Open Thread: Cubs vs. Reds, Tuesday 8/14, 7:05 CT

by Al on Aug 14, 2007 8:44 AM CDT in Game Threads

I was going to do a separate headline post this morning and then put the game thread up this afternoon, but doesn't it seem like forever since the Cubs played a game?

That being the case, here's the game thread, which will have to last you all day and evening, and a few samples of this morning's headlines:

The Cubs have lost their swagger, Mike Downey says. His solution:

A report that Scott Podsednik might cross enemy lines from South to North Side was a tantalizing one, given that the last thing the Cubs would seem to need is another player with a history of injuries. Yet there is a gap to fill with Soriano sidelined, so Podsednik could be an experienced temp at a fair price.

Guess Downey didn't read the papers over the weekend. That deal was declared dead two days ago, and good riddance, too.

Meanwhile, Bruce Miles writes about Lou Piniella's learning curve and why it took two months for a talented team to get going:

As much as it took Piniella time to figure out what he had, the players had to adjust to a new manager. Gone was the laid-back, coddling style of Dusty Baker. In was the blunt and brutally honest approach of Piniella.

The clubhouse over the first two months of the season was a place filled with uncertainty, as players wondered whether they’d be playing or worrying they’d be on the boss’ bad side.

Once they figured that out -- and personnel changes were made -- two months of good ball followed. Ryan Dempster knows why:

Roles and lineups seemed to change daily in the first half. Dempster admits there might have been a method to Piniella’s madness.

"Keeps you motivated," he said.

Exactly.

Carol Slezak reminds us how many things have gone wrong this year:

Remember when Alfonso Soriano was a bust? And Carlos Zambrano was horrible? And Michael Barrett was behind the plate, and no one wanted to pitch to him? And Piniella seemed more confused by the day? A lot has changed since then.

Remember when Wood was on the disabled list? And Cesar Izturis was the shortstop? And Carlos Marmol was in Iowa? And Ryan Theriot was a backup? And Jacque Jones was on the trading block? Despite their recent slide, the Cubs are far better today than they were in April and May. They have played fabulously well in stretches. And if they were to get hot at the right time -- say, in October? -- talk about good fortune.

Onward to tonight's matchup...

Today's Starting Pitchers


C. Zambrano Cubs	vs.	A. Harang Reds


14-8	W-L	11-3
3.69	ERA	3.37
139	SO	146
75	BB	41
20	HR	13
vs. Cin	--	vs. Cubs

... which is a rematch of a rematch. Unusual in modern baseball with five-man rotations and starters swinging back and forth between minors and majors, this will be the third matchup between Z and Harang this season. Harang won 5-1 on Opening Day in Cincinnati; eleven days later Z homered off Harang, but the Reds hit Z hard and beat him 6-5 when Z couldn't hold a 5-0 lead; also, on July 28 in Cincinnati, Harang left the game early with back problems, and the Cubs pounded five Reds relievers and won 8-1, in a game started by Sean Marshall.

Lifetime, Harang is 6-2, but with a 4.42 ERA, in 12 starts vs. the Cubs; Z is 9-7, 3.20 in 24 games (20 starts) vs. the Reds. Adam Dunn has hit Z hard (6 HR in 45 AB); Derrek Lee, who we'd like to see get going already, is 11-for-29 (.379/.438/.759, two doubles, 3 HR) against Harang. Matt Murton has also hit 2 HR off Harang in 13 career AB.

Finally, if you haven't yet voted in the new front-page poll, the "Where are you?" poll, please do. I'd like to know where BCB readers live!

Tonight's game is cable-only, also on Extra Innings; here is today's Mediacenter link.

MLB.com Gameday (2007 version)

MLB.com Gameday (2006 version)

MLB.com Gameday for the Brewers/Cardinals game

And even though they profess to not liking Cubs fans very much, check out our SB Nation colleagues at Red Reporter.

Discuss amongst yourselves.

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Comments

Does seem way too long since the Cubs played...

But I really, really hope they are rested up and ready to go. It's time for the team to take off and be more definative. Let's go Cubs !!!!

by coral on Aug 14, 2007 8:51 AM CDT 0 recs

Bruce Miles wrote a great piece this morning

He really summed up the year so far and brought to light the culture change (I believe for the positive) that the Cubs and their system has made this year.

I was never a Dusty basher, but like what's been said before, I think he managed egos well but wasn't as equipped at rebuilding or managing past the weaknesses.

The Cubs have been broken for a while and it has been refreshing to see how this team has been rebuilt not just with trades and acquisitions, but with coaching and management.

BTW, Go CUB! Beat the Reds and make some hay during this homestand.

'07 Postseason: Bears, Bulls... Cubs?

by stelmodad on Aug 14, 2007 8:53 AM CDT 0 recs

Yeah, first comment..

I like that article by Carol, I think she hit the nail right on the head there. It seems likes it has been a week since the last game. Does anyone else go through baseball withdrawl or is it just me? Ugh, over 10 hours 'til first pitch. I hope this day goes by quick!

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 Aug 14, 2007 8:54 AM CDT 0 recs

Yes!

It freaking kills me. I spent hours last night going to the computer and checking on my 3 active fantasy players every few minutes.

They should televise the Iowa Cubs games on days when the big leaguers are off. I would love that.

Soriano's Contract: Approximately one dollar for every pitch in the dirt that he swings at.

by Ryno8 on Aug 14, 2007 11:46 AM CDT up 0 recs

Cub Withdrawal

I agree about the cub withdrawal. Amazing when a team is in the playoff hunt how you actually want to watch them play.

by shawonfan on Aug 14, 2007 5:11 PM CDT up 0 recs

unfortunately

When the Cubs are good, we don't get to watch them, because all the games end up on cable.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-13-07

by gary varsho on Aug 14, 2007 5:44 PM CDT up 0 recs

Mmmmmm........

Where is the "Where are you ?" poll ?

by coral on Aug 14, 2007 8:54 AM CDT 0 recs

On the right sidebar.

n/t

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

by Al on Aug 14, 2007 8:57 AM CDT up 0 recs

I'd vote, but...

there's no entry for the Caribbean (Puerto Rico, Atlantic standard time zone). What option should I vote for, Al?

BTW, I saw the photos in your old site about your trip to San Juan, PR, to watch the Cubs play in our small ballpark. I'm glad you enjoyed it as much or more than I did. I remember at the time the Cubs were a long shot to win the division. Three weeks later it happened and the turnaround began more or less about the time the Cubs played the Expos in San Juan. Maybe the same will happen again, starting tonight against the Reds. I just hope that the storm forecasted to pass nearby this weekend [ http://www.accuweather.com/news-top-headline.asp?partner=accuweather&traveler=0"target=_blank" ]doesn't leave me without cable for long as in 1989, when I couldn't see the Cubs win the division. [ http://www.geocities.com/hurricanene/hurricanehugo.htm"target=_blank" ]

by Fraggin Judge on Aug 14, 2007 9:27 AM CDT up 0 recs

Al: shouldn't you assume

that in true Chicago tradition that the Chicagoans will "vote early and vote often." Do you need to bias down the Chicago area vote? Maybe that's just my '60s influence coming through. ;-)

Though I live in LA now, I love having BCB to keep me connected to the Cubs! Keep up the great work!!

Prince Fielder...he is neither.

by LAcarl519 on Aug 14, 2007 1:35 PM CDT up 0 recs

If what you say is true, then I'm certain Al

has thought this through and gerrymandered the voting lines to make certain as many votes fall in the category Al, as board president, already deemed the winner. In addition, he may have encouraged some of his people to get out and knock on doors and encourage votes into his "selected" category. And by "encourage," I mean having your garbage collection stopped or something just as subtle. As Sean Connery says, "That's the Chicago Way."

by N Oakley on Aug 14, 2007 4:05 PM CDT up 0 recs

California

Only 18 of 395 in the Pacific Time Zone? Really? I guess I got West Coast bias, but I would have guessed at least twice as many as that. Maybe it is volume of posts I am noticing instead of number of posters :)

By the way, I would be really interested to know which specific countries the various international posters are from. And how they became Cubs fans. Anyone wanna volunteer?

