Open Thread: Cubs vs. White Sox, Friday 6/22, 3:05 CT

by Al on Jun 22, 2007 10:37 AM CDT in Game Threads Comment 299 comments

If you have not yet seen it, I commend you to this article in today's Tribune about Carlos Zambrano. It gives great insight into why and how Z has become the man and ballplayer he is, and also gives a hint that he may, at last, be learning how to channel his passion and not let it get the best of him -- thanks to his children:

What maybe drove it home the hardest though, Zambrano said, was the night of his brawl with now former Cub Michael Barrett. Arriving home from the park, the day of his 26th birthday, Zambrano found the second of his three daughters—Carlis, 6, Catherine, 4, and Carla, 2—visibly upset.

"I didn't know what to say to her," he said. "Then [Carlis] says 'Daddy, why do you fight?' I feel so bad. I say 'Things happen sometimes.' I told her, 'You shouldn't have watched that game.' Then I told her, 'You see your mom and dad fighting, but the good thing about it is when they come together and they apologize and everything clears up.' "

"He promised them," Ismary said," that it wouldn't happen again."

Ismary is Z's wife. Maybe, at last, Z has grown up.

Today's Starting Pitchers


C. Zambrano Cubs	vs.	M. Buehrle White Sox


7-6	W-L	4-3
4.53	ERA	3.45
74	SO	56
43	BB	17
15	HR	11
vs. Sox	--	vs. Cubs

Z sure looked "grown-up" in his last start, in which he took a no-hitter into the ninth inning, and suffered a hard-luck loss when Russell Branyan broke it up with a home run. In his last five starts he is only 3-2, but with a 2.32 ERA and 31 K in 36.1 IP. He is 4-2, but with a 4.94 ERA, in 10 career games (8 starts) vs. the White Sox.

Mark Buehrle, who has only seven decisions in 13 starts this year, is 3-3, 5.43 in his career against the Cubs -- and that includes this ten-run pounding the Cubs put on him at Wrigley Field last July 2. It is the only interleague loss he has suffered in his last 11 interleague decisions. Once again, Jacque Jones needs to be anchored to the bench today, as he is 1-for-27 lifetime vs. Buehrle with 12 strikeouts.

Note: Aramis Ramirez has been activated for today's game, likely to DH vs. the left-handed Buehrle, and Sean Gallagher has been returned to the minors. Thus the Cubs will go with 11 pitchers for a while, at least through the weekend, while playing at the Cell, where pinch-hitters for pitchers are not necessary.

If you turn on WGN today, you'll get Len and Bob. CSN has the Sox announcers. Here is the Mediacenter for today. You're all set!

MLB.com Gameday (2007 version)

MLB.com Gameday (2006 version)

And, please visit our friends at South Side Sox for the Sox fan perspective.

Discuss amongst yourselves.

0 recs | Comment 299 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

On Barrett, Griffey...

For those of you who did not catch Bruce Levine on WLUP, ESPN 1000 this AM, Chicago, he basically stated:

A contributing factor in Barrett being gone was he was the "leak" in the story to ESPN re "dissention in the clubhouse" over Lou. This was NOT appreciated by management, and, according to the reporter, probably the last straw. It was a breach in "family trust" it was stated, that really irked the brass at 1060 W. Addison.

Regarding Jr., he really does not think that Hendry will be making a trade for another aging veteran with profound DL issues. I felt assured that barring something pretty unusual, the Cubs will not be making any trades for Griffey.

Is it too early to be out of it, or too early to be this far behind?

by TheEman on Jun 22, 2007 10:44 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

So much for transparency

that the Tribune insists on from everyone else.

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jun 22, 2007 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

This whole

Barrett thing reminds me of the Todd Walker fiasco last season. Both appear to be clubhouse lawyers and neither one of them can play any defense. Both give good interviews and are decent hitters, which endears them to many Cubs fans. Because of that, and because many fans tend to overlook a player's defensive shortcomings, they both became way overvalued to many fans. And of course both were sent packing to the Padres. Todd Walker is currently looking for work. Should be interesting to see where Barrett ends up next season. I'm very thankful that Walker and Barrett are no longer members of the Chicago Cubs.

by cubsbak on Jun 22, 2007 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks

Good info - I didn't see that.

I just wish that if the Cubs were going to dump him, they could have done it for someone who could hit a little better. I feel like the team now has three Rick Wronas behind the plate.

Or is it three Steve Swishers?

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

by danimal15 on Jun 22, 2007 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Please no Steve Swisher

He might have been the worst hitting catcher I can remember except for maybe Ken Rudolph.

by rlpete on Jun 22, 2007 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rudolph

Was before my time.

My first Cub catchers were Swisher and George Mitterwald, a pair unsurpassed in their incompetence until the current group of Cub catchers came around.

Actually, the combo of Tim Blackwell and Barry Foote may have been worse than Swisher/Mitterwald. Though I do recall one very big homer that Foote got.

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

by danimal15 on Jun 22, 2007 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow. So Barrett was the rat!

I remember Floyd's quote... something like "whoever leaked that out is no longer a part of this team."

1-RUN GAMES = 7-15 | EXTRA INNINGS = 1-6 | HOME = 15-20 | updated on 6/22

by SackMan on Jun 22, 2007 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Milwaukee

plays KC and Houston for 3 each at home while we have the Sox and Rockies on deck. The next 6 days could well confirm what many have already conceded. $300M just doesn't go as far as it used to.

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jun 22, 2007 10:50 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I hope you're

not worried about the Sox; while both the Cubs and Sox tend to get a little puffy-chested and play better (no matter how they're playing otherwise) during the cross-town series, I wouldn't lay money on the Sox winning one of the three. They're in disarray and very distracted. With the exception of Konerko's last 30 days, no one (as we all know) has hit for crap. The Rockies do worry me, though (the first time I've EVER said that). Sweeping the Yanks is no joke.

So, is a chronically DLd junior better for this team than what we're trotting out into RF now? You bet, especially with the multitude of stop-gaps we have in place to cover for him should he get a boo-boo. Hard to build a winning team when you're using a bunch of back-ups as starters (not just in RF, but behind the plate, now, too).

"That wouldn't be a home run in a phone booth."

by lovejones72 on Jun 22, 2007 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

re: I hope you're

"I wouldn't lay money on the Sox winning one of the three."

Many of us thought the same thing about the Texas Rangers. I think a lot will depend on Big Z today.

If he comes out with that swagger and his good stuff and gives the Cubs the confidence boost they need, taking this series could be fairly easy. But if Z struggles and the rest of the Cubs play the kind of weak, sloppy ball they did for most of yesterday's game, the Sux could make us all very unhappy.

Your 2007 Chicago Cubs: Hey, at least we keep it interesting.

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 22, 2007 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

For sure.

The bitch about the Texas series is that the Cubs were in a position to win - it was the sloppy play, as you said. AL pitching always makes me nervous, but the Rangers are pretty sucky, so I figured we'd at least take two. DAMMIT!!!

"That wouldn't be a home run in a phone booth."

by lovejones72 on Jun 22, 2007 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Teams in free fall

often play well in "big games". The Cubs series is such a time for the Sox. Throw out the records in this series.

And hell ya on Griffey. But I don't think the Cubs have a snowball's chance of taking on any liability with the impending sale. The failure to complete Zam's contract told me volumes about what to expect from the organization the remainder of the year.

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jun 22, 2007 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah I agree

with the throw-out-the-records thing. i haven't heard too many fans of eitehr team spouting off the "We're gonna kick their asses!" stuff - most aren't that confident in their team to expouse too much bravado.

Re: Zambrano, think he'll get his contract if he contiues on this pace and wins 15 - 18 games? Betcha he will. Maybe it depends on the Cubs' finish in the division; whether the new owners want to blow it up if they tank or keep the ball rolling if they get close or win.

"That wouldn't be a home run in a phone booth."

by lovejones72 on Jun 22, 2007 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But isn't the

fate of Z and others dependent on when the sale takes place? Will MLB take their time in approving the sale? Will their actually be owners effectively in place during the time periods for signing free agents and making trades?

I could see a scenario of delays past the critical time lines and Hendry being held over until new ownership is firmly in place.

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jun 22, 2007 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Insufferable negativity

right on cue.

