But It's A Dry Heat!

by Al Yellon on Oct 2, 2007 1:59 PM CDT in Chicago Cubs News

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona -- Have safely arrived in the Valley of the Sun, where in fact, it was cloudy until just about the time the plane landed an hour or so ago. On my flight were several people in Cubs garb, and a crew from Fox-32 in Chicago, including reporters Dane Placko and Corey McPherrin.

Walking by the newspaper racks in the airport, I noticed the Arizona Republic's main front page story was this one, headlined "Hometown team vs. longtime favorite" ... all about how there are tons of Cubs fans living here in the Valley; I expect to see not only those sorts of people at the games here, but many people like me, who have trekked out here for the series.

I'll post more either later this afternoon or tonight; thoughts about the series itself and the team matchups, but for now, I'm going to give Mike the last word:

(as always, click on thumbnail to view full-size in new browser window. If you are using IE, you may have to click the lower-right corner of the image in the new window to expand it to its full size; in Firefox click anywhere on the image.)

Tweet Comment 73 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

here's what I get upon clicking

404 Not Found
The requested URL '/images/admin/penance.jpg' was not found on this server.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

thttpd/2.25b 29dec2003

by CubFaninNY on Oct 2, 2007 1:51 PM CDT reply actions

Yup, had the same problem.

The Chicago Cubs: 2007 Central Division Champions

by daver on Oct 2, 2007 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions

Yeah, I know.

I had the wrong file extension. I'll fix it.

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

by Al Yellon on Oct 2, 2007 1:56 PM CDT up reply actions

Al, didn't want to start a new diary

buy Comcast TBS in HD

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/cs-071002comcasthd,1,7914025.story

by N Oakley on Oct 2, 2007 1:51 PM CDT reply actions

oops

buy = but

by N Oakley on Oct 2, 2007 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions

Great news unless you have Direct TV

which most bars and resturants have due to the Big Ten / Comcast fiasco.

Direct TV is now stating HD wont be availible until October 19th in Chicago

How MLB and TBS are getting away with this is beyond me.

Let me get back to you, will ya, Charlie? I got a guy on the other line asking about some white walls.

by JB 23 on Oct 2, 2007 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions

Wrong I have had TBS HD for a week

GO CUBS GO! Hey Chicago whatdya say the Cubs are going to win today!

by Galvan316 on Oct 2, 2007 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions

DirecTV already has TBS HD.

Watched the Padres/Rockies game on it last night.
Channel 247. Not sure what you're referring to when you say 10/19.

by bergs55 on Oct 2, 2007 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions

Your in Chicagoland correct?

I will check again, but that is what Direct TV told me...

Trust me, I would love to be wrong.

Thanks

Let me get back to you, will ya, Charlie? I got a guy on the other line asking about some white walls.

by JB 23 on Oct 2, 2007 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions

Yep...I'm right downtown.

TBS is on channel 247 and if you go up one channel, it's 247HD! I think they introduced a whole bunch of new HD channels a few days ago...so check it out!

by bergs55 on Oct 2, 2007 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions

great, thank you!

Go Cubs!

Let me get back to you, will ya, Charlie? I got a guy on the other line asking about some white walls.

by JB 23 on Oct 2, 2007 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions

I wish

Dish Network would get on the ball...

Kerry Wood for closer!

by drewishdrewid on Oct 2, 2007 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions

Amen...

...to that. Damn Dish Network.

(I am hoping, though, that they step up and replace their TNT-HD feed with TBS's HD feed for just these games. Who needs Law & Order re-runs in HD when there is playoff baseball on?)

by Chadnudj on Oct 2, 2007 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions

you know...

I may call and make that exact argument.

Kerry Wood for closer!

by drewishdrewid on Oct 2, 2007 3:26 PM CDT up reply actions

Please do...

...I emailed them and made that argument, but I got an automatic message back....

by Chadnudj on Oct 2, 2007 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions

well...

I called, but essentially got the same answer -- we don't have it yet, we're working on it, we don't know when it will happen.

Kerry Wood for closer!

by drewishdrewid on Oct 2, 2007 6:05 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm fed up with comcast

for many reasons. Is Dish Network or Direct TV any better?

"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue."

by northofwrigley on Oct 2, 2007 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions

Directv has it's issues...

...but it has great sports packages like NFL Sunday ticket and a lot of HD channels.

by bergs55 on Oct 2, 2007 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions

Dish is cheaper

I have an aversion to dealing with Comcast in general. I don't LIKE them. I think they overcharge a LOT.

Kerry Wood for closer!

by drewishdrewid on Oct 2, 2007 6:49 PM CDT up reply actions

about the penance part ..

.. you should have had some self mortification in there somewhere, complete with 80-something nuns whipping long pointers around to impact on your knuckles, walking on your knees down Waveland Avenue through broken Old Style bottle glass to the bleacher turnstiles and back again, and listening to the audio only of the Hawk and his sycophant during a romp over the Cubs ..

What will not kill you will not only make you strong, it will also make you a vegetable.

Well, Next Year is here .. and Jack's century's gotta end some time .. GO CUBBIES!

by cubnational on Oct 2, 2007 2:04 PM CDT reply actions

Are there any...

...particularly Cubs-friendly bars in Phoenix? We are heading out tonight and can't wait to meet up with Wrigley West!!

Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Oct 2, 2007 3:00 PM CDT reply actions

back in the august series

i was down in phoenix for the series, ha at the bar immediately outside the stadium, its practically on stadium property, they were blasting "go cubs go" as people emptied the stadium. there were cubs fans by the thousands just for this series there, and it really seemed to upset the locals at the games hearing "lets go cubbies" during every inning. my point is basically, any bar you go into could/will be a cubs bar.

Kevin Hart Watch: IP: 10.2 K: 12 ERA: 0.84 WHIP: 0.94 K/BB: 3.00 a productive farm system is a wonderful thing.

by kylejo on Oct 2, 2007 3:12 PM CDT up reply actions

considering

that the games still weren't sold out (as of yesterday)despite the numbers of cubs fans that will be there...the few real Dbacks fans that exist will just have to deal with a little "go cubs go".

//I mention this every chance I get but...I HATE the DBACKS!

You may run like mays but you hit like $#!%

by cubsirishkillme on Oct 2, 2007 3:29 PM CDT up reply actions

Phoenix=Chicago 2

Phoenix is considered a suburb of Chicago essentially. Granted it's a very FAR suburb, but is one nonetheless.

Missing Da Cubbies from NYC!

by dacubsfan76 on Oct 2, 2007 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions

Sluggo's

on Centennial Way in Mesa; just 2 blocks N of downtown,(I guess that's Main St) across from the Sheraton.

It's in an office complex -- the former "Harry & Steve's" but still retains the Chicago format.

Old Style (cans) can be found there. Also, some Walgreen's liquor dept carry Old Style. Sometimes, it's hard to find.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Oct 2, 2007 7:52 PM CDT up reply actions

Actually.....

...the Sheraton turned into a Marriott a couple of years ago. I still go to Sluggo's every Spring, but it ain't what it used to be.

Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Oct 2, 2007 11:37 PM CDT up reply actions

Oh great

"Special guest analyst Joe Morgan"

Now I'm gonna have nightmares until the end of the postseason... thanks a lot.

Between genius and madness, lies Conrad

by conrad on Oct 2, 2007 3:12 PM CDT reply actions

I can't stand

Joe Morgan. I really don't understand how he has hung around in broadcasting as long as he has. That being said, he can broadcast every Cubs playoff and world series game solo if it guarantees a Cubs world championship. Can't wait until tomorrow night.

by qccub on Oct 2, 2007 3:37 PM CDT up reply actions

Hey Joe Morgan

........if you are reading this RYNE SANDBERG IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE MUCH BETTER THAN YOU EVER WERE.

Surly bastard.

GO CUBS

Hey.....Cubs win!!!

by Hammer on Oct 2, 2007 3:48 PM CDT reply actions

LOL

That was funny!!

by 1060 W Addison on Oct 2, 2007 4:54 PM CDT up reply actions

Anyone see the NY Times photo

of the play at the plate in the 13th inning? A Barrett classic...

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/02/sports/baseball/02rockies.html?_r=1&th&emc=th&oref=slo gin

Some things never change. If he (Barrett)catches the ball, Holliday is called out. SD clearly got screwed on the play, but the Barrett muff didn't help.

Prince Fielder...he is neither.

by LAcarl519 on Oct 2, 2007 3:58 PM CDT reply actions

That play was 100% not Barrett's fault.

In fact, he made a very good play by blocking the plate. The throw never made it and he had to get the mitt over to Holliday or he would have been well past him...

by bergs55 on Oct 2, 2007 4:16 PM CDT up reply actions

Agree

Shawn Johnson, Des Moines, IA, worlds greatest gymnast. 2007 All Around World Champ. GO SHAWN!!!!

by sue369 on Oct 2, 2007 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions

Barrett did what he could ..

.. there are those who hate Michael ..

.. I am not one of them ..

But I do sadly agree that his defense tanked this year and became a serious deficit and after the Z fiasco as a result of his poor reading of the defensive situations, it was clear that he had to go. Nice guy and fair bat, but even slapping around A.J. doesn't justify his performance in this season. His miscues became magnified in light of the klieg light illumination shone on the Cubs in April and May as we floundered.

That said, although Barrett didn't get a clean catch, it was because of the throw he was dealt. I stayed up and watched that game. It was one of the wilder ones I've seen this year. Giles has a good arm but his toss was a desperate attempt to defend against the ultimate reality of Holliday's tagged up run. The throw just ran out of gas 5 feet in front of him and Mikey did all he could to keep from losing it.

AND the ump screwed up. Holliday never touched the plate and dug a new trench into the dirt with his chin as he slid past the bag and out of reach. Barrett ran, got the ball and tagged him.
That tag should have been an OUT. I saw it the first time and I think the ump sat there and blinked not quite knowing how to call it. I blinked not believing he didn't see that this was an OUT right off the bat and couldn't believe it when an eternal second later he signalled it safe.

San Diego got robbed. Plain and simple.

What's really weird is that Barrett didn't do what he's able to do and that was to melt down and make a scene behind the plate. If there was EVER a time he should have done so, it was THEN, to indicate that he saw he had a play and that he made it. Instead, the drama was focused on the team freaking out and the trainers dabbing at Holliday's banged up face.

Well, Next Year is here .. and Jack's century's gotta end some time .. GO CUBBIES!

by cubnational on Oct 2, 2007 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions

First of all, as the guy who posted it

and saw the play live (also), I disagree that the ball did not arrive in time. In fact, I have a photo from a guy in my office (a Padre fan) that shows the ball already out of Barrett's mitt, rolling down his elbow and Holliday is still inches from the plate. Those are the facts, whether youloved Barrett or not.

However, and more important, I also agree that the ump screwed up the call 100%. Holliday never tagged the plate.

My point is that had Barrett caught the ball cleanly, it seemed the ump wanted to call Holliday out, given the delayed call (even though the lack of tagging the plate made this the un-important part of the play, but given the position of the ump, there was NO WAY he could see that Hollidy missed the plate).

The only play the ump could see was whether Barrett caught the ball cleanly or not--and he did not. The catch, or not is what the ump made the call on. Like it or not, this was Barrett's fate last night. The ump screwed the Padres, but the facts are that the ball arrived (ever so slightly) ahead of Holliday and if I knew how to copy & paste a photo, I would be happy to show it to you.

I was cheering for the Padres...trust me, I wish the game had a different result. :-(

Prince Fielder...he is neither.

by LAcarl519 on Oct 2, 2007 6:36 PM CDT up reply actions

Agree about the throw - it was awful

[ Disclaimer - didn't see it live so my post is framed by the highlights. ]

What I thought was remarkable was I think it was the first time I've ever seen where the outfielder's throw was higher in elevation than the ball that was hit to him.

When I first saw the replay of the batter hitting it, I couldn't believe this was going to be a sac fly situation - that hit was a frozen rope! Then I see Giles catch it and unleash a rainbow of a throw - almost like he was a catapult. Then the play at the plate, which I think has been pretty much dissected here already.

So plenty of blame to go around - it needn't be all heaped on poor Michael. In fact, my vote goes to Bud Black for not starting Peavy on Sunday - this all could have been avoided...

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Oct 2, 2007 8:27 PM CDT up reply actions

Giles

It also did help that Giles made a terrible loopy throw.

But I thought the same thing and felt bad for Barrett after HE FINNALLY stood at the plate instead of coming 3 feet in front of it to make the play like he used to always do

Hey.....Cubs win!!!

by Hammer on Oct 2, 2007 4:05 PM CDT reply actions

Al...

How did you get tickets for the games??

"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse

by ronsanto10 on Oct 2, 2007 4:06 PM CDT reply actions

On the Diamondbacks website.

As of now (4 pm CT), there are singles still available for game 1, and pairs in the lower deck for game 2.

Come on, Cub fans! Come on down and rock their house!

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

by Al Yellon on Oct 2, 2007 4:09 PM CDT up reply actions

Not sold out???

Wonder why??

"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse

by ronsanto10 on Oct 2, 2007 4:15 PM CDT up reply actions

because Arizona

like other southern states (read Florida), as discussed here previously, fails to build a strong fansbase even after winning world series

You may run like mays but you hit like $#!%

by cubsirishkillme on Oct 2, 2007 4:39 PM CDT up reply actions

Correct

I grew up in Phoenix and the whole city gives a collective shrug about their sports... many reasons apply.

It's part of the slower way of life out there... it's too hot to get too excited about anything.
The Dbacks have only been around for about 10 years now so many people that live out there grew allegiances to other teams, often aliging themselves to teams that play spring training out there. A lot of Phoenx area folk are big SF Giants fans actually because up until 98 all we had were the Phoenix Firebirds AAA team in the Giants organization.
Like Florida, so many people that live in Phoenix now are from Chicago, Boston, New York, Minneapolis, etc and they moved there either to escape cold weather or because of some of the tech opportunities that boomed in the 90s.

by Willgly on Oct 2, 2007 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions

tickets, schmickets. The real question is...

...how much was airfare???

Did some quick surfing the other night and the best I could find was $619. Ouch! That would get me two in the bleachers here at Wrigley...

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Oct 2, 2007 4:23 PM CDT up reply actions

I bought tickets on Southwest...

... two weeks ago on spec. The good thing is, money you spend on SW is reusable without penalty if you cancel, if you use it within a year, which I figured I would.

Price was $230.

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

by Al Yellon on Oct 2, 2007 6:29 PM CDT up reply actions

Al.....

Do you buy tickets to San Diego and Colorado on spec as well?

"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse

by ronsanto10 on Oct 2, 2007 8:35 PM CDT up reply actions

SD tickets were by lottery only...

... didn't win.

I do have some Colorado tickets.

Philly tickets were by lottery only.

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

by Al Yellon on Oct 2, 2007 8:41 PM CDT up reply actions

AL....

Actually, I meant plane tickets.

"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse

by ronsanto10 on Oct 2, 2007 8:58 PM CDT up reply actions

Oh, I get it.

No, I have no more plane tickets.

Yet.

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

by Al Yellon on Oct 2, 2007 11:36 PM CDT up reply actions

Smart move

And that's why you're in Phoenix cheering on the Cubs in person, and I'm back here in Chicago...

...where I'll be leaning over the edge of my balcony, looking through my neighbor's window, and watching the game on his plasma wall tv... ;-)

Depending on how the first round goes, might be worth repeating that scenario (yours, not mine) for Anaheim. Cleveland's drivable and not a chance of getting a ticket in New York (or Boston) anyway.

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Oct 2, 2007 8:40 PM CDT up reply actions

Umpires?

Anyone know anything about what umpiring crew will be working the Cubs series? Home plate umpires with different types of strike zones can definitely be a factor. I recall a good WSJ article regarding the WSox/Boston LDS in 2005, which showed that the Red Sox were unlucky to have had some of the least-walk friendly umpires in baseball. Baseball Prospectus has some good database info on different umpires and their styles but I can't access much of that info. BTW, their preview of the Cubs series by Nate Silver was very high on the Cubs, in fact predicting a sweep.

by ms9av on Oct 2, 2007 5:13 PM CDT reply actions

Off subject - Playoff roster

Anyone seen if Lou has announced the playoff roster yet?

I don't see a whole lot of questions except Fontenot/Cedeno and Marshall/Ohman/Hart...

My prediction:
Lee, Ramirez, DeRosa, Theriot
soto, Kendall
Soriano, Jones, Floyd
Murton, Pie, Fontenot, Ward, Monroe
Total: 14

Zambrano, Hill, Lilly, Wood, Marquis
Eyre, Dempster
Howry, Marmol, Wuertz, Marshall
Total: 11

by Willgly on Oct 2, 2007 5:25 PM CDT reply actions

No Blanco? Why Pie?

I know he hasn't played much, but he certainly deserves to be on the roster after all these years with the Cubs. We need seasoned veterans. Let Pie or Soto sit.

"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse

by ronsanto10 on Oct 2, 2007 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions

let Soto sit?

Are you insane? :P

Soto has power and speed. Blanco is at the tail end of his career and has done a wonderful thing mentoring Soto, but Soto has to be the starting catcher, with Kendall to back him up.

Kerry Wood for closer!

by drewishdrewid on Oct 2, 2007 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions

From what

was said on Sports Nite tonight Soto will be starting most of the games in this series. Hank knows he probably won't be on the roster and he is OK with it. IMO Soto has both Hank and Kendall beat hands down. Letting Soto sit would be a huge mistake.

Shawn Johnson, Des Moines, IA, worlds greatest gymnast. 2007 All Around World Champ. GO SHAWN!!!!

by sue369 on Oct 2, 2007 6:25 PM CDT up reply actions

yup

In an interview with DLee on the Score, he said Blanco was the guy that got the wildest during the celebration the other night.

and the 25 man just announced a second go- no Blanco, Monroe or Marshall. Marquis, Fonty and Cedeno are in.

Tinker to Evers to Chance.

by Matt Allison on Oct 2, 2007 7:05 PM CDT up reply actions

wow

Pie left off also.

Tinker to Evers to Chance.

by Matt Allison on Oct 2, 2007 7:09 PM CDT up reply actions

And Soto

will catch Z tomorrow night. He really does a great job with Z.

Shawn Johnson, Des Moines, IA, worlds greatest gymnast. 2007 All Around World Champ. GO SHAWN!!!!

by sue369 on Oct 2, 2007 7:14 PM CDT up reply actions

Maybe Comcast is wrong about Pie?

Soto
Kendall
Lee
Derosa
Theriot
Ramirez
Soriano
Jones
Floyd
Murton
Cedeno
Fontenot
Ward
Zambrano
Lily
Hill
Marquis
Marmol
Howry
Dempster
Eyre
Wood
Weurtz
Hart?

Who am I missing?

Tinker to Evers to Chance.

by Matt Allison on Oct 2, 2007 7:15 PM CDT up reply actions

Did they say

he didn't make it? I thought at one point they said he did make it. I'm looking to see if any of the media has reported it yet but can't fine it.

Shawn Johnson, Des Moines, IA, worlds greatest gymnast. 2007 All Around World Champ. GO SHAWN!!!!

by sue369 on Oct 2, 2007 7:43 PM CDT up reply actions

I think

the guy had to have been mistaken. I'm guessing Pie is on it.

Tinker to Evers to Chance.

by Matt Allison on Oct 2, 2007 7:47 PM CDT up reply actions

Even with Hart...

... your list only has 24 names on it. I'm guessing Pie is the 25th name.

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

by Al Yellon on Oct 2, 2007 7:51 PM CDT up reply actions

yes,

I think you're right, he's gotta be on it. The Hart thing is up in the air tho, it could be Ohman, which is surprising.

Tinker to Evers to Chance.

by Matt Allison on Oct 2, 2007 7:58 PM CDT up reply actions

Nope Hart

is on it. There is a diary up with who's on the roster.

Shawn Johnson, Des Moines, IA, worlds greatest gymnast. 2007 All Around World Champ. GO SHAWN!!!!

by sue369 on Oct 2, 2007 8:15 PM CDT up reply actions

Al, I will be at Wednesday's game

wanna meet outside for a few cold ones?

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." except in the post season - Thank you MLB!

by BigJohnAZ on Oct 2, 2007 5:41 PM CDT reply actions

Great cartoon, Mike.

Imagine how much I'd shudder at the prospect of Joe Morgan if I still watched baseball on TV.

Before each game, please remember to feed the bats.

by Cool Hand on Oct 2, 2007 5:57 PM CDT reply actions

Can this series just start already...

I'm tired of waiting

Bring back the damn cowbell!

by CubsBall2202 on Oct 2, 2007 6:24 PM CDT reply actions

You and me both.

Shawn Johnson, Des Moines, IA, worlds greatest gymnast. 2007 All Around World Champ. GO SHAWN!!!!

by sue369 on Oct 2, 2007 6:26 PM CDT up reply actions

All of us!

Hang in there. 24 hours more (more or less).

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

by Al Yellon on Oct 2, 2007 6:29 PM CDT up reply actions

Good Luck Cubs!..

Just wanted to drop in to wish your team and all you Cub fans all the luck in the Playoffs this fall. I'll be quite honest and tell you I'm a Cardinals fan, born and raised there but have lived in Los Angeles for the last 20 years. I do have a slight connection to your team and town as Harry Carrey was my 2nd cousin. He grew up in my Mom's home in Webster Groves and was always a great guy to her and my family. I can't lie and say I didn't wish it was the Cards in your spot this year, but your team did a great job of winning the division and I wish you all the luck in ending the long WS drought.
Play Ball!

by Timbo02 on Oct 2, 2007 6:49 PM CDT reply actions

I Would Strongly Suggest.....

...that the two guys mentioned in the linked article, Strobot and Garbell, were never true Cub fans.

Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Oct 2, 2007 6:55 PM CDT reply actions

anyone got predictions?

i'm guessing cubs take series in 5 games with a plus 5 run differential and Mark DeRosa as the series MVP

Dinosaurs? "Didn't exist. You can't say there were dinosaurs when you never saw them." -Carl Everett

by NDcubsfan on Oct 2, 2007 7:04 PM CDT reply actions

Just caught the Cubs "stories" on ESPN.

Wow. Talk about lazy. "Let's remind the viewers of the same things we remind them of every time we air a Cubs game."

Also, John Anderson, quite probably my least favorite ESPN anchor ever. I like most of the people on Dream Job better than him. "Win, and they that 'loveable losers' tag takes a fatal hit."

Congratulations, John. You know all those stupid pop-culture reference you make that always fall flatter than last night's beer? Well, you just made those look good by comparison.

Before each game, please remember to feed the bats.

by Cool Hand on Oct 3, 2007 6:53 AM CDT reply actions