Let's See How Long This Takes (Game Now Postponed)

by Al on Apr 11, 2007 4:13 AM CDT in News Comment 109 comments

It's a little after 4 am right now in Chicago; outside, it's 36 degrees, very windy, and puking a mix of rain and snow, and the forecast for the rest of the day isn't much better:

Wednesday: Periods of rain and snow, becoming all rain after 1pm. High near 34. Windy, with a east wind 25 to 30 mph decreasing to between 10 and 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

This is an absolute no-brainer. The next time the Astros are in town is the weekend after the All-Star break. Both teams have Thursday, July 12, the day after the break, off. And, as we all know, Lou Piniella doesn't like his boys playing in this sort of weather. So, here's what I do if I'm making the decision: Call the game as soon as I get out of bed, reschedule it for July 12 and make all the tickets issued for today good for that date. Since today's game is likely not even close to a sellout, that'd give them a chance to not only not lose a home date, but likely sell several thousand more tickets. Now, it's true that today is a "value date", with tickets priced far lower than they'd be during the summer, but this is still a better option than playing on the off-day tomorrow, with this weather forecast:

Thursday: A chance of flurries before 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. Breezy, with a west northwest wind between 15 and 20 mph.

I was out for a while last night and listening to the Brewers/Marlins game on the radio -- it was rain-delayed, and during the delay, Bob Uecker and Jim Powell were discussing the horrid weather we've had in the Midwest and Northeast so far this year. They were commenting specifically on the decision made in Minnesota to build a new stadium for the Twins without a retractable roof, which, they said, would cause a loss of home dates in April and September, with a corresponding loss of revenue, eventually making the Twins at a competitive disadvantage. As posted in cwyers' headline diary, you can't reschedule the entire season, but at least the good folks in Minnesota could have helped out some.

In any case, as noted, it's now a little after 4 am in Chicago. Let's see how long it takes for Cubs management to do the sensible thing and postpone today's game until Thursday, July 12.

UPDATE [2007-4-11 9:42:28 by Al]: Just called the Cubs main phone number... the game was postponed at 9:38 am CT. No makeup date has yet been announced. So, in fact, they did the right thing, and it didn't take very long at all.

UPDATE [2007-4-11 10:17:24 by Al]: Here's the official release on the postponement and rescheduling for July 12. As of this posting, at 10:17 am CT, you could still buy tickets for today. Might not be a bad move if those are going to be honored on July 12.

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Al let me be the first...

...and probably the only one to make any statements to support Lou. Unfortunately I will not be around to defend myself since I am heading north today to the frozen tundra of wisconsin.

After playing ball most of my life, I personally didn't and still don't (in slowpitch softball now) have problems with the cold weather. I have played ball over the years with many people who had their problems over the years. I am not saying that because the weather sucks, that is why the team sucks. What I am trying to point out here is that when the weather is what it has been lately, anything can happen. It affects each individual differently and it doesn't just stop there. A player may hit a bloop single off of the bat or a solid line drive. The next player may hit a ball off the end of the bat (normally a double during the summer) and wince in the agony of the pain.

To use the weather as an excuse may sound ridiculous. Maybe as ridiculous as playing a baseball game in absurdly cold temperatures. Baseball is supposed to be our summer past time.

Before we all lose it and jump all over this team, I think we all need to take a step back and look at the big picture. First off, there are over 150 games left in this season. Secondly, what were your thoughts at this time last year?

Excuses aside, there is still a lot of baseball left in the season and the only thing we really need to think about right now is.....where can we find a new shortstop? other than that I really have nothing more to say right now.

Here's to a snow-out today and a chance to regroup under some better circumstances. Unfortunately, I now have to head into the eye of the storm that is Wisconsin. Hopefully I will be able to find a line to keep up with BCB.

Here's to a new year!!

by santo for prez on Apr 11, 2007 4:31 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The point is...

....Cub fans have heard nothing but excuses over the last 3 seasons and I don't want to hear anymore. I like Lou too and I know this comment right now has more to do with it being early in the year and still early inthe honeymoon. Until the real Lou rears his head, I'm taking comments like these with a grain of salt.

