Concert Review: Paul McCartney At Wrigley Field (And, Cubs Win!)
by Al Yellon on Aug 1, 2011 8:01 AM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
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The soundtrack of my youth arrived at my favorite place on Earth Sunday night.
In 1968 I was 12 and first truly discovered the Beatles and Paul McCartney when "Hey Jude" -- now a concert staple and singalong for Sir Paul -- was released. I immersed myself in Paul's music for much of the 1970's... at the same time as the Cubs were, for the first time in two decades, becoming a contending team and I was learning about the joys of baseball at Wrigley Field.
To be able to hear this music, which I loved then and still do, at Wrigley Field is a feeling nearly indescribable. I think you'd probably get the same reaction from any of the 40,000+ who were at Wrigley on a steamy Sunday night. Sir Paul himself paused several times during the show to "soak in the Wrigley atmosphere", as he put it, and doffed his jacket in the sticky conditions after only a couple of songs, rolling up his sleeves to cheers. I'd heard he specifically asked to play Wrigley during this tour, which is only playing a handful of major league ballparks (Yankee Stadium, Comerica Park, and after he leaves Chicago following tonight's second show, Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati). He may be 69 years old, but the youthful Macca smile, twinkling eyes, and even the high notes he hit are still there.
Most of the set list, which comprised 36 songs and ran for about two hours and 45 minutes, was old favorites, Beatles and Wings tunes, which obviously pleased the older-skewing crowd. It's odd to see a Wrigley sellout throng where most people are not wearing the colors or logos of a baseball team, but rock tour T-shirts and even many dressed up for an evening out. McCartney crowds tend to skew older and many may have been among those who first saw the Beatles play the USA in the mid-1960s.
Among the Beatles songs played, in addition to "Hey Jude", were "Hello Goodbye", "Paperback Writer", "Eleanor Rigby", "I'm Looking Through You", "Day Tripper", "Drive My Car", "Yesterday", "Something", and "Get Back". He also played a number of Wings-era favorites, including "Band On The Run" and the show-stopping "Live And Let Die"; that may be the first time fireworks have ever been shot off at Wrigley. The pyrotechnics of that song live are always a crowd favorite.
Meanwhile, Wrigley itself looked the same -- only different, with several thousand chairs on plastic covering the field (that the Cubs will have to play on only four days from now, and after another concert tonight). Fans sat on the tarp, which had been moved from its usual right field position to the left field bullpen; souvenir stands and bars (one with a large sign that said "BAR" above it perched in the bleachers) dotted the field, and the bleachers, behind the stage, were completely covered with black tarps. My seat, in left field where many Cubs left fielders have caught -- or dropped -- fly balls, gave a unique perspective to a place where I've spent literally thousands of hours over the past 40+ years.
So naturally, on this night when I wouldn't be watching the Cubs/Cardinals game at all, I learned from a quick check of my phone that the Cardinals' Jake Westbrook was no-hitting the Cubs through five innings -- on only 44 pitches. Figures, I thought -- this will finally be the night the Cubs get no-hit and I won't see it.
But Reed Johnson broke it up with a single and the Cubs took a 4-0 lead -- and then, just as on Saturday, nearly blew it when Lance Berkman hit a three-run homer off Ryan Dempster. Thanks -- again, to something I did not witness -- to a slick double play started by Kerry Wood in the eighth inning, and an insurance two-run homer by Alfonso Soriano (hmmm... homers in back-to-back games... maybe now someone would want him? Get him while he's hot!), the Cubs beat the Cardinals 6-3, ending a five-game losing streak.
That's good -- always nice to beat the Cardinals -- but it doesn't change the essential mission of this team, which should be to start completely retooling (note: not necessarily a complete rebuilding) away from the 2007-11 core so we can see a winner at Wrigley Field soon.
I surely did see one at Wrigley Field Sunday night. The place was never built for anything like a rock concert, but the sound quality of Paul McCartney's show was excellent throughout. At 69, Sir Paul can still rock with anyone -- he puts on a great show that left smiles on the faces of 40,000+ at Wrigley Field. For being able to experience that, I am grateful.
It's time for the Cubs to turn to building a baseball team that can give the same smiles and happiness to fans that have waited far too long for it. Start now, Cubs management. It's way past time.
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Glad you had a good time
What flags were on the scoreboard?
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem.
Special flags made just for this tour.
I’m guessing they’ll wind up auctioned for charity.
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Go Paul Go... :)
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
The reaction of the Cubs bench after Woody started the DP was awesome...
Of course, it’s one small moment of joy in an otherwise miserable season. But I guess we’ll have to take it… Oh yeah, thanks for the insurance HR, Soriano…
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
Woody's catch behind the back into
the double play was a thing of beauty.
We'll miss you Big Boy. #10 for Hall of Fame.
by mrcubsfan on Aug 1, 2011 8:26 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Marshall jumping off the benfh, pumping his fist and
Colvin’s look of amazement were hysterical. Love that they still can treat it like a game.
by stuartscottslefteye on Aug 1, 2011 8:53 AM CDT up reply actions
Maybe
they were just amazed at seeing a Cub executing a defensive play without messing it up.
by Limey Cub Fan Jay on Aug 1, 2011 3:26 PM CDT up reply actions
I missed it. Any video of it?
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning the devil says, "OH CRAP, SHE'S UP"!
all i could find....
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 1, 2011 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions
Thanks so much guys.
That was awesome.
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning the devil says, "OH CRAP, SHE'S UP"!
Yes, thanks.
I had not seen that. Outstanding.
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Number 1 play on SC's Top 10
And it looks like it might unseat Chase Utley’s inside the park HR as the “Best of the Best”
Really??
It was an awesome play – but the Best of the Best stuff should be renamed Best of the New plays.
Wood has made that play before too. Its his thing – how he lands after pitching. He also has, IMO, the best pickoff move to 2B possibly in the league
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
Yea, it's pretty obvious the voters just get tired of the reigning play after a while
and wait for a decent play to unseat it. Last I checked it was like 55%-45%, Wood leading.
Sounds like soooo much fun. I was gonna try to get some tickets from stubhub.
But fares from DC→Chicago for four people were a bit much. :-(
"I'm not much of a chemistry guy, you know. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded"--Jim Frey, Chicago Tribune, 1985.
It was well worth any price.
Great show on a hot evening. Best thing at Wrigley since Dave Matthews. One sign read “Paul McCartney, more hits than the Cubs.”
Sorry for posting this again...but in case anyone missed it
Here is a story from a couple years back of the time that Sir Paul McCartney stopped for a ‘pit stop’ at a convenience store in Springfield. Apparently, he and his significant other were just driving Route 66. I think it’s a pretty cool story.
Sir Paul McCartney at Clear Lake Circle K
WWOZ.org - New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Station
That is a cool story.
Thanks for posting.
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I live in Springfield
and just missed him that day. The clerk said I was less than 3 mins behind him. So pissed!
When I lived in Tucson in the 1980's
virtually everyone I knew had a “brush with Paul and/or Linda McCartney” story. They owned a house there and were frequently seen around town.
For me, it was at a dive-y Mexican restaurant. One of those dark places with Mamacita in the kitchen hand tossing tortillas. I found out later that Paul and Linda went there a lot, as Linda loved Mexican Food, but since she was a vegetarian, they had to prepare special dishes for her.
I live in Liverpool
and I’d say that here McCartney is the best-regarded of the four, by a margin. He founded and bankrolled the Liverpool Institute of the Performing Arts, which a “Fame”-type school, he premiered his first classical composition here, he last performed here in 2008, he always gives the city a good press. He hasn’t lived here for years (he lives mostly in Kent, south-east of London, IIRC) but he’s seen as someone who’s given a fair bit back to the city.
Of course, he’s not got the “rebel” cachet of Lennon, but I’ve never bought that. If I ever have to listen to another “all-time top 50” show that ends with that turgid dirge in which a billionaire property magnate urges us all to “imagine no possessions”, I’m going to puke.
by Limey Cub Fan Jay on Aug 1, 2011 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Thanks for the British point of view.
I agree with you on McCartney being the best-regarded, not just in Liverpool, but worldwide.
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will it damage the field??
U2 apparently has….surprised they haven’t figured out a way to do this w/o the damage to playing fields. won’t matter with cubs this year however….
dempster pitched good as did bullpen for a change. finally got a few runs….look to play spoiler vs. Pitt as NL central becomes more of a two-team race…what’s happened to cincy?
There will likely be resodding needed, yes.
They’ll have to do it fast. They have only three days.
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Am going to tonight's show
..and getting excited about it. The first-hand reviews have been terrific.
Enjoy the show!
Would love to go again… but that’s a little pricey.
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I hear joy in Al's voice!
It’s like 2008 again
"We're young and dumb and ready to go throw strikes." James Russell
by PacificCub on Aug 1, 2011 8:31 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
I wish.
The concert was great. Wish the baseball was.
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Here’s a link that explains it. Sort of. I don’t buy a lot of the reasoning, but let’s see if any deals are made in August.
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Oh god damnit!
The Cubs could’ve traded Pena and Byrd, but are still considering re-signing Pena,
Can we effing fire this horrendously bad GM yet?
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
If we can't land Pujols or Fielder
I’m all for a Peña signing. He’s the next best 1bman on the market.
We'll all miss you Ron.
Pena isn't going to be taking another 1 year deal
You can’t REALLY be wanting him for multiple years…can you?
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
Also, when exactly do you decide Fielder or Pujols are out of reach?
You think Pena is going to be waiting by the phone? Especially if he’s the 3rd best 1st baseman out there?
The chances of signing him are about 20%, why not get some pieces for him and then look at resigning him. There’s no rule that you can’t resign a free agent you trade away earlier.
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
I know, it would probably be tricky.
There’s no rule, but players rarely return after that.
We'll all miss you Ron.
No trickier than the San Diego Heath Bell situation
They said they’d look at resigning him after the season if he’s traded. I haven’t looked to see if he was or not.
exactly why not trade some of these people far anything, get some salary relief, then bring them back if that is what is wanted by both parties...
It boggles the mind what Hendry is trying to do.
Actually, yes. i do believe he may be waiting.
Thats usually how it works, no? The top 2 guys sign and set the market for the rest.
I oughta look at the 2013 FA class...
but a 2 year deal would be fine, I wouldn’t want anything longer than a 3 year deal at max.
We'll all miss you Ron.
Who cares? Signing him would just be another "pretend contend" move
Move the win ceiling from 65 to 70. Whoopee…….
And that fallback plan can't be exercised if we trade him?
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
You would think the team would be stronger if we happened to get someone decent in a trade AND got the player back...
Plus they could actually try to play for a winner in the meantime.
No
but we’ve got to be offered something more than just salary relief.
Also, Pena may yet be traded. He will clear waivers.
Why?
but we’ve got to be offered something more than just salary relief.
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
That doesn't even....
Presumably salary relief might go to getting better players next year. If you don’t believe that then…what the hell are you doing following a team that is going to nickel and dime the roster to death.
What good is hanging onto Pena this season?
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
by Nunyabidness on Aug 1, 2011 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions
Why would you believe that?
Why wouldn’t the money just go back into their pockets?
by Josh Timmers on Aug 1, 2011 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions
Again, if it does
then what hope does this team have?
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
by Nunyabidness on Aug 1, 2011 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions
Apparently ...
the Cubs thought the offers for Pena sucked and/or that trading him would mean that he wouldn’t come back in 2012 if the Cubs couldn’t land Fielder or Pujols.
Here’s what I don’t get: If Pena likes Hendry so much — and his comments today would seem to indicate that he does — why couldn’t Hendry trade Pena and tell him that they want to talk in the offseason about 2012?
I know it would be rare for a player to return in a situation like that. But Hendry and Pena already have a history of doing rare signing maneuvers, considering Pena’s contract.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
What about this?
The Cubs plan to put a bunch of guys on waivers this month. If enough of them get picked up and the Cubs save some money, they’ll go after Fielder/Pujols.
But if nobody bites on Soriano et. al, the Cubs would rather spend the money that they know is coming off the books on pitching. So they kept Pena in case the waiver claims don’t work.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
is that really a plan?
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
You mean, is it the plan the Cubs are considering?
I don’t know. But it’s certainly an approach that I could see happening.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I'm not a big fan, myself.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
or they look at it the same way
a lot of us are – that there is almost mno chance this team competes next year and the next likely window is not going to overlap with Fielder/Pujols enough to justify spending that kind of cash
Maybe this marks the end of the “Lets chase the biggest FA name out there just to land the biggest FA name out there” debacle…
I would assure you...
…no one is biting at Soriano. He is here for the duration, unless Ricketts eats about 75% of his remaining dough.
Sure, they will place the whole team on waivers and there may be a deal or two that goes down, we’ll see.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Just cross your fingers and hope that last night's home run...
…by Soriano was the beginning of one of his “hot streaks” and some contender bites on it.
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem.
Even if Soriano...
…gets hot, I don’t see a team willing to take on more than 4-5 mil per year of his contract.
That would mean, even if he is gone, the Cubs payroll will be hit with 13-14 mil per year for a player you don’t even have on the roster.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Not in Soriano's case...
…because he is a lost cause.
But, what will that do to the money you need to spend to fill all the holes?
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
You have $4M-$5M/year more than you had before
And the hole was already there – that’s called “sunk costs.”
can he just be a PH for us? use him late in games off the bench?
I don’t believe anyone will take him, and I think his “hot streaks” are getting shorter and shorter.
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
I'm under no misconceptions about the perceived value of Soriano.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
try at least 90%
I dont see the Cubs saving enough on his salary to warrant trading Soriano – it could be that they just increase payroll by whatever it will take to get a competant LF and have a really expensive bench player
If the money goes to pay down the loans, that would be a plus
I still believe, despite Ricketts’ statements, that payroll is constrained by debt service, either $ for $ or in the form of restrictive loan covenants.
Most cubs will clear waivers....
Wouldnt you think the whole team would be put on waivers today?
You can pull people back. See what people are wanting…Maybe some fool will claim Soriano,
Just dont give the automatic NO like Hendry was doing yesterday.
Come on Kenny Williams!
He picked up both Alex Rios and Manny Ramirez so there’s some precedent for him to pick up overpriced waiver wire fodder.
Most teams...
…put a bunch of their players on waivers just to see what kind of action it creates. They then just pull the guys off that are claimed they don’t want to move.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Correct.
I imagine that almost the entire Cubs 25-man roster will be waived. Then we’ll see.
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25? Not Castro, Barney, Marshall, Wood, Dempster, Z, Garza and other minimums and 2-3 others
But let us start with K Hill, DeWitt, my guess Baker, but if anyone bites on Pena, Ramirez, Soriano they should be talking…
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
They will waive both Dempster and Zambrano
I guaran-damn-tee it.
If someone claims them, and they don’t offer a good trade the Cubs can just pull them back
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
I could see EVERYONE getting waived
on the hopes that they sneak through and then you have flexibility with them again…although if they werent traded by now – when will they
Yes, you waive everyone.
Obviously, the ones you want to keep, you pull back.
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Al, it's official.
You can’t watch any more Cubs games in the future! They do better when you’re not watching.
All joking aside, how were the tickets given out to this concert? Did the season ticket holders at Wrigley get the tickets or discounted tickets to the concert?
And lastly, did you run across Zeke at all last night?
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 Aug 1, 2011 9:16 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Yes, saw Zeke last night.
I heard several jokes about me not watching, including one made by me to friends at the concert.
Cubs STH did get a presale opportunity, which is how I got mine. But there was also a public sale. No, we did not get any discounts.
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I'll post some of my concert pictures in a separate fanpost.
Just figured out I’m a member of the “8 days a Week” club; two Macca live shows in eight days.
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
Congrats!
Matches the shirt we saw.
Saw a couple walking down Waveland. She was wearing a Cubs T-shirt with the #64 and WHEN I’M above it. The guy had “DAYS A WEEK” above #8.
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Al, How did you avoid the Beatles until 1968?
There was a Beatle cartoon show, Beatle cards right next to the baseball cards at the store, they were on every magazine cover, had a ton of hits, their appearances on Ed Sullivan were huge events… were you in a four year media blackout?
A little too young, I think.
I didn’t “avoid” them, I just didn’t really get into them until then.
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I didn't mean you made an effort to avoid them. I meant they were unavoidable.
Were you an only child or the oldest kid in your family? I think it was my older sister who possibly made me more aware than I would have been on my own. But I was just about to turn 7 the night they played Ed Sullivan for the first time and it’s one of the clearest memories from that period I have.
I have that memory of the Sullivan show.
But I’m the oldest. If I’d have had an older sibling, you’re right, I might have taken more notice.
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Heard he did a Hendrix cover
Al, I liked the Fab Four as a kid, but I was more of a Hendrix/Beck/Cream/Zep guy. Y’know, the British Invasion interprets American Blues.
That said, I wonder if Lennon were still alive, if he would still have his poison attitude about the Beatles. I would hope not. How could anyone hear “All My Lovin’” in 2011 and not be moved?
Glad you had fun. Couldn’t get Sir Paul tix, will try to see Eric Johnson in Milwaukee Friday.
I think Lennon and McCartney would have reconciled
… if John had lived. John’s life was just starting to turn back around, as he noted himself in the song “Starting Over”.
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I believe...
….according to the Philip Norman book “Lennon”, they did reconcile and were getting on fairly well at the time of Lennon’s death.
"This is a game to be savored, not gulped. There's time to discuss everything between pitches or between innings." -- Bill Veeck
This is what I read as well
Come on Lisa, I'm trying to impress people here. You don't win friends with salad. ~ Homer J. Simpson
George did later (in a tongue-in-cheek sketch) .
He was bummed when Lorne Michaels explained that the $3200 was for all FOUR Beatles.
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
At the end of one of his songs............
……….sorry, but I can’t remember which one, the group then broke into the refrain of “Foxy Lady” and jammed it out for several bars.
Once they brought the song to a close, Paul mentioned Jimi and how well he knew him, further mentioning that Jimi opened a show with “Sgt. Peppers” just two days after the album was released. Very cool hearing Paul tell the story.
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
Yeah, that was a cool story.
I can’t remember which song that was either.
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"Let Me Roll It"
Props to Tim Shockley for that one!
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
An appropriate Beatle tune...from the fans of the Cubs to its team and management...
“I’m Looking Through You”
"Fixing a Hole"
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 1, 2011 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
There are SO many for the Cubs...
The Fool on the Hill
Boys
Twist and Shout
You Know What to Do
What Goes On?
Tomorrow Never Knows
I’m So Tired
Don’t Let Me Down
and of course, the MOST appropriate one for the Cubs: Helter Skelter
Time for Tom to wield Maxwell’s Silver Hammer and break up this year’s mess.
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
...the 2011 Cubs keep on playin', "While My Guitar Gently Weeps"
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
Al, the cubworld camera was very useful last night
(I forgot who but) somebody pointed that out last night, you opened the camera and you could relatively clearly hear the concert so I joined part way through the concert and listened to 15 or so songs. Turned it off after the great trio of Let It Be, Live And Let Die, and Hey Jude.
We'll all miss you Ron.
Interesting.
Hadn’t thought of that. Maybe I’ll listen in tonight. Thanks!
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You can't hear lyrics clearly
But you can hear the music and the voice. There is an occasional car horn or something but that’s nothing.
I did that as well....
….it was definitely clear enough to hear, with only occasional interruptions when motorcycles or sirens went by. I was amazed, watching the cam, how many people were leaving out the front gates well before the concert was over. I saw Sir Paul here in Nashville last year and wouldn’t have even considered leaving early, nor did I really notice anyone else leaving early….was an amazing concert, start to finish!
I didn't see too many people leaving...
… until the “regular” part of the show ended, before the first encore. Many more after that before the second encore.
I don’t get it either. I’d never leave till the house lights come on. (Which they did — they turned the stadium lights on.)
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The Upper Deck attendees by us definitely weren't leaving
We were too cheap to even get seats in the 400 level let alone the field. My dad and I both get up around 5:30 to go to work, and were among the many still hollering for more after the first encore. My brother and I were thinking there were noise ordinances for things like this. I know Toyota Park does and I am sure there are other places with them too.
I’ve gone to a lot of concerts, including the second night of DMB last year at Wrigley. This was the best concert I’ve ever been too and fortunate to be a part of it.
"You just don't know understand how frustrating this is"- Kevin Borseth
I bet Baker and Johnson WISH they were traded.
We are facing a LHP today….Lets see if they are both in the lineup.
Remember who the manager is.....
Two times recently johnson has not started vs a LHP….
Brenly in the booth was trying to figure it out…
Last time he may have had back issues….or that was a CYA excuse. Who knows?
Reed is aging and has been banged up over the last few years
It was back issues.
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
by Nunyabidness on Aug 1, 2011 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions
If that was the explanation offered
What would be the point of lying about something like that
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
by Nunyabidness on Aug 1, 2011 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions
Generally they don't lie about an injury in situations like this
You’re trying to find conspiracies where none exist
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
I think we can safely assume Quade won't be back.
The Cubs are being scrutinized/lampooned (by Brenly, by the ESPN guys, by the FOX guys) for poor managerial decisions. Given that and the team’s terrible record — plus the relatively small amount owed to Quade — I think he is certainly gone for 2012.
I’d say Hendry’s odds of surviving are about 15 percent.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I think you may be right about Quade.
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The ESPN guys were just baffled by some of Quade's decisions last night.
They couldn’t believe Pena was holding Freese in the ninth, with the Cubs up by three, instead of playing behind Freese. As a result, Pena was just unable to catch a pop-up in foul territory by the next batter. It didn’t end up mattering, but if the guy had been able to get on base, the tying run would have come up.
Also, Quade’s failure to throw at Holliday for his spiking of Castro was questioned. Valentine and Hersheiser agreed that TLR would have responded.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
They were basically calling the Cubs Pu****s........
and they were right….goes right along with the no accountability thing
Why in the world....
…the Cubs didn’t throw at Holliday on Saturday, when the game was out of hand is beyond comprehension. The manager is bitching about the slide after the game and he did nothing to send a message in support of his young star.
On holding the guy on last night. That was indeed a high school mistake by Quade.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Agree fully.
Holliday should have been played with taped ribs on Sunday.
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
because they know their manager is a putz so why do they want to break a finger nail for him
It is the simplest and basic rule about leadership, read Sun Tzu but in the other regards when a group (team) loses respect for their leader they also lose respect for their team.
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
I can guarantee you...
…what happened with Holliday was not lost on the players. Their respect factor for Quade was likely low before Saturday and now, it has probably dropped off the radar screen.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Except that Byrd wrote a blog post talking about how Holliday did the right thing
This team is just a mess
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
Doesn't matter...
…whether he did the right thing, because he did.
The main point is the guy went after a potential future superstar and Quade let it go.
If Quade is going to jump all down Castro’s throat and let other guys slide, he should at least protect his young player by sending a message. In reality, I think Quade was scared shitless of LaRussa and pissing him off.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
My point is, clearly the clubhouse was at BEST split
as to whether retaliation was even warranted. The team is a collosal mess and I would guess Quade was frozen by indecision because guys like Byrd were out there saying publicly that Holliday didn’t do anything wrong.
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
What a player...
…says or doesn’t say shouldn’t have any impact on this issue, or why not just have the players manage the team.
Holliday went out of his way to go after your best young player. Shit like that should never be allowed to happen without a message being delivered.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
I'm not disagreeing
I’m saying this team is such a mess that Byrd’s comments might have steered what happened, which was nothing
I don’t like it, I don’t agree with it, I think it was stupid.
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
Couldn't a vet like Dempster take it upon himself to do something?
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem.
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 1, 2011 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Typical baseball...
…protocol, is for the manager to approve such actions.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Ok. I'm not arguing with this next bit, but --
Greg Maddux went against that as a rookie in 1987 against the Padres.
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem.
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 1, 2011 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Prime Opportunity
2 outs in the 4th I think. Holliday up. I think Dempster would be scared Holliday would charge and get his @$$ kicked. Wood would surely have done it in the 8th, but it was too key of a situation.
In my lifetime please!
Byrd shoulda been DFA'd on the spot...you stand UP for your team mates...
…not for your rivals.
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem.
If the manager...
…doesn’t stand up for Castro by sending a message, what do you expect the players to do?
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
???? stand up for their teammates.
These aren’t children. I agree that Quade should have ordered Holliday hit, but Byrd didn’t publish his blog post BECAUSE Quade didn’t follow through
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
Byrd...
…felt no need to stand up for his teamate. I wonder if the culture was different in regards to how the team is led, whether that would have made any difference.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Well, it might have, but what does that say about Byrd?
He can’t stand up for his own teammate unless his manager is pressing harder for it?
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
It says...
…the culture of the team is broken and it allows this stuff to happen.
If this were the Angels, Yanks, Twins, Cards, Red Sox or several other teams, a player never would have dreamed of not backing his teamate, even if he didn’t think Holiiday did anything wrong.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Absolutely.
It’s also discouraging that Byrd did this a couple days after telling Kosuke to “take me with you.”
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
No leadership =
…players going off in all different directions.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
I would agree, but does Ricketts give Hendry ANOTHER shot at hiring a manager?
That would be silly, but not unexpected from this owner.
Seriously, TJ.
We’re still finding out what kind of owners the Ricketts are. You’re probably taking too much from the (admittedly) stupid public comments.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I just think Hendry needs to go with Kenney.....Ricketts really needs someone who knows baseball as the president....and a fresh start for this team. Hendry isnt it....
If Hendry hires the next guy, it goes bad as expected, does Hendry get get canned next year leaving his newest manager around to get fired by the next GM and so forth?
I say they go at the same time….Which I think will be after 2012.
I agree with what you think SHOULD happen.
I think you’re prematurely judging the Ricketts on what they’ll actually do.
We have 10 years of Hendry to judge his decision making. We have (almost) a full season of Quade — in a job where we see a LOT of what goes into his thinking. We know who these guys are and what to expect from them.
But we don’t really see much of what happens behind closed doors for the Ricketts. There’s just less to use to predict the ownership’s actions, other than his somewhat mangled public comments. And, yes, he did much of the mangling.
Essentially, we don’t know if TR is a bad chairman or if he’s just a chairman in need of a better PR consultant. But I think we’re going to find out this offseason.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Sort of disagree...
…we have had two years of Ricketts ownership to judge him on and he has chosen to retain the status quo. We also have some absolutely bone head comments that have come out of his mouth to judge him on as well.
When he took over, he decided to trust Hendry (mistake number one). After year one, he decided to trust Hendry again (mistake number two). Let’s hope there isn’t a third major mistake.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Here's the thing.
If you’re willing to write off the dumb public comments — and I am — then there are really two bad “global” decisions, both of which can be justified.
1) Keeping Hendry after 2009 (Ricketts was a new owner and the Cubs were one season removed from 97 wins)
2) Keeping Hendry after 2010 (the Cubs had a torrid finish AND any GM after 2010 would have spent the first year cleaning up Hendry’s mess)
Admittedly, Ricketts could have acted after 2010, and maybe he should have. But I don’t think those decisions — and the situation surrounding them — can provide enough insight to extrapolate how Ricketts will act after 2011.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I don't see any way keeping Hendry after 2010 can be justified.
FIRE JIM HENDRY. Injuries aren't the problem.
I don't see any way avoiding arbitration with Hill last offseason and giving him a raise could be justified...
or claiming that “it’s just injuries” as a legit excuse could be justified…
or asking the state for $200 million dollars could be justified…
or raising ticket prices after last season could be justified…
or standing pat at the trade deadline with a roster of players that’s 23 games below .500 could be justified…
but here we are.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 1, 2011 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions
Possible justifications:
1) Hill’s raise was small, the guys in Iowa needed to play every day and the pitchers and coaches like Hill. The strong pitching in August-September was partially attributed to Hill.
2) The ‘just injuries’ comment was blown out of proportion, and Ricketts was worried about saying something that would hurt ticket sales.
3) Other clubs in Chicago got government assistance — and what’s the harm in asking?
4) The team only raised ticket prices for some games, while making others more affordable.
5) Yeah, I’ve got nothing, based on what we know.
I’m playing devil’s advocate, to show that most of these moves can be justified. I don’t agree with them, necessarily — the state assistance request was truly absurd and disgusting — but I can see why these decisions were made and how they could be justified.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
My polite retort:
1) Koyie Hill sucks at baseball, the end.
2) Tom Ricketts is doing his damnedest to become the Koyie Hill of MLB ownership.
3) The other kids on the block got to touch Cindy Sherman’s boobies, so we want a turn! Also…$200 million = “Assistance”?
4) The team used a simple marketing ploy to be able to say “on average, we’ve LOWERED the average ticket price.” They raised prices.
5) Big things may or may not still happen.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 1, 2011 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions
I'll agree to disagree.
Also, using the term ‘assistance’ was my way of using a catchall term for what people who hated the move (like me) and what people who were OK with the move will agree on.
I think you’re oversimplifying point three, SWL. It’s not unheard of for one business owner to request the same government perks a competing business owner received.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
One of the issues with the government 'assistance' thing
Was asking for 200 million dollars, all the while claiming that yeah, they have 200 million dollars to spare, but they’d rather use that to build an entertainment complex and take money away from local businesses.
FIRE JIM HENDRY. Injuries aren't the problem.
I totally agree.
I hated the move by the ownership, especially given Father Ricketts’ political statements.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Regarding ticket prices...
… before Jessica jumps in.
You’re right about the marketing ploy. Some prices were raised FAR above what the market would bear, and attendance at those games proves that out.
Some prices WERE lowered. Not enough, though, and if they aren’t lowered significantly in 2012, there may indeed be that mass exodus I predicted last year.
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I'd like them to try the marketing ploy of...
fielding a good baseball team more than twice a decade.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 1, 2011 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Try this:
The Cubs had a strong finish, giving creedence to the idea that the Lou malaise was part of the problem for the first four months of 2010. Also, Ricketts probably looked at all the long contracts on the books, and figured this would be Hendry’s last stand — if he could make a winner out of his own mess, maybe he deserved to stay past 2011. If not, he would be replaced when a bunch of those contracts expired, making way for his replacement.
Was it the right call? After Hendry’s work at the trade deadline, I’d say it wasn’t (assuming there isn’t more in play that we know about). But there were some valid reasons to keep Hendry after 2010 — even if there were more valid reasons (especially apparent in hindsight) to let him go.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Sorry EG, I just can't buy that.
The manager stuff is overrated, as we’ve seen this year. Even the biggest Quade haters admit that this team would be bad without him. It wasn’t a stretch before the season to think that this team wouldn’t contend.
The fear was that Hendry would think the team could contend and hurt the long term future of the club by signing big contracts. Luckily, he didn’t do that, but we’re also looking at one of the worst teams since…five years, ago, when Hendry was also the GM. This year has been a mess, and allowing Hendry to fiddle with it has set the team back. It’s unfortunate that Ricketts came in to such a dire situation, because he’s clearly learning on the job, and the team has suffered because of that.
FIRE JIM HENDRY. Injuries aren't the problem.
I'm not sure which party you don't buy, shoe.
I’m just saying that keeping Hendry was a mistake in hindsight — but more understandable if you step back to last October-November.
I also think (maybe it’s more hope) that the actions taken by the Ricketts since October 2009 aren’t anything that we can use for extrapolating what they will do next.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I don't see how it was understandable.
I’m definitely no baseball expert, but the odds of Hendry righting this ship were just terrible. I feel like Ricketts looked at the odds and and thought he was in Dumb and Dumber: “So you’re saying there’s a chance!!!” Technically, yeah. Realistically, no.
I’ve said before that I think Ricketts can be a solid owner. Like I said, he’s learning on the job, though. I’m not extrapolating anything, just saying bringing Hendry back was stupid.
FIRE JIM HENDRY. Injuries aren't the problem.
Fair enough.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Let's hope...
…Ricketts just has a slow learning curve.
With that said, I do think he has set the organization back by not acting when I feel he should have.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
We need a change just like the Detroit Lions did after Matt Millen.
Hendry probably knows a lot about baseball, but his plan has hit a brick wall and HARD. If Tom keeps him, Hendry will make the same moves he’s been making since ‘02 to fix the problems on the team. His fixes should no longer be in the long or short term solutions for this team. Shake his hand, open the door for him and kick him in the ass right out that door. Hendry is going to play GM like he knows, and it almost worked in ’03 ’07 and ’08. No longer can we let this strategy of buying aged to near perfection free agents to fix this slow undisciplined team. The Detroit Lions have changed the culture, and I know NFL isn’t comparing apples to apples with MLB, but the Lions were the laughing stock after not winning a single game in a season, now they are on the up. Need a start over strategy.
"Beisbol been berry berry good to me." -Tony Oliva
I hear Millen's available. Maybe the Cubs could...
…naw, not even the Cubs are THAT stupid.
…then again.
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
Yeah, don't put crazy ideas out there. Even on the interwebs. It may fall into JH's inbox.
"Beisbol been berry berry good to me." -Tony Oliva
We already have issues with overdrafting WRs...
You think Millen would help with that??
by bdlugz on Aug 1, 2011 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Ha!
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem.
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 1, 2011 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions
In some respects...
…if Hendry and Quade are allowed to return in 2012, I can’t wait to hear the BS spewing out of Ricketts mouth explaining why.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
I think Hendry's chance of returning is higher than I ever thought possible
I believe Hendry’s complete lack of moves illustrates that he expects to be back and I don’t think he’d read the Ricketts’ intentions that wrong considering the last two years. I think he has been told he’s coming back.
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
by Nunyabidness on Aug 1, 2011 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions
If true...
…God help us!!!
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
It's the Omaha connection.
Hendry will have to splatter the Ricketts family with bullets before he’s released.
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
personally, I'm ecstatic and relieved Hendry didn't make any moves....I don't trust him anymore
I’d rather be disappointed that we still have the basically same crappy team for right now, than furious at some goofy move he might make …does this make sense?
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Aug 1, 2011 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions
it actually does, in a way.
Keep his hand off of the red button, let a new baseball mind make the moves this offseason.
"Beisbol been berry berry good to me." -Tony Oliva
That might be what Ricketts is thinking.
The Cubs traded Kosuke, the one guy who’s a FA after the season that a) had some value and b) was not in the 2012 plans in any way.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Then Ricketts is an absolute moron for not replacing Hendry right now.
If you aren’t keeping him in place because he knows the other GMs and knows the roster better than his replacement, there’s no goddamn reason for him to be here at all.
NONE
Bring in the replacement, let him evaluate now and be better prepared for the offseason.
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
Maybe the replacement isn't available now??
There are other teams still playing baseball, even if the Cubs arent.
right, what if he's still under contract somewhere????
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
We shall see. I really hope Hendry is fired at the end of this year
and I really hope his replacement doesn’t lead to a chorus of “Why the hell couldn’t we have done this before November?”
I’m not sure that will be the end result though
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
The morning line has your scenario at 2-5
Not quite Secretariat at the Belmont, but a clear favorite….
I'd expect someone like Hahn (if we go young) or Cashman (if we go seasoned)
I don’t see any way we’d hire someone currently available.
It makes sense, but we're not really mad about the goofy moves not being made
I’m annoyed by the no-brainer moves not being made, like dealing Pena
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
one nice thing about Pena
is it gives you the opportunity to hold on to him to see how the Fielder/Phujols negotiations go, if it doesnt look like you are going to be in the running you can move to Pena, if he wants a 3-4 year deal you can offer him Arbitration and pay the $11-12 million for a 1 year deal
Isn't Pena...
…A FA after this year and free to go where he wants?
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
The feeling seems to be ...
that trading Pena would have made it harder to re-sign him, should the Cubs strike out on Fielder/Pujols.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I know...
…but he mentioned arbirtration. I don’t think that factors in here, does it?
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Pretty sure it does.
I think the Cubs can offer him arb as a pending free agent. If he accepts, he’s back on a 1-year deal. Something similar happened with Maddux and the Braves a few years back, IIRC, and it could have happened with Ted Lilly after last season (had the Cubs not traded him to LA).
If Pena declines the arbitration offer, the Cubs get a draft pick. But it’s kind of a risky move because Pena’s Type could warrant a good pick, or it might not. At least, I think I have that right.
The argument’s been made that the Cubs should have hung on to Lilly, offered him arb. He could have been back on a 1-year deal, or he could have netted picks that were more valuable than DeWitt et. al.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
It is highly possible
that Pena is not going to be a Type B FA and would therefore not net us a draft pick (which from what I have heard is not a very good draft this year) so its definately a risk.
I hate the metrics Elias uses with this current CBA.
I swear if they don’t change this during the next labor agreement i’m going to go crazy.
also
if the Cubs were to trade him to the Pirates it is very possible that they tie him up for another 2-3 years at a decent price in the offseason as he would be about as good as they could hope for given their recent lack of payroll
Couldn't the Pirates offer him a decent price even if he ended the year on the Cubs?
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
Again, there seems to be some thinking ...
not just on BCB but by people such as Tim Dierkes at MLBTR, that the Cubs increase the chances of keeping Pena if he stays in Chicago for the rest of the season. I’m guessing that if he went on to make the playoffs in Pittsburgh, Pena might have been more likely to stay there.
I wonder if the Cubs would have traded Pena to a team outside of the NL Central? If they think Pena would be more likely to stay where he ends the season, the Cubs would be handing the Pirates an improved bargaining position on the third-best FA first baseman on the market.
In other words, maintaining a stronger bargaining position over a division rival and possible draft picks were more attractive to the Cubs than whatever the Pirates offered.
Last point: If the Bucs did sign Pena, it wouldn’t have the effect of eliminating a landing spot for Fielder/Pujols, and reducing their pricetags, because the Pirates probably couldn’t afford either guy. But they MIGHT be able to afford Pena. I might be far on a limb here. But I’m trying to think through the Cubs’ inactions.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
he can decline the arbitration
to be able to go where he wants but could stand to get a decent payday through arbitration
I don't think...
…he would command more than the 10 mil he is making now, unless he finishes up strong.
What may happen though, is someone is willing to give him 2 or more years at that 10 mil.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
I think players generally
get a raise through arbitration regardless of external factors – the size of that raise is subject to those external factors though
I think you're right, hans.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Generally yes...
The least amount a player can make in arbitration is 80% of their previous salary. We’d be guaranteed to pay at least 8M if Pena accepted.
Worth noting, also, that both Pena and Fielder are Boras clients, and Boras will want Fielder signed before Pena to really make sure every team possible is competing for him. Sets up a market to overpay for Pena as well – win/win for Boras, Fielder and Pena.
It kinda depends how many teams are looking for 1B.
If Pujols stays in STL (which I think will happen) then Pena is the second-best FA first baseman. Now, the Yankees and Red Sox are set at first. But there will be some teams looking for first basemen (Milwaukee? Baltimore? Pittsburgh?).
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
barring pena going 2004 beltran in the playoffs
i really dont see how it make it more difficult
I personally believe that damaged ligaments and tendons (among other abrasions) aren't the reason for the team playing so poorly relative the rest of Major League Baseball, so accordingly, James Hendry should be relieved of his highly important duties as General Manager of the Chicago Cubs franchise.
by jesus christos on Aug 1, 2011 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Here's what MLBTraderumors said.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/08/why-carlos-pena-wasnt-traded.html
One last possibility is that Pena was not traded because the Cubs want to re-sign him and that’s generally easier when you retain a player. Pena, a Scott Boras client, said he’d love to stay in Chicago and is excited about the team’s future, but hasn’t really looked ahead to next year. The Cubs will have options, with a large amount of payroll flexibility and Prince Fielder and Albert Pujols potentially on the market.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
This line made me LOL, or facepalm, or something....
Pena, a Scott Boras client, said he’d love to stay in Chicago and is excited about the team’s future, but hasn’t really looked ahead to next year.
So he’s excited about the future, which he hasn’t given much thought to. Saying he’d “love” to return to Chicago is boilerplate free agent talk. The part he’s leaving out is “if you offer me enough money or years.”
I still don’t think it would have been impossible to sign him again if all other plans fell through, just because we traded him
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
Impossible? No.
Harder/potentially more expensive? Yes.
I also think that the “excited for the future” garbage is more boilerplate garbage.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Oh, agreed.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
So what? If Pena is playing 1B in 2012 it is a failure
It means the team missed going big, but decided to spend a lot of money going small. Whoopee…..
Beats Lyle Overbay or Tyler Colvin at first.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Yeah.
They must have felt the return for Pena wasn’t good enough to justify losing him as Fielder/Pujols insurance. I know that we all feel like some major moves are necessary, but hanging onto Pena is tough to judge without knowing what was being offered in return.
Also, the Pirates paid $5 million for Lyle Overbay last offseason, and Overbay was DFA’d earlier today. Overbay was one of the guys the Cubs were said to have some interest in last offseason.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
A slightly different review I wrote about this concert for Baseball Nation
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
Definitely amusing.
That was 46 years ago… some of those “kids” are now grandparents.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
Old footage of the Beatles cracks me up
Their ability to just make people lose their mind is amazing
I distinctly remember..
… watching the Beatles first USA TV appearance in February 1964, with my parents and grandparents, who were all horrified at their long hair and all the screaming.
If they only knew what was to come.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
I love all this talk
about how he is doing great things behind the scenes. Setting this team up. What could that possibly be if the players on the field can’t execute?
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 Aug 1, 2011 10:14 AM CDT reply actions
Getting better players?
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
When would that be?
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 Aug 1, 2011 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions
This offseason.
Maybe this month.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
we need to root for all of the division races
getting closer…if teams start to fall out in AUG. then the market will shrink,,,also I would have thought that you could get better prospect in July rather than in AUG.
by cozmotaylor123 on Aug 1, 2011 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions
...
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 1, 2011 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions
Sir Paul's
concert sounded great. Wish I could have been there. I was about 14 or 15 when the Beatles invaded the US and fell in love with Paul. There’s something about old rockers that I can identify with……….LOL
Oops almost forgot…………yay the Cubs won last night!
I was just born the day before they arrived in the U.S.
My memory of the Beatles was in the 70’s listening to British Invasion weekends on the radio.
Fasten those seat belts...
About last night....
What a concert. It has been far too long since I sat at Wrigley really enjoying everything about it. Sir Paul was amazing. If you had asked me 10 years ago if I’d see anything but baseball inside my favorite placein the world, I’d have said no. Now I’ve seen a hockey game, a college football game (I couldn’t afford tix to Bears game as a kid), The Polic and now Sir Paul. It was great just losing myself in the music, like I did as a kid. It was so easy in that magical place called Wrigley.
Maybe Sir Paul will leave some of his magic and it will rub off on my favorite baseball team.
"I'm a Cubs fan. I'm very, very patient." -- from a Shoe cartoon.
by No Southern Belle on Aug 1, 2011 10:53 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Well, Macca was given a Cubs "Build a Bear" by a fan at the end of the show
so hopefully the Cubs ‘magic’ won’t rub off the other way on Sir Paul.
I’d prefer your version.
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
Didn't watch the Cubs all weekend.... was a great weekend :)
"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 umpired 8 pathetic co ed softball games this weekend
was a great weekend.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
I saw this concert in San Juan less than a year ago and it was fantastic!
At least I watched the Cubs win.
The ESPN guys were baffled at Quade’s managerial non-decisions and decisions last night.
I keep reading about the ESPN guys being "baffled"
Honest question (because I had the sound off for long periods of time), what were they baffled about? I know they thought Holliday would get beaned, and I think I’ve read they thought Peña should have been off the bag at one point? But was there an egregious error I missed or something?
Pena's positioning could have had a big impact.
It didn’t — but that’s not the point. They were questioning Quade’s decision making, which can be judged separate of the results.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
So it was just the Peña thing?
And before you accuse me of just defending him, I’ll say I really think Holliday should have been beaned (but I will admit, the 3 K’s weren’t bad either).
What bento said.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
They questions why Ramirez was guarding the line with the Cubs up one run and Pujols up. Pujols got a single right where Ramirez would have normally been playing.
by sanshokubento on Aug 1, 2011 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions
Paul looks like a Kabuki doll in that photo
Proud recipient of a hot dog shot from the Iowa Cubs hot dog gun.
What happened to the Keep Your Cool Fanpost?
I posted first….something pretty harmless I would think…did it get nasty afterwards or something?
I thought it was superfluous.
Too many one-paragraph posts; didn’t really add anything to the discussion.
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I'll be there tonight.
Looking forward to it. Never seen him before. The Beatles were way before my time, but I still grew up loving them.
My other favorite band? Metallica. What a combo, eh? But hey, there’s actually a group called Beatallica that combines the two bands’ classics, so maybe there’s more of a connection than I think.
"They sell every ticket to every game, win or lose!" - Tom Ricketts
Listen to Helter Skelter to hear some of the first heavy metal.
The lads got there first.
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
going to the concert in cinci on thursday
thankfully my trip to GABP wont end in the cubs getting shut out by a 50 year old rookie again
I personally believe that damaged ligaments and tendons (among other abrasions) aren't the reason for the team playing so poorly relative the rest of Major League Baseball, so accordingly, James Hendry should be relieved of his highly important duties as General Manager of the Chicago Cubs franchise.
After reading
some of the tunes, I feel like pulling out the CDs I have. Note I did not say albums.
Good for you Al. Sounded like a wonderful time. Albeit Harrison was my favorite.
Cubs 2011 59-103
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