Interesting how you're very active in this thread until the Cubs go up 2-0 early.

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Jun 22, 2007 4:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry, this is unrelated to the game.

But I don't really have much to contribute to make it worthy of its own thread, some of us come up with free agent signings and trade speculations, but...

Assuming the season doesn't improve and the anticipated firing/forced resignation of Hendry comes in the offseason. Who are some of the names that you all would like to see as possible future GMs of the Cubs?

by eamuscatuli1881 on Jun 22, 2007 10:56 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Jocketty may be on his way out of St. Lou...

MMMMM...Hebrew National

by Kinky Reggae on Jun 22, 2007 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have heard this today...

source? link?

Is it too early to be out of it, or too early to be this far behind?

by TheEman on Jun 22, 2007 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Heard it on sport center last night..

MMMMM...Hebrew National

by Kinky Reggae on Jun 22, 2007 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh...

Was wondering about an article...

Is it too early to be out of it, or too early to be this far behind?

by TheEman on Jun 22, 2007 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

STONEY!!!

However,

he'd never take the job 'cuz he's not a corporate lay-down, and
who wants that headache?

"That wouldn't be a home run in a phone booth."

by lovejones72 on Jun 22, 2007 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think he would

take it. In interviews on WSCR he's beign very politically open to the idea. He sounds, to me, like he's going out of his way not to tell people he wouldn't do the job.

I think the Cubs would be lucky to have Jockety replace Hendry. To go from a bottom 5 GM to a top 5 GM would really be something. Not sure why anyone would want to come here with a pending sale and with the team in such shambles, thanks to Hendry and his self-saving back-loaded contracts.

by jazzypete on Jun 22, 2007 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

His contributions

to The Score are the most enlightening and insightful bits of semi-insider knowledge that there are on ANY station. Love the guy.

"That wouldn't be a home run in a phone booth."

by lovejones72 on Jun 22, 2007 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, brother.

Not the Steve Stone bandwagon again.

I'm going to try to explain this again. Talking glibly about baseball on TV is NOT the same skill as negotiating contracts, making trades, etc.

The fact that, 25 years after he retired as a player, he isn't a GM, means either:

* He doesn't want to be one

* Nobody thinks he's qualified.

I think it's a bit of both. Plus, Stone will be sixty years old next month. A little old for your first management job.

I'd like to see him back as a Cubs broadcaster, maybe after Ron Santo retires. But in the GM's office? No thanks. The last guy who tried that in this town (Ken Harrelson) was a miserable failure.

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

by Al on Jun 22, 2007 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't

have a point to add, except to say that I love seeing the words "Ken Harrelson" and "miserable failure" in the same sentence.

by Josh77 on Jun 22, 2007 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

ill second that

when i got home from work i threw on comcast, not knowing len and bob were on wgn, ha well at least it was hysterical listening to the silence and misery of hawk

DON'T TRADE PIE!

by kylejo on Jun 22, 2007 6:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Harrelson ran LaRussa out of town

Hawk single handendly trashed the future of that franchise... letting one of the best managers in the history of the game get away, right after he took them to the post-season.

1-RUN GAMES = 7-15 | EXTRA INNINGS = 1-6 | HOME = 15-20 | updated on 6/22

by SackMan on Jun 22, 2007 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Including

Harrelson in your argument takes away some merit, in that Harrelson appears tt be quite un-intelligent, whereas Stone, while glib, is one of the most insightful people I've heard discuss baseball.

Keep in mind that the GM is not performing brain surgery or negotiating peace talks overseas, they are putting together a baseball team. Also keep in mind that the normal path to GM is through scouting and other old-fashioned baseball pathways, routes which led to people like Hendry getting GM jobs. It might be nice to have someone who is a free-thinker do the job, rather than someone who thinks in baseball cliches the way many baseball lifers seem to. Whatever faults Stone might have as a GM, it would be difficult to say he could do less with more than Hendry has.

Also, in terms of contracts, I think the generalities are handled by the GM, and the final say goes to the GM, but the intracacies are handled and explained by lawyers.

Stone may be a poor GM, but you don't know that to be the case more than anyone here who thinks he's be great. I am fine if it isn't Stone next, so long as it's someone smarter than Hendry.

by jazzypete on Jun 22, 2007 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cashman might be available.

He reads like a guy trying to bolster the farm system and always having to sell talent to acquire George's flavor of the day. He's used to a big market and having to deliver to meet high expectations while working with a big name manager.

by N Oakley on Jun 22, 2007 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

re: Sorry, this is unrelated to the game.

Someone mentioned this in passing once before, and I'm not sure what to think of it, but what about the idea of Lou Piniella moving into the GM spot? The manager position could then go to Alan Trammel or even Joe Girardi. Insanity?

Your 2007 Chicago Cubs: Hey, at least we keep it interesting.

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 22, 2007 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know if Lou is calm enough to be GM.

If you have to be relatively mild-mannered to be a GM so to avoid making any rash decisions. Not sure Lou could do that.

by eamuscatuli1881 on Jun 22, 2007 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Completely

impossible to know without knowing who the new owner is going to be.

I would imagine the Tribune would let the new owner decide Jim Hendry's fate.

But a great choice would come from within our own organization--Scouting Director Tim Wilken. The biggest problem with hiring Tim would be that he'd have to hire someone to replace himself.

by Josh77 on Jun 22, 2007 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wilken

While he has had great success in the drafts, does he have the ability to excel in the other areas needed from a GM? I really don't know.

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jun 22, 2007 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nobody

would know until he took the job, actually.

That's pretty much the same case with any candidate.

And it certainly more realistic than Steve Stone, who has never held a front office job of any sort.

But again, if someone like Colangelo buys the team, I'd expect him to bring along someone he worked with in Arizona. Hopefully not Joe Garagiola, Jr.

by Josh77 on Jun 22, 2007 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Stone keeps on saying that

he would be open to acting as a consultant. But, I don't think he'd ever want a manager or GM position. Quite frankly, I think he likes the pace of his current lifestyle... stress free.

1-RUN GAMES = 7-15 | EXTRA INNINGS = 1-6 | HOME = 15-20 | updated on 6/22

by SackMan on Jun 22, 2007 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And like all media critics

he can always sound "smart" and pontificate with righteous indignation on any perceived shortcomings of management or players with absolutely no responsibilities whatsoever, other than provide ratings to the media outlet.

Why he would leave the sweet and easy life of a pundit and into a position where his ass is literally on the line 24/7 is beyond my understanding of the natural order of the world.

by JFCubFan on Jun 22, 2007 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Loud, sustained applause!

n/t

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

by Al on Jun 22, 2007 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm worried about this series

Of course I'm worried about every series, and more often than not with good reason. It "seems" as if the Cubs should take at least 2 of 3 from the Sox, but that probably just means they'll get swept.

No matter what happens, this is a rare series that will assuredly be won by a Chicago team (unless one of the games gets rained out and they split the other two, or something cosmic happens....)

by SuperContext on Jun 22, 2007 11:01 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

We could play Kansas City for the next month

and I'd still be worried.

1-RUN GAMES = 7-15 | EXTRA INNINGS = 1-6 | HOME = 15-20 | updated on 6/22

by SackMan on Jun 22, 2007 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

KC and the ...

The Royals are bad, well just a bit worse than my favorite team, but take the Royals for granted and they'll bite you.

Just ask the Indians...

by DrCrawdad on Jun 22, 2007 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

11 pitchers

Finally! It's about time they came back to 11, though I suppose they could go back to 12 after this series is over and they have to play in the NL again.

Having 12 pitchers (or 13, as they did for a few games there) is just crippling to the offense, and is completely unnecesary. By training pitchers to pitch more than an inning at a time (check the three great innings thrown by Marmol the other night), the need for so many relievers just isn't there. And I'm sick and tired of seeing Zambrano and Marquis strike out as pinch hitters. (Although the prospect of Duane Ward or Koyie Hill striking out as a pinch hitter doesn't exactly thrill me either, and I'm sure we'll see that too).

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

by danimal15 on Jun 22, 2007 11:06 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

True story

When was the last time we were down to 11? Was it any time after Dusty's first year. I put a lot of that on Rothschild's influence.

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jun 22, 2007 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"Daryl" Ward

has been pretty good as a pinch hitter.

by cubsbak on Jun 22, 2007 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Better than Matt Murton, I'll admit

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

by danimal15 on Jun 22, 2007 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

On Barrett vs Bowen

Can't say I am disappointed thus far..I KNOW, one game but he was patient, and he drove one in.

MMMMM...Hebrew National

by Kinky Reggae on Jun 22, 2007 11:08 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Barrett vs. Bowen

Yep, I agree. I like the fact that he is a switch hitter, and oh yeah, so far zero passed balls.

Hey Lou, we're long overdue.

by deadcatbounce on Jun 22, 2007 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And no fights

n/t

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jun 22, 2007 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

side question

about Bowen: Is he truly a good defensive catcher? I thought that was the rep, but then I saw he doesn't throw out runners, so I wasn't sure.

by jazzypete on Jun 22, 2007 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: side question

I'm pretty sure that I heard Brenly give some impressive minor league stats on throwing out base runners.

Hey Lou, we're long overdue.

by deadcatbounce on Jun 22, 2007 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

His major league numbers have been bad

and not just in San Diego. He threw out 1 of 15 in his short time in Minnesota. He's never had a full-time shot so the jury is still out. I think the best the Cubs could hope for is average.

by rlpete on Jun 22, 2007 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pretty sure

his numbers with SD are bad becasue the rotation is known to "not care about base runners" and are extremely slow to the plate.

MMMMM...Hebrew National

by Kinky Reggae on Jun 22, 2007 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Throwing out runners is a good barometer

of a catcher's skills (I caught through college ball - I know, WE'RE HAPPY FOR YA!!!), but so is his pitch calling.

Barrett rarely called his own; he spent more time looking into the dugout than at his pitcher. And that he said that, when he was picked @ 3rd on a steal, that he thought he had the catcher's change sign but it ended being a fastball says to me that he's never changed his signs during a game, let alone during an at-bat. It's high school stuff.

"That wouldn't be a home run in a phone booth."

by lovejones72 on Jun 22, 2007 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Excellent point

To me, handling the pitching staff is at least as important as throwing out runners. Barrett was miserable at both.

by cubsbak on Jun 22, 2007 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree.

Has anyone ever been successful at making the transition from an infielder to a catcher at the professional level? As I understand it, this is what Barrett attempted to do, and I wonder why he thought this was necessary, or even a good idea.

Hey Lou, we're long overdue.

by deadcatbounce on Jun 22, 2007 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He wasn't...

...a very good shortstop.

No joke.

Although honesty compells me to say that the dearth of good catchers in the Rule IV draft means that a lot of guys (relatively speaking) convert in the minors. It's a way to get more playing time, if your High A team lacks a backstop and you lack a position otherwise.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Jun 22, 2007 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Where did Biggio start?

He's played everywhere up the middle.... right?

1-RUN GAMES = 7-15 | EXTRA INNINGS = 1-6 | HOME = 15-20 | updated on 6/22

by SackMan on Jun 22, 2007 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If I'm not mistaken,

Biggio was originally a catcher, and moved from there.

Hey Lou, we're long overdue.

by deadcatbounce on Jun 22, 2007 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Inge on the Tigers

Also started as a Catcher, if I recall...

Is it too early to be out of it, or too early to be this far behind?

by TheEman on Jun 22, 2007 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So did Dale Murphy.

No, really. Look at his first couple of years.

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

by Al on Jun 22, 2007 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Al, is it safe to say

that to our knowledge, no one has made the successful transition from an infield or outfield position to the catcher position at the professional level? In my opinion. it defies logic for anyone to try to make this transition at the professional level.

I would say that Barrett gave it a helluva good try, but I would not say he was successful.

Hey Lou, we're long overdue.

by deadcatbounce on Jun 22, 2007 6:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I also heard the theory

that the San Diego pitching staff did not try to hold runners. Much like Greg Maddux.

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

by BlueW on Jun 22, 2007 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes but

he wasn't good in his brief Minnesota stint either (1 of 15).

by rlpete on Jun 22, 2007 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

side question #2

how's his right hook?

by bobby h on Jun 22, 2007 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

A bad switch ....

hitter is still a bad hitter.

by IOWACUBSFAN on Jun 22, 2007 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was never

a Barrett supporter, ever. I could care less if he hit .400 and drove in 125. If we would have kept Miller or someone of his ilk, we would have been better. You can't hide a mediocre catcher, IMHO. He is involved in every pitch and handles the staff. That position demands quality. As someone mentioned yesterday, any offense is gravy. It also seemed that when Barrett's passed balls came was in late innings with the game on the line or potentially on the line. A passed ball in the first inning is nothing compared to one in the 8th that allows a run in or a man to get into scoring position.

You need a solid middle infield, from the catcher on up. We don't. We don't have a solid outfield in right, or any production from ANY right fielder.

Sadly, the bullpen has improved, but now Lilly and Marquis are coming back to earth. The one constant is horsecrap situational hitting which cures most ills. If we could drive in runs with a bunt, sac fly or grounder to the right side, we could live with some of the other ills. But, we have too many unproductive areas to compensate for, that to win a game, we have to be perfect in all areas. We go to Texas which is a hitter's park and stink it up.

We basically have to play .600+ ball the remainder of the season to have any hope at all. This team is nowhere near that caliber. On paper, maybe. The season is a week and a half away from half over. I see NOTHING that tells me we are a .600 team.

"When you're eight games behind, it's like eight miles; when you're eight games in front, it's like eight inches."- Ron Santo

by BigJohnAZ on Jun 22, 2007 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

One of the best indicators on Barrett's lack of

smarts:

Earlier in the year he tried to steal 3rd. After the game, he explained that he had just watched the catcher put down his sign for a curve ball twice in row. So, when he saw himn put down the same sign a 3rd time, he decided to go. The catcher changed up his signs, and called a fastball... Barrett was nailed.

So, what does that tell you about Barrett's capabilities "behind" the plate in a similar situation. Does he not change up signs?

1-RUN GAMES = 7-15 | EXTRA INNINGS = 1-6 | HOME = 15-20 | updated on 6/22

by SackMan on Jun 22, 2007 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep

How many guys have we seen steal third on the Cubs over the last few years after "guessing" right on a breaking pitch? I can remember this happening quite a few times.

by cubsbak on Jun 22, 2007 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But everyone

in the organization insists we're better than our record. As you say, we're nearing the midway of the season, so that better team is certain to magically appear soon.

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jun 22, 2007 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey Al, a minor correction

Zambrano took a shutout into the 9th, but lost the no-hitter in the 8th.

Do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth?

by Keith on Jun 22, 2007 11:25 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Thank you.

I had forgotten the hit that happened before the HR.

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

by Al on Jun 22, 2007 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

thats maddux fault

he was a catcher for Greg Maddux and we all no that maddux is terrible at holding on runners. I haven't seen him throw out any runners yet but i think now that he isn't catching for Maddux he may have a better chance.

by ryan797 on Jun 22, 2007 11:28 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The ironic thing about Maddux

is that he requested Blanco when he was with the Vubs; now he's stuck w/ Barrett - will Maddux request Bard now?

"That wouldn't be a home run in a phone booth."

by lovejones72 on Jun 22, 2007 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cubs, not "Vubs".

I don't know who the Vubs are

"That wouldn't be a home run in a phone booth."

by lovejones72 on Jun 22, 2007 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't you mean V-Dubs?

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

by BlueW on Jun 22, 2007 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Actually...

...Maddux's input was sought on the trade. Apparently he told the Padres that he was strongly in favor of the idea.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Jun 22, 2007 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maddux's OK

I've read this as well, but why would he want him if he doesn't want him catching him? Makes no sense.

"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue."

by northofwrigley on Jun 22, 2007 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe Barrett plays golf?

1-RUN GAMES = 7-15 | EXTRA INNINGS = 1-6 | HOME = 15-20 | updated on 6/22

by SackMan on Jun 22, 2007 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maddux loves clubhouse practical jokes

He really got 'em this time!

by NO100 on Jun 22, 2007 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

re: Maddux loves clubhouse practical jokes

Maybe he just wants to pee on Barrett in the showers.

Your 2007 Chicago Cubs: Hey, at least we keep it interesting.

