The End

by Al on Oct 7, 2007 7:46 AM CDT in Recaps Comment 184 comments

I'm sure you all know that before every series, and especially before a postseason series, major league teams send one, or in some cases many, advance scouts to watch the teams they're going to be playing.

They do this to get information to the players and coaches about those teams, so they might get every possible edge in defeating their opponent.

And thus, the Division Series that the Cubs lost to the Diamondbacks essentially came down to this: the D'backs made use of their advance scouting reports and the Cubs didn't.

This sounds like "Master of the Obvious", but it's the only explanation I can come up with for the Cubs' 5-1 loss to the Diamondbacks Saturday night, completing the series sweep and sending us home once again to a bitter winter. If your scouts know that Chris Young jumps often on the first pitch -- then why would you throw him a fastball on the first pitch? Ever?

Rich Hill even acknowledged this:

"I should've known," Hill said. "He's been doing it all year, jumping on that first pitch, and he did it again."

Nine of Young's 34 career home runs have come on the first pitch, an absurd ratio.

"Yeah," Hill said, "I wasn't expecting it."

Well, hang on just a second there, Bucko. He's been doing it all year, but you weren't expecting it? How can you say that? Obviously, your scouting reports told you this, and you chose to ignore it. And that home run sucked the air and much of the pregame joy out of the largest crowd of the year at Wrigley Field -- 42,157, the largest crowd, in fact, since the fire department came through after 45,777 crammed the ballpark on Opening Day 1978 and told management they just couldn't put that many people in Wrigley Field any more.

Hill briefly righted the ship with a couple of strikeouts, but then Justin Upton singled in the second run of the inning -- and the game might as well have ended right there, because that was all the runs the D'backs would need.

Incidentally, that Jeff Passan Yahoo column I linked above brings up the "99 years" thing. I'm really, really, really tired of hearing that from national as well as local columnists. Or nonsense like this. What should be written about are things like this, a Phil Rogers column with which I completely agree:

With the bases loaded and one out, the Cubs trailing Arizona by two runs, [Mark] DeRosa was in position to capitalize on Livan Hernandez's wildness. The Arizona starter had walked three of four batters in the inning, throwing three times as many balls as strikes. A walk would force in a run and provide a spark, but DeRosa couldn't lay off the 3-1 pitch, a borderline offering at--or just below--the bottom of the strike zone.

Yet another example of not following the scouting reports. Arizona's Game 2 starter Doug Davis even mentioned this -- that he couldn't believe the Cubs didn't try to take more advantage of his inability to throw strikes. Same thing last night -- it was well known not only to the Cubs, but to all of us, that Hernandez couldn't throw strikes (and didn't; only 54 in 101 pitches), and the Cubs DID manage to walk five times. But in a case like that, with the score only 3-1 in the fifth inning, the bases loaded and one out and a real chance to still make a game of it, you absolutely, positively have to make sure that if you swing, you're swinging at a hittable pitch. With the count 3-1 -- if you take a strike, it's 3-2, runners moving and a chance to tie the game on a single. And if it's ball four -- and that pitch probably was -- you've scored a run, cut the deficit to a single run, kept the bases loaded, and probably made Bob Melvin go to his bullpen. Wrigley Field was rocking for perhaps the only time last night -- it didn't even feel that loud in the pre-game lineup announcements, when the tone should have been set for the night. For one pitch, it was louder than it had been all year and perhaps louder than it had ever been; and then DeRosa swung, hitting into the third of four double plays, and though there were four innings to go, we all knew that was pretty much that.

There have been some hints in the blogosphere and elsewhere that this 85-win Cub team didn't "deserve" to go to the postseason because of its record; to them I say -- the entire National League was pretty compressed in both talent and record, and there wasn't much to differentiate the four playoff teams, except their abilities to take advantage of the other team's weaknesses. The Diamondbacks, bearers of the NL's best record, won only 90 games, the lowest total to lead the league since the 162-game schedule was instituted, and the five-game difference between the two teams' regular-season record amounts to less than one win per month. And tell that to the 89-win Phillies, who will also sit home all winter and wonder what went wrong, as they also got swept out of the first round, losing 2-1 to the Rockies in Denver. TV executives must be ready to commit ritual suicide in anticipation of a Colorado-Arizona NLCS -- which, because MLB doesn't move up playoff series if previous rounds wind up in sweeps, won't start for five days, not till Thursday, taking away much of any momentum that either of the first round's winners might have.

But that's a subject for another day. About yesterday's game, played in incredibly warm temperatures for October 6 (it wasn't a record, but the game-time temperature of 82 degrees this late in the year was very, very rare, and so was the bizarre little downpour that hit Wrigleyville about 2:30, just before the ballpark gates opened, drenching the area surrounding Wrigley Field, but nowhere else) -- despite the record crowd, it never felt too packed in in the bleachers, because all seats were reserved; there were a few people standing on the stairs next to us, but not many. While there were no incidents in our section, I did hear of a couple of ejections elsewhere in left field, for throwing things onto the field. Fortunately, in the late innings when it was clear the game was gone, only one thing was thrown onto the field, a bottle of water that landed far from anyone on the newly-planted sod (which looked pretty good after less than two weeks to "take", and which now, apparently, will be ripped up again as the entire field will be resodded and lowered by about a foot). Apart from the bases-loaded moment ruined by DeRosa, we had little to cheer about and the atmosphere was far more subdued than you'd expect at a playoff game. Even the streets behind us, blocked off in anticipation of thousands of people gathering outside, were relatively empty. David, who's taken so many great photos for this site, didn't have a ticket for last night's game (he did for today's) -- was outside; I ran into him on the way home, and this morning I found this photo he took of me from Waveland Avenue, which sums everything up, I think, quite well.

And so we disperse, fans and players alike, for winter. It was nice to see BCB readers jb (who reminded me that the Cubs had, until last night, won every game that he'd come up to me in the bleachers and said "hi"), timeforachange, jessica and dfrancon, and I know there were other BCB readers in attendance; sorry I missed you! Jeff and Mark, who had Bears tickets in Green Bay tonight but sold them, are heading up there anyway. We'll likely all gather to watch one of the games of the World Series at Mike's, as we do each year -- that is, if it's not snowed out in Denver if the Rockies advance. And we'll argue and debate about where the Cubs should go, and what changes should be made, and about the upcoming sale of the team, which likely won't be completed in time to make any wholesale management changes before next season begins.

But those are subjects for another day. We are disappointed this day, though it doesn't feel as bad as it did in 2003, because this team never got as close to the Promised Land as we were four years ago, nor was this team as talented. While the decision to remove Carlos Zambrano from game one can be, and has been, endlessly debated (we joked that we should all gather at noon today at the ballpark and have Z throw, because it's a beautiful day and he's rested and ready), the Cubs didn't lose this series because of that. They lost the series because Alfonso Soriano and Aramis Ramirez went 2-for-26 with nine strikeouts, and because Ted Lilly and Rich Hill approached their starts like scared little kids instead of major leaguers, and because, as I noted above, the Cubs didn't pay attention to their scouting reports.

Enough. We did have a good share of excitement and thrills this season, far more than last, and the 19-game improvement in the regular season does give hope for 2008. Is that enough? No, it's not enough. We go home for yet another winter crestfallen and heartbroken.

For now, I won't say anything more about 2008. There will be enough time to dissect possibilities. For now, I first want to thank you for all the kind words you've written about me and about this site in various places here -- there's no way I can answer each and every one of them. BCB is a labor of love, as I'm sure you already know, but it's all of you who make this the great community that it is, and will continue to be. I'll post threads for the upcoming playoff games, if you have the stomach to watch and discuss them, and after a time, we can begin to move forward to yet another "next year".

In the meantime, I'm going to end this post the way I end every season; BCB reader tjchawk kind of beat me to it last night with this diary, but the words of the late baseball commissioner A. Bartlett Giamatti are, as ever, worth revisiting:

It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone. You count on it, rely on it to buffer the passage of time, to keep the memory of sunshine and high skies alive, and then just when the days are all twilight, when you need it most, it stops.

Until March 31, 2008, that is, at Wrigley Field, when the Cubs will open the season against the Milwaukee Brewers, and we shall once again have hopes and dreams of victory.

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It's just so heartbreaking

But perhaps it's a little less so than in other years, because this team just wasn't that good and the way it went out was probably about the way it should have. This was a season with a lot of ups and downs, but through it all it was really nice to come to this site and share the joy and the pain with all of you. Thanks, Al, for creating this forum and keeping it up and running. A healthy and prosperous off season to all.

KSReed

Did we really put Jose Macias on the field? Really???

by ksreed on Oct 7, 2007 7:49 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

That's exactly how I felt

Disappointed of course... but not in tears. I mean, we just weren't good enough. However, with the cardinals winning it all last year with 83 wins, there was some hope.

It's been a fun year, and a pleasure to share it with everyone here.

Now, I just have one major question for the off-season: How are we gonna get ourselves out of the $136 mil contract we gave to the worst LF in all of baseball?

1-RUN GAMES = 23-22 | EXTRA INNINGS = 2-8 | HOME = 44-37 | NL CENTRAL CHAMPS!

by SackMan on Oct 7, 2007 8:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You mean

You mean the player that played the last month plus on one leg?

The hate of Soriano here is disgusting.

by cubstoseriesby100 on Oct 7, 2007 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree...

there's nothing wrong with the guy...he just needs to hit in the 5 spot. NOT a leadoff hitter!

Theriot hits leadoff, Derosa two, Lee, Ramirez, etc.

LET PIE PLAY EVERY DAY!!!

Let's find out if the guy has what it takes.

Aside from that, and Marmol closing...they're good to go.

As long as they don't stink the first two monthsagain...they'll easily win the central.

The fat lady may be warming up...but she's not singing yet!

by Hugest Canadian Cubs Fan on Oct 7, 2007 9:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Worst Post Ever

The worst LF in all of baseball? Get real....

n/t

by LT on Oct 7, 2007 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

How in the world

the worst leftfielder, please how can you write that. Without his September Cubs do not win the division.
Next year when he hits 40 homeruns and knocks in 90 and scores over a 100, WHEN HEALTHLY, you will eat your words.

by Johnny Callison was a Cub on Oct 7, 2007 7:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Al, you did a fantastic job

with this blog, putting up game threads, asking the fans to keep faith when things were going awry and in all providing us with a platform to share our views and opinions. Bleed Cubbie Blue is the best Cubs blog in the blogosphere and the race isn't even close.

You have said it all about this season. With last season's debacle and promises afterwards that we are going to get better, I expected more from this team. I cannot be proud that we won 85 games in this weak central division with all that spending. Actually it is more that the wins and losses. We haven't played well this season period. Numerous base running gaffes, failure to hit sac flies, lacking the IQ to get a base hit with RISP and rather swinging for the fences. No, I can't look at all that and say that I am proud. That is exactly what the cubs management want me to believe.

All season long I have been saying that even when we win we were struggling to get that win most of the times against bad or at best mediocre pitching. Our hitters looked like they didn't have a strategy or a plan of attack. If we are going to have a chance in 2008 then we need to get two good genuine out fielders who don't rely on fast balls alone. From what I have seen, Pie is simply not ready to face major league pitching.

All in all, its going to be a long winter.

by cubsnlinux on Oct 7, 2007 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Al

for another great year here on BCB. It is amazing how we could go from the thrill of victory last weekend to the agony of defeat this weekend. I look forward to the offseason banter this year. There will be a lot going on.

n/t

by LT on Oct 7, 2007 7:49 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

At least every other...

year some divsion has a down year, and people whine when that division winner goes to the playoffs. Get over it. The first goal is always to win the division, no matter how many wins it takes.

I saw a 19 game improvement, a division crown this year, and reason to believe that the same results can occur next year, if not better. If there is a management committment to build on this success, I'm very excited about 2008. But thanks to the Cubs (and Al) for a pretty good 2007.

by Damen Jackson on Oct 7, 2007 7:50 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Al

Thanks for another great year of giving us game reports. I was there last night as well. The lack of situational hitting was awful in this series. DeRosa was terrible, but Theriot also swung at a 3-1 pitch to ground into a double play which could have been a big inning with Soriano also on. The one good at-bat in this whole series was Soto when he took Davis out on a 3-1 pitch. I always learned growing up that if it is 3-0, you are looking for "your" pitch and your pitch only to swing at. At 2-0 or 3-1, you better be ready to kill the ball, if you are going to swing. Too many times those swings were two bounce choppers to second. And that leads me to believe that the Cubs were pressing, too uptight. And that leads me to think that this whole 99 year thing is a curse somewhat. Everytime a Cubs team makes it to a postseason, there is a ton of pressure from the city, MLB, and especially the fans. It will take a real special group of guys to ignore all of that and just go out and play baseball.

by MerigoldBowling on Oct 7, 2007 7:52 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

That's my view, too

The baseball world puts too much pressure on the Cubs to win a World Series. They can't be just another team in the playoffs like their opposition. Everything is expected of the Cubs.
I don't think the Cubs will ever win a World Series in the climate we have in major league baseball today. They are carrying too much baggage from the past.
It will have to be a SUPER strong team to do it all. And with the parity in today's baseball world with free agency and all, I don't see it happening.

by Butchoh31 on Oct 7, 2007 7:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Poignant photo

David took a great, poignant shot of you there, Al.

DeRosa lays off that pitch all year.

What can you do.

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Oct 7, 2007 7:52 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

You hit it

on the head, DeRosa does lay off that pitch 99% of the time. But, they all felt pressure and they didn't respond well to it. I wish I could pin this on scouting, but you can tell a guy to do things till the cows come home, if they are overwhelmed by the situation, they will lock up and do things they shouldn't.

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

by MPH73 on Oct 7, 2007 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Al,

Thanks for your insights this year. I didn't have the time time to follow every thread, but when I did pull up BCB, I thoroughly enjoyed the lively discussions. Let's hope we can get over the "hump" in 2008. I really think what the Cubs need most next year is not new players, but to learn better fundamental baseball. Stupid mistakes probably cost us at least 10 games this year.

Anyway, time to root for my 2nd favorite team, the Red Sox. Guess you won't be needing those Fenway tickets?

Thanks again for a great 2007. Wait till next year!

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

by ronsanto10 on Oct 7, 2007 7:58 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

ARam..

..didn't show up at all this series -- 0 for 12 with a walk and 5 strikeouts.

And he had perhaps the most egregious AB of the Cub post-season last night: with Lee and Floyd on 1st and 2nd and a 3-0 count he never lifts the bat off his shoulder for the next 3 pitches and goes down looking, inning over.

He must have had more RBI opportunities than anyone else on the team this series and didn't produce at all. Pathetic!

Chicks dig the long ball

by Will23 on Oct 7, 2007 8:00 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Another special year

I have two sons. One was born in the off-season prior to the 2003 season, the other was born in the off-season prior to this season. Two sons--two division titles. That makes for very fun summers and memories that aren't tarnished by stunted runs in the post-season.

If Hendry & Co are willing to subsidize daycare and diaper costs, we'd be willing to try again for the 2009 season!

This sweep hurts, but it doesn't offset in the slightest the joy and excitement I get in being a fan.

The Convention is only about 75 days away!!

by Richie Hebner 18 on Oct 7, 2007 8:02 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Hey, congrats on the kids

My kids were born before/near-the-end-of crummy seasons.

Some of the joy of the regular season has been tarnished by the last few days. It'll take awhile to get over it, probably by the end of the WS.

Oh, by the way the convention is mid Jan, around the 20th or so. So unfortunately it's about 100+ days away

Our grandparents used to say, "I hope the Cubs win the Series before I die". Now teenagers are saying it. Let's change that this season!

by blackhawk24 on Oct 7, 2007 8:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Al: BCB really adds to my fun

of being a Cub fan in LA. Thanks for keeping me connected.

It is hard to be dsappointed when we get outplayed as badly as we did. All I will do is look forward to new onwership of the team and assume we will have the same fate as the BoSox (in '04) and win in our first year without the Tribune taint on the team. That is something to look forward to. On to 2008!!!

Prince Fielder...he is neither.

by LAcarl519 on Oct 7, 2007 8:08 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Al, it's been a pleasure.

Thanks for creating such a great home for us online!

Now, it's time to go in off-season mode (which the girlfriend will surely appreciate). But, I'm sure we all win chime in when some major news happens, and hopefully the Bears will turnaround their woeful start and make Sundays enjoyable.

1-RUN GAMES = 23-22 | EXTRA INNINGS = 2-8 | HOME = 44-37 | NL CENTRAL CHAMPS!

by SackMan on Oct 7, 2007 8:09 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

bummed out.

I know Arizona did everything right. I know Arizona was the better team. I know Arizona deserves to go to the NLCS and we deserve to go home...... I just find it hard to accept.

This year The Cubs played the Mets 7 games. they lost 5 of them but realistically should have won 5.

Same with the Dodgers, same with the Padres.

I think they're as good as any of these teams but in the whole "water seeks it's own level" end this right about where they are and where they belong to be.

I wish I could have enjoyed the ride more.Too many times I felt like I had to get out and push.

I'll eventually want to talk 2008. Which outfielder to get, who to trade, who might look good in Cubbie Blue, can I fill out the form correctly and win the FA contest legitmatly this year........But for now I'm just bummed. Although I won't be seeing many more ads for Frank TV. And the Blackhawks beat Detroit.....so onwards and upwards.

"I can't be held responsible for what I personally tell my goons to do...."- C. Montgomery Burns

by yahoodi on Oct 7, 2007 8:10 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

March 31st?

How sure are you of that date? I've not seen you post the links you typically do to the next season's schedule.

Thanks!!

by Scott on Oct 7, 2007 8:11 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

100%

check the Brewers site. It's a done deal.

big hitter....the Lama - Carl

by bh714 on Oct 7, 2007 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Correct.

Some teams have released schedules; fewer than at this time last year, because everything was delayed until they ironed out the Red Sox/A's trip to Japan to open the season, and a few other mistakes in the original schedules (including scheduling both the Rockies and Twins at home when the 2008 political conventions are going to be held in Denver & Minneapolis -- that's been fixed).

As usual, when I figure out the complete schedule, I'll post it here.

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

by Al on Oct 7, 2007 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not a bad beginning

For the Lou P. Era.

Next Year!!!

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

by Scott G F on Oct 7, 2007 8:14 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks

for having a place to not only share in the success, but also to vent the frustrations thrrough out the season.

by GHCF2314 on Oct 7, 2007 8:14 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The highlight of my night last night

was Frank Thomas attempting to bunt!

and Curtis Granderson said exactly after he "bunted", "now who is gonna run for him?"!!

It WILL Happen!!!....but not this year...

by Chanman25 on Oct 7, 2007 8:16 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Not a good day for me yesterday,

but I think I'm at peace with my sports, for now. The Cubs had a good year--an especially good year for the Cubs--and when the disappointment wears down I think I'll be able to look back fairly fondly at this season. It was a fun ride for sure, and there are worse things than being able to watch meaningful Cubs games in September and October.

Now, if only Tim Tebow didn't launch a rocket off his own receiver's helmet....

by Gator Cub on Oct 7, 2007 8:22 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks, Al

For your insightful recaps, your sense of humor, and your commitment. I was there last night, but, because of the size of the crowd, I saw very little of the game. A blessing, perhaps. In fact, since crowds were huge all season, I spent a lot of time in stairwells, and that's one of the reasons that this is my last season as a regular with the Cubs band. When I go next year as a fan, I'll look for you. Thanks again.

by ClarinetGuy on Oct 7, 2007 8:24 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

How long have you been in the band, Clarinet?

I've always enjoyed the few times I've heard the wandering band of musicians at Wrigley and have always thought they added a really neat touch to Wrigley tradition. I only have been able to get one pic of the band and that was back in the 80's, and I don't know if you part of it then, but we always enjoyed it. Thanks for being a part of something that really made Cub fans smile!

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

by cubnational on Oct 7, 2007 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Glad you've enjoyed it!

I became the regular clarinetist in July of 2002, and I had been a substitute, playing 10-12 games a season, for ten years before that. It's been great fun, and the fans have always been enthusiastic and kind to us. I'll probably substitute now and then next year, but I felt it was time for a change. If you'd like to see info and photos of the band, the leader, Ted Butterman, has a website: http://www.dixieswing.com/cubs_gallery.html

by ClarinetGuy on Oct 7, 2007 7:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

We'll miss you out there!

Please come visit us in the LF corner next year when you're there as a fan.

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

by Al on Oct 8, 2007 4:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

An inspiration

Just so you know, my 15-year-old son has a picture of your group as his screen saver. He's going to be "trumpet guy" when he retires from teaching.

Geo! (clap-clap-clap) Soto! (clap-clap-clap)

by zambranofan on Oct 7, 2007 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fanstastic!

Tell him to keep practicing!

by ClarinetGuy on Oct 8, 2007 9:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Al for the patience given in this forum!

It was a terrible way to end the season. It was an embarrassment, but I know all the Cubs tried and did the best they could. One day we will be able to rejoice and we will all have our day! I just hope I live that long. I'm in my 60th year of being a Cub fan. Don't wait too long guys!

What am I going to do when the season ends???

by Saratoga on Oct 7, 2007 8:28 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

cubs

wait till next year.there i said it.did,nt expect the cubs to lose without putting up a fight.expected to win actually.the whole team went totally flat.and the fans let soriano and ramirez have it big time.lot of good teams knocked out fast.n.l. central division champs???i.ll take it.we,ll revamp and try to get better over the winter.

by NOMAR on Oct 7, 2007 8:40 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Not heartbroken, just pissed

2003 was heartbreaking...This team simply got themselves outplayed, some outpitched but mostly outhit.

It's now on to watching the rest of the post season and then seeing the hotstove heat up.

Here's to hoping the impending team sale doesn't cuff Jimbo and Co and they can further improve this years' squad.

Anyway, it's AC006299. Guess the folks at that building have to consider how to add a 7th numeral. The Cubs have only 1 more chance to not make that happen.

Our grandparents used to say, "I hope the Cubs win the Series before I die". Now teenagers are saying it. Let's change that this season!

by blackhawk24 on Oct 7, 2007 8:42 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Al

I just wanted to write and say thank you Al. I am new to BCB this season and I enjoyed reading your comments about the Cubs and your knowledge about baseball. Thank you for everything this season and see you next year. Eamus Catuli

by rtraugs25 on Oct 7, 2007 8:59 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yesterday was a long day

My wife and I got up before 5:00 am to drive 70 miles to Houston to catch a plane to Chicago. Due to several factors, we got to the game just as it was about to start, and with our seats in section 503, had no way to drop by and say hello, hoping that could wait for todays gane. It did seem like after DeRosas double play, everyone in our area was just waiting for it to be over.

Anyhow, thanks for BCB. It is great, and I usually start off my day checking to see what you have to say. Keep it up. Hopefully I'll get back for some games next year, and the Cubs improvement will continue.

by tex on Oct 7, 2007 9:06 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Getting swept is a bitter pill...

...The Cubs didn't show up. That is to say, in going over strengths and weaknesses and scouting reports etc...you do what you can to prepare, but this dismal showing falls 100% on the players. Only one starter pitched like he belonged and the bullpen that had been so strong in the 2nd half saw the strongest performer crumble. Not saying that these players are bad players either, they just did not show-up for this series.

Losing 3 straight is a bitter pill but it's nothing like 2003 when I couldn't go to work the enxt day, LOL!

It was an enjoyable season, there was a lot to like about this team and their players and coaches. It ended abruptly and with a whimper. I must admit that in game 1 when I saw Tony Clark hitting cleanup my initial thoguht was "This series is ours, dude!" But that's why they play the games.

The Cubs have some very solid pieces to build upon and they need improvement. If we get new owners who bring in their own GM and their own manager then we start over. Hendry and Pinella did fine jobs this year. They gave us a great effort nd a competitive team.

by DudeVf11 on Oct 7, 2007 9:27 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

C'est la vie

Three obvious metrics:

You hit into many more double plays
You hit many fewer home runs
Your starters can't get out of the 3rd because of wildness.

Each one of those equals loss. Series over.

I was one of those who had thrown away the 2007 season before the season ever began. I expected it to be a year for LouPa to tinker with his roster, for the younger pitchers like Hill, Marshall, and Marmol to get some seasoning, and for a couple of veterans to be traded at the July deadline. I thought 73-74 wins was likely, and never dreamed they would get over .500, much less win the division.

Thus, I cannot be too upset with the outcome, compared to say 1989. I am now rooting for the Rockies to sweep the Tribe - in fact, I'm rooting for the Rockies to win out.

Sadly, this marks the end for a few players, who will likely never wear Cubbie blue again. But there's no point speculating on who those players are right now.

And like the others: thanks to Al for putting up with all of us. I do check in periodically over the winter, and you all should do so as well.

It's a simple question, Doctor: would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs??

by Invalid User on Oct 7, 2007 9:31 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Hey, Al.

Thanks so much for the great site, and helping to build this excellent Cub fan community. Where is this place where you'll be watching the Series? I'd love to come by and chat you up.

Thanks for all the work you've done this year. For once, Next Year can wait a while...

by lapetino on Oct 7, 2007 9:36 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm going to take a short breather...

...but I already have some thoughts on the offseason brewing that I'll probably have up in the next few days. I'm nowhere near as sad as I was in '03, just... I wanted more baseball. Is there anything wrong with that?

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Oct 7, 2007 9:36 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Not at all

This was a disappointing series. But it was not a heartbreaking series, like '84 or '03. Even in '98, when the Cubs were swept, it looked they were going to win game 3, which made the loss that much tougher.

by ChipSet on Oct 7, 2007 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Al- thank you

BCB is outstanding and I thank you for that.

I have never heard Wrigley as loud as it was when the count went 3-1 on DeRosa. You can only wonder what could have happened if lays off the next one...

Looking forward to the hot stove.

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 7, 2007 10:03 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The Cubs Beat Themselves......

....in this series. Arizona did what they had to, but last night's game was winnable, just like the series. For all the reasons mentioned in Al's post, Hill's inexplicable batting practice pitch to start the game to all the double plays to DeRosa swinging at an obvious ball four, the Cubs could be playing game four today instead of having to read drivel like Marriotti wrote.

The Dodgers have a dilemma. The Cubs still need tweaking. I'd like to see the Cubs help the Dodgers solve their dilemma by taking Jeff Kent off their hands. He'll be 40 next April, but there's been no dropoff in production. He hit .615 in last year's NLDS against the Mets. Yes, .615. This year he hit .302 with an .OBP of .375. He has one year left on his contract, an option year for around $9M. Stick him at second, put DeRosa in right, and thank Cliff Floyd for his time. Let the best man win between Pie and Jones in center, and see if Kent puts up with lackadaisical play from players who jog to first in groubd balls. Kent's a prickly sort to say the least, but the Cubs could use all factes of his talents, from the production on the field to the guy who hasn't been afraid to punch out Barry Bonds. He could probably be had for a couple of Double A guys if the Cubs took all the salary.

Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Oct 7, 2007 10:04 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Kent...please!

the man is a total cancer. Living in LA, I can tell you that guy is the last thing you need around young players or on the Cubs.

If AZ and Colorado prove anything, it is that young and energetic players combined with experience will lead to victories. Kent has the range at 2B of the Pepsi machine. DeRo has great passion, has reasonable/good range and is the man we need to keep both at 2B and in his versatile role throughout the field. No way, Kent is an upgrade to this team.

Prince Fielder...he is neither.

by LAcarl519 on Oct 7, 2007 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kent?

He's just what this team DOESN'T need. Published reports say there was a major rift in the team between the younger players and the older players. Might I make a educated guess and think Kent was the leader of the 'older' group?

You'll remember after Andre Ethier's 9th inning home run in Chicago in the final game of that 4-game set, to win that game -- the Dodgers tanked with 7 losses in a row.

Something must have really taken place in the Dodgers clubhouse to lose the momentum they had coming out of Wrigley. They still had a chance at the Wild Card at the end of that series.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Oct 7, 2007 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You want to dump Derosa for Kent?

The guy is a big reason we made the playoffs and you just can't wait to get rid of him.

by cubstoseriesby100 on Oct 7, 2007 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You Did Read It, Correct?

Where did I say dump DeRosa? I said move him to right field.

And yes, Kent is all those things and more. He can be a clubhouse cancer. He also flat out hits. A little insight into why the Dodgers disintegrated is necessary. The younger players were and are a bunch of prima donnas who were still laughing after tough losses and not taking direction from older players or coaches. When someone like Luis Gonzalez tries to tell Andre Ethier how to play left field against someone Gonzalez has seen for ten years, and Ethier's reply is to tell him to save his old school advice, there will be problems. When Furcal tries to tell Tony Abreu where he wants him on a double play situation and he tells him he only plays where Russell Martin positions him, then there's problems. So when Kemnt finally spoke up about it and still didn't cite chapter and verse, in that situation I don't blame him.

Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Oct 7, 2007 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

look, I think we are past the days

of having infielders without range. look at how those guys on the D'backs sucked up every ball hit in the holes. It killed many an opportunity for us. Very deflating.

Kent is a total fielding liability. There is no way you have that cancer and fielding liability on this team with ground ball pitchers like Z and Marquis. You are asking for trouble. Bad idea. Next.

Prince Fielder...he is neither.

by LAcarl519 on Oct 7, 2007 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

DeRosa's hitting is perfectly acceptable...

...for a second baseman, or for a utility player. As an everday right fielder, it's... wanting.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Oct 7, 2007 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Please please please

let's not get into the "his numbers are OK for one position but not another". Look at what AZ got from their RF. .242/.314/.677.

Instead of filling positions, let's build a team.

It's not to late to go to Soto.

by tharr on Oct 7, 2007 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, what?

A .998 OPS? What's the point of this? If you ignore the batting average -- and analytically, you should almost ALWAYS ignore the batting average -- they had scandalously good RF production, unlike our team. Replacement-level production, positional adjustments and the unimportance of batting average are things we SHOULD go into.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Oct 7, 2007 1:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What is .998?

The OPS of the RF position for AZ in 2007 was .677 which is what I stated? I agree with you about relative importance so where is the confusion?

The Dbacks got crap out of their RF this year yet beat us like a drum. It's not about positions, it's about the team.

It's not to late to go to Soto.

by tharr on Oct 7, 2007 2:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Correction

to eliminate bugginess. Stats are .242/.314/.363/.677.

Is everybody happy?

Now it seems AZ MUST improve their situation in RF, not us.

It's not to late to go to Soto.

by tharr on Oct 7, 2007 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well....

This was a team that was consistent at one thing: being inconsistent.

I just can't see how an offseason is going to cure the current players of their hitting problems.

This was the best team in the worst division.

And kudos to the Cub fans last night giving this team a well-deserved good bye while they walked off the field last night.

by Peoria Matt on Oct 7, 2007 10:10 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Al -- thank you

Al -- A big thanks to you for organizing this site and to all the insightful posters who populate the comments section. This is what I wrote my friend Gerry, a huge baseball fan who lives in Australia:

If your team loses, it's better that it be a decisive and total defeat: the pitchers we worried about {Zambrano, Dempster, Marquis} were no problem, those we relied on {Lilly, Hill, Marmol} were the problem. There was no clutch hitting. The failure was a team effort.

The bright side: this was a team which, as constituted, could expect to win 87 +- 5 games per year. If they had done much better in the playoffs, there would be great pressure to keep it intact. As it is, there was some success in the season, but still much to be done. When your best batter up the middle (C, 2B, SS, CF) is Mark DeRosa (though he's certainly competent), you are not a championship team. Soto will be better next year; hopefully Pie, too. I hope Soriano, Ramirez and Lee can condition themselves better in the off-season. I expect we've seen the last of Kendall, Ward and Floyd, and the non-playoff-roster Ohman, Monroe and Trachsel.

Still, it's better than crashing and burning in the last week and letting the Brewers get swept by the D-backs.

by BruceR on Oct 7, 2007 10:11 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I Believe Ward.....

...is under contract for next year. As for the others, yeah, thanks but see you later.

Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Oct 7, 2007 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ward's deal..............

...........was for this season only, however there is a $1.2 million mutual option for 2008.

by tville on Oct 7, 2007 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Cubs have a $.12 million option...

...on Ward that didn't vest, but they'd be fools not to exercise.

Other free agents are Floyd, Trachsel, Wood and Monroe. Prior can be nontendered (and it strikes me as being likely).

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Oct 7, 2007 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Let me add my thanks

for all of your hard work on this site. Since discovering it, I have enjoyed to the opportunity to take part in the dicussions and read what other die hards are thinking. I've also visited most of the other SB sites, and BCB is far and away the best place to engage in some meaningful discussion on our favorite team.

Thanka agin, and I look forward to the off season!

Iowa f****n' State???? Again?????

by tommy veryzer on Oct 7, 2007 10:19 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Personally....

I laughed more during last night's game than I fretted. It was like I was watching a movie that I've seen before. Every double play was expected, almost scripted. Every Dback HR was hit exactly when they needed to take the wind out of the Cub sails.

I was telling my wife what would happen right before it did. And when it did happen, I just laughed. My wife was very pleased with my attitude because she has seen me doubled over, cussing and screaming at Cub games for years. I was rewarded with much sympathy love making. The night was not totally lost.

Sure, I am heartbroken. I watched the players that we count on totally fold under the pressure over and over these three games. I saw Aramis and Lee and Soriano get booed off the field and it hurt my heart, wishing we had a guy like Manny Ramirez who goes up to the plate knowing he will get it done, instead of stepping up hoping he doesn't mess it up and get booed.

This whole entire team had the deer in the headlights look. The expectations, the pressure, the curses; all of it piled up in the middle of Wrigley and came crashing down on top of this team and they just laid there, under the rubble, and didn't even attempt to get out.

I can't get the image of Aramis out of my head in his second at bat. Everybody knows his confident, locked-in look at the plate. It was replaced with the look of a child not wanting to let down his father. Scared silly.

This is far better than not making it to the playoffs and finishing last. It is a baby step. But you would think after 100 years, the baby would have grown up a little bit and learned from its mistakes.

by martyblue on Oct 7, 2007 10:25 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Thank you Al

Thank you for the dedication, the humor, the insights, and the rational view of a Cubs fanatic.

As for this year's team, I think they did a great job! The worst team in the National League last year improved enough to come from behind to win the Central! Sure they didn't play well in the playoffs (ARam, Soriano, Marmol, Hill, Lily were all terrible)...but hopefully this is a building block to next year's playoffs!

I'm no where near as heartbroken by this team as I was by the 84, 89, or 2003 teams...

Have a great winter, lets hope the sale goes smoothly, and that the Cubs avoid freakish off-season injury...

"It's a pier 9 brawl!..."

by rrobinson on Oct 7, 2007 10:37 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Scouting

Agreed 100% on the lack of scouting. This is one thing that was done SO well in 2003 against the Braves, at least. They had a spectacular line-up with Andruw Jones, Chipper Jones, Rafael Furcal, Gary Sheffield, Vinny Castilla and Marcus Giles. The Cubs, however, scouted them very well and put together a pitching game plan that dealt with an offense that had several players w/ OBPs over .375. This was not the case this year. The Dbacks did, however, have that scouting and gameplan and they went after every Cub's offensive weakness and the Cubs were not able to adjust. This team has not been able to adjust its game all year.

Who knows what the offseason holds. Jim Hendry likely bought himself another year, and I do like what John McDonaugh brings to the table. What this organization does need is a true director of baseball operations who can take a wholesale look at the organization from top to bottom. Look at advanced scouting, the minor leagues, and set a coherent message and direction for the organization. This has been lacking.

DmL

by dmlichte on Oct 7, 2007 10:39 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I have heard rumors...

... that there will be money spent this offseason -- on adding positions to the baseball staff, which can only help. The baseball staff has been stretched to the limit, because there are so few of them who are full-time. If this takes some of the pressure off Hendry to "do it all" (such as having to sign Ted Lilly from a hospital bed), that's a good start, anyway.

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

by Al on Oct 7, 2007 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

McDonaugh

This is why I liked his hiring. He may not have been a baseball man but he's an organization man and what a person like him can do is make a top to bottom evaluation and help fill in the gaps. It seems that Randy Bush, who was hired to be an assistant GM this year played a big role in taking some day to day responsibility from Hendry. More of this is needed, but more importantly, there needs to be someone who sets the organizational philosophy and I don't believe this is Hendry. He's done a great job assembling a fantasy league roster and what is needed is a wider view person who can give some direction to Hendry, who can then go and acquire the players. I don't see this happening, though.

Further, it seems like there is a lot of dead weight in the front office, too. Ed Lynch has been on the Cubs payroll since he was ousted and is now listed as a special assistant to the GM. Same for Billy Williams, who, while a great person and an ambassador, likely isn't making substantive personnel decisions.

DmL

by dmlichte on Oct 7, 2007 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Billy...

... isn't on the payroll any more, is he? He was on my flight returning from Phoenix on Friday. I'm guessing if the Cubs are paying for his flight, he wouldn't be on Southwest.

About McDonough, I think any new owner would be foolish to not offer him some sort of position. He is probably the top marketing executive in recent baseball history.

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

by Al on Oct 7, 2007 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Williams

http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/team/front_office.jsp?c_id=chc

He's listed as a special assistant to the president (not the GM, my error). I imagine that he's on the payroll, though not in a big way, and his role is as an ambassador.

With McDonaugh, they likely will not let him get away, though I wonder if he'd return to running marketing. He has shown an ability to run an organization and I'd really like to see what changes he'd put into place, at least over the next year or so. But if he's someone who is wedded to Hendry and things that everything is rosy in how the team is being run, then I don't care if he stays or goes.

One of the things that I've heard Steve Stone and others say is that the perspective owners are not in the least thrilled about the spending habits this past year of Hendry. The $96M committed to 13 players for 2008 along with backloaded deals is troublesome. It will be interesting to see how this unfolds.

DmL

by dmlichte on Oct 7, 2007 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is it a lack of scouting....

....or the refusal of players to follow it? Take Hill's comments. He knew Young swings on the first pitch and had a lot of first pitch homers, yet he threw him one down the middle anyway. Then again, one of Hill's problems has been his inability/refusal to follow coaching directives. The Scouts/Piniella et al can give the players all the data in the world, but if they blow it off, what are ya gonna do? Besides get new players....

Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Oct 7, 2007 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Could be anything

At least with pitching, Zambrano showed an ability to have a coherent pitching plan. Its possible that Lilly and Hill had a plan but their lack of stuff just didn't allow them to follow that game plan. (Hill's first inning HR was certainly was not good, but in the end the team scored one freaking run). So I think with the pitching, its very possible that there was a game plan that the pitchers couldn't follow due to mechanics, tired arms, or whatever.

With the hitting, who knows. The Dbacks took advantage of every weakness and true scouting and coaching should have seen that coming. So did the Cubs coaches and scouts see this coming? Is it possible that they did and its possible that there was a game plan. This team may just be so one dimensional on offense that they were incapable of putting that plan into action.

DmL

by dmlichte on Oct 7, 2007 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not sure how much was lack of scouting

as opposed to a group of guys who were just tight as could be. Look at Lilly's performance in game 2. He didn't overthrow like that one game this year, but he picked the wrong time to do it.

The offense is the big story, and Ramirez' AB in the third told the entire story. Swinging at 2 breaking balls a foot off the plate was eye opening. To a man, they were overcome by the expectations and pressure and I don't see anyway to sugar coat this thing. The stuff they faced from Davis and Hernandez in games 2 and 3 was almost laughable, and I don't think they would have hit if they faced a batting practice pitcher on those days.

They need to take a hard look at the one element that held this team down all year - a balanced offense. If they don't place Soriano in the five hole, they are asking for more of the same and frankly, I don't care what his career stats show. The guy has talent, and should be able to adjust. They need a legit leadoff guy and have not had one since Lofton. I wouldn't mind seeing them acquire Castillo and then put DeRosa in RF in 08.

It's going to be real interesting this offseason. The good thing is, another year of Piniealla influence over Hendry will be a good thing, as long as they aren't handcuffed from the sale process.

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

by MPH73 on Oct 7, 2007 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lilly

Not sure he overthrew like that at all this season, however he was prone to a big inning on too many occasions and had his moments where he could not hold down the opponent following the Cubs putting a few runs on the board.

I'm not sure if the problem was scouting or implementation. What I do believe is that there are a lot of flaws with this offense and I'm not sure what the options are w/ $96M committed for next year.

DmL

by dmlichte on Oct 7, 2007 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Absolutely.

And thanks for adding your voice to the cry to have Soriano bat where he belongs. He can do it and has done it successfully before. Here are his numbers with Texas, batting 3rd in 2004:

.280 (BA) .328 (OBP) .476 (SLG) .804 (OPS) 22 (HR) 78 (RBI) in 116 games.

2005, batting 5th:

270 (BA) .315 (OBP) .523 (SLG) .838 (OPS) 30 (HR) 93 (RBI) in 123 games.

It made sense for the Yankees to have Soriano leadoff because with the DH and the hitters the Yankees had hitting 7th, 8th and 9th, Soriano had plenty of RBI chances. It's different in the NL where the leadoff guy hits (except in the first at bat) after the pitcher, almost always an out.

I wrote last night in a diary that one of the improvements the Cubs need is a legitimate leadoff hitter, someone with a high OBP who can jumpstart an offense. I'm happy to read others agree.

by Fraggin Judge on Oct 7, 2007 4:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Not sure how much was lack of scouting

Great post.....I 100% agree with your comments.

Hey Lou, we're long overdue.

by deadcatbounce on Oct 7, 2007 4:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Al, I agree with

your comment "is that enough? No,it's not enough." Twenty years ago I would have been happy with this season. Not anymore. I want more, I'm tired of not winning the whole thing. I personally think that is a good attitude to have. Thanks for all you do with this site, it is a great avenue for all of us to follow our Cubs. You do a great job with it.

by qccub on Oct 7, 2007 10:39 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Thank You Al

I didn't get to post as much as I would've like to. But I read almost daily, and would like to wish Al and all the faithful BCB'ers, a great off-season. After the first game in Az. I new we didn't have a world champion Team, but like everyone, I hoped. SEE YA'LL in the spring, Thanks again, Al.

Hey Chicago, What da ya say ......Cubs Are Going To Win Today!!

by Don Da Cubs Fan on Oct 7, 2007 10:49 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

We're just getting started

was the comment Lou made that confirmed what I said yesteray in another diary. We're ahead of schedule, we've made great gains, we just made the playoffs. We can go further.

The players in the post game interviews looked pissed and bewildered on how this happened. They cared. Dlee was said to have a tear in his eye and could barely talk to reporters. This team had some pride. I'm just so pissed we didn't put up a good fight.

My early observation for next year is another #1 starter so you can win these best of 5 series. You have to shut the door even if your bats are being stiffled by the opponent. That's key. Lilly may revert to form and would be a great #3. He's not a #1. We need another bat, a big, consistent, RBI, high OBP guy that will play every day. I like our infield, it will have to be an outfielder.

We'll be back as fans and as readers of BCB. Al does such a great job and all of you posters bring up amazing insights to this team. Thanks for giving me many hours of reading on my favorite team. Al, see you in spring training.

We're just getting started. We will make the playoffs next year and go further. This was a great first step. I can't believe we won the division after last year. Many things are falling in line and a few tweaks we'll be stronger next year.

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

by mrcubsfan on Oct 7, 2007 10:59 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks to all...

... for your kind words to me and to BCB... as I said in the post, it's a labor of love and so gratifying to know that all of you are here for the same reason that I do this, for love of the Cubs and the hope, renewed every year, that maybe THIS will be "the year".

There is work to be done, obviously, to take the next step. Giant leaps were made this season, clearly not quite enough, but enough to build a foundation that can be improved upon.

Don't stop reading during the offseason, we'll keep talking baseball and the Cubs, and maybe some other things, too.

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

by Al on Oct 7, 2007 11:10 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Al

for allowing your labor of love be our sounding board. The only thing I am going to say about next year is I'll see you in left field at HoHoKam in '08!

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

by BigJohnAZ on Oct 7, 2007 11:35 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

For me its clear

the 99 years thing puts pressure on the players, i really think, i wish we get over with it as soon as we can, the dbacks played relax and confident, while the cubs were always afraid to miss.

by Alfonso on Oct 7, 2007 11:36 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

great job, al!

your dedication to the cubs, through this avenue, evidences that you are indeed, the quintessential baseball fan.

thanks for your efforts.

"If you'da been thinkin you wouldn't 'a thought that." ~~ "Squints" Palledorous

by rm463 on Oct 7, 2007 11:39 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Al,

As I know you've heard countless times, BCB is great. As much as I'll miss Cubs baseball in the coming days, I'm going to miss checking BCB everday, at least until the rumor mill starts up again.

I really thought that this team had it in them. Although when the last out was recorded, I wasn't stunned or surprised. The writing was pretty much on the wall after that DeRosa GIDP on ball 4.

I hope they keep Ward and Wood. I don't know if/when Pie will finally be ready to start. Soto appears ready at catcher, with either Blanco or Kendall behind him. What of Jones? What of Murton? Is Marshall the 5th starter? Is Marmol the closer? Will '08 have a more balanced lineup? Will they hit HRs like we think they will? And will Soriano ever be worth the money if he can't steal bases anymore?

I look forward to '08, but I was hoping to stave off that outlook for a while with a few more weeks of Cubs baseball. Ah, the life of a Cubs fan.

Thanks again Al, good site.

Go Cubs.

by WittyUserName on Oct 7, 2007 11:51 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Al, thanks.

For keeping this site as lively as it is. On a personal note, thanks for correcting the factual mistakes in my rant from a couple of nights ago. Now I regret writing it. You and those who commented convinced me rationally. That's what this site is for, I believe: To make us better and more knowledgeable fans.

by Fraggin Judge on Oct 7, 2007 11:55 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks, Al...

You do a really excellent job with this site. This was my first year as a member of BCB, and it was truly an enjoyable one. Even with all the tiresome poster-on-poster character assassination, I found BCB a consistently thought-provoking read, which added immeasurably to my appreciation of (and in some cases, frustration with) the 2007 Cubs.

No idea what 2008 will bring, but here's to going all the way, just the same...

And PRINT it!

by SilkyD on Oct 7, 2007 12:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Al

for having a place where fans can get the best coverage of our favorite team.

It was heart breaking after the game watching the team pack their stuff up. While there were some real lows this year there were also some extrodinary highs. There is work that needs to be done but there's a lot to look forward to too.

I'd like Geovany Soto to catch for me everyday. ;-)

by sue369 on Oct 7, 2007 12:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

my take

My friends who know of my Cubs fandom have all expected me to be jumping off a bridge in disappointment. But realistically, this season has been a great ride. Excitement about new acquisitions, a thrilling rally from a large deficit, some great wins. Watching the rest of the central fans showing their idiocy and bitterness as the Cubs, a team with a fan base and a "family" that other teams envy, enjoyed their summer months.

I have told everyone who has asked that I would rather lose in the playoffs than miss the playoffs entirely. Then, I generally ask them how their teams usually Dodgers or Padres) are doing in the playoffs.

2007 goes down as an enjoyable year. A bad finish, disappointing ending, but enjoyable nonetheless. Unlike '03, I don't have a bad feeling, don't think that the Cubs peaked too soon or burned through their pitchers. They have a few improvements to make, but there is a future here under Pinella, and I am optimistic.

Thanks to everyone here who makes this site so much fun.

In the middle of a good time, Truth gave me her icy kiss. Look around, you must be joking. All that way, all that way for this -Oysterband

by Ross on Oct 7, 2007 12:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Al and to everyone else too

I may not post very often but I'm here everyday reading the game threads and comments. There have been days while at work when I'm not busy where I will bring up this site and have to be careful of laughing out loud in my office. Some of the friendly banter are very clever and funny and I just want to thank everyone for bringing some light heartedness to this site. It was a real rollercoaster of a year but it was nice knowing I wasn't suffering alone.

Now I have to deal with the Diamondback fans. Sure would like to see the Rockies sweep them.

The Cubs will be great in 2008.

A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings. ~Earl Wilson

by tucsoncubsfan on Oct 7, 2007 12:35 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

One thing about the Rockies...

... that I found very classy, not mentioned here because we were occupied with other things, was their vote to award a full playoff share to Amanda Coolbaugh, widow of Mike Coolbaugh, the coach at their Double-A affiliate in Tulsa who was killed when hit by an errant foul ball last summer.

Class move.

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

by Al on Oct 7, 2007 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe I'm still pissed off

but if players don't utilize scouting reports that are designed to help them win, what would lead anybody to believe these professionals would think about using this resource in the future?

How can any manager, or coach pound the information into the minds of these egomaniacs?
They can go home, and forget about it.

We're stuck here, as expansion teams continue to move on in the playoffs and win World Series as this historic franchise....flounders.

No, I'm not satisfied from this team going from 'worst to first' in the division. As I posted days ago, there's too much damn celebration about 'clinching a playoff spot.'
I'll say it again: I wish for some team, some manager, some owner with....well, you know -- to BAN champagne celebrations until a team wins a pennant. Shake each other's hand, say 'good job' and get back to work.

That celebration in Cincinnati was excessive, almost equivalent to winning a World Series. I know I'm in the minority on this, I understand.

But to see these franchises with no history, with fans that only show up when the team wins, and abandon the team the rest of the time get to enjoy better post season records than 9-19....while we give up much time, and money -- with no payoff, ever -- I guess I can't say 'we'll get 'en next year' when all we have to do is look at the South Side and see where that team's fortunes have gone since 2005, and take a quick peek at Soldier Field this season. The championship window can SHUT, and close when you least expect it.

And I don't think I have to remind you the fortunes of the Cubs after '84, '89, 98, and '03.
Until this team shows me that it can break past trends....I think I don't have to say what I think about next year. Sorry that I can't get 'misty-eyed' with the the other writers here today, but this is not a warm & fuzzy 'Auld Lang Syne' moment.

It's another failure.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Oct 7, 2007 12:56 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

In part, I agree

You have to strike while the iron is hot. But I get the impression Lou is concentrating on the process more than anything.

He has said this is a much tougher job than he realized it would be. Look at the way the first two months of the season played out.

If this franchise, this culture, is going to change, it can't be done in a season. The next two will tell the tale. I figured I've waited this long, I can wait that long. But not much more than that.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Oct 7, 2007 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Still Pissed

I read your comments that you posted the other day and today and totally agree. I too felt the celebrating was overdone but unfortunately they all do it and not much will be done to stop it either.

A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings. ~Earl Wilson

by tucsoncubsfan on Oct 7, 2007 2:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Red Sox

just won the ALDS and there reaction was just a notch above winning a big regular season game. The Cubs, the fans, and the media, have always overreacted when things are going well and done the same when they are going bad.

This takes time to change, but you have to keep somewhat of a level head.

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

by MPH73 on Oct 7, 2007 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yOU'RE RIGHT

You're absolutely right. They have no right to celebrate any accomplishment hard fought for for a 162 game season.

How ridiculous. They lost the division series because they celebrated winning their division.

That is even dumber than the "The didn't try" or "didn't care" arguments which people should be shot for.

by cubstoseriesby100 on Oct 8, 2007 6:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't always

agree with you SDSJM, but I whole-heartedly agree with your "rant" regarding the celebration when winning a Division Title. Granted, it's a very nice accomplishment and one that wasn't quite expected when the season began, but do you really think the Yankees celebrated that way for the 9 consecutive years they won the Division Title? Shake hands, have a beer or two, maybe give a champagne shower to the manager or MVP of the team, but keep it real guys. Nothing has been truly accomplished yet. The only accomplishment that is considered a success is winning the World Series. Very few will remember you for winning a Division but everyone will forever remember you for winning a World Series.

Sorry for the slightly off-topic rant. All in all a good season but I still don't considered it a success. The only successful season, IMO, is one that ends in a title. Thanks Al for all you do and see you at the Cubs Convention.

by giddyup on Oct 7, 2007 2:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I totally agree.

Again, you are the voice of reason. I was flamed when in the middle of the rah, rah, I called some of these players (a) selfish or (b) not smart enough to adjust. Now Al provides us hints of that: players pressing and unable to adjust, or to follow the scouting reports.

Winning the division is a welcome stepping stone to the real goal: a championship. I have no quarrel with the team celebrating that. But winning the NL Central only means getting into the playoffs and that is not the end of the quest. That's why I like owners like this one, who do not lose sight of what you play for.

by Fraggin Judge on Oct 7, 2007 4:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What Al mentioned above

about personnel being stretched to the limit is telling, IMO. The team was unprepared and basically got pantsed. I felt this team was stronger than the '03 team, both in pitching and hitting, an example being these stats:

: 2003 2007
: AVG. .OPS AVG. OPS.
Sosa .279 .911 Lee .317 .913
Alou .280 .819 Soriano .299 .897
ARam .268 .780 ARam .310 .915
.
And then there's the comparison between the '03 bullpen to the '07 pen.

A very disappointing series.

My hope is that in the off-season Lou does not mellow any, retains his fire to win, and obtains even more control over this team and it's operations.

Tinker to Evers to Chance.

by Matt Allison on Oct 7, 2007 5:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You're missing one thing

Add a healthy Kerry Wood, Mark Prior, and Matt Clement to this year's team. Suddenly our hitters are loose, theirs are extremely tight, and all aspects of the game work much more in our favor.

As mentioned above, we need one (or two) more Number 1 starters, or the real improvements in hitting and bullpen are all for nought. And as many of us have often lamented and Kenny Lofton or two would really help (contact/OPB/LH/speed).

by cubmudgeon on Oct 8, 2007 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's a wrap

There isn't much more I can add that hasn't already been mentioned. I'm disappointed, because I thought this team had potential to make some noise in the playoffs. But I'm not devastated, like I was in 1984 and 2003.

What we saw in the playoffs wasn't a total surprise, aside from perhaps Lilly's start. This team had offensive dry spells all season. The timing of the most recent one, considering how much of September had gone, was inopportune, to say the least.

I do think things are on the right track, but it needs 2-3 more players to make the next step. What concerns me is whether the burden of history is too much for anybody to overcome. Although it's possible this is more the fans' mind-set, since they've lived through it for years, rather than the players'.

Anyway, I'm already looking forward to 2008. Thanks, Al, for providing this forum and for your deft handling of it. Not to mention the quality of your writing, which I think is excellent.

And thanks to the posters, some of whom drive me crazy sometimes but who always make me think.

See you here and there over the winter, and again, full speed ahead, in February.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Oct 7, 2007 1:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I totally agree.

The team's shortcomings just got magnified in a short series. I would be optimistic for next year if I thought the team was going to spend and look for the right additions, but I'm afraid the uncertainty about the team ownership will negatively affect that. When I read Selig said the Tribune Co. is dragging its feet that tells me that Canning is not doing so well in the Tribune's eyes and Selig is trying to manipulate the process. That is what will drag it down, probably.

by Fraggin Judge on Oct 7, 2007 4:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree, Not B.

I was not at all surprised by this. Nor was I despondent, as I was in 2003. Disgusted, yes. Very disgusted. Perhaps that's one of the reasons why booing has appeared at Wrigley Field. Enough's enough.

As I mentioned earlier, 2 series in September should have given us some clues. The 4 games at home with the Dodgers and the 3 games against the Marlins.

All of the deficiencies we saw in these three playoff games were on display in that series, such as the team's complete inability to do anything offensively against pitchers that were barely .500. The only two legit starters the Cubs faced in that 7 game sequence were Brad Penny and Dontrelle Willis. I can understand struggling against those two -- but the others? Meh.

I lost count of the DP's in the Dodgers series -- were there -- 7? And, the constant impatience at the plate -- the lack of consistent production from the big bats. It's no wonder the Cubs went 1-6 in those games. There was way too much pressure on the pitching staff. (Granted, the pitchers did let the opposing team get out to a lead in almost every game in the 7-game set.) Combined with Z's meltdown in Game 1 of the series against the Dodgers -- coming out of that series with 1 win was, indeed -- fortunate.

Contenders don't struggle against bad teams. For the most part, that was true this season. But -- when the pressure was on -- the Cubs failed the test. That 3 game series in Florida was (with the exception Willis' no-hit stuff of game 1) dreadful. A 90-loss team couldn't be put away? And don't say, 'well, look what they did to the Mets.' That's my point. The Mets didn't deserve the post season, if they couldn't beat that team AT HOME.)

The Cubs were damn lucky they finished up against the depleted Reds. Would there even HAVE been a divisional title had they played OUT of the division, as the Brewers did? How very unlucky were the Brewers to be playing the Padres, another team fighting to stay alive.

I'm speculating this team isn't as good as we think it is, and we may be headed down the feel-good Primrose Lane ONCE AGAIN, and we'll be saying this same stuff at this same time next year.

Maybe I'll feel differently later.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Oct 7, 2007 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Final series were telling.

During the last two weeks the Cubs only beat the decimated-by-injuries Cincinatti Reds. Otherwise, the Cubs were swept by the team with the worst record in the NL (the Florida Marlins) and the team with the best record in the NL (the Arizona Diamondbacks).

by Fraggin Judge on Oct 7, 2007 6:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think, even if he doesn't say it publicly,

Piniella knows what this team's deficienies are and will be working with Hendry (or whomever) to address them.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Oct 7, 2007 7:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lead Off Homer

Al's comments about scouting reports & Chris Young are right on the money. I watch a lot of Marlin games and everyone is shocked to see pitchers throw the catcher Oliva a first pitch fastball... this guy is looking for exactly that and creams it nearly every time... Tommy Hutton the Marlins announcer laughs like crazy and says I guess they don't believe what they have been told ....
I got txs to todays game expect z to shut them out................ see ya

by FlaCub on Oct 7, 2007 1:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Great job Al!!

Season lent itself to a lot of storylines hope you can come up with some concepts like last year's top 100 players of all time to keep hot stove burning...

Maybe 10 best and worst trades...something on announcers...ownership situation will keep us posting!! don't see a lot of big trades due to uncertainty of ownership, but lot of "middlin''' type players could be moved: Jones, Murton, Dempster, Cedeno, Ohman, Patterson, Marshall (no one seems to be mentioning him in '08 plans), etc.

WSCR has five-hour baseball show now focusing on Cubs they said at top the main need is a RF who gets on base and hits for some power...Bobby Abreu of five years ago be ideal!!

by writerinwrigley on Oct 7, 2007 1:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Kosuke Fukodome.

He's the best right fielder available in free agency.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Oct 7, 2007 1:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed.

Fukudome would be a perfect fit for a slot where the Cubs have a need. Best of all, he's a total free agent -- doesn't have to go through the posting process that most Japanese players do.

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

by Al on Oct 7, 2007 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fukodome???

Wow. That is a seriously almost-too-great-to-be-real name. Just think about how the guy can be cut down with certain profanity when he screws up! A childish observation, I know, but it made me laugh which is what I need badly today. :-)

Anxiously awaiting the arrival of Opening Day '08

by love the ivy on Oct 7, 2007 5:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

abreu

if the team option ($16 mil) isn't picked-up for 2008, i would be happy to abreu in rf next year.

"If you'da been thinkin you wouldn't 'a thought that." ~~ "Squints" Palledorous

by rm463 on Oct 7, 2007 9:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

edit

i would be happy to see abreu in rf next year.

"If you'da been thinkin you wouldn't 'a thought that." ~~ "Squints" Palledorous

by rm463 on Oct 7, 2007 9:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Adjustments and Huge THANK YOU AL !!!

The Cubs did not make any adjustments during thiis series and I feel AL is very on to something with the scouting issue.

Sitting here in CT I saw most of the WGN games and many on MLB.TV. The opposing team pitched aay to DLEE Aram & Soriano all year. they never adjusted. The Cubs for the most part were dead pull hitters. Theriot and DeRosa were the only ones who early on went opposit field.

The little things that killed this team mid season like (bunts, steals for and against, hitting behind the runner and long sacrifice files) came back to kill us this series. You wish they might have made some little adjustments and play small ball seeing the big guys were not hitting.

How about a bunt from Derosa last night to get 1 run home. Does this team even have the TAKE SIGN ???. If we did games 2 and 3 would of been our I feel.

Hey I finally got to jab the METS & YANKEE fans this year and we got to the post season where my 14 & 12 year old could really buy into what CUBBIE BLUE and loyality is all about.

We have some good things already for next year, SOTO, WOOD, MARMOL , THERIOT were all good surprises. HOWRY & DEROSA did thier jobs very well. SORIANO, DLEE & ARAM need to step it up.
ZAMBRANO, LILY & HILL need to have be consistant.

JJ, MURTON need to find thier role to help this team, JJ was clutch down the stretch but we need that 140 games.

Hell 135 days till pitchers and catcher is long given that we should of gone deep this post season but with some addittions and ADJUSTMENTs this team will improven next year.

As the greatest leader in sport says "MARK MESSIER" you have to face loosing before you win.
Hopefully this is it.

Thanks AL !!! I am glad i wandered across this great site months back and enjoy reading the pros and cons that these "TRUE BLUE" Cub Fans speak daily. I find it so much more enjoyable than reading the on-line rants in the Tribune & Sun-Times because it comes from the heart.

Enjoy the months ahead as I will supporting the other "TRUE BLUE" team the NY Rangers.

Thanks for allowing us to go along on this ride.

John - Parrotinct

by parrotinct on Oct 7, 2007 1:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Cubs/NY Rangers

Man, you have seen a lot, haven't you?

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Oct 7, 2007 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

NY Rangers / CUBS

Its been a long hard grind

Atleast we saw the Rangers in 1994

Cubs in 08 seems like a good thing to me

by parrotinct on Oct 8, 2007 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Big Thanks Al! I enjoyed meeting you

this summer and look forward to the hot stove season playing out here. It should be exciting seeing who'll take over the team IF they get sold and who'll be back and who won't. My only prediction is that Alfalfa won't be batting lead-off. We'll see. Thanks Aagin!

by teacher tom on Oct 7, 2007 2:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I almost hope it was the scouting!

One moment that stands out was the Soriano-Juan Cruz matchup. Cruz was missing the strikezone and, as many of us recall, when he's missing he usually continues to miss. You would think that Soriano was aware of this when he came to the plate with two men on, but struck out by swinging at two pitches that missed bad. If that was a scouting mistake, then it can be fixed easily for next year. Unfortunately, I have a feeling it has more to do with Soriano's inability to take advice, which could continue to haunt us.

by thepenguin on Oct 7, 2007 2:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Irony

For those who haven't seen it, here's the cover of the scorecard from last night. It was a beautiful scorecard, but I don't think the irony will be lost on anyone:

¡BLANCO!

by 08Cubs on Oct 7, 2007 2:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Ironic?

Yes.
But I still get goosebumps thinking about that moment. That is the kind of memory that will keep this season close to my heart forever. Thanks for posting it.

Anxiously awaiting the arrival of Opening Day '08

by love the ivy on Oct 7, 2007 6:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Al...

Great final recap. It's just sad, I feel really empty right now. Everything is so quiet right now compared to last Friday.

On a brighter note, a really hope Kerry Wood comes back next year

by cubfanwill on Oct 7, 2007 2:56 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

More Thanks to Al!

I've been a fan for ~40 years and follow along as best as I can from northern California. This is my first year as a reader of BCB and I greatly appreciated Al's first-hand comments. In many cases it helped to put thing in perspective, and in some cases I learned something from Al that I didn't get from my paper or various web sources.

I had bought tickets for two NLCS games in Colorado; even made plane reservations and booked a hotel. Not that I was cocky-confident - but you gotta plan ahead if you want to see some of these events. Wrigley tickets go higher and higher every year, and I figured I'd enjoy the trip to Denver more than a trip to Phoenix.

Oh well, the disappointment will fade and hopes will rise again next season. There are a lot of positives to look forward to once this repeated heartbreak fades.

The hardest part wasn't losing - it was the way we lost. At some point you think the CUBS will get a hit BY ACCIDENT! I told a friend that this reminded me of someone in a weekly NFL pool picking games against the spread and going 3-13 or 2-14 when the winner goes 4-12. It's SO BAD that's it's a statistical anomaly! You're not just "average bad" - you're better at being bad then the winner was at being good!

Thanks again Al and all.........

by JoToPo on Oct 7, 2007 3:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

My two cents........

How in the heck did we let Augie Ojeda get away??.....I just love and appreciate this place called Bleed Cubbie Blue. Thanks for this wonderful haven.

Hey Lou, we're long overdue.

by deadcatbounce on Oct 7, 2007 3:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

cub fan since 1984

I have never posted but ready BCB every day. Thank you Al. I have been a cub fan since 1984. I was fourteen years old young and impessionable thought the Cubs would win every year. I live in Tennessee so I owe WGN thanks for the broadcast. As a long time Cub fan, I have to say that despite the sweep I have had one of the most enjoyable seasons ever. It is rare that we as Cub fans get to follow a pennat race as tight as the one we had with Milwaukee. Plus, we won! Lets be thankful for the season we had and the players we signed(I would have never expected the splurge $400 million) and look forward to another great year in 2008. Have a great offseason and think of all the POSITIVE things that happened in 2007.

by johnebb on Oct 7, 2007 3:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Al and everyone else

Yesterday was a real split personality kind of day. This weekend was Parent's Weekend and Eastern Illinois University where my daughter attends. Weeks ago my wife got reservations at a hotel and we made plans to drive down and attend. Then the Cubs made the playoffs and game 3 was scheduled Saturday night at the same time as a concert at EIU for the students and parents. What to do, what to do?!? Wife and daughter on one side - my beloved Cubs on the other. I sleep in the same bed as my wife - she wins.

The doors to the REO Speedwagon concert (yes they are still touring!) opened at 7:00PM. At 7:00 I was standing in front of a TV with 35-40 other parents and student all praying that DeRo would lay off the next pitch with a 3-1 count. After the double-play everyone groaned and shuffled off the the concert.

I followed the rest of the game on my Blackberry during the concert. Shortly after the last out, the band started playing "Time For Me to Fly" and I thought how appropriate.

Time for all of us to fly into the off-season full of memories of a great season with a lot of fun times, silly arguments, meaningful statistics, big comebacks, and spectacular meltdowns.

This is the first season I have followed BCB and it has been the best. I have learned a lot from some very dedicated, passionate fans. At the top of that list is Al. Thank you Al for the blood, sweat, and tears (way too many tears!) you put into this site. Thank you everyone else for the passion and care you all put into our Cubs. And last by not least, thank you Cubs for the great season you gave us all.

As disappointing as the end may have been remember this - our Cubs played more games than the last 2 World Series winners did this season. And maybe best of all, we got to see a flaming, spectacular, history-making meltdown by the Mets.

See, not all bad!

Football and basketball are just things to do between baseball seasons.

by MetsSuck on Oct 7, 2007 3:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

First season here? Awesome .. AND ..

.. that is a WINNING screen name there, pal.

I've been here since 2005, off and on .. enjoy the ride.

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

by cubnational on Oct 7, 2007 10:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just got home

after a 6 hour car ride.. tried to get tickets last night but $300 was a lot to spend, so I ended up watching it from a local bar and on a TV on Waveland ave.......
it was interesting to listen all the fans on the radio this morning...I just wanted to get home and get on BCB and see what kind of a response everyone had.

I am personally going to pack up all my ticket stubs, newspaper articles, recorded games, autographs, pictures,,etc put them in a box with them labeled Cubs 2007... and one day after it happens I will go through that stuff with my son and tell him that I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.... It is great to be a CUBS fan..

Thanks for the great site.

by cozmotaylor on Oct 7, 2007 3:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Just some thoughts on the rotation

Len mentioned that Hart might be in line for the #5 spot next year. That sounds interesting. Who knows if Prior might be healthy enough to compete again too (obviously, don't pencil him in, but a bonus if he is healthy and competes).

But assuming the Cubs have the option of another starter (or starter and a half), I was thinking about taking Marshall/Marquis and alternating them in a starting slot or long releiver (depending on whether the series you are going into fits better for a LH or RH) for periods of time.

My thinking is you cut down on the overall innings for Marquis. It seems his problem is fatique late in the year year, so why not cut down on his starts throughout the year by alternating him with another guy (Marshall) in his slot and letting him do some long relief or resting for periods of time throughout the year?

The guy is a tough competitor and it would be great to have his arm be lively come late September/October. Maybe if he starts 24-25 games instead of 34, he has a lot more value to you when his experience will pay off. I think his second half fall off in the last three years shows that pitching him 32-34 starts just may not be the best utilization of Marquis for a post-season run.

Hopefully Lou has the depth (and health) in arms to think about things like this next year. We were very fortunate to have four starters to go 32-34 starts this year. We also have to plan on not having such good fortune next year.

I can't wait for 2008!

by LAcarl519 on Oct 7, 2007 3:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

pathetic

i have never seen "baseball" like that from this team since may. honestly, no one, except Z, showed any emotion. it was pathetic

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

by NDcubsfan on Oct 7, 2007 4:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Don't forget

Soto or Howry. They both held up there end.

by TJ3117 on Oct 7, 2007 5:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I want a Great Team

I don't want a once in 99 yr team. I want a 10 in a 100 yr. team. We have a great team to build on.

I too, am disappointed but not terribly heartbroken. They could have done better in this playoff series. It's the bad play that bothers me more than losing the series. I think what threw this team off is the slight change in philosophy. Lou has been great. Yet there was a small ripple when we stopped playing for the now. We actually planned for a future game and that was too unlike us to do. We put the wrong pressure on ourselves at the wrong time. But Lou has really done a great job, and I'm looking forward to his managing in the future.

I've had a great time this summer checking in with BCB everyday. Thanks Al for providing such a great place, my hat's off to you.

by coral on Oct 7, 2007 4:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

10 in 110 yrs (bad typing)

by coral on Oct 8, 2007 3:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Reality is...

we had a number of games this year where we hit into numerous DPs. We also had numerous series where we had RISP funks. We also had a # of games where IF our starters did not do well (which was rare) the batters would not pick them up.

Hopefully the Cubs.08 will be a team that exhibits these behaviors less often and therefore will be less likely to fall victim to this level of play at crunch time. In golf we have an expression, "practice makes permanent."

So nothing the Cubs did in the post-season should surprise us. Hopefully the good habits will be the majority/norm in '08. I think Lou was fighting lots of bad habits on this team all year.

With another year under his (Lou's) belt, I think we will see a sharper and more disciplined team. And a team that will make a stronger post-season charge.

I remain very optimistic for next year and the base that has been built. I think the players have a better sense of what Lou expects from them and what it will take to contend and win.

I can't wait for 2008!

by LAcarl519 on Oct 7, 2007 4:35 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I was in Cincy

when the Cubs clinched. Watching the game Friday night at Great American was wonderful, but I kept thinking that the '07 club was a lot like the '98 wild card team -- talented but very flawed.

If the Cubs had caught fire at the right time (like the Rockies) those flaws could have been insignificant and we would have had a chance. But I thought a similar result to the 1998 playoffs -- a sweep by the Braves -- was more likely. I hoped I was wrong.

I also worried that the D-backs were a lot like the Marlins -- only better. No cheap singles allowed, no bad fundamentals, lots of hustle. It's the kind of team the Cubs struggle against. Not sure why -- maybe we take them for granted?

But, strangely, the Cubs probably made the playoffs because they won most of the games they should have against bad opponents. Keith Law pointed it out several times on ESPN -- the Cubs played very well against bad teams in June and July.

From the beginning of June to the last homestand against Pittsburgh (and the party in Cincy), I really enjoyed this season. Cwyers said it best, I think -- it's too bad that we can't watch more games. I like this group of guys -- they may not be as talented as the '03 and '04 teams, but they're good human beings who work very hard -- if not always smart enough.

We'll get to see most of them again next year (I'm really hoping Ward and Wood are back). A bat in right -- Murton won't cut it, red-head fans -- and a little more from the rotation should mean enough for a strong season. The lineup MUST be reworked. I like and have confidence in Lou and I hope and pray he figures something out.

To me, the worst part of today is that I know the Cubs worked SO hard to get to the playoffs. To be healthy enough, catch enough breaks and keep focused for six months is very difficult, and to do that and not really show up in the postseason (after the sixth inning of Game 1) is disappointing.

Al, thanks for this site. You do good work. And thanks to the other posters.

by elgato on Oct 7, 2007 4:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

As I've said before

It would've been bad to win the WS with 85 wins. Quite honestly, I'm glad.

by ms9av on Oct 7, 2007 4:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

really?

Or is that sarcasm? If not, how many wins would be sufficient?

Hell, if we won 70 games and somehow won the WS, it would be fine with me.

by elgato on Oct 7, 2007 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Obviously, you have to be joking.

n/t

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Oct 7, 2007 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

as I have said before...

you really need to follow gymnastics or figure skating if you expect perfection is the ONLY path to a championship. those are sports that reward perfection.

Baseball is a game where we learn to deal with failure. move on to 2008 and be happy with the steps forward in Cubs v.2007. this is a much better base than we had in v.2006.

I can't wait for 2008!

by LAcarl519 on Oct 7, 2007 6:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was in wrigleyville

and the crowd at the bar I was at seemed desperate for something good to happen. Unfortunately we all waited in vain. It will be interesting to see what happens this off season with the ownership situation and free agency. I am also very excited about the Cubs Fan Convention.

AC 00 00 00 - BELIEVE

by mike on Oct 7, 2007 5:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Al

I found the blog a few months ago, and have been here every day since. Thanks for the hard work, I will be looking forward to enjoying a full season here in 08.

by Kimanism on Oct 7, 2007 5:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Funniest thing I have read yet

"Cubs old and busted: Let's play two.

Cubs new hotness: Let's hit into two."

OOOff.

It made me smile. Still in morning though.

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

by Scott G F on Oct 7, 2007 6:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Well

I will share most of the same sentiments as others on here. First and foremost, thanks Al. It has been a great time to be a Cubs fan on BCB with you and sooo many others. It makes the high of wins that much sweeter and the soul bruising losses not as hard to stomach.

I am sad that this is how the Cubs went out. I am pissed that this team couldn't pull it together for this one last huge push for excellence. I would have been atleast marginally happier if they had played a guts and glory five and still ended up losing. But, I am not as hurt by this season as say 2003.

There were simply no scapegoats, badly called plays, or "fan interference" to try to blame this on. They just didn't show up. And maybe I can deal with that better than pondering what if this or that crazy thing didn't happen. I just know what happened.

Looking forward. I can see good things coming for this team. Iron out a few rough spots get a couple players. Give Lou, Hendry, and McDonough more time to move forward like they did so well this year. I don't get the feeling that this was a one year fluke. There is some serious love for this team, city, fans, and field in those that play and those that hire them.

So here is to the fun ride the Cubs gave us this year and to actually looking forward to 2008 with more hope than I have had in years.

Anxiously awaiting the arrival of Opening Day '08

by love the ivy on Oct 7, 2007 6:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

What was the ticket market like yesterday??

I didn't make the drive up...probably just as well. In 2003 I got a single SRO ticket for the NLDS vs. the Braves, and I seem to remember that I paid $100. I was wondering what the market was like yesterday.

I also want to Echo the praise for Al, for all the time he puts in the make this forum the place for all Cubs fans to meet, debate, and unfortunately, commiserate.

by perseman on Oct 7, 2007 6:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

my bro-in-law had SRO

for yesterday and what would have been today. Him and a buddy paid $130 each for Sat and $120 each for Sunday. They were in the section on the RF side about halfway between home plate and the bleachers.

Anxiously awaiting the arrival of Opening Day '08

by love the ivy on Oct 7, 2007 8:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Adjustments.

Big Papi can teach the Cubs hitters how to adjust. The Angels defense had the shift on because Ortiz always pulls the ball to RF. Ortiz adjusted and had three hits to LF in this short series. Anyone wonders, then, why the Red Sox swept that series?

Another example happened just now. The Indians made up a run by making Roger Clemens pitch. Every hitter took pitches when needed, in the first inning.

Al was right on the money. Perhaps when our hitters adjust to pitchers throwing low and/or outside and learn to wait for their pitch, the results will be better.

by Fraggin Judge on Oct 7, 2007 6:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Double Plays

We Cubs fans sure now how Yankee fans feel about now.

by revcubfan on Oct 7, 2007 7:20 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Thank you Al

for a great site and all the work you put into this to make enjoyable conversation.
DeRosa mention how deafning it was when he was up at the plate when he hit into that Double play ball. I am sure he pressured himself to "make something happen" in that situation. Where as in the regular season he takes the pitch.
I do not question there effort, just that there effort was tight not loose. Hey they played like they played in the regular season, up and down and all around. They had one consistent run of good sound games, and that was it.
What changes do you make? They need a outfielder, Rowland is a free agent, that I believe would be a good sign, but at what cost?
I would not close Marmol, in big spots he his eractic and his control still needs work. I would sign Wood No Question, I would also give Prior one more shot. Cubs have to much invested in him, and he deserves a shot, I'd be damn he goes on somewhere else and wins 15 games. Floyd, Kendall, would go. What is Pie future? Theriot needs to hit better then he did in the second half.
Ton of questions. But I like this team, Lou is the right man for the job. Hey it is not like they are in powerful division.
Cubs will be back, be positive folks.

by Johnny Callison was a Cub on Oct 7, 2007 7:30 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The end?

Is really but another beginning for all of us, and we will continue the journey with you Al. BCB has made the going such a great part of the adventure. All the best to everyone in the off season!!

by Cajuncub on Oct 7, 2007 8:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Al and thanks to all that post

For me, I live and die by what the Cubs do - I follow them on TV, radio or my blackberry and sometimes I thought I was the only nut-case that did this. It's been fun sharing ideas on BCB, the happy times, and made things better sharing the bad times....I went to the game last night and came hope and read the game thread late into the night.

My feelings on the playoffs - maybe everyone was pressing (ARAM, Soriano, Lilly, etc.). These guys have big contracts and they are just human they want to PLEASE the fans, their teammates, and feel the pressure, etc.

Sometimes the breaks go your way, sometimes not, the breaks did not go our way.....maybe next year.

Go Cubs

Aug 15 - Ted Lilly walked by the lineup card and said to nobody in particular "I can't believe I'm batting 9th again".

by mweil on Oct 7, 2007 8:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Al

I've only posted a few times. Have been a Cubs fan since third grade (watching the games on WGN on the black and white TV my folks had).. Had some high hopes for this year.... It was quite a ride. Sure wish it would have been a longer season... This blog was great. The ability to connect with others who love the Cubbies as much as I do. Thanks Al for the information, the ability to connect daily with other Cubs fans, for the optimism, the hope.

Cubs will be great in 2008......

by mn fan on Oct 7, 2007 9:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

THE MISTAKES AND LACK OF BASEBALL SENSE

millionaire players are not exempt from bunting and taking walks...guess who
all pitchers and positon players must bunt during batting practice
LOU AND THE PLAYERS should watch the same game were watching...when a pitcher is at the 101 pitch count in the fifth inning and 3 out 4 batters have been walked and the batters count is 3&1 and the fans have reached a new decibel level at wrigley to shake the failing pitcher....who other the Piniella and Derosa did not expect a ball? duh if the batter doesnt have the sense to take that pitch.. then why the HEC didnt the manager have a take sign on? baseball is energy flow positive or negative and cant the cubs see what everyone in the ball park knew was going to happen on that pitch except derosa and piniella

4.a left fielder should be able to catch a ball that is NOT directly hit at him. NAME ONE over the shoulder catch or catch against the wall our left fielder made..and if you UNREALISTIC DIE HARD fans cant see the reality of our left fielders catching ability then your totally blind, so think logically and not with your heart before you lambast me.

5.Does any one know how to steal other than theriot?

EITHER fire the scouts or set a time where lou reads the reports to all the players without their walk mans in their ears.
The playoffs are not the time to pitch hit with players who have been hitting at 360 below zero the last 4 weeks..COME ON LOU ..i love Fontento and Pie but when we needed a hit and Soto is sitting on the bench WHY???????????

Basic things ...bunting taking pitches on 3-1 with a bad pitcher (who is known as cy young when he pitches against the cubs only)....i mean geez soriano walks ..theriot has been working fullc ounts all year but decides to swing at 3-1 this time.... ill never understand the logic of players ignoring a pitcher struggling to previous batters and then swinging at sh.t.
they had a great summer very enjoyable..but apparently the first 2 games of the playoffs all they had in their minds was the home run swing...

and if your a 10 million dollar or over player and that exempts you from bunting and running full out after u hit a deep ball so you can admire your own talent and marvel at yourself then we got the same problems next year.

too many fundamental things the cubs stars cant or wont do but a little leaguer does

by edo4cubs on Oct 7, 2007 10:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

totally off

We all know that the stars have iPods.

I'm sorry, but I'm not willing to entertain opinions who think that the players are willfully neglecting their jobs. Suggest that they got geeked, yes. Suggest that they got over-tight, yes. Suggest that they were anxious and swinging at balls they shouldn't have, yes.

Suggest that they either didn't care, or were trying to lose, and solly, Cholly. No go.

Worst to First in 2007, brought to you by Lou, Sori, A-Ram and D-Lee.

by drewishdrewid on Oct 7, 2007 11:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

agree

way off. I like how everyone is jumping on DeRosa for swinging at an borderline pitch. Could of been a ball? Sure. But my goodness this team and I mean team had no patience at the plate all year. Only Kendall took pitches Only him.
This loss in the postseason was ALL the Cubs, and Our leftfielder is Soriano, and he though he struggles at times in the field, he threw out what, 15 runners, and some in key spots.
By the way our leftfielder is not going anywhere.

by Johnny Callison was a Cub on Oct 8, 2007 7:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't have a problem with De-Ro...

swinging at that pitch. I do have a problem however, with him trying to pull the ball. It was below the belt by a margin and on the outside corner at the closest. Go the other way. He and many others did that during their great run in Jun/Jul.

Our grandparents used to say, "I hope the Cubs win the Series before I die". Now teenagers are saying it. Let's change that next season!

by blackhawk24 on Oct 8, 2007 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well said

Hernandez is the perfect pitcher to think about going the other way. He won't overpower anybody, so you don't have to worry about the inside pitch. When you try and pull slop pitchers, you end up beating the thing into the ground everytime.

They were all overly anxious, and it cost them. It's too bad because you had veteran guys letting the situation get the best of them.

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

by MPH73 on Oct 8, 2007 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dear Cubs,

I forgive you. I know you sucked in the playoffs, but I've convinced myself that you tried. I believe that you know you sucked too and you'll come back next year with some passion. I can't help it. I was born into this fandom, I didn't have any choice in the matter. I've seen worse years. Just DON'T DO IT AGAIN!

Love
Ben

------ TheRiot Squad ------

by RightFieldSucks on Oct 7, 2007 11:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

They will do it again

they've been doing it for 99 years

Bring back the damn cowbell!

by CubsBall2202 on Oct 8, 2007 12:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

nope

2008 is the year! 162-0!

------ TheRiot Squad ------

by RightFieldSucks on Oct 8, 2007 1:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If you're going crazy, go all the way.

173-0

by N Oakley on Oct 8, 2007 8:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

lol!

"If you are going crazy, go all the way."
I love it! It should be a caption on one of those hysterical demotivational signs. One of my personal favorite is the one with a pic of a sunken ship sticking out of the the ocean and the caption is

Mistakes
It could be that the purpose of your life is only to serve as a warning to others.

Perhaps the pic for the crazy comment could involve a snapped Cubs fan wearing a homemade Cubs WS Champs shirt or something.

Anxiously awaiting the arrival of Opening Day '08

by love the ivy on Oct 8, 2007 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks, Al

I've been following the boys since 1960, & I really enjoyed this site. Particularly the best 100 players segments each day during the off-season. It made the days leading up to the season bearable. This off-season should be very intersting with the team sale questions & improvements that should be made. Yeah, it was dissapointing, but they played so badly, there really was never any doubt who would win this series. Hope springs eternal for 2008.

"It's a funny old world. Man's lucky if he gets out of it alive." W.C. Fields

by KedzieKid on Oct 7, 2007 11:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks, Al

Bleed Cubbie Blue is, in my mind, not only the best blog on this network, but also the best sports blog on the internet. I was on here before and after every game of the season this year and will do the same next season. Thanks again for taking the time to do this.

by Anomalied on Oct 7, 2007 11:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

thanks a million Al!

Great work.

Go get Arod in the offseason!

"Hey Hey, Holy Mackerel, No Doubt About It!"

by scottsdalecubs on Oct 7, 2007 11:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

One more thing

I don't think Marmol should be closer. I think Howry should. Did LaTroy Hawkins teach you nothing? If Marmol's struggles in the postseason taught us anything, it's that he's still young enough that high-pressure situations affect his performance. And closer=pressure. Howry came back late in the season from a poor start. Marmol is perfect as a set-up guy. Theres no reason to change that.

------ TheRiot Squad ------

by RightFieldSucks on Oct 7, 2007 11:56 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I wanna thank you all

as I am really learning the whole caper of baseball.Although Ive been following the team since my holy experience of Wrigley Field while in Chicago in 1996, I wasn't brought up with the game and I only get to watch 3 or 4 games televised per week so Im grateful to read about the line-ups, hitting spots and whos suited where ect.
I only get to watch the Cubs when ESPN or FOX have us as their live game, so my daily Cubs fix comes from both gameday and you guys!
Im saving to hopefully get to homestand next July and have become addicted to BCB and Cub culture.
I have bought 3 Cub jerseys, 2 caps, 2 woollen hats,a Sammy Sosa bobble head,5 t-shirts, a calender and am going to buy a whole lot more over the(Southern Hemishere) summer(E-Bay love me) .
I am fascinated by the team and its history and obviously Im hooked forever.
Thanks Al and all contributors for making the site so very enjoyable.
I watched the game live at home yesterday and I am still both angry and in a grieving state, but am looking forward to season 2008 already.

Carna Cubs!

"Drink,Drugs and shagging models...the rest I wasted." George Best on where his millions went

by Aussie Cub on Oct 8, 2007 3:10 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Hang in there, man

The worldwide party that will take place when the Cubs win it all will be unbelievable. Even for a hard-partying Aussie. :)

by Not Bruce Froemming on Oct 8, 2007 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Except if that happens.....

Im hoping to be inside Wrigley, or at least on Waveland ave instead of here!
As for the hard partying, we'll give it a trial run when I'm (hopefully) at homestand next year.

I'll even let you but me a beer or 5 Bruce......;)

"Drink,Drugs and shagging models...the rest I wasted." George Best on where his millions went

by Aussie Cub on Oct 8, 2007 7:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Again, Al

As my first year as a bcb'er it was fun to be a part of the ride. Great season, nice to see a rebirth with this year's team. That Giamatti quote nearly got me misty eyed. Here's to next year, once we clear the century there's no looking back!!!

by The Ryno and I Know on Oct 8, 2007 7:48 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

"The End"

Yes it's the end of the season, but I'd like to know if there is a BCB project for this winter like the Top 100 Cubs posted here last year. That series was great and something to look forward to every day.

by shop girl on Oct 8, 2007 8:03 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Might I suggest some polls this winter

like five top clutch hitters, five top chokers (relative to pay), five top starters, relievers, RBI-men, etc...

Al can post 10-20 nominees, the BCBers can banter about the names for a week and then the votes are cast the following week (on-line, of course). If there is anything we all have it is opinions.

Al can post the poll results and by the time Spring Training comes around, we can see how these names stack up to how the players perform in 2008.

Just a thought...

I can't wait for 2008!

by LAcarl519 on Oct 8, 2007 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The really disappointing thing

is not so much that they did not beat the D-Backs - personally I knew that they were not a better team - and had many more troubling issues with streaky play, etc. - BUT who knows how the team will respond?

It took them 4 years to get BACK to the Playoffs!

The teams in the Division are not going to roll over for ever.

If Cinci gets pitching - ugh! The Brewers are formidible.

That is why I was crushed after I "invested" my soul once again.

It is a very small window when it gets opened...

Wait 'til next year. And the next. And the Next. And the next after that too.

by TheEman on Oct 8, 2007 8:06 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

DeRosa's playoff blog at MLB.com

I assume most of you know about this, but DeRosa had been blogging at MLB.com during the post-season. Here's what he had to say about that at-bat in the 5th.
http://markderosa.mlblogs.com/

by atlas on Oct 8, 2007 8:17 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I haven't seen this before

DeRo = Class Act

Thanks for sharing!

Anxiously awaiting the arrival of Opening Day '08

by love the ivy on Oct 8, 2007 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hadn't seen

it before either. Mark is a class act unlike some of the posters who left comments on there.

I'd like Geovany Soto to catch for me everyday. ;-)

by sue369 on Oct 8, 2007 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Al, I don't have anything to add

as all my opinions were given in various posts above. This isn't 2003, but not pushing the D-Backs was difficult.

by N Oakley on Oct 8, 2007 8:28 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

People coming around.

Now they realize Soriano is selfish. The author went overboard by not recognizing Soriano's contributions during the season and yet he still doesn't realize that sandwiched between good hitters down in the lineup, Soriano will see enough fastballs. At least people have begun to think towards the future. What was taboo last week can be debated now.

by Fraggin Judge on Oct 8, 2007 8:33 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Al!

As a first year BCB'er, I want to say thanks for the great insight and I look forward to next year! Cubs in '08!

Bulls 402 ta zip... but Micheal Jordan will be held to under 200 points. - Todd O'Connor

by Lou In Blue on Oct 8, 2007 9:25 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I feel lucky

We had some people over to our house on Saturday for a party unrelated to the Cubs game, but I ended up watching the game with a few of the party guests anyway. That really helped take the edge of what seemed, from the first pitch of the game, an inevitable descent into failure for the 2007 Cubs.

As I am so often in life, I'm torn between trying to put a positive spin on all of this and wanting to scream in rage at the embarassing way this team went out.

On the one hand, this was an exceedingly likable group of players who gave us a plethora of magical moments this year, all culminating in an 85-win division championship. (And I respectfully disagree with those who say division championships don't matter. The Cubs played a 162-game season and came out on top. That's got to count for something.)

On the other hand, to be outplayed on just about every level in the post-season, and to see most of the team's superstars (save for, ironically, Carlos Zambrano), fail at nearly every possible opportunity, was -- undeniably -- a bitter, shocking slap in the face. Why must it always be the Cubs' pitchers who have game-killing mental breakdowns? Why must it always be the Cubs' hitters who fall prey to softly thrown breaking pitches outside the zone? Jesus H. Christ, did they seriously just hit into another double play? Waitaminute, is that Augie f**king Ojeda celebrating a playoff clinch at Wrigely Field?!

Still, I feel lucky. Overall, this (regular) season brought more happiness than sadness. And, as Al mentioned in his main post, we all would have to grieve the ending of the baseball season eventually. We got three extra games this year. Yeah, three harrowing, maddenning, saddening games. But three games nonetheless.

"Baby, I'm born to lose." ~ Johnny Thunders, 1977

by dat cubfan daver on Oct 8, 2007 10:19 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I hate piling on

but great job all year Al. As an East Coast Cub fan, this site was a great way to follow the team all season long.

by rlpete on Oct 8, 2007 10:37 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Don't swing that bat!

First off, I have been reading your blog and comments all year and this is my first post. As my name says I am in Atlanta now but grew up in the far north subs of Chicago. I have been a Cubs fan since conception and proudly walk around the ATL in my Cubs jersey, with the name Maddux on the back.

I know how the game is played, and that is about it. I couldn't tell you a single statistic of any player on the Cubs much less the entire ML or quote a rule from the MLB Rule Book. But I do know this... YOU DONT'S SWING THE FRACK'N BAT IN A SITUATION LIKE THIS!!! DeRosa had a glint of superstar savior in his eye when he took that swing. He thought he could be the savior of not only the game but the series. Instead of doing his job he did the one thing, the only one thing, that he could have done to destroy any chance of the Cubs pulling out of this mess of a series. He swung on the sucker pitch, grounded out and brought on the double play to end the inning and the game as far as I am concerned. The Cubs had chances to score later in the game, but never like this.

So to the long winters nap, do we all settle in. We fold up our blue jerseys with care, placing them on a hanger in the back corner of our closets. Far enough that we can't see it, the mere sight of the blue is still painful to me. But come this spring we, as Cub fans, will do what we always do. We will put on our hats, our jerseys, our T-shirts, head to the ball park all thinking the same thing... maybe this will be our year.

Atlanta Dave!

4th grade vocabulary test - A NW Suburb Elementary School
Define the word "optimist" - Answer: A Cubs Fan

by AtlantaDave on Oct 8, 2007 1:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I appreciate your sentiment,

but in a 3-1 count, swinging the bat is exactly what you do. That's a hitter's pitch. You're looking for the ball right in the zone. That pitch was too close to take. It was exactly the same pitch DeRosa singled on earlier.

If he had singled again, everybody would be singing his praises today.

He did exactly what he was supposed to do. It didn't work out. That's baseball. That sucks, but that's baseball.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Oct 8, 2007 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You only swing if it's your pitch.

The pitch DeRosa swung at was not. It was low, border line, perfect for a ground out double play. He should have only swung at it with two strikes because then he would have had no choice but a K. With one strike, he should have allowed Hernández to throw one more pitch, which could be ball 4 (likely considering how Hernández was pitching) or a pitch to drive out of the infield to avoid the DP. DeRosa tried to do too much and that was the end of the Cubs' threat.

Nevertheless, it would be unfair to put all the burden of the defeat on DeRosa's shoulders. At least he hit the ball better than some of his counterparts. Furthermore, we should not forget everything DeRosa did during the season to get the team there.

by Fraggin Judge on Oct 8, 2007 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I disagree

but I do agree that didn't decide the series, nor should it negate all the good DeRosa did this season.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Oct 8, 2007 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's right on this one...

you're partially correct: 3-1 count is a hitter's pitch. But that doesn't mean the hitter should swing no matter what. It means he should look for a pitch in a specific spot. If it's there, you drive it. If not, you lay off it and either get a walk or have a 3-2 count.

The pitch DeRosa swung at was low and away. It was a terrible pitch to swing at. It was a pitcher's pitch (or a bad pitch). I cannot believe that he was looking for a pitch low and away. Therefore, given it's location, he should have laid off.

I completely agree that if the pitch is over the plate DeRosa should be swinging. But on that pitch, DeRosa should not have swung.

But yes, that one swing did not decide the series.

by SouthernCub on Oct 8, 2007 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's not swing or no-swing

it's what a batter tries to do with the swing. A 3-1 count is a great position to be in and with a marginal pitch, it's good to be looking to swing.

However De-Ro tried to pull it (like so many of the guys swinging for the fences), rolled over the top and we all know what happened.

When this team was on their Jun/Jul hot streak, that pitch ended up in right-center, perhaps even to the wall. But a pressing team - in this case it's De-Ro being disected - tries to pull the ball.

Our grandparents used to say, "I hope the Cubs win the Series before I die". Now teenagers are saying it. Let's change that next season!

by blackhawk24 on Oct 8, 2007 8:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Smart pitchers

recognize when hitters are anxious and the Dbacks staff did a good job in this area. If you don't have to throw strikes, then why would you.

DeRosa's AB was a summary of what the entire lineup was doing and that was trying to do too much.

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

by MPH73 on Oct 9, 2007 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'll admit...

That it was hard coming to this site today! Oh, man!

And then again, I know why I did. I turn 30 this month and remain hopeful that our Cubs will one day drive that ugly-ass World Series trophy down Michigan Avenue. We can all remember all the beer we drank and friends we made and relatives long passed. There won't have to be a next year because those tears of joy are for those memories of fathers and friends and grandmas and children -- all Cubs fans for some reason breathing a collective sigh of relief. We'll inhale so hard, we'll take the wind out of the sailboats on the lake. We'll exhale so hard that all the few remaining hairs on my 30+ year old balding head will disappear.

And that baldness I'll wear with honor -- a glare on the forehead well deserved -- weathering many hair pulling disappointing losses... One of these days, I guess.

Ahh, next year.

"They (Expos fans) discovered 'boo' is pronounced the same in French as it is in English." -Harry Caray

by IowaCubs- on Oct 8, 2007 2:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Al

I wanted to add my thanks to you for doing a great job with BCB this year. And it was great seeing you and your kids when you were in SF for the Giants-Cubs series. I agree with the many comments about being dissapointed with the Cubs
losses to the D-Backs. But I have been a Cubs fan since 1960 and I will ALWAYS be a Cubs fan regardless of the season outcome. Look forward to seeing you next year.

wccubfan

by wccubfan on Oct 8, 2007 3:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs