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Uh-Oh, and Open Thread: Cubs vs. Padres, Tuesday 4/17, 1:20 CT

Alyellontoppscard_tiny by Al Yellon on in Recap/Game Thread

I suppose you're all waiting for my comments on the injury to Alfonso Soriano, rather than a recap of the Cubs' impressive 12-4 win over the Padres, so here goes:

When Soriano made the attempt at the catch (which at first, we thought was a great catch, but which even Jeff said HE could see it had been trapped), you could instantly tell something was wrong, because he just sat there on the field, rather than even try to get up. And the instant he started to get up, you could tell he knew something was wrong.

It's a tweaked hamstring. Hamstring injuries, as you likely know, can have varying degrees of severity. Players have missed entire seasons with hamstring problems. Or, like Aramis Ramirez, they can play through them, at slower speed. We simply won't know this till later today -- the recap above quotes Soriano himself as saying:

"Yes, I don't like to get hurt," Soriano said, when asked if he's worried. "I know that I'm not going to be able to play tomorrow, so it's sad for me because ... I like to play every day. We'll see how I look tomorrow."
So today, we'll likely see Jacque Jones in center field (when Soriano went out, and Cliff Floyd came into LF, I said to Mike: "We now have a DH in left field, a right fielder in CF, and a left fielder in RF." Which is not as bad as this 1980 game which featured a left fielder in RF, and two first basemen at the other OF positions.), and if Soriano is out more than the five or so days that are indicated later on in the above recap, he may be placed on the DL and all of you who have been clamoring for Felix Pie to be called up, will get your wish.

At least this year, when a key player in the lineup gets hurt, there's a suitable replacement. Keep in mind that the lineup replacements for Derrek Lee last year included Neifi, Jerry Hairston and Tony Womack.

Even odder is that the rest of the lineup, which had been pretty quiet over the last couple of days, exploded in hit after hit after Soriano left the game. The Cubs took a fairly tight 3-1 game and blew it open with a four-run fifth and five-run sixth; everyone who started the game had at least a hit and an RBI, and everyone except Jones scored a run. Incidentally, Jones was well-received by the smallish bleacher crowd in LF. I told Jeff, "He's going to want to play out here every day now." Before last night, Jones hadn't played a game in left field since 2003. Meanwhile, Matt Murton did a credible job in right field, handling a couple of chances easily and actually hitting the cutoff man with a good throw. I'd expect to see more of this alignment in the future.

Speaking of the crowd, it was the "smallest" of the year, 32,126, held down by the lack of a marquee opponent, the day of the week, and the coolish weather -- and maybe 20,000 were in the ballpark, with the bleachers less than half full, and only four of us on our LF perch (and nine others in the front row the only other ones in our section). The temperature wasn't uncomfortable, since by the middle innings the wind had died down, and the temperature remained in the low 50's, not bad for mid-April. Michael Barrett, Cliff Floyd and Mark DeRosa (leading the team with three) all homered for the Cubs, although the scoreboard, which was wacky all night, kept posting that Jason Marquis (who had two hits) had two HR and four RBI. That wasn't even as bad as the stat page on the scorecard, which said that the Padres' Adrian Gonzalez had 21 hits in 6 at-bats, with four HR and one RBI. A bit of proofreading wouldn't hurt.

I was hoping that Lou would leave Angel Guzman, who threw two solid innings and at least twice hit 98 MPH on the scoreboard radar gun, in for a third inning so he'd qualify for a save (after he batted for himself in the 8th), but Will Ohman threw the 9th -- and badly, serving up a three-run homer, and I wonder if it might be time for a visit back to Iowa for him.

The home run by Marcus Giles off Ohman, incidentally, landed only about 20 feet from us in left field. Too bad -- I was ready with my throwback ball.

All we can do now is wait and see. Saying he was "bound" to be injured because he was playing a new position is just silly. He could easily have been hurt playing left field, or second base, or DH if the NL had one. It happened. Maybe it'll be only a few days. And if not... at least there's an exciting possibility awaiting us as a replacement.

 Today's Starting Pitchers
Wade Miller
 W. Miller
Cubs		 vs. Greg Maddux
 G. Maddux
Padres
0-1 W-L 1-1
13.50 ERA 3.18
0 SO 10
2 BB 1
2 HR 1
vs. SD -- vs. Cubs
The last time Greg Maddux pitched in Wrigley Field in a visitor's uniform was on a day when the stakes were a bit higher than they will be today -- game three of the 2003 NLDS. Some guy who's on the Iowa disabled list beat him that day.

Today's game is on WGN, so available nationally, and also at the MLB.com Mediacenter. According to this, you can get a five-day free trial of MLB.TV, if you are so inclined.

In twenty lifetime regular-season starts vs. the Cubs, Maddux is 11-3 with a 2.38 ERA -- but, of course, has not faced them since that 2003 playoff game, and not in the regular season since July 22, 2003. He's beatable if he doesn't have his location, as we all found out last year.

Wade Miller has made four career starts vs. the Padres, with a 1-2 record and 5.79 ERA. Again, this isn't too instructive a stat, as the last time he faced them was September 7, 2003; only Khalil Greene and Brian Giles, among players who were in that game, will likely play today. This is also a key game for Miller, who has not pitched in nine days and might wind up being let go if he doesn't throw better than he did in his only start so far this season.

MLB.com Gameday

Discuss amongst yourselves.

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If Soriano...
...is put on the DL and we get to see Pie in center, at least we can put to bed the speculation and see what the kid will do.
This agression will not stand man...

by TexasCubbieFan on Apr 17, 2007 8:43 AM CDT reply actions  

Agreed.
It's my feeling Pie could use more AAA time. But he's off to a great start there, and coming to Chicago knowing he'd start every day might allow that to continue.

Then, the Cubs would have a decision to make once Soriano came off the DL. Keep Pie? Then who goes?

Nice problem to have, if it shakes out that way.

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

by Al Yellon on Apr 17, 2007 8:46 AM CDT up reply actions  

The situation
I'll be interested to find out how hurt Soriano really is.  I've never heard of a hamstring being "day-to-day," especially for an athletic muscle-ladened type like Soriano.  If Felix Pie is called up and shows he isn't completely overmatched, then the Cub outfield dilemma will solve itself in big part.  
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 8:51 AM CDT up reply actions  

If its any kind of length of time
If it's any kind of length of time Pie coming up and seting the world on fire would make things very interesting.
If your Dad buys part of the team do you get to shower with the players?

by kerrysotherwife on Apr 17, 2007 9:20 AM CDT up reply actions  

Official...
...According to The Score Pie has been called up. No word on whether they sent someone else down or if they're putting Soriano on the DL. My guess is the latter.
Cubs Widgets

by seang03 on Apr 17, 2007 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions  

I was just going to post
I was just going to post that.  
If your Dad buys part of the team do you get to shower with the players?

by kerrysotherwife on Apr 17, 2007 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions  

Line-up
IF Soriano is put on the DL, the Cubs do have two choices.  One, call up Pie to replace Soriano in center, keep Jones in right, and continue to platoon Floyd and Murton in left.  Or, leave Pie in AAA to continue to develop and have Floyd in left, Jones in center and Murton in right.  IF they choose to call up Pie, (which I think they will), and he performs well, once Soriano returns, could they play him at second base and send down Ohman?  Thoughts anyone?

by VandalayIndustries on Apr 17, 2007 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions  

What
happened to not seeing Pie before Sept?
"Billy was put here for....to teach us to treat each other better"

by wild bill on Apr 17, 2007 6:44 PM CDT up reply actions  

Bad
Bad defense in the outfield. No hitting from your injured 136 million dollar OF.

If you really want to solve the Pie problem, Put Soriano at 2nd, and send Ronny "I'm Overmatched" Cedeno back to AAA.

hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 17, 2007 6:49 PM CDT up reply actions  

You'd
You'd then have an Of of Jones, Pie, Murton and a killer infield of Ramirez, Theriot, Soriano, Lee, and Barret.
hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 17, 2007 6:51 PM CDT up reply actions  

I am sorry
I must not agree with Soriano at 2b. I will think he will serve the team better in LF. Keep Theriot at 2b.
"Billy was put here for....to teach us to treat each other better"

by wild bill on Apr 17, 2007 6:51 PM CDT up reply actions  

Of course this
is assuming Pie cuts it in CF.
"Billy was put here for....to teach us to treat each other better"

by wild bill on Apr 17, 2007 6:53 PM CDT up reply actions  

That
That is very true and I don't want Soriano at 2b. However, we have a problem. His initials are JJ. Even though he's left handed and can hit some, he's blocking Pie AND Murton. Jones plays meaning Floyd plays and Murton's on the bench.

I'd never thought I'd say this this year, but it seems the Cubs have too many viable players.

hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 17, 2007 7:19 PM CDT up reply actions  

What will
come in to play if what you say is true, than let us hope that Pinella has the correct, um, the correct gut feeling about whom he decides to use or keep on the roster.
"Billy was put here for....to teach us to treat each other better"

by wild bill on Apr 17, 2007 8:29 PM CDT up reply actions  

Let's all remember
Let's all remember though guys whether he goes 0 for whatever or sets the world on fire let's not get too excited or depressed.  It's just his first taste of the big leagues.
If your Dad buys part of the team do you get to shower with the players?

by kerrysotherwife on Apr 17, 2007 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions  

Nope
around here an 0-4 and he will be a failed prospect.  LemonPie may even start booing him.  

by rlpete on Apr 17, 2007 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions  

Let's hope...
Miller throws a good game. I realize the fifth starter spot isn't a great concern, but it'd still be nice to have some additional stability.
MARQUIS! YES, MARQUIS!

by thekansasian on Apr 17, 2007 8:44 AM CDT reply actions  

Wouldn't call it....
a good game. In trouble in every inning but keeps Cubs in the game.  Great defense today.
"God watches over drunks and third baseman." - Leo Durocher

by wabob on Apr 17, 2007 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions  

Mark Prior, Mark Prior, Mark Prior......
Al, I usually respect your comments, as you are a very knowledgable baseball fan, however today you have really touched a sore spot. I do believe that Mark deserves to be mentioned, by name, in your thread. I realize your frustrations with Mark's never ending injuries are justified, but give the man credit for his past stellar performances.
There are 3 things in my life which I really love: God, family, and baseball. The only problem - once baseball season starts, I change the order around a bit.

by cubsfan4life on Apr 17, 2007 8:51 AM CDT reply actions  

I was trying to be cute.
Obviously, it didn't work.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Apr 17, 2007 8:53 AM CDT up reply actions  

No worries......
I have a soft spot for pitchers ;) (even often injured ones).
There are 3 things in my life which I really love: God, family, and baseball. The only problem - once baseball season starts, I change the order around a bit.

by cubsfan4life on Apr 17, 2007 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions  

Not by name...

He is now known as The Employee, remember?

by salparadise23 on Apr 17, 2007 9:16 AM CDT up reply actions  

So, Mark doesn't deserve...
to feel frustration? Put yourself in his shoes for a moment, how would you feel if your career was quickly wasting away in front of your very eyes due to injuries that no one can clearly pinpoint, except to say there is a "looseness" that he was born with. Wouldn't that frustrate you just a little?
There are 3 things in my life which I really love: God, family, and baseball. The only problem - once baseball season starts, I change the order around a bit.

by cubsfan4life on Apr 17, 2007 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions  

Frustrated
People overreact to every little comment made by a player and blow everything out of proportion.

Let's see he's facing a mysterious ailment his career is in jeapordy and he's dealing with a bunch of nincompoops in the media.  Who wouldn't be frustrated?

If your Dad buys part of the team do you get to shower with the players?

by kerrysotherwife on Apr 17, 2007 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions  

Good Morning Al
I was at the game last night and it was a very small crowd, you guys looked lonely in the left field corner.

The game was interesting, I don't know if we'll see that line-up again but I kinda liked it. Hopefully now we'll see Theriot lead off and Murton #2 and see what they can do. You can bet that if Soriano is going to go onto the DL we'll see Pie or Pagan and if Soriano doesn't go on the DL but misses a few games we may see Cedeno or Ohman sent down.  

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

by Imtrejo on Apr 17, 2007 8:52 AM CDT reply actions  

We're never lonely out there.
Sometimes it's nice to stretch out and have all that space. Next time you're there let me know where you're sitting, I'll stop by.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Apr 17, 2007 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions  

Upper Deck
My season tickets are in 434, but last night I was fortunate enough to be at Section 24 Row 3 Seat 9. Fantastic seats!
"Harlem Furniture......You'll like our style!"

by Imtrejo on Apr 17, 2007 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions  

I agree...
I think Soriano being out might actually be a good thing, as it removes the required penciling-in of the lead off spot.  Since it's the 1-2 slots that have been so offensively iffy (except Theriot the past few games) during the early going, it'll give Lou the ability to evaluate a combination that features some spark.

I wonder...if there ends up being some chemistry found at the top of the order during his stint on the DL, is Soriano an automatic lock for being slotted in the leadoff spot again?

by Shawon O Meter on Apr 17, 2007 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions  

Yes, losing a guy with an 8.6 WARP
...and replacing him with a minor leaguer is sure to help this team.

by Wreckard on Apr 17, 2007 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions  

Exactly
We don't need Big Z going down so Angel Guzman can get into the rotation.  Soriano being hurt can only hurt the ballclub.

by MHef08 @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 17, 2007 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

My point was not...
...necessarily that being replaced by Pie would be an upgrade, but simply that his absence might allow the Cubs to find someone who'd be a better leadoff hitter in the traditional sense of the slot.  My thinking here is that Soriano would then return to a slot more toward the middle of the lineup, where his power could argueably be put to better use.

by Shawon O Meter on Apr 17, 2007 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions  

The big change
Getting ready for the game last night and listening to the pregame I heard Lous say there were some changes in the lineup....Murton in right and Jones in left? I was expecting something more drastic. Can anyone explain how this is a change?

Soriano's injury could be day to day. Pie is hitting well at Iowa, but not as well as Micah Hoffpair who has 21 RBI in 11 games, on pace for 274 RBI's this season! He won't keep that up.

As far as Miller getting released, he gets a few more starts and a few every 5 days, not the 9-10 day apart starts. At least Marmol has been sharp and appears ready. Anyone know the status of Marshall?

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

by mrcubsfan on Apr 17, 2007 8:52 AM CDT reply actions  

Though it may not seem like there isn't one
there certainly is a difference in the corner outfield positions.  Though it may not be the case here, the RF usually has a better arm (BB kept saying yesterday how JJ probably has a stronger one, but Murt is more accurate and releases the ball quicker).  I think Lou was also talking about the shake-up in the lineup as well though, Murt hittin 4, etc.  

by lilkimmer77 on Apr 17, 2007 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions  

Mad respect for BCB
and I don't want to get too far off topic, but I haven't been able to log onto The Cub Reporter for about two weeks.  Is anyone else having this issue?

Bench Izturis.

by Jhoratio on Apr 17, 2007 8:56 AM CDT reply actions  

Pie and Izturis..
..for Hanley Ramirez.  A guy can dream, right?
Chicks dig the long ball

by Will23 on Apr 17, 2007 9:18 AM CDT up reply actions  

That other blog
The old URL for the Cub Reporter no longer forwards you to their network.  Try:
http://mvn.com/mlb-cubs/
and that should get you there.  BCB is my favorite place, especially during the season.  I like the detailed and personal discussion of the games which Al and so many others attend.  I'm too cheap to pay for EI, but I do enjoy Pat and Ron on the MLB audio feeds, which are quite a bargain.
Hoping to goodness is not theologically sound. --Linus

by moldyfolky on Apr 17, 2007 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions  

throwback ball?
I thought that was just a sad myth...  I am just waiting for the day I catch an opposing teams HR ball just so I can show off the cannon strapped to my shoulder.  OK, so I might barely clear the basket and the warning track but I'm still throwing it back.  I will be at Wrigley all weekend but hopefully I won't see any home runs from the cards.

by iCub on Apr 17, 2007 9:03 AM CDT reply actions  

Throwback balls..
... here is the story of how we actually did this one day in 2003.

I'll do it again if I get the chance.

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

by Al Yellon on Apr 17, 2007 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions  

Throw it back
when Ohman served up that HR ball I thought I saw you get up to try to make a play on it.
AC 00 00 00 - BELIEVE

by mike @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 17, 2007 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions  

He couldn't
He couldn't do it because that ball hit  my brother in the head at his home in Evanston.
If your Dad buys part of the team do you get to shower with the players?

by kerrysotherwife on Apr 17, 2007 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions  

Telecast in San Diego
I was watching the game in San Diego and literally seconds before Giles hit that ball some guy in the stands shouted "Way to go Marcus!  0-5!!"  I was cracking up.

by Kornchex on Apr 17, 2007 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions  

Some guy
It looked like some guy made an all out "Pete Rose" style dive across the bleachers to get that ball.
"Harlem Furniture......You'll like our style!"

by Imtrejo on Apr 17, 2007 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions  

He did.
And trust me, I'm not going to do anything like that. If a ball comes right to me or bounces to me, I'm all over it. Otherwise, someone else can have it.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Apr 17, 2007 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions  

Were you the guy
wearing a Cubs jacket, Cubs hat and tan-colored trousers?

by JohnM on Apr 17, 2007 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions  

heh...
What's wrong, Al?  Not wanting to be caught on the air as the guy who knocks a kid over on his way to snaring a ball?  (Wasn't that a Rangers fan a few years back that was faced with public firestorm for being a thoughtless jerk?)

by Shawon O Meter on Apr 17, 2007 2:02 PM CDT up reply actions  

AL, McDonough is supposedly cruising the bleacher
Has he approached you? When he does what will you say?
Best Harry moment: 'Hey there's Marla without her shorts on!'

by Ivy Walls on Apr 17, 2007 9:20 AM CDT reply actions  

I did see him...
... walking down the back aisle. If I see him again in our section I'll introduce myself.

What will I say? Have no idea until I'm right there in the situation.

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

by Al Yellon on Apr 17, 2007 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions  

He's very nice
McDonough is very nice.

And I hope if he does a good job this year the new owner doesn't automatically fire him (same with Hendry)

If your Dad buys part of the team do you get to shower with the players?

by kerrysotherwife on Apr 17, 2007 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions  

I have actually met him before...
... a couple of times at spring training, when I was introduced to him by a mutual friend; this had to be six or seven years ago.

I doubt he'd remember, but I'd be impressed if he did.

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

by Al Yellon on Apr 17, 2007 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions  

I said hi
to him at the Cubs Convention. It's kind of intimidating because of who he is and he's basically in charge of lifelong dreams. I flat out told him I hope I work for him one day and I appreciated what he has done thus far in his tenure. He just said thank you for compliment and thanks for coming to the convention. Sadly he didn't address the job thing.
"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball."- Harry Caray

by TkGoUWGB on Apr 17, 2007 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions  

Bruce Levine...
...just reported that Felix Pie has been called up and will be in the lineup tonight. I specualte this means that Soriano is headed to the DL.

by dkateeb on Apr 17, 2007 9:29 AM CDT reply actions  

Sweet
Not sweet on the DL but I'm going today.

Thanks for the heads up.  I need to set the DVR.  I always try and get on tape every player's major league debut.

If your Dad buys part of the team do you get to shower with the players?

by kerrysotherwife on Apr 17, 2007 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions  

That makes sense...
... since there is no other obvious roster move to bring up Pie.

Well -- I guess we're about to find out about our highly touted rookie. He is one month past his 22nd birthday.

I think you will all agree that if a star player goes down, that at least it's good that we have a suitable replacement.

Good luck to Felix. Go get 'em, kid.

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

by Al Yellon on Apr 17, 2007 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions  

Let's hope he complicates things
Let's hope he plays so well that things are very complicated when Soriano comes back.

Wouldn't be surprised if the move is to send Ohman away.  Not to Iowa but just on a boat to nowhere.

If your Dad buys part of the team do you get to shower with the players?

by kerrysotherwife on Apr 17, 2007 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions  

I don't think Soriano is going on the DL...
...Levine says that a pitcher will likely be headed to Iowa. I'm assuming this will be Will Ohman?

by dkateeb on Apr 17, 2007 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions  

That's actually a much better idea.
You know how I hate the 12-man pitching staff anyway, and Ohman has been putrid.

This way, Pie can start for however long Soriano is out. If for any reason Soriano has to go on the DL, they can make it retroactive and bring another pitcher back.

Man, I am so not used to this -- actual smart roster moves being made.

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

by Al Yellon on Apr 17, 2007 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions  

Al-
How many options does Pie have?  I"m trying to remember if the kid's been up before at all or not?
Give Z whatever he Please...NOW!

by southerncubbie on Apr 17, 2007 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions  

Pie...
... has not yet played in the major leagues... so he should have three option years left.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Apr 17, 2007 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions  

Oops!
Sorry for the echo, Al.  I hadn't seen your post.

by SouthernCub on Apr 17, 2007 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions  

Oops
Sorry for the echo, Al.  I hadn't seen your post.

by SouthernCub on Apr 17, 2007 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions  

He has 1 option left.
He was optioned to the minors last season after being added to the 40-man roster in November of 2005.  He was optioned to the minors towards the end of spring training.  He's used options in 2006 and 2007 and has one left after this season.  

by Maddog on Apr 17, 2007 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions  

All of them...
Pie has all 3 option years left.  He's never previously been called up.  So his clock starts ticking today.

by SouthernCub on Apr 17, 2007 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions  

That's NOT how it works.
Once a player is added to the 40-man roster his so called "clock" begins to tick.  A player on the 40-man roster, but not on the 25-man roster is on optional assignment.  Pie was on the 40-man roster last season on optional assignment to Iowa (2006 was his first option year).  He was optioned to the minors prior to the start of the 2007 season (2007 is his 2nd option year).  He has one left after this season.

by Maddog on Apr 17, 2007 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions  

Hope not...
...Soriano didn't seem like it was that bad. He said he's injured it before and was only out a week at that time. Paul Sullivan said it would probably be 5-7 days pending the results of an MRI.
Cubs Widgets

by seang03 on Apr 17, 2007 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions  

I also
I also don't think they'd have the MRI results back yet.

My guess is Ohman shot or sent to Iowa.

If your Dad buys part of the team do you get to shower with the players?

by kerrysotherwife on Apr 17, 2007 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions  

Note
Mike Wellman over at our site just talked to the Iowa Cubs management, and they said that no one has been called up as of about 30 minutes ago, but perhaps Levine's report is more recent than that.

Ultimately, if I had to guess, Pie being called up is bad news on the Soriano front.  It means Pie is up to stay for a while.

I hope they don't play the yo-yo game with Pie.

Check out Road To Wrigley, my NEW Cubs Minor League System website: Road To Wrigley

by jonpyardi on Apr 17, 2007 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions  

Another Update
We have confirmation that Pie is going to be with the big club today!

Check it out.

A highly placed source with knowledge of the situation has confirmed that fans in Chicago are going to get their first look at the long-awaited Pie when he is called up by the Cubs in the wake of last night's injury to Alfonso Soriano.
Check out Road To Wrigley, my NEW Cubs Minor League System website: Road To Wrigley

by jonpyardi on Apr 17, 2007 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions  

Pythagorean Theorem
According to Bill James' Pythagorean Theorem the Cubs should have a winning record.  If you take the 55 runs scored and the 46 runs allowed, it calculates to a .588 winning percentage or 7-5.

We all know it is early and the problems with small sample size, but this is just one more item to be encouraged about.

by john62 on Apr 17, 2007 9:38 AM CDT reply actions  

What is encouraging?
These numbers tell me that the Cubs STILL can't get the key RISP hits, as was blatently evident in the 1-0 result this weekend.  Certainly the law of averages tells us that you will win if you score more runs than your opponent over the course of a a season.  But right now I am frustrated that the Cubs aren't 7-5 as you say they should be despite the 55 they scored to date.  I find more solace in your small sample size which gives me hope that the team RISP BA will go up as the season progresses.

by JFCubFan on Apr 17, 2007 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions  

what was that at
before they scored 12 runs last night?
AC 00 00 00 - BELIEVE

by mike @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 17, 2007 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions  

Mathematical formulae
The Pythagorean Theorem shouldn't be on your mind today.  The $31,416 question is to compute the value of Pie.

by CHS on Apr 17, 2007 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions  

Ba-dum pish!
Thank you folks, CHS will be here all night, and the 7:30 show is completely different.

by false cognate on Apr 17, 2007 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions  

Wooooooow
this makes my interest in the game that much greater.  Can't wait to watch the kid wheel n deal.

by lilkimmer77 on Apr 17, 2007 9:38 AM CDT reply actions  

Pie
I doubt they will put him at the top of the lineup in his debut.  Theriot or Murton will leadoff in all likelihood.

I also don't understand everyone clamoring for Pie in the leadoff spot.  People complain about Soriano.  As he develops, Pie could be a very similar player to Soriano with maybe a slightly better OBP.  I don't see Pie as a leadoff hitter based on his minor league numbers.    

by rlpete on Apr 17, 2007 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions  

Other thoughts on the OF and Soriano
First, watch for the grade of the injury:

Meaning: In less severe hamstring strains, (AKA Grade I) injuries where the tearing is small to  microscopic, essentially the muscle fibers are  stretched too far resulting in some bleeding  within the muscle. In very severe hamstring strains, (AKA Grade III) injuries; the hamstring muscle can completely be torn away or ruptured, and even may require surgery to repair the torn ends of the muscle. Grade II is often a partial tear or rupture. Thus we will see whether it is a Grade I or Grade II.  

Either way my suggestion is place Soriano on the 10-day or retro Ramirez to the 10-day back to 4/05 making him eligible for 4/15 and (Soriano on the 10-day 4/19) and call up Pie yet we may still see Jones in CF and Pie in RF

The experiment of Murton in RF is curious and interesting Murton was there for a night game when the Sun and wind conditions were not in play.

Piniella is doing the one thing he has the power to do, determine who plays when and where, the why is his domain. (Girardi got fired for this last year in FL) What he is doing is giving Murton playing time and not making Jones comfortable. Ironically when Soriano returns and if he returns to CF and Pie continues to have a hot bat we could see a platoon in RF with Pie & Murton and a platoon in LF with Floyd & Jones.

It foretells of a trade. It allows the scouts to look at Jones in CF while Soriano heals. The perfect scenerio is then trade Jones for a need.

As Theriot continues to show he is earning everyday playing the time the situation will be where? Can he play SS? Could the Cubs put DeRosa in LF against LHP'er and play Cedeno at 2B and Theriot at SS, Murton in RF and DeRosa in LF?

My best guess is that if Soriano is out till at least the 15th and that is generous, play the DL game and bring up Pie, then trade Jones

Best Harry moment: 'Hey there's Marla without her shorts on!'

by Ivy Walls on Apr 17, 2007 9:41 AM CDT reply actions  

10 day?
Is there a new 10 day DL?
If your Dad buys part of the team do you get to shower with the players?

by kerrysotherwife on Apr 17, 2007 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions  

No, there isn't.
However, if, as noted above, Ohman is sent down for Pie, and then Soriano later has to go on the DL, the move can be made retroactive to today.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Apr 17, 2007 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions  

The 15th?...
...So you think he's going to be out a month. I guess I'm a little optimistic but he walked off the field and didn't seem that bad. I'd be surprised if he was out that long.
Cubs Widgets

by seang03 on Apr 17, 2007 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions  

Walking off the field
Corey patterson walked off the field when he tore his knee up.
If your Dad buys part of the team do you get to shower with the players?

by kerrysotherwife on Apr 17, 2007 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions  

Yeah...
...that was his ACL though, I don't think you can walk after you tear the hamstring from the bone...
Cubs Widgets

by seang03 on Apr 17, 2007 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions  

From experience
I have torn my ACL before and I was able to walk out of the gym, walk into the doctor's office, etc. I was given crutches for help, which I didn't want to use and was able to walk pretty painlessly until I had surgery.

I hope for Soriano's sake and my own personal well being that this is only a minor injury.

by cubs4ever on Apr 17, 2007 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions  

If Pie stays, he's the CF
If Felix Pie sticks with the MLB club, it isn't going to be so that he can play a corner OF spot while Soriano keeps "learning" CF and potentially injuring himself or his fellow outfielders. (Case in point, his collision with Jones last night on Marcus Giles' pop-up.)

Pie is possibly the only above-average defensive OF on the entire 40-man roster. Luckily, he's also a centerfielder - something sorely lacking from the MLB club.

Soriano was an adequate LF last season - and we've now seen that Murton can play RF. Adding a good defensive CF could solve our OF defense issues.

Finally, there is no 10-day DL. There is a 15 day DL, and there's no way that they're going to put Aramis Ramirez on the DL at this point - he was available to PH last night, after all.

by ClosingTime on Apr 17, 2007 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions  

soriano
Ok lets say soriano goes to DL and recovers. When he comes back he likely wont be 100%. And hamstring problems slow people down like someone said above. Wouldnt this be the best time to slot soriano in the 5 spot or even the 2 spot. And give him the excuse that it is better for his hammy. And if pie comes through and shows his talent he can lead off. Only problem is I have no idea how the outfield situation would work with pie, soriano, floyd, murton, jones. I would guess a trade but you can never be sure. As much as I like Jones, you guys think a team would be willing to give up a quilty starting pitcher for Jones. Outfield then could be LF(floyd,murton), CF(pie), RF(soriano)... and lineup ....

CF Pie
LF murton
1B LEE
3B ARAM
RF Soriano
C  Barrett
2B DeRosa
ss Izturis
  or
CF Pie
RF Soriano
1B Lee
3B ARAM
LF Floyd
C  Barrett
2B DeRosa
SS Izturis
  or
I am gettin way ahead of myself

by Kchance on Apr 17, 2007 9:46 AM CDT reply actions  

Stoney...
...This morning on the score Stoney said playing right field in Wrigley is the hardest outfield position to play in baseball and thought that putting Soriano there would be a mistake since he recently learned to play the outfield. So I'd like to see Murton there instead of Soriano and put Soriano back in left if Pie stays in the lineup...
Cubs Widgets

by seang03 on Apr 17, 2007 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions  

And Stoney knows this
from all the time he spent playing in the outfield in the majors.

I like Stone and think he's a great announcer.  But sometimes he just shoots out crap that he's got no idea about, but he sells it like it's gospel truth.

I can see no reason to believe why right in Wrigley is harder than say, right in AT&T Park or center in MinuteMaid or Dolphin Stadium.

by Josh Timmers on Apr 17, 2007 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions  

But you know this
because you played MLB at Wrigley field and had lots of one on one time with every player who has played out there the last 20 years. Oh wait that's Stone. Yeah, I'll take his word for it.
"You know what? You want a job? Go out and earn one." Sweet Lou

by Kyle Turney on Apr 17, 2007 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions  

He was...
available to pinch-hit last night, and Lou says he'll start today or tomorrow.

And why are we going to Atlanta for two days in the middle of an extended homestand?

by northsidenonsense on Apr 17, 2007 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions  

knew that
was wondering if he was gonna be in the line-up today.  

by lilkimmer77 on Apr 17, 2007 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions  

The two-day road trip
Everyone in baseball is playing a pair of two-game series this week. It's because of the interleague schedule. Players hate it, teams hate it, but there was no way around it.

What's worst is that the Thursday game is a NIGHT game, followed by a Friday day game back in Chicago. The Braves should have been asked to have Thursday's game in the afternoon.

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

by Al Yellon on Apr 17, 2007 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions  

The scoreboard
On the thing under the scoreboard they always come up with something good to say about the batter no matter how old it is.

By the end of Todd Hundley's Cubs days I half expected it to one day say

"Has never been convicted of murder"

If your Dad buys part of the team do you get to shower with the players?

by kerrysotherwife on Apr 17, 2007 10:01 AM CDT reply actions  

I hate to be a pesimist....
Am I the only one who is not convinced that Pie is an All Star?  I am not saying he will or won't be....but ripping up AAA and being good in the MLB are two totally seperate occurances.  I hope he does great, but I just dont think we can pencil him in to the OF and start up trade talks just yet.

by Morg98 on Apr 17, 2007 10:01 AM CDT reply actions  

But this is a little different
because the organization (and even the whole Major Leagues) recognizes that with the tools he has, Pie has no excuse not to develop into something special.  The Cubs know they want this kid to play every day in the future.  I've read Peter Gammons (a guy who I think we can all agree knows what he's talking about) say about Pie, "yes, he's that good".  Therefore with the potential plethora of quality outfielders, I personally think, why not think trade (and strengthen a weak point in the team)?

by lilkimmer77 on Apr 17, 2007 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions  

Agree, but..
I agree with your point and hope you are right.  We should always try to make the team better.  I would just like some concrete MLB evidence (stats)to show that he will be able to take over a spot in our OF.  I have seen it plenty in sports where a youg kid has all the potential in the world, and just doesnt pan out.

Here's hoping that I am wrong and Pie goes 4-4 and 3 web gems!  Mad Dog gets a no decision and the Cubs get the win!

by Morg98 on Apr 17, 2007 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions  

Only one way...
to find out if Pie can cut it in the MLB.  You can't get MLB stats without MLB exposure.

Pie tore up AAA in the second half last year, and he's tearing it up again this year so far.  Only so much you can do in the minor leagues.

by SouthernCub on Apr 17, 2007 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions  

well he's done all you could ask of him
he has played well at every level of the minor leagues and played well after every promotion with zero exceptions.  Unlike Corey, Pie has shown an ability to adapt to a new league and preform at every level of play.  His recent BB/K numbers (something like 8 walks to 2 k's) show another reason why we shouldnt think he'll be another corey patterson.
DON'T TRADE PIE!

by kylejo on Apr 17, 2007 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions  

re: I hate to be a pesimist....
I don't think anyone is calling him an all-star. You can fault anyone for being excited that we're calling up the best prospect in our farm system who happens to have just turned 22 though. He's seeing the ball well now and I think it's a good idea to get him up here. In this lineup I think he's going to see some great pitches to hit and make Cub fans happy. Plus, he is a huge upgrade in center and will make our shaky looking defense that much better.
Cubs Widgets

by seang03 on Apr 17, 2007 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions  

I don't anyone thinks
he's an all-star yet.  I think most of us think he'll be an all-star by 2009.  But I do think he'll be a solid player right now--in fact, he's probably at least equal to Matt Murton right now.  (Murton will get on base more, but Pie will have more speed and defense.  Power would be about equal.)

by Josh Timmers on Apr 17, 2007 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions  

Interesting scenario in the OF today
Floyd hits a moon shot last night, Murt plays a good game, JJ seems to get in there every day, and now Pie.

Who starts today?  I'd like to see (from L to R) Floyd, Pie, Murt.  My two cents...

by lilkimmer77 on Apr 17, 2007 10:10 AM CDT reply actions  

I didn't like Soriano in CF
when he was originally placed there.  Though he has played that position decently so far, this injury, I think, is a result of an inexperienced outfielder being asked to do something that his mind and body may not be able to do.

While I don't question that RF on any specific play is difficult at Wrigley, maybe even more difficult than CF, the physical toll of a corner OF spot is not what the toll is in CF.  CF has many more opportunities during a ball game than either corner OF spot.  Because of that, in it's entirity, CF is a more difficult position to play.  

CF is for professional outfielders that have honed thier defensive skills.  Corner outfields is where you can put your hitters.  

by NO100 on Apr 17, 2007 10:13 AM CDT reply actions  

Not at Wrigley
1, with all the day games, RF usually has to deal with sun.  2, foul ground (or lack thereof) makes it terrifying for anything towards the line.  3, you need a better arm for the corners.  Wrigley RF is one of the most difficult in the Bigs.  

In addition, Ichiro (I know, now CF), Vlad, Abreu, etc.  CF in Not just for those who have 'honed' something, it's just not that easy.

by lilkimmer77 on Apr 17, 2007 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions  

Not at Wrigley What?
That's great that RF at Wrigley is a difficult place to play.  Awesome.  Agree on everything you write in your first paragraph.

I'm not saying that on a play by play basis it's not more difficult.  What I'm saying is that the enitrity of what a CF has to do is more difficult than a RF.  The CF will have many more opportunities than the RF will have.  He will have to make more plays.  That's what I'm saying.  The physical toll of what's required of a CF is greater than either corner outfield position whether at Wrigley or any other stadium.

Also, I never said that there weren't any great defensive RF.  There are many including perhaps the greatest defensive outfielder of all time, Roberto Clemente.  What I'm saying is that a manager could, if he so chose, get away with a corner outfielder who is stumbling his way through the position.  That luxury is not provided in CF.  The CF has to know what he is doing defensively and have his body trained for the challenge.  

by NO100 on Apr 17, 2007 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions  

did anyone notice..
how nasty Guzman was yesterday?  That last K he had, 96mph fastball swinging strike, 90mph slider in, 90mph slider swinging strike, 83mph yellow hammer to sit him down.. everything looks under control.  All told 24 pitches, 17 strikes.  That 95+ fastball that dives almost maddux-like.. If Miller gets lit up like a christmas tree again today do you think lou would pull the string on him and give Guzman a shot?  I hope so.. If he's finally got his game together he could prove to be that special pitcher he was touted as for so long.

by seanlovescubs on Apr 17, 2007 10:23 AM CDT reply actions  

re: did anyone notice..
I noticed and I couldn't believe it. He looked absolutely filthy. I definitely think Lou will pull Miller in favor of Guzman. Lou doesn't ef around...
Cubs Widgets

by seang03 on Apr 17, 2007 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions  

I hope so
Because I think the Madres are going to tee off on Miller today.

by Kornchex on Apr 17, 2007 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions  

Looks like I'm playing devil's advocate today
You have to remember that Angel is getting in ballgames at the least stressful times of a ballgame.  But, yes, his stuff is looking pretty nasty, the only question is, can he throw the nasty stuff with control when something's on the line.

I think it's gonna take a little more then just one more bad start for Lou to shake up the rotation.  To be fair, Miller earned this spot and in my eyes, he has to un-earn it.  Let's hope he throws a gem today so we don't even have to think about it.

by lilkimmer77 on Apr 17, 2007 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions  

re: Looks like I'm playing devil's advocate today
I think Miller earned the 5 spot by default. I don't know if he was that impressive he just didn't make enough mistakes to lose the spot. You're right though it was a more relaxed time of the game for Guzman to pitch in...I don't think the switch will happen immediately but I think it's bound to happen.
Cubs Widgets

by seang03 on Apr 17, 2007 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions  

if..
Miller is throwing 86 mph pumpkins up there again today it oughtta be a no-brainer.  Whats the point of having a 31 year old reclamation project up there when you could get AT LEAST that kind of production from a kid who has huge potential.  If Guzman can keep control of those three pitches.. man, #1 type stuff.. I'm still a little giddy after yesterdays performance.. with every K my eyes and voice grew bigger.  Moving him to the right side of the rubber really seems to have had an effect

by seanlovescubs on Apr 17, 2007 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions  

You did say "if" Guzman can keep control
Let's give Miller and Guzman some time in their current roles.  I really would have liked to have seen Guzman stretch it out yesterday and pitch a 3rd inning.  At this point, who knows whether he can even keep that up for more than a couple of innings.  Last year that seemed to be Marmol's problem.  The first couple of innings were ok but after that all bets were off.  

If the plan is to give Guzman the 5th spot officially, I really wouldn't be surprised if he gets a start or two in the minors just to stretch out his appearances a little.    

by rlpete on Apr 17, 2007 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions  

Personally....

 I'd like to have seen Buck Coates called up. But  we do need a Center fielder.

 I'm just of the school that when he's up, he's up. And he should stay up. I thought that about Rich Hill, I thinkthat about Felix.

 It will be interesting none the less.

 I guess I just like saying Buck Coates!

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

by yahoodi on Apr 17, 2007 10:23 AM CDT reply actions  

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

by Al Yellon on Apr 17, 2007 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions  

There is nothing wrong
with someone coming up for awhile and then going back down to work on a few things.  Going back down early last year may have been the best thing for Rich Hill as it sures seems that things finally clicked.  

Pie will likely have some struggles initially.  Most players do.  If he is hitting say .230-.240 or maybe a little worse in a few weeks then there is nothing wrong with going back down and maybe returning in August or September.  It does appear that it is time to bring him up.  

by rlpete on Apr 17, 2007 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions  

You are right
Ripping up AAA and being good in the MLB are two totally seperate occurances...BUT...I think success in AAA can be just as much an indicator of ability to perform well in the majors...I mean pesimistically we were all saying the same about Rich Hill last season when he blew up in the bigs, and then tore up triple AAA...maybe I'm an optimist...I want Pie to have similar success

by HeyGundy on Apr 17, 2007 10:25 AM CDT reply actions  

Totally agree.
All I am saying is, lets give Pie a chance to play some ball and see what he can do before we pencil him in as a starter for the next 5 years.  IF AAA is any indicator, he will be good....lets let him show us, thats all.

by Morg98 on Apr 17, 2007 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions  

LOL
For rlpete's dig on LemonPie. Man, I was having my troubles with Lemon last week. Heh....

Anyway, I hope Soriano's not out long. I just think back to last year and DLee, and '05 with Nomar (was that '05?), and '04 with Wood & Prior, and '02 with ___....

What I DO want to see though, besides how Pie fares, is TheRiot in the lineup every day at SS. Get Izzy out of there. Let him be the bench guy. The lineup would look a hell of a lot more intimidating with Izzy out and TheRiot in. And don't give me that whole "Izzy's defense" thing. He's no better on D than anyone else in our IF.

"The fundamental principles of comedy and tragedy differ only in the last act."

by Kegler on Apr 17, 2007 10:29 AM CDT reply actions  

Izzy's 3 error game proved that.
"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." ~Andy Warhol

by BlueW on Apr 17, 2007 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions  

The lineup
The lineup would be more intimidating with my bichon frise puppy in it than Izturis.
If your Dad buys part of the team do you get to shower with the players?

by kerrysotherwife on Apr 17, 2007 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions  

I'm not sure...
About the Cubs lineup, but San Diego just announced theirs -

Drew Brees - SS
Tony Gwynn - LF
Tony Gwynn - CF
Tony Gwynn - RF
Junior Seau - 2B
Ken Caminiti - 3B
Dave Winfield - 1B
Benito Santiago - C
The San Diego Chicken - P

by northsidenonsense on Apr 17, 2007 10:37 AM CDT reply actions  

Apparently they've made some last minute scratches
Steve Garvey - 1B
Garvey's Short, Speedy Mistress - 2B
Garvey's Long-Legged Mistress - LF
Garvey's Strong-Armed Mistress - RF
Garvey's Illegitimate-Child-Bearing-Hipped Mistress - 3B
Garvey's Rotund Mistress - C
Garvey's Aunt Mildred - SS
Garvey's Lightly Mustached Mistress - CF
Garvey's Mistress Named Eric Show - P
Just because I have a short attention span doesn't mean...

by eamuscatuli1881 on Apr 17, 2007 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions  

In an ironic twist
When I opened BCB this morning Centerfield was on the radio.

The only thing is even though he doesn't really play Centerfield it seems more appropriate for Ryan Theriot.

If your Dad buys part of the team do you get to shower with the players?

by kerrysotherwife on Apr 17, 2007 10:54 AM CDT reply actions  

Pie better play today
I just turned somersaults to arrange my work to be at the game today so Pie better start.
If your Dad buys part of the team do you get to shower with the players?

by kerrysotherwife on Apr 17, 2007 11:00 AM CDT reply actions  

he should be...
...he found out at about 10:30 last night that he was getting called up and he just arrived at Wrigley so he's ready to play...Soriano's MRI was negative...
Cubs Widgets

by seang03 on Apr 17, 2007 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions  

The Lineup
If Felix Pie proves he can handle the big leagues, then Matt Murton is eventually the odd man out.  
  1.  Soriano - LF (he insists on batting lead-off)
  2.  Theriot - 2nd (with heavy does of DeRosa)
  3.  Lee - 1st
  4.  Ramirez - 3rd
  5.  Floyd - RF  (with heavy dose of DeRosa...assumes Floyd can even play right)
  6.  Barrett - Cat
  7.  Pie - CF (with reasonable dose of Jones
  8.  Izturis - SS
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 11:03 AM CDT reply actions  

I'd trade Jones and go with this...
vs RHP:
Soriano, LF
Theriot/DeRosa, 2B
Lee, 1B
Floyd, RF
Ramirez, 3B
Barrett, C
Pie, CF
Izturis, SS

vs LHP:
Soriano, LF
Theriot, 2B/SS
Lee, 1B
Ramirez, 3B
Murton, RF
Barrett, C
Pie, CF
Izturis/DeRosa SS/2B

by SouthernCub on Apr 17, 2007 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions  

Don't trade Jones

We'll need him in right against RHP.  You really don't think Floyd will stay healthy all year, do you?

by salparadise23 on Apr 17, 2007 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions  

Murton hits RHP about as well as Jones does
Here are their 3-year splits versus RHP:

Murton: .289/.351/.436 (.787 OPS)
Jones: .276/.339/.487 (.826 OPS)

So it's not like Jones is this RHP killer and Murton is an automatic out.  The fallacy that you have to have LH batters to face RHP is silly, in my opinion.  Playing Floyd over Murton against RHP makes sense.  Playing Jones does not.

If you think that both Floyd AND Jones would be fine sitting on the bench behind a rookie and a youngster, then maybe you can keep him around as Floyd insurance.  But frankly I don't think that will work out well.

by SouthernCub on Apr 17, 2007 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions  

I think
that given current salary considerations, the future of this team is Soriano in LF, Pie in CF, and Murton in RF with a younger player TBD (Pagan, Coats, or Patterson perhaps) as the 4th OF.

Hendry is clearly looking to win this year, but I don't think he's crazy enough to completely mortgage the future for a shot today. Floyd's one year contract in many ways was insurance for 2007 in case Murton or Jones slumps, and it seems clear that if Jones does well he's an obvious piece to be traded for some prospects to another team in the hunt as we have a plethora of players waiting in the wings for a chance to hit at the major league level.

Assuming Zambrano screws his head on straight, we can figure him to be re-signed for 5 years, 80+ million. The Cubs will then have for 2008 nearly $50 million in payroll going to just four players - Lee, Ramirez, Soriano, Zambrano. Add Lilly and Marquis and you're near $70 million. While the Cubs are clearly a major market team and should be able to afford a $120 million per year payroll, you have to consider that many of these big contracts are backloaded, which means that in a few years, we will absolutely need cheap young players in order to field a competitive team.

by false cognate on Apr 17, 2007 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions  

Re
Perhaps, but another offseason of FA spending like this last and those backloaded contracts will be market to below-market rates.

Visit The Digital Gazette

by Jed Taylor on Apr 17, 2007 4:45 PM CDT up reply actions  

Marquis
Nice outing, first of all.  I was watching a recap of his outing and he had quite a bit of late movement, especially from the third inning on.  A couple of pitches were borderline ridiculous.  

Does anyone know if he always has a strong first half or when in the season does he historically begin to have difficulties?  

I want to know when to begin to look and see if Rothschild really fixed him or not.  

by jbhsxcd on Apr 17, 2007 11:04 AM CDT reply actions  

Guzman, Miller
The best thing for the Cubs is for Wade Miller to be a decent enough starting pitcher and for Angel Guzman to continue to be effective in the bullpen.  With Howry and Eyre both being question marks, this team craves a premium set-up man.  Maybe Guzman can be that guy.  And maybe his oft-injured arm is better suited for relief work.  

Personally, I think Miller will do just fine in the rotation.  

"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 11:07 AM CDT reply actions  

Another agreement today
Leaving Guzman in setup is fine for me.  Let him experience success in one role before moving him around.  There is always a chance that either Howry or Dempster could get hurt.  Having Guzman as the 3rd option is nice.  There is a big difference in starting and knowing you have to try and make 5+ innings and coming in as a reliever knowing an inning or two is it.  

Look at what the Cards did with Wainwright last year.  There was a big cry to move him into the rotation when they were trotting out starters like Ponson last season.  They left him in the pen all year.  

by rlpete on Apr 17, 2007 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions  

agreed, although...
Weurtz has the potential to be a premium set-up guy, too. I hope Howry can settle down soon.
RICK SCHWAB!

by ExNorthsider on Apr 17, 2007 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions  

And isn't it nice not
to have to see Roberto Novoa coming in this year.  

by rlpete on Apr 17, 2007 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions  

Hell yeah
You bet it is!
RICK SCHWAB!

by ExNorthsider on Apr 17, 2007 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions  

I predict

Wade Miller will need to be treated for whiplash after today's game and will go on the DL.

by salparadise23 on Apr 17, 2007 11:34 AM CDT reply actions  

Three things...
(1) Ramirez is batting clean-up today!
(2) Pie is leading off in CF.
(3) No tear in Soriano's hammy - the projection is out for 7-10 days.

by northsidenonsense on Apr 17, 2007 12:03 PM CDT reply actions  

Sources?
I can't play [golf] in Japan because every course has caddies, and the caddies all want autographs and don't want to let me golf." - Ichiro Suzuki

by tradeforichiro on Apr 17, 2007 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions  

Credibility?
Your credibility isn't in question.  Your sanity is, if you're listening to sports radio.
"Don't think; it can only hurt the ball club."

by Jesse Guam on Apr 17, 2007 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions  

We're all Cubs fans
...Do we even have ANY sanity left?

by northsidenonsense on Apr 17, 2007 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions  

Good point
Though I would say that if you did have any sanity left (after years of being a Cubs fan), that sports radio wouldn't be my ideal way to preserve those last few strands.
"Don't think; it can only hurt the ball club."

by Jesse Guam on Apr 17, 2007 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions  

Can anyone post the lineups for today's game?
My work decided to tighten their Internet restrictions and now I can't even get to the Trib.  Any info about the game once it's started would be appreciated as well.
Just because I have a short attention span doesn't mean...

by eamuscatuli1881 on Apr 17, 2007 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions  

Blessing in Disguise
It's never good for a player to hit the DL, which they should just pull the trigger on with Soriano, I don't want him to come back after 5 and make it worse. However, this gives us a chance to see Pie, and give him a shot.

But that's not the blessing. I could easily see Fonz hitting the Dl, and they tell him he'll be fine, but he probably wont steal a ton of bases this year, and his leg won't be 100% until next year. Meaning he'll have to drop down in the order, as his speed is his only reason to be leading off. Obviously I'd rather have the Soriano who will steal 40 bags than not. But I also would rather have a goood leadoff type guy actually hitting leadoff. Now this, of course, implies Theriot, and maybe Lou has to find out if he can handle short. I'd really enjoy this lineup and scenario:

1 Theriot SS
2 Pie RF
3 Lee 1B
4 Ramirez 3B
5 Floyd LF
6 Soriano CF
7 Barret C
8 DeRosa 2B
9 Pitcher P

Bench: Jones, Murton, Cedeno, Blanco, Izturis.

In this scenario there is a whole lot of leeway, and I'd hope to see Murton and Jones each get 1 or 2 starts a week, keeping our OF fresh, giving Pie days off once in a while to ease him in, resting Sorianos' potentially nagging hamstring, and doing whatever possible to keep Floyd off the DL. We'd have 2 solid Infield backups in Cedeno and Izturis, and the versatility of Theriot and DeRosa will go a long way.

This is of course dreaming, and who knows how serious Soriano's injury is. But if Pie is already called up, I think this will be our best scenario.

by WittyUserName on Apr 17, 2007 12:08 PM CDT reply actions  

listening to the cards game
and the cards are looking ugly today 2 errors have a run inn, runners on the corners and no outs in the 1st
One of Us!One Of Us!

by HerrProf on Apr 17, 2007 12:19 PM CDT reply actions  

Any word yet...
on who was moved where to make room for Pie?  Was Soriano sent to the DL, or did they ship a pitcher out?

by SouthernCub on Apr 17, 2007 12:26 PM CDT reply actions  

Hark
I found the lineups myself...

Pie CF
Theriot 2B
Lee 1B
Ramirez 3B
Murton RF
Jones LF
Cedeno SS
Blanco C
Miller P

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

by eamuscatuli1881 on Apr 17, 2007 12:29 PM CDT reply actions  

It's on Gameday...
...which is now up.

Yeah, the extent to which batting Pie leadoff scares me I cannot describe. That's exactly what we did with CoPat, and look how he turned out.

That said... the notion that Matt Murton is now our RIGHT fielder... I want to know what exactly that means for this team. So many question marks. Soooo many question marks.

Dusty, of course, would've probably had to be cued by Dick Pole to put someone other than Soriano on the lineup card about 10 minutes before game time. It would've been Neifi.

by cwyers on Apr 17, 2007 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions  

Maybe we're
platooning Jones and Floyd in LF now...
Los Cachorros!

by Laven on Apr 17, 2007 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions  

Doubt it...
A LH/LH platoon makes no sense.

by SouthernCub on Apr 17, 2007 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions  

Maybe it makes so
little sense, that it's really the smartest thing you've ever heard!
Los Cachorros!

by Laven on Apr 17, 2007 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

What? Huh? What?
Three Year Splits:

Against Righties:
Jones - .276/.339/.487
Floyd - .277/.369/.498

Against Lefties:
Jones - .226/.280/.370
Floyd - .218/.285/.379

You could spend three months with an Excel spreadsheet before you could find a meaningful platoon advantage in using Jones and Floyd that way. They're essentially the same player, except that Jones has somewhat better defense and legs that are expected to stay firmly attatched to his body and in working order over the course of a full season. Platooning Floyd and Jones is essentially platooning Jones and Jones, offensively speaking.

by cwyers on Apr 17, 2007 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions  

Agreed...
Jones is the better defensive player, and (when healthy) Floyd is far better offensive player.  Those 3-year numbers are skewed downward for Floyd, who played most of last year with injuries that cut down his production.

With Pie in CF, I'd play Floyd.  With Soriano in CF, I'd play Jones.

by SouthernCub on Apr 17, 2007 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions  

Thanks
Glad to see Matt playing in right again today.
TheEman is jealous of my sigs.

by sue369 on Apr 17, 2007 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions  

Hmm....
I'm not sure how I feel about the idea that Jones is somehow an everyday player.  It appears Lou is under the mistaken impression that Jones is a great player and therefore must play everday.  With Pie in CF, you'd think the hot-hitting Floyd would get the call in LF over Jones.

by SouthernCub on Apr 17, 2007 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions  

No - think again...
Players TRADE VALUE go down when they sit on the bench.

You can bet that if Pie really does the things to stay up here, and management feels confident, Jones WILL be moved.

Cut and Dried.

Who Exactly Is Adam Haluska, and Should We Care?

by TheEman on Apr 17, 2007 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions  

Today's lineup
Pie, CF
Theriot, 2B
Lee, 1B
Ramirez, 3B
Murton, RF
Jones, LF
Cedeno, SS
Blanco, C
Miller, P
Los Cachorros!

by Laven on Apr 17, 2007 12:33 PM CDT reply actions  

Is that a guess?
Or official lineup?
"I don't see where plate discipline becomes a tool" - Cubs Assistant GM Gary Hughes

by Jobu on Apr 17, 2007 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions  

Pie predictions..
my prediction... he hits for the cycle, takes two walks, steals 5 bases including home.  during the post game interview he bursts into a blinding white light and ascends towards the sun having taken the form of a golden phoenix.

by seanlovescubs on Apr 17, 2007 12:34 PM CDT reply actions  

hahahahaha
don't forget gold glove defense.  let's just say he's gonna rob a homer from the basket with a 9 foot vertical

by lilkimmer77 on Apr 17, 2007 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions  

And makes all
30 outs in a nine inning game.
Los Cachorros!

by Laven on Apr 17, 2007 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions  

whats even more impressive with that
is the fact is that his golden glove defense is so profound that he makes an additional 3 outs just in case the other 27 outs weren't sufficient.
"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball."- Harry Caray

by TkGoUWGB on Apr 17, 2007 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions  

revision
my prediction... he hits for the cycle, takes two walks, steals 5 bases including home.  during the post game interview he says "baseball has been very, very good to me", then he bursts into a blinding white light and ascends towards the sun ON A UNICORN having taken the form of a golden phoenix.

P.S.  He is not heard from for the next three years.  He resurfaces as a member of the orioles batting .230

by seanlovescubs on Apr 17, 2007 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions  

bravo
unashamedly, and openly, weeps in joy
One of Us!One Of Us!

by HerrProf on Apr 17, 2007 12:55 PM CDT up reply actions  

No way...
I bet he goes 2 for 4.  Then gets the post game interview where Dempster puts shaving cream in  his face.  After which Pie retaliates by shoving him to the ground and farting on his head.

by bakester on Apr 17, 2007 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions  

afterwards
he converts 46 straight saves
One of Us!One Of Us!

by HerrProf on Apr 17, 2007 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

to top it off
he doesn't get picked off 2nd.

by northsidenonsense on Apr 17, 2007 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions  

Okay
Now you're getting too far over the top.

Unicorns, saves and phoenixes, sure.  Not getting picked off second, that's a pipe dream.

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

by Jesse Guam on Apr 17, 2007 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions  

The roster move...
...has yet to be announced. I agree with Al, though, that it's likely (and should be) Ohman.
"I can't wait for the ivory to turn green. It means the weather is warming up, and we're in for a long summer of baseball." Lou Piniella, 4/12/07

by daver on Apr 17, 2007 12:50 PM CDT reply actions  

wrong
its guzman!
One of Us!One Of Us!

by HerrProf on Apr 17, 2007 12:56 PM CDT up reply actions  

So either...
they view Pie's trip up to be a short one (and thus Guzman is sent down because he wouldn't be available for a few games anyway after yesterday), or they are sending Guzman down to stretch him out to take over the 5th starter spot, based on his early success.

by SouthernCub on Apr 17, 2007 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions  

Why!?
Why bat Pie leadoff? Does that make any sense at all?
RICK SCHWAB!

by ExNorthsider on Apr 17, 2007 12:52 PM CDT reply actions  

re: Why!?
I guess the Cubs want to give him a trial by fire? Or maybe Lou is so set on having the centerfielder bat lead off that he can't change his approach?

I'm not crazy about the idea -- particularly when THE RIOT is in the lineup. To me, he's the natural choice for the lead off man.

Changing the subject, what the hell is going on with Gameday Audio? Ron was about interview Lou and now suddenly all I hear is ambient noise from Wrigley Field.

"I can't wait for the ivory to turn green. It means the weather is warming up, and we're in for a long summer of baseball." Lou Piniella, 4/12/07

by daver on Apr 17, 2007 12:56 PM CDT up reply actions  

I am guessing
they were just cueing the tape during the commerical break
One of Us!One Of Us!

by HerrProf on Apr 17, 2007 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions  

re: I am guessing
Oh, yeah...you're probably right. I need to be more patient.
"I can't wait for the ivory to turn green. It means the weather is warming up, and we're in for a long summer of baseball." Lou Piniella, 4/12/07

by daver on Apr 17, 2007 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions  

Roster move:
Angel Guzman has been sent down. Go figure...
"I can't wait for the ivory to turn green. It means the weather is warming up, and we're in for a long summer of baseball." Lou Piniella, 4/12/07

by daver on Apr 17, 2007 12:56 PM CDT reply actions  

argh
This makes me want to beat my head against the wall.

by grogg2434 on Apr 17, 2007 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions  

re: argh
I'll gladly join you. Can anyone offer a rational explanation of this move?

Aside from giving up that initial double, Guzman was lights out last night. Lights out. And he's been pretty decent otherwise, too.

Meanwhile, Ohman looked horrible -- again. And he even had time to warm up properly this time.

So does this make Wuertz are right-handed long man?

"I can't wait for the ivory to turn green. It means the weather is warming up, and we're in for a long summer of baseball." Lou Piniella, 4/12/07

by daver on Apr 17, 2007 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions  

Maybe
Guzman might be heading to AAA to get a start or two-- to stretch him out to 6-7 innings. Then, upon his return, Wade Miller could be dealt or released.
RICK SCHWAB!

by ExNorthsider on Apr 17, 2007 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions  

nice rational response
hope its true.
One of Us!One Of Us!

by HerrProf on Apr 17, 2007 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions  

YES!
Stop with the knee-jerk reactions and think things through.

Miller needs a backup and Guzman is it. He is not getting long innings with frequency.

Hendry LOVES reclamation projects and Miller is a pet one.

He's gonna be given every opportunity to stick.

But if he falters (and he SUCKED last outing - I was 10 rows behind the catcher)we'll have someone ready who can pitch.

Who Exactly Is Adam Haluska, and Should We Care?

by TheEman on Apr 17, 2007 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions  

re: Maybe
I ask for a rational explanation and I get one. I love this place. That makes for a pretty good guess.
"I can't wait for the ivory to turn green. It means the weather is warming up, and we're in for a long summer of baseball." Lou Piniella, 4/12/07

by daver on Apr 17, 2007 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions  

I hope so
I just don't like Miller. For some reason he comes across to me as an arrogant jerk. I could be wrong but we all know he is a short term solution. I'd rather see a young guy in the 5 hole that maybe could work his way up the rotation. If Guzman could get some consistency, the rotation looks like it has some long term potential with Z, Hill, Lilly and Guzman.
"You know what? You want a job? Go out and earn one." Sweet Lou

by Kyle Turney on Apr 17, 2007 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions  

Or...
it could be that Pie's trip up will be brief.  Once Soriano is healthy, Pie will go back down.  And since Guzman just threw 2 innings and isn't available for a few days, he's the logical choice.

Or it could just be that Guzman is the one with options left, and sending Ohman down would require him to go through waivers.

by SouthernCub on Apr 17, 2007 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions  

hendry is insane!
take away his bottle of jack, he's on the sauce again. ohman should be GONE!
wheatfield mike down here in god's country

by wheatfield mike on Apr 17, 2007 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions  

sweet!
Lou want's him as his 5th starter.. nobody puts up an outing like the Guz did yesterday and gets a ticket to iowa for it.  Lou knows good pitching when he sees it.. and Miller at the top of his game (post surgery.. not 2003) isn't half the pitcher Guzman would be at his.  Smart roster moves.. cubs.. this is new.

by seanlovescubs on Apr 17, 2007 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions  

when
would miller come up in the rotation again?  if he gets skipped and isn't scheduled to pitch for another two weeks that gives the Guz time to get stretched.. and if they keep Z going on 5 and the 5th gets skipped Angel can go right back to being the long man inbetween starts.. makes perfect sense

by seanlovescubs on Apr 17, 2007 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions  

pie gets a nice ovation
during announcements.
One of Us!One Of Us!

by HerrProf on Apr 17, 2007 1:01 PM CDT reply actions  

Guzman Had Options
Guzman had options, Ohman, I believe, would have to have been DFA'd.  They don't want to lose Ohman.

by frustratedfan on Apr 17, 2007 1:01 PM CDT reply actions  

i get that ohman doesn't have options
but why not DFA him? I just don't get why we continue to keep guys like him and Novoa (I know he's in the minors but you KNOW that callup will come sometime) around just to pitch in either garbage time or in situations where they routinely failed. And the extra lefthander in the bullpen thought doesn't work, as he's not effective no matter who he's pitching against. I can only hope they are getting Guzman stretched out to take the #5 spot in the rotation. Obviously it makes rational sense to option Guzman since he has those left, but what doesn't make sense is keeping a pitcher on the club that has shown time and time again he's just not an effective pitcher, not even in the garbage time role he's assumed a la Rusch.

by hawkeyenation on Apr 17, 2007 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions  

Ohman...
has been terrific against LH hitters for 2 years now.  Designating him for assignment based on 2-3 bad performances seems a bit rash.

by SouthernCub on Apr 17, 2007 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions  

The fallacy of your argument
The unspoken (or unwritten) thing about your argument is that while Ohman is "strong" against lefties, he also walks more than 5 per 9IP. His ONLY job is to get lefties out, and when you issue walks at the rate he does well... you're just not as valuable as the BAA suggests.

by scotteboy on Apr 17, 2007 2:30 PM CDT up reply actions  

there are very few replacements for him
the season is still young, and other teams havent dfa'd anybody yet. Who would you replace his spot with wo ruining the development of a minor league prospect?
One of Us!One Of Us!

by HerrProf on Apr 17, 2007 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions  

maybe i'm biased
because I think I feel about him like it seems most of Cubs management (and fans) feel about Wuertz, which is that he is trash. Ohman has never struck me as someone who is constantly in command of his pitches. When he comes in I know it is either garbage time or time to start feeling how I did when Joe Borowski would come in to close games, which is, to put it mildly, very uneasy. I'm not sure really who to bring up, and I know people would call for another lefty, but I just don't get what the point is in having the extra lefthander if it's been obvious, at least to me, that he can't handle pressure situations. I know the season is young, but this is something I felt last year watching him as well. I think there are only so many times you can trot him out there and have him be ineffective before you say "You know what, we can't succeed when this is happening." Is that time now? I don't know, but I can see that time down the road, and because of that I feel we should take care of that problem now, rather than later. That's just my 2 biased cents.

by hawkeyenation on Apr 17, 2007 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions  

It's also possible
that he didn't clear waivers. Many GMs put all their players on the waiver wire at the beginning of each waiver period (in this case, ST). It's possible that Ohman didn't clear waivers way back when, making it impossible to DFA him.

by false cognate on Apr 17, 2007 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions  

You know what'd be great
if Pie started the bottom of the 1st with a bunt single.  That or a dinger

by lilkimmer77 on Apr 17, 2007 1:05 PM CDT reply actions  

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

by Kyle Turney on Apr 17, 2007 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions  

Corn Dogs?
I love all this serious discussion here at BCB. However, please allow me to go mildly off-topic.

I was at my first game of the season last night. W00T! Fun game. But, there were two minor bumps in an otherwise perfect night: 1) Soriano's injury AND 2) Despite looking all over the place, I couldn't find a single vendor selling corn dogs. Wrigley is the only place I ever have one of those evil, fried creations and I was mildly crabby about it until Barrett hit that long ball ;)

Any ideas sage BCB readers? Anyone spot a corn dog vendor at Wrigley?

by ElvisCole on Apr 17, 2007 1:12 PM CDT reply actions  

Corn dogs aside
Pirates 5 ElBirdos 0, bottom of 4th

by JFCubFan on Apr 17, 2007 1:17 PM CDT reply actions  

wow
 200 comments before the first pitch is even thrown. Impressive.

Go Felix!

by Matt Allison on Apr 17, 2007 1:22 PM CDT reply actions  

198, actually
Now 199. Yippie!
LOUD NOISES!!!

by NittanyCub on Apr 17, 2007 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions  

this padres lineup
is giles heavy
One of Us!One Of Us!

by HerrProf on Apr 17, 2007 1:27 PM CDT reply actions  

damnit...
...another great start for Wade Miller.
"I can't wait for the ivory to turn green. It means the weather is warming up, and we're in for a long summer of baseball." Lou Piniella, 4/12/07

by daver on Apr 17, 2007 1:29 PM CDT reply actions  

Shiza
they score more runs.
LOUD NOISES!!!

by NittanyCub on Apr 17, 2007 1:31 PM CDT reply actions  

Hopefully
guzman's bus isn't too far south.
One of Us!One Of Us!

by HerrProf on Apr 17, 2007 1:32 PM CDT reply actions  

Wade Miller sucks
Guzman needs to be our fifth starter. This guy is terrible.

by dkateeb on Apr 17, 2007 1:32 PM CDT reply actions  

Ok
I think Guzman should get the 5th starters spot now...the Miller experiment has run its course

by Walker71421 on Apr 17, 2007 1:32 PM CDT reply actions  

Miller
actually wasn't pitching that badly.  Marcus Giles hit was a broken bat blooper and Brian Giles was a knuckling soft liner that a right fielder with more experience than Murton would have gotten.

Gonzalez hit the ball hard though.

by Josh Timmers on Apr 17, 2007 1:32 PM CDT reply actions  

There is no doubt which Miller showed up today
"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." ~Andy Warhol

by BlueW on Apr 17, 2007 1:32 PM CDT reply actions  

bleh
Giles hit, Giles hit, Gonzalez double, and somebody needs to warm up.

Ron: "Welll.....  not good!"

I wish I could have worked from home today so I could have watched Pie.  

by Invalid User on Apr 17, 2007 1:32 PM CDT reply actions  

Wade Miller
is BRUTAL.  Has appears to have nothing left. He is shortarming the ball badly, has no velocity to speak of, and very little chance of striking anyone out.  Here's hoping Guzman went to Iowa to stretch out and get a start or two, then he becomes the 5th starter.

by SleepyLaBeef on Apr 17, 2007 1:32 PM CDT reply actions  

Miller scares
the hell out of me. This is not a good start.
TheEman is jealous of my sigs.

by sue369 on Apr 17, 2007 1:33 PM CDT reply actions  

Amen
to stretching out Guzman. Better put him on the rack as soon as he gets to Iowa.

by cubrandy on Apr 17, 2007 1:34 PM CDT reply actions  

We can only hope that we get up on Mad Dog early
"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." ~Andy Warhol

by BlueW on Apr 17, 2007 1:35 PM CDT reply actions  

Hey
any chance anyone can actually post what's going on?  
Just because I have a short attention span doesn't mean...

by eamuscatuli1881 on Apr 17, 2007 1:35 PM CDT reply actions  

Pie Takes ball one
 Top 1st: San Diego
  • M. Giles singled to right
  • B. Giles doubled to deep right center, M. Giles scored
  • M. Cameron fouled out to shallow right
  • A. Gonzalez doubled to deep right, B. Giles scored
  • K. Greene grounded out to third, A. Gonzalez to third
  • T. Sledge grounded out to first
One of Us!One Of Us!

by HerrProf on Apr 17, 2007 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions  

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

by eamuscatuli1881 on Apr 17, 2007 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions  

FYI
Pads Thread v this one -- 4 posted there so far. 1 was from me.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Apr 17, 2007 1:36 PM CDT reply actions  

2-0 lead...
For Maddux to work with. Pardon me if I'm not doing jumping jacks in my cubicle.

by northsidenonsense on Apr 17, 2007 1:37 PM CDT reply actions  

TheRiot gets
on base.
TheEman is jealous of my sigs.

by sue369 on Apr 17, 2007 1:39 PM CDT reply actions  

Damn...
You guys are quicker than Gameday.

by northsidenonsense on Apr 17, 2007 1:39 PM CDT reply actions  

THE RIOT should be the lead off man
End of frickin' story.
"I can't wait for the ivory to turn green. It means the weather is warming up, and we're in for a long summer of baseball." Lou Piniella, 4/12/07

by daver on Apr 17, 2007 1:40 PM CDT reply actions  

yep
looks like he's for real. gets on base more than any other candidate. stolen base % better than anyone else. probably fastest guy on the team.

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Apr 17, 2007 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions  

theriot steals on 1st pitch
no surprise there

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Apr 17, 2007 1:40 PM CDT reply actions  

1st stolen
base vs maddux with much more to come.

by luv4cubs2 on Apr 17, 2007 1:40 PM CDT reply actions  

Attaboy Theriot
If he can keep hitting at a reasonable rate, he is exactly Lou's kind of player.

by Invalid User on Apr 17, 2007 1:41 PM CDT reply actions  

woohoo..Aram
2-1
TheEman is jealous of my sigs.

by sue369 on Apr 17, 2007 1:46 PM CDT reply actions  

Halfway there! "Cmon Orange!
"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." ~Andy Warhol

by BlueW on Apr 17, 2007 1:46 PM CDT reply actions  

Wrigley home field advantage
Giles looked very wary of crashing into the steel door...elsewhere, he might have tried to make the play.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Apr 17, 2007 1:48 PM CDT reply actions  

Better waves here, I guess
Because he took less money and sacrificed better numbers, that's for sure -- LHB are ruined by Petco's RF cow pasture, where home runs go to die.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Apr 17, 2007 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions  

Off the door
in right field! Nice hit.
"I lof to hit de home ron."

by Tekboy on Apr 17, 2007 1:49 PM CDT reply actions  

Suppose there's any
chance Miller comes out and pitches better than he did in the first inning?
TheEman is jealous of my sigs.

by sue369 on Apr 17, 2007 1:49 PM CDT reply actions  

::sigh::
guess not.
TheEman is jealous of my sigs.

by sue369 on Apr 17, 2007 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions  

Don't know his source
but the "From the Cubicle" guy at the Trib just posted that Guzman WILL be used as astarter in Iowa.

by cubrandy on Apr 17, 2007 1:54 PM CDT reply actions  

He won't have much value though...
If he keeps giving up runs every inning.

(Gotta love replying to your own post)

by vegascubsfan on Apr 17, 2007 1:56 PM CDT up reply actions  

I say...
We sell Miller to Cuba for some nice cigars.

by northsidenonsense on Apr 17, 2007 1:56 PM CDT reply actions  

Lead-off single!
"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." ~Andy Warhol

by BlueW on Apr 17, 2007 2:00 PM CDT reply actions  

Miller was sure outstanding
in a better hitting atmosphere in AZ. Made Barry Bonds look foolish in Scottsdale, in one game I saw.

Too bad. This game might decide his career. I was thinking that Hendry would give him every chance possible, but I don't think Lou would stand 2 bad outings in a row, especially since Guzman looked so good last night.

Even I thought 5 outings might be his max, but there would have to have been some good to acceptable ones in that set. 2 bad ones -- he may be out.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Apr 17, 2007 2:02 PM CDT reply actions  

Blanco
is looking rough in his Gameday picture.
I survived VWR 2007

by akcubfan on Apr 17, 2007 2:02 PM CDT reply actions  

Question:
Why does Cedeno not bunt in that situation?
"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." ~Andy Warhol

by BlueW on Apr 17, 2007 2:05 PM CDT reply actions  

Because Dusty Baker..
...is not the Manager of the Cubs this year.
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 2:09 PM CDT up reply actions  

mlb.tv sucking the last 15 minutes
unwatchable

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Apr 17, 2007 2:08 PM CDT reply actions  

re: mlb.tv sucking the last 15 minutes
Kinda like "Police Academy IV".
"I can't wait for the ivory to turn green. It means the weather is warming up, and we're in for a long summer of baseball." Lou Piniella, 4/12/07

by daver on Apr 17, 2007 2:09 PM CDT up reply actions  

As opposed to
The cinematic genius that is "Police Academy V".
"Don't think; it can only hurt the ball club."

by Jesse Guam on Apr 17, 2007 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions  

With Miller in there,
Every inning we don't score will be an inning we fall further behind...
"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." ~Andy Warhol

by BlueW on Apr 17, 2007 2:09 PM CDT reply actions  

Is it just me,
or do Wade Millers' pitches have ZERO movement.  It's like he's up there throwing straight darts......easy to hammer.
Give Z whatever he Please...NOW!

by southerncubbie on Apr 17, 2007 2:11 PM CDT reply actions  

Padres Announcer
and former teammate of Bob Brenly's, Mark Grant.

by Josh Timmers on Apr 17, 2007 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions  

CRAP!!
This is not good. Bases loaded.
TheEman is jealous of my sigs.

by sue369 on Apr 17, 2007 2:18 PM CDT reply actions  

miller got squeeze on that one
should've been outta the inning! he's pissed!

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Apr 17, 2007 2:18 PM CDT reply actions  

Ron seems convinced...
...that Miller is getting squeezed.
"I can't wait for the ivory to turn green. It means the weather is warming up, and we're in for a long summer of baseball." Lou Piniella, 4/12/07

by daver on Apr 17, 2007 2:19 PM CDT reply actions  

Miller
is not getting calls that Maddux is getting.

Surprise, surprise.

by Josh Timmers on Apr 17, 2007 2:19 PM CDT reply actions  

Wade Miller, You are NOT good...
"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." ~Andy Warhol

by BlueW on Apr 17, 2007 2:19 PM CDT reply actions  

That is Mark Grant
Padres color man on TV. From Joliet, has pitched as a Cub, and finished his career @ Iowa, when the Cubs gave him another chance to prolong his career.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Apr 17, 2007 2:19 PM CDT reply actions  

thanks
I thought he was PBP and vasgerian was the color guy? I've never seen a padres tv cast

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Apr 17, 2007 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions  

not good
we need luck to get outta this

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Apr 17, 2007 2:20 PM CDT reply actions  

Good catch Matt!!!!
TheEman is jealous of my sigs.

by sue369 on Apr 17, 2007 2:21 PM CDT reply actions  

Thank the Baseball Gods!
"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." ~Andy Warhol

by BlueW on Apr 17, 2007 2:22 PM CDT reply actions  

Listen too all those childish people
 booing the Home Plate umpire.
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 2:22 PM CDT reply actions  

And, what maked this even
worse for Miller is that he knows his career is on the line, with every damn pitch.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Apr 17, 2007 2:22 PM CDT reply actions  

First real positive for Miller this year
gets out of it even though this ump is a complete ass-face.  Sorry for language

by lilkimmer77 on Apr 17, 2007 2:23 PM CDT reply actions  

yeah,
the bullpen is going to get a bit of work today.
AC 00 00 00 - BELIEVE

by mike @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 17, 2007 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions  

Happy 50th Bruce Miles!!
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 2:27 PM CDT reply actions  

Feast or famine
That defines the Cub offense to a tee.  
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 2:27 PM CDT reply actions  

RISP with 2 outs
 Anyone know what the Cubs Avg. is?
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 2:32 PM CDT reply actions  

RISP
I went to ESPN, and I think these are the right stats.

With RISP, the Cubs are actually first in the NL with a .313 AVG (.373 OBP .396 SLG).

With RISP and two outs, the Cubs are seventh in the NL with a .240 AVG (.321 OBP .280 SLG).

This is where I got the stats.  Feel free to look for yourself:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/stats/aggregate?statType=batting&group=8&seasonType=2&type reg&sort&split=185&season=2007

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

by Jesse Guam on Apr 17, 2007 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions  

Additionally
In general, the Cubs have the third highest batting average in the NL, but are sixth in terms of OBP and SLG.
"Don't think; it can only hurt the ball club."

by Jesse Guam on Apr 17, 2007 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions  

Thanks for the link
 According to that, they're hitting .240 with RISP 2 outs (7th in NL) and dead last in team BA .238.
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions  

Dead last?
What are you seeing that they're dead last in?  To me, it looked like they're hitting .272 (3rd in NL) overall.
"Don't think; it can only hurt the ball club."

by Jesse Guam on Apr 17, 2007 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions  

Correction..
....272 TBA as you said.
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions  

How much is the Cubs average...
with RISP and 3 outs :D
The only thing worse then the White Sox, is White Sox Fans. Thank God im a CUBS FAN!

by Galvan316 on Apr 17, 2007 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions  

I am begining to feel jinxed
Every game ive missed this season, the cubs have won.
One of Us!One Of Us!

by HerrProf on Apr 17, 2007 2:36 PM CDT reply actions  

What's the Cubs early season...
...record on WGN this year? Have they won yet?
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions  

They've
lost 3 and won 2 on WGN.
TheEman is jealous of my sigs.

by sue369 on Apr 17, 2007 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

2-3
 Thanks.
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions  

Miller with a much needed quick inning.
 ANyone else notice Miller holding his back as he walked into the dugout?
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 2:36 PM CDT reply actions  

Crap! Maddux is in his groove...
groundout, groundout, groundout.
"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." ~Andy Warhol

by BlueW on Apr 17, 2007 2:42 PM CDT reply actions  

i can't see the game but..
gameday shows quite a few green 'balls' in the strikezone

by seanlovescubs on Apr 17, 2007 2:49 PM CDT reply actions  

Jones, with 3-1 count
should have walked if he kept his bat on his shoulder. But, no -- swung at pitches out of the zone.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Apr 17, 2007 2:49 PM CDT reply actions  

I must admit,
Miller does not have great stuff today, but aside from early scores, he is keeping us in the game. We have only our "high-powered" O to blame...
"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." ~Andy Warhol

by BlueW on Apr 17, 2007 2:53 PM CDT reply actions  

Hooray
for Pie!
Len Kasper Sucks!

by TheRamZamDLEE on Apr 17, 2007 2:55 PM CDT reply actions  

PIE!!!
TheEman is jealous of my sigs.

by sue369 on Apr 17, 2007 2:55 PM CDT reply actions  

Pie...
...big first ML hit and RBI
Cubs Widgets

by seang03 on Apr 17, 2007 2:56 PM CDT reply actions  

Way to go Felix!!!
 First basehit (double) and RBI!!!

Trivia answer: Greg Maddux!!!

NIce!!!

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

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 2:56 PM CDT reply actions  

Rarified air?
I'd be curious to know how many big leaguers have gotten their first H and first RBI off of Maddux.

by Invalid User on Apr 17, 2007 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions  

Me 2
 Al supplied a web page last year with very extensive splits....not sure if it would've provided the answer, but you reminded me of it...anyone have that link anymore???

It was great!

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

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 3:02 PM CDT up reply actions  

didja see that manticorn!
the phoenix has risen
One of Us!One Of Us!

by HerrProf on Apr 17, 2007 2:56 PM CDT reply actions  

Not sure?
.
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions  

Now theriot needs to bring him in!
The only thing worse then the White Sox, is White Sox Fans. Thank God im a CUBS FAN!

by Galvan316 on Apr 17, 2007 2:57 PM CDT reply actions  

The Cub offense
Honest... I ran out of gas. I, I had a flat tire. I didn't have enough money for cab fare. My tux didn't come back from the cleaners. An old friend came in from out of town. Someone stole my car. There was an earthquake. A terrible flood. Locusts. IT ISN'T OUR FAULT, I SWEAR TO GOD.
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 2:57 PM CDT reply actions  

re: The Cub offense
Uh, dude, they just scored a run. And there's a man on third.
"I can't wait for the ivory to turn green. It means the weather is warming up, and we're in for a long summer of baseball." Lou Piniella, 4/12/07

by daver on Apr 17, 2007 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions  

huh?
The only thing worse then the White Sox, is White Sox Fans. Thank God im a CUBS FAN!

by Galvan316 on Apr 17, 2007 2:59 PM CDT reply actions  

Tie game...
Derrek LEE!
The only thing worse then the White Sox, is White Sox Fans. Thank God im a CUBS FAN!

by Galvan316 on Apr 17, 2007 2:59 PM CDT reply actions  

3-3
TheEman is jealous of my sigs.

by sue369 on Apr 17, 2007 3:00 PM CDT reply actions  

Now that's what I'm talking 'bout
Nice inning Cubbies.

All started by a sun aided double by Blanco (only time I think the sun has shown all game) and clutch hitting by Pie and Lee who roped doubles in the gaps and just hit the ball where it was pitched.

THat's good baseball.

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

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 3:05 PM CDT reply actions  

"that's good baseball"
 spoke too soon....Theriot kicks the easiest grass burner of a ground ball you will ever see.
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions  

NEW GAME!
"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." ~Andy Warhol

by BlueW on Apr 17, 2007 3:05 PM CDT reply actions  

Anyone seen Jessica today?
I assume she is not watching today since Maddux is pitching against the Cubs...

by LT on Apr 17, 2007 3:07 PM CDT reply actions  

Jessica
 is strapping herself to the bottom of Greg's car as we speak.
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions  

I am fine thank you
Cubs first, Maddux second. I have ALWAYS been clear about that
I am at work and can not watch it anyway. He will get a no decision which is fine. For 11 years I watched him carve the Cubs up with the Braves. Basically I root for UNEARNED runs when he  pitches against the Cubs but whatever help the Cubs win is fine. I am certainly not like the EVIL Kasey who thinks that any player who is not a Cub is BAD and must be hated. I love the guy just not when he plays agains US.

LET'S GET SOME RUNS

"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 17, 2007 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions  

It makes me nervous
when you see the pitcher try to make a play at 3rd. When it works you look smart otherwise....not so much.

and that's a double play!!! we needed that.

AC 00 00 00 - BELIEVE

by mike @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 17, 2007 3:09 PM CDT reply actions  

Nice play!
TheEman is jealous of my sigs.

by sue369 on Apr 17, 2007 3:09 PM CDT reply actions  

Giddy up for a GIDP
"I can't wait for the ivory to turn green. It means the weather is warming up, and we're in for a long summer of baseball." Lou Piniella, 4/12/07

by daver on Apr 17, 2007 3:10 PM CDT reply actions  

the inning ended as strong
as weak as it started.
One of Us!One Of Us!

by HerrProf on Apr 17, 2007 3:10 PM CDT reply actions  

This is the type of game Lou is talking about
in your present quote Al.  We now have momentum (in hand) and we need to find a way to win.

by lilkimmer77 on Apr 17, 2007 3:12 PM CDT reply actions  

David Arquette...
...if his seventh inning stretch rendition is as exciting as his interview with Pat and Ron all that momentum will be killed...
Cubs Widgets

by seang03 on Apr 17, 2007 3:16 PM CDT up reply actions  

How many of you besides myself
 Are wondering right about now, how the Cubs will lose this game?
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 3:16 PM CDT reply actions  

It is a crappy mindset...
...but it's been imbedded in me from years of futile and less than adequate Cubs teams. My question is, if you've been a Cub fan for quite some time now, how is it you don't have the same sick feeling.

It's not my fault.

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

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 3:26 PM CDT up reply actions  

If I thought like that
there would be no reason for me to watch the games, or follow the team at all, these many years. Sure, I've been mad, and frustrated, but every day is a new game. I'm serious about that -- if the team gives you so much angst, why keep beating yourself up?

I've been spit on in SD in 84, I've been forlorn in SF in 89, and I didn't sleep for 2 nights in '03.

But, it's a game, and you move on.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Apr 17, 2007 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

Not really.
But I'd feel a lot better if Mr. Ohman was on a Greyhound right now bound for Des Moines.  (Although, I do understand the Guzman starter thing.)
Just because I have a short attention span doesn't mean...

by eamuscatuli1881 on Apr 17, 2007 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions  

Guzman will be back
Miller got off the hook today, saved himself for another start. But, my guess is Guzman will have that slot eventually. He can get in more innings as a starter in Iowa, groom him for that spot.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Apr 17, 2007 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions  

Let's get
those bats going.
TheEman is jealous of my sigs.

by sue369 on Apr 17, 2007 3:16 PM CDT reply actions  

the bottom
of this inning I meant.
TheEman is jealous of my sigs.

by sue369 on Apr 17, 2007 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions  

David Arquette referred to Wrigley as...
...a "stadium."

Off with his head.

"I can't wait for the ivory to turn green. It means the weather is warming up, and we're in for a long summer of baseball." Lou Piniella, 4/12/07

by daver on Apr 17, 2007 3:22 PM CDT reply actions  

Somewhere...
...Jeff Gordon is feeling somewhat vindicated.

by Shawon O Meter on Apr 17, 2007 3:48 PM CDT up reply actions  

I'm no Wade Miller apologist
but man...thinking back to some of the Marmol, Mateo, Marshall circus of last year...I'd take a solid if not spectacular performance over the crazyness that all brought to the table.

by HeyGundy on Apr 17, 2007 3:23 PM CDT reply actions  

I prefer...
not to think about last year.  Thanks for the reminder, though.

by grogg2434 on Apr 17, 2007 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions  

Is the Umpire Squeezing us today or what?
From the looks of gameday we're only getting strike calls right out over the plate! Come on blue!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 17, 2007 3:27 PM CDT reply actions  

He's actually been consistently shitty
 for both sides. Maddux got squeezed on some too.
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 3:29 PM CDT up reply actions  

I can live with that...
as long as he's taking the corners away from both of us i'm cool. Surprised only 6 runs have scored with the pitchers being forced to lay it in there like they have been.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 17, 2007 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions  

YAY Wuertz!!!
TheEman is jealous of my sigs.

by sue369 on Apr 17, 2007 3:29 PM CDT reply actions  

podweurtz
rules this season
One of Us!One Of Us!

by HerrProf on Apr 17, 2007 3:29 PM CDT reply actions  

Wuertz gets it done. Nice.
"I can't wait for the ivory to turn green. It means the weather is warming up, and we're in for a long summer of baseball." Lou Piniella, 4/12/07

by daver on Apr 17, 2007 3:30 PM CDT reply actions  

This is the exact reason why the 7th inning
 guest conductor has got to end.
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 3:30 PM CDT reply actions  

Take me "in" with the crowd?
"I can't wait for the ivory to turn green. It means the weather is warming up, and we're in for a long summer of baseball." Lou Piniella, 4/12/07

by daver on Apr 17, 2007 3:30 PM CDT reply actions  

well someone wanted a nd for maddux
so lets get the win now.
One of Us!One Of Us!

by HerrProf on Apr 17, 2007 3:30 PM CDT reply actions  

Anyone else notice...
that Arquette's uniform number was 420 - interesting!! :)
"Now up to bat for the Mets...Mackey Sasser. For all you kids out there, that's RASSASS spelled backwords!" Harry Carry

by ilovepie on Apr 17, 2007 3:31 PM CDT reply actions  

No I didn't
That's hilarious.
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 3:33 PM CDT up reply actions  

hes a five tool tool
bad actor, bad director, bad writer, bad singer, and bad interviewee
One of Us!One Of Us!

by HerrProf on Apr 17, 2007 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions  

However,
he's married to Courtney Cox, and that trumps everything else.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Apr 17, 2007 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions  

tops everything else
towards the negative or the positive? She's gross.
One of Us!One Of Us!

by HerrProf on Apr 17, 2007 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions  

"Save"
I guess Weurtz gets a "Hold", FWIW. He really "saved" the game right there.
RICK SCHWAB!

by ExNorthsider on Apr 17, 2007 3:31 PM CDT reply actions  

Lord
My ears are bleeding Cubbie blue. Thanks Mr. Arquette.

by ElvisCole on Apr 17, 2007 3:31 PM CDT reply actions  

Ugh, Arquette....
I didn't do it, but I certainly thought about pulling against the Cubs that inning.

I'm serious - I don't know if I could have handled a 7 run rally.  Worth it?  Yeah.... but you really have to question it.

by USCKB on Apr 17, 2007 3:36 PM CDT reply actions  

i don't get it

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Apr 17, 2007 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

padres bullpen...
...have they given up a run yet this year?
Cubs Widgets

by seang03 on Apr 17, 2007 3:36 PM CDT reply actions  

Did you not...
see last nights game?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 17, 2007 3:38 PM CDT up reply actions  

Pretty sure they gave up some last night
 but overall they're the best BP in the NL.
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 3:39 PM CDT up reply actions  

Not for long...
they've been inflating their numbers on the Giants and Dodgers lineups. After this series and the next couple in Colorado and Arizona they'll be shown for what they are...below average at best.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 17, 2007 3:43 PM CDT up reply actions  

Below average at best?
WTF u smokin dawg?
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions  

hensley gave up 10 of those...
...but yeah i wasn't thinking about last night.
Cubs Widgets

by seang03 on Apr 17, 2007 3:43 PM CDT up reply actions  

bottom of the 7th is nothing but an infomercial
There's something drasticly wrong with that.

 

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

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 3:38 PM CDT reply actions  

Please stop bitching
about everything. If it bothers you so much then quit watching. You are annoying as hell.
TheEman is jealous of my sigs.

by sue369 on Apr 17, 2007 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yikes!!
maybe you could take some of your own advice...if his posts are bothering you...don't read them. Uh-Oh. Now I've done it.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 17, 2007 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions  

"you are annoying as hell"
 Not sure, but I'm pretty sure that would be considered a "childish" remark, Sue.
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions  

Too bad there's not an ignore feature,ay Sue?
I'll try to make more time and catch more of these BCB game threads.
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 3:57 PM CDT up reply actions  

Nope
you are the one being childish.
TheEman is jealous of my sigs.

by sue369 on Apr 17, 2007 3:59 PM CDT up reply actions  

If you guys don't stop...
I'm going to totally tell on you.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 17, 2007 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions  

tattle tale ;-)
TheEman is jealous of my sigs.

by sue369 on Apr 17, 2007 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions  

Oh am I?
 Ok, just wait til Al get's home from the game, I'm reporting you.
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions  

lol
Geeze I thought you were a better fighter than that.
TheEman is jealous of my sigs.

by sue369 on Apr 17, 2007 4:07 PM CDT up reply actions  

I'm a lover...
not a fighter.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 17, 2007 4:09 PM CDT up reply actions  

haha
sure ya are.
TheEman is jealous of my sigs.

by sue369 on Apr 17, 2007 4:11 PM CDT up reply actions  

No...seriously...
just ask the last 3 guys I fought, they'll tell you.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 17, 2007 4:15 PM CDT up reply actions  

I'll take
your word for it.
TheEman is jealous of my sigs.

by sue369 on Apr 17, 2007 4:23 PM CDT up reply actions  

As I thought you had a better sense of humor
 I obviously was being facetious and childish.

I just text Al and he told me to tell you to jus wait 'til he get's home.

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

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 4:14 PM CDT up reply actions  

Looks like it
might be a while but I'm wating.
TheEman is jealous of my sigs.

by sue369 on Apr 17, 2007 4:25 PM CDT up reply actions  

gameday says
theriot hit by pitch
One of Us!One Of Us!

by HerrProf on Apr 17, 2007 3:38 PM CDT reply actions  

what's going on
stattracker isn't getting something right.

by jmw676 on Apr 17, 2007 3:44 PM CDT up reply actions  

Brenly is good
I'm watching MLB.tv

After listening to WGN Radio for the past few yrs, it's refreshing to get some high quality color commentary (Sorry Ronny!)

Examples so far this year:

  1. BBrenly, while commenting during the terrible 6-run Zambrano disaster last week v. the Reds, noted that when he was a bullpen coach and while a reliever was warming up, Bob would occasionally (and surreptitiously) throw an extra baseball into the field of play to halt the progress of an opponent's offensive trend. He said that sometimes you just need to change the rhythm of the game.
  2. Today: BBrenly noted that Weurtz has finally learned that he does not need to throw in succession: (i) good slider, (ii) nastier slider and (iii) even nastier slider in order to get hitters out. Instead, a high quality and consistent slider is sufficient and effective.
We just don't hear that kind of intelligent commentary from Ron (or from many other color guys).
RICK SCHWAB!

by ExNorthsider on Apr 17, 2007 3:47 PM CDT reply actions  

winning a championship in his sports
is just one of the reasons brenly is better than any other chicago sports booth guys.
One of Us!One Of Us!

by HerrProf on Apr 17, 2007 3:49 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yes
(But don't forget Bill Wennington!)
RICK SCHWAB!

by ExNorthsider on Apr 17, 2007 3:50 PM CDT up reply actions  

Is is me ...?
Or is Murton really pressing during each AB?
"God, grant me the Serenity to accept the Prior I cannot change ..."

by Littlerock Rynofan on Apr 17, 2007 3:50 PM CDT reply actions  

He is.
It looks to me that he is trying to prove something out there to keep his job.  It's not working.

by Kornchex on Apr 17, 2007 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions  

Anyone else worried that...
...Lou is overextending Wuertz? I guess we'll find out if such concerns are warranted.
"I can't wait for the ivory to turn green. It means the weather is warming up, and we're in for a long summer of baseball." Lou Piniella, 4/12/07

by daver on Apr 17, 2007 3:52 PM CDT reply actions  

Pen
Would you rather have him turn to Wil Friggin Ohlman are Bob Howry, who has been shelled more than Midway Island?  Scott Eyre has the flu.  
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions  

re: Pen
I heard Eyre was game ready. I don't think Wuertz is accustomed to pitching this long. Things aren't looking too good here...
"I can't wait for the ivory to turn green. It means the weather is warming up, and we're in for a long summer of baseball." Lou Piniella, 4/12/07

by daver on Apr 17, 2007 3:56 PM CDT up reply actions  

i can't believe...
...he let him face gonzalez? Eyre wasn't up? Gonzalez was 3-4 and now 4-5.

by seang03 on Apr 17, 2007 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions  

Will we get to see our bullpen...
throw a first pitch strike to any batter today?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 17, 2007 3:54 PM CDT reply actions  

Game....
Over.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 17, 2007 3:55 PM CDT reply actions  

The game is won or lost right now!
Just get it done!
"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." ~Andy Warhol

by BlueW on Apr 17, 2007 3:55 PM CDT reply actions  

Adrian Gonzalez
is a heckuva ballplayer that nobody talks about.  The man can flat out hit and is also a superb first baseman.  
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 3:56 PM CDT reply actions  

Great K!
Now close up this inning and start knocking the ball around!
"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." ~Andy Warhol

by BlueW on Apr 17, 2007 3:57 PM CDT reply actions  

K!
lets get outta this

by seanlovescubs on Apr 17, 2007 3:58 PM CDT reply actions  

Interesting strategy choice
One pitch to Sledge, and then the IBB.  Lou is really putting the game on the line for Wuertz, as a single will bring in two runs.

by Invalid User on Apr 17, 2007 3:59 PM CDT reply actions  

And now Eyre???
Ok, I'm now officially confused.  Why not just bring Eyre in to face Sledge, and let SD pinch hit for Sledge if they wanted to do so?

by Invalid User on Apr 17, 2007 4:00 PM CDT up reply actions  

bc...
...kouzmanoff is 5-37 on the year and now you can face blum from his worst side

by seang03 on Apr 17, 2007 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions  

Intentional Walk? ...DANGER! DANGER!
"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." ~Andy Warhol

by BlueW on Apr 17, 2007 3:59 PM CDT reply actions  

Lou Fked up there
 Why didn't he go to the pen_BEFORE_ THE ibb?

tHERE'S 2 OUTS!!???

C'mon Eyre

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

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions  

Re
No - Lou did it the right way.  You don't want the new pitcher starting his turn by tossing an intentional walk and then going back to real pitching.  You let the guy you're about to pull do it.

Visit The Digital Gazette

by Jed Taylor on Apr 17, 2007 5:08 PM CDT up reply actions  

man
howry really has to be in the doghouse for Lou to take wertz this deep

by seanlovescubs on Apr 17, 2007 4:00 PM CDT reply actions  

Holy chess match, Batman
"I can't wait for the ivory to turn green. It means the weather is warming up, and we're in for a long summer of baseball." Lou Piniella, 4/12/07

by daver on Apr 17, 2007 4:00 PM CDT reply actions  

Crap
If Sweet Lou had any measure of confidence in Wil Ohlman, then he'd bring him in to face Geoff Blum.  Unfortunatley Scott Eyre has the flu.  
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 4:00 PM CDT reply actions  

Eyre coming in
with bases loaded. yikes.

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Apr 17, 2007 4:00 PM CDT reply actions  

Come on Scott.
TheEman is jealous of my sigs.

by sue369 on Apr 17, 2007 4:01 PM CDT reply actions  

Wow....
That took some stones on Lou's part.  Or some good narcotics.  I can't figure out which.

by Invalid User on Apr 17, 2007 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions  

percentages
just hope he throws strikes

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Apr 17, 2007 4:02 PM CDT reply actions  

</win>br<loss>
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 17, 2007 4:02 PM CDT reply actions  

YYYEEEEEAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 17, 2007 4:02 PM CDT reply actions  

easy! whew

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Apr 17, 2007 4:02 PM CDT reply actions  

Let's win
this thing right now a walk-off home run please, is that too much to ask?
Len Kasper Sucks!

by TheRamZamDLEE on Apr 17, 2007 4:03 PM CDT reply actions  

BATTER UP!
"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." ~Andy Warhol

by BlueW on Apr 17, 2007 4:03 PM CDT reply actions  

Lou, in fact, did not FK up
"I can't wait for the ivory to turn green. It means the weather is warming up, and we're in for a long summer of baseball." Lou Piniella, 4/12/07

by daver on Apr 17, 2007 4:03 PM CDT reply actions  

Need to win soon
Cubs are down DeRosa and Soriano.  Not much of a bench to go to today.  
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 4:03 PM CDT reply actions  

OK, does anybody remember Dusty
studying numbers on the bench? I cannot recall.
I just remember toothpicks.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Apr 17, 2007 4:04 PM CDT reply actions  

What?
Lou played the percentages, and it worked.  Good for him.  But lets not give him too much credit, or use this as opportunity to blast Dusty.  

A manager looks like a genius when his moves work and a jackass when they don't.  But that's not the real role of a manager to begin with.  

"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 4:06 PM CDT reply actions  

Not wanting to bash
I just cannot recall any such scene in the dugout, that's all. I just wondered if anybody could recall...

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Apr 17, 2007 4:09 PM CDT up reply actions  

What a contrast between yesterday's and todays
Home plate umpire.
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 4:07 PM CDT reply actions  

The winning run is on....
come on Uncle Cliffy!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 17, 2007 4:08 PM CDT reply actions  

so I think the phoenix thing might happen
cause cedeno just took a WALK
One of Us!One Of Us!

by HerrProf on Apr 17, 2007 4:08 PM CDT reply actions  

Ronny takes the walk!
Do it to it Floyd!
"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." ~Andy Warhol

by BlueW on Apr 17, 2007 4:08 PM CDT reply actions  

line-drive DP
to the 10th

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Apr 17, 2007 4:10 PM CDT reply actions  

We can still win this sucker
"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." ~Andy Warhol

by BlueW on Apr 17, 2007 4:11 PM CDT reply actions  

Bob Howry
Has pitched like crap the past two weeks.  Hopefully today is the day he gets it turned around.  Advantage Padres right now...Hendry needs to put Soriano on the DL because you can't play with a short bench like this.  
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 4:11 PM CDT reply actions  

I wonder
which will prevail.  Will it be our weakened bullpen or their pathetic offense.

by Kornchex on Apr 17, 2007 4:14 PM CDT up reply actions  

At what level do they teach you to...
freeze on a line drive, run hard on a ground ball, and tag-up (with less than 2 out) on a fly? Oh yeah, my 1st year after tee-ball. Did we invite Alou to be a Spring Training baserunning instructor?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 17, 2007 4:12 PM CDT reply actions  

DP
Wasn't the knock against Dusty Baker that he didn't emphasize the fundamentals enough with his players? Wasn't Piniella here to knock some common sense into his team about not making baserunning mistakes, not throwing to the wrong base, etc? And yet, here we are in mid-April and we've seen Soriano picked off several times and now Cedeno gets caught napping off of first base on a liner to short. I didn't see the play, so maybe it was excusable. But if it was another baserunning error, I'd like to know why this keeps happening.
"Hello again, everybody. Harry Caray from Wrigley Field on a beautiful day for baseball."

by danimal15 on Apr 17, 2007 4:12 PM CDT reply actions  

well...
I believe Cedeno was stealing second.  That's quite different than getting caught napping, as you put it.

by grogg2434 on Apr 17, 2007 4:14 PM CDT up reply actions  

Honestly
Cedeno just isn't very good.  I can't stand the way he plays.  For someone that is at best a utility INF or backup INF, you've got to be more fundamentally sound than he is.  And youth is not an excuse.  When you've reached your ceiling as a player, which he has, you're either a starter or a bench player.  And if you're a bench player, you'd better be better at the little things like running the bases and bunting than Cedeno is.  Guys like him are a dime a dozen.
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 17, 2007 4:15 PM CDT up reply actions  

Cedeno sucks
But he is the resource available to the manager to use.  
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 4:17 PM CDT up reply actions  

Hmm.
So explain to me again how Lou Piniella has failed here?!?  How do you know what has or hasn't been taught in terms of fundamental?!?  Cub fans place WAY too much emphasis on the manager.  Derrek Lee hits a 3 run homer and the manager is a genius.  Alfonso Soriano gets picked off and the manager has failed to rovide proper instruction on fundamentals to multi-millionaires.  
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 4:16 PM CDT up reply actions  

Cubs bullpen...may I introduce you to..
the first pitch strike. Shake hands and get to know one another.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 17, 2007 4:13 PM CDT reply actions  

Cedeno screws us again...
According to Pat and Ron, Cedeno was not running with the pitch. So, yeah, he should have froze until he was sure the ball got through the infield. We'll see how important that play winds up being.
"I can't wait for the ivory to turn green. It means the weather is warming up, and we're in for a long summer of baseball." Lou Piniella, 4/12/07

by daver on Apr 17, 2007 4:15 PM CDT reply actions  

Do first base coaches ever go through these things
with the man on base? Or do they only serve the purpose of holding the batter's armor and tossing the foul balls to the kids in the stands?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 17, 2007 4:17 PM CDT up reply actions  

1 out walks in Extra Innings
Never come back to haunt you.....base hit Giles.

1st and 2nd 1 out.

Is Howry hurt? WTF???

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

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 4:17 PM CDT reply actions  

Bob Howry
Continuing to suck.  
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 4:18 PM CDT reply actions  

Cedeno isn't the one out on the mound right now...
If anyone loses this game, It's Howry.

Holy crap, PIE THROWS HIM OUT!

by grogg2434 on Apr 17, 2007 4:18 PM CDT reply actions  

Nice!
His call-up was worth it right there...being a cub fan I just assumed they were scoring right there

by seang03 on Apr 17, 2007 4:19 PM CDT up reply actions  

So who exactly...
...would rather have Guzman than Ohman right now? Show of hands?

Thanks.

by cwyers on Apr 17, 2007 4:18 PM CDT reply actions  

scary thing is
if we don't see some runs here soon we're seeing ohman rather we like it or not because we're running out of pitchers in the pen
"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball."- Harry Caray

by TkGoUWGB on Apr 17, 2007 4:21 PM CDT up reply actions  

The Chosen One
comes through - thatta boy, Pie!!!
"Now up to bat for the Mets...Mackey Sasser. For all you kids out there, that's RASSASS spelled backwords!" Harry Carry

by ilovepie on Apr 17, 2007 4:19 PM CDT reply actions  

Exhibit A
For why Felix Pie needs to be the everyday center fielder and Alfonso Soriano needs to move to left field.
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 4:20 PM CDT up reply actions  

and guess who's
leading off? If he scores a walkoff run, this could be quite a debut!!!
"Now up to bat for the Mets...Mackey Sasser. For all you kids out there, that's RASSASS spelled backwords!" Harry Carry

by ilovepie on Apr 17, 2007 4:22 PM CDT up reply actions  

EDIT - 2nd, my bad!
"Now up to bat for the Mets...Mackey Sasser. For all you kids out there, that's RASSASS spelled backwords!" Harry Carry

by ilovepie on Apr 17, 2007 4:25 PM CDT up reply actions  

PIE!
Perfect throw from CF to gun down Branyan!

by Ayralin on Apr 17, 2007 4:19 PM CDT reply actions  

PIE PWNS!!!!
"I can't wait for the ivory to turn green. It means the weather is warming up, and we're in for a long summer of baseball." Lou Piniella, 4/12/07

by daver on Apr 17, 2007 4:19 PM CDT reply actions  

oh my god...
I thought Ron was going to have a heart attack when he saw the throw...  I will have to look at the replay when I get home tonight.

by Invalid User on Apr 17, 2007 4:19 PM CDT reply actions  

It's killing me...
...that I missed that. Stupid work.

by vegascubsfan on Apr 17, 2007 4:21 PM CDT up reply actions  

WOW! Pie Game Saver?
Let's hope!
"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." ~Andy Warhol

by BlueW on Apr 17, 2007 4:20 PM CDT reply actions  

Pie's already done more than Patterson
 Ever has.
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 4:20 PM CDT reply actions  

He still has a ways to go
to be further along than Tuffy Rhodes...

by Invalid User on Apr 17, 2007 4:26 PM CDT up reply actions  

lol
Let's not leave Jerome Waltonout of this discussion.
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions  

Murton
Soriano in left, Pie in center, Floyd/Jones/DeRosa in right.  
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 4:24 PM CDT up reply actions  

I believe
they are working on a Jones trades as we speak.  Why else would they be testing Murton in RF?
Los Cachorros!

by Laven on Apr 17, 2007 4:26 PM CDT up reply actions  

Re
Well, that settles it.  Jones is as good as gone.

Visit The Digital Gazette

by Jed Taylor on Apr 17, 2007 5:13 PM CDT up reply actions  

Jones Jones Jones Jones Jones Jones Jones Jones
"Now up to bat for the Mets...Mackey Sasser. For all you kids out there, that's RASSASS spelled backwords!" Harry Carry

by ilovepie on Apr 17, 2007 4:24 PM CDT up reply actions  

agree
TheEman is jealous of my sigs.

by sue369 on Apr 17, 2007 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions  

Cubbies, Please bring your bats to the bottom 10
That is all.
"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." ~Andy Warhol

by BlueW on Apr 17, 2007 4:21 PM CDT reply actions  

Wow, what a stop!
After an inning like that, the Cubs have got to win this game. Please, let them win this game!
"I can't wait for the ivory to turn green. It means the weather is warming up, and we're in for a long summer of baseball." Lou Piniella, 4/12/07

by daver on Apr 17, 2007 4:22 PM CDT reply actions  

All Pie needs now is an HR in the 10th
to win this thing to stay in Chicago for a while.

by JFCubFan on Apr 17, 2007 4:22 PM CDT reply actions  

it's obvious to me
that the Padres 3rd base coach took a bigger piece of Pie than he could handle. god i love puns.
"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball."- Harry Caray

by TkGoUWGB on Apr 17, 2007 4:22 PM CDT reply actions  

Pronounced PE-AH
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 4:24 PM CDT up reply actions  

oh I know
I obviously just failed with a joke and apologize to the BCB nation
"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball."- Harry Caray

by TkGoUWGB on Apr 17, 2007 4:26 PM CDT up reply actions  

hey
don't beat yourself up - I liked it!
"Now up to bat for the Mets...Mackey Sasser. For all you kids out there, that's RASSASS spelled backwords!" Harry Carry

by ilovepie on Apr 17, 2007 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions  

Puns
You should be beaten for that.  Except that I love puns as well.

Oh well.

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

by Jesse Guam on Apr 17, 2007 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions  

pie's arm
while accurate is not exactly amazing, it took that throw a while to get to home plate from where he was

by miltowncubbie on Apr 17, 2007 4:23 PM CDT reply actions  

Still did the job
"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." ~Andy Warhol

by BlueW on Apr 17, 2007 4:24 PM CDT up reply actions  

Hughes...
...said he kept expecting it to bounce and it went all the way on a fly so it must of had something to it

by seang03 on Apr 17, 2007 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions  

and so the "let's go Felix" chants
Commence. Oyyy boyyy
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 4:27 PM CDT reply actions  

With guzman sent down
Who is the long man in the pen right now? What if this goes 16 innings?

by Invalid User on Apr 17, 2007 4:29 PM CDT reply actions  

Would you believe
none other than Wil "Batting Practice" Olhman?  
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions  

Guzman went two yesterday
He wouldn't last too long.  Z's pitching tomorrow.  Maybe play him tonight?
Los Cachorros!

by Laven on Apr 17, 2007 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions  

Remember, Guzman
went to Iowa today with the Pie call-up.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Apr 17, 2007 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions  

imagine...
Just barely turned 22, and they're chanting your name at Wrigley Field.  That's got to be a crazy feeling.

by grogg2434 on Apr 17, 2007 4:29 PM CDT reply actions  

Quade costs us the game ...?
"God, grant me the Serenity to accept the Prior I cannot change ..."

by Littlerock Rynofan on Apr 17, 2007 4:31 PM CDT reply actions  

BS...
...should have been a walk

by seang03 on Apr 17, 2007 4:31 PM CDT reply actions  

TOTAL BS, I'M PISSED
"I can't wait for the ivory to turn green. It means the weather is warming up, and we're in for a long summer of baseball." Lou Piniella, 4/12/07

by daver on Apr 17, 2007 4:31 PM CDT reply actions  

that fuckin sucks
he walks and then he grounds out to 2nd?
One of Us!One Of Us!

by HerrProf on Apr 17, 2007 4:31 PM CDT reply actions  

Quade called timeout
 before ball 4...

Fking classic!!

In all my years of being a Cubs fan, I don't think I've ever seen that.

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

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 4:31 PM CDT reply actions  

what's going on?
Gameday appears to be stuck for me

by vegascubsfan on Apr 17, 2007 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions  

Inexplicably right before the pitcher
threw ball 4 to Theriot, the CUbs 3rd base coach called timeout.

I'm not kidding.

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

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions  

Because Quade requested it
Otherwise, we would've seen Lou throw 2nd and 3rd base.
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 4:41 PM CDT up reply actions  

I have 1 thing to say to you drew...
awesome!!!!
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 4:37 PM CDT up reply actions  

Weird...
3B coaches take plenty of heat for bad sends, but how about one that calls time on ball four in front of Derrek Lee?

by Ayralin on Apr 17, 2007 4:31 PM CDT reply actions  

I understand it was an umpire who called time.
"I can't wait for the ivory to turn green. It means the weather is warming up, and we're in for a long summer of baseball." Lou Piniella, 4/12/07

by daver on Apr 17, 2007 4:31 PM CDT reply actions  

WTF
is going on.. gameday SUCKS

by seanlovescubs on Apr 17, 2007 4:32 PM CDT reply actions  

(shakes head) You don't want to know ...
"God, grant me the Serenity to accept the Prior I cannot change ..."

by Littlerock Rynofan on Apr 17, 2007 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions  

yes it does....
this year it has been terrible.  WAY behind the game, then updating all at once.  Thankfully, we have wgn today.

by soonerbered on Apr 17, 2007 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions  

Thank you...
Gameday and Gamecast are both f-ed up today.
"Not true at all. Vaseline is manufactured right here in the United States." - Don Sutton, about the rumors that he uses a foreign substance on the ball

by Orangeman94 on Apr 17, 2007 4:41 PM CDT up reply actions  

Ground out to Theriot
One out.
hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 17, 2007 4:34 PM CDT reply actions  

Gameday
Why are you doing this to me!

by vegascubsfan on Apr 17, 2007 4:35 PM CDT reply actions  

Seriously
Is it going to be like this all year?

by BringBackRyno on Apr 17, 2007 4:39 PM CDT up reply actions  

Great play Ramirez!
Wow, nice play. Threw from his knees too....Murton makes catch to end inning.
hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 17, 2007 4:36 PM CDT reply actions  

Termel Sludge
What kind of name is that?  I'm pretty sure that's what my mechanic diagnosed was wrong with my car's fuel line.  
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 4:36 PM CDT reply actions  

ok dlee lets get out of here
theres a plane to catch
One of Us!One Of Us!

by HerrProf on Apr 17, 2007 4:36 PM CDT reply actions  

Come on Cubs!!!
Someone score please!!!!
TheEman is jealous of my sigs.

by sue369 on Apr 17, 2007 4:38 PM CDT reply actions  

Lets get some runs!!!
Come on, we don't want to se OH Man!
hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 17, 2007 4:39 PM CDT reply actions  

Can I get some updates?
Gameday is still stuck in the 10th inning

by vegascubsfan on Apr 17, 2007 4:40 PM CDT reply actions  

Lee struck out swinging.
Ramirez grounded out to third.
Los Cachorros!

by Laven on Apr 17, 2007 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions  

Bottom 11th
2 outs Murton at bat...1-1 count.
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions  

This is getting frustrating
Our two best hitters up, and two easy outs. Damn!
"Hello again, everybody. Harry Caray from Wrigley Field on a beautiful day for baseball."

by danimal15 on Apr 17, 2007 4:42 PM CDT reply actions  

aram and dlee got out
orangeguy up to bat
"Not true at all. Vaseline is manufactured right here in the United States." - Don Sutton, about the rumors that he uses a foreign substance on the ball

by Orangeman94 on Apr 17, 2007 4:42 PM CDT reply actions  

1-2
1-2 on Murton.
hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 17, 2007 4:43 PM CDT reply actions  

Murtons ab
 1-2 pitch is high and outside but Murton swings anyway. Strike 3, 3 outs
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 4:44 PM CDT reply actions  

Matt Guitar Murton
is overrated.  Way, way, way overrated.  Cub fans getting excited about him is ridiculous.  
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 4:45 PM CDT up reply actions  

Feast or famine
This is the dilemma.  
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions  

To the 12th we go......
Oh man, I think we may see Will "OH MAN" Ohman.

Pat and Ron mentioned something interesting. The Cubs have not had a hit since the 5th.

hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 17, 2007 4:45 PM CDT reply actions  

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

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 4:46 PM CDT reply actions  

Double switch
Murton out, Theriot in RF.
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions  

Sweet Lou is running out of bullets
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 4:47 PM CDT up reply actions  

Blum up
ball 1
ball 2
ball 2
ball 4
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 4:47 PM CDT reply actions  

here we go
4 pitch walk to start the inning.  Wonderful.

by grogg2434 on Apr 17, 2007 4:47 PM CDT reply actions  

Groan
Ah yes, the 9 loss Ryan Dumpster we know and love from 2006.  
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions  

Dempster is in...
4 pitch walk to Blum.

Murton is out...Theriot is in right...Derosa in at second.

hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 17, 2007 4:47 PM CDT reply actions  

Weird...
ESPN.com is listing the game as having gone final with the Padres winning 1-0.  Here's the link.

by Shawon O Meter on Apr 17, 2007 4:48 PM CDT reply actions  

Yahoo's boxscore
was all screwed up too when I tried checking that.

by vegascubsfan on Apr 17, 2007 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions  

What's also weird is that
Miller and Maddux have almost identical lines.  

by grogg2434 on Apr 17, 2007 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions  

I think that
whole bunt not a bunt thing has broken the internet
One of Us!One Of Us!

by HerrProf on Apr 17, 2007 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions  

This is brutal...
..and I gotta leave work. I guess I'll wait to hear the "good news" when I get home.

Ah, a four-pitch walk from Dempster. Good times.

"I can't wait for the ivory to turn green. It means the weather is warming up, and we're in for a long summer of baseball." Lou Piniella, 4/12/07

by daver on Apr 17, 2007 4:48 PM CDT reply actions  

Bowen up,,,sacrifing
ball 1
sacrifice attempt popped up foul.
sac bunt.
blum to 2nd.

1 out

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

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 4:49 PM CDT reply actions  

Bunt
Blum to second...1 out...San Diego out of bench players with pinch hitter...Theriot playing very shallow in right.
hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 17, 2007 4:50 PM CDT reply actions  

Hey,
how fast can we get Guzman back up to Chicago?
hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 17, 2007 4:51 PM CDT reply actions  

not for another 10 days
n/t
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 4:52 PM CDT up reply actions  

Thanks.
n/t
hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 17, 2007 4:54 PM CDT up reply actions  

LaForest
Swinging strike
ball 1
ball 2 (vintage Dumpster)
barret takes a walk to mound...love to see that
swinging strike (2)
FO 8

2outs

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

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 4:51 PM CDT reply actions  

Shallow fly ball
Shallow fly ball to center...
Pie catches it...
2 outs...
Blum still at second...
Giles up...
I love you Derosa!!!!
hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 17, 2007 4:52 PM CDT reply actions  

Holy shit!!
Great catch by DeRosa.
TheEman is jealous of my sigs.

by sue369 on Apr 17, 2007 4:52 PM CDT reply actions  

don't think Walker
 would've caught that
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 4:55 PM CDT up reply actions  

me either
TheEman is jealous of my sigs.

by sue369 on Apr 17, 2007 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions  

he caught it? i don't believe it
those always go thru against the cubs

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Apr 17, 2007 4:53 PM CDT reply actions  

No man love intended!!!
Now we can play defense?
Yes!!!!
hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 17, 2007 4:53 PM CDT reply actions  

hmm..
Cedeno goat, Pie hero, Quade goat, DeRosa hero.

Why do I get the feeling Ohman will be our next goat?

by grogg2434 on Apr 17, 2007 4:53 PM CDT reply actions  

on second thought...
lets hope he doesn't have the chance to be the goat.

by grogg2434 on Apr 17, 2007 4:54 PM CDT up reply actions  

Thanks for the birthday wishes
And thanks to Len and Bob for mentioning it. They're great guys. Took the day off _ figured a man turns 50 only once. Might as well enjoy it. Talk to you guys from Atlanta tomorrow.

by Bruce Miles on Apr 17, 2007 4:53 PM CDT reply actions  

Who has more value on trade market?
Murton who's under control and cheap for a few more years at least?
Or JJones who is under contract and rel. cheap for a semi-useful OF ht next year and a half?
If Pie stays one of them will have to go I agree...think they'd get more for Murton, a good prospect or two.
Much as I thought and think he has potential to be a nice player, nice players don't cut it on teams wanting to win the WS. You need studs in OF and a lineup of Soriano, Pie and Jones is best for balance, defense, speed, etc. and the kid in minors Colvin looks like he might be a keeper too.
Pie just made another great play defense counts for a lot in OF and Cubs would lose some killer games due to OF if stuck with alignment they started season with. Murton doesn't look like a great RF either from what I've seen so far.

Bottom line: Expect a change by trade deadline, a permanent change. Lou is asking for it in discussions with Hendry.

by writerinwrigley on Apr 17, 2007 4:54 PM CDT reply actions  

Murton will be odd man out
Either relegated permanently to the bench, sent to Triple A, or traded.  But he definitely is odd man out if Felix Pie is ready.  Cubs need to have a left-handed hitting outfielder besides Felix Pie.  Jones and Floyd aren't going anywhere.  
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 4:56 PM CDT up reply actions  

simply not true
Hendry and Piniella like Murton too much. not my opinion. just a fact.

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Apr 17, 2007 4:59 PM CDT up reply actions  

Doug Broccoli
is typically human batting practice.  Must capitalize now.  
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 4:55 PM CDT reply actions  

Or Neifi
don't miss him either...
Come on Jacque...
1-2 count...
hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 17, 2007 4:55 PM CDT reply actions  

Jones goes down swinging
1 out
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 4:55 PM CDT reply actions  

1 out
n/t
hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 17, 2007 4:56 PM CDT reply actions  

Cedeno strikes out
2 out

No matter what happens, this has been an entertaining game

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

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 4:57 PM CDT reply actions  

Memo to Cub hitters
This is DOUG BROCCOLI we are talking about!!  It's Rick Friggin White all over again for the Cubs !!!!  Augghh.
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 4:59 PM CDT reply actions  

Derosa will make an out (3 outs)
Cubs haven't had a hit in 7 innings.

beat ya buddy.

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

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 5:00 PM CDT reply actions  

Sixteen last count.
And Blue Mike thinks the Cubs' offense is ineffective?
"God, grant me the Serenity to accept the Prior I cannot change ..."

by Littlerock Rynofan on Apr 17, 2007 5:06 PM CDT up reply actions  

Derosa...
fouling off pitches.
hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 17, 2007 5:00 PM CDT reply actions  

i got up for that one
no joke. wind remains my mortal enemy
"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball."- Harry Caray

by TkGoUWGB on Apr 17, 2007 5:02 PM CDT reply actions  

damnit
what a day not to have an extra pitcher
One of Us!One Of Us!

by HerrProf on Apr 17, 2007 5:02 PM CDT reply actions  

Derosa...
He hit it to the track and was so close!!! Damn you wind...
hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 17, 2007 5:02 PM CDT reply actions  

7 innings of no-hit baseball
Lovely offense.  Just lovely.  
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 5:03 PM CDT reply actions  

I need to
fix dinner sometime tonight. Come on Cubs win this game soon.
TheEman is jealous of my sigs.

by sue369 on Apr 17, 2007 5:03 PM CDT reply actions  

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are easy
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 5:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

probably not
TheEman is jealous of my sigs.

by sue369 on Apr 17, 2007 5:06 PM CDT up reply actions  

Brian GIles
is dead ringer for that smart-mouthed middle age doctor on Scrubs.  
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 5:04 PM CDT reply actions  

Dr. Cox
He was also one of the Bob's on Office Space.

by iCub on Apr 17, 2007 5:08 PM CDT up reply actions  

B. Giles
ball 1
ball 2
GO 5  GREAT scoop by Lee on errant throw by Ram
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 5:05 PM CDT reply actions  

Dempster is still in there....
7 innings of no hit baseball....
Another excellent defensive play...
It seems we've traded D for O.
hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 17, 2007 5:05 PM CDT reply actions  

So I have been
sitting at work for an extra 35 minutes now just waiting for the walk-off.

by iCub on Apr 17, 2007 5:06 PM CDT reply actions  

Gonzalez
I don't like the thought of Dumpster facing Adrian Gonzalez.  
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 5:06 PM CDT reply actions  

All the cubs have left is...
Ohman and Ward...what a combo!
hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 17, 2007 5:07 PM CDT reply actions  

Cameron
ball 1
foul ball
foul ball
foul ball
foul ball
ball 2
GO 5

2 outs

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

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 5:08 PM CDT reply actions  

Cubs better hurry
Because Daryl Ward has a clause in his contract that permits him to quit work at 5:30 to go load up at Old Country Buffet.  
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 5:09 PM CDT up reply actions  

2 out
Gonzalez is up.
1-0
hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 17, 2007 5:08 PM CDT reply actions  

Gonzalezq
ball 1
ball 2
strike 1 (looking)
FO 8

LETS GET SOME RUNSSS!!!!!

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

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 5:09 PM CDT reply actions  

prepare yourselves
time for the phoenix to take flight!

by seanlovescubs on Apr 17, 2007 5:10 PM CDT reply actions  

OK
enough fooling around. Score this time up.
TheEman is jealous of my sigs.

by sue369 on Apr 17, 2007 5:10 PM CDT reply actions  

Has a BCB game thread
ever gone over 1000 posts?
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 5:10 PM CDT reply actions  

I don't think so.
I think the game last season that went 18 innings that game thread had like 700 and some posts.
TheEman is jealous of my sigs.

by sue369 on Apr 17, 2007 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions  

I don't know
But I don't think this one will.
hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 17, 2007 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions  

I'm good for another 100
 easy.
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions  

bite your tongue...
I really don't want to sit here and read "jacque sucks" 350 more times.  (that seems to be the theme lately)  

by iCub on Apr 17, 2007 5:13 PM CDT up reply actions  

We calls
We callz it as we seez it.
hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 17, 2007 6:38 PM CDT up reply actions  

To the bottom of the inning we go...
And we have these guys batting..
1.)Barret
2.)Pie
3.)Theriot
4.)Lee
5.)Ramirez
hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 17, 2007 5:10 PM CDT reply actions  

Try to manufacture a run
What a concept.  Cubs might want to try it sometime.  
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 5:11 PM CDT reply actions  

Barrett
ball 1
strke 1 (looking)
ball 2
strike 2 (swinging)
strike 3(down and away)

1 out

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

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 5:12 PM CDT reply actions  

1 out
Barret K's.
Pie up.
hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 17, 2007 5:13 PM CDT reply actions  

It's DOUG BROCCOLI for crying out loud !!!!
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 5:13 PM CDT reply actions  

NO!!!!!
Ohman is warming up in the 'pen!!!
Get some runs!
hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 17, 2007 5:14 PM CDT reply actions  

Pie k's
2 out.
ballup inhis eyes.
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 5:14 PM CDT reply actions  

2 out
Pie goes down on high heat.
hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 17, 2007 5:14 PM CDT reply actions  

Bad omen
Olhman is throwing up in the pen.  
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 5:15 PM CDT reply actions  

theriot singles to right
first hit in 7 2/3 innings.
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 5:16 PM CDT reply actions  

Base hit Theriot...
Line drive to right...
Lee is up.
hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 17, 2007 5:16 PM CDT reply actions  

HOLY SHIT
A HIT!
Los Cachorros!

by Laven on Apr 17, 2007 5:16 PM CDT reply actions  

Bring TheRiot home!!!!
TheEman is jealous of my sigs.

by sue369 on Apr 17, 2007 5:16 PM CDT reply actions  

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

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions  

Dammit!!!
TheEman is jealous of my sigs.

by sue369 on Apr 17, 2007 5:16 PM CDT reply actions  

Lee hits...
deep fly ball...
Incoming bad Ohman
hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 17, 2007 5:16 PM CDT reply actions  

The aircraft carrier the S.S. Ward
now playing 1st base
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions  

Let's take bets on how many pitches...
before Oh-man! gives up the game. I'm going with 10.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 17, 2007 5:17 PM CDT reply actions  

Gotta go
fix dinner but I'll say 7.
TheEman is jealous of my sigs.

by sue369 on Apr 17, 2007 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions  

I've officially wasted a whole day
watching the game.  Time for Ohman to redeem himself.

by lilkimmer77 on Apr 17, 2007 5:18 PM CDT reply actions  

12
I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 17, 2007 5:18 PM CDT reply actions  

I take 13
twelve to walk the bases loaded and one to ruin my week.

by iCub on Apr 17, 2007 5:19 PM CDT reply actions  

Ohman!
We're prolly screwed, I hope I'm wrong

by Walker71421 on Apr 17, 2007 5:19 PM CDT reply actions  

Lee is out...
Ward is in to play 1st...
I say 6 pitches.
hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 17, 2007 5:19 PM CDT reply actions  

There's about 500
people left in the park. I should put on the heavy clothing and head over to watch the end. What a bizarre game.

by Matt Allison on Apr 17, 2007 5:19 PM CDT reply actions  

Lead off double
 Nice knowing you Ohman.
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 5:19 PM CDT reply actions  

fucking ohman
jesus. why did they send guzman down?
fire ohman.
I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 17, 2007 5:20 PM CDT reply actions  

Because
Ohlman can't be sent down.  
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions  

Oh Man!
OHMAN sucks. We hav 5 lefties and 6 righties on our pitching staff. We don't need him.
hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 17, 2007 5:22 PM CDT up reply actions  

Green doubles
Sonuva gun! Why do the Cubs keep this guy?
hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 17, 2007 5:20 PM CDT reply actions  

how can you leave
when there's free baseball to be watched...

by iCub on Apr 17, 2007 5:20 PM CDT reply actions  

I can only laugh...to keep from crying...
nice Willy...you have a guy 0-2. WASTE A PITCH! Naw! I'll just keep groovin' em up there.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 17, 2007 5:20 PM CDT reply actions  

This game has really...
..caused me to not do a lot of work.

Thank you baseball.

by vegascubsfan on Apr 17, 2007 5:21 PM CDT reply actions  

I guess Oh-Man! figures if he doesn't walk anyone-
Lou wont be too upset when he gives up the winning run. Hey Skip...I made them earn it this time!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 17, 2007 5:22 PM CDT reply actions  

Ohman
At least this game won't go much longer.

So there's a positive.

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

by Jesse Guam on Apr 17, 2007 5:22 PM CDT reply actions  

why the hell wouldn't they bunt that at ward?
I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 17, 2007 5:23 PM CDT reply actions  

Get Terminal Sludge out
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 5:23 PM CDT reply actions  

Back to the mound...
On to first.
1 out.
hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 17, 2007 5:23 PM CDT reply actions  

I'm going to think positive
 Ohman will get out of this jam.
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 5:24 PM CDT reply actions  

So much for that
 up yours Jones...BOOOOOOOOOOO
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions  

he was gonna score anyway.
I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 17, 2007 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions  

I know
 I just wanted to booooo  Jones.
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions  

It's still 4-3...
whether jones cuts that off or not. If you're gonna boo somebody, boo ohman.

by cubswin14 on Apr 17, 2007 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions  

If' by some miracle he gets out of this inning...
We wouldn't run him out for two in a row would we?  It would anger the baseball gods by tempting fate

by Walker71421 on Apr 17, 2007 5:24 PM CDT reply actions  

You have too.
There's no one left in the pen.
You probably don't want to send a starter out there.
hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 17, 2007 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions  

Lilly or Hill
If neither of them has done their side session yet, you could probably run them out for an inning a piece.

by false cognate on Apr 17, 2007 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions  

I would guess
That Ohman would pitch until he loses or his arm falls off.
"Harlem Furniture......You'll like our style!"

by Imtrejo on Apr 17, 2007 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions  

I just wanted to a part
of this game thread.
"Harlem Furniture......You'll like our style!"

by Imtrejo on Apr 17, 2007 5:24 PM CDT reply actions  

I just can't belive he...
  1. got an out...and
  2. has thrown more than 13 pitches without the game being over yet!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 17, 2007 5:25 PM CDT reply actions  

Murphy says...
Blum's BA on the season is .067.

Naturally this means he has the clutch hit, right?

by Shawon O Meter on Apr 17, 2007 5:25 PM CDT reply actions  

Blum doubles
Green scores.
Game.
hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 17, 2007 5:26 PM CDT reply actions  

ROFL JONES
Just about as bad as it gets.

by grifdog on Apr 17, 2007 5:26 PM CDT reply actions  

if he dives
he probably messes up, rolls to the wall, and two runs score. that would be a total mess instead of just a mess.
"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball."- Harry Caray

by TkGoUWGB on Apr 17, 2007 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions  

ball got by him
it was a base hit anyway, perhaps he could have held him at third.
I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 17, 2007 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions  

fucking ohman
what a joke. can someone explain to me why you send guzman down?
I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 17, 2007 5:26 PM CDT reply actions  

waivers + Miller
Hendry probably placed Ohman on waivers at the beginning of the season, he didn't clear, and then he retracted him. Therefore Ohman can't be sent down this trade period for fear someone will claim him off the waiver wire (the second time you place waivers on a player in a trade period they are non-retractable).

Guzman was probably sent down to get stretched out as a starter in case Miller continues to falter. No one expected a 14-inning burner...

by false cognate on Apr 17, 2007 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions  

Looks like Jimmy...
was hitting the sauce pretty good when he sent Guzman down

by Walker71421 on Apr 17, 2007 5:27 PM CDT reply actions  

Only guy with options left that could be sent down
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions  

couldn't they have fired ohman?
I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 17, 2007 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions  

Now why is Jones in LF?
Is there a good reason behind it?  I really like the fellow, but he has looked quite lost in the new position ...
"God, grant me the Serenity to accept the Prior I cannot change ..."

by Littlerock Rynofan on Apr 17, 2007 5:27 PM CDT reply actions  

Well,
I'm gonna leave because he is going to give up another run and Hoffman's coming in. Someone else please take care of the updates.
hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 17, 2007 5:27 PM CDT reply actions  

Getting beat by
Geoff Blum and khalil Greene is about as bad as it gets.
Len Kasper Sucks!

by TheRamZamDLEE on Apr 17, 2007 5:27 PM CDT reply actions  

It's over
Jeepers, what a great homestand.  The Cubs suck.  It's a battle with Pittsburgh for last place in 2007.  
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 5:28 PM CDT reply actions  

wHAT A WASTE
 eVEry player on the bench and Bullpen used and still lost. That flight to Atl tonight should be a hoot.
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 5:28 PM CDT reply actions  

Did JJ have a chance at a catch?
Did he mis-play it? Or was is a legit Double?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 17, 2007 5:28 PM CDT reply actions  

single
he wasn't gonna catch it. it bounced and spun to the left. jones misplayed the bounce.
I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 17, 2007 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions  

Misplayed.
hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 17, 2007 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions  

Trade Jones!
We don't need him.
hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 17, 2007 5:28 PM CDT reply actions  

no, trade ohman
or fire him.
I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 17, 2007 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions  

pop up ends the inning.
Jones cost us again...
hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 17, 2007 5:30 PM CDT reply actions  

are you kidding me?
I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 17, 2007 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions  

14thinning stretch?
 Kill me.
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 5:30 PM CDT reply actions  

Haha...
after explaining this scoreless inning streak for the bullpen, Len goes "My bad, Ohman broke that streak last night".  How long does he get before he stops ruining games?
2007 Badger Football - 1-0 every week...

by Schwa on Apr 17, 2007 5:30 PM CDT reply actions  

too long,
that guy should be throwing a towel somewhere.
I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 17, 2007 5:32 PM CDT up reply actions  

Why wouldn't Lou have moved JJ...
back to RF where he's more comfortable and let Theriot play LF?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 17, 2007 5:31 PM CDT reply actions  

That's what I was wondering.
Strange doings in Louville.
"God, grant me the Serenity to accept the Prior I cannot change ..."

by Littlerock Rynofan on Apr 17, 2007 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions  

Who knows
Maybe Daryl Ward can put down the box of jelly donuts for a minute and hit a home run.  
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 5:32 PM CDT reply actions  

funniest line of the day
"Not true at all. Vaseline is manufactured right here in the United States." - Don Sutton, about the rumors that he uses a foreign substance on the ball

by Orangeman94 on Apr 17, 2007 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions  

he'll need to,
cause that guy really can clog the bases.
I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 17, 2007 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions  

Why does it seem liket
the               cubs are the only one to chase fastballs in their eyes????
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 5:35 PM CDT reply actions  

Woohoo!
Daryle Ward with the pop-up double!

by grifdog on Apr 17, 2007 5:35 PM CDT reply actions  

Speed to burn on the bases!!!!!!
Get an oxygen tent set up for after the game !!  
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions  

Jason Marquis PR for Ward
What happens  if this game goes to the 15th?
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 5:36 PM CDT reply actions  

It won't.
Cedeno is up.
"God, grant me the Serenity to accept the Prior I cannot change ..."

by Littlerock Rynofan on Apr 17, 2007 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions  

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

by dtpollitt on Apr 17, 2007 5:36 PM CDT reply actions  

This would be a good time
For JJ to homer for that LF botchery.

by grifdog on Apr 17, 2007 5:36 PM CDT reply actions  

JJ needs redemption
here's his chance
"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball."- Harry Caray

by TkGoUWGB on Apr 17, 2007 5:37 PM CDT reply actions  

Marquis running for ward!
Gotta love Lou - he's going to fire every damn bullet.

If the Cubs tie the game up, I fully expect Zambrano to participate at some point.

by Invalid User on Apr 17, 2007 5:37 PM CDT reply actions  

Cubs do what they do best yet again....
Mount a late rally, get my hopes up, and then fall just short and crush my dreams, making the loss all the more painful.

by Walker71421 on Apr 17, 2007 5:38 PM CDT reply actions  

In Ronnie We Trust?????????????????????
n/t
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Apr 17, 2007 5:38 PM CDT reply actions  

I hate you Ronny Cedeno
STRIKES OUT LOOKING
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Apr 17, 2007 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions  

Wait a second!!!
I didn't realize Ward double-switched for Lee - who is going to play 1B???

by Invalid User on Apr 17, 2007 5:38 PM CDT reply actions  

Groundskeeper Willy
cause the game is over.  
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions  

Never mind
I guess it doesn't matter.

You know, if Lou had sent Marquis up to hit instead of Izturis a few innings ago, then he could have had Izturis run for Ward, and Z hit for Cedeno.

by Invalid User on Apr 17, 2007 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

Cedeno looks at a fastball
        down the heart of the plate..
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 5:39 PM CDT reply actions  

LOLOLOLOL
Cedeno is the worst hitter in the history of baseball. Hoffman just threw an 0-2 fastball right down broadway. How can you not even move your bat? GTFO.

by grifdog on Apr 17, 2007 5:39 PM CDT reply actions  

I dunno...
Maybe Lou should have had Marquis or Zambrano pinch-hit earlier when he sent Izturis in.

by Invalid User on Apr 17, 2007 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions  

what a disasterous afternoon
the cubs still just seem lost when the wind blows in. it has been like this for years. you must switch your thinking boys. jesus. that team wouldn't have scored in another 5 innings.
I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 17, 2007 5:40 PM CDT reply actions  

Sweet Lou
Lou is going to become a stroke victim by May 1st at this rate.  

"The Chicago Cubs...were good managers go to die!!"  

"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 5:40 PM CDT reply actions  

These one-run losses
are killing me...when are we supposed to start winning these games?

by JFCubFan on Apr 17, 2007 5:41 PM CDT reply actions  

I duno, but..
..it's usually the difference between making the playoffs and not.  
Chicks dig the long ball

by Will23 on Apr 17, 2007 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions  

Jim Hendry
Needs to put his head between his legs and .... you know the rest.  
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 5:41 PM CDT reply actions  

Can't be sent down
No options and has a two year contract in hand.  
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions  

Jacque Jones and Ronny Cedeno
Should be traded for a 3rd round draft pick and cash to whoever will take the deal. Hell, I'm considering making an offer of a Slinky and 50 bucks for them, that's more than fair.

by TheNextCubsVoice on Apr 17, 2007 5:42 PM CDT reply actions  

Brutal loss
Thanks for the updates, guys.  I'm going to put my head through a wall now.  Oh...man.  Pun intended.
"Not true at all. Vaseline is manufactured right here in the United States." - Don Sutton, about the rumors that he uses a foreign substance on the ball

by Orangeman94 on Apr 17, 2007 5:43 PM CDT reply actions  

so many puns at work today
so little time
"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball."- Harry Caray

by TkGoUWGB on Apr 17, 2007 10:19 PM CDT up reply actions  

Burned up bullpen
Just in time to play the Atlanta Braves on the road.  Yippee.  

The Cub bullpen has contributed to 4 of the 7 losses on the season.  Today they did a terrific job outside of Wil Ohlman.  The feast or famine offense that reared its ugly head is the reason this ballgame was lost.  Good to know that Cub hiters still embrace the swinging from your asshole approach at the plate.  Nice work Gerald Perry.  I guess Sarge Matthews left his notes in the clubhouse, huh?  

"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 5:44 PM CDT reply actions  

Doesn't anybody care that
..perhaps we saw the beginning of a good career -- one that might see Jones dispatched?  Look at the big picture here -- the pen did a great job, overall. Obviously, Olhman has some problems. But they will need to learn how to manufacture runs.

There are 162 games. Times have changed, and will continue to do so. Only whiners, complainers, and those who just come here to bitch and moan waste their damn time. Why even bother to post?

 

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Apr 17, 2007 5:45 PM CDT reply actions  

The outfield
Cliff Floyd needs to play everyday.  Somehow, somewhere.  If Pie is ready for the bigs, then that means Murton and Jones are relegated to the bench or become trade fodder.  
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions  

You got balls
 minutes after the Cubs lose a heartbreaking 14 inning game, when every pitcher out of the pen was taxed and overused and heading into a 2 game series TO Atlanta followed by a series against the Cards and you're spewing your "think on the bright side cub fans" crap!!!

Give us a moment will ya before you rub your "positive" outlook in our face man!

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

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 5:50 PM CDT up reply actions  

Some might call it balls.
Some might call it a rational intellect interacting with a small sample size. Some might call it having hope early in the season. I don't know.

But for the love of God, man, some of us are getting REALLY tired out by all the neghead bullshit that crops up in the comments here. Can some of us be allowed to not write the whole season off already?

by cwyers on Apr 17, 2007 6:00 PM CDT up reply actions  

Fine
 I Actually am feeling better about this team over the last couple days as well, but my point is, some of us take a loss hard. Especially a loss like today's.

 It's like kicking a man square in the nuts and saying "don't worry, it won't hurt for long and the blood that  streams out of your piss will only last a couple days. Odds of your fertility? 50/50"

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

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions  

HAHAHA
now that is funny!
wheatfield mike down here in god's country

by wheatfield mike on Apr 18, 2007 7:45 AM CDT up reply actions  

Your words earlier in the thread, 17

"No matter what happens, this has been an entertaining game."

Obviously, that only rings true if the Cubs win, judging by the fury in that last remark.

Life goes on, man -- it's just a game. This is to be a distraction from the real world.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Apr 17, 2007 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions  

Fury?
 You have yet to see fury and I don't think you ever will because I like you and enjoy all your posts.

Read my earlier post in this thread.

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

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 6:16 PM CDT up reply actions  

The problem is that
most Cubs fans expect this team to do better on the field, especially games like the Zambrano disaster last week and this winnable one today. These expectations were built up during the offseason and when they are not met by the team, the pain and disappointment of losing is sharper. Sure, it accomplishes nothing, is counter productive and obscures an above average MLB debut by Pie. But realize that if we didn't hold this team to high standards that many of us believe to be reasonable, then the pain of losing wouldn't be as bad.

by JFCubFan on Apr 17, 2007 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions  

The Cubs played well today
The Cubs hit a few line drives right at some people lat in the game. They played great defence until that ball that Theriot misplayed in right field. Will Ohman can't seem to consistantly get anybody out. It won't be to long before he's gone(traded or released). The bullpen was fantastic today, Miller made it through five keeping the Cubs in the game. Pie showed he is a major league player with an outfield assist, double, RBI, and a run scored. All in all a good game that the Cubs lost.
"Harlem Furniture......You'll like our style!"

by Imtrejo on Apr 17, 2007 5:49 PM CDT reply actions  

Cubs are built for thte long ball
 Tell me what the Cubs record is with the win blowing in over the last 3 years.

If you don't tell me, I will tell you.

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

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 5:52 PM CDT up reply actions  

Cubs are built to win 75 games
Feast or famine lineups rarely work if the objective is to be a playoff contender.  Only if you have dominant pitching to go along with it.  The Cubs have good pitching, but not dominant pitching.  

It is incredibly sobering to me that the Cubs are 5 and 8 despite getting surprisingly good pitching for two weeks.  

"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 5:56 PM CDT up reply actions  

um if they had won Mike
I strongly suspect you would have posted that the Cubs were
a team built to win 76 games.
"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 17, 2007 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions  

I'll be waiting
I bet it is not much different than thier overall winning percentage in the same time frame.

The Cubs played well today, they lost, it happens. They hit the ball hard many times it just didn't fall. The Padres pen is deeper than ours and that was the difference in the game. It just had to be today, the day after Guzman is sent to AAA that we play a 14 inning game. It would've been a different game with Guzman on the roster.  

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

by Imtrejo on Apr 17, 2007 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions  

Huh?
How did they play well when they were no-hit for 7 innings by the Padre bullpen?  When Doug Friggin Broccoli shut them down for two innings?  When they made two critical defensive misplays in the outfield?  
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions  

I did mention Theriot's
Misplay earlier. Jones' play was bad as well, that's what you get when you play players out of position. Theriot should not be playing the outfield, Jones should be playing right. I would have loved to see the Cubs tie the game and trot Zambrano out thier to play the field.(sarcasm)
"Harlem Furniture......You'll like our style!"

by Imtrejo on Apr 17, 2007 6:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

The Padres have the best Bullpen in baseball
They set an MLB record for scoreless innings at the start of the season. I for one am impressed that the Cubs bullpen kept the Padres scoreless for 7 innings. ( well they don't hit THAT well but still). The defensive misplays were the problem but you will excuse me if I am not writing the Cubs season off just yet.
"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 17, 2007 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions  

I see the Pads a lot, obviously
This is the best damn bullpen in the NL -- Doug Friggin Brocail -- I'd love to have him. (The guy's had friggin' heart surgery and he's throwing 90 miles an hour) And Linebrink, Meridith, Hoffman -- I'd take the entire Pads pen over the Cubs pen, which is very good.

That pen will keep a light-hitting line up in the NL West race w/ the Dodgers. The D-Backs are playing above their heads right now.

You'd best check the stats before you go off.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Apr 17, 2007 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions  

Without looking, I believe it is a losing record.
And many Cubs GM's have been seduced by the long ball. When the Cubs have won -- it's been all about the pitching, pitching, and more pitching.

Wrigley has taken the 'hitter's park' rep incorrectly, since the wind blows in almost half the time. It's not a 'launching pad.' It will be on certain days, as Len made reference to the Phils/Cubs slugfest of the 70s, on this date.

(And WGN, for many years used to replay that game in the dead of winter. Only Cubs fans would gather around the TV to watch a loss, over, and over again)

Sure, you can gripe and complain, but it takes a while to change the culture. I saw glimpses of that in Spring Training, and I do see some differences now. (Not enough, though, as Ronnie Cedeno seemingly has left his game back in Mesa.)

Would you feel better if you lost 12-4? There were about 15 times they could have lost the game today, but didn't.

I can say no more. Those who want to bitch, moan and complain, go right ahead. I have no time to read it.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Apr 17, 2007 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions  

I agree with you.
When I saw that Miller was pitching I had already thought that we were going to lose and he did a very good job keeping us in the game and so did the bullpen with the exception of Ohman.

by FLCubsFan on Apr 17, 2007 5:56 PM CDT up reply actions  

Sorry but this is NOT a tragic loss
Frustrating and annoying yes but considering it was Miller vs Maddux I did not even think they would be in it, especially after
the first half inning ( not that I thought Maddux would be lights out but I didn't think Miller would even make 3 innings). There is plenty of blame to go around but do NOT pin this on Ohman. Thierot can NOT play the outfield and guess what ? if Guzman had not been sent down it is perfectly possible that he would have given up a run and he would have been used a lot earlier in the game.
Worst thing about this game now is exhausting everyone before
going to the two game series in Atlanta. Rest up guys .
"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 17, 2007 5:53 PM CDT reply actions  

Tragic and Loss
should never be used in the same sentence whentalking about sports...sorry.

But I understand your point. Padres left       17men on base,which might be some kind of record.

Bottomline, the Cubs got beat by a bette team today. But there were some positives,yes.

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

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 5:57 PM CDT up reply actions  

Padres are better
The continuing inability of the Cubs to be able to manufacture runs is the problem.  It's been a problem ever since the days of Don Baylor.  Playing for the long ball is about as utterly outdated and hopeless as the Al Davis strategy of throwing the deep out pattern with the Oakland Raiders.  
"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 17, 2007 5:59 PM CDT up reply actions  

Now that is valid.
And regardless of what was posted earlier, the Pads bullpen is the best in the NL -- the Cubs, a cut below, as Olhman is the weak link. Somehow, as mentioned earlier Rocky Cherry's gonna be up here, but I'm not sure how thay can swing that w/o placing Soriano on the DL.

Yes, this team is going have to learn to manufacture runs -- and perhaps against a lesser bull pen, you can string some singles together.

You take the positives where you see them, and I think that with better leadership in place, things are going to change.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Apr 17, 2007 6:08 PM CDT up reply actions  

Olhman ?
 Who is that again?
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 6:19 PM CDT up reply actions  

I didn't know Phil Rogers
 lived in San Diego.
"What's it all about? Booze, Broads and bullshit." Harry Caray

by lemon17pie on Apr 17, 2007 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions  

Thanks for the compliment
I appreciate it when you say my writing style is equal to that of a 25 year + MLB writer, one who also writes for ESPN.

I am happy you appreciate my style is that of a professional scribe.

Thanks again. (Nice tag line, you've got there. Your parents must be proud.)

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Apr 17, 2007 7:17 PM CDT up reply actions  

Outdated?
Hitting the long ball is outdated? Are you serious?

If you want to discount, in no particular order: Bill James, Branch Rickey, Earl Weaver, Pete Palmer... fine. Go for it. But don't expect us to follow along.

by cwyers on Apr 17, 2007 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions  

You're right, they are better
They made the playoffs last year in a far better division.  They have a fantastic bullpen.  If you don't believe that, you are wrong.

The Cubs did pretty well for them this series, all things considered.

by Kornchex on Apr 17, 2007 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions  

I hope you aren't..
..referring to the entire homestand.

If this trend continues, 2-5 = roughly 23-58 at home throughout the season = no playoffs.

I know it's the first homestand and it's still April, but the Cubs must play better at home if they want to play in October.  

Chicks dig the long ball

by Will23 on Apr 17, 2007 6:48 PM CDT up reply actions  

Unfortunately...
the events of yesterday and today have made that very clear to me.

Mike Hull
Virginia Tech '90

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

by hokie316 on Apr 17, 2007 6:55 PM CDT up reply actions  

Cedeno
needs to be sent down, he's overmatched in every situation. Keep Pie as the OF defensive replacement for Jones/Floyd/Murton.

by Matt Allison on Apr 17, 2007 6:13 PM CDT reply actions  

I agree
I know his BA is based on a small sample size, but com'on... that's pretty bad.

by vegascubsfan on Apr 17, 2007 6:22 PM CDT up reply actions  

And ...
It's simply a continuation of last year's brilliance at the plate.  I'm sorry I was seduced by that ability Ronnie provided during ST ...
"God, grant me the Serenity to accept the Prior I cannot change ..."

by Littlerock Rynofan on Apr 17, 2007 6:55 PM CDT up reply actions  

You can analyze the Cubs to death
but the bottom line -- they just plain suck.  Always have, always will.

by BlueSox on Apr 17, 2007 6:20 PM CDT reply actions  

Nice blanket statement.
Maybe find a new team if you can't handle it.

by Kornchex on Apr 17, 2007 6:27 PM CDT up reply actions  

A Blanket Statement
supported by 99 years of history.

by BlueSox on Apr 17, 2007 6:35 PM CDT up reply actions  

Can you tell us why you are not
doing something that give you pleasure? Obviously, following the Cubs does not. I would hope that you'd find something that improves your day, not ruins it, as the Cubs seem to do.

I cannot understand such hatred, and the continual spouting of it. If you do not have anything creative to say, "Cubs suck" just doesn't cut it.

Please find another hobby, one that gives you joy.
That is what makes sense to me. If there is something I don't like -- and I have the option to not do it -- I'm on to something else.

I can only guess many people like to complain.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Apr 17, 2007 7:22 PM CDT up reply actions  

I wouldn't worry too much...
That dude has posted 2 under this name. Sounds like a troll so far. I agree with what you are saying though.

by LT on Apr 17, 2007 7:35 PM CDT up reply actions  

no doubt
any guesses as to his team, south side perhaps?
I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Apr 17, 2007 9:15 PM CDT up reply actions  

Sounds like YOU are one who with no joy...
I am happy as a clam pointing out the futility of the Cubs.

by BlueSox on Apr 17, 2007 8:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

And that
doesn't even make any sense.

If I didn't care, I wouldn't be here. And I try to offer some thoughts that are not doom, gloom, and all-is-lost. I'll leave that for the other blogs, who revel in that. If the Cubs do win, they wouldn't know what to discuss.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Apr 18, 2007 10:00 PM CDT up reply actions  

Rocky Cherry...
I am before hand appologizing for this post's length, bad grammar, and lack of organization.

Give him a shot...No one can do worse than Oh Man has recently. He sucked in the past. He sucks now. He's gonna suck in the future. We don't need him taking up a 'pen spot and essentially making it a 5 man 'pen.

Lou needs to figure this thing out... We've got some issues with the outfield spots, ss, and 2b.

Izturis=guarenteed out
Cedeno=95% out
Theriot=CAN'T PLAY THE OF, needs to play infield
Floyd=DH
Jones=Bad arm, should be in RF or the AL
Murton=Also should be in RF, but needs to play and bat in #2 hole.
Soriano=Should be in LF

This is all without mentioning the pitching. Ohman has got to be fired. Miller time is over. I just don't like him with this team. He's throwing 86 m.p.h. heaters! Remember, Ted Lilly and He who shall not be named are not going to be pitching like this the whole year.

Lou has all the pieces either in the Majors or in the minors, but he's got to put it all together and STRESS GOOD DEFENSE.

hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Apr 17, 2007 6:34 PM CDT reply actions  

Roster turnover
My predictions:
  1. Four guys from the Opening Day roster will not be on the big league club by June 15
  2. Another four will not be with the organization at all by August 31
In no particular order:
Jones
Izturis
Ohman
Dempster
Cedeno
Miller
Ward
Eyre

by Invalid User on Apr 17, 2007 11:18 PM CDT up reply actions  

The Cubs are
now 2-4 when playing on WGN. Didn't they play awful for a while last season when the games were on WGN? They have 4 more games on WGN this month.

They should have saved some of the hitting last night for today.

Lou looked drained in his postgame press conference. Hopefully things will get better and this team will bring us much joy.

TheEman is jealous of my sigs.

by sue369 on Apr 17, 2007 6:58 PM CDT reply actions  

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