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 22, 2007 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maddux input on Barrett

What I read was that Maddux was asked if Barrett would "fit in" in the clubhouse. Maddux response was that anybody could "fit in" in the SD clubhouse, meaning that it's very laid back. That doesn't sound like a ringing endorsement, but at least Greg M was OK with Barrett on the team.

by billybuck on Jun 22, 2007 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's Funny How

having kids can be a civilizing influence. All of a sudden you're not the center of the universe ... the kids are! I'm glad to see his daughter's are keeping Big Z accountable.

Pie, Fontenot, Theriot and Soto up the middle ... yippie oh, oh, oh!

by SpudV on Jun 22, 2007 11:28 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I remeber

reading stories of Z on pitch day. His wife was terrified of disturbing him. Daughters can do anything they like.

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jun 22, 2007 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Your Chicago Clobs

If they don't stop with the excessive LOB's, they might as well rename themselves as the Chicago Clobs. Sheesh, is it nerves, trying too hard, the suns in their eyes ... what?!?

I'm curious as to how the Clobs rank in MLB for men left on base/scoring position, both amongst other teams this year and compared to previous seasons. It seems like one part of the order does well (top 4 or bottom 4 guys) and the other part looks dumbfounded. It's gotta be driving Uncle Lou crazy.

Pie, Fontenot, Theriot and Soto up the middle ... yippie oh, oh, oh!

by SpudV on Jun 22, 2007 11:33 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

re: Your Chicago Clobs

Hm, I dunno..."Clobs" almost sounds like a compliment to me. As in, "Damn, those Chicago Clobs really clobber the ball!"

I'd go with something like the Chicago Flubs.

Your 2007 Chicago Cubs: Hey, at least we keep it interesting.

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 22, 2007 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Or...

...in deference the Dusty, the Chicago Clogs (as in clogging the basepaths with runners).

by Chadnudj on Jun 22, 2007 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just saw where the Cards picked up

Maroth from Detroit. He had a 5.02 ERA so I guess he was expendable with Rogers coming back. No word yet on who they gave up to get him...

by LT on Jun 22, 2007 11:34 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The Cardinals...

... must be pretty desperate to pick up a guy with a 5+ ERA and think he'll help them.

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

by Al on Jun 22, 2007 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

ERA's in the AL

translate to lower ERA's in the NL because of the higher quality of offenses and the DH. I don't think it's such a bad move for them depending on who they gave up.

by cubsbak on Jun 22, 2007 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Either that...

...or they can count. Five IS lower than six.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Jun 22, 2007 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It worked last year

Jeff Weaver - On February 15, 2006, Weaver signed a 1-year deal with the Angels for $8.5 million. After posting a 3-10 record with a 6.29 ERA in Anaheim, he was designated for assignment on June 30.

The Cardinals picked him up - on July 17, 2006, in Weaver's first start as a Cardinal, he gave up six runs in 4 innings and received the loss.

After that start, Weaver became one of the Cardinals' most reliable pitchers. And we all know what happened in October.

by gp1966 on Jun 22, 2007 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Speaking of Jeff Weaver...

anyone catch his last start against Pittsburgh?

CG, 4 hits, 0 runs, 2 walks, 5 strikeouts dropping his ERA to 8.56.

by eamuscatuli1881 on Jun 22, 2007 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Depending on what they gave up

I like this trade. Before last season's injury Maroth was a workhorse. If he is over the injury, he could help the Cards. He's only 29, turning 30 in August. Not sure his salary status though. Free agency could be looming for him.

His ERA was 5.06. Figuring that translates to 4.50 in the NL, he is definitely better than what they have right now.

by rlpete on Jun 22, 2007 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What's our record

against starters with a 5+ ERA?

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jun 22, 2007 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

side question #3

Does he enjoy Gino's East pizza?

Your 2007 Chicago Cubs: Hey, at least we keep it interesting.

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 22, 2007 11:34 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

side question #4

has he ever run for congress?

http://www.barrettforcongress06.com/

by bobby h on Jun 22, 2007 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

Did that guy win?

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

by Al on Jun 22, 2007 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

nope.

according to wikipdia he received only 29% of the vote, having run on the unpopular "passed balls platform."

by bobby h on Jun 22, 2007 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

51-41

Gets us to .500 at the end of the year!!

HA HA!!

Anyone think they will do that?!

"Scott" - if you ever read this board again, I'd get your money ready to pay off to Cubs Care for the bet we made in April!

Show your face, dude!

Is it too early to be out of it, or too early to be this far behind?

by TheEman on Jun 22, 2007 11:39 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Wrong

Getting to .500 would require only 49-42. Yes, that's doable, absolutely.

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

by Al on Jun 22, 2007 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Which one?

I Cubs are going to go on a tear and soon. Just remember how negative your were during the first 3 months of the year.

The team is going through typical going pains. Soriano, Marquis, Lilly, Floyd, Fontenot, Pie, Murton, Theroit, and now Bowen all have joined the team or are playing a new position. They are doing it in front of cynical, desperate Cub fans at the highest level of there sport.

Sorry my expectations for this team where to try and find some everyday players that'll mesh and contribute offensively. They have at times. In order to be consistent you have to have consistency in the field and the line-up. Thus far the Cubs haven't had that except when they went 9 for 13.

Once A. Ram gets back into form and D Lee works off the suspension then I expect the Cubs to play a better game. A more consistent game.

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

by Scott G F on Jun 22, 2007 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm here all the time!

I'm not quite ready to make the check out yet, but I do admit that I'm a lot more skeptical about them reaching .500 than I was in April!

by Scott on Jun 22, 2007 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not

The Cubs will be playing within there division more after the Sox and Colorado series. I hope the Cubs sweep the Sox and take 2 of 3 from the suddenly cold Rockies.

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

by Scott G F on Jun 22, 2007 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You mean you HOPE the Rockies get cold.

They'd better start that now, after sweeping the Yankees.

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

by Al on Jun 22, 2007 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't the Cubs play the Rockies well regardless?

Or do the Rockies play bad vs. the Cubs. I realize the Rockies are playing good ball right now but so where the Cubs last week.

Theriot and Pie will make the adjustments and start contributing at the plate.

Things will come together.

Winning solves a lot of Barrett.

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

by Scott G F on Jun 22, 2007 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Actually

The Rockies are one game up at 50 and 49 vs the Cubs.

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

by Scott G F on Jun 22, 2007 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey Scott!

Right on!

You are here!

Look - I'd be thrilled to pay off!!

I said this before!

I'm just kibitzing - but really, I am not as optimistic as Al that the team will reach .500, imo.

I really hope so, but objectively, I can't see it...

Is it too early to be out of it, or too early to be this far behind?

by TheEman on Jun 22, 2007 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What was the leak?

I never heard about it. Did Barrett say the players didn't like Lou?

by Jerry Mumphrey on Jun 22, 2007 11:45 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

After the players meeting...

Yes, it was leaked that the meeting became a bitch-fest for certain guys who were upset at Lou... specifically guys who weren't getting at-bats (I'm guessing Murton fits this description).

The following week, Cliff Floyd expressed his anger that there was a clubhouse leak... and said the rat, whomever it is, should and would no longer be a part of this team.

Interesting how Murton was sent down quickyl after that incident as well.

1-RUN GAMES = 7-15 | EXTRA INNINGS = 1-6 | HOME = 15-20 | updated on 6/22

by SackMan on Jun 22, 2007 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What's also interesting

is that the team is 10-11 after the meeting.

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jun 22, 2007 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'll go ahead...

...and be the one that calls this a must-win, but for a different reason. Apparently while my little girl has been over at Grandma and Grandpa's, Grandpa has been dressing her up in little White Sox outfits. We need to stop the corruption of America's youth!

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Jun 22, 2007 11:46 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

re: I'll go ahead...

Oh, man...that's just wrong. I think this could be the one instance in which elder abuse is justified. (<--JOKE!)

Your 2007 Chicago Cubs: Hey, at least we keep it interesting.

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 22, 2007 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

OTOH

at least she is not dressing your son in those outfits.

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jun 22, 2007 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cripe!!!

What kind of backward family did you marry into?

I bet they wore black White Sox sweatpants to the wedding thinking it was formal wear.

by NO100 on Jun 22, 2007 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I am ashamed to admit...

...that this is my father we're talking about here. My father-in-law is a Red Sox fan.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Jun 22, 2007 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cripe!!!

What kind of backward family did your wife marry into?

At least this does go to show that Americans can be very accepting of other beliefs. I mean, White Sox fans, Cubs fans, and Red Sox fans all in the same family! It's beautiful.

by NO100 on Jun 22, 2007 1:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Beautiful

It brings a tear to my eye. To see all those different types of people, living together, becoming one big happy family.

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

by Jesse Guam on Jun 22, 2007 2:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, and...

Geovanny Soto is going to the Futures Game.

Meanwhile, we've got Koyie Hill in the majors. I've given up trying to make sense of it.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Jun 22, 2007 11:57 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

This is Soto's first good year

If the Cubs aren't ready to make him a starter then he's better off getting more time at AAA.

by rlpete on Jun 22, 2007 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

WOW.

Only 1 error in 240 chances... and only 2 passed balls.

Thrown out 33 percent (9 of 27) of opposing runners.

I knew he was hitting well... but I never saw the defensive stats. What the heck are we waiting for here?

1-RUN GAMES = 7-15 | EXTRA INNINGS = 1-6 | HOME = 15-20 | updated on 6/22

by SackMan on Jun 22, 2007 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What we're waiting for is...

... for Soto to recover from an injury that prevents him from catching. He's playing 1B and DH'ing.

I'd expect a September callup and, if the Cubs are out of the race by then, significant playing time.

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

by Al on Jun 22, 2007 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's back behind the dish now.

n/t

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Jun 22, 2007 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It amazes me

that he's not here now. He's playing behind the plate. He has already worked with a number of our pitchers. If we wait until September, we'll never get a good evaluation of his skills and Hendry will most likely grant a long term deal to a backup catcher batting .220.

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jun 22, 2007 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Soto

Even more amazing is that Koyie Hill is out of options, meaning he'll have to clear waivers to go back to Iowa and Hill has the option of declaring himself a FA.

Soto has options until spring training next season when he will no longer have options.

This means the Cubs have the ability to use Soto send him up and down, but do not next season. Hill on the other hand has made his one show in Chicago likely this season.

Perhaps the shoulder problems were the reason at the time that Hill was called up, but it sure has lasting effects.

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

by jonpyardi on Jun 22, 2007 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I dont understand....

why everyone is giving up on the season yet!! i mean come on were 8.5 back, hendry said if the team is still in it they will be buyers, and IMO with ramirez back in the line-up, that will only help.

Even though we lost and left a ton of runners on base, look at the positives, we came back from down 5.

believe me, i am as upset about it as all of you because i have put my whole summer into this team.

by ARAM FOR MVP on Jun 22, 2007 11:58 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

So you've put one day into this team?

Your 2007 Chicago Cubs: Hey, at least we keep it interesting.

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 22, 2007 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ah, nothing like good 'ol solstice humor!

by eamuscatuli1881 on Jun 22, 2007 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL, I'm a stickler for solstice-related details

Your 2007 Chicago Cubs: Hey, at least we keep it interesting.

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 22, 2007 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Outstanding

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jun 22, 2007 2:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks!

Just wait 'til the autumnal equinox. I will go frickin' nuts.

Your 2007 Chicago Cubs: Hey, at least we keep it interesting.

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 22, 2007 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Already

with the teasers. We'll at least have that to look forward to in September.

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jun 22, 2007 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can't believe we are are back...

...we'll be holding our breath all afternoon.

by coral on Jun 22, 2007 11:58 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

i will belive the cubs will come back when

1.they learn simple minor league things.(such as pickles, not walking people, and base running errors.)
2.stop hitting into double plays. every possible bases loaded they either strike out or hit into a double play.
3.they finally start clutch hitting.
4.when they have a 10 game winning streak they don't have a 15 game losing streak.
5.they get rid of those uneeded players and adress the needed positons maybe trade murton and jones and inquire a good shortstop
6.Milwaukee go on a incredible losing streak and the rest of the teams stay pathetic.

im not saying its impossible to come back and win im just saying its unlikely especially the cubs

by ryan797 on Jun 22, 2007 12:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

pickles?

Your 2007 Chicago Cubs: Hey, at least we keep it interesting.

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 22, 2007 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fundamentals, bullpen, yadda yadda yadda.

The one major missing piece this year, is the home run. They're built to hit home runs and aren't. It's amazing how many fewer men are left on base when one swing of the bat plates everyone. Our two main HR hitters have been on the DL, and batting leadoff. If the Cubs (Lee and Floyd, particularly) start heating up and hitting some home runs, I think they can get back in the race. If they don't, well, here's hoping anyways... but it sure will be tough.

by eamuscatuli1881 on Jun 22, 2007 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

pickles

when a guy is running between two bases such as kenny lofton

by ryan797 on Jun 22, 2007 12:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

re: pickles

Ah, I see. I thought you might be inferring that the Cubs' lack of success this season could be due to overconsumption of Kosher dills.

Your 2007 Chicago Cubs: Hey, at least we keep it interesting.

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 22, 2007 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Never!

You can never consume too many kosher pickles!

Maybe the Cubs problems come from the fact that they aren't eating enough pickles. Ever think about that?

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

by Jesse Guam on Jun 22, 2007 2:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

re: Never!

I confess I had never considered such a notion. So you're saying the Cubs' woes with men in scoring position could be cured by a hearty diet of spears, gherkins and bread & butter chips? By God, I like the way you think, man.

Your 2007 Chicago Cubs: Hey, at least we keep it interesting.

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 22, 2007 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes

That's exactly what I'm saying.

Prove me wrong kids. Prove me wrong!

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

by Jesse Guam on Jun 22, 2007 2:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

On Zambrano Grown Up

He might be "growing up", but no way is he "grown up" yet. Zambrano's been this way for a long time, and it will take a long time before he finally controls his emotions. One comment from a four year old, no matter how it might have shaken him, won't be in the forefront of his mind the next time he doesn't get a call or gives up some hits.

Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Jun 22, 2007 12:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

re: On Zambrano Grown Up

Yeah, if Quade hadn't held him back, Z could have done some serious damage in the Lee v. Jones bout. And, as we all know, that was well after Z's fight with Barrett and his daughter's subsequent comment.

Your 2007 Chicago Cubs: Hey, at least we keep it interesting.

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 22, 2007 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

True

One doesn't grow up in a day.

Hopefully he did learn something though. He has seemed better in his last few starts. In the almost no hitter, the first hit was a total cheapie, but he didn't seem to lose anything after it. The HR wasn't a bad pitch at all. It's just that damn Branyan. I hate that guy.

by NO100 on Jun 22, 2007 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Barrett update:

This from ESPN (no link available...sorry AL)

Barrett made his Padres' debut and struck out three times, reports the San Diego Union Tribune. Barrett also gave up a passed ball and failed to corral a wild pitch on Alberto Castillo's third-strike swing against Heath Bell in the eighth, helping Baltimore to two runs.

Glad to see he's keeping the status quo.

Go Riverhawks!

by Neifi Puppy on Jun 22, 2007 12:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Boy oh boy

I really hope Barrett figures it out. He could still have a decent year. Hate to see it happen to anyone.

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

by Scott G F on Jun 22, 2007 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm wondering what, if any, adjustment period...

for the pitchers when a catcher is changed.

Jason Marquis seemed to really work well with Barrett. Lilly settled down after a while.

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

by Scott G F on Jun 22, 2007 12:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Lilly and Marquis pitched well...

IN APRIL. When the weather sucked.

Now that's its hot outside, Marquis is on his way to giving up his annual 30+ dingers.

1-RUN GAMES = 7-15 | EXTRA INNINGS = 1-6 | HOME = 15-20 | updated on 6/22

by SackMan on Jun 22, 2007 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

From my experience...

I've got quite a bit of pitching experience, and personally speaking, having a catcher that you "click" with means quite a bit.

Reflecting on it, having a catcher that you don't work well with is more of a nuisance than anything, and would likely effect pitchers that are younger since they have enough to think about already.

It would be easy to see how a guy like Zambrano might be distracted by a catcher that he doesn't work well with.

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

by jonpyardi on Jun 22, 2007 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maroth seems to be for player(s) to be named

Since Detroit has extra starting pitching but needs relievers which the Cardinals have, rumors are that it will be a reliever.

Considering the Cardinals are starting Todd Wellemyer right now, I think this could be a good pickup for them. He's also not a FA until after 2008 so they have him for next year too.

by rlpete on Jun 22, 2007 1:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Today's game

will be the only one I'll be able to see. I hope we can sweep the Sux but I'd be happy with 2 of 3.

GO CUBS!!!

Men who whine are so unattractive. This place is full of them.

by sue369 on Jun 22, 2007 1:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Bad news

Zambrano (as of this week) is now on my fantasy team (I traded for him). There goes his season. My apologies in advance.

Dan

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

by danimal15 on Jun 22, 2007 2:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

lineups

Soriano - LF
Fontenot - 2B
Lee - 1B
Rameriez - DH
DeRosa - 3B
Bowen - C
Pie - CF
Izworthless - SS

SUX
Erstad - CF
Iguchi - 2B
Thome - DH
Konerko - 1B
Pierzynski - C
Dye - RF
Makowiak - LF
Fields - 3B
Uribe - SS

Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic.

by seanlovescubs on Jun 22, 2007 2:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

oops

Forgot about Angel....

Soriano - LF
Fontenot - 2B
Lee - 1B
Rameriez - DH
DeRosa - 3B
Bowen - C
PAGAN - RF
Pie - CF
Izworthless - SS

Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic.

by seanlovescubs on Jun 22, 2007 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

too bad

Zambrano can't hit in this one.

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

by danimal15 on Jun 22, 2007 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lineup

The lineup is somewhat weak after Lee, Ramirez and Soriano. Having Izworthless, Pagan, Bowen and Fontenot in the same lineup doesn't exactly thrill me.

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

by danimal15 on Jun 22, 2007 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sucks to see

Iz in there. Oh well Theriot is on a slump, maybe tomorrow.

by GoCubbies34 on Jun 22, 2007 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

what are your alternatives?

Normally I'd prefer Theriot over Izturis.. but The Riot is just not hitting anything but lazy fly balls and DP's lately. Pagan vs. LHP is better than anything you'll get out of Floyd and Jones. At least Bowen isn't Koyie the Redeemer.

Also, is it just me or does anyone else notice that if a ball is thrown on the inner half of the plate in to Pie he ends up flat on his face? I think people are starting to get the book on him and it's PITCH INSIDE. I'd like to see him open that stance a bit more so he can get a better look at the pitch, get his hands inside quicker, and drive that pitch. D. Lee made that same adjustment in '05 and had a monster year. Pitchers used to pound him inside knowing he only got power with his arms etended.. he adjusted.. and suddently those balls were flying over the wall in left.

Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic.

by seanlovescubs on Jun 22, 2007 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

does anyone know the rule...

is it written down that in the AL the pitcher CANNOT bat? In all seriousness.. i would love to see Big Z batting instead of the Wizard of IZ. Cant Ceaser be the DF (designated fielder)? AL rules are so screwed anyways.. it seems within the realm of possibility.

Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic.

by seanlovescubs on Jun 22, 2007 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah....

...it seems like the pitcher should be able to bat if he wants to and the manager agrees.

Your 2007 Chicago Cubs: Hey, at least we keep it interesting.

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 22, 2007 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

College

I was watching a little bit of the college World Series, and caught a mention of a certain pitcher acting as his own designated hitter. Of course, I don't remember the team or the pitcher, so really, this example isn't all that helpful.

The only two reasons in this case that I would imagine the manager isn't using the designated hitter for a weak hitting infielder are that either a) you can only DH for the pitcher in college or 2) you want to leave the pitcher in at the DH even after you have to lift him for pitching reasons.

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

by Jesse Guam on Jun 22, 2007 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Use of the DH is optional

and you can use it for any player, not just the pitcher.

In the history of the DH, no one has ever voluntarily given it up at the start of the game. It often goes away because the DH has to take the field. But no one ever says "No, we just won't use a DH."

No one has ever DH'd for someone other than the pitcher either. If your SS is a worse hitter than your pitcher, then you need to find a different shortstop.

Billy Martin once used pitcher Rick Rhoden as his DH, but it was not on a day he pitched.

by Josh77 on Jun 22, 2007 3:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lineup

Switch Lee and Soriano. With his average, Lee should be leadoff.

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

by ronsanto10 on Jun 22, 2007 2:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn't mind...

seeing Lee knocked up to the 2 spot, with Ramirez taking over 3.

MARQUIS! YES, MARQUIS!

by thekansasian on Jun 22, 2007 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Momentum + recent record = nothing

I get tired of hearing/reading here and elsewhere, the Cubs should win this series b/c Texas (or whoever) is worst team in baseball, or conversely, trouble ahead, vs. Colo (been hot).

While true in general terms, even bad teams have good stretches and good teams bad spells...the Nationals looked like a minor league team when we swept them, then they got a couple guys back and went on a decent streak...the Mets staged that big rally and beat us 3 of 4 but in last 3 weeks they've been very beatable, haven't won a series in 6 or 7 attempts, etc., etc.

It all depends on the pitching matchups and which team gets the key hits/bullpen performing...I could see the Sox having a hot weekend or spurt now, or continuing to be hopeless.

There aren't many teams like the horrible Tigers of the Trammel year losing 100+ games or the Torre-led Yankees who won 100+.

That said, a Cub sweep at the Cell would be sweet...has the visiting team ever swept in one of these series??

by writerinwrigley on Jun 22, 2007 3:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Nope.

I read in the paper this morning there has not been a sweep for either team on the South Side.

by AndHart120 on Jun 22, 2007 3:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Let's GO

WIN 3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue."

by northofwrigley on Jun 22, 2007 3:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Sux on the field...

...Go Cubs!!!

Your 2007 Chicago Cubs: Hey, at least we keep it interesting.

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 22, 2007 3:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Alphonse

gets it started right!

And there's positivity raring it's ugly head again.

by TheRamZamDLEE on Jun 22, 2007 3:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Did you see

how the Fonz wanted to admre that one, but checked himself! Go Fonz! (wish there were some people on base!)

"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue."

by northofwrigley on Jun 22, 2007 3:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

There might have been if he was...

batting 5th where he should be in the first place.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 22, 2007 3:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

awwwwwwww yeah!!!!!!

I'll never get sick of those lead-off home runs.

Your 2007 Chicago Cubs: Hey, at least we keep it interesting.

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 22, 2007 3:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

A RAM!!!!!

"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue."

by northofwrigley on Jun 22, 2007 3:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Great to see the Ram back!

2-0 good guys!

And there's positivity raring it's ugly head again.

by TheRamZamDLEE on Jun 22, 2007 3:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Welcome back, ARam!!!

You don't have to hustle if you keep doing that.

Your 2007 Chicago Cubs: Hey, at least we keep it interesting.

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 22, 2007 3:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

We can't lose...

We cannot possible lose this game today!!

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

by ronsanto10 on Jun 22, 2007 3:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I know you've been a Cub fan...

long enough to know how ridiculous that statement is.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 22, 2007 3:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yes

"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue."

by northofwrigley on Jun 22, 2007 3:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

1st Inning

Big Z needs to roll through the 1st here. Let's see a 1-2-3!

Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic.

by seanlovescubs on Jun 22, 2007 3:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

HAHA

Erstad pulled before his 1st AB.

Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic.

by seanlovescubs on Jun 22, 2007 3:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Erstat's out!

Nice catch, dude. See ya in another 15 days!

Your 2007 Chicago Cubs: Hey, at least we keep it interesting.

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 22, 2007 3:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Erstad Hurt?

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

by Galvan316 on Jun 22, 2007 3:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

This can only mean good things for us.

Not that I want to see anyone hurt.

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

by BlueW on Jun 22, 2007 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yup, must've aggravated the knee

Your 2007 Chicago Cubs: Hey, at least we keep it interesting.

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 22, 2007 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mr. Perky

and Bob were talking about Erstad's ankle

by BlueSox on Jun 22, 2007 3:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You call it Mr. Perky?

weird!

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

by BlueW on Jun 22, 2007 3:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"It"

has many, many names.

by BlueSox on Jun 22, 2007 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

lol

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

by BlueW on Jun 22, 2007 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If the Sox need a good centerfielder...

we could trade JJ to them. He never gets hurts, except for his feelings.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 22, 2007 3:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes

Shocker, I know. Cal Ripken's centerfielder twin is hurt.

by Josh77 on Jun 22, 2007 3:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ken Williams

Is it just me or does Ken Williams look like the long lost elder brother of Ken Griffey Jr.

by cubsnlinux on Jun 22, 2007 3:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

You nailed

that one, good call.

And there's positivity raring it's ugly head again.

by TheRamZamDLEE on Jun 22, 2007 3:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gameday

either Gameday is way off on pitch location or Ed Rapuano ran out of contacts.

Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic.

by seanlovescubs on Jun 22, 2007 3:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Z!!! Ks the side!!!

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

by BlueW on Jun 22, 2007 3:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

His breaking balls

are, like, breaking. A lot.

by BlueSox on Jun 22, 2007 3:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Z Struck Out the Side......

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

by Galvan316 on Jun 22, 2007 3:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

daaaaaaammmn

Big Z mows them down.

Your 2007 Chicago Cubs: Hey, at least we keep it interesting.

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 22, 2007 3:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

K-K-K

That's what I'm talkin' about!

Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic.

by seanlovescubs on Jun 22, 2007 3:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Ummm

What? Can you rephrase that?

by NO100 on Jun 22, 2007 3:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

uh yeah...maybe try again on that one

Your 2007 Chicago Cubs: Hey, at least we keep it interesting.

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 22, 2007 3:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

oops.

that does look a bit suspicious.. got a bit excited there. since he just struck out konerko....

K-K-K-K-(and counting)

Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic.

by seanlovescubs on Jun 22, 2007 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Z k's the side

in dominating fashion!

And there's positivity raring it's ugly head again.

by TheRamZamDLEE on Jun 22, 2007 3:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Ken Williams is a sharp lookin dude

Certainly the Sox have the better lookin GM for what that's worth!!
Z strikes out side 2-0.
Sure hope Sori doesn't spend entire Cub career leading off that power is goin to waste...what are our options lookin down road tho? E-Patt anyone?? does he lead off in minors? or is he another Korey-wanna be HR hitter type? Have heard he shows a bit more patience at plate, for what that's worth!!
Go Cubs Sox offense really in dumpster if you score 3 runs or more good chance to beat 'em.

by writerinwrigley on Jun 22, 2007 3:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Ted Greenstein's story in today's Trib

Comparing or rating announcers was interesting but trying to be objective, I'd differ quite a bit:

Hughes does bail out Santo, and there's a certain charm to Santo's being so OUT OF IT he doesn't know squat about what's going on...but I'd downgrade because of Ronnie's poor analysis...I love the guy also but he just doesn't give it any effort/homework, not sure if he ever did or is just slipping.

Sox TV announcers aren't as good as he says and radio side not as bad, perhaps, altho they need a professional play by play type.

I also think he's a little too complimentary of Kasper & Brenley on Cubs TV.

Of course I'm spoilt growing up on Vince & Lou, Harry and Piersall, later Harry & Stoney.

the Sox overall have a pretty bad group of announcers, should NOT have let John Rooney go.

by writerinwrigley on Jun 22, 2007 3:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Frikin' Barrett...

Weak flyball out to leadoff the inning. Why do we have this idiot on our tea.....

What?

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 22, 2007 3:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Is that a new tat

on Hank White's arm?

And there's positivity raring it's ugly head again.

by TheRamZamDLEE on Jun 22, 2007 3:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I haven't seen it before.

But that doesn't mean much.

by BlueSox on Jun 22, 2007 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

probably...he's got nothin' else to do!

Your 2007 Chicago Cubs: Hey, at least we keep it interesting.

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 22, 2007 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Keep it up Z!

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

by BlueW on Jun 22, 2007 3:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

He gone!

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 22, 2007 3:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Rats

I was hoping Z would strike out about 27 batters in a row.

by BlueSox on Jun 22, 2007 3:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Z

Z prolly thought he is not going to trust the infield in this game, so he is striking everyone out!!

4 K's to start the game

by cubsnlinux on Jun 22, 2007 3:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Z

6 sux up 6 sux down

by cubsnlinux on Jun 22, 2007 3:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Z

is in his happy place.

by BlueSox on Jun 22, 2007 3:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Another

nice inning by Z.

Men who whine are so unattractive. This place is full of them.

by sue369 on Jun 22, 2007 3:56 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

what happened?

did the whole board disappear for anyone else?

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 22, 2007 4:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

It was just gone!

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

by BlueW on Jun 22, 2007 4:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Must have been Global Warming.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 22, 2007 4:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah

acting screwy for me as well

by bennyha on Jun 22, 2007 4:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

what happened?

Yep, the site went down for a while there. Seems better now.

Your 2007 Chicago Cubs: Hey, at least we keep it interesting.

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 22, 2007 4:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes

some kind of server burp, I presume.

Tinker to Evers to Chance.

by Matt Allison on Jun 22, 2007 4:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yes...

... there were server problems all around the SB Nation yesterday. Fixed now.

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

by Al on Jun 23, 2007 5:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hate A.J.

"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue."

by northofwrigley on Jun 22, 2007 4:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

That hate is well placed.

IMO

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

by BlueW on Jun 22, 2007 4:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Way to get out of that

inning Big Z!!!!

"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue."

by northofwrigley on Jun 22, 2007 4:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Barrett woulda lost that one

end then threw it away

Los Cachorros!

by Laven on Jun 22, 2007 4:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Great Googley-Moogley!

King Z looks good today, I gotta get out of the office & actualy go watch this!

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

by BlueW on Jun 22, 2007 4:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Awesome Maggie & the Beast reference!

Your 2007 Chicago Cubs: Hey, at least we keep it interesting.

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 22, 2007 4:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gameday

had that pitch to strike out Konerko as right on the border.

Gameday has been claiming the HP umpire is calling some outside pitches strikes. But not that one as it just caught the edge.

by Josh77 on Jun 22, 2007 4:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Pie

Pie is looking real bad on those breaking balls

by cubsnlinux on Jun 22, 2007 4:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

LOL...Jones looks real relaxed in the dugout.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 22, 2007 4:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Izturis

Perhaps it's already been said and forgive me if this is a repost of an earlier topic. But with Izturis playing short today (and so far being 0 for 2) at US Cellular and the DH in effect, wouldn't it make more sense (and I am actually serious here) to DH for Izturis rather than Zambrano?

by RynoHoF on Jun 22, 2007 4:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

didn't think of that

That's a good idea

by vegascubsfan on Jun 22, 2007 4:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

For the last time.

The American League DH rule only allows a batter to bat for the PITCHERS spot in the lineup.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 22, 2007 4:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I didn't realize that

I guess I've been coaching HS baseball too long.

by RynoHoF on Jun 22, 2007 4:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Do you teach your HS players...

the importance and skill of bunting a runner over? Maybe you can give some of these Cubs a refreshers course.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 22, 2007 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Since you are serious...

MLB Rule: The designated hitter cannot be used for any other player but the pitcher

by cubsnlinux on Jun 22, 2007 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If Lou doesn't think

Izturis is a better hitter than Zambrano, he needs to cut Izturis.

For all his power, Zambrano's OBP this season is .273. Little Cesar's is .305.

by Josh77 on Jun 22, 2007 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pitch count

He's mowing them down, but he's going to have 80 pitches or more in just 5 innings.

This is why I despise pitch counts. Here's a guy, mowing down the opposition, with a chance (thin, of course) of getting to 19 or even 20 Ks, but everyone's going to start hemming and hawing soon about his pitch count getting to high, and then we'll probably see him removed. It takes the fun away.

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

by danimal15 on Jun 22, 2007 4:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I didn't see the beginning

Did Soriano admire his homerun?

by vegascubsfan on Jun 22, 2007 4:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Nevermind.

I read the previous comments

by vegascubsfan on Jun 22, 2007 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not really...

looked at it for a second, then turned and went around the bases. It was clear he knew it was gone, though.

by SouthernCub on Jun 22, 2007 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Crap

I missed Ramirez getting hit by pitch too... I gotta stop working so much and pay more attention to the game.

by vegascubsfan on Jun 22, 2007 4:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Didn't miss much...

breaking ball that grazed his shin on a 1-2 count.

by SouthernCub on Jun 22, 2007 4:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

DLEE...where's the beef buddy?

That would have been out last year, eat more steak.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 22, 2007 4:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Big Z, I worship thee

Um, how 'bout some offense now?

Your 2007 Chicago Cubs: Hey, at least we keep it interesting.

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 22, 2007 4:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

OK

I was working.

11 Ks for Big Z. I like it.

phat

by phatass on Jun 22, 2007 4:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Everything @ the knees...

is a strike today boys.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 22, 2007 4:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

This is the $100 M man today, Big Z

He's pitched great the last few outings ever since the blow-up with Barrett, eh?? Must be a coincidence, no?

This is the pitcher that the Cubs and other teams might throw $75 and upward at in the off-season...dominating...of course, it IS the White sox, worst hitting team in AL.

But good to see him turning it around...if only their FA signings Lilly and Marquis were pitching like they started out...along with R. Hill!!

by writerinwrigley on Jun 22, 2007 4:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I hate these 3:05 starts

Why? Because I have to leave work now and probably won't hear the end of the game. I'll think positively on the train ride home.

Your 2007 Chicago Cubs: Hey, at least we keep it interesting.

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 22, 2007 4:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Just put in some "overtime"...

and score points with the boss.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 22, 2007 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mis...

take.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 22, 2007 4:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Ouch

Konerko

by vegascubsfan on Jun 22, 2007 4:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Relax Z

by vegascubsfan on Jun 22, 2007 4:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

DOUBLE PLAY

Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic.

by seanlovescubs on Jun 22, 2007 4:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Think he can go two more?

I guess you get Dempster ready just in case, but Zambrano looks like he can finish this himself.

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

by danimal15 on Jun 22, 2007 4:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

maybe

If doesn't throw too many next inning

by vegascubsfan on Jun 22, 2007 4:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pie isn't going to see another fastball....

thrown for a strike again this year if he doesn't STOP CHASING THE BREAKING JUNK.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 22, 2007 4:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

He's horrible against Lefties

He's been plain horrible in the box overall lately.

"Turn off's: Long walks in the park. Turn on's: Vagisil commercials." Peter Griffin

by pies20ready on Jun 22, 2007 5:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

For someone as fast as Pie is

He doesn't get down the line like he should.

That should've been in infield hit for someone with his "blazing" speed. Especially for a Lefty. Reyes is on 2nd by now if that was him.

"Turn off's: Long walks in the park. Turn on's: Vagisil commercials." Peter Griffin

by pies20ready on Jun 22, 2007 4:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

man.

6 thru 9 in the order.... a collective 0-12. yikes.

Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic.

by seanlovescubs on Jun 22, 2007 5:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

it's worse than that

5 through 9 are a collective 0-for-15. No reason to let DeRosa off the hook.

by ClosingTime on Jun 22, 2007 5:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

DeRosa

I remember Bob mentioning that DeRosa depends on the Rhythm a lot. I think DeRosa minus that Rhythm looks plain lazy at the plate. Misses the fast ball by a mile.

by cubsnlinux on Jun 22, 2007 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Verizon's 'Test Drive the Network' ads are really dumb

by cubsnlinux on Jun 22, 2007 5:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

ok

can w resign Z already!!!!

by tbizzle83 on Jun 22, 2007 5:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Ask the "new" owners...

whoever they are.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 22, 2007 5:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

grrr

i hate that answer. we are going to lose him i know it

by tbizzle83 on Jun 22, 2007 5:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

K's

Anyone know Z's career high strikeouts per game? I can't find it anywhere, I know today he's at his season high.

by gp1966 on Jun 22, 2007 5:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

12 is his career high.

"Turn off's: Long walks in the park. Turn on's: Vagisil commercials." Peter Griffin

by pies20ready on Jun 22, 2007 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Anyone know..

if dempster is warming up? I get nauseous thinking about him facing Thome..

Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic.

by seanlovescubs on Jun 22, 2007 5:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

id say

leave z in. if not, throw marmol

by tbizzle83 on Jun 22, 2007 5:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

RAMBO!!!!!!

Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic.

by seanlovescubs on Jun 22, 2007 5:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

nice aram

grab some insurance

by vegascubsfan on Jun 22, 2007 5:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I Love

the Ram, missed you buddy!

And there's positivity raring it's ugly head again.

by TheRamZamDLEE on Jun 22, 2007 5:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Ramirez

Oh how we have missed thee.

by Kornchex on Jun 22, 2007 5:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

welcome back my favorite !!

why cant i post a pic???

by tbizzle83 on Jun 22, 2007 5:20 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

oops

it should say cub at the end...mybad

by tbizzle83 on Jun 22, 2007 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

DeRo

takes one off the chin, ouch.

And there's positivity raring it's ugly head again.

by TheRamZamDLEE on Jun 22, 2007 5:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Tack-on runs

...a fave of Santo's and Pinella's but a team weakness surely...

Up to this horrible bottom of order now and our new C who can switch-hit at least that's pretty rare among catchers...makes him the ideal backup!!

Ozzie will be unhappy if they lose again good!! I hope the little turd just explodes.

by writerinwrigley on Jun 22, 2007 5:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

So we have runners on 2nd and 3rd..

with only 1 out. Wonder if we can score a run here. History says no.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 22, 2007 5:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Nope...

can only score 2.

by SouthernCub on Jun 22, 2007 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

somebody tell history that he's wrong.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 22, 2007 5:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

How sweet would it be

To see the Cubs sweep the Sox and have Ozzie have a massive meltdown in the media?

by Kornchex on Jun 22, 2007 5:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Our new catcher took a walk?

To load the bases.

So let's see...

Bowen 1 for 3 , 1 rbi and 2 walks , no errors.

Barrett 0-4 , 3 Ks and a passed ball (his 9th)

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 22, 2007 5:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

FELIX!!!

Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic.

by seanlovescubs on Jun 22, 2007 5:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Dempster is in?

You. Have. Got. To. Be. Kidding. Me.

Why can't we let Z finish this one?
Oh...yeah, the pitch count. The magic thing that kept our two studs Wrior and Pood healthy.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 22, 2007 5:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Correction...

the magic thing that was ignored that would have kept our studs healthy.

by SouthernCub on Jun 22, 2007 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Besides...

who cares if Z gets the complete game? As long as we get the win, that's all I care.

by SouthernCub on Jun 22, 2007 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That 3rd strike was a gift.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 22, 2007 5:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

wow

that was so totally a ball. Dempster is off today; thank god we got those insurance runs.

Tinker to Evers to Chance.

by Matt Allison on Jun 22, 2007 5:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Cubs win! Cubs win!!

by GoCubbies34 on Jun 22, 2007 5:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Always great to beat the Sox

Go Cubs!

by vegascubsfan on Jun 22, 2007 5:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

So as long as our starters dominate...

we should be just fine.(Somebody tell Rich and Sean) Good win today boys.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 22, 2007 5:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Part Pooper here

The cubs have done this twice recently, i.e. won the first game and dropped the next two. SD and Texas. Let's hope they take the next two as well.

by CubFaninNY on Jun 22, 2007 5:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Part=<b>Party</b>

sorry.

by CubFaninNY on Jun 22, 2007 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No....

You had it right the first time.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 22, 2007 5:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Two out three would be fine...

I'll take 2 of 3 everytime.

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

by ronsanto10 on Jun 22, 2007 6:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why can't they play like that everyday?

Pagan has to play more.

"Turn off's: Long walks in the park. Turn on's: Vagisil commercials." Peter Griffin

by pies20ready on Jun 22, 2007 5:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

oh when

we win the whole forum is happy and optimistic, but when we lose, youd think we were 20 games under...

by ARAM FOR MVP on Jun 22, 2007 7:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

the nature

of any cub fan. i try to have a positive outlook for the most part, but the ways your 2007 cubs are truly mindboggling. hopefully we wont have to deal with that frustration for the rest of the weekend.

it sure is fun as hell to watch zambrano when hes on.

DON'T TRADE PIE!

by kylejo on Jun 22, 2007 7:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs