Cubs, Lopez Defeat Phillies, Halladay
by Al Yellon on Jul 19, 2011 7:01 AM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
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PrintIt was, apparently, "Backwards Day" at Wrigley Field on Monday evening.
"Rodrigo Halladay" defeated "Roy Lopez", or something like that; the Cubs beat the Phillies 6-1.
How else can you explain a game like that? Roy Halladay, who had shut down essentially this same Cubs team a month ago in Philadelphia, gave up a first-inning home run to Aramis Ramirez and had to leave the game in the fifth inning due to the heat -- the first time in 63 road starts that he had not gone at least six innings.
Meanwhile, Rodrigo Lopez threw the same soft-tossing, offspeed slop that he had baffled the White Sox with a couple of weeks ago and left the game with two out in the seventh inning to a standing ovation. Raise your hand if you knew, before the season started, that Rodrigo Lopez would get a standing ovation at Wrigley Field this year for anything. On top of that, he got a hit, his first as a Cub, scored a run, and executed two perfect sacrifice bunts.
Oh, and Koyie Hill stole a base. This is a rare enough event -- only the third of his career -- that it merits mentioning the other two times: September 15, 2010, at St. Louis off Chris Carpenter and Yadier Molina, and August 16, 2004, when he was with the Diamondbacks, off Sean Burnett and Jason Kendall of the Pirates.
The steamy heat that forced Halladay out of the game didn't seem to affect anyone else; Carlos Pena hit his 20th home run (and 250th of his career), a monster shot that nearly hit the TV camera hut in left-center field. That blast, off reliever David Herndon, completed the scoring. In the interim, the Cubs drew three walks -- that's usually the work of an entire series, not just one game -- and everyone reached base at least once except Alfonso Soriano, who went 0-for-4 and misplayed a foul popup into an error (fortunately, the hitter, Ryan Howard, hit a lazy fly to center field and was out anyway). Soriano hit 10 home runs in 25 April games. Since then he has hit four home runs in 54 games.
The only other real story from Monday night's game was Carlos Marmol's first appearance since Friday, in a non-save situation. This was a good, low-leverage situation for him to see if he can get back on track. And for two batters, it appeared to work; a strikeout and an easy ground ball put him one batter away from a 1-2-3 inning. Not satisfied, Marmol walked the next two hitters before striking out John Mayberry Jr. to end the game. He threw just 15 strikes in 29 pitches. Clearly, more work has to be done to "fix" Marmol.
Announced attendance: 38,183. In the house: probably about 30,000 again. The bleachers were more populated than they were on Sunday, but still had large areas of empty seats.
My friend Mike said to me as the game was ending, half-jokingly, "This will be the Cubs' three-game winning streak -- they'll sweep this series." As unlikely as that sounds, with the pitching matchups the next couple of days... it's possible. That would be the most bizarre twist in a season that can only be described as "weird".
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I get it now, the Cubs heat up when the heat index is 100+ Fahrenheit
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Then they should do well this week.
It’s not supposed to cool off for the rest of the homestand.
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Cool... ;-)
Excessive heat watch in effect for northeast Illinois Wednesday and Thursday
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Or "not cool", as the case may be. :-)
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Losing is not cool.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Great.
And my air conditioning stopped working. :( This week could be even more fun than last week’s 4 days without power.
Fasten those seat belts...
*** yikes ***
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Yikes is right.
Just found out that we need a new unit and the soonest they can fix it is maybe sometime Friday.
Fasten those seat belts...
by katie casey on Jul 19, 2011 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions
go buy a small window unit for your bedroom and hang out in there!
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 19, 2011 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions
This is going to cost a fortune as it is.
I think I may go crash at my mom’s or a neighbors.
So many things have broke down here in the last month it’s unbelieavable…the garage door opener, the car electric window stuck in the down position, the car battery, my knee, flat tire on the van, my son broke the car side mirror, the refrigerator, air conditioning in the van as well as the house…..let’s just say I really enjoyed the win last night.
Fasten those seat belts...
by katie casey on Jul 19, 2011 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions
Sorry to hear all that,
hope things start looking up for you sooner rather than later.
Thanks.
And sorry I really didn’t mean to unload here.
Fasten those seat belts...
by katie casey on Jul 19, 2011 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions
No worries.
And not to poke fun at you, but I’m kind of disappointed in the posters, I had a feeling there was some form of a TWHS ripe for the picking.
omg...have you been visited by a goat lately? JUST KIDDING!
;)
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 19, 2011 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions
I do have some goat cheese in the fridge...
Fasten those seat belts...
by katie casey on Jul 19, 2011 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions
Quick, make a shirt that says
#$%& the goat cheese! Should fix everything.
Wow, so sorry to hear all
the problems you have had katie. Hope your luck turns around soon.
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning the devil says, "OH CRAP, SHE'S UP"!
Double and triple yikes...
I hope things look up soon.
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 19, 2011 2:04 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Thanks guys.
It’s really nothing serious. Just stuff. Things are getting old (including me) and they just picked the same time to break. Baseball is a good way to get away from it for a few hours.
Fasten those seat belts...
Might as well come to the ballpark, then!
At least there was a nice breeze last night. Apparently, Halladay never felt it.
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Not a bad idea.
I must’ve drank a gallon of water last night. It was pretty hot up in the nosebleeds, but I’ll take the intense heat over all that cold and rain we had any day.
Fasten those seat belts...
The Cubs can handle the heat so well because
they are 19 below.
Fasten those seat belts...
by katie casey on Jul 19, 2011 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
LMAO
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 19, 2011 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions
I couldn't believe my eyes when I checked the scores last night...
Of course, I immediately scanned the errors, and saw that we lost that battle, 2-0. I would love if the uniform manager “accidentally” screwed up and Soriano trotted out to left field wearing a jersey that had ALBATROSS on the back. I think that we would all have a big, nice, knowing laugh.
"I'll be deep in the cold, cold ground before I recognize Missourah." - Abe Simpson
Shocked, amazed, happy.
Our local NBC affiliate had the game on their “antenna tv” .3 channel. I was not feeling it. Aram’s HR peaked my interest and Lopez kept it. Barney made a great play and Pena’s Sosa imitation topped off an amazing game….who could have predicted this? Amazing. As soon as I get really down on this .400 team they pull me back in. We need a lot more of these.
We'll miss you Big Boy. #10 for Hall of Fame.
by mrcubsfan on Jul 19, 2011 7:18 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
The Philly's feed guys
kept saying how Pena has the 2nd most home runs in the majors since May 2nd – behind Jose Batista.
"I've got a head full of whiskey and some bad ideas" - Scott Holt
by Ihatethecards on Jul 19, 2011 7:46 AM CDT up reply actions
I forgot to thank you for this info the last time you mentioned the antenna tv station
I missed every WCIU game this year until you said that, and just like you said, my nbc.3 channel seems to show every cubs and whitesox WCIU game. It is fantastic! Before this, I had to go to the dark underworld of the interwebs to find streaming, choppy baseball feeds or miss them entirely when the game was on the U.
This is in Iowa, right?
For those who need this info, if those of you who know about this could post details, I’d appreciate it.
There are three more WCIU games this year: September 7 at home vs. the Reds, September 14 on the road, also vs. the Reds, and the last game of the season, September 28 at San Diego.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
Yes in Iowa
WCIU games have been being broadcast on WHO TV 13.3 which can be received via antenna in the Des Moines broadcast area, and also many cable providers also include the subchannel. If you have cable and it does not include the channel, you can use an antenna to pick this channel up as long as you are in the WHO broadcast area. I personally am 60 miles from Des Moines and recently installed a roof-top antenna that picks up this channel although it is also available on my cable TV.
What are "antenna?"
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
I heard that
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Correct on the antenna.
I thought I heard the Cubs would be on 13.3 but when I checked their web site it didn’t show up. Once I fired up the antenna I found it. Something about Comcast is now in the NBC sports programming group. If it is on again I will post it. Had a clear picture, nice digital feed. My Dish network did not carry the game.
And, yes Al, Des Moines market. Not sure if any other NBC affiliates in midwest do this. It is really nice. Local Mediacom Cable, which opted for Fox Sport Midwest over Comcast in the Des Moines market does carry 13.3 on their system. Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Mediacom has Comcast. That forced all the central Iowa Cub fans to go satellite.
We'll miss you Big Boy. #10 for Hall of Fame.
I will have to remember this.
Thanks for posting the info.
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 see Soriano's foul drop
I was listening to the radio at the time, so I have not seen the drop for myself yet, but Keith was saying (citing his experience running over the mound in the bullpen) that it was a very difficult play.
One encouraging sign I saw from Marmol, while I was disappointed he walked two, he could have very easily made that 3 with a very long AB from Mayberry but really battled.
We'll all miss you Ron.
I thought Sori gave that play a decent effort...
The Sarge on the Phillies broadcast seemed to think he could have easily made the play if he were running harder off the crack of the bat. But we all know Sori don’t play dat…
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
Yes, the Sarge was pretty tough on Fonz
He made it clear that any outfielder chould have gotten that ball with a bit of hustle.
"I've got a head full of whiskey and some bad ideas" - Scott Holt
by Ihatethecards on Jul 19, 2011 7:44 AM CDT up reply actions
If Soriano's legs are in as bad of shape as many of us believe...
…he really can’t hustle more than he did. Plus, he was probably worried about injuring himself on the bullpen mound. I thought he made a decent effort. A more sure-handed glove man would’ve had it, but I understand why he didn’t.
Baseball is pitching, hitting, baserunning and defense.
by daver on Jul 19, 2011 9:40 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I did not think it was difficult
it was a fairly simple fly in foul territory that he just dropped. He basically can’t run so running after
what would to a standard fielder pretty basic was for him a huge effort and it apparently caused him to just drop the ball.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Jul 19, 2011 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions
Backwards Day? Try alternate universe.
Were all the Cubs wearing goatees? Oh, and way to go RoLo!
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
More evidence of the alternate universe
Pirates took over the NL Center lead last night.
The return of the Rod Lop - Pitcher of throws, Thrower of pitches
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 19, 2011 8:36 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
The heat...
was the 10th man that favored the Cubs last night. Despite a couple of bad plays (Sori dropping the foul ball and Castro getting thrown out at third, Marmol) this was the most enjoyable game I have watched all year. Carlos Pena was having fun and the dugout looked alive. The WGN broadcast gave viewers an eyeful late in the game as they focused up a young ladies skirt for about 10 seconds, poor girl got lots of calls/texts on that one I’m sure. Enjoy that one boys and try to do it again today!
We're the greatest team ever.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Is that Gary Busey?
Someone should make one of those with Quade’s face.
Baseball is pitching, hitting, baserunning and defense.
I respectfully decline to do that...besides...I already made this one...
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 19, 2011 4:31 PM CDT up reply actions
I seem to remember ...
a catcher for the Reds named Javier Valentin. He used to crush Greg Maddux. In fact, Valentin had an OPS of over 1.000 versus Maddux in 29 career PA, http://www.baseball-reference.com/play-index/batter_vs_pitcher.cgi?batter=valenja01#gotresults&batter=valenja01&min_year_game=1997&max_year_game=2008&post=1&opp_id=&throws=any&opponent_status=&c1criteria=&c1gtlt=eq&c1val=0&c2criteria=&c2gtlt=eq&c2val=0&orderby=PA&orderby_dir=desc&orderby_second=Name&orderby_dir_second=asc&ajax=1&submitter=1.
I always figured that Maddux didn’t know how to approach a guy like Valentin who basically had no approach, other than to swing like crazy.
Len and Bob said something the other day that made me think of this. They figured that the normally amazing control exhibited by the Phillies’ pitchers would be a good thing for the Cubs, who swing at just about anything, anyway.
So, essentially, the Cubs are Javier Valentin and the Phillies are Greg Maddux. For last night, at least, being Javier Valentin worked in our favor.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Speaking of Maddux...
…is it me or does Lopez kinda resemble Mad Dog on the mound? I mean just his physical stature and pitching mechanics, of course, not his talent level.
Baseball is pitching, hitting, baserunning and defense.
I've thought the same thing, daver.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
My husband just said the same thing last night.
Fasten those seat belts...
by katie casey on Jul 19, 2011 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions
We've finally found our #1, top of the rotation starter...
once Soriano played patty cake on that foul ball of Howard’s, I was truly waiting for some moon shout off his bat. Lopez surprised me. Showed some stones. I think he gets game #1 in the playoffs.
With the 1st pick in the 2012 Baseball Amateur Draft, the Chicago Cubs select...
no, we save him for game 4
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 19, 2011 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm sorry but I disagree...
That would be the most bizarre twist in a season that can only be described as “weird”.
Foul, disappointing, crappy, underachieving, frustrating, aggrivating, annoying, distressing, disturbing, exasperating, incommodious, inconvenient, irritating, rebarbative, remote, tiresome, troublesome, vexatious, vexing, bitter, depressing, disagreeable, disconcerting, discouraging, disheartening, displeasing, distasteful, failing, inadequate, ineffective, inferior, insufficient, lame, mediocre, unfulfilling, unhappy, uninteresting, unpleasant, unsatisfying….
Are all words that describe this season also.
Thanks for all the synonyms!
I’m sure I’ll have lots of chances to use them the rest of the season.
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If you run out of English words, the foreign-fraction will be glad to help out.
For example “discouraging”
- enttäuschend
- nicht den Erwartungen entsprechend
- unbefriedigend
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
There are also a few 4-letter words, but it's early; and shit, it's a family website
"Beisbol been berry berry good to me." -Tony Oliva
As my friend Mike says...
… anyone ever tells you they have this game figured out, laugh in their face.
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Very true!
Watch our first 3-game streak is against the Phillies…then we’ll get swept by the Astros!
Don't laugh.
That scenario would not surprise me at all.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
YES!!!
Sorry, that was a really dumb subject line, but isn’t it nice to wake up with a win in hand? I wasn’t able to watch the game because a) I live in Nebraska and b) I thought to myself, "is MLBtv worth it this season? (gotta save $ where you can). Still, I was listening to the game, and it’s nice to see our team play like they’re getting paid to win. Even if it is bizzaro world, a sweep of the Phillies would be awesome. Baseball is a funny sport, you just never know what will happen next.
Bet you're thrilled that the Cornhuskers are comin' to the Big 10
With the 1st pick in the 2012 Baseball Amateur Draft, the Chicago Cubs select...
Definitely
Should be a lot of fun. It’s nice to do something different for a change, and the B1G offers much more than the Big XII was going to. A little nervous for the season, but should be great television!
by KennardHusker on Jul 19, 2011 3:00 PM CDT up reply actions
Where have you been for the other 94 games?
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
Just make sure
you wash it occasionally.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 19, 2011 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions
You can't wash the shirt!
And there’s no crying baseball!
"On offense, your most precious possessions are your 27 outs" - Earl Weaver
by RiskyBusiness on Jul 19, 2011 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions
It's still been lucky after repeated washing.
Fasten those seat belts...
by katie casey on Jul 19, 2011 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Probably because you are washing it with
"On offense, your most precious possessions are your 27 outs" - Earl Weaver
by RiskyBusiness on Jul 19, 2011 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions
You are clearly a Cardnials fan.
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jul 19, 2011 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions
You can call me any name in the book
(and you often have), but I won’t stand for that. ;)
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 19, 2011 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions
If a shirt is lucky than you cant wash it!
Sorry Katie but you’re just going to have to smell like musty old shirt until the Cubs lose again.
There are other rules when it comes to a winning streak but this is a family site (kind of).
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jul 19, 2011 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Who woulda thunk that one? Well... actually... that's typical Cubs.
Marmol still looks bad. Even the swings and misses he got last night were pitches that started out of the zone and stayed out of the zone.
"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)
It still amazes me players don't just go the plate with their bat glued to their shoulders against him
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 19, 2011 9:18 AM CDT up reply actions
shhhhhh!
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 19, 2011 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions
Gotta love a good fluke.
I’d be shocked if they didn’t lose the next two.
"They sell every ticket to every game, win or lose!" - Tom Ricketts
As one of Hill's biggest (only?) defenders
I really enjoyed seeing that stolen base. Couldn’t help but wonder if that was a missed signal or something though.
Fasten those seat belts...
You know
I started out responding that clearly it was a missed hit and run but Quade is just dumb enough to send the catcher on a straight steal
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 19, 2011 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions
It didn't look like a steal
I thought Hill was slowing up as he got to second. He looked dead to rights until the Phillies dropped the ball at 2B.
"On offense, your most precious possessions are your 27 outs" - Earl Weaver
by RiskyBusiness on Jul 19, 2011 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions
How could you tell if he was slowing up?
"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 19, 2011 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions
I was at the game and watched the play
It looked odd to me. I don’t think he slid into second. My buddies and I were joking that he didn’t want to get his uniform dirty.
"On offense, your most precious possessions are your 27 outs" - Earl Weaver
by RiskyBusiness on Jul 19, 2011 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions
Hey, you're not alone.
I’m still a fan of his too.
by owllover711 on Jul 19, 2011 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions
I think this win comes from one of the few things we can appreciate about Q
As Dempster pointed out Quade still at least acts like the Cubs are in the mix and manages as hard as he can everyday. Sure, we’ve seen his flaws (and I agree there are many), but when I’m still hanging around watching the games and reading the previews when they’re 20 games under .500 I’d want a manager who would do the same. I’d want a guy who is as faithful to the team as I am. No, he’s not the man for the job next year. But at least for one game I’m enjoying the fact that the Cubs came out ready to play against the best pitcher in baseball and beat him.
BleedinCBintheBalkans
by BleedinCBintheBalkans on Jul 19, 2011 9:00 AM CDT reply actions 4 recs
As Dempster pointed out Quade still at least acts like the Cubs are in the mix and manages as hard as he can everyday.
It’s like the kid who tries really hard and still gets Ds.
"They sell every ticket to every game, win or lose!" - Tom Ricketts
but gets a in the "Effort" category every time
Blake "The Franchise" DeWitt will lead us to the promised land
by jesus christos on Jul 19, 2011 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm giving you a golden star, I like what you're saying....
good or bad Quade does seem like he will never give up…..It was such a sweet, sweet game to watch. Like finally having a sip of cold cool water on a hot blistering day :)
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 19, 2011 9:12 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm so thrilled that our first year manager is "trying hard"
because that’s what matters. Not being competent, not making the right moves, but trying…
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 19, 2011 9:20 AM CDT up reply actions
hey! we're obviously stuck with him for now....at the very LEAST he's trying!
better than sitting on the bench falling asleep
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 19, 2011 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions
I suppose
it seems to get the same results….
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 19, 2011 9:23 AM CDT up reply actions
That's really not something to be happy about.
This isn’t a 20-year manager who is waiting out a lost season. This is a guy with less than a year as a big-league manager.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
aw jeez, I'm far from happy, believe me....
you guys just killed my buzz :(
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 19, 2011 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions
Actually I agree with Coolio - Quade is not a befuddled, grouchy, worn out old guy like Lou was towards the end.
And as much as he has his weaknesses, with this team, I seriously doubt our record would be noticeably better or worse with any other manager.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Lord. This is really what we're reduced to?
Hey, he’s pretty incompetent, but at least he’s not lazy or worn out as well?
This is a poorly constructed team, so our record may not have been MUCH better, but other managers wouldn’t make some of the absolutely ridiculously stupid moves he has.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 19, 2011 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions
Its pretty amazing to watch the vibe of this board go through the roof when they win a game once in a while.
I have a feeling Tom Ricketts does the same thing…..Lose 5 games….doesnt care, but that one win makes him believe we are on the right track!
TJ, come on.
Don’t get upset because because go from 10 to 9 on the scale of disappointed after beating Roy Halladay. We don’t have to be that angry/upset all the time.
No one (that I’ve seen) has posted anything about how this is a turning point, or how this makes up for a crap season.
Chill out.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
And we KoolAid drinkers have few enough straws to grasp as it is... ;-)
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
As someone who is center-pessimist around here ...
last night’s win was a nice break from the doldrums that signifies absolutely nothing. But that doesn’t mean I don’t feel slightly better about all things Cub today.
Slightly.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I'm the biggest optimist here, and I know this season is done.
Still, seeing your team win and play well is always pleasant.
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by Al Yellon on Jul 19, 2011 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
I am glad we won...But i worry more about Ricketts and Hendry getting all warm and fuzzy about it more than anyone here.
Them traveling together is further proof to me that Hendry is not going anywhere at the end of the season.
Tom Ricketts approves of the job he is doing….
But I wonder if he still blames the injuries since we have the team back except for Cashner and Mateo.
I'm not sure traveling together is a sign of everything
It’s not like they’re vacationing in Barbados together.
Traveling together would make meeting easier, and like it or not, Hendry is still the GM RIGHT NOW during a period of time when the team is discussing making changes to the roster.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 19, 2011 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions
everything = anything
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 19, 2011 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions
he shouldnt be....These decisions are for the team next year...
I would not want him part of it if I knew he wasnt going to be there for it….
I am saying I would be totally shocked if Hendry is fired. And hendry is not going to fire Quade…
Year 3 coming up!
That's...just silly
If you are COMPLETELY cutting off the GM from all discussions, then there’s no point in having him in the job NOW. Since they are clearly going to wait until the end of the year either way, then of course he should be in discussions about moves made at this deadline.
I’m not all that convinced he’ll be fired either, but here’s the thing…I’d be FAR more concerned if we were looking like BUYERS at the deadline, because then you’re actually talking about possibly trading away future pieces in order to bring veterans with big contracts in.
Because we’re sellers..the only decisions he’s going to be making is whether to shed Dome’s contract NOW, or at the end of the season. Same with any of the other trades he could make. And honestly none of the players we could actually trade are going to bring in major league ready players, or high caliber youngsters. It’s going to be all about salary relief.
I want Hendry gone too TJ, I think you know that, but he aint gonna get the hook (if at all) until the end of the year, OF COURSE he’s still involved in the day to day operations right now.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 19, 2011 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions
I agree he should be if he is going to stay...If he isnt he should go now....
If you recall about 2 weeks ago, they said they didnt know if they would be buyers or sellers….kinda scary.
Well, he isn't going to go now...clearly
And I don’t think that makes it a sure bet he stays for next season.
Did they actually say they didn’t know if they’d be buyers or sellers, or did they say they weren’t sure if they’d make a lot of moves?
One is different from the other
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 19, 2011 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions
I can read out context too....
This is getting really stupid. Please stop taking articles saying they wont sell on June 15th and say, “The Cubs are content where they are!!” or, “we wont have a fire sale,” as, “They Cubs think they’re only one or two pieces away!!”
At the same token, the article talking about buying was saying they might be interested in buying a piece for the future if the price was right and it fit their needs (ala Justin Upton or someone like that).
I don’t care if you want to be miserable for the rest of the year, but don’t try and find crap that isn’t there to bitch about. The Cubs have enough issues and don’t need you making things up to make them look bad.
by bdlugz on Jul 19, 2011 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
We will see....
Do you want to hendry and Quade to stay?
I predict no major moves and both of them will start next season.
Lets see if I continue to be correct…We will know the first one next weekend.
By the way, I hope I am wrong.
And why would you not have a fire sale?
This team sucks bad……And these veteran players they over value so much have gotten us here.
You don't have a fire sale because it's a stupid thing for a major market team with cash to spend to do
A fire sale signifies we have people of value we can’t afford, which is not the case.
Also, to answer your above question, you know that I don’t want Quade or Hendry to stay, and I fully predict at the very least Hendry will be gone by the end of the year.
Finally, you completely sidestepped my entire point about taking articles out of context in order to make the Cubs look worse. Your response of “I don’t have to make the Cubs look bad, they do that on their own” is exactly my point, yet you still keep trying by dragging things out of context.
...
A fire sale signifies we have people of value we can’t afford, which is not the case.
This is correct, in the case of the Cubs…they have several people of no value they can’t afford.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 19, 2011 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions
SWL is exactly correct.....
These people need to go as quickly as possible,
But they are over-valued by our GM….so they will not…
I hope we all can enjoy watching Soriano playing everyday in September….Going for that all important 17th HR to go with the .227 BA…..Dome should be in the .230’s by then too. But they will play as Quade tries to save him and buddy’s job……Not seeing that these people and many others got them where they are today!!!
TJ, seriously, try your best and understand this.
SWL was agreeing with me, so by agreeing with him you’re stating that I’m correct. Don’t hurt yourself over figuring that one out though.
My point is, you cant have a fire sale when the only things you need to sell are worth less than you’d pay them yourself, and as a big market team there is no need to trade our quality players (soto, marshall, castro, etc) for prospects, because we can pay cash to help absolve these contracts.
Also, I am not defending the Cubs, I’m calling you out for purposely taking an article out of context and trying to push it here. There is a difference, and I’m sure you see that.
nonsense
need to be like a crappy politician and stick to the talking points
COPY AND PASTE!!!!!
TJ APPROVES!!!!
I don't think you understand economics
Let say you buy a condom for $100.
You go to use the condom but it’s defective, useless and can’t run the bases anymore.
In reality it’s worth .25 cents.
Even though you have lost $99.75 What you can do is try to repackage the condom with some other stuff like a newer sock worth $50 who still young and can play catcher
Buy selling the defective condom in better packaging with the newer sock you can s them both for $75.
While you lost one of your socks you did mange to make your losses on the dective condom go from $99.75 to only $75.
The bigger sale, which does liquidate assets, allows you to lesson your previous losses it also gets rid of your defective condom in LF to see if something more effective might work better there.
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jul 19, 2011 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions
LOL...Soriano is a used condom.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 19, 2011 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions
I said he was defective.
I only implied hes used.
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jul 19, 2011 5:52 PM CDT up reply actions
I understand economics...
The entire point is, as a major market team with the advantage of having more money than 25 of the teams out there, it’s actually more intelligent to eat crappy contracts than to sell them off with young talent in order to save money.
The whole idea of a firesale, as I stated, is having valuable pieces to sell that people will line up to buy. I don’t see people lining up for Byrd, Baker, DeWitt, Soriano, etc.
So you want Ricketts to pay for...
someone else to take his defective condom, keep his newer sock, and buy some beefcake?
I don’t think Rickett’s daddy is going to let that happen.
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jul 19, 2011 6:44 PM CDT up reply actions
No... I'm saying they stand pat.
Not trade them and eat the cost. My bad if that wasn’t clear.
No, let's try this again...
I’ve pointed out your post in which you DID take quotes out of context in order to make the Cubs look worse than they are. I’ve clearly stated I am not defending the Cubs, but simply calling you out for your weak tactics.
Let’s try this again with a real response from you. Try replying about the false quote you made above that I called you out on originally, see how that goes.
Yep.
It was just fun.
Fasten those seat belts...
by katie casey on Jul 19, 2011 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions
When a team is this bad...
…wins become anesthetic. They numb the pain for a day or so.
Baseball is pitching, hitting, baserunning and defense.
by daver on Jul 19, 2011 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think we all need a morphine drip at this point.
Baseball is pitching, hitting, baserunning and defense.
Pressure
I predict anytime they reach two wins in a row the pressure will be so great in game three they will not be able to handle it. Kinda like the 2008 playoffs!
"It's a funny old world. Man's lucky if he gets out of it alive." W.C. Fields
I wish they could have won 2 games in a row in the 2008 playoffs.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 19, 2011 3:57 PM CDT up reply actions
I just wish they could've won 2 games....
Screw them being in a row.
thank you!
:)
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 19, 2011 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions
basically, in a season full of crap, it was nice to see a real game played by these guys
even the game thread was enjoyable….
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 19, 2011 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions
I agree cg.
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning the devil says, "OH CRAP, SHE'S UP"!
Well, I was certainly impressed with Lopez's outing
and it’s always nice to beat Doc. But honestly, these games just make me think about what could have been with some competence in the front office and in the dugout considering how bad the Central is this year.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 19, 2011 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
...and this is so true
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 19, 2011 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions
TJ...
you that guy that goes to orphanages and tells the little kids that Santa isn’t real?
With the 1st pick in the 2012 Baseball Amateur Draft, the Chicago Cubs select...
NOT TRUE Easy Ed!
TJ11 goes to Orphanages and tells them The Easter Bunny is not real… he goes to Kindergarten to tell them Santa Claus is NOT REAL!!! Geeze! I wish someone would get TJ11 RIGHT!!! :)
"So sad, This Cubbie Thing" Courtesy of E-Man, 6/25/2011
If a guy in his first year of managing ...
acted like Lou did last year, well, that would be freaking amazing.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Though it wouldn't be all that amazing that he was a member of the Cubs
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 19, 2011 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions
It would be amazing for any team, IMO.
Quade’s a guy who’s been waiting years to get this opportunity. Now, I’m not saying he’s been good, but I can’t imagine him not being at least pretty enthusiastic. He’s got to know that this might be the only time in his life that he’s a big-league manager.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
@doc_blume tweets:
Rodrigo Lopez has the lowest ERA and WHIP of any of the #Cubs current starters.
http://twitter.com/#!/doc_blume
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 19, 2011 9:01 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
As much teeth-gnashing as there's been about retreads ...
RoLo has been decent. Yay for retreads!
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Lopez's performance has been ...
… well, I don’t even have a word for it. Lopez was, essentially, the worst regular rotation starter in the NL last year; he had the second-highest ERA of any qualified starter and led the league in home runs allowed.
Wherever this guy came from, keep him around for a while.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
Right.
I wouldn’t advocate letting him block anyone from a rotation spot. But, at least for now, there’s nobody really to block. And, honestly, if Trey McNutt warrants some August/September starts, I wonder if RoLo beats out Wells for a rotation spot.
What a strange season.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Rod Lop - The new Carlos Silva without the nasty bits?
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Lopez does seem to be a pretty nice guy.
So, he and Silva don’t have THAT in common.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
That
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 19, 2011 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions
That's actually a pretty fair comparison
He’s not really GOOD. He’s very serviceable. He’s getting hit a lot (except against the Whitesox) but at times he finds way to strand the small village he allows on the basepaths.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 19, 2011 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions
Well, Garza is probably gonna face the exact same line-up tonight...
…let’s see how our future ace does…minus the best pitcher on the planet.
With the 1st pick in the 2012 Baseball Amateur Draft, the Chicago Cubs select...
I had a bout with dyslexia and forgotten letters when I first read this...
I’m glad I re(t)read that statement or I wouldn’t have needed my coffee to wake up.
"Beisbol been berry berry good to me." -Tony Oliva
Obligatory mention of sample size.
Baseball is pitching, hitting, baserunning and defense.
by daver on Jul 19, 2011 9:43 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Looks like we should be able to flip RoLo for a better prospect than what we gave up.
Who actually thought we would get any value from that deal? Color me pleasantly surprised, which hasn’t happened much this season.
by Dcr18 on Jul 19, 2011 9:12 AM CDT via mobile reply actions 1 recs
I kinda doubt it.
What contender needs a fifth starter that badly AND has a complete lack of depth in the minors?
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
You never know.
I bet the Yankees would take him.
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Because........
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 19, 2011 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions
Because they gave two starts to a 32-year-old minor leaguer who had never pitched in the majors before.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
Ok. If Rodrigo Lopez is the only starting pitcher made available at the deadline
they might acquire him. Otherwise…no
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 19, 2011 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions
I doubt it.
There will be better starters available.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Yankees will land Jiminez and give up Montero
With the 1st pick in the 2012 Baseball Amateur Draft, the Chicago Cubs select...
You realize the Rockies are asking for the top 4 Yankees prospects?
Not going to happen.
That's all?
Hell Jimbo would consider that a bargain.
Maybe the Cubs can trade for Jiminez since we are going to be competitive next year.
Just injuries!
CLAP, CLAP, CLAP!
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jul 19, 2011 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm not saying a top prospect.
Lopez has been pitching very well of late, so a couple decent starts after this should definitely draw intrest. Teams wouldn’t have to give up much more than one intresting prospect but Ryan Buchter (the guy we traded for RoLo) is not a high hurdle to jump in terms of a trade return. It’d be a win if RoLo can get us someone that could make it to the big, and he has enough value at this point to do so.
by Dcr18 on Jul 19, 2011 9:37 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I don't think he DOES have enough value at this point
Had he been with the team since April and pitching like this…maybe? I don’t think there are going to be too many teams that are going to give up major league prospects for a guy who had 3 (maybe five by the deadline) decent starts
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 19, 2011 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions
Especially when other, better options will be out there.
I could MAYBE see a team getting him in August, like the Cubs did with Trachsel in 2007.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Possible.
He’ll certainly clear waivers, so he’ll be available.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
I just doubt that he would be desirable ...
for any team that can look through the list of pitchers (i.e. the better pitchers) who don’t have to clear waivers. And I wonder if a contender would call somebody up in July to see if a youngster could be as good or better than RoLo before pulling the trigger on an “Oh, crap!” kind of deal to get RoLo in late August.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
FWIW....we got rid of Bradley....I'm thinking anything is possible
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 19, 2011 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions
Apples and oranges.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Both part of a healthy diet.
Ro Lo’s and Board Games are NOT advised.
"Beisbol been berry berry good to me." -Tony Oliva
That was a completely different situation.
People really need to stop pointing to that situation as some unheard of scenario.
We traded one malcontent with a bad contract for another. WHOOPTY DOO!
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 19, 2011 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm probably wrong about this but aren't clubs usually a bit desperate about acquiring guys
if they’re in contention?
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 19, 2011 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions
They're generally not all that desperate about acquiring 5th starters
who have all of four starts under their belt who went 7-16 with a 5.00 the year before
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 19, 2011 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions
lol...right, my bad
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 19, 2011 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions
They'll sometimes pay more of a premium.
See the Matt Karchner trade in 1998. But that still doesn’t mean they’ll buy the 10th best option.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
what about the Pirates....they can't spend a lot of money
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jul 19, 2011 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions
The Pirates will be looking for a bat.
All five of their starters are better than RoLo
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 19, 2011 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions
Soriano sure picked the wrong time to go ice cold
1 home run since June 19th, average dropped 15 points since the beginning of July.
If there was EVER a chance an AL team would take him as their DH with even a LITTLE salary relief, I’d say that’s gone.
I know you were kidding TJ, but I could see the Pirates at least discussing Pena and Aram. Especially Pena, Overbay is eminently upgradeable
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 19, 2011 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions
I was kidding about Sori....Who would want that situation?
Pena and Aram would be great for them….
They have good prospects, I think it would work.
Now we only have to try to get ARam to want to be on a winner…..
It would be the height of irony
if we traded Aram to the Pirates
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 19, 2011 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions
Actually, I'm guessing the Pirates probably could spend some money.
They’ve got the third lowest payroll in baseball at $45 million — and they are starting to draw fans. Their attendance average is 23,544, which is still fairly low — but is up more than 10% over last year’s figure of 20,141. Last year they had 11 crowds all year of 30,000 or more — they have already had 15 this year.
If the Pirates need to add a bat, and have to pay some $, I’d bet they’d do it.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
wait a minute...
First you say you think he might be a trade deadline deal, but now you’re saying he’ll clear waivers?
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 19, 2011 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions
He's saying he'll clear waivers if he's not traded before July 31.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Actually he's saying both
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 19, 2011 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions
Right.
He could be traded before July 31, if a team is desperate enough.
If not, he’ll clear waivers and could be traded after that.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
Why would he clear waivers, though?
Wouldn’t some team just grab him and take a chance rather than give up a player in trade?
Baseball is pitching, hitting, baserunning and defense.
If memory serves, when talking about these kind of waivers
they are REVOCABLE waivers, meaning that once a player is claimed, the team can either work out a deal with the claimant or pull the player back.
If he clears waivers, a trade can be worked out with anyone
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 19, 2011 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions
Wow...you guys are a tough crowd to please...
…the guy goes out and shuts down the best team in the league and you all want to put him on waivers. I can name about 5 other pitchers on this team that I’d put on waivers before RoLo.
With the 1st pick in the 2012 Baseball Amateur Draft, the Chicago Cubs select...
Exactly.
Right now, he may be the only Cubs starter with actual trade value.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
he doesn't have actual trade value
unless Jim Hendry is fired and immediately hired on with another club and he pulls a McPhail, snapping up all the Cubs or former Cubs he can.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 19, 2011 3:49 PM CDT up reply actions
Umm, is he going to lead the team to the biggest turnaround in baseball history
and get us to the playoffs?
Are you advocating he be in the rotation next year?
If the answer to either of these is no, then there is literally no reason to hold onto him
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 19, 2011 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions
but...he's a Cub....that just had a good game....we latch onto those guys like they're holy....
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 19, 2011 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Well, the White Sox just signed Doug Davis to a minor league deal
I’m not saying it’s going to happen, but if there’s a team out there that wanted a guy who was so bad he couldn’t even stick in the Cubs’ rotation, someone may want Lopez enough to give us something for him.
by Jody Jody Davis on Jul 19, 2011 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions
Is he untradable yet?
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
I remember the time when Ryan TOOTBLAN Theriot had more RBI than ARam...
and more HR than Pena… Take that Theriot!
"Beisbol been berry berry good to me." -Tony Oliva
He's got more ejections tho...so there!
With the 1st pick in the 2012 Baseball Amateur Draft, the Chicago Cubs select...
No beers were spilled on Victorino in this game, right?
"Beisbol been berry berry good to me." -Tony Oliva
The 2011 Cubs are maddening!
Of course they won that game last night against one of the best in the game. I really believe that this team has more talent than their record would indicate. That makes their record even more painful.
It’s all about pitching. Seriously, don’t spend a nickel on offense next year, and just get a couple quality arms.
Scott Bora$ is satan.
by Canadian Cubs Fan on Jul 19, 2011 10:17 AM CDT reply actions
That's a real good point, CC
And it’s funny, considering a lot of people thought pitching was a team strength going into this season.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 19, 2011 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions
This will happen.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Congrats to Rodrigo.
Love the picture of Z leading the applause. Go for 2 tonight.
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning the devil says, "OH CRAP, SHE'S UP"!
by sue369 on Jul 19, 2011 10:53 AM CDT reply actions 2 recs
Who stood for the National Anthem last night?
So I was skeptical of the assertion that “all the opposing players stand for the National Anthem and only a few of the Cubs do.” So at the game last night I did look (from the right field corner) at both the Cubs and Phillies dugout. Yes, there were many more Phillies players and coaches standing for the National Anthem than the Cubs. It was easier the count the Cubs, only 10 players and coaches standing by the dugout.
Oddly, 4 Cubs players standing for the National Anthem displayed their blue stirrup socks.
"On offense, your most precious possessions are your 27 outs" - Earl Weaver
That's about the same number as the previous day.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
Hmmm...interesting note about the stirrups.
Fasten those seat belts...
by katie casey on Jul 19, 2011 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions
And as the next Cubs GM
I will make it a point to acquire and develop players who display their stirrup socks. There is an obvious and illogical correlation between displaying stirrup socks and standing for the National Anthem.
Then I will bring back Durocher’s measuring stick:
For example, Leo Durocher, longtime manager of the Chicago Cubs, had a measuring stick in the clubhouse. Players were required to match the length of their stirrup loops to this stick at about 4 inches, exposing only a small part of the white sanitary.
"On offense, your most precious possessions are your 27 outs" - Earl Weaver
by RiskyBusiness on Jul 19, 2011 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions
The correlation may not be that illogical.
I’m guessing guys that like the stricter uniform look might have more respect for traditions, etc.
Fasten those seat belts...
by katie casey on Jul 19, 2011 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions
I thought about that
But I said illogical because I have absolutely no proof one way or the other.
"On offense, your most precious possessions are your 27 outs" - Earl Weaver
by RiskyBusiness on Jul 19, 2011 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions
it was a fun night
Especially after Al repeatedly said how much he would prefer almost anyone over Lopez to start for the Cubs. Kudo’s to Jeff in our section who noticed Halliday was injured in the 3rd inning and was clutching his stomach. The rest of us missed it. We were all so damn cynical that when the Cubs loaded the bases with nobody out , we all had the same thought: How will the Cubs manage to blow this without scoring a run. We were wrong and it was nice to be wrong.
Lopez gets a lot of credit for among other things not walking a batter, getting a hit and TWO sacrifices ( and no fielding problems).
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Jul 19, 2011 11:15 AM CDT reply actions
I have to ask:
When Lopez pitches, do you squint your eyes and pretend he’s Maddux?
Baseball is pitching, hitting, baserunning and defense.
When he plays good defense like he did, I do
I had a lot of fun at the game last night as well. I brought in my wife and friends from our neighborhood. And my fellow season ticket holders were there as well, so I got to see a lot of good friends.
"On offense, your most precious possessions are your 27 outs" - Earl Weaver
by RiskyBusiness on Jul 19, 2011 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions
I was saying to my neighborhood friends
“Halladay is very good.” “This game might be over by 9:15, the way Halladay pitches.” “Halladay could throw a CG against the Cubs.”
I’m going to need to try this tactic more often.
"On offense, your most precious possessions are your 27 outs" - Earl Weaver
by RiskyBusiness on Jul 19, 2011 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions
How can you explain it, Al?
You can’t. It’s sports. Even in a stats-heavy game like baseball, where everybody tries to predict everything before a pitch is thrown, a lot of times you can’t.
I remember seeing Halladay pitch in Toronto in 2008, and people were thinking a Cubs victory was going to be tough. Instead, Reed Johnson hits a grand slam in the first inning and the Cubs lead 6-0. Jason Marquis takes a no-hitter into the fifth or sixth inning.
Yeah, predicting a no-hit bid in a game Halladay started isn’t a stretch. But who would have predicted Marquis, not Halladay, would be that pitcher?
Then there was Halladay’s start at Wrigley when Sergio Mitre pitched the game of his life and beat the Jays 2-0.
I guess stuff like that is what keeps us coming back.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 19, 2011 11:35 AM CDT reply actions
A lot of it is the small sample size
Halladay has only pitched against the Cubs five times, and even though his record is 1-4, it’s not like he’s been terrible (3.72 career ERA in those five starts). But for whatever reason(s), it’s just worked out in the Cubs’ favor. Like the Mitre game you mentioned – Halladay pitched well, but Mitre was better that day. And look at the other Cubs’ pitchers who’ve beaten him – Marquis, Gorzelanny, Lopez. Based on the pitching match-ups, I’ll bet very few people would have picked the Cubs to win any one of those games, let alone all of them.
But as you said, that’s why we watch the games.
by Jody Jody Davis on Jul 19, 2011 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions
I think Roy Holliday got drunk all day and night on Sunday
Last December when I was with New Orleans, our fat punk kicker, Garrett Hartley, missed a game-winner and we lost for the second week in a row – that was one of the times you want to grab a guy and tell him to [bug ] off," Fujita said. "But Hartley was young, and I didn’t want to mess him up for good, so I just bit my lip and said, ‘Hey, man, don’t worry about it — it was a team loss,’ which of course was a total lie."
by Fat Punk Kicker on Jul 19, 2011 1:15 PM CDT reply actions
The bad spelling team
Last December when I was with New Orleans, our fat punk kicker, Garrett Hartley, missed a game-winner and we lost for the second week in a row – that was one of the times you want to grab a guy and tell him to [bug ] off," Fujita said. "But Hartley was young, and I didn’t want to mess him up for good, so I just bit my lip and said, ‘Hey, man, don’t worry about it — it was a team loss,’ which of course was a total lie."
by Fat Punk Kicker on Jul 19, 2011 2:55 PM CDT up reply actions
Anyone see Soriano's great catch in the third?
I put an asterisk by it on my scorecard to note it as a gem……a gem for Soriano that is. I was really surprised he got it.
Fasten those seat belts...
I was gonna say...
…while we’re all complaining about his bullpen-mound bobble, we should give him some props for that grab. Sure, any catch anywhere near the outfield wall looks more impressive when Alfonso Soriano is the one doing the catching, but still…
Baseball is pitching, hitting, baserunning and defense.
Do it again - GO 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 19, 2011 5:17 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Is there a game thread or what?
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Al must be protesting.
It's a simple question, Doctor: would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs??
by Invalid User on Jul 19, 2011 6:26 PM CDT up reply actions
No game tonight.
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 19, 2011 6:27 PM CDT up reply actions
And you thought I had no sense of humor.
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 19, 2011 6:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Hmmm, good question.
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning the devil says, "OH CRAP, SHE'S UP"!
Hope Al is alright.
Hoping Garza has a good game tonight also.
R.I.P. to my grandfather, Andrew Wiley
The reason I am a Cub fan forever
He's busy watching the Pirates beat the Reds.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 19, 2011 6:47 PM CDT up reply actions
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