that. Further, watching on tv Gary Sinese sang the 7th inning stretch. He was at the park as part of a charity event where he took veterans to the boxes and watched the game. He spoke on and on about these men and women. I can’t believe the veterans in the boxes were pleased with the player’s lack of respect for the singing of our countries national anthem.
Reed Johnson standing makes me love that guy even more. I would not be as frustrated with this team if everyone had Reed’s attitude.
I assume Johnson is happy every second he's
in MLB. He had to fight and claw through most of his career and if the Cubs didn’t come calling he’d be through.
I think he shows the game and the ceremony the respect deserved.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jul 17, 2011 8:24 PM CDT up reply actions
I agree with most of what you said....But give him some credit as a player....
He’s hitting .325 and would be starting ahead of Soriano if they made the same money.
you know your teams in the crapper when 100 comments are made about players sitting during the anthem
Blake "The Franchise" DeWitt will lead us to the promised land
by jesus christos on Jul 17, 2011 9:58 PM CDT reply actions 3 recs
Al, I feel bad for you that you have to witness this mess everyday.
Especially in the piping hot bleachers. Any chance you’d be willing to re-locate to another part of the ballpark next season? Maybe a less-expensive section? I feel like you could at least try it for a year and then always go back because there should be bleacher seasons still available
Keep that Q Train rollin' in '11. Let's win it for Ronnie.
I would have blown my brains out already if I was there every day.
"They sell every ticket to every game, win or lose!" - Tom Ricketts
Not likely.
I’m hoping they’ll see reality and reduce prices.
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And the bleachers have only been hot for the last week.
For most of this year, they’ve been freezing cold.
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Al, I couldn't agree with you more on the anthem.
I know the entire Marlins bench was out on the field but do you think it’s because there are a lot of players on the Cubs from other countries? I Mean, our entire infield is from another country except Barney and Wells. Byrd, Johnson, and Campana are the only OFs from USA and 2 of them were out.
If you were playing a sport in a different country would you get out and stand for their national anthem? I think I would. You don’t have to sing it but at least show respect.
#10 You will be missed.
by Bricks and Ivy on Jul 17, 2011 11:06 PM CDT reply actions
Every team has a lot of foreign citizens
Standing for pre-game anthems falls into the realm of “conditions of employment.” Fans have the option, but they are not being paid. For a comparison, all the Canadian NHL players participate in pre-game anthem ceremonies in the US, as do Nowitzki and other non-US NBA players before games, American hockey players for “O, Canada” in Canada, and all baseball players in Toronto. The Cubs do not participate because they are a bunch of slackers and no one on team management tells them to get their butts out on the field for the ceremony.
by ClarkFan on Jul 18, 2011 6:21 AM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
The Cubs do not participate because they are a bunch of slackers and no one on team management tells them to get their butts out on the field for the ceremony.
Exactly.
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OT: 1am in Tampa and the Red Sox/Rays are scoreless in the 14th!
The Red Sox still have to fly to Baltimore after the game.
"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie" -- Tony Montana
UPDATE
RED SOX AND DEVIL RAYS IN 15TH
SAM FULD IS 0FER
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
See this is why I shouldn't...
That man is a super valuable MLB player is what I should have said.
Red Sox n Rays headed to the 16th
Each team has only 3 hits!
"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie" -- Tony Montana
A dpressing comparison to years past
Year Precentage
-————————————
1962 - .364
1966 - .364
1981 - .369
1901 - .381
1956 - .390
1960 - .390
1980 - .395
1949 - .396
2011 - .400
2000 - .401
1951 - .403
1957 - .403
1974 - .407
2006 - .407
1999 - .414
2002 - .414
1948 - .416
1954 - .416
1961 - .416
1921 - .418
1950 - .418
1997 - .420
1953 - .422
1894 - .432
1994 - .434
Numbers taken from http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CHC/
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Hey, this year is in the Top 10!
Way to go, Cubbies!
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
Guess it's official
This is the worst Cubs team (so far) in my lifetime.
They have two liter bottles now? To think I spent all that time demanding a liter!
Not in mine - looking at this list makes me feel old
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 18, 2011 8:31 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Still kind of young
Have that going for me I suppose… Though I have been alive for 7 of the 25 years listed.
Whoa, just did quick math on it but:
7/25 = 0.28
23/80 (my age/life expectancy more or less) = .28
I wonder if that’s coincidence or not.
They have two liter bottles now? To think I spent all that time demanding a liter!
So from this list, Batting .400 is not a good thing?
"On offense, your most precious possessions are your 27 outs" - Earl Weaver
by RiskyBusiness on Jul 18, 2011 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Hey Al
Isn’t it time you have a nice “sit-down” with Tom Ricketts again?
Guess he is not too available for you or BCB, these days, huh?
I’d just be interested on hearing follow-ups on your questions from before the season started.
Maybe you could ask him to articulate how much more he and Kenney can emulate the Red Sox (minus the winning, that is).
A ball game in that kind of heat is a difficult proposition at Wrigley. At most other parks, it’s nearly unbearable.
Wrigley has the benefit of being designed for day baseball, and therefore has plenty of shade to escape to. A place like Cincinnati has almost no shade, and their Sunday attendance is regularly atrocious.
by bourbon_and_branch on Jul 18, 2011 7:53 AM CDT reply actions
The heat never prevented people from showing up when the team was doing well.
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Never said it did. But it definitely is a factor when the team is in the tank.
I was just pointing out Wrigley’s advantages over newer parks.
by bourbon_and_branch on Jul 18, 2011 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions
By my count
that’s $2349 in ticket revenues in the photo. Not including beer sales, of course.
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
I understand the pitching wasnt great, we couldnt hit the Marlins bullpen, and we may not have won anways,
But how the Fuck did that ump miss the call at 2nd? It was right in front of him. He must be blind. That was ridiculous. He should seriously think about quitting his job.
THIS IS THE YEAR!
by CubsPanthersTarHeels on Jul 18, 2011 10:03 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
the difference between a team that cares and...
So I hear that Ryan Theriot went ballistic on a similar play in the Cards game on Sunday. Here, an ump makes a horrible call, and our manager can’t be bothered to leave the dugout (must be cooler in there). When our pitcher leaves the mound at the end of his implosion, he strolls off like nothing ever happened. That’s the difference between these two teams. We have no minerals. Wood and Quade NEEDED to do anything they could to get tossed Sunday. And that my friends is the reason (well, one of them, can’t forget about lack of talent I guess) why we suck, again, and they are all over a pennent race…again.
yeah but....
It’s only a small part of what makes a team a contender, but a part none the less. Hey, I’ve been coaching little league for the past ten years and I got kids with more stones than these guys.
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