Open Thread: Cubs vs. Brewers at Mesa, Sunday 3/11, 3:05 CT

by Al Yellon on Mar 11, 2007 11:39 AM CDT in Game Threads

Yes, remember: 3:05 Central time, because most of us are now on Daylight Saving time -- except the good folks in Arizona, who remain on Mountain Standard Time year-round. That will be the starting time for all the rest of the games in Arizona, except the last one on March 29 -- that starts at 12:05 MST, or 2:05 CDT.

MLB Audio's carriage of today's game not only features the WGN Radio broadcast, but also Bob Uecker's Brewer game call from WTMJ in Milwaukee. Uecker's always entertaining and calls a great game -- might be worth checking out. It's also on XM channel 178.

Courtesy as always of Bruce Miles, here is the way "the local nine line up", as he put it:

Soriano, CF
Theriot, 2B
Lee, 1B
Ramirez, 3B
Barrett, C
Murton, LF
Colvin, RF
Izturis, SS
Marquis, P

I like Theriot in the 2 spot -- it looks like Lou is trying something different with Matt Murton, which is also fine with me. It's not very often you get a pitching rematch in spring training, but there's one today -- Marquis faces Claudio Vargas again, just as the two did five days ago.

MLB.com Gameday

Finally, SBNation today proudly introduces its very first online podcast, live at 7 pm CDT. Here's the scoop on what you'll hear:

The premiere episode is hosted by John Bena of Mile High Report (the Denver Broncos site) and BigBlueShoe of Stampede Blue, the Indianapolis Colts site. The main topics for today will include NFL free agency, the Signature Pharmacy steroid scandal involving baseball and football, and the NCAA tournament. Guests on the show will include Fooch from Niners Nation, Peter Bean of Burnt Orange Nation, and SkinsPatrol of Hogs Haven.

Discuss amongst yourselves.

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Comments

Out on a limb

I am going to go out on a limb here, and likely draw a bunch of flak, but if Jason Marquis has a good outing today, I am predicting a breakout season for him.

After all, who would have predicted that dramatic breakout from Rick Sutcliffe in 1984?

I say 2007 is the year the Cubs give the fans a taste of heaven! :)

And no, I have not been drinking. :)

"I lof to hit de home ron."

by Tekboy on Mar 11, 2007 12:48 PM CDT reply actions

Nor did I pay Tekboy to make that post. ;)

Breakout? I wish.

I'd settle for a repeat of his 2004 season.

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

by Al Yellon on Mar 11, 2007 12:56 PM CDT up reply actions

I'll wait...

...for the podcast until you're on it, Al.

Dan

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Mar 11, 2007 12:49 PM CDT reply actions

Thanks!

Just thought I'd pass the info along. I'll participate sometime in the future when the topics are more baseball-centric. I suspect quite a bit of tonight's will be on the NCAA tournament, given that today is selection day.

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

by Al Yellon on Mar 11, 2007 12:55 PM CDT up reply actions

Brewers

Counsell, 3B
Graffanino, 2B
Fielder, 1B
Hall, CF
Jenkins, LF
Hart, RF
Chavez, SS
Closser, C
Vargas, P

by Bruce Miles on Mar 11, 2007 1:07 PM CDT reply actions

I like Theriot in the 2 spot.

Hell, I like Theriot in any spot.

Hey Lou, we're long overdue.

by deadcatbounce on Mar 11, 2007 1:44 PM CDT reply actions

Same here

He is just one of those players you love to watch play. You can see the effort in every play, and the heart he also puts into it. The love of baseball.

by miamicanes on Mar 11, 2007 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions

Theriot

It seems to me that the Cubs are intent on making Ryan Theriot into a super utility player...similar to what they had envisioned for Freddy Bynum, but it appears that every team is always looking for their Chone Figgins.

So does Theriot have the potential to be that for the Cubs and if so, how do you split time for him and were?

DmL

by dmlichte on Mar 11, 2007 2:20 PM CDT reply actions

Maybe...

they'll play him in the outfield too then.

Unless they already have and I missed it.

"I don't talk. I just let what I do talk for myself." -Johan Santana

by sparkles721 on Mar 11, 2007 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions

Theriot

may end up being the ONLY utility infielder. Add to that the fact that he's also being used in the OF on occasions by the team. The mere fact that he's very adaptable and that Lou seems to have taken a liking to him all adds up to a strong projection that Ryan will get his share of at bats. Maybe 40 starts at 2B, 15-20 at SS, 5 at 3B and 5-10 in the OF. Add PH and I can see 350-400 AB.