But back to the cold weather comment, yes it was an excuse. Do players like playing in the cold weather (hitters anyway, I loved pitching in the cold, especially against aluminum's!!)? Hell no but the bottomline is both teams have to play in it,period. Suck it up, earn your millions and give it your all. At the end of the day, I don't want to hear any excuses and how "cold" it is.

"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 11, 2007 4:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Weather Update from NOAA

Today: Periods of rain and snow, becoming all rain after 11am. High near 37. Breezy, with a east wind between 20 and 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Tonight: Snow likely, mainly before 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 34. Windy, with a north northwest wind 25 to 30 mph decreasing to between 15 and 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Friday: Partly cloudy, with a high near 43. North northwest wind around 10 mph.

Saturday: A 30 percent chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 50.

by miamicanes on Apr 11, 2007 7:26 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

50 on Saturday?

A heat wave!!

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

by Al on Apr 11, 2007 8:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Right now

Looking out my window at work (and having narrowly survived my commute in), I can barely see the building across the street because the snow is coming down so hard.

They should cancel the game, but if they don't, have fun Al!

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

by Jesse Guam on Apr 11, 2007 8:16 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Fun?

I love baseball, but sitting in this wouldn't be my idea of "fun".

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

by Al on Apr 11, 2007 8:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Only on opening day

Opening day is special but otherwise freezing your gazoobies off is just freezing your gazoobies off.

I remember a joke on Good Times "It's so cold the flashers are only showing pictures of themselves"

For Cub fans spring training combines the eternal hope of spring with the irrational belief in the impossible.

by kerrysotherwife on Apr 11, 2007 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can't imagine why not?

Nothing says baseball like being covered in six inches of snow.

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

by Jesse Guam on Apr 11, 2007 8:29 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

For you, maybe.

n/t

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

by Al on Apr 11, 2007 8:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why?

...do teams leave it open like this, why can't they simply take the logical approach and cancel the game at this point in the day?

This is not like a summer day where it's raining and there remains a possibility of it clearing later.

There is snow on the ground and it's still coming down. Just cancel todays date and move along.

I remember thinking on a hot Sunday, March 25 that we were done with this crappy weather and how there was going to be great weather for the start of baseball in Chicago.

Cha-cha-change.

by DrCrawdad on Apr 11, 2007 9:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

As I noted below...

... I'm guessing, now that it's after 9 am, that once the suits get into their offices, it won't be too long before a postponement is announced.

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

by Al on Apr 11, 2007 9:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's really too bad

that the weather is going to force this game to be postponed; the Cubs have a pitching advantage today with Hill going against Wandy Rodriguez, whom I do not have a high opinion of. The Astros are getting off the hook this time. This might come back to bite us.

One day, the dream will come true.

by brianp88 on Apr 11, 2007 9:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe...

... but OTOH, the Cub offense is sputtering right now. Maybe a couple days off will help that.

And, that raises another question. Lou has said he wants to keep Z on an every-fifth-day rotation. So does he do this and skip someone else's turn? Or push everyone back?

This is the exact reason you don't need a 12-man pitching staff the first two weeks.

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

by Al on Apr 11, 2007 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Weather

I think they probably were pretty sure they'd cancel it last night but you know about weather here they were hoping the forecast would be wrong.

My out of town friend and I were so sure it would be cancelled we already had our alternate plans made for today. I leave to pick her up at her hotel in 10 minutes.

For Cub fans spring training combines the eternal hope of spring with the irrational belief in the impossible.

by kerrysotherwife on Apr 11, 2007 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nope

But that's why I don't have full season tickets. Well that and the cost. And the time. And all that stuff.

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

by Jesse Guam on Apr 11, 2007 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

too bad

devin hester isn't there to run back the first pitch for 7 today.

One of Us!One Of Us!

by HerrProf on Apr 11, 2007 8:38 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Twins Stadium

I think that the reason the new Twins stadium isn't going to have a retractable roof is simply because of money. They've had a hard enough time getting the money from the state to get the stadium that they conceded the extra $10 million or so and forgo the retractable roof. It did not help them that at the same time they were asking for money, both the Vikings and the Gophers also wanted new stadiums. The Vikings lost out. Now the latest ordeal is that the Twins are having issues actually purchasing the land to build the stadium. But tomorrow they are unveiling the final plans for the stadium.

The weather this year has been out of the ordinary. The last few years I've been in Minneapolis, our last snow storms have been in the middle of March. Last week they showed on the news that the last few April's have had less than an inch of snowfall. Of course, today we are getting 3-5 inches in the Twin Cities, but this weekend it's going to be in the 50's. Personally, I would take a few re-scheduled games over a summer of baseball in the Metrodome.

by bleedhawkeyegold on Apr 11, 2007 8:54 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Well,

If you add a zero to your figure (or change it to $150 million) you'd be a lot closer to what they were talking about to add a roof to the new Twins ballpark.

But otherwise, yes, you are correct on all other counts (except that they finalized a deal yesterday to buy the land)...

Moose

by moose97 on Apr 11, 2007 9:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I also thought...

...the amount was around $100 million, not $10. I did not hear about the land being finalized, I guess that is good news. I do not get as much ballpark news down here in Mankato as people in the cities get.

Dan

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

by dtpollitt on Apr 11, 2007 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Twins

You're right. The new stadium for the Twins won't have a retractable roof ala Miller Park. The reason is money. It's taken 20 years for the Twins to get a desperately needed new stadium. They are building something on the scale of PNC Park in Pittsburgh, which isn't the most oppulent or biggest ballpark in the world. But still a very nice ballpark that gets rave reviews.

by BlueMike on Apr 11, 2007 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Outside Weather

The other reason that the Twins won't have a roof is that the fans don't want a roof. One of the (many) comments directed at the HumpDome is that the Summer is so relatively short in the Twin Cities that many of the fans do not want to spend one of the nice days INSIDE. Even with the "best" retractable roof, the ball park is far less "outside" with a roof. Baltimore, Cleveland, Texas, Seattle, and even the Cell are far more pleasant places to see a game in nice weather than Arizona and Milwaukee and other ball parks of this design.

Its the right decision for the Twins.

by frustratedfan on Apr 11, 2007 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I disagree...

...Miller Park is fantastic with the roof open (especially the glassed backdrop) and more than sufficient with it closed, as in this past weekend.

Dan

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

by dtpollitt on Apr 11, 2007 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I disagree too

I really like Miller Park. That atmosphere dramatically changes for the worse when the roof is closed, but when it is opened it is very pleasant. They did a first rate job on that park.

by BlueMike on Apr 11, 2007 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can't agree

I live about 15 min from Miller Park and try to get to about 10 games a year. Even when the roof is open I still feel like I am inside. It is obviously very nice to have a roof with the weather the way it is but in the summer months I still feel like I am inside as opposed to other stadiums with no retractable roof structure. I realize that this is something that is unavoidable with the massive roof structure but I wouldn't mind playing 15 games in colder weather for the openness of a non-retractable roof park.

by miltowncubbie on Apr 11, 2007 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But does Milwaukee

Try to leave it open as much as possible? If so, the retractable roof does its job. Houston takes the opposite approach and leaves it closed as much as possible, and I hate that.

Go Nebraska Football!

by sanantonecub on Apr 11, 2007 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Left open during

the 2005 World Series, was it not, and which caused some to think that Selig was favoring the WS because they were from a cold weather city?

by JFCubFan on Apr 11, 2007 7:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, it was left open

With the extreme displeasure and outrage of Houston and community, who wanted it closed to provide a few more decibels.

Bud Selig made the intelligent decision and forced it open after realizing that temperatures were in the 70s and sunny, maybe a little cooler as the night went on - aka - perfect baseball weather.

Go Nebraska Football!

by sanantonecub on Apr 11, 2007 7:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Snow in April

It has snowed in April on both my parent's birthdays which are on the 17th and the 25th here in Chicago.

For Cub fans spring training combines the eternal hope of spring with the irrational belief in the impossible.

by kerrysotherwife on Apr 11, 2007 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

how come

the Sox can call a NIGHT game before noon, but the Trubs can't give us a break?!

I'm staying on my couch. It's so not worth getting pneumonia so the Trubs can get my $15.

Yes Al, you are on your own.

They are not going to play anyway.

by bh714 on Apr 11, 2007 8:59 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Well...

... the Sox called their game at 10:30. I guess we have to at least let the suits get into their offices before they call it (and they may be stuck in some of the huge traffic jams this weather is causing).

Stay warm. You're right, I can't imagine them trying to play in this.

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

by Al on Apr 11, 2007 9:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Does anyone remember the Bulls game cancellation?

Does anyone remember the game the Sox called early citing the weather but in reality most would be at home watching the Bulls in the finals?

For Cub fans spring training combines the eternal hope of spring with the irrational belief in the impossible.

by kerrysotherwife on Apr 11, 2007 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It seems to me

that if Pinella continues to use the "it's cold" excuse, then you do get substandard play because you basically gave your team an out if they lose. Sure, the Cubs are fighting til the end of the game, but the last couple of games they didn't help themselves. Pitchers giving up many walks, and not getting out of the top of the first unscored upon. Murton was tearing up the Cactus League, now can't hit anything. I know baseball is a streaky sport and we are just in this funk right now, but we really don't want to be giving away games already. We heard from the toothpick chewer all year last year that it's early, there's a lot of games left. I don't think we want to start that again. For all I know, we could start a streak with the next win and rattle off 5 or 6 wins, but we better take care of business within our division and at home.

BigJohnAZ

by BigJohnAZ on Apr 11, 2007 9:01 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

A few comments...

(1) What is it again Al that you do that allows you to go to nearly every game AND be up at 4 am?! You must be a nightwalker!

(2) Currently living in Minnesota, this stadium issue is a revolving door of crap. Crap gets shoved in, crap gets shoved out, and it gets shoved back in. No roof is simply ridiculous.

Here is my understanding so far; which is hard for me to completely understand, and I consider myself a hardcore baseball enthusiast (imagine the image this ballpark is portraying for the average Joe):

--The ground the stadium was to be built on was recently condemned. The "value" of this land has been hotly contested for years. This plot also is EXTREMELY small; the ballpark features and layout have been modified, slimmed, and ultimately cheated because the land is basically too small for an adequate ballpark.

--I do not understand the roof issue. I have nothing more on this matter. Miller Park has it set up best. This new stadium, as Al noted, will definitely devalue the team thanks to weather conditions. It is a stupid move.

--The Vikings, Twins, and Gophers are all expecting new stadiums. Minnesota is attempting to become a powerhouse in the Big Ten (e.g. Tubby Smith), turn around the Vikings (e.g. Brad Childress), and get rid of the butthole of Minnesota (e.g. the Metrodome). I refuse to go to baseball games at the Metrodome (Al, I cannot find my post last year from the 3 game sweeping of the Cubs by the Twins?!) because it is a completely heinous excuse for a major league ballpark. I have arguments with Minnesotans about the quality of a baseball game at the "The Giant Inflatable Toilet" (as it is referred to here) vs. a "REAL" ballpark, and Minnesotans are completely ignorant to the concept of outdoor baseball. I bring them to Wrigley to show them what a real game is like, and they are blown away.

--Ironically, I do not know what is the "current" news with the ballpark, I have not done any reading in the last few weeks. The Star Tribune is a very good resource.

In my opinion, the ballpark issue in Minnesota is completely how NOT to build a major league park in a cold climate.

Dan

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

by dtpollitt on Apr 11, 2007 9:06 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Years ago...

... I attended a game at the old Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington, which was a nice place to see a game on a summer day.

They absolutely, positively need a retractable dome, and if they don't get one (as seems likely), the paradox is that the Twins might have a new stadium and within 10 years not be a viable franchise because of the new stadium.

The answer to your other question is, as I have posted here before, that I work as a TV director on morning news; thus I have my afternoons and evenings free to go to games. During the season -- well, I just don't get much sleep.

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

by Al on Apr 11, 2007 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah...

...I never made it up to the old Met; I was too young and we did not live in Minnesota at the time. I know you have posted about your profession elsewhere but have had difficulty finding it in game threads or whatnot. I have always heard about delivery guys - beer, food vendors, mail carriers - holding down a career in such field just to be season ticket Cub holders. Awesome. Too bad teaching professions are not like that. :)

Dan

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

by dtpollitt on Apr 11, 2007 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Actually...

my criminal law professor first year in law school always arranged his teaching schedule to teach a morning class (and, if necessary, an evening class), leaving his afternoons free to use his Cubs season tickets. I suppose teaching at other levels (grade school, high school, maybe college) wouldn't allow this much flexibility, though.

by Molechaser on Apr 11, 2007 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

David S. Rudstein?

Was it David S. Rudstein at Kent? I had him for criminal law too.

by astroview on Apr 11, 2007 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep.

n/t

by Molechaser on Apr 11, 2007 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

In 1998

In 1998 I worked the 4am -12:30pm shift half a mile from Wrigley at a data processing company.

Between that and planning a wedding and going to every Cubs home game (except for I think 4 because of wedding and honeymoon) I got about 20 minutes of sleep the entire season!

But my bachelorette party was in a skybox on a certain day in May that season.

For Cub fans spring training combines the eternal hope of spring with the irrational belief in the impossible.

by kerrysotherwife on Apr 11, 2007 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow...

...you are my idol!

Dan

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

by dtpollitt on Apr 11, 2007 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Schedule

How hard can it be for Bud Selig and company to produce a schedule where season starting games take place in the southern states, the West Coast, Phoenix and Milwaukee (retractable roof)? Seriously. It's ridiculous to play Russian roulette with the weather in places like Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, New York, Boston. This isn't rocket science.

by BlueMike on Apr 11, 2007 9:18 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The fault in your argument...

...obviously is Bud Selig. :)

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

by dtpollitt on Apr 11, 2007 9:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

We counted this up the other day at the park.

There are fifteen teams that could be considered "warm-weather" or dome teams:

AL
Oakland
LAA
Texas
Seattle
Minnesota
Toronto
Tampa Bay

NL
Atlanta
Florida
Houston
Milwaukee
Arizona
San Diego
Los Angeles
San Francisco

That's half the teams, and keep in mind that it was quite cold in Texas last weekend, although that was VERY unusual.

With half the teams available this way, you could schedule all of them at home the first week to ten days. But then you run into the question: wouldn't all the other teams object to starting the season on the road every single year? Plus, in the two-team markets, you'd have both Chicago teams and both NY teams on the road to start the season, which would likely put them at home at the same time for long homestands, and the same with the LA and Bay Area teams.

It could be done, but it's logistically impossible.

Plus, the minute you do this, say, next year? That's the year we'd have record warmth in April in the northeast and midwest.

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

by Al on Apr 11, 2007 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mother Nature has no sanctuary

Unless there's a team with a dome/retractable roof, there's no escaping the chance of cold weather early in the season - norther teams may have a greater chance, but it's just as likely sometimes where Cleveland is 60 and sunny in april when they open in Texas where it's 38 and sleeting.

This was shown last week where Texas and Atlanta both had very cold (for the region) weather that could of forced cancellations of games.

Go Nebraska Football!

by sanantonecub on Apr 11, 2007 4:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I seem to recall that in 1984,

MLB went to a south/west opening schedule. The Cubs (all northern teams) were then stuck on a rather long road trip to start the year ... of course, they went on to win the division. Warm weather=hot bats? Well, maybe except for Ryno.

FOX Sports reported yesterday that MLB has hired a professional scheduling think tank for next season, in hopes of avoiding another Cleveland disaster ... but that noted, the weather has been atypically severe this year (we reached record lows here in Arkansas over the past weekend) ... so why bother? We normal folks want our opening day sometime before mid-May; part of the big event is the cold!

In other words, it's quite likely to be 70 on opening day--say, in Cincinnati--as 45 ... though a roofless stadium in Minnesota (of all places!) sounds like it lacks foresight in a big way.

"God, grant me the Serenity to accept the Prior I cannot change, and the wisdom to know I'll be disappointed."

by Littlerock Rynofan on Apr 11, 2007 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good to hear....

... that they're actually going to sit down and talk about this, try to figure out a better way, if there is one.

I do remember that '84 season schedule. Here's the entire '84 list of games; they played an 8-game road trip on the West Coast and the home opener was on Friday, April 13.

April 13 also falls on a Friday this year, two days from now, when the weather is supposed to be... not that great, maybe in the upper 40's.

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

by Al on Apr 11, 2007 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Typo above.

7-game road-trip, not 8.

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

by Al on Apr 11, 2007 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I made this comment elsewhere

(in response to an editirial about the Twins lack of a retractable roof) but will cut and paste it here as well:

I love how a rare (once every ten years or so) April snowstorm has the entire sports world up in arms about how aweful the baseball schedule-makers are. Just remember that both Minneapolis and Cleveland average about 2 inches of snow for the entire month (according to NOAA). Now remember that they both got about a foot so far this month. That means they have to go six years with no snow through all of April to keep that average! Sure, a dome would have been nice (and would have saved several rain-outs, and a few snow-outs), but let's keep our heads here folks, it's a flukey weather pattern!

Moose

by moose97 on Apr 11, 2007 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No!

You're wrong. We must immediately overreact and overcorrect to deal with the immediate problem without considering that the future may not be exactly the same!

Oh wait...sorry.

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

by Jesse Guam on Apr 11, 2007 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

LMAO

n/t

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

by Al on Apr 11, 2007 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fluke is fluke, I agree.

But Minneapolis is, well, Minneapolis. I mean, whilst I lived in Chicago during winter, the weather guys would always report the Twin Cities' temperatures to make us feel warmer by comparison ... well that, and International Falls!

"God, grant me the Serenity to accept the Prior I cannot change, and the wisdom to know I'll be disappointed."

by Littlerock Rynofan on Apr 11, 2007 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey,

I lived in I Falls, and now live just an hour and a half south west of there... We've had the start of High School baseball and softball delayed a week already (with snow on the fields still, and Lake Bemidji still frozen over). Don't tell me about bad weather!

Moose

by moose97 on Apr 11, 2007 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Task Force

I will assume that Al Gore will lead the charge on the global warming/scheduling issue?

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

by krummy12 on Apr 11, 2007 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

haha..

just what I was thinking. Maybe we can open on Mars, there is no global warming there..wait a minute..

Well, sometimes nothin is a real cool hand.

by wicubfan on Apr 11, 2007 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Al may be a prophet

Game has been rescheduled for July 12. Just announced on WGN.

Life-long Cub fan and seat vendor since 1985. Someone keep me away from the knives.

by lairdude on Apr 11, 2007 9:54 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Smart move!

I'm presuming that all tickets for today will probably be honored on July 12, but you should double-check first, in case you have a ticket for today. I imagine they'll post something on the website soon about this.

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

by Al on Apr 11, 2007 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cool

I have a friend from out of town who was going with me today and she'll be back on the 12th so it works out (she comes here every month from the 10th through the 15th on business and during the season if the Cubs are in town tries to set aside an afternoon to go to a game)

So we're going to go downtown to the Art Institute and have lunch.

For Cub fans spring training combines the eternal hope of spring with the irrational belief in the impossible.

by kerrysotherwife on Apr 11, 2007 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yea

back to bed for me

by bh714 on Apr 11, 2007 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

This just in, the Cubs game is

not canceled, but instead will be played with the following lineup:

Hester, D. - CF
Benson, C. - 2B
Briggs, L. - LF
Urlacher, B. - 1B
Ogunleye, A. - RF
Berrian, B. - SS
Muhammed, M - 3B
Kreutz, O. - C
Grossman, R. - P

Go Cubs!

by Neifi Puppy on Apr 11, 2007 10:07 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Lance Briggs...

... will refuse to play until his contract is renegotiated to include a limo ride to the game, a uniformed escort to and from left field, and a guaranteed two-ball count on him when he steps into the batter's box.

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

by Al on Apr 11, 2007 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kreutz

I think the Cubs would toss more shutouts if Olin was blocking the plate...

by northsidenonsense on Apr 11, 2007 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Grossman as pitcher?

I think I read where he was a high school baseball player and a pretty good one but I think he was an infielder.

Would be a fun research project to find out what Cubs played football and what Bears played baseball.

For Cub fans spring training combines the eternal hope of spring with the irrational belief in the impossible.

by kerrysotherwife on Apr 11, 2007 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

lmao

good stuff

by tbizzle83 on Apr 11, 2007 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

gould

should play 2nd though

by tbizzle83 on Apr 11, 2007 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Better hope...

Bob Sanders, Dominic Rhodes, Joseph Addai, etc. don't show up.

"A hot dog at the ball park is better than steak at the Ritz." -- Humphrey Bogart

by hokie316 on Apr 11, 2007 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What about Tank?

I presume he'd be the closer ... let him fire away.

by northsidenonsense on Apr 11, 2007 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Grossman as pitcher?

Might want to guide him in the direction of the resin bag!

Just because I have a short attention span doesn't mean...

by eamuscatuli1881 on Apr 11, 2007 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey...

I'm just happy the Cubs aren't on the losing end today.

by northsidenonsense on Apr 11, 2007 10:08 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

plus

the game will probably be an easier win with a-rod playing short in june ....

One of Us!One Of Us!

by HerrProf on Apr 11, 2007 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Actually according to the news

The Cubs have been cancelled. Not the game but the team.

For Cub fans spring training combines the eternal hope of spring with the irrational belief in the impossible.

by kerrysotherwife on Apr 11, 2007 10:13 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

That's Funny!!!

El Jefe

by Reverend Jim Ignatowski on Apr 11, 2007 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

tickets

are still available for todays game. Buy them now and save some $$$$ for the make-up game!

by bh714 on Apr 11, 2007 10:16 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yep.

n/t

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

by Al on Apr 11, 2007 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Days like today

Are why I moved back to San Diego. I'd rather be broke and warm.

by Kornchex on Apr 11, 2007 10:17 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Wow..

"The field was covered in snow" -- Muskat.

No Cubs baseball for two days. It may as well be winter.

"And heeeere come the pretzels!"

by NightPutting on Apr 11, 2007 10:27 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Next year...

... they can start the season in January, when it's nicer outside.

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

by Al on Apr 11, 2007 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

no snow here

It was 88 out when I drove home from work this afternoon.....why I love spring in South Florida

by kcjones on Apr 12, 2007 12:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

so if i

were to buy tickets today. For this game and printed them. I would be able to bring them to the game later on in the year?

by Kchance on Apr 11, 2007 10:35 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

In theory, yes.

n/t

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

by Al on Apr 11, 2007 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i want to.

but i would want to know the game day before hand. Just for work purposes. About how long do they usally take to reschedule the game?

by Kchance on Apr 11, 2007 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's already been announced.

Thursday, July 12.

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

by Al on Apr 11, 2007 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is this still an afternoon game?

I assume so..

Well, sometimes nothin is a real cool hand.

by wicubfan on Apr 11, 2007 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

is there a number i could call

and make sure my tickets would be valid? sorry im an overly cutious person.. not a good speller either

by Kchance on Apr 11, 2007 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

nvm

by Kchance on Apr 11, 2007 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

night game...

I got two tickets in section 31 assuming they will be honored for July 12th. The Score 670am is reporting that this game will be a night game...

Cubs Widgets

by seang03 on Apr 11, 2007 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

it

wont let me do it

by tbizzle83 on Apr 11, 2007 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Perhaps...

LOU will circle the wagons and make some changes for getting runs early in a game.

If the team cannot perform with RISP and two outs, then he will HAVE to make a couple lineup adjustments with contact/speed until the team can scratch through.

Cardinals make me see Red!

by TheEman on Apr 11, 2007 10:38 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

cubs.com

has zambrano vs. harang as the matchup for tomorrow, so apparently they're sticking to their guns re: keeping Z on 5 days rest. I hope they are just planning on moving hill back to friday.

Baby, you got a stew goin'

by Thelonious on Apr 11, 2007 11:15 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Pitching...

...Z on Friday and Hill on Saturday

Cubs Widgets

by seang03 on Apr 11, 2007 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just picked up 2 club box infield

Section 9, Row 7

Definitely hope they are honored on July 12 - those are great seats at a really good price.

by SuperContext on Apr 11, 2007 11:20 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Unfortunately...

... it seems as if they will refund money for anyone who bought tickets for today's game, and sell new tickets, sending replacement tickets with the new date to season ticket holders.

Seems like kind of a waste, but then there's the fact that they can call July 12 a "premium" date and sell the tickets for more $.

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

by Al on Apr 11, 2007 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh well

I guess I didn't really lose anything from the transaction, since I'll get a refund. Are tickets for the new date on sale yet? Now I'm kind of hyped to go, since its a do-able night game only two days after my birthday.

by SuperContext on Apr 11, 2007 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not yet.

I'd keep checking here to see when they announce it; there will be a ticketing link added on 7/12 when there is.

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

by Al on Apr 11, 2007 4:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Friday's game

My son and I have tickets. I hope the weather gets a bit better. I suppose 43 and no rain is the best we can hope for. I'm never buying tickets for April again. The weather here is just too unpredictable. It was a leap of faith to buy them in the first place, considering how few days off I can get this year. I should have saved my vacation day/ballpark outing for May.

Well, I'm hoping for the best. Maybe we'll see 50 by Friday. And some sun.

"Hello again, everybody. Harry Caray from Wrigley Field on a beautiful day for baseball."

by danimal15 on Apr 11, 2007 11:27 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Is this offically rescheduled for the 12th ?

I don't see it on the Cubs site. Makes sense for the Cubs but I believe both teams players would have to agree as well. I WANTED A DOUBLE HEADER since I come in for the homestand starting on the 13th.
I don't see them honoring tickets as they would get twice as much in July

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

by jessica on Apr 11, 2007 11:36 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

yeah...

...http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/chc/ticketing/postponed_041107.jsp

Cubs Widgets

by seang03 on Apr 11, 2007 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

A night game ?

Did they have one to spare in terms of the game limit?

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

by jessica on Apr 11, 2007 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah...

...The Score reported that the limit's 30 and that 26 are scheduled with two possible Sunday night games still TBD. So now 27 are scheduled.

Cubs Widgets

by seang03 on Apr 11, 2007 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

In addition

to what sean said, I think Wrigley is honoring the two Police concerts as night games bringing the total to 29/30 - leaving one more open date to play with.

Go Nebraska Football!

by sanantonecub on Apr 11, 2007 4:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

there

are still some real good seats for the next game i just picked up sec 122 row 11

by tbizzle83 on Apr 11, 2007 11:43 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

To avoid bad weather...

They could schedule some early season games in Las Vegas.

I wouldn't mind.

by vegascubsfan on Apr 11, 2007 1:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

u guys see that sox a's game last nite?

mark ellis got a walkoff hit that bounced off of scott podsednik's head. hilarious

by china423 on Apr 11, 2007 3:46 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

priceless.

by vegascubsfan on Apr 11, 2007 3:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Were you watching today?

Great win by the Sox! Win the series in Oakland, in the past a house of horrors for the Sox.

Fantastic pitching this series by the former Cubbies - Garland yesterday and Aardsma today.

by DrCrawdad on Apr 11, 2007 6:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Serenity Now!!!...Serenity Now!!!

n/t

Hey Lou, we're long overdue.

by deadcatbounce on Apr 11, 2007 7:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Cotts/Aardsma deal...

... which in spring training looked bad for both teams, now looks a lot better. Cotts has thrown well so far.

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

by Al on Apr 11, 2007 7:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good for both sides...

I wish Cotts the best. I'll root for Cotts, except of course when he faces the Sox.

Aardsma has been incredible, 6IP, 8K, 1R, 3H, the only downside has been the 4BB. Against CLE he struck out 5 straight, not a small accomplishment considering the Indians lineup.

Obviously, it's way too early to conclude that Aardsma's woes are past. But I like what I've seen so far.

by DrCrawdad on Apr 11, 2007 9:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs