Facts, Opinions And A Quiz

by Al on Jul 2, 2007 8:41 AM CDT in News Comment 148 comments

Here, this ought to keep you all occupied until tonight's game:

Quiz time! Here are the NL Central standings as of this morning, with the team names removed. There's a reason for this, as you'll see:

W L GB 47 34 --- 40 40 6.5 36 42 9.5 35 46 12.0 35 47 12.5 31 51 16.5

OK, got that? Here are two other divisional standings from this date in baseball history:

W L GB 47 25 --- 42 33 6.5 41 32 6.5 39 35 9.0 32 42 16.0 31 45 18.0

W L GB 48 33 --- 37 38 8.0 36 39 9.0 36 40 9.5 34 39 10.0 33 40 11.0

OK, here's your assignment: What divisions and years are those from, and which teams won? I'm leaving the answer in the comments, so don't cheat and look before you guess!

FACT: Ex-Cub pitcher John Koronka DFA'd by the Rangers -- and replaced on the roster by Desi Relaford!

OPINION: For all of you who overvalue Cub prospects, Koronka never was one. Yeah, maybe Jim Hendry could have gotten more than Freddie Bynum in return, but Koronka's a never-was. (Desi Relaford? Wow.)

FACT: Barry Bonds elected to NL All-Star starting team.

OPINION: Reasonable people can disagree about whether Bonds deserves to be on the team or not. That's not my point here -- what I'd like to ask, especially on contentious issues like this, is that you treat other posters with respect. There was some name-calling over this issue in the comments last night. Disagree, argue vehemently, state your position. But please refrain from calling other posters "idiots". Thanks.

FACT: The complete resurfacing of Wrigley Field, originally scheduled to be done this offseason, is now on hold.

OPINION: This is ridiculous; the article says it's being held up because of the uncertainty about the sale of the team. For a job costing $1 million, less than 1/3 of Scott Eyre's contract? And according to the article, "the permit process required for the work was under way, with the plans allowing options to add up to two rows of seating from dugout to dugout -- premium sections that likely would recoup the cost of the project in as little as a year." So why the holdup, especially since the field is likely to be in poor shape after the Police concerts?

FACT: Alex Rodriguez's wife wore an X-rated T-shirt to Yankee Stadium on Sunday, in the company of her two-year-old daughter.

OPINION: These two appear to deserve each other.

FACT: Last night, on Baseball Tonight on ESPN, they were discussing how much of the AL All-Star starting team is foreign-born, and then followed up by saying, "There are more Americans on the NL team, beginning with Russell Martin." Martin's from Canada.

OPINION: Yet another example of bigtime media not doing simple fact-checking.

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Quiz answers...

... The first standings listed, as noted, are this year's NL Central standings as of this morning.

The second one is the 1977 NL East; the Cubs are the team in first place by 6.5 games. The team that won that division was the Phillies, listed there at 41-32. They went 60-29 the rest of the way. The Cubs went 34-56 and finished 20 games out.

The third one is the 1973 NL East; the Cubs, again, were in first place with that 48-33 record. The team that won that division was the Mets -- who were in last place, 11 games out, with a 31-45 record. Those Mets had the worst record of any playoff team ever, 82-79, but still went 51-34 from that date. The 1973 Cubs went 29-51 in the second half.

Just to show you that indeed, anything can happen in the second half of a season!

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jul 2, 2007 8:36 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Darnit!

My guess was 1907 and 1908. The encycolpedia tells me that those were good years.

Go Nebraska Football!

by sanantonecub on Jul 2, 2007 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

Every Cub fan over the age of 5 knows the Cubs can self destruct. The question is, can the Brewers?

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jul 2, 2007 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Both those Cub teams...

... looked damn good on July 1. The '73 team was, of course, the last of the '60s-era clubs before it was broken up after that year was over.

The '77 team wasn't really that good, but they did go 40-15 in the months of May and June. That is, incidentally, the best such 55-game performance since 1945.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jul 2, 2007 9:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What about the 2001 team?

Didn't we have a 5-6 game lead at the break then too?

I'll be a believer once we beat Capuano

by cubbie08 on Jul 2, 2007 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

True.

The biggest lead the 2001 Cubs had was 6 games on June 22. They were 43-28. From then till season's end they went 45-46, not as bad as some of those other teams. Both the Cardinals and Astros passed them and made the playoffs.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jul 2, 2007 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The 2006 Detroit Tigers

First Half 59 29 455 328 .670
Second Half 36 38 367 347 .486

They had a 10 game lead on August 7th, and finished in 2nd place.

1-RUN GAMES = 10-15 | EXTRA INNINGS = 1-6 | HOME = 20-21 | updated on 7/1

by SackMan on Jul 2, 2007 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sounds like the 69 Cubs

n/t

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Jul 2, 2007 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So isn't it about time

a turn-around happens to the Cubs? Since it has never happened before why not this season?

And don't tell me the phrase those 'who don't remember history are doomed to repeat it' works here, because it doesn't -- this team does not have any history of coming back, only leading -- and failing causes me to speculate that a different, new way (for this franchise, anyway) to success could be paved this year.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jul 2, 2007 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Easily

Any team that hasn't so much as sniffed the playoffs in 25 years is no lock to do anything, let alone walk away with the Central division. Unless you weren't watching, all you have to do to combat Milwaukee is throw RH pitching at them consistently. These are not the 1927 Yankees. The are beatable, as the Cubs have shown in 7 of the 12 games against them this year. The magic beans of the Brewers are running out...how else can you explain them missing Santana, Bonderman, Oswalt and Zambrano in the last six series?

Eighty-five percent of the f*ckin' world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here. -- Lee Constantine Elia, 1983.

by krummy12 on Jul 2, 2007 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No kidding

Big difference with their approach vs. a struggling Marquis as opposed to a hot Marshall.

"60% of the time, it works EVERY time."

by utcubby on Jul 2, 2007 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Anything Can Happen

Your little quiz left me a little uneasy about the 36-42 St. Louis Cardinals.

"God watches over drunks and third baseman." - Leo Durocher

by wabob on Jul 2, 2007 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ouch!

That reference to the '73 Cubs is almost as painful as thinking about the dive the Cubs took in '69. Unless the injury bug hits big-time, I don't see a similar fate for Lou's boys this year. I am concerned about the starting pitching holding up, but what team does not worry about that?

Should we refer to Mr. Martin as Canadian-American? I get a chuckle out of hearing a reference to Mexican-Americans. I suppose it would sound incongruous to say "African-Americans and Mexicans" when referring to minorities.

And yes, Canada and Mexico are part of North America along with the good ol' USA. God bless America.

Pie, Fontenot, Theriot and Soto up the middle ... yippie oh, oh, oh!

by SpudV on Jul 2, 2007 8:45 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Anything CAN happen

but I sure like where we're going right now. Who would have guessed this lineup during spring training, especially Fontenot-Theriot-absent Barrett? There is some energy, timely hitting and pitching. I can't wait for the second half. Good to see you again Al.........

This is Harry Carray, goodbye from Wrigley Field and So Long Everybody.

by mrcubsfan on Jul 2, 2007 8:51 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Good to see you too!

Glad you got to see a win on Sunday, after the blowout loss on Saturday.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jul 2, 2007 8:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

well I hope Z and the Cubs

smack the heck out of the Nats tomorrow..cause i got tickets and the last Cubs game I went to this year wasn't too good, with San Diego winning 11-4..

Bring Back Matt Murton!!

by Chanman25 on Jul 2, 2007 8:59 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Al Fact checking indeed

A-Rod only has one kid

OPINION: Yet another example of small time media not doing simple fact-checking. Like reading the article.

LOL

Pot meets kettle, kettle, pot.

6-01-2007 the Cubs begin to rise. They will never look back.

by Scott G F on Jul 2, 2007 9:00 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

LOL

You're right. I DID read the article, somehow I parsed "2-year-old daughter" as "2 kids". Oh, well.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jul 2, 2007 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I only know

Because I share a cubicle with her cousin. But even he was thinking about it wondering where the other kid came from.

Either way I found it ironic and funny.

6-01-2007 the Cubs begin to rise. They will never look back.

by Scott G F on Jul 2, 2007 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You share a cubicle...

... with Mrs. A-Rod's cousin? Any scoops you can get?

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jul 2, 2007 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No scopes

I will if I hear anything of course.

6-01-2007 the Cubs begin to rise. They will never look back.

by Scott G F on Jul 2, 2007 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Defending Al

To be fair, none of us ever believe Al. :)

"Don't think; it can only hurt the ball club."

by Jesse Guam on Jul 2, 2007 9:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I fixed the front page.

Thanks for fact-checking for me!

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jul 2, 2007 9:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey!

I never fact check. Facts are always inconvienent and get in the way of a good arguement.

"Don't think; it can only hurt the ball club."

by Jesse Guam on Jul 2, 2007 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Facts...

In the immortal words of one Homer J. Simpson:

"Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true!"

"High...pop fly...wouldn't be a home run in a phone booth!" -Harry Caray

by riggs on Jul 2, 2007 4:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think

the t-shirt is r-rated, not x-rated, fwiw.

Also, any more news on the Izturis/Jones front? Were they rumored to be going in the same deal, or separate deals at the same time. If the same deal, that would seem to limit the number of suitors.

by jazzypete on Jul 2, 2007 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

and it'd limit...

the likely return. Two relatively expensive and unproductive players have less value than just one.

by SouthernCub on Jul 2, 2007 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What are

the Rangers seeking in return for Gagne? Wondering if we have what they are looking for and if he would cost too much for us to get?

by Tangled Up In Blue on Jul 2, 2007 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"There are more Americans ...NL team"

They must've meant dudes who speak English.

One of Us!One Of Us!

by HerrProf on Jul 2, 2007 9:11 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Martin speaks French and English

Two more languages than many MLB players regardless of origin.

"It's the Cubbies. There's always a vibe. It's the greatest vibe in baseball." Greg Maddux on Cub fan's optimism even after the 06 debacle.

by jessica on Jul 2, 2007 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

In reagrds to name calling and the Bonds Issue....

....can we call Bud Selig names? Please?

Besides the obvious - Go Irish.

Z. He doesn't need an exclamtion point. He is one.

by PopeFlick on Jul 2, 2007 9:15 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I second this...

we need to have a Bud Selig Exception Rule 501.3(d) as an addendum to the name-calling cessation law. All in favor???

by eamuscatuli1881 on Jul 2, 2007 9:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I

by Tangled Up In Blue on Jul 2, 2007 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

As far as I know...

... Bud doesn't post here, thus, I would say he could qualify for such an exception.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jul 2, 2007 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Open season then

Bud is a @!#$%&* idiot..... He not our Bud...lol. Now I feel better.

by LT on Jul 2, 2007 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not one for civil disobedience....

creating a public nuisance, whatever.

But I know in my heart of hearts, even if I had payed big bucks for seats, if I EVER end up sitting near him I will heckle him without profanity but certainly call him a sleaze bag and other very clear terms until I would no doubt be escorted from the stadium. I don't even know if I could wait until the second inning.

Down the road, he will be seen with Fehr as two of the biggest scums to ever run this game in it's history. Shame on them. F--- them.

Besides the obvious - Go Irish.

Z. He doesn't need an exclamtion point. He is one.

by PopeFlick on Jul 2, 2007 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Me and Bud

I was making a phone call at the Wrigely pay phones ( yes no cell phone) during an 03 playoff game and who should walk past but
Bud and some his henchman. As total unthinking gut reaction I
stuck my tongue out at him, He gave me a strange look. I wish
I could have thought of something better but I figure he got my
drift

"It's the Cubbies. There's always a vibe. It's the greatest vibe in baseball." Greg Maddux on Cub fan's optimism even after the 06 debacle.

by jessica on Jul 2, 2007 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What you didn't see or hear....

Bud: Excuse Me, Victor, I believe that woman just stuck her tongue out at me, I would like her ejected immediately.

Victor: Yes, sir. I believe she did as well, but from what I understand in the north side of Chicago this means a job well done, so I don't believe she should be ejected.

Bud: Are you sure? I always thought that it was negative mocking.

Victor: Absolutely not, sir. Every one loves you, sir. Why would she be mocking you?

Bud: You're absolutely right! They do, don't they?

Victor: Yes, sir. By the way, sir, there's a small child here to see you, about five years old, would like an autograph.

Bud: Tell 'er, that'll be $250, but only on the grounds that she gets my autograph and my autograph only. Also, I want $25 in royalties from each person that she lets see this autograph. Finally, if I sign this autograph she is agreeing to buy at least 10 tickets for the next 10 seasons. And Victor?

Victor: Yes, sir?

Bud: Get me a root beer, but only one that was made in Milwaukee.

Victor: Yes, sir.

by eamuscatuli1881 on Jul 2, 2007 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

LMAO

Perfect!

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jul 2, 2007 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think the significance

of this drainage plan being tabled can be overstated. The article goes on to say that the club wouldn't add any new funds until the pool of buyers has been narrowed to a couple, which likely won't take place until NEXT APRIL. And even then, any expenditures would have to be signed off on by all prospective buyers.

This is tremendously bad news. Not only does it mean the Cubs can't be buyers this year, but it would also seem to suggest that the Cubs won't be able to sign new contracts NEXT
OFF-SEASON. The only way I can see around it, unless I'm misinterpreting the article, is maybe if Hendry can clear some salary by dealing Jones, Izturis, and Eyre, AND having someone pay their contracts, maybe that contract money could be spent elsewhere. Maybe.

But this does mean we can say goodbye to big Z. Hendry should probably trade him now or else lose him forever for nothing but a draf tpick.

This is a sad day to be a Cubs fan.

by jazzypete on Jul 2, 2007 9:40 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I think you're overreacting.

n/t

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jul 2, 2007 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not by much...

this shouldn't have been more than a line item on the operational budget, and hardly worth talking about financially. It's very troubling that there is micro-management to this level. Very troubling.

by Damen Jackson on Jul 2, 2007 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Now announcing the starting lineups for

your Chicago Expos, uh er, Montreal Cubs, uh...

A little more stalling and the Zell/Tribune will need to step up and appease the fans. Too much negative press is not good for a smooth sale. How much is too much? I don't know, but I'm gussing we'll know it when we see it.

I sort of understand not wanting to pay out JJ's contract, but the field is considered one of the worst in the league and needs repair.

by N Oakley on Jul 2, 2007 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

On what basis

do you say that? The sale of the club has already halted the Zambrano extension and the Jones trade, and now there are public reports that the team won't make any new expenditures until April 08, and even then it won't be without approval of all prospective buyers. I would say it is hard to overreact to that.

Maybe you could let me know why you don't think it's such a big deal, I could be missing something.

by jazzypete on Jul 2, 2007 1:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I tend to agree with you

the sale is clearly muddling this thing up, and I can understand why. From a pure baseball perspective, I think a lot of folks would be leary to give Hendry any more dough.

If the Cubs are fairly close in about 2-3 weeks (3-4 games), you may see the powers at be open up the checkbook, but that is something we will have to see.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Jul 2, 2007 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not sure what stopped the Jones trade

One report said it was Zell, but other reports cited other reasons. McDonough and Hendry denied Zell was the reason.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 2, 2007 2:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not in a million years

would McDonough or Hendry admit Zell nixed eating the dough.

Somebody told them not to sign Zambrano and not to eat Jones' money, and it is currently effecting the way they do business.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Jul 2, 2007 3:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Tell me this...

if Hendry thinks/knows his job is in danger at the end of the year and the imminent deal is precluding him from doing a job worthy of saving his own hide, then why would he stick around? If the Tribune/Zell/and whomever is hindering progress as much as speculated, wouldn't that be an easy out for Hendry to resign without being fired? Why would he stick around? I don't know, I just don't understand why he wouldn't just quit while he has an excuse then to be fired for his repeated mistakes and the fact that he hasn't leads me to believe it's not as bas as some have speculated.

by eamuscatuli1881 on Jul 2, 2007 4:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just suppose

the Cubs made the WS this year. That's got to be in Hendry's mind. If that happened, he'd be considered an amazing GM by a number of other owners.

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jul 3, 2007 2:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

if we dont resign big z

it will be the biggest mistake in cubs history bar none!!! flame me all you want for that remark cause i dont give a rats tail. he will be signed long term by the cardinals the day the cubs tell him theres no more money for him. yes i said it, you read it first from me. his attitude isnt always great but he's the only cub ive seen in quite some time with the desire and passion to win every single time out of the gate. i know it hinders him from time to time. he's been a workhorse and for the most part been healthy and that there is priceless in this day and age. if we dont do anything else we damn well better get him hitched for a long time. go cubbies

Here comes the nasty leftie to shut it down in the 9th......Clay Rapada!!!!

by cubsluver22 on Jul 2, 2007 9:58 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The Cardinals...

... don't sign expensive free agents, as a rule.

If the Cubs don't re-sign Z, look for him in a Mets uniform in 2008.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jul 2, 2007 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah ok whatever

they may have what ever rule you speak of but this will be the exception and i'll put my family jewels on it. i feel very strongly about this. if we dont resign our stud #1 pitcher we can kiss off another century. it will be a mistake that will haunt us for the next 10 years. just the thought of big z with a deadbird on his jersey makes me sick. it would be like jeter playing his home games at fenway.

Here comes the nasty leftie to shut it down in the 9th......Clay Rapada!!!!

by cubsluver22 on Jul 2, 2007 1:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well..

... believe what you like, but I'm basing this on reality. The Cardinals simply do not sign people like this; never have, never will.

Omar Minaya loves Z. He'll be first on the phone to Z's agent IF the Cubs decline, and the Mets have the money. So do the Yankees, but Z likes to bat and couldn't bat with the Yankees.