By the way. To all those who claimed he was a flash in the pan........TOLD YOU SO. TOLD YOU SO.

Players win awards but teams win championships.

by tharr on Mar 11, 2007 2:33 PM CDT up reply actions

I like Theriot...

... and want to see him succeed as much as you do. I think Piniella sees him as a throwback, a hard-nosed guy maybe somewhat like HE himself was as a player.

But I think I'll wait till I see him hit like this in the regular season before I chime in on the "told you so" brigade with you.

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

by Al Yellon on Mar 11, 2007 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions

Al

you just left my high five hanging. Boy, do I look stupid.

Players win awards but teams win championships.

by tharr on Mar 11, 2007 6:50 PM CDT up reply actions

Here you go, Puddy!

(Pardon the Seinfeld reference.)

T, you were pumping up Theriot two years ago when we saw him in AA.

You were right.

^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^

(Those are mountains below. That's how high that 5 is!)

The call of the Cub fan, c. 1893: "one long, ravaged, derisive yell...a cyclonic whoop!"

by cubzfan on Mar 11, 2007 8:45 PM CDT up reply actions

Good day for both of us

both Illinois and Marquette got an invite to the dance. Sorry, I love college bb almost as much as White Castle burgers, Nawlins and the Cubs.

How's it going in Champagne for you? I hope you and the family are well settled in and enjoying the new position.

Players win awards but teams win championships.

by tharr on Mar 12, 2007 12:51 AM CDT up reply actions

RF

I know DeRosa was signed to be the everyday 2nd baseman, but I wish Lou would reconsider his statement that he would stay there. We've been over this so many times but JJ really needs a platoon against lefties and DeRosa could handle RF. It would only be 25% or less of the schedule. He started 60 games there last year. Between that, and giving Izturis & Ramirez the occasional day off, Theriot should get plenty of PAs. Or, maybe he would play a better RF than DeRosa. I have no idea about that.

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 11, 2007 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions

Lefty bat

The Cubs need the lefty bat n the line-up, whether its Jacque or Pie. If they played Theriot or DeRosa in RF, the only bat from the left side would be Izturis (unless you're batting Floyd over Murton, and I think that we'd all agree that we'd rather see Murton get playing time over both Theriot and Floyd).

DmL

by dmlichte on Mar 11, 2007 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions

you may want to re-think that

this runs opposite of what many of us have been saying for quite some time now. Against a lefty starter, the cubs don't need a left-handed bat in the starting line-up.

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 11, 2007 3:07 PM CDT up reply actions

No

I don't want to rethink it at all. A line-up with one left handed bat? That would be positively foolish. Not only is there no balance, opposing bullpens would have a field day with no need to make multiple switches to creat match-ups.

Sorry, one of the big criticisms of this Cubs line-up is the lack of righty-lefty balance.

DmL

by dmlichte on Mar 11, 2007 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions

one more lefty (JJ) is going to make a difference?

There'll be a lot of mixing and matching. I agree that an all righty line-up often wouldn't be a good thing, but I don't think it would be a disaster. We'll see what Lou thinks.

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 11, 2007 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions

Theriot's place on the Cubs

I think that it is reassuring that Theriot is getting so many AB's this spring. It seems like they are playing him all over the field as well, but most of his subbing will probably take place in the infield. I think, and hope, that we get to see Theriot running around Wrigley quite a bit this year.

by DTJchris on Mar 11, 2007 2:31 PM CDT reply actions

Question on Spring AB's

The top three players in terms of AB's are 1. Pie 2. Cedeno 3. Coats

As each player seems to have their positions taken, do you think the Cubs are displaying these guys for some up coming trading?

by DTJchris on Mar 11, 2007 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions

reply

No on Pie. maybe on Cedeno and Coats.

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 11, 2007 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions

I already like

uecker's call better.

Any Argument, sufficiently argued in an intelligent manner, is correct.

by HerrProf on Mar 11, 2007 3:08 PM CDT reply actions

DP

Out of trouble quick thaks to The Riot!

"I lof to hit de home ron."

by Tekboy on Mar 11, 2007 3:08 PM CDT reply actions

1st inning

was Theriot's a solid hit? I missed the first inning.

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 11, 2007 3:20 PM CDT reply actions

me too

nice catch from the fonz

Any Argument, sufficiently argued in an intelligent manner, is correct.

by HerrProf on Mar 11, 2007 3:22 PM CDT reply actions

Barrett throws out..

runner trying to steal. no score after 1.5

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 11, 2007 3:25 PM CDT reply actions

Barrett gets on

LF Jenkins loses ball in the sun

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 11, 2007 3:28 PM CDT reply actions

and jenkins looses barrett ball in the sun

drops for an error!

Any Argument, sufficiently argued in an intelligent manner, is correct.

by HerrProf on Mar 11, 2007 3:28 PM CDT reply actions

Corey Hart

all 6' 6" of him caught the fly. Barrett tags and goes to third. 1 out.

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 11, 2007 3:31 PM CDT reply actions

Wow

A gratuitous mention of Jeff Santo and "This Old Cub". Enough already. This isn't a damn infomercial.

DmL

by dmlichte on Mar 11, 2007 3:33 PM CDT reply actions

Colvin base hit liner to CF. 1-0 cubs

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 11, 2007 3:34 PM CDT reply actions

Colvin steals 2nd

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 11, 2007 3:35 PM CDT reply actions

Izturis base hit to RF

Colvin held at third. ball hit too hard

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 11, 2007 3:36 PM CDT reply actions

Marquis up

.223 lifetime hitter.

grounder to 2nd, tried to bare-hand but muffed it. colvin scores. 2-0 cubs

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 11, 2007 3:39 PM CDT reply actions

According to gameday...

Jason Marquis reaches on force attempt, missed catch error by Unknown (0), assist to second baseman Tony Graffanino. Tyler Colvin scores.

I wonder if Unknown will make the team? ;)

by HanOfTheBluegrass on Mar 11, 2007 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions

If he does...

... how will we know?

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

by Al Yellon on Mar 11, 2007 4:37 PM CDT up reply actions

Soriano Ks swinging

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 11, 2007 3:40 PM CDT reply actions

Prior will pitch

against a minor league team for his next start to get his confidence up, according to Santo.

by Short4Fanatic on Mar 11, 2007 3:45 PM CDT reply actions

santo

thinks there's an injury

by buckmulligan on Mar 11, 2007 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions

eesh

let the coddling continue...

by Short4Fanatic on Mar 11, 2007 3:48 PM CDT up reply actions

is anybody else getting this cubs convention

on gameday instead of the game?

by buckmulligan on Mar 11, 2007 3:49 PM CDT reply actions

Defense!

Let's hope this continues.

phat

by phatass on Mar 11, 2007 3:50 PM CDT reply actions

These are the saddest of possible words:

"Ramirez to Theriot to Lee."
Trio of bear cubs, and fleeter than birds,
Ramirez and Theriot and Lee.
Ruthlessly pricking our gonfalon bubble,
Making a Giant hit into a double --
Words that are heavy with nothing but trouble:
"Ramirez to Theriot to Lee."

by cwyers on Mar 11, 2007 3:52 PM CDT up reply actions

Is it just me?

To me, Ron Santo sounds a great deal like Baseball's John Madden. :)

I don't mean that in a bad way, either.

"I lof to hit de home ron."

by Tekboy on Mar 11, 2007 3:50 PM CDT reply actions

I wonder

if the guys will have the nerve to ask Selig about the DirectTV injustice.

Players win awards but teams win championships.

by tharr on Mar 11, 2007 3:54 PM CDT reply actions

selig

by buckmulligan on Mar 11, 2007 3:54 PM CDT reply actions

Selig putting in his 2 cents now

by miamicanes on Mar 11, 2007 3:54 PM CDT reply actions

Selig

Can he say things like that?

phat

by phatass on Mar 11, 2007 3:55 PM CDT reply actions

he did it

but yeah, I think he probably talked to some veterans committee members privately too. but to say it on the air. damn

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 11, 2007 3:59 PM CDT up reply actions

For those of us....

...without a radio, what did he say?

by cwyers on Mar 11, 2007 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions

he just said

he can't believe they didn't vote santo into the HOF. I can't quote the whole thing though.

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 11, 2007 4:06 PM CDT up reply actions

santo deserves to be the hall,

will get in, etc.

by buckmulligan on Mar 11, 2007 4:07 PM CDT up reply actions

Ramirez single to center

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 11, 2007 3:56 PM CDT reply actions

Barrett GIDP

by sackings108 on Mar 11, 2007 3:59 PM CDT reply actions

Marquis walks his first batter of game

1st and 2nd, 2 outs.

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 11, 2007 4:07 PM CDT reply actions

Cubs

seem to be throwing a lot of guys out at the plate this spring.

"I lof to hit de home ron."

by Tekboy on Mar 11, 2007 4:09 PM CDT reply actions

whoa!

out at the plate! 7-6-2.

deep fly off the wall but murton to izzy to barrett nailed the 2nd runner. they score 1.

2-1 cubs after 3.5

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 11, 2007 4:10 PM CDT reply actions

sounds like a great tag by barrett

by buckmulligan on Mar 11, 2007 4:12 PM CDT reply actions

yep

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 11, 2007 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions

basehit murton

by buckmulligan on Mar 11, 2007 4:13 PM CDT reply actions

Murton lines hit to CF

to lead off

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 11, 2007 4:13 PM CDT reply actions

balfour pitching for brewers

by buckmulligan on Mar 11, 2007 4:13 PM CDT reply actions

No, no, no...

Its "Ball Four".

Cardinals make me see Red!

by TheEman on Mar 11, 2007 4:16 PM CDT up reply actions

apparently risky is also in the pen

by buckmulligan on Mar 11, 2007 4:16 PM CDT up reply actions

What a duo!

Ball Four, followed by Risky!

Cardinals make me see Red!

by TheEman on Mar 11, 2007 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions

wood loosening

by buckmulligan on Mar 11, 2007 4:14 PM CDT reply actions

Colvin GIDP

Izturis walks

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 11, 2007 4:17 PM CDT reply actions

moore pinch-hitting for marquis

by buckmulligan on Mar 11, 2007 4:18 PM CDT reply actions

Soriano up with 1st and 2nd

grounder to SS. force at 2nd. still 2-1 after 4.
long AB by AS

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 11, 2007 4:24 PM CDT reply actions

how many pitches did he see?

give or take

by DTJchris on Mar 11, 2007 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions

wood

by buckmulligan on Mar 11, 2007 4:26 PM CDT reply actions

leadoff walk

by buckmulligan on Mar 11, 2007 4:28 PM CDT reply actions

groundout, strong play up the middle by the riot

by buckmulligan on Mar 11, 2007 4:29 PM CDT reply actions

Just got home

and glad to see the Cubs up bu one.

Adam Haluska...#1 scorer in the Big Ten this season.

by sue369 on Mar 11, 2007 4:38 PM CDT reply actions

More on Selig please fill us in

not listening to game...did Bud bring it up HoF or did Pat Hughes??
How did Ron react/? Puts him in awk spot since he's right there...Pat goes back with Selig to Brewer days and it's always a fawn-fest...no hard-hitting questions, but would appreciate any more detail on their exchange.
I do think Ron will get in through attrition, but not because of Bud.

Colvin looks good might be future LF?? If we're locked into Soriano, Pie in OF for future as it appears, where does Murton fit?? Colvin is a lefty hitter, right?? I'm also impressed with Coats, but does he have any power?

by writerinwrigley on Mar 11, 2007 4:38 PM CDT reply actions

they went right to the subject

pat probably introduced it, but bud went straight for it. i imagine they discussed that before they went on the air.
fawn-fest.
awkward.
but bud took the lead and basically sounded like one of us, saying, 'i don't understand. ron is a hall of famer. the numbers are there. he will be in.' (not exact quotes, call me thucydides). santo didn't say anything. when bud was finished, santo said thanks, then changed the subject to something from the old days, perhaps dealing with pat hughes eating like a pig.

in sum: nothing's happening, but it was a little strange to hear bud talk so upfront about it.

by buckmulligan on Mar 11, 2007 5:24 PM CDT up reply actions

Man, this THERIOT!

What a friggin' "Gnat".

I LOVE IT!

I hope he gets PLENTY of playing time in '07.

At LEAST Lou recognizes his value. More than I can say about the last "manager"

Cardinals make me see Red!

by TheEman on Mar 11, 2007 4:39 PM CDT reply actions

Lee doubles

w/a long fly off the wall. Theriot held at third

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 11, 2007 4:40 PM CDT reply actions

Barrett Ks. up to Murton to add on

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 11, 2007 4:43 PM CDT reply actions

Gameday seems

much faster today. Finally!!

Adam Haluska...#1 scorer in the Big Ten this season.

by sue369 on Mar 11, 2007 4:45 PM CDT reply actions

Dempster in

to face the Prince, who pops up to izzy

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 11, 2007 4:47 PM CDT reply actions

bill hall Ks quickly

nice, dempster

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 11, 2007 4:49 PM CDT reply actions

wow

jenkins goes down on strikes fast too. inning over

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 11, 2007 4:50 PM CDT reply actions

What's the Deal?

There doesn't appear to be any posts since 3:50 PM CT (4:50 if they didn't update their clock). Is anyone there?

by Luigi on Mar 11, 2007 5:06 PM CDT reply actions

I had to leave for a bit

still don't know who hit the HR. I thought I heard Pat say 6-1, but he doesn't give the score enough, surprise surprise.

there it is. 6-2 cubs. who hit the HR?

gallagher gave up a solo shot top of this inning (7th)

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 11, 2007 5:12 PM CDT reply actions

Jake Fox HR according to Yahoo

"You know what? You want a job? Go out and earn one." Sweet Lou

by Kyle Turney on Mar 11, 2007 5:13 PM CDT up reply actions

thanks

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 11, 2007 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions

brew score twice

6-3 cubs. end of 6.5

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 11, 2007 5:17 PM CDT reply actions

Why not

Get Ronnie Woo-woo to do a seventh inning stretch? Maybe he would go away after that?

"I lof to hit de home ron."

by Tekboy on Mar 11, 2007 5:19 PM CDT reply actions

Anyone hear..

how wood did?

Well, sometimes nothin is a real cool hand.

by wicubfan on Mar 11, 2007 5:23 PM CDT reply actions

he was pretty good, not great.

was missing a bit with his fastball, high and outside. 1 inning, no runs, 1 walk. some help from the riot up the middle.

by buckmulligan on Mar 11, 2007 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions

thanks

n/t

Well, sometimes nothin is a real cool hand.

by wicubfan on Mar 11, 2007 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions

can someone explain to me

how wood's ERA is 12.00 with 1 hit and a walk, yet gallagher's ERA is 6.75 with 3 hits(one of them a HR), and two earned runs? isn't ERA 9*ER/IP? i don't really understand how wood's era can be so high without giving up any runs

LOUD NOISES!!!

by NittanyCub on Mar 11, 2007 5:25 PM CDT reply actions

well, he did give up that grand slam.

by buckmulligan on Mar 11, 2007 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions

hm

LOUD NOISES!!!

by NittanyCub on Mar 11, 2007 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions

Exactly.

These are cumulative stats, not just for this game.

by cwyers on Mar 11, 2007 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions

forgot about that. thanks.

LOUD NOISES!!!

by NittanyCub on Mar 11, 2007 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions

Random note...

But former Cub Jason DuBois hit a 2-run shot off of Dice-K today for Baltimore...

by bleedhawkeyegold on Mar 11, 2007 5:28 PM CDT reply actions

6-3 cubbies, top eight.

by buckmulligan on Mar 11, 2007 5:29 PM CDT reply actions

1,2,3.

by buckmulligan on Mar 11, 2007 5:32 PM CDT reply actions

wierd, you can kind of hear pat and ron

between innings. they are currently discussing flight plans.

by buckmulligan on Mar 11, 2007 5:33 PM CDT reply actions

Santo just said Rocky Cherry

has a "very good chance" to make the club.

I assume he does if Wuertz isn't ready or some other injury.

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 11, 2007 5:44 PM CDT reply actions

cherry Ks him with a bender

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 11, 2007 5:45 PM CDT reply actions

cubs win.

by buckmulligan on Mar 11, 2007 5:47 PM CDT reply actions

Vinnie Rotino last chance for brew

1-2. fans on their feet....

cherry... ooooh. almost hit him.

marquis in line for the win.

2-2. strike 3. cubs win 6-3 ;)

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 11, 2007 5:47 PM CDT reply actions

Sinatra loud and clear on the PA

Chicago is his kinda town

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 11, 2007 5:48 PM CDT reply actions

Rocky Cherry??

Seriously has chance to make team?? What role?? Spare right reliever?? assume he's righty, never seen him pitcher....
If carry 11 pitchers will be:
Zambrano
Lilly
Hill
Marquis
Prior or Wade Miller--not both*

Wood
Dempster
Howry
Eyre
Cotts
Ohman

So how's Cherry fit?? Where?? I guess if they send down Guzman and neither Prior (extended spring training) or Miller (traded or ??) comes to Wrigley, it's possible but looks like long shot from here...

Is Cherry that impressive?

by writerinwrigley on Mar 11, 2007 5:57 PM CDT reply actions

cherry

we're not sure yet if the cubs will carry 11 or 12 pitchers. If Wuertz is healthy, he should make the opening day roster. if not, who knows. just going by the numbers, cherry hasn't given up an earned run yet this spring in about 5 IP. I don't have the total IP. today he struck out the side in the 9th for his 3rd save of the spring, which got santo pretty excited. cherry is 28. probably just a fluke but we'll see.

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 11, 2007 6:51 PM CDT up reply actions