by californiachicagoan on Aug 14, 2007 11:40 AM CDT up 0 recs

I currently live in the states, and am only 21

but growing up 91-95(when i became a Cubs Fan) I lived in South Korea and the only english channel at the time was afkn, (run by the military base) and the only games I really got to see were wednesday night or Thursday morning baseball, it got me interested so i started to collect Baseball cards got a Mark Grace and Ryne Sandberg in one pack, before i knew it started liking the Cubs and it took me three years when I watched my first televised broadcast in the states to find out about the history but for some reason wasnt phased. There's my life story sorry for typing so much.

by INWes44 on Aug 14, 2007 12:10 PM CDT up 0 recs

It's my fault

and my big mouth.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Aug 14, 2007 2:02 PM CDT up 0 recs

Hopefully the team...

got some rest after playing what, 20 days in a row? I see Z getting win #15 and the Cubs starting a new hot streak...gotta be optimistic.

You are freaking out man!

by crw89 on Aug 14, 2007 8:55 AM CDT 0 recs

I hope the day

of rest helps the team come back energized tonight. Z needs to have a winning frame of mind tonight.

GO CUBS!!!

I love this team!!!!!

by sue369 on Aug 14, 2007 9:01 AM CDT 0 recs

Thanks.........

for pointing out the obvious. ;)

RIP kerrysotherwife!!!!

by timeforachange on Aug 14, 2007 9:04 AM CDT up 0 recs

What is your problem?

I love this team!!!!!

by sue369 on Aug 14, 2007 9:32 AM CDT up 0 recs

Did..........

you notice the ;)?

RIP kerrysotherwife!!!!

by timeforachange on Aug 14, 2007 9:35 AM CDT up 0 recs

Whatever

I love this team!!!!!

by sue369 on Aug 14, 2007 11:54 AM CDT up 0 recs

Go Cubs!!!!!

;)

RIP kerrysotherwife!!!!

by timeforachange on Aug 14, 2007 12:00 PM CDT up 0 recs

Al,

in retrospect, do you believe that Uncle Lou should have replaced Dusty mid season last year? My arguement last year was that it would take at least a half season to change attitude and weed out the crap.

RIP kerrysotherwife!!!!

by timeforachange on Aug 14, 2007 9:03 AM CDT 0 recs

No....

... because the team had to be rebuilt anyway, and I think Lou had considerable input into what players were acquired.

He wouldn't have been able to do anything with last year's conglomeration and all that would have accomplished is associating him with all the negatives surrounding last year's team.

Let's move on. Last year's done.

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

by Al on Aug 14, 2007 9:08 AM CDT up 0 recs

IMHO.....

it was about attitude and expectations earlier this season. I think if he was brought in last season, the change may have occured earlier.

Anyway, I hope to see you tonight.

RIP kerrysotherwife!!!!

by timeforachange on Aug 14, 2007 9:22 AM CDT up 0 recs

Hope to see you tonight too.

My point was, the personnel needed to change so dramatically (and it did) that any such attitude changes would have had to be RE-introduced at the beginning of this year.

Half a season of Lou last year would have been irrelevant to what's going on now. I think I see your point -- i.e. that they could have hit the ground running this year -- but since so many new faces would have been here anyway, it wouldn't have mattered.

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

by Al on Aug 14, 2007 9:29 AM CDT up 0 recs

"but since so many new faces ......"

I agree with you. Hiring Lou in the middle of last season wouldn't have eliminated the learning and adjusting process at the beginning of this season.

by cubsnlinux on Aug 14, 2007 10:01 AM CDT up 0 recs

Is

ARam playing today?

PC load letter, what the f*** does that mean?

by cubfaninSTL on Aug 14, 2007 9:38 AM CDT 0 recs

We don't know yet.

But all indications were that he was going to sit out the weekend so that he would be ready today.

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

by Al on Aug 14, 2007 9:42 AM CDT up 0 recs

pigs up? gallagher down?

Daily Southtown says sources are saying that Pignatiello is up and Gallagher is down. It would mean there would need to be a 40 man roster move.

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

by jonpyardi on Aug 14, 2007 9:51 AM CDT 0 recs

I'm guessing...

... Henry Blanco to the 60-day DL.

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

by Al on Aug 14, 2007 10:10 AM CDT up 0 recs

60 day dl

I've read somewhere that Bruce Miles thinks he is already on the 60 day DL, but of course Cubs.com says differently.

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

by jonpyardi on Aug 14, 2007 10:18 AM CDT up 0 recs

Is there a limit...

... to the number of players a team can have on the 60-day DL?

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

by Al on Aug 14, 2007 10:31 AM CDT up 0 recs

Hypothetically they all...

...have to be injured.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Aug 14, 2007 10:32 AM CDT up 0 recs

LOL

But seriously, is there?

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

by Al on Aug 14, 2007 10:40 AM CDT up 0 recs

I'm pretty certain those limits...

...went out the window in the late 80's.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Aug 14, 2007 10:46 AM CDT up 0 recs

Don't quote me but...

I believe the limits were gotten rid of by 1990 when they went with only two types of DL (15 & 60 day DL). Also, there's no maximum number of players that can be DL (on the 60 day list) so long as the 40 man roster is full.

I remember there use to be all kinds of special DL time lengths and roster restrictions (e.g. 15-day, 21, 30).

by cubby23 on Aug 14, 2007 6:03 PM CDT up 0 recs

Ok, while I'm thrilled that Hendry...

...is finally listening to me, I really wish he would have consulted my entire body of work before he did this. Ah, well, my next sig is going to have to be more specific as to what roster moves I want.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Aug 14, 2007 10:15 AM CDT up 0 recs

change your signature....

to sign Z Now

every time Ohman gets a hold...an angel gets it's wings

by jds2 on Aug 14, 2007 12:12 PM CDT up 0 recs

I had a bad feeling about that road trip

Before the Cubs even got on the plane I didn't expect the Cubs to do well for some reason. Call it the lull before the storm, but I am guessing the fireworks will begin this week for the division lead.

I hope that the Cubs take care of themselves this home stand and not worry about the Brewers. The Cubs and the Brewers don't need to let the Reds or Cards join the party. The Cubs need to get the lead and kill the Cards this week. It could happen.

I'm looking for the younger guys to contribute big on this home stand. Pie, Theriot, Fontenot and Murton along with our starters giving quality starts. I look for Lee to find his grove again and Am Ram to contribute where he can. I can see Jones continuing his hot streak as well.

Here's to hoping the Cubs catch the bounce again and start streaking toward the finish line!

Just begin this streak by winning today.

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

by Scott G F on Aug 14, 2007 9:57 AM CDT 0 recs

Maybe you didn't expect them to do well on the

road because they had just finished a lackluster 3-4 homestand? And I'm not thrilled about playing the Reds right now either. I wish the Cubs could take a week off to let ARam heal and DLee rest. Let's hope the latter can at least get his singles and doubles stroke back.

by TR on Aug 14, 2007 11:07 AM CDT up 0 recs

The Cubs DID take a week off

In fact... they took two weeks off.

1-RUN GAMES = 15-18 | EXTRA INNINGS = 1-7 | HOME = 30-28 | updated on 8/7

by SackMan on Aug 14, 2007 11:29 AM CDT up 0 recs

Feelin' confident

Coming home. First day off in a long time. Top of the rotation. Ward available. Aramis coming back. Kendall/Jones/Murton showing life. Ten straight games against under .500 teams, the last three of which I intend to see in person. Scheduled to face 7 righties and 3 lefties. Lotsa good reasons to be feelin' confident.

Yeah there are concerns. My main one being having Dempster and Wood get on track. I want and expect Howry closing until Ryan shows he can get it done in the 7th/8th.

Assuming Aramis is starting, I still want DeRosa in the lineup. Theriot has to keep leading off (unless you want to play a hot Kendall there, but I am guessing we are getting Z's personal caddy, Hill), and you probably want Fontenot in against righties, so put Mark in right. Jones/Murton are the hot hands, so bench Pie today. One of the main reasons they played him in Colorado was for his speed/defense in he huge outfields of Coors, but Jones can cover enough ground in the "friendly confines". Hopefully we get in a situation to let Ward get back in the swing of things.

Harang is their ace, so this'll be a tough one, but I am feelin' confident.

by californiachicagoan on Aug 14, 2007 12:04 PM CDT up 0 recs

If Cliffy goes on the breavement list

Does that make room on the 25 man roster for a call up?

by El Borto on Aug 14, 2007 10:07 AM CDT 0 recs

He already is on the list.

And Daryle Ward was activated from the DL to replace him.

When Floyd returns I imagine Eric Patterson will be sent back to Iowa.

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

by Al on Aug 14, 2007 10:09 AM CDT up 0 recs

Wrigley Field Logistics Question...

I have 4 tickets (in my name & credit card) for tonight's game to be pickup at will call. I can't make the game. Is it possible to have a friend pick up the tickets and use them?

I know you need the credit card and a picture id to get the tickets from will call. Is there a way to arrange it so someone else can pick them up? If I give the credit card to my friend, can he pick them up if he is not me, but has my credit card?

Any help would be appreciated!

by jjo31420 on Aug 14, 2007 11:05 AM CDT 0 recs

You should call the ticket office and

see if you can arrange to have the tickets put under your friend's credit card. Sometimes the Cub ticket office is very helpful. Sometimes it's like dealing with an office in a Kafka short story.

by TR on Aug 14, 2007 11:10 AM CDT up 0 recs

Definately possible

My friend in AZ got me half my supply of bleacher tickets
Call now. Your friend may need the confirmation # and your
CC info. They are probably just swamped but they are generally
very helpful.

"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 Aug 14, 2007 12:41 PM CDT up 0 recs

Soriano

Any news on how he is doing? When he will come back?

I'd love a nice easy win tonight....but I'll take a nail-biting one too.

Ryne Sandberg Game, June 23, 1984, he was 5 for 6, 7 RBI's

by mweil on Aug 14, 2007 12:18 PM CDT 0 recs

around labor day

according to lou, according to him hell come back sooner than that . . .

by CZ38 on Aug 14, 2007 12:27 PM CDT up 0 recs

First of all....

This is my first post here... and I am a Brewers fan. I know none of you like to hear that. Let me first say that I am not here to start anything at all. I have alot of friends who are cubs fans. Although I am not a cubs fan, I am a baseball fan. And to tell the truth, if the Brewers had no chance at winning the division, I would want the cubs to win it. Now that we are in such a tight race, I have to cheer against the cubs. I am sure you do the same with the Brewers. Anyway, do you all realize that if the cards have a good week this week, they could be right back towards the top....and I hate the cards, so lets not let that happen. I would not care if the Brewers were tied with the cubs at the end of this week....as long as we both beat the cards!! I don't know about you guys, but having this tight race with the cubs/brewers is soo much fun to watch. I am 23 years old, and my whole life I have not seen a winning baseball team from Milwaukee. Most of the time by this time of year I am looking forward to the packers and the badgers. This is nice for a change. anyway, good luck the rest of the way! Should be an exciting last two months! peace

by Bigdogg2002 on Aug 14, 2007 12:28 PM CDT 0 recs

i agree

those pesky cards are coming up from behind, and the way the cubs and brew crew have been playing, it makes me realll nervous. a team that was considered fully out of conention a few weeks ago now has a shot...ah, the drama of the nl central.

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs" - Alvin Dark

by holycow07 on Aug 14, 2007 12:38 PM CDT up 0 recs

Welcome...

We like baseball fans and appreciate your thoughts. Most of us also hate the Cards and used to like the Brewers when they were in the American League. However, I hope your winning trend doesn't end this year.

Oh, and thank the higher power that the Packers now stink. Go Cubs and Bears.

by N Oakley on Aug 14, 2007 12:40 PM CDT up 0 recs

Here's the deal

You guys sweep them Tueday- Thursday and we will sweep them Friday- Monday. Then will worry about each other

FYI I am ALREADY in trouble for saying I liked the Brewers
( but of course want to beat them) Anyway we all agree
WE HATE THE CARDINALS.

"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 Aug 14, 2007 12:48 PM CDT up 0 recs

Honestly not a Brewer fan

but a baseball fan as well so kudos for loving and following a great sport.

I had the opportunity to meet one of your current scouts a few weeks ago and he seemed like a class act. He loved the game and really enjoyed working in the Brewer organization. I must admit I enjoyed looking at his WS ring :) (not from the Brewers).

Quite honestly, Milwaukee works one of the better small market systems out there. While not perennial contenders they look like they'll easily mimic Minnesota's periodic push to the front of the division.

My love for the Cards barely exists. I'll respect them for their accomplishments but I've got too big a grudge against them to go much past that. That said, my dislike for the Cards is so minor to my utter distaste for all things Astro... but I digress.

Welcome to the forum. Hope you're treated a little better than an enemy combatant :)

Peace.

'07 Postseason: Bears, Bulls... Cubs?

by stelmodad on Aug 14, 2007 1:31 PM CDT up 0 recs

going

to the game today really exited, hopefully z can be lights out and we can also get a cuple hits off harang. GO CUBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by easyaspie on Aug 14, 2007 2:01 PM CDT 0 recs

I hope you

get to see a Cubs win tonight.

I love this team!!!!!

by sue369 on Aug 14, 2007 2:16 PM CDT up 0 recs

Here, Here !

How much time left 'til first pitch? Did I mention I hate waiting ;(

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 Aug 14, 2007 2:18 PM CDT up 0 recs

same here

by easyaspie on Aug 14, 2007 2:28 PM CDT up 0 recs

Offdays make me miss doubleheaders.

Soriano's Contract: Approximately one dollar for every pitch in the dirt that he swings at.

by Ryno8 on Aug 14, 2007 2:53 PM CDT up 0 recs

Malaise

I think I was spoiled by the great 6 week run of games the Cubs had. I'm a little disinterested now, as I believe the Cubs are.

I'm hoping they can show a little passion, gaine that game back from the Brewers and win 5 out of the next 6. That should break the boredom.

by SouthsideCub on Aug 14, 2007 3:04 PM CDT 0 recs

Interesting

Rotoworld says that Jake Fox is to come up along with Carmen Pignatiello. This could get interesting.

by hawkeyenation on Aug 14, 2007 3:37 PM CDT 0 recs

You figure

I know the Carmen thing had been posted, but the Fox thing was suprising. Looks like they realize DLee needs a break.

by hawkeyenation on Aug 14, 2007 3:41 PM CDT up 0 recs

To continue this conversation with myself

I'm an idiot and didn't check the diary section. Move along, nothing to see here.

by hawkeyenation on Aug 14, 2007 4:11 PM CDT up 0 recs

On the Road from Iowa

Just checked the Iowa Cubs roster and both Fox and Pignatello are no longer listed. Whenever this has happened in the past, the "delisted" player has been on his way to the bigs.

Is Cedeno leaving with Gallagher?

by ceegeewow on Aug 14, 2007 4:12 PM CDT 0 recs

lineup...

theriot ss
jones cf
lee 1b
ramirez 3b
ward rf
derosa 2b
murton lf
kendall c
zambrano p

by seang03 on Aug 14, 2007 4:14 PM CDT 0 recs

I was thinking I liked the lineup, then

I noted the thing I missed. Ward in RF?

Holy SHI....... An outfield of Murton in Left, Jones in Center and Ward in Right has me thinking of the all defense lineups of '98 on the days with Hill in LF, Brown in CF and Sosa in right. mmmm boy.

by N Oakley on Aug 14, 2007 4:25 PM CDT up 0 recs

Ward

Man, they really really want to get Ward back in the lineup. Sheesh. I'd rather have Fontenot in and Ward off the bench, with DeRosa in right. Is Fontenot gonna miss the entire series? The Reds have two lefties going the rest of the way.

by californiachicagoan on Aug 14, 2007 5:57 PM CDT up 0 recs

Mike Fontenot's batting average...

...has finally made it below .300. He is continuing his rapid downward slide. Ward's numbers on the season are wildly better than Fontenot's, and Fontenot's are mostly an illusion created by his "lightning in a bottle June" that he has almost no chance of ever duplicating. So why is Fontenot preferable?

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Aug 14, 2007 7:59 PM CDT up 0 recs