Book it.

Still hoping he'll stay, of course.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jul 2, 2007 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

big Zapple

i unfortunately agree with al. if whomever is in charge come november doesn't pony up to resign Z, i think he winds up a met. i do believe i almost drove my wife to tears on the way to sunday's game when i asked if she'll still wear her Z jersey next year when he's a met...

if and when he reaches free agency unsigned, there will be some fierce bidding (driven by AL teams, yankees? angels?). i think he will want to stay in the NL, with being able to hit factoring prominently in that decision, and i don't see any other national league team matching what the mets will offer...

by bobby h on Jul 2, 2007 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I cannot believe that any management

no matter how cheap, would allow him to be sent packing. ABSOLUTE CRA-Z-NESS!

MMMMM...Hebrew National

by Kinky Reggae on Jul 2, 2007 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

fingers crossed

i absolutely hope that you are right.

if it weren't for the ownership trade, however, i don't think that we would even be having this conversation at the moment, so hopefully my visions of Z in blue and orange are just a matter of my cynicism getting the best of me.

by bobby h on Jul 2, 2007 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't understand this

Are we going to fall apart because of this sale? We have a damn good team now and need to make a run. This team can be good for years to come too, but if we can't purchase who we need to then we are going to fall apart.

by GoCubbies34 on Jul 2, 2007 5:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

if there were ever a name that we can GUARANTEE will come back to bite us in the ass, it is Zambrano. He is a lock to be a superstar here...elswhere, according to traded Cub laws, he will win 5-8 Cy Young awards and gold gloves out the wazoo.

Anyone think Hendry will trade himself to cut enough salary to hold on to Z?

How's that for big ideas?

Oh and PS...BARRY BONDS IS A F*%$#@IN PIECE OF *%$# AND DOESN'T DESERVE &%^$!!!!!!

MMMMM...Hebrew National

by Kinky Reggae on Jul 2, 2007 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

They should, and will, sign Zambrano. But if they don't, unless Zambrano turns into Greg Maddux, Larry Himes negotiating "skills" will forever be linked as the worst Cubs free-agent gaffe of all-time. Mel Rojas be damned.

Eighty-five percent of the f*ckin' world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here. -- Lee Constantine Elia, 1983.

by krummy12 on Jul 2, 2007 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

We've seen this before somewhere

haven't I? Oh yeah, Greg Maddux!
I hope that Z wins his Cy Young and WS here in Chicago!

by Tangled Up In Blue on Jul 2, 2007 10:15 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Cubs Schedule

I just checked out the Cubs remaining Schedule. For the rest of the Season we only have Five Series and Twenty games against teams over .500.

Remaining games:
Pitt-9
Hou-12
StL-11
Cin-12
Wash-3
S.F.-7
Mil-3
Ari-6
Phi-4
Mets-3
Col-4
LaD-4
Fla-3

The problem with this is the Brewers are playing the same type of schedule, but the Wild Card seems alot more feasable after looking at this. Winning 45 to 50 games doesn't seem out of the realm of possibility, giving us 85-90 wins which has the last few years been close to the Wild Card.

2006-88
2005-89

Maybe the East and West will beat up on each other and either the Cubs or Brewers can sneak in with 88 wins.

"Harlem Furniture......You'll like our style!"

by Imtrejo on Jul 2, 2007 10:17 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

About the schedule

I actually broke this down. For nearly two months, the Brewers and Cubs play virtually the same schedule, playing the same teams on home stands and going on the same road trips. They simply switch teams at the end of each series. It's weird. This goes on for seven weeks, beginning this week with Pitt-Was, leading up to the ChC-Mil series at the end of August.

I still think winning the division will be much easier. Having to leap frog Atlanta, Philadelphia, Arizona and L.A. while holding off teams like Colorado just seems too difficult. It looks like 92-93 wins will be around what it takes, meaning the Cubs to go at least 52-30 (.634) the rest of the way.

rain delay theatre

by rob9802 on Jul 2, 2007 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

the race

So many games left against our own division. I think winning a good chunk of those games is going to be the key for either the Wild Card or the Division. Both the Cards 21-15 and the Brewers 22-12 have done very well in the Central. The Cubs are at 16-16 in the Central thus far. Lets hope we can swap places w/them in the second half

Tony

by tony412 on Jul 2, 2007 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Game starts at 11:05 am CT on July 4th?

O brother... who the heck came up with that one.

1-RUN GAMES = 10-15 | EXTRA INNINGS = 1-6 | HOME = 20-21 | updated on 7/1

by SackMan on Jul 2, 2007 10:22 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

That's a noon start locally

And allows all the fans to go home to watch or blow up fireworks... no use for the Nationals to have their own show when they would have to compete against so many others in the area.

Go Nebraska Football!

by sanantonecub on Jul 2, 2007 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Big Fireworks Show

will be over the Capitol, where I intend to watch it on the banks of the Potomac near the Pentagon. Seeing the fireworks with the Capitol buildings in the background gets my patriotic juices going. PBS usually broadcasts it every year.

Oh yeah, I'll be in town Tuesday night for the Cubs-Nats tilt. I'll be the one with a Cub's cap down the left field line.

Pie, Fontenot, Theriot and Soto up the middle ... yippie oh, oh, oh!

by SpudV on Jul 2, 2007 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

July 4th is a very

festive day (as well as a very crowded day) in Washington, DC as you might imagine. I'm sure the early start time was an effort to get the game finished (and the fans out of the Metro) before the July 4th festivities get underway. Believe it or not the world doesn't revolve around Chicago.

by cubsbak on Jul 2, 2007 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

July 4th in DC

July 4 in DC is the heaviest subway ridership day of the entire year, plus for everyone coming to RFK from Virginia, you have to essentially go around 400,000 people going to the Mall.

The 12:05 start time is still going to be a pain for everybody trying to get out after the game is over - they're expecting nearly a sell out (40K+) for the game, and everyone will be leaving at the same time all the other people are coming downtown.

I HAPPILY gave up my tickets for the Fourth (am going Tuesday and Thursday - Section 210, row 9), although I am kind of bummed I won't be getting the George Washington bobblehead.

"Don't worry, Joey. We'll go next year. They're in the World Series all the time" ---My grandfather to my sick father, October 10, 1945

by flyingdonut on Jul 2, 2007 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Let's hope

the Nats fans will gradually start filing out with their team down big around the sixth inning.

by eamuscatuli1881 on Jul 2, 2007 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cubs-Nats

75% of the people there will be Cubs fans. I LOVE my Nats, but only for 155 games a year. The other 7 - I've got my blue on.

"Don't worry, Joey. We'll go next year. They're in the World Series all the time" ---My grandfather to my sick father, October 10, 1945

by flyingdonut on Jul 2, 2007 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm sure there's a little league game somewhere

in the DC area, worth watching over the Nats.

1-RUN GAMES = 10-15 | EXTRA INNINGS = 1-6 | HOME = 20-21 | updated on 7/1

by SackMan on Jul 2, 2007 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nats

They stink on ice now, but in three-four years, they're going to be a powerhouse. And besides, I'd much rather my money go to the Lerners and a team local than to Satan in Baltimore.

"Don't worry, Joey. We'll go next year. They're in the World Series all the time" ---My grandfather to my sick father, October 10, 1945

by flyingdonut on Jul 2, 2007 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I guess I just wanted to b**ch about

having to watch a friggin early game. I mean... my fav bar won't even have the doors open yet.

1-RUN GAMES = 10-15 | EXTRA INNINGS = 1-6 | HOME = 20-21 | updated on 7/1

by SackMan on Jul 2, 2007 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sounds like you need to find a new bar

"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Jul 2, 2007 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Think about

those of here on the left coast who will have breakfast with the game.

EI is carrying MASN, not Comcast. But, Bob Carpenter calls a good game. Strange that he's not with ESPN any more...wonder what happened there...

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jul 2, 2007 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I work the night shift in Chicago....

I have breakfast with practically every Cubs game (mimosa's when I don't have to go back in)

by coral on Jul 2, 2007 1:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hear that!

by vegascubsfan on Jul 2, 2007 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Question

Does anyone know why Marmol wasn't creditted with a save yesterday? I know there was a four run lead, but he did pitch two innings. And if I remember the save rule correctly (always iffy), he faced a number of batters greater than the difference in score.

Was this covered elsewhere?

"Don't think; it can only hurt the ball club."

by Jesse Guam on Jul 2, 2007 10:29 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Nevermind

A little research would have answered my question.

For all those who might be interested:

http://espn.go.com/mlb/s/1999/0908/46403.html

I was misremembering 3b.

"Don't think; it can only hurt the ball club."

by Jesse Guam on Jul 2, 2007 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's not the save rule

This is:

10.19 Saves For Relief Pitchers
A save is a statistic credited to a relief pitcher, as set forth in this Rule 10.19.
The official scorer shall credit a pitcher with a save when such pitcher meets all four of the following conditions:
(a) He is the finishing pitcher in a game won by his team;
(b) He is not the winning pitcher;
(c) He is credited with at least a third of an inning pitched; and
(d) He satisfies one of the following conditions:
(1) He enters the game with a lead of no more than three runs and pitches for at least one inning;
(2) He enters the game, regardless of the count, with the potential tying run either on base, or at bat or on deck (that is, the potential tying run is either already on base or is one of the first two batters he faces); or
(3) He pitches for at least three innings.

As you can see Marmol didn't qualify.

by cubsbak on Jul 2, 2007 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks

A little research on my own and I would have figured that out.

To borrow a phrase, the lesson is, as always, I'm an idiot.

"Don't think; it can only hurt the ball club."

by Jesse Guam on Jul 2, 2007 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No problem

It's a very confusing rule and I always forget it too. I've had to look it up countless times.

by cubsbak on Jul 2, 2007 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Please JG

No name calling! :)

by slide on Jul 2, 2007 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If you call yourself an idiot

does that break the no name calling rules? :)

"Dad gum right this games gonna be played under protest. . . I guarantee this is gonna be one protest that's upheld." --Hawk Harrelson, 6/24/07

by RynoHoF on Jul 2, 2007 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Probably

I'm defying Al's edict and thumbing my nose at his authority. I'm a rebel like that.

"Don't think; it can only hurt the ball club."

by Jesse Guam on Jul 2, 2007 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rule exception #2..

... yes, you can call yourself an idiot if you like.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jul 2, 2007 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Darn

Now that Al has endorsed my self name calling, I don't feel like such a rebel. Darn it.

"Don't think; it can only hurt the ball club."

by Jesse Guam on Jul 2, 2007 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

To get a save...

... with more than a 3-run lead, you have to pitch three innings.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jul 2, 2007 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not necessarily

If the vbases are loaded, the lead could be 5 runs. - The on-deck guy is the key.

by Ihatethecards on Jul 2, 2007 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Send Z to AllStar game

Just got an email from the Cubs, I'm sure some of you did also. Anyway this link takes you to the ballot to vote in case you are interested:

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2007/fv/ballot_pop.html

Tony

by tony412 on Jul 2, 2007 10:44 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Link...

... is at the top of the main page and will stay there till balloting ends.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jul 2, 2007 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't understand this

Does anyone really believe that Carlos deserves to go to the all-star game? He was awful for most of the first half. No way does he get my vote.

by cubsbak on Jul 2, 2007 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Possibly not

but after the yahoos on SD baseball TV were complaining that "Chris Young" deserves to be on the team, but that Carlos Zambrano will probably be the last player voted in since "Cubs fans are everywhere" I decided to make sure I'd be part of making that whiny prediction come true.

Boo hoo. You are in a small market with a team that has fans in 1 county. Deal with reality instead of complaining.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jul 2, 2007 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm sure ARod's wife would say...

...her two-year-old can't read anything, much less something scribbled on the back of her Mom's shirt.

Of course, that conveniently ignores the fact that any number of children who can read might be sitting behind Mrs. Rodriguez in the stands or walking behind her on the way into or out of the park.

I'd also guess that she's wearing the shirt in response to all the tabloid attention she and her husband receive. To which I say: GET OVER IT! Your husband is a superstar who often acts like a moron -- expect the attention and show a little class (even if he can't).

Her behavior is absolute and total bullsh...oh, sorry, gotta go. My four-year-old just walked in.

Brew Crew: We are coming for you. (And we mean it this time.)

by dat cubfan daver on Jul 2, 2007 10:51 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The shirt was neither X rated nor R rated

It's a fashion brand. FCUK. Stands for French Connection something something. I think you can buy these in department stores.

by sdrone on Jul 2, 2007 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Regardless, still pretty bad taste

Adding "you" after it implies the exact same message.

Most dissapointing to me is the way this was handled by Yankees management and staff - I would typically expect in a ballpark for staff and players families to be held to a higher standard then the regular fan - much like airline employees have to dress up to ride for free in first class.

This entire problem could of quickly and discreetly been solved by Yankee Stadium security bringing Mrs. Rodriguez a shirt or jersey from the gift shop to wear. Why this easy solution never was thought of is puzzling.

Go Nebraska Football!

by sanantonecub on Jul 2, 2007 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So only the dyslexic are offended

by coral on Jul 2, 2007 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

From the not-so-surprising dept,

Cincinnati has fired their skipper. Replaced with the advance-scout.

Go Nebraska Football!

by sanantonecub on Jul 2, 2007 10:54 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

jerry narron was fired!

i'm shocked, really...okay who am i kidding, this guy's been living on borrowed time since last season.

"One thing you learn as a Cubs fan: When you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth." - Joe Garagiola

by gary varsho on Jul 2, 2007 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Al

if the holdup for the new field is a permit issue, then this makes a whole lot more sense, as the owner of the property for which the permit was secured is the one responsible for procuring the permit and that person/group's name is on the permit. should ownership of the property change, a new permit has to be procured. so there's two issues here: one, the cubs wouldn't want to begin the work, then have to stop it midstream when ownership changes, and two, there seems to be some confusion over whether or not the new onwers will include wrigely in the sale of the team. with that much ambiguity about ownership of the property, the city might be reluctant to issue the permit, expecially given daley's reluctance to aid any construction problems at wrigley since the tribune shut down soldier field construction. in chicago it always comes down to politics.

"One thing you learn as a Cubs fan: When you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth." - Joe Garagiola

by gary varsho on Jul 2, 2007 10:55 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I doubt it's a permit issue.

This isn't really "construction", it's just resodding. You don't need a permit to resod your lawn; this is likely the same thing.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jul 2, 2007 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Buy you probably do

if you are adding two rows of premium seats. And you might if you are putting in a new drainage system (that presumably connects to public drains/sewers).

Still, I don't see why that's a problem. Aren't such permits a mere formality?

by JohnM on Jul 2, 2007 3:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Believe me when I say...

Getting a Permit in the City of Chicago is not a mere formality!

"Harlem Furniture......You'll like our style!"

by Imtrejo on Jul 2, 2007 3:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

exactly

it's the drainage system and any new seats that would require a permit

"One thing you learn as a Cubs fan: When you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth." - Joe Garagiola

by gary varsho on Jul 2, 2007 6:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not sure how many agree..

But I will not vote for Zambrano for the all-star game. I do not think he deserves it.

Well, sometimes nothin is a real cool hand.

by wicubfan on Jul 2, 2007 11:04 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

Zambrano's arguably been the Cubs worst starting pitcher this season (not counting Wade Miller) if you look at the entire first half and not just the last month. I don't understand this all-star push at all.

by cubsbak on Jul 2, 2007 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Then....

I dont understand all the commotion in the last couple Al postings because Bonds surpassed Soriano. Same situation in terms of getting hot late, and the stats are mediocre compared to several other NL outfielders that are not geting the opportunity. (Eric Byrnes, Chris Duncan, Brad Hawpe)

The Z push is for the last player added to the roster. He'll be lucky if he even gets to pitch. I agree he hasn't been great this year but I think in comparison to all the other finalists for this spot, and taking into consideration is 9 wins and 90Ks, it's not a horrible choice either. I think we're all just frustrated with him and a little bitter that he could have prevented some of our first half anguish with just keeping his head on straight.

Tony

by tony412 on Jul 2, 2007 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It would be

a horrible choice. Look at his walks and hits given up. He's been awful for most of this season.

The Bonds comparison is ridiculous. He's the most deserving SF Giant so he was going to make the team one way or another. He's also the league leader in OBP and OPS. He's absolutely an all-star.

by cubsbak on Jul 2, 2007 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not voting for him either......

I'm still steamed that Aramis didn't get the nod and not to knock Lee but he isn't even having as good of a year as Aramis is and with some of the numbers other first basemen are putting up I'm not sure Lee belongs there in the first place. Voting for Zambrano is pointless because from my perspective I'd be voting another Cub in that doesn't deserve to be there while one that does has to sit at home.

The ASG used to mean something but now its just a joke. Its all about which fanbase can jump online and vote a million times for their player whether they deserve it or not. This year its Mets fans and in the past, it was Card fans......just the fact that Scott Rolen received 500,000 votes while hitting .266 should tell everyone that this is no longer the honor that it once was. Selig needs to either take the vote out of the fans hands (seriously, would anyone really care if they couldn't vote for the ASG?) or if he's dead set on letting the fans vote.......why not periodically eliminate underperforming players from the ballot leading up to the final vote? That way, votes won't get stolen from players that deserve to be there.

RAMIREZ!! PRIOR!!

by PriorandAramisfan23 on Jul 2, 2007 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You shouldn't vote for him anyway.

He hasn't earned it
Being left out may actually motivate him... not to mention give him a major ego check
One less thing his agent will have when sitting down at the negotiation table.

1-RUN GAMES = 10-15 | EXTRA INNINGS = 1-6 | HOME = 20-21 | updated on 7/1

by SackMan on Jul 2, 2007 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well...

...Brian Fuentes got selected for the All-Star Game the same day he got kicked out of the closer's role in Colorado.

Spending too much time sweating about who is and isn't an All-Star is, in my opinion, missing the point. The point is, somehow the Brewers fans managed to stuff the ballots to get JJ Hardy to the All-Star Game before Hanley Ramirez, and we need to step it up in order to keep pace with them. This isn't about whether or not Z deserves to go; this is about us deserving to see our favorite players there.

This may make us horrible, no-good, bad people from a big market pushing our weight around. I'm perfectly comfortable with this.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Jul 2, 2007 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hardy was picked...

...by LaRussa, not the fans.

"Me fail English? That's unpossible." Ralph Wiggum

by ilovepie on Jul 2, 2007 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

also, LaRussa picked Fuentes...

...which might be the worst pick in the history of the All Star Game. How do you pick a guy that loses his job and has been absolutely horrible the last two weeks. I originally thought he was the only Rockie, but I scrolled down to find Holliday's (much deserving!) name. I will never understand the Fuentes pick.

"Me fail English? That's unpossible." Ralph Wiggum

by ilovepie on Jul 2, 2007 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know

its cool and all, but I dont like it when any of our pitchers go to the All Star game, I would rather them get extra rest. That said, Z doesn't deserve to go anyway.

by jshipp on Jul 2, 2007 12:20 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Hey Al

Did you get a Barrett bobblehead the other day? Any fun discussion about it in the bleachers?

Go Nebraska Football!

by sanantonecub on Jul 2, 2007 12:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Speaking of Barrett

Nice to see those who predicted gloom and doom after the Barrett trade have pretty much been proven wrong. I don't think it's a coincidence that the Cubs defense and pitching have improved since they shipped his butt to SD. Good riddance.

by cubsbak on Jul 2, 2007 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Best thing that happened to the club

was to move Barrett out. Besides the fact that he was a terrible catcher, it sent a clear message that Piniella was driving the bus. It appears Barrett may have been part of the few players that were whining about Piniella, and sending him on his way cleared any cobwebs of which direction this team was going.

I disliked Barrett as a catcher for over 2 years, and also questioned his smarts since he single handidly woke up the Astros with the Oswalt debacle in 04. I don't care if Maddux blessed the trade, the Padres will regret letting this guy catch any significant amount of games.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Jul 2, 2007 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hill

is batting under the Mendoza line. Further, did anybody see his throw to second on Saturday? It bounced a good 15 feet before it got there. He didn't even make an attempt on the second stolen base. Tell me again what I'm supposed to be so happy about with this guy?

by Fsemi2323 on Jul 2, 2007 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

he did

absolutely tatou a ball on sunday that would have been out any other day, and bowen threw out a guy the other day

i think derosas offensive surge has sort of masked barretts missing bat in the lineup, but i think we're a better team after the trade

DON'T TRADE PIE!

by kylejo on Jul 2, 2007 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hill doesn't get many hits

But when he does... he seems to get them at the right time, and makes them count.

1-RUN GAMES = 10-15 | EXTRA INNINGS = 1-6 | HOME = 20-21 | updated on 7/1

by SackMan on Jul 2, 2007 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

ASG Just Before The WS?

Wouldn't it make more sense to spend an entire season working toward an All-Star Game? Wouldn't it be cool to watch a pitcher like Carlos Marmol overtake a - do I need to call him a pitcher? okay, fine... - a pitcher like Carlos Zambrano truly rule the game? Why not let the entire season dictate who becomes an All-Star, then have THAT game just prior to the World Series?

"Now the glove is on the other foot!" Yogi Berra

by DannyBoy67 on Jul 2, 2007 12:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

No.

1-RUN GAMES = 10-15 | EXTRA INNINGS = 1-6 | HOME = 20-21 | updated on 7/1

by SackMan on Jul 2, 2007 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You have my vote

This is actually the all stars of the first half.

Tony

by tony412 on Jul 2, 2007 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

More specifically

It's the Who Has a Good Reputation and Who Got Off to a Good Start All Stars.

But that just doesn't roll off the tongue.

"Don't think; it can only hurt the ball club."

by Jesse Guam on Jul 2, 2007 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why would you

want to risk injury to a player headed to the WS?

I don't understand the logic.

Now, this is a game that (like the Pro Bowl) begs to be played in a neutral site, domed or warm weather, after the WS.

Now this may sounds radical, but it makes more sense than moving the WS, as Scott Boras has suggested.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jul 2, 2007 12:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The Pro Bowl

Is a waste of effort. Players are either exhausted after the playoffs, or have been sitting for over a month and well into the off season by the time he Pro Bowl comes around. That the the fans are done too. After all the high energy of the playoffs the Pro Bowl is insignificant.

I like the all star game in July. It may not be a perfect representation of the season, or even of the best players at the time, but it is a game with some of the best playing when baseball is meant to be played in the hot July sun.

by El Borto on Jul 2, 2007 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Except the game is played at night

But I agree that the All Star game is fine where it is. In fact, the only thing I would change about it is the fact it determines home field advantage.

"Don't think; it can only hurt the ball club."

by Jesse Guam on Jul 2, 2007 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like the game played in the middle of the year

hence the term All-Star break.

For one, it's a tradition. And secondly, an all-star game played "after" the post-season and championship just garners very little interest.

I'm a die-hard Bears fan... and just as importantly, a HUGE football fan. But, even I never watch the Pro-Bowl. Who cares? The season's over. However, the extreme physical nature of the sport prevents the pro-bowl from being played in the middle of the year... for good reason. You don't want injuries.

1-RUN GAMES = 10-15 | EXTRA INNINGS = 1-6 | HOME = 20-21 | updated on 7/1

by SackMan on Jul 2, 2007 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Caray and Simpson

made a couple of interesting points during the Braves/Marlins game over the weekend dealing with the ASG.

Not every team should be represented.
Instead of ASG determining home field in WS, best record in interleague play should determine.

by Tangled Up In Blue on Jul 2, 2007 1:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Agreed on both

n/t

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jul 2, 2007 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Week Argument

I don't know what was "dummer": that WS idea from Boras or the press giving him space on it. MLB gets plenty of attention during WS week. There's no need to tinker with this tradition.

The other professional sports, except for the NFL, also have the week off all-star event. It helps to get players back from nagging injuries. The NFL gets a post-season all-star game and a bye-week even though they only play one game a week. Considering football consists of very large men running into each other, I can understand the need for a bye week.

Pie, Fontenot, Theriot and Soto up the middle ... yippie oh, oh, oh!

by SpudV on Jul 2, 2007 1:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Angel Guzman

Does anyone know what is going on with Angel Guzman?

by drodd on Jul 2, 2007 1:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Ichiro

Since this has become the thread of all subjects, thought I would share this little "rumor" I ran into on foxsports:

"When Seattle was in town recently, I asked Ichiro, through a Japanese reporter, if he'd be interested in spending some quality time at Wrigley Field (with the Cubs). The reporter told me Ichiro said he loves Wrigley Field, but thought the fans were a little too rough. In all probability he'll stay in Seattle.

Posted June 29, by Ben Maller"

Tony

by tony412 on Jul 2, 2007 1:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I read that

and it hurt. I love the guy and how he plays. We need another high OBP guy in the order, plus he is great in the field and has an absolute cannon.

That being said, we already have a leadoff hitter who doesn't walk (which I am FINE with). Not sure where Ichiro would hit for us. His weak grounders to the left side are only good when no one is on base.

What we really need is a good defensive outfielder who is a disciplined hitter, like Trot Nixon -- a team player who will complement our superstars. I also like B Hawpe, L Gonzales (not sure how good defensively he is anymore), P Burrell, B Abreu. Truth is, I really like Cliff Floyd -- I just wish he was more mobile on defense.

"60% of the time, it works EVERY time."

by utcubby on Jul 2, 2007 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ichiro probably misses the days of

organized cheering sections back in Tokyo. And let's face it, how rabid is Seattle about anything, let alone baseball. The guy makes a good living in a very low-pressure environment. Wrigley probably doesn't suit him. Nor does Philly or New York.

by SouthsideCub on Jul 2, 2007 3:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thoughts on Shortstop

Since the club has become satisfied with Fontenot and Theriot, rumors have been floating around that we've been trying to deal Izturis (and his overpriced contract that expires at the end of the year with a $5 mil option for '08).

If we manage to deal Cesar, what are we gonna do to add defense to the bench? Izturis' days as a gold glover are long gone. However, he's still probably the best gloveman we have at shortstop.

If we move him, and bring up Cedeno to replace him, we'll be left with 3 guys (Fontenot, Cedeno, and Theriot) who all play less than stellar defense. I'd have to rate Theriot as the best glove of that group. Fontenot's defense has kept him in the minors all this time, and Cedeno finished last year as the 3rd worst fielding SS in the majors (% wise).

1-RUN GAMES = 10-15 | EXTRA INNINGS = 1-6 | HOME = 20-21 | updated on 7/1

by SackMan on Jul 2, 2007 2:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

crapturis

is a cub until his contract runs out. he is an upgrade over nobody. doubt anyone would take him if he had only a million dollar deal. of course he has a 5 mill and it seems were not allowed to pay large chunks of salaries if traded.

Here comes the nasty leftie to shut it down in the 9th......Clay Rapada!!!!

by cubsluver22 on Jul 2, 2007 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I am fine with the gloves as of late

a couple of errors between them during our win streak is not all that bad. Considering Izturis's 3 error game, I'd say they are equal and we need to dump Izturis. he actually has been hitting at the right times of late but if we can make it worth our while, let's fill that roster spot with a better product.

MMMMM...Hebrew National

by Kinky Reggae on Jul 2, 2007 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

A-Ram walk-off/jack-off?

Watch this video - and tell me what the heck is that?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gDIgXi2Eks

1-RUN GAMES = 10-15 | EXTRA INNINGS = 1-6 | HOME = 20-21 | updated on 7/1

by SackMan on Jul 2, 2007 2:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

This was posted

on Sat. here... http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/story/2007/6/30/64340/7420#commenttop

Men who whine are so unattractive. This place is full of them.

by sue369 on Jul 2, 2007 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

re: A-Ram walk-off/jack-off?

There's also a diary on this called "Did anyone else see this on deadspin?"

Brew Crew: We are coming for you. (And we mean it this time.)

by dat cubfan daver on Jul 2, 2007 4:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Anyone

have more info on the Brewer fan remarks that Al didn't like?

MMMMM...Hebrew National

by Kinky Reggae on Jul 2, 2007 2:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Sue

Thos fans talk a whole lot of shit.

Just a bunch of punk asses if you ask me. One thing their dumb asses forgot to mention, the Brewers have managed to piss away a HUGE lead in this division and it isn't even the AS break yet...

I hope they come talkin smack when they have dropped even further down. I am fully confident that they in fact, cannot hold this lead and are soon to return to the old Brewer ball that we all know and love.

I for one, now can say, that I HATE the Brewers and THEIR fans. As one of those morons said about the Cubs and their fans.

Why don't they go and choke on a brat?

MMMMM...Hebrew National

by Kinky Reggae on Jul 2, 2007 3:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm sorrry...

...but this is all really unnecessary. You can't complain about the rude tactless fans of another team by being just as rude and tactless. As has been stated elsewhere, there are plenty of excellent Brewer fans (and Cardinal fans, and Mets fans, and White Sox fans, etc.), and all it takes is a handful of belligerent people in a group or fan base to ruin it for the rest. It works for Cubs fans as well.

Perhaps you were just trying to be satirical and missed the mark. In that case, I humbly apologize.

by daubs on Jul 2, 2007 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs