Open Thread: Cubs vs. Cardinals, Friday 4/7

What a BEAUTIFUL day for baseball!

When did Chicago turn into San Francisco?

There are three things that the average man thinks he can do better than anybody else. Build a fire, run a hotel and manage a baseball team. -Rocky Bridges

by Jobu on Apr 7, 2006 8:58 AM CDT reply actions

Opening Day in SF...

was about 58 and mostly sunny yesterday. Pac Bell is on the sunny side of SF.

by bison on Apr 7, 2006 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions

weather

What is the latest weather report for game time?

by upperdecker on Apr 7, 2006 9:11 AM CDT reply actions

Rain is gone!

Woo hoo!

GO CUBS

by Slaky311 on Apr 7, 2006 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions

Someone tell Peter Gammons

about Al. Supposedly Gammons will be roving the stands during Sunday night's boradcast talking to fans. Someone needs to point him to Al for some real insight.

by SonnyJ9 on Apr 7, 2006 9:23 AM CDT reply actions

If I spot Gammons...

... believe me, I'll bend his ear!

by Al Yellon on Apr 7, 2006 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions

Pete

Pete is such a stud. One of my favorite people in all of baseball, including players (Neifi is right up there though).

by ontheuptick on Apr 7, 2006 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions

It really bothers me and I was thinking of writing a diary on this that ESPN now makes people pay to read Gammons' articles on ESPN.com. I realize he's their expert but it seems to be a misuse of Gammons' role as a Hall of Famer. I'm having a hard time really putting these thoughts into words, but if I were the Hall of Fame, I'd be pretty disapointed that Gammons and ESPN are forcing the public to pay and the honor they gave Gammons should see him continue make his writings a part of the public eye.

DmL

by dmlichte on Apr 7, 2006 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions

well said

they are a complete farce. Just about every writer is part of Insider now. I don't even bother to go there any more.

by socalbob on Apr 7, 2006 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions

Here's a thought.

Here's a thought, why not just pay the 40 bucks for the year's subscription? You get insider and ESPN magazine, it's easily worth it if you are a sports fan.

It's the world we live in. ESPN has to pay these guys good money to write for them, this is on way to recoup the money. Get over it.

by ontheuptick on Apr 7, 2006 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions

espn magazine

could be the worst magazine in the history of periodicals. That Stuart Scott gets to write an article--which i think he calls boo-yah or something, is evidence enough to avoid that magazine.
Plus what's with the oversize? Trying to read that thing is like carrying around an unfolded map.

by tomas21 on Apr 7, 2006 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions

Carefull....

I think Sarah's last article was called "Booyah"
She's still pissed that Stuart stole the idea.

Seriously tho, ESPN magazine is big steaming pile of poo. I refuse to sign up for insider just b/c I don't want them to start sending me their mag.

What would my mailman think of me????

"At the end of the day, don't tell me how rough the waters are... just get the ship into port." - Stoney

by BCurt10 on Apr 7, 2006 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions

You talkin' to me?

No, mine was Word to your Mutha. I'm still pissed at you...

she

by Sarah Hope on Apr 7, 2006 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions

I would SOOOO read an article entitled

"Word to yo Mutha."

"At the end of the day, don't tell me how rough the waters are... just get the ship into port." - Stoney

by BCurt10 on Apr 7, 2006 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions

I'll work on that...

I think the next will be my rants about how horrible Cincinnati fans are.... oh and of course the cheerleaders.

she

by Sarah Hope on Apr 7, 2006 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions

And

Their top fantasy pick this year was Barry Bonds.LOL!

"Aw, how could he lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico!"--Harry Caray

by cubbiejulie on Apr 7, 2006 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions

if I felt it was worth it

then I would pay, wouldn't I smart guy?

Nothing to get over. As usual, they have chosen to dig into our pockets.

But after they dissed John Sickels in the manner they did, I could care less about thier site.

by socalbob on Apr 7, 2006 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions

My problem...

... is that ESPN is selling an asset that I don't believe is theirs. They are selling the Hall of Fame. An honor was bestowed on Gammons and now ESPN/Disney are whoreing it. If I were the Hall, I'd be livid. He is a Hall of Famer and, IMO, selling this via a format that shelters his work in a fee area is not right.

I don't want to pay $40 because the ESPN subscription is at the bottom of those that I would pay for. I already pay nearly $12 a month for XM. There are many other sites I'd pay a subscription fee to before ESPN. A friend of mine offered me his Insider password. I don't want it. I just think removing a Hall of Famer from the public eye is the wrong thing to do. There are many sites that have experts to pay, but you don't see them charging. But this is not the issue I have.

DmL

by dmlichte on Apr 7, 2006 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions

Gammons is becoming more and more irrelevant

as all he wants to focus on is the Red Sox and Yankees playoff hopes. Its pretty much the entire focus of ESPN, but Gammons is becoming the worst offender, it is hard for him to go a sentence without mentioning either team.

"You know what God told the cubs. Don't do anything until I get back!" Pete Rose

by Will71081 @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 7, 2006 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions

he was on ESPNews

reporting on the Pads-Giants game on how Barry was treated. He said there were some boos. Not overly loud and nothing out of the ordinary.

Then you watch Sports Center and Cold Pizza and all they reported is that it was absolute bedlam and the loudest boos ever.

They can't even bear to listen to their own HOF'er and his reports to tell a story. And why? Because some a-hole threw a syringe on the field?

by socalbob on Apr 7, 2006 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions

Today's lineup

I have been looking, but I can't find one posted. If anybody else finds out today's lineup let me know. I need to mentally prepare myself if Neifi! is batting second!

by tcjhawk on Apr 7, 2006 9:42 AM CDT reply actions

The lineup isn't out yet...

but I would hope Dusty wouldn't bat Neifi second vs. the Cards in the home opener. I wouldn't put it past him, though. I keep crossing my fingers that maybe he'll have Murton batting in the 2-hole. I don't think Cedeno is batting well enough to hit there at this point.

"The game will never be over, because we're keepin' the dream alive."

by Mark H @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 7, 2006 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions

Hmmm

Maybe Darren hasn't finished filling out the lineup card yet.

by IowaCityFan on Apr 7, 2006 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions

Suppan

seems to throw well against the Cubs. I look for Maddux to throw well in a similar fashion.

Should be a 5-4 or 5-3 type of game.

Jacque goes yard inth e 6th or 7th inning to give the Cubs the cushion they need to win.

by socalbob on Apr 7, 2006 9:56 AM CDT reply actions

Lineups

Where do you get them in advance?

As a die-hard scorekeeper, I'd sure like to know, so I'm not scrambling to keep up with the public address announcer in the minures before the first pitch.

The game doesn't happen if you don't keep score, you know...

by Sidd Finch @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 7, 2006 9:59 AM CDT reply actions

Go to MLB.com

Go to mlb.com and click on the gameday. About 45 minutes before gametime they always have gameday up and running, with lineups posted.

by ontheuptick on Apr 7, 2006 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions

cubs.com

message board. perhaps the only redeeming value of that message board is that someone usually posts the starting lineup an hour or two before the game.

by tomas21 on Apr 7, 2006 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions

WSCR...

Says Neifi will be starting 2B and batting 2nd. Is this starting already.

by BadGuy on Apr 7, 2006 10:20 AM CDT reply actions

Oh jeez.

Where's my prozac...

she

by Sarah Hope on Apr 7, 2006 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions

You guys are horrible,

let Neifi play just not everyday. Neifi will not be the determining factor one way or another in the playoff hopes of this team. I think it has to do with the health of Prior and our other pitchers.

"You know what God told the cubs. Don't do anything until I get back!" Pete Rose

by Will71081 @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 7, 2006 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions

more a symptom than a disease

by gaius marius on Apr 7, 2006 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions

No

I just really like Prozac. Valium anyone? No?

Disclaimer: I am totally kidding. I do not endorse or encourage the recreational use of any drug besides coffee and cigarettes.

she

by Sarah Hope on Apr 7, 2006 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions

Ummm...

I'll take one of each please.

Disclaimer: I on the other hand fully endorse the recreational use of anything that will help make this cubs season a happy one.

by BadGuy on Apr 7, 2006 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions

Ah,

A trip to Wrigley will cure anything that ails you.
Promise.

she

by Sarah Hope on Apr 7, 2006 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions

Yeah

I'll be there tomorrow. Hopefully a little sunnier than today.

by BadGuy on Apr 7, 2006 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions

subject

" I do not endorse or encourage the recreational use of any drug besides coffee and cigarettes."

i think cigarettes are illegal now. and i think there is a bill floating around that would make drinking coffee outlawed in public places, because its gives you bad breath and that offends people.

by tomas21 on Apr 7, 2006 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions

Why would you do that to me?

Spoil my two vices.

she

by Sarah Hope on Apr 7, 2006 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions

rofl tomas

I know you are against smoking, but that coffee bit was too funny. And sad, because I wouldn't put it past a lot of people...

by Perkins on Apr 7, 2006 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions

I don't know if I'd call it fast?

It seems like its taken forever to get to Friday and actually play two games in a row for a change.

p.s. Anybody just hear the Todd Walker interview on Silvy & Carmen on 1000. Silvy sort of chided Walk a bit in demanding no excuses this year. Interesting response from Walk. Curious if anybody else hear? I sort of wich he would have just left at that point, instead revisited Wood and Prior injuries as 'reasons' they've struggled.

by Critical Fanatic on Apr 7, 2006 10:42 AM CDT reply actions

i hate that first week

before they start playing six in seven.

by gaius marius on Apr 7, 2006 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions

Word.

Day on/Day off is torturous.

((Checks off using late 80's pop culture reference in post today))

"At the end of the day, don't tell me how rough the waters are... just get the ship into port." - Stoney

by BCurt10 on Apr 7, 2006 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions

to your Mutha.

n/t

she

by Sarah Hope on Apr 7, 2006 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions

subject

"Day on/Day off is torturous.

((Checks off using late 80's pop culture reference in post today))"

i like the day off because it's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.

((your move sir))

i actually don't like having so many days off, but the way our starters are going we need all the rest we can get, especially with the cards lineup coming in.

by tomas21 on Apr 7, 2006 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions

Man, I can't top that

and won't have time to try, b/c I am suddenly quite "ill" and have to go home for the day. Um.. what time does the game start?? (Bwahahahahaha!)

If it makes u feel any better, I know have a Boys II Men acupella song stuck in my head. Never saw THAT coming this morning.

"At the end of the day, don't tell me how rough the waters are... just get the ship into port." - Stoney

by BCurt10 on Apr 7, 2006 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions

I still contend....

that the talent at the top and bottom of the Cards' lineup is weak. Yes, the meat of it is absolute poison to pitchers. However, the rest of it is worse than the top and bottom of the Cubs' lineup (except today when we start Neifi and Blanco).

The Cubs will thrive in twenty-oh-five... or sometime thereafter!

by Shawn Domagal-Goldman on Apr 7, 2006 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions

the cards

are solid- we have to admit that- I DO believe that Walt and co did very little to improve a team that has been soooo close for two years and windows like the one the cards have dont last forever

BUT they are the same team that won our divison last year- and there are not a bunch of weaknesses on that team- so we just have to go out and beat them on the field wheter they are a better paper team than not

thats why we play the games people

KSUCubbie

by ksucubbie on Apr 7, 2006 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions

Ummm,

their team is definitely not the same one that won the division last year.

Encarnacion in Right, Skip Shumacher in Left, Aaron Miles at second.

Pujols, Edmonds, and Rolen are a great 3, 4, 5, although i see Edmonds on the decline.

Encarnacion in right is worse than having Neifi play a whole year at second base.

"You know what God told the cubs. Don't do anything until I get back!" Pete Rose

by Will71081 @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 7, 2006 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions

agreed

its killing my fantasy team too since orange guy is on each squad

KSUCubbie

by ksucubbie on Apr 7, 2006 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions

I hate those off days too Gaius...

and have you you seen the Pirates schedule? They open the season playing on seventeen consecutive days. The Bucs got no off day after the opener. They don't get an off day for travel after their seven day, seven game road trip to start the season. Their fifth starter will pitch three times in the first fifteen games of the season. That's a huge disadvantage to an already horrible team. Why do the Cubs have three days off in the first eight days of the season, yet the Pirates get none? That travel day the Cubs had yesterday make zero sense to me. If I was a Pirates fan, I'd be complaining like a mad man about their schedule this month. Seventeen straight days will tax their pitching staff right off the bat, not to mention their first seven games are on the road.

One day, the dream will come true.

by brianp88 on Apr 7, 2006 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions

What would happen...

...to Peter Gammons and ESPN if the Toronto Blue Jays won that division?!!!

by Sidd Finch @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 7, 2006 11:13 AM CDT reply actions

Herewegoagain

Just think, in less than 60 hours the Cubs will likely be 4 1/2 games behind the Cardinals and in last place in the NL Central.

What a mess this team is. How long do you think it will be before Hendry and Baker are scratching their heads trying to figure out how the bullpen could not be fixed? I'm sure they'll blame it on the pressure from the starters not going deep into the game as a result of everyone being moved up in the rotation due to injuries.

It's pathetic that two games into the season the Cubs desperately need a good start today out of a guy who will be 40 years old in a week. How long into the game do you think it will be before we hear the first boos of the season?

They better not boo Maddux, so I'll predict it will be when Jacque Jones strikes out in his first at bat with the Cardinals leading 2-0 in the bottom of the second.

Knowing the Cubs luck, they will lose today but Neifi will get two hits - locking up a spot in the everyday lineup through 2015.

by cubz1963 on Apr 7, 2006 11:26 AM CDT reply actions

while i certainly respect criticism :)

it's just too early to get really concerned about particular days or have "must-win" games.

but we'll get there soon enough, i wager. ;)

by gaius marius on Apr 7, 2006 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions

Well well well

don't you feel stupid now?

Anyone can have a bad century...

by Kinky Reggae on Apr 7, 2006 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions

Well, optimistic one and foreseer of the future...

-It turns out the Cubs won't be down by 4-1/2 games in less than 60 hours, as they just beat the Cardinals 5-1.
-It turns out that this team looks pretty good, and I believe most non-manic Cubs fans would agree with me.
-The bullpen looked awfully "fixed" today, as they pitched 2-2/3 innings of perfect baseball, and they also struck out 4.
-The guy who will be 40-years-old next week did come up with an excellent start, allowing 1 run on 4 hits and 2 walks in 6-1/3 innings. However, I'm sure he knew beforehand that according to you, the whole season would be damned if he didn't pitch the 3rd game of the season well.
-Sorry to rain on your parade, but I didn't hear any "boos" directed toward any Cubs today.
-Jacque Jones didn't strike out in his first at-bat.
-I believe it was the Cubs leading 2-0 in the second inning. In fact, I believe it was the Cubs that were leading 5-0 in the 4th.

"The game will never be over, because we're keepin' the dream alive."

by Mark H @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 7, 2006 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions

Weak....

....you're not only a poor representative of your team, The Cubs--you're also the laughing stock of the enemy--The Cards--over on their blog spot.

You must be proud (of something).

85% of the world's working and the other 15% come out here (to Wrigley). --Lee Elia

by southerncubbie on Apr 8, 2006 12:56 PM CDT up reply actions

Yes, the end of the world has arrived...

... and, oh, wait, oh. ummm. The Cubbies swept the Cards. 1/2 game behind a team that hasn't really played anyone yet. That bullpen's looking pretty sweeeeet. We DID get a great start out of Maddux. Jacque Jones finally showed up to play on Sunday. Neifi DID have an amazing game on Friday - but Walker was back starting at second, hitting second, and tearing it up. Talk about eating your words...

Go Cubbies!

by NC Cubs Fan on Apr 10, 2006 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions

Nuthin' but optimism, I see

And the world wonders why we follow this team.
Do we bitch because we care? or because we don't care? Where's Sparkles?

by Smooth Jazz Man San Diego on Apr 7, 2006 11:40 AM CDT reply actions

I've always wondered...

Who would still be a cubs fan once they win the World Series.

by BadGuy on Apr 7, 2006 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions

Well Boys

Im off to your fabled Windy City

for my first Cubs game in person since i was 10

we beat the braves then
we will beat the Cards now

PS- I HATE the cardnials

KSUCubbie

by ksucubbie on Apr 7, 2006 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions

Welcome Home

I'll be at the yard tomorrow. I can't wait. Z vs. Carpenter

by BadGuy on Apr 7, 2006 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions

Optimism

I would presume that sparkles is at school, but I can be optimistic in her absence. Two games is way too early to be drawing any sort of conclusions. Let's see how this team is doing after two months.

by gauchodirk on Apr 7, 2006 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions

Optimism

I respect the positive attitude and having followed baseball for 40 years certainly understand that two games doesn't tell you much of anything. But the Cubs have gotten where they are in part due to a lack of urgency. And I'm tired of it.

by cubz1963 on Apr 7, 2006 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions

Valium?

n/t

she

by Sarah Hope on Apr 7, 2006 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions

I was at school...

and thanks for being optimistic in my absence! :)

Cubbie Blue always sPaRkLes in my eyes.

by sparkles721 on Apr 7, 2006 5:00 PM CDT up reply actions

Where's Julie?

n/t

she

by Sarah Hope on Apr 7, 2006 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions

i'm here!!!

just lurking. . . not much to say.

"Aw, how could he lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico!"--Harry Caray

by cubbiejulie on Apr 7, 2006 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions

I'll chime in....

I think the Cubs have a real good chance this game and this year. Everyone seems to forget that Neifi was Neifi! for about two months last year. He is quite capable of going on another hot streak. Maddux had a good spring, they have lots of young players and more speed than they've had in years. And contrary to popular belief, the young players will get their chance.

There is no reason to be so pessimistic. I agree with gauchodirk. Let's see how the first couple of months plays out first.

Hooray! Its Opening day @ Wrigley!!

by Neifi Puppy on Apr 7, 2006 11:51 AM CDT reply actions

HEY CHICAGO WHATT'D YA SAY!?!?!!??!

THE CUBS ARE GOING TO WIN TODAY.....

and so it begins.... Opening Day at Wrigley, the TRUE beginning to summertime in Chicago (eventhough its cold)... I love the Cubs and I love their chances... We get a win today by mad dog and one tomorrow by Z and then we hand the ball to a kid and see if we can SWEEP THE CARDS....

GOOOOOO CUBS!!!!!

by LetMePitchThisYear on Apr 7, 2006 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions

Ha!

Im annoying everyone within earshot by blasting that song and other Cubbie classics in my iTunes.

she

by Sarah Hope on Apr 7, 2006 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions

Maybe

You can get some Cubbie Blue into my Brother-In-Law. He's over there in Mason.

by BadGuy on Apr 7, 2006 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions

Is he a Reds fan?

'Cause I'm about to blast them in my next column.

she

by Sarah Hope on Apr 7, 2006 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions

Amen...

'Twas a great game today! The more I think about and see this team play, the better I feel about our chances this season. We have some solidity in the bullpen, a ton of speed and athleticism. However, one of the things that I like the best is that it appears as though this team is having fun and has confidence in their chances. When they announced the starting lineup before the game, the Cubbie players looked like they were pumped and ready to play. The key, I think, is going to be whether we can get some quality starts out of our starters, because I believe this team is going to score some runs this season.

"The game will never be over, because we're keepin' the dream alive."

by Mark H @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 7, 2006 4:09 PM CDT up reply actions

Couldn't agree more.

85% of the world's working and the other 15% come out here (to Wrigley). --Lee Elia

by southerncubbie on Apr 8, 2006 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions

Yeah,

By default. He roots for them just to get a rise out of me. He's originally from South Bend and home to one of the other teams that boil my blood with disgust.

by BadGuy on Apr 7, 2006 12:34 PM CDT reply actions

Eww

yes, that makes my skin crawl.

Well, there's no accounting for taste, I suppose.

she

by Sarah Hope on Apr 7, 2006 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions

Agreed

But then again he seems to think Cicny is a better city than Chicago anyway so I don't take much he has to say seriously.

by BadGuy on Apr 7, 2006 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions

No offense

of course...

by BadGuy on Apr 7, 2006 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions

Oh no,

none taken! I'm a transplant. This place is weird!

Sounds like he's been hittin the pipe. There's no comparison b/t the two cities.

she

by Sarah Hope on Apr 7, 2006 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions

Ok

I realize that was my third drug reference today.

I seriously don't endorse drug use!

In the words of Penny, "Drugs are bad. I wouldn't do drugs."

she

by Sarah Hope on Apr 7, 2006 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions

Line-ups are in!

Go get 'em Cubbies!

Cubs
Pierre CF
Perez 2B
Lee 1B
Ramirez 3B
Jones RF
Barrett C
Merton LF
Cedeno SS
Maddux P

Cards
Eckstein SS
Encarnacion RF
Pujols 1B
Edmonds CF
Rolen 3B
Taguchi LF
Bennett C
Miles 2B
Suppan P

One day, the dream will come true.

by brianp88 on Apr 7, 2006 12:48 PM CDT reply actions

Thought Blanco might catch today...

n/t

by SonnyJ9 on Apr 7, 2006 12:51 PM CDT reply actions

I'm thinking...

Baker wants Barrett's offense in the line-up with Perez getting the start over Walker.

One day, the dream will come true.

by brianp88 on Apr 7, 2006 12:56 PM CDT up reply actions

Another possible reason...

That Cardinals lineup doesn't have any great basestealers. Still, I wouldn't be surprised to see a few bags swiped against Maddux/Barrett. Despite that, I like the decision to get some extra offense in there today.

by mportsch on Apr 7, 2006 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions

So Taguchi

Is it me or does this dude get under your skin? He's such a tough out for the Cubs for some reason!!

Cleverly Disguised as a Responsible Adult

by Scott G F on Apr 7, 2006 1:03 PM CDT reply actions

Taguchi

is 4 for 8 vs. Maddux in his career. Let's hope that average goes down after today.

One day, the dream will come true.

by brianp88 on Apr 7, 2006 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions

Is there any way...

...to get Len and Bob on MLB.TV? For some reason, it's only giving me the Cardinals' announcers.

by Perkins on Apr 7, 2006 1:07 PM CDT reply actions

Same here

I'm getting the FSN Midwest feed. I really wanted to hear Len and Bob.

"You're born with two strikes against you, so don't take a third one on your own." - Connie Mack

by VS on Apr 7, 2006 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions

My mlb tv

won't load!! I'm freaking out!

she

by Sarah Hope on Apr 7, 2006 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions

its weird, but i have them...

i had the St. Louis announcers, and when i reloaded got Len and Bob. Try clicking on the little orange TV to reload, i think they may be using both broacasts today randomly because of the two teams' huge fanbases...

The Cubs will thrive in twenty-oh-five... or sometime thereafter!

by Shawn Domagal-Goldman on Apr 7, 2006 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions

and now i'm back to the St. Louis announcers...

they seem to be switching back and forth for some odd reason, don't know why. A Cubs-Cardinals game is not the time to be dinking around with their software/servers...
LEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

The Cubs will thrive in twenty-oh-five... or sometime thereafter!

by Shawn Domagal-Goldman on Apr 7, 2006 1:31 PM CDT up reply actions

Crap

Another WGN game. I was hoping it would be on FSN so I could watch the replay tonite.

Well, it looks like another night of wading through Bonds-related ephemera to see a half minute of highlights on Sportscenter.

by jasoniniowa on Apr 7, 2006 1:20 PM CDT reply actions

NEIFI!!!

cardinals diaspora

by ryan vb @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 7, 2006 1:21 PM CDT reply actions

TROLL!!!

by BadGuy on Apr 7, 2006 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions

What was that?

A drive-by blogging?

she

by Sarah Hope on Apr 7, 2006 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions

SPAM!!!

Yeah I guess Spam would have been the better call.

by BadGuy on Apr 7, 2006 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions

SO!!!!!

The Cubs will thrive in twenty-oh-five... or sometime thereafter!

by Shawn Domagal-Goldman on Apr 7, 2006 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions

GARY??!?!?!

The Cubs will thrive in twenty-oh-five... or sometime thereafter!

by Shawn Domagal-Goldman on Apr 7, 2006 1:30 PM CDT up reply actions

I wonder...

if this guy has ever actually looked up the definition of the word "diaspora." It doesn't exactly look like something you would want to associate with a baseball blog.

by gauchodirk on Apr 7, 2006 1:41 PM CDT up reply actions

yeah

that's weird.

she

by Sarah Hope on Apr 7, 2006 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions

definition

A dispersion of a people from their original homeland. OR
diaspora A dispersion of an originally homogeneous entity, such as a language or culture: "the diaspora of English into several mutually incomprehensible languages"

just two of several definitions.

cardinals diaspora

by ryan vb @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 7, 2006 2:51 PM CDT up reply actions

whoops

spoke too soon. i gotta hand it to you, the Cubs got the best of Supe today. looks like we've got our own Neifi problem in Encarnacion.

didn't mean any disrespect...just keeping the rivalry alive, without having to wait for the Cubs to make the playoffs again.

cardinals diaspora

by ryan vb @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 7, 2006 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions

ohhh

how sad. In yo face troll!

Anyone can have a bad century...

by Kinky Reggae on Apr 7, 2006 3:48 PM CDT up reply actions

Maddux

looks like he is getting quite a bit of movement on his pitches thus far.

DmL

by dmlichte on Apr 7, 2006 1:24 PM CDT reply actions

and he only had to throw

eight pitches in the inning. Good start.

One day, the dream will come true.

by brianp88 on Apr 7, 2006 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions

Nice pick by D-Lee

"You're born with two strikes against you, so don't take a third one on your own." - Connie Mack

by VS on Apr 7, 2006 1:24 PM CDT reply actions

Interesting...

I was getting the FSN Midwest feed, but I logged out and then back in, and now I'm getting WGN.

Sweet.

"You're born with two strikes against you, so don't take a third one on your own." - Connie Mack

by VS on Apr 7, 2006 1:28 PM CDT reply actions

Neifi

With a five pitch at bat. At least there's something positive about that.

by IowaCityFan on Apr 7, 2006 1:31 PM CDT reply actions

D LEE!!!!!!!

Nuff said!

she

by Sarah Hope on Apr 7, 2006 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions

DLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

n/t

The Cubs will thrive in twenty-oh-five... or sometime thereafter!

by Shawn Domagal-Goldman on Apr 7, 2006 1:31 PM CDT reply actions

D-Lee with a line drive home run

"You're born with two strikes against you, so don't take a third one on your own." - Connie Mack

by VS on Apr 7, 2006 1:32 PM CDT reply actions

and...

it was right into the teeth of the wind, blowing in from L/LC.

First HR to land in the new bleachers!

The Cubs will thrive in twenty-oh-five... or sometime thereafter!

by Shawn Domagal-Goldman on Apr 7, 2006 1:36 PM CDT up reply actions

i.e.

the bleachers which are not to be named?

by IowaCityFan on Apr 7, 2006 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions

yes,

but now we see why it matters who bats second.

If that was Hairston, Murton or Walker, the odds are better that we're up 2-0.

by Matt Allison on Apr 7, 2006 1:38 PM CDT reply actions

EXACTLY!!

by BringBackRyno on Apr 7, 2006 1:42 PM CDT up reply actions

murton walk

i will not be ablre to weatch another year of neifo batting second. I will stop watching.

by mike bornemann @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 7, 2006 1:48 PM CDT reply actions

2-0 Cubs!

Murton with the walk, Cedeno drives him in with aa triple!

"You're born with two strikes against you, so don't take a third one on your own." - Connie Mack

by VS on Apr 7, 2006 1:48 PM CDT reply actions

aa triple?

i don;t what thet is but apparently its good, he'll be heating major league triples in no time!

by mike bornemann @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 7, 2006 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions

i don't know what that is, or how to spell

by mike bornemann @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 7, 2006 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions

Curse...

the lack of an edit feature!

"You're born with two strikes against you, so don't take a third one on your own." - Connie Mack

by VS on Apr 7, 2006 1:51 PM CDT up reply actions

haa haa

aapaarently, i got too excited aand hit the "aa" key too maany times!

Or maaybe i'm just aanticipaating Daavid AAaardsmaa maaking it to the bigs...

The Cubs will thrive in twenty-oh-five... or sometime thereafter!

by Shawn Domagal-Goldman on Apr 7, 2006 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions

The kids are alright!

BB by Murton, triple by Cedeno = 2-0 Cubs!

The Cubs will thrive in twenty-oh-five... or sometime thereafter!

by Shawn Domagal-Goldman on Apr 7, 2006 1:49 PM CDT reply actions

I love those kids!!!!

n/t

she

by Sarah Hope on Apr 7, 2006 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions

This was part of my criticism last year

having the kids in there, assuming they are the RIGHT kids (i.e., not Korey) gives you a little spark! They want to impress and play really hard. I noticed the difference when we played the Braves last year---those rookies really hustle.

"Aw, how could he lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico!"--Harry Caray

by cubbiejulie on Apr 7, 2006 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions

ohhh

cedeno sticks it to gaius with a triple-

ahh my friends laptop and mlb. radio are heaven

KSUCubbie

by ksucubbie on Apr 7, 2006 1:51 PM CDT reply actions

Yep

ahh my friends laptop and mlb. radio are heaven

Couldn't agree more!

by gravedigger on Apr 7, 2006 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions

"working" from home here...

and i'm absolutely loving my MLB.TV subscription, and my new dual-output video card...

The Cubs will thrive in twenty-oh-five... or sometime thereafter!

by Shawn Domagal-Goldman on Apr 7, 2006 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions

pretty sure

he has no idea who i am, and therefore isn't sticking it to me. :)

by gaius marius on Apr 7, 2006 2:01 PM CDT up reply actions

hahahaha

n/t

Go Cubbies!

by NC Cubs Fan on Apr 7, 2006 2:05 PM CDT up reply actions

hmm...

Ever notice that some of the regular contributors have been silent since the start of spring training... perhaps...

Eamus Ursuli!

by WGNstatic on Apr 7, 2006 2:05 PM CDT up reply actions

lol

the cowardice meme again? :)

if you like, static, you can follow my every move on bcb just to be sure i'm posting enough.

by gaius marius on Apr 7, 2006 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions

you shoulda watched more closely...

if you read Cedeno's lips as he rounded 2nd, he was screaming "TAKE THAT, GAIUS! I'LL EMBARASS YOU MORE THAN SULLA EVER DREAMED!!! I HATE YOU I HATE YOU I HATE YOU!!!"

Or maybe he was just running hard, i dunno...

The Cubs will thrive in twenty-oh-five... or sometime thereafter!

by Shawn Domagal-Goldman on Apr 7, 2006 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions

el vacio

Cedeno's been a vacuum today!

The Cubs will thrive in twenty-oh-five... or sometime thereafter!

by Shawn Domagal-Goldman on Apr 7, 2006 1:54 PM CDT reply actions

Fun fact from the FSN announcers

The last four players to win the batting title in the NL have also hit 40 home runs the same year.

The last AL player to win the batting title and hit 40 home runs was Carl Yastrzemski in '67.

"You're born with two strikes against you, so don't take a third one on your own." - Connie Mack

by VS on Apr 7, 2006 2:04 PM CDT reply actions

Eh?

Walking Jones to get to Barrett?

Interesting decision by "the genius".

"You're born with two strikes against you, so don't take a third one on your own." - Connie Mack

by VS on Apr 7, 2006 2:05 PM CDT reply actions

and barrett makes him pay

4-0 baby!

One day, the dream will come true.

by brianp88 on Apr 7, 2006 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions

its in the "cards"

LaRussa makes index cards with matchups on them for every game, and Jones has absolutely pummeled Suppan in his career. That's why he avoided Jones and chose to pitch to Barrett.

The Cubs will thrive in twenty-oh-five... or sometime thereafter!

by Shawn Domagal-Goldman on Apr 7, 2006 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions

that's why we should capitalize

The Genius, i guess. :)

by gaius marius on Apr 7, 2006 2:11 PM CDT up reply actions

4-0

based loaded and still only one away for murton.

by gaius marius on Apr 7, 2006 2:09 PM CDT reply actions

gidp

but still -- 4-nil in the third is the best start anyone could hope for!

by gaius marius on Apr 7, 2006 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions

Darn, Murton grounds into a DP

"You're born with two strikes against you, so don't take a third one on your own." - Connie Mack

by VS on Apr 7, 2006 2:10 PM CDT reply actions

Cubs!

Go Cubs!

phat

by phatass on Apr 7, 2006 2:13 PM CDT reply actions

That's the second time

I've seen Ronny double clutch today. He got a break there as the umps called it a hit, but that was definitely an error.

"You're born with two strikes against you, so don't take a third one on your own." - Connie Mack

by VS on Apr 7, 2006 2:15 PM CDT reply actions

I'm stuck...

...at work and it sucks not being able to watch the game. How is Maddux looking today? Is he as dominate today as his line suggests?

cubsfan4life

by cubfan4life on Apr 7, 2006 2:15 PM CDT reply actions

Yes...

He pitched a great game. He had a ton of movement on his pitches and excellent command of the strike zone until the late 6th inning.

"The game will never be over, because we're keepin' the dream alive."

by Mark H @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 7, 2006 4:15 PM CDT up reply actions

MURTON

Nice Play Orange Guy!!!!!

by BadGuy on Apr 7, 2006 2:16 PM CDT reply actions

Wow

What a great throw!!!

by ar_hawkins on Apr 7, 2006 2:17 PM CDT up reply actions

Double play!

Murton!

woohoo!

phat

by phatass on Apr 7, 2006 2:17 PM CDT reply actions

Holy Cow!

Great throw by Murton!

"You're born with two strikes against you, so don't take a third one on your own." - Connie Mack

by VS on Apr 7, 2006 2:17 PM CDT reply actions

this game...

rules. :)

Murton is the man.

by Matt Allison on Apr 7, 2006 2:18 PM CDT reply actions

exhibition game

Pat just mentioned that the Cards just had an exhibition game between their AA and AAA (i think it might have been A) teams at their new ballpark. That is a great idea! I am sure plenty of cub fans would come out to Wrigley to see Iowa take on West Tenn, and I am sure the youngsters would get a rush out of playing at a Major league city...

Eamus Ursuli!

by WGNstatic on Apr 7, 2006 2:18 PM CDT reply actions

Cedeno

Go Younguns!!!!!

by BadGuy on Apr 7, 2006 2:19 PM CDT reply actions

Hustle doube by Cedeno!

Man, encarnacion is not having a good day at all.

"You're born with two strikes against you, so don't take a third one on your own." - Connie Mack

by VS on Apr 7, 2006 2:20 PM CDT reply actions

Doube?

Seriously, these spelling errors are getting on my nerves.

"You're born with two strikes against you, so don't take a third one on your own." - Connie Mack

by VS on Apr 7, 2006 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions

Bubba Burger?

Thats the sign behind home plate right now. The Official Burger of the Chicago Cubs?

DmL

by dmlichte on Apr 7, 2006 2:22 PM CDT reply actions

Bubba Burger!

And my Hamiltion Burger lays down the law!

by bubbamike the one and only on Apr 7, 2006 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions

Sucicide squeeze!

Oh, so close... when was hte last time the Cubs pulled off one of those?

The Cubs will thrive in twenty-oh-five... or sometime thereafter!

by Shawn Domagal-Goldman on Apr 7, 2006 2:22 PM CDT reply actions

oil paintings

were the rage.

by mike bornemann @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 7, 2006 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions

LOL!

That one got me good...

The Cubs will thrive in twenty-oh-five... or sometime thereafter!

by Shawn Domagal-Goldman on Apr 7, 2006 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions

did they just attept the squeeze

pat sounded like he was shocked

by mike bornemann @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 7, 2006 2:23 PM CDT reply actions

As he should be...

n/t

by BadGuy on Apr 7, 2006 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions

yes, they did...

Cedeno broke for home, and Pierre laid down a bunt that would have definitely scored Cedeno and may have gotten Pierre on had it not (just barely) rolled foul. Pierre singled him in, anyways...

The Cubs will thrive in twenty-oh-five... or sometime thereafter!

by Shawn Domagal-Goldman on Apr 7, 2006 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions

Squeeze!!!

The squeeze was on and ALMOST worked

Who's managing this team today?

by ar_hawkins on Apr 7, 2006 2:23 PM CDT reply actions

I think...

I spotted a Managing MLB for Dummies book in the dugout.

by BadGuy on Apr 7, 2006 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions

why don't

you just turn the page then?

by socalbob on Apr 7, 2006 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions

I wonder if.

.....all you people ribbing Baker have ever thought that he hasn't had the speed and versatility to squeeze in the past?????

Pierre is a player who knows how to consistently bunt--and Cedeno has speed.

Instead of saying something like, when was the last time Baker squeezed? Why not ask, when was the last time we had a really fast dude on third, and a really good bunter at the plate?

85% of the world's working and the other 15% come out here (to Wrigley). --Lee Elia

by southerncubbie on Apr 7, 2006 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions

ha

best usage of dude yet on this board.

by Slaky311 on Apr 7, 2006 9:50 PM CDT up reply actions

they've always had the tools

you don't need to be blazing fast to score on a squeeze (and cedeno isn't) and you don't need to be a master bunter to lay one down (though pierre is really good with the bunt).

it's more a matter of whether you want to try it. baker just doesn't seem to like to bunt much. no sin in that. but it's good to see dusty pulling a surprise out of the bag of tricks.

by gaius marius on Apr 8, 2006 8:14 AM CDT up reply actions

Wow!

Gaius complimenting Baker on a move!

It was a smart idea, that almost worked, too.

by Al Yellon on Apr 8, 2006 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions

Squeeze

Don Baylor.

by bubbamike the one and only on Apr 7, 2006 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions

Line drive by Slap Nasty!

Cedeno scores, 5-0 Cubs

"You're born with two strikes against you, so don't take a third one on your own." - Connie Mack

by VS on Apr 7, 2006 2:23 PM CDT reply actions

Baker Puts On The Suicide Squeeze!!!

Holy cow! The bunt went foul, but props to Baker for doing it! Pierre then lines a single after fouling off the bunt and it's 5-0.

I'm very encouraged that Baker put on the squeeze!

One day, the dream will come true.

by brianp88 on Apr 7, 2006 2:24 PM CDT reply actions

me too

this team has already bunted more in 2006 than it did in all of 2005. weird!

by gaius marius on Apr 7, 2006 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions

Not weird....

....they happen to have more speed and versatility, and Baker has more confidence in Pierre and Cedeno's ability to lay down the bunt then he did with Patterson.

What's so weird?

85% of the world's working and the other 15% come out here (to Wrigley). --Lee Elia

by southerncubbie on Apr 7, 2006 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions

I wish

"TAGUCHI" was an adjective. would take me back to the days of "Who's up?" "He Seop."

by mike bornemann @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 7, 2006 2:32 PM CDT reply actions

That guys is

Sooooooooooooooooooo Taguchi. haha. I like that.

Go Cubbies!

by NC Cubs Fan on Apr 7, 2006 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions

This sucks

I dont have the mlb. audio yet. I'm at work, but I have the gameday up from the cubs website, but it keeps getting stuck. I'm probably an inning behind here. Thank God I'm tivoing this game at home right now. Keep up the dialog, I'm am trying to follow everyone here and this stupid gameday. I have to get mlb. audio here soon.

First Boston, then the White Sox, its now the Cubs turn.

by indytaz on Apr 7, 2006 2:35 PM CDT reply actions

its instantaneous

you pay, it works.

by mike bornemann @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 7, 2006 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions

Going into the top of the 6th

5-0 Cubs. Maddux has thrown 54 pitches so far, 33 of them for strikes. Miles, Suppan and Eckstein are due up.

One day, the dream will come true.

by brianp88 on Apr 7, 2006 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions

such a professional

i'm quite sure he looked at the wind, knew that the pen has thrown a lot the last two games and could throw a lot more this weekend -- and figured he could toss a lot of strikes and dare guys to hit it out.

by gaius marius on Apr 7, 2006 2:51 PM CDT up reply actions

Maddux is cruising

He has faced just one batter over the minimum. Just 54 pitches through 5 innings, 33 for strikes.

"You're born with two strikes against you, so don't take a third one on your own." - Connie Mack

by VS on Apr 7, 2006 2:35 PM CDT reply actions

funny...

...i didn't think Cub starters were allowed to pitch more than 4+. I love Maddux.

Eamus Ursuli!

by WGNstatic on Apr 7, 2006 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions

So my plan of dumping Z early this week

and picking up Maddux on my fantasy team doesn't look so bad after all. Maddux is looking strong and in control today.

"Aw, how could he lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico!"--Harry Caray

by cubbiejulie on Apr 7, 2006 5:24 PM CDT up reply actions

This is a good game

Maddux is throwing well.

Ron Santo seems particularly cheerful.

phat

by phatass on Apr 7, 2006 2:37 PM CDT reply actions

I love it when Ronnie is happy

n/t

Eamus Ursuli!

by WGNstatic on Apr 7, 2006 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions

Yes

That is a good thing.

I love the radio.

phat

by phatass on Apr 7, 2006 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions

hmmmm...

When did Corey Patterson start wearing #11?

by holyboot on Apr 7, 2006 2:39 PM CDT reply actions

Neifi 2 for 3. no love?

OK, I will. this bud light's for you! but seriously, 3 cheers for Jimbo for letting Nomar go. Anybody miss Nomar? because Ronny looks great. Murton looks fab. Matt the Bat. Jacque, well, he's a streaky hitter. let's hope May is his month :/

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Apr 7, 2006 2:41 PM CDT reply actions

Suppan done

n/t

by BadGuy on Apr 7, 2006 2:43 PM CDT reply actions

Man, it's always fun watching Maddux pitch

He just thre what seemed to be a Change-up that hit 56 on the radar gun.

"You're born with two strikes against you, so don't take a third one on your own." - Connie Mack

by VS on Apr 7, 2006 2:50 PM CDT reply actions

eephus

by gaius marius on Apr 7, 2006 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions

i think that's the sound the ball made

The Cubs will thrive in twenty-oh-five... or sometime thereafter!

by Shawn Domagal-Goldman on Apr 7, 2006 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions

no really

eephus -- bill sewell and lalob and all that.

by gaius marius on Apr 7, 2006 3:00 PM CDT up reply actions

maybe you know all this

but maddux would be the perfect pitcher for the eephus. i'm surprised we don't see him throw it outright.

by gaius marius on Apr 7, 2006 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions

actually, i didn't...

I had never heard of it, until today. Thanks for the link, it was informative (and amusing)... and now i get the reference!

The Cubs will thrive in twenty-oh-five... or sometime thereafter!

by Shawn Domagal-Goldman on Apr 7, 2006 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions

Rats

That's too bad.

I was really hoping for a shutout.

phat

by phatass on Apr 7, 2006 2:59 PM CDT reply actions

Edmons with a home run

5-1 Cubs, Top of the seventh

"You're born with two strikes against you, so don't take a third one on your own." - Connie Mack

by VS on Apr 7, 2006 3:00 PM CDT reply actions

yeah

if you're going to dare them to hit it out, sometimes they're going to hit it out.

a walk to rolen. come on maddux! give us eight!

by gaius marius on Apr 7, 2006 3:02 PM CDT up reply actions

Nice Performance From Greg Maddux

I'll take that outing everytime. Lets finish those bad boys off now.

God Bless The Chicago Cubs.

by Willie McCubbie on Apr 7, 2006 3:03 PM CDT reply actions

dammit!

maddux has thrown just 74 pitches! LET HIM PITCH, DUSTBAG! he's perfectly capable of challenging these guys in this wind!

by gaius marius on Apr 7, 2006 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions

sorry, 87

but still -- let him work!

by gaius marius on Apr 7, 2006 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions

not sure if Dusty yanked him

If it was Dusty, he would have come out to the mound himself. something happened to Maddux. probably minor, but something.

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Apr 7, 2006 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions

hmmm

hope so.

by gaius marius on Apr 7, 2006 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions

I think he just thought it was enough

He threw 87 pitches, last year he averaged 88 per start.

"You're born with two strikes against you, so don't take a third one on your own." - Connie Mack

by VS on Apr 7, 2006 3:29 PM CDT up reply actions

Maddux ALWAYS pulls himself

Coach or manager comes to mound and
he says "I'm gassed" No false machismo
like some others. Seriously Gaius you must
no this, it is hardly news. I don't think
he through more than 4 innings in ST and the
Vegas start was only two ( but a lot of pitches)
He was done , he knew it, he left and let
our AWESOME BP take over

Jessica

by jessica on Apr 7, 2006 4:43 PM CDT up reply actions

Please excuse the horrible typos

no instead of know
etc. I am a bit excited after the game

by jessica on Apr 7, 2006 5:00 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm excited...

and I wasn't even there! I'm glad you got to see a great Maddux performance.

Cubbie Blue always sPaRkLes in my eyes.

by sparkles721 on Apr 7, 2006 5:06 PM CDT up reply actions

ha......

........so hypocritical.

I thought you were a member of the "Fear-and-Pitchcount" coalition, Gaius. Hilarious, how you change your tune.

85% of the world's working and the other 15% come out here (to Wrigley). --Lee Elia

by southerncubbie on Apr 7, 2006 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions

lol

if you're going to comb this board for reasons to try to slam me, you can find better material than this, sc. :)

maddux tossing 87 pitches is running dangerous pitch counts on young arms exactly how?

by gaius marius on Apr 7, 2006 4:55 PM CDT up reply actions

old arm......

.....you don't want to pace him out for the season?

85% of the world's working and the other 15% come out here (to Wrigley). --Lee Elia

by southerncubbie on Apr 7, 2006 5:10 PM CDT up reply actions

lol

by gaius marius on Apr 8, 2006 8:15 AM CDT up reply actions

btw...

...not combing to slam you, i just find you're second-guessing very inconsistent, and silly considering the fact that Maddux is probably the one who said he was gassed--ROTHSCHILD made the decision after talking to Maddux, and Maddux is the one who ultimately makes that decision in this situation.

You just got the blame wrong.

You should have blamed Maddux or Rothschild.

It's so easy for you to blame, Baker, and your criticism becomes ever-more-suspet when it's a.) wrongly directed, and b.) hysterical, as evidenced by your calling the manager, DustBag.

Weak.

85% of the world's working and the other 15% come out here (to Wrigley). --Lee Elia

by southerncubbie on Apr 7, 2006 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions

you're right

to say that maddux probably lifted himself. it's just frustrating -- sometimes i have to remind myself that maddux is aged (in baseball terms) and won't be throwing 100 pitches anytime soon.

by gaius marius on Apr 8, 2006 8:17 AM CDT up reply actions

He can throw 100 pitches

He did so several times last
season but not that often
Depends on the circumstances.
Main thing is that he KNOWS when
he is "gassed". Frankly in a crucial
situation, it think he will kick it up
a notch but considering we now have
a bull pen this should not be neccessary
It is not so much that he rarely goes
nine innings it is that he rarely goes
less than six

by jessica on Apr 8, 2006 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions

Well,

here we go.

Now I'm nervous.

phat

by phatass on Apr 7, 2006 3:04 PM CDT reply actions

Good outing by Maddux

Maddux - 6-1/3in, 4H, 1ER, 2BB, 1SO, 87 pitches (52 for strikes)

"You're born with two strikes against you, so don't take a third one on your own." - Connie Mack

by VS on Apr 7, 2006 3:06 PM CDT reply actions

forget about his struggles at the plate for now

jacques jones is plpaying some serious D

by ron cey on Apr 7, 2006 3:08 PM CDT reply actions

auugggh

JJ is 0-9 so far. bloop

by deansanta on Apr 7, 2006 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions

neifi

making a strong bid for more time in the second spot. ;)

by gaius marius on Apr 7, 2006 3:12 PM CDT reply actions

Whoo!

Neifi!

phat

by phatass on Apr 7, 2006 3:12 PM CDT reply actions

the awful truth

it unfourtunate that nefi hit so well today ..now dusty will have him in the 2 hole all the time...right gaius

by shadoobe2 on Apr 7, 2006 3:14 PM CDT reply actions

lol

if he hits like this every day -- by all means, bench walker and hit him third. :)

by gaius marius on Apr 7, 2006 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions

that's the weakest thing I've ever heard.....

.....it's unforunate that neifi hit so well today ?

You are obviously NOT a Cubs' fan. How could you be, when you're rooting for your players not to succeed?

Look up this word: schadenfreude .

85% of the world's working and the other 15% come out here (to Wrigley). --Lee Elia

by southerncubbie on Apr 7, 2006 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions

duh

that comment was poking a little fun at gaius...sarcasm...how dare u besmirch my cubfandomness or is it cubfanility ..or cubfanophilia or what ever it was a joke

by shadoobe2 on Apr 7, 2006 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions

my bad, my bad......

forgive me.

85% of the world's working and the other 15% come out here (to Wrigley). --Lee Elia

by southerncubbie on Apr 7, 2006 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions

because we ALL know

it's OK to impugn me as not being a cub fan. ;)

by gaius marius on Apr 8, 2006 8:18 AM CDT up reply actions

oops

unfortunate..no spellcheck...the only thing worse would be if Marshall goes out a pitches a shutout Sunday...then our fate will really be sealed

by shadoobe2 on Apr 7, 2006 3:19 PM CDT reply actions

wow

randy hundley and ron are pretty funny right now

by mike bornemann @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 7, 2006 3:20 PM CDT reply actions

Dempster

If we keep this up, he won't ever get a shot at a save!

Go Cubbies!

by NC Cubs Fan on Apr 7, 2006 3:24 PM CDT reply actions

Wow

Howry just struk out the side, is his stuff that good. It was the bottom of the order, but I dont know much about this guy other than what I heard after the signing. I'll take it.

First Boston, then the White Sox, its now the Cubs turn.

by indytaz on Apr 7, 2006 3:24 PM CDT reply actions

Jones just won...

the battle for most inept right fielder... Unfortunately, that's a bad thing...

The Cubs will thrive in twenty-oh-five... or sometime thereafter!

by Shawn Domagal-Goldman on Apr 7, 2006 3:26 PM CDT reply actions

Did you mean JJ lost the battle?

He's actually a very good fielder. not the most accurate arm, but does make great plays. lots of web gems over the years.

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Apr 7, 2006 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions

i was talking about the play...

where Encarcion dropped the ball and gunned JJ down on a poor decision to try for second.

The Cubs will thrive in twenty-oh-five... or sometime thereafter!

by Shawn Domagal-Goldman on Apr 7, 2006 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions

I know you were..

but the way you phrased it didn't make much sense :)

it sounded like you were saying JJ was also an inept right fielder.

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Apr 7, 2006 4:07 PM CDT up reply actions

Nice poke Jacque

best contact all year. bad decision to go for 2 though. I think he was stunned.

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Apr 7, 2006 3:27 PM CDT reply actions

Howry Ks the side.

He smokin!

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Apr 7, 2006 3:28 PM CDT reply actions

WOW

Randley Hundley: "Doesn't that dog look a little gay to you?"

by mike bornemann @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 7, 2006 3:32 PM CDT reply actions

I loved Pat's comment

"That was our first gay dog reference of the year..."

Go Cubbies!

by NC Cubs Fan on Apr 7, 2006 3:37 PM CDT up reply actions

Great sign

seen at the end of the game "I'm part of the Tom Walker Fan Club".

DmL

by dmlichte on Apr 7, 2006 3:35 PM CDT reply actions

Naysayers feelin' better?

I hope so. Look, if Walker and Neifi! share the spot and hit over .300 between them -- what's wrong with that? Cedeno is staying at short. and if Neifi! can spell either of them from time to time, that shows me that we have a decent bench. You have to have guys like Neifi! around.

by Smooth Jazz Man San Diego on Apr 7, 2006 3:43 PM CDT reply actions

I'm far from a naysayer...

but i think i'll stick up for them here. Most of the people criticizing the lineup today had a bigger problem with Neifi's spot in the order than the fact that he was in the lineup at all. On a day when the wind is blowing in, Maddux is on the mound, and a righty is pitching against us, i don't have a problem with Neifi getting a start... However, he shouldn't be batting 2nd in the lineup.

The Cubs will thrive in twenty-oh-five... or sometime thereafter!

by Shawn Domagal-Goldman on Apr 7, 2006 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions

Your logic is faulty...

....Neifi was 3 for 4 today.

So, that means Dusty made the right decision.

85% of the world's working and the other 15% come out here (to Wrigley). --Lee Elia

by southerncubbie on Apr 7, 2006 4:55 PM CDT up reply actions

Now THAT is faulty logic...

A good decision by a manager is a decision that results in success more frequently than its alternatives. Batting Neifi second worked today; batting Walker second would have been the better choice.

By your logic, Joe Torre putting in Mariano Rivera to close out a game is a bad decision if Rivera blows the save. Sometimes good decisions lead to bad outcomes; sometimes (like today), the opposite is true. The correlation between good decisions and good outcomes is not perfect, but is does exist.

Here's to hoping whoever Dusty bats second keeps hitting.

by ARMissel on Apr 7, 2006 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions

Amen to that....

....I understand where you're coming from, and I understand that this is all odds and percentages, I do.

However, I also feel that it is a new season, and that though the numbers from last year, i.e. neifi's performance in the 2-hole (do you have those numbers, btw...., should apply, but only up to a point.

It's a different team, a different line-up, etc......Give him a shot--see what he does with Pierre in front of him.

Let's do hope that whoever hits second continues to do so.

85% of the world's working and the other 15% come out here (to Wrigley). --Lee Elia

by southerncubbie on Apr 7, 2006 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions

Neifi in the 2-hole

268AB
.280/.300/.414

don't have GIDP numbers

by jolietconvict on Apr 7, 2006 6:18 PM CDT up reply actions

his numbers..

....in the 7 and 8 hole are much better--however it is a new season with totally new circumstances.......

here's to hoping he has a great season!!!

85% of the world's working and the other 15% come out here (to Wrigley). --Lee Elia

by southerncubbie on Apr 7, 2006 7:02 PM CDT up reply actions

and that too

is odd logic.

he's who he is. players don't reinvent themselves every year. accept it -- neifi certainly has -- and let him be who he is. great glove, decent hitter, poor overall batter.

by gaius marius on Apr 8, 2006 8:20 AM CDT up reply actions

I disagree...

....with your "fixed" view of the game--

I think Neifi is a great bench player, who makes great contact and has a great glove.

If he doesn't get too many at bats and is used carefully, I think he's a tremendous asset.

I don't have to accept your view of his play, and my views certainly do not keep him from being who he is .

That's a ridiculous statement: let him be who he is .

How all-knowing of you to fix his indentity--You feel very confident in defining who and what he is, which I find strange, and borderline condescending.

85% of the world's working and the other 15% come out here (to Wrigley). --Lee Elia

by southerncubbie on Apr 8, 2006 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions

neifi can play everyday

if he's going to hit like this. But when there's better options, those options should be used. It would be the same for me if wade miller was all of the sudden a better third basemen that aramis. Personaly I think our best line up would have JHJ at second and batting second. He hasn't gotten the chance to play a full year somewhere since he cam back from injury, who knows what he could do.

by mike bornemann @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 7, 2006 3:50 PM CDT up reply actions

It's not if...

...he starts, it's how often and where does he hit. Everyone agrees, I think, that Neifi is a fine backup. There's no problem with him starting once in a while. The problem is when he racks up 600 PA mostly in the 2-hole.

by jolietconvict on Apr 7, 2006 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions

it's very early, of course

but through three games he's on pace for 378 ab.

by gaius marius on Apr 7, 2006 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions

Well...

the Cubs are on pace for 1431 runs after 3 games. If Neifi gets 378 AB's we might score just 1100, and that's really bad. :)

Cubbie Blue always sPaRkLes in my eyes.

by sparkles721 on Apr 7, 2006 5:04 PM CDT up reply actions

I know you are being funny

but if the Cubs score 900 runs that is GREAT. Only 1 MLB team scored over 900 last year (BOS 910). So, sign me up for 1100 with Neifi and we will win 90+ games.

by socalbob on Apr 7, 2006 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions

au contraire

knowing the cubs we would score 800 of them tomorrow though, in an offensive explosion the likes of which have never been seen.

by mike bornemann @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 7, 2006 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions

I forgot

the Cubs bring their hitting shoes one day and play with slippers the next.

by socalbob on Apr 7, 2006 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions

And I would get to see it!

Not only would it be against the Cards, but it would be against Chris Carpenter.

Cubbie Blue always sPaRkLes in my eyes.

by sparkles721 on Apr 7, 2006 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions

I agree...

if the Cubs keep this pace, it would be amazing.

It would be very nice if the score 900.

Cubbie Blue always sPaRkLes in my eyes.

by sparkles721 on Apr 7, 2006 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions

exactly, spark

it's really early. :)

by gaius marius on Apr 8, 2006 8:20 AM CDT up reply actions

Great fundamentals by the Cubs today...

Outstanding defense and an offense that scored 5 runs with only one coming on a long ball. That's the type of game we need to play when the wind is blowing in at Wrigley. Last year, Maddux would have left that game with a 1-1 tie (or worse with the way the D played today), and the bullpen likely would have blown the game...

Lots of good things happened today that indicate we may have a much better team than last year...

The Cubs will thrive in twenty-oh-five... or sometime thereafter!

by Shawn Domagal-Goldman on Apr 7, 2006 3:45 PM CDT reply actions

27 runs in the first 3 games

...on only 5 home runs.

I'll take that to start the season, Neifi! or no Neifi!

by ar_hawkins on Apr 7, 2006 3:56 PM CDT up reply actions

seems like

we had a lot or error or made play help

by mike bornemann @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 7, 2006 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions

bad play help

by mike bornemann @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 7, 2006 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions

Possibly...

But still good to see runs being scored in bushels without the long ball - errors or no errors...

by ar_hawkins on Apr 7, 2006 4:34 PM CDT up reply actions

I agree...

last year we didn't take advantage of the breaks that did go our way. The other team would make an error, but we wouldn't do anything.

Cubbie Blue always sPaRkLes in my eyes.

by sparkles721 on Apr 7, 2006 5:08 PM CDT up reply actions

Over from McCovey Chronicles

I was bored today so watched the Cubs/Cards game and made up a Win Probability.

Link to Table: http://img450.imageshack.us/img450/5853/a0qf.jpg

Link to Chart: http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/4590/c9dr.jpg

Any Questions Try: http://www.mccoveychronicles.com/story/2006/4/6/23431/91846 and http://www.mccoveychronicles.com/story/2006/4/6/223539/0299

Enjoy!

by WalrusMan on Apr 7, 2006 3:56 PM CDT reply actions

The Cubs looked solid today

my only beef is with Joke Jones trying to turn his first good hit into a double. Maddux looked like he was overjoyed to have an outfield that could finally back him up! I know I am!!
2-1. Look out Brewers :)

by teacher tom on Apr 7, 2006 5:10 PM CDT reply actions

Network Bar

Bleed Cubbie Blue -

Open Thread: Cubs vs. Cardinals, Friday 4/7

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