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The Zeephus Pitch

That's what Mike termed Carlos Zambrano's two-strike floater that hit Brandon Phillips in the top of the seventh inning.

(If you don't know what an "Eephus Pitch" is, Wikipedia has a pretty good description. Yes, I know Z wasn't trying to throw that, but it sure came out that way.)

Turned out, one out later, that was the difference in the game, when Scott Hatteberg singled Phillips, who stole second off Jason Kendall, in with the Reds' sixth run. Despite a Cubs comeback, Mike Fontenot's drive to the wall in right -- which nearly everyone in the park thought was gone off the bat, and would have been gone had the early-game breeze continued -- was caught at the ivy by Norris Hopper, ten feet away from being a walkoff HR, and just like that the game was over, a 6-5 loss to the Reds.

Frustrating? Yes. But in this quirky season, it may not matter, in the long run -- as the Brewers' loss to the Cardinals, 12-4 last night, kept the Cubs only 1.5 games behind Milwaukee.

Yes, I am well aware that the 56-60 Cardinals are now only three games behind the Cubs. More on this later.

Did I say this season is quirky? It's far more than that. The Dodgers, who led Arizona by 1.5 games on July 26, have lost 13 of 16 and now trail the D'backs by 6.5 games. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks, who have the best record in the league, lost 15-4 last night and have a negative run differential. And not just a run or two, either -- they have now allowed thirty more runs than they have scored, giving them a Pythagorean record projection of 57-63, ten games worse than their actual record. In general, things like this will tell you that the D'backs can't sustain what they are doing for too long.

The Brewers' loss last night also gives them a -5 run differential and a Pythagorean record of 59-60, while the Cubs' is 63-55 -- thus, if things were going "by the numbers", the Cubs should be 4.5 games in first place. (The Cardinals are even worse -- their Pythagorean record is 51-65, five games below their not-so-great W-L mark.)

Pythagoras doesn't play baseball, though: people do. At some point this sort of thing ought to be evening out. But we've been saying this most of the season and it hasn't happened yet. Does this mean the champion of the Comedy Central is going to have a losing record? Possible, I suppose. In the meantime the Cubs are going to have to start scoring runs by means other than solo HR -- of which they had three yesterday, including perhaps the longest of the year, a monstrous bomb onto Sheffield by Jacque Jones, who broke a tie with those other noted sluggers, Fontenot and Ryan Theriot, with his fourth of the year (the LSU duo each have three). It was nice to see Derrek Lee homer -- maybe, with Lou Piniella and Gerald Perry helping him figure out a flaw in his batting stance, he's going to bust out soon. Also nice was the return of Aramis Ramirez to the lineup; he made a couple of nice plays in the field and slammed a HR himself.

It wasn't enough, since Z was off his game -- giving up an alarming 13 hits, and having no strikeouts for the first time since the Michael Barrett meltdown game on June 1. (Those are, in fact, the only two games in which Z has failed to record a K since he joined the starting rotation on July 1, 2002.)

A razzberry to Carlos Marmol for giving up singles to the first three batters he faced in relief of Z, loading the bases. Big applause to Marmol for then striking out Jeff Keppinger looking, Ken Griffey Jr. swinging (on an absolutely filthy slider), and getting Brandon Phillips to fly to right, keeping the game close.

And I guess you have to give credit to Aaron Harang, who is, after all, one of the top starters in the league -- he kept the Cubs off-balance, apart from the HR, most of the evening, and they just couldn't get much other offense going. I know that Jim Hendry is still, even halfway through August, out there looking for a hitter. Perhaps former Cub Matt Stairs, who can still hit (.291/.363/.545 with 14 HR in 244 AB) and can still play the OF (all but two of his starts this year have been in the field) could be on the radar. (Not only that, but Stairs, from everything I've heard, is a great clubhouse guy.)

I've been someone who's said that the Cubs shouldn't make a move just to say they've done so, but they sure could have used Russell Branyan (who hit a pinch-hit, game-winning 2-run HR for the Phillies last night -- and they got him for virtually nothing from Cleveland), or Jose Cruz, who's still available. Jake Fox was recalled last night -- but not used. What's the point of having these kids on the roster if they're not going to play? Go out and get someone who's either going to start, or who's used to coming off the bench, which most players coming through the Cub farm system aren't.

Odd sights seen last night: several teenage boys and girls painting each other's chests (yes, the girls stayed in PG-13 mode) blue, with Cub numbers on their backs, including Alfonso Soriano's #12 (and the Cubs are now 2-7 since he's been hurt, including the game in which he was hurt -- I wouldn't have expected his loss to be that significant, but maybe it is). And a few other people sitting near the "blue kids", several rows beneath us, attempted to start a wave and were loudly shouted down by others in our section.

Oh, yes. The Cardinals. In 1969, a year after the Cardinals had won back-to-back pennants, they were languishing in third place in late July, 11.5 games behind the then-high-flying Cubs. They went on a mini-tear, winning sixteen of nineteen, and Harry Caray, then the Cardinals' lead radio broadcaster (yes, that's right, for those of you too young to remember, we Cubs fans of a certain age grew up knowing Harry as "the enemy" before he became beloved), would end every Cardinals' win by taunting Cubs fans: "The Cardinals are coming, tra la, tra la."

Well, as it turned out, they weren't: St. Louis never got closer than eight games out. It was another team the Cubs had to worry about in 1969, and of that, I think it best to say no more.

And in 2007, the Cubs are the team doing the chasing rather than the team being chased. It's almost imperative to win five of the six remaining games on this homestand. And tonight's weather forecast looks iffy, and at least one advance forecast has the temperature by Saturday no higher than 70.

There's a taste of fall on the way. If the Cubs want to taste baseball this fall, they'd better step up. Now.

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That ball off Fonenot's bat also might have
been gone if he had a little weight to put behind it.  For a little guy, he hits a hard ball.  Just not hard enough last night.

by N Oakley on Aug 15, 2007 8:47 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Al,
just let me say again your game recaps are the best. After being gone for a couple of weeks it's so refreshing to read again a professional cub fan recap of the game done professionally.

As for the next two weeks, I have had these circled on my calendar for some time. If any team goes on a tear between the Cubs-Cards-Brewers, they may get enough of a lead to hold on. Lee hitting was a good first step last night but we need Z to get back on track. This club has won as a team since June, we should not have to rely on one or two but everyone. Let's get this done.

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

by mrcubsfan on Aug 15, 2007 8:58 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

The Cards are the ones right now
that are on the tear.  They've been playing well as we all know, and winning some games that they probably should lose.  Assuming they come back to normal (big assumption), it will be either the Brewers or Cubs that will establish themselves as the frontrunner.  Remember that the Brewers also go on the road to the Giants and D-backs, just like the Cubs.  It's games against those 2 teams that might show us who survives.
Cubs Win!! Cubs Win!

by Ihatethecards on Aug 15, 2007 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

A tear?
Define "a tear."

Because last I checked, the Cards were 6-6 in August.  They got swept by the Nats just last week.

Sure... they are 5-1 in their last six games, but six games doesn't show a lot.  They also lost five straight immediately before that.

by big_lowitzki on Aug 15, 2007 9:20 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agree...
Amazing what a week can do.  The Cardinals beat a struggling SD team, they beat a Dodgers team who currently have trouble scoring, and they just beat a Brewers team that has also been struggling.

While i am not writing the Cardinals off and i am not writing off their recent success (because stringing a few wins together can motivate a team quickly), i think this is more a case of the Cubs and Brewers are slowing down a bit.  If the Cubs and Brewers play .500 this past week, the Cards are not even discussed.  The good thing about the Cards is that we still play them 8 more times!  So if they fully come into the picture we hold our own fate with them.

by HIGGY on Aug 15, 2007 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks!
Yes, you're right. SOMEONE in this division is bound to get hot.

The Cubs have been cold. Time to heat up, starting tonight.

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

by Al on Aug 15, 2007 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Addition
The only part I'd add is that the sixth run scored by the Reds was a killer because it never should have scored.  Theriot's drop of a perfect throw by Kendall was bad.  Very bad.  He had no reason to catch the throw that far in front of second base and dropping it only made it worse.  Not a particularly good night for Theriot last night.
Eighty-five percent of the f*ckin' world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here. -- Lee Constantine Elia, 1983.

by krummy12 on Aug 15, 2007 9:00 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Hot
We're staring at three straight days of +95 here in the middle of NC.  That 70 degree day sounds awful nice.  Maybe October ...

I didn't see the game last night but it's odd how a team can get out-hit and out-struckout as much as the Cubs and still only lose by 1 (as well as by 10 feet from the last swing of the game).  Theriot seems to be pressing too hard.  Maybe he's the next candidate for a day or two off.

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

by SpudV on Aug 15, 2007 9:04 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Not quite...
Turned out, one out later, that was the difference in the game, when Scott Hatteberg singled Phillips, who stole second off Jason Kendall, in with the Reds' sixth run.

Not quite Al.  The stolen base was not off Kendall at all.  He actually made a perfect throw, and Theriot just dropped it.  

by big_lowitzki on Aug 15, 2007 9:09 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

technically
the SB always get's credited to the catcher with I beleive the exception of a wild pitch or clear error on a play that is far frm close.
But your right...Kendall shouldn't take the blame for that SB but it still goes on his stats
I demind an asterisk be placed behind Neifi Perez's mark of 64 career homeruns

by jds2 on Aug 15, 2007 9:12 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

True.
Kendall did make a good throw -- one of the first ones he's made as a Cub.

Phillips might have been called safe anyway. It was a very close play.

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

by Al on Aug 15, 2007 9:20 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not really...
Have you actually watched the play on TV?  Or just in person?

It wasn't that close - if Theriot catches the ball he is clearly out.

by big_lowitzki on Aug 15, 2007 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I did look at the screen...
... in the building behind us, which we can see very clearly for replays.

Looked pretty close. Theriot should have made the play, I agree.

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

by Al on Aug 15, 2007 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nope
Phillips was out easily if Theriot hangs on.  Just a flat drop by Theriot, and it should have been an error.
Eighty-five percent of the f*ckin' world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here. -- Lee Constantine Elia, 1983.

by krummy12 on Aug 15, 2007 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

last night
Krummy:  I completely agree with you about Theriot's drop of a strike on the steal last night.

Additionally (I am not trying to be nit-picky), when Aaron Harang was sacrificing with two on and no out in the 4th inning, the Cubs did not put the wheel play on.  This is the ideal spot for the wheel.  We trailed by two runs, Harang had a perfect game to that point and he is a very slow runner.  Not to mention a very athletic Z on the mound.  Of course he bunts the ball to a perfect spot that would have had the runner out easily at third and changed that entire inning.  Maybe even no runs scored.

The Cubs are a good team, but not nearly good enough to win games with these types of mistakes.

I feel better now.

by gocubsgo22 on Aug 15, 2007 9:09 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Nice recap, Al
My two cents that I scribed last night as well:

 - Theriot takes a walk on ball four instead of swinging and popping out, and JJones now has a TWO run HR, instead of another solo one. IS that on Quade?

- Lou lifts a tired and clueless Z before the run-scoring single (with the warmed-up LH, Piggy) and perhaps the tack-on run is stranded as well.

This was not "Skip's" best game this year either, imo.

It is AUGUST, and we're STILL IN IT! YES!

by TheEman on Aug 15, 2007 9:11 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Z seemed to be losing it, too...
... especially when he threw his helmet after making an out while batting.

I love his passion but he really does have to stop letting little stuff get to him.

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

by Al on Aug 15, 2007 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I used to love his passion
But lately, maybe since he has been sucking, it hasn't been doing anything for em.  Yeah get pissed off, but then go out there and strike out some batters.  Otherwise it just looks like crybaby antics

by GoCubbies34 on Aug 15, 2007 9:23 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sucking lately?
It's been two bad games.  In the 8 preceding those, he gave up only 9 earned runs combined, on 26 hits, 28 BB's & 47 strikeouts, for a 6-1 record.

by TC Cubby on Aug 15, 2007 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Bad games when we need them the most!!
He is no Ace, that was proven last night.  7 innings, no strikeouts???    

by Itchy on Aug 15, 2007 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's a legitimate argument
but "he's no ace" is still far from "sucking".  

by TC Cubby on Aug 15, 2007 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

3 - kind of
It is more like three games.  In the first of those three, he only gave up on run, but was only able to five innings because he had SEVEN walks.

I would say that seven walks sucks.

by big_lowitzki on Aug 15, 2007 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Z needs to be better
He's only gone 7 innings or more in 3 of his last 10 outings.  He's got to be better than that.  When you go on the record saying that you're going to win the Cy Young and then ask for ACE money, you simply have to be better.  I would say SUCKING is a bit of an overstatement... but not a huge one.

by lohroffc on Aug 15, 2007 3:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

There is still time
obviously, to win this division. Nobody really seems to want to win it. I'm a pessimist at heart unfortunately, so I really wasn't encouraged by the comeback that fell short last night. It was still a loss when we needed a win. I'm not much into moral victories. I agree with Al that we need to win 5 of the next 6 to get back on track. There is also no denying that this is now a three team race. Quite frankly, the Cardinals worry me more than the Brewers do. I know that they have shortcomings, but hey, they sucked last year and won the Series so they know how to do it and could do it again. I honestly think the Cubs are the strongest team out of the three, they just need to start playing like it again.

by qccub on Aug 15, 2007 9:12 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I'm gonna use that quote
"Pythagoras doesn't play baseball."  That's catchy--in the vein of "Charlie don't surf."

by Teacherdave on Aug 15, 2007 9:22 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

The Blue Jays inking...........
.........of Matt Stairs came at roughly the time the Cubs were signing Daryl Ward.

Not only was Stairs about a quarter-of-a-mil cheaper, but he's just a better all-around player.

Don't want to dig in the BCB archives, but I said back in December that Stairs was a better choice.  Daryl Ward has done nothing over the past 9 months to change my opinion.

by tville on Aug 15, 2007 9:27 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Ward's decent...
... but you're right, Stairs is better. The Cubs should never have let him go in the first place.

Toronto's likely going nowhere and I'm reasonably certain Stairs has cleared waivers. Go get him.

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

by Al on Aug 15, 2007 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I wish ....
we could move Marquis to pitch on Sat since he does better with cooler weather.  

geez, was Marmol showing off?   LOL

by coral on Aug 15, 2007 9:27 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

from Eephus to Gyroball
following some links from wiki's eephus article i came across this passage in the Gyroball article under the section "Possible Gyroballers"

Jeff Samardzija: Tezuka says he probably throws it because he is used to throwing a football, and the spin is the same.

I demind an asterisk be placed behind Neifi Perez's mark of 64 career homeruns

by jds2 on Aug 15, 2007 9:28 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Unlike June and July Cubs are not playing
fundementally sound right now. I chalk it up that they are wearing and getting tired. The pile up injuries has pushed where I am seeing Lee miss on pitches right down mainstreet, DeRosa is doing the same.  The leaking defensively is beginning to show up as in Theriot's botched tag.

This will be interesting since the Brewers are losing badly while the Cardinals are beginning to grind.

Milw-09-24-98--Brown in for defense--bases loaded--flyball--HE DROPPED THE BALL!!!NO NO NO, cubs lose 8-7

by Ivy Walls on Aug 15, 2007 9:30 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I hate August...
 Every team goes through a slump like this in late July/August. Every single year. And the fans in every city goe through this late-season angst in the process. We've got a good team. And unless you just have a bad team, these things aren't usually prolonged. Some one wake me in September.

  And Al...what I wouldn't give for Ron Mahay and Luis Castillo right about now.

by Damen Jackson on Aug 15, 2007 9:39 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

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

by Al on Aug 15, 2007 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Lord yes...
 Move I wish were made. A decent lefty, and a chance to move DeRosa out to right. Sounds alot better to me than Stairs, or watching that travesty that was Ward in RF last night.

by Damen Jackson on Aug 15, 2007 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well...
... the Cubs didn't lose the game because Ward was playing RF.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Aug 15, 2007 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No they didn't....
 but it was still a little sad to watch. I went blind for a few minutes after seeing it.

by Damen Jackson on Aug 15, 2007 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

LMAO
But also see below, a comment on Ward's nice running catch last night.

He's not great, but neither is he horrid, and the Cubs can use his bat.

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

by Al on Aug 15, 2007 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I saw the play...
 the ball hung for an extra second or two, allowing him time to catch up. Say what you will, but no man with an ass three axehandles wide should be playing RF.

by Damen Jackson on Aug 15, 2007 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not certain I called it "running"
Full lope was more like it, but it was an out and not the extra bases I thought when I saw the ball leave the bat.

by N Oakley on Aug 15, 2007 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hahaha...
 now that's funny.

by Damen Jackson on Aug 15, 2007 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

This team looks tired and tight.....
I really like Al's idea of grabbing a veteran like Matt Stairs. Could energize the clubhouse...and the lineup.

We still have at least two weeks to go without Sori and that is if everything goes perfectly.

I was at the game and as soon as we saw Z throw his helment we knew he was done mentally for the night..

Let me get back to you, will ya, Charlie? I got a guy on the other line asking about some white walls.

by JB 23 on Aug 15, 2007 9:41 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Crow tastes good
In the pre-game comments yesterday I made some disparaging comments on the fielding of the Cubs starting right fielder.  

Mr. Ward, you made a good play on the shot down the line to not just get to the ball, but get there early enough to make the catch.  

by N Oakley on Aug 15, 2007 10:10 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Al,
How can you compare the Cardinals of '69 to today's NL Central?

The Cardinals were chasing an extremely hot Mets team, and a Cubs team that was off to an amazing start.

The NL Central is a snail's race.  It doesn't/won't/will not resemble the 1969 race in any way shape or form.

If anything, this might resemble the crapshoot that was the 1973 NL East race, where 5 teams were still in the race with two weeks left.  For all you kids out there, go to www.retrosheet.org to see the madness of that race.

The Cardinals CAN catch Chicago and Milwaukee because both teams are garbage right now.

AND, for all the kids out there who are holding out hope that the Cubs can duplicate what the Cardinals did last year, just keep this in mind.

There have been 102 World Champions in baseball history.  The worst record to EVER win the world championship was by the St. Louis Cardinals.  SO< you're telling me that only ONCE in 102 chances a team won under 85 games and won the championship...that if the Cubs made the playoffs under 85 wins that they would have a shot?  NO, kids.  The chances are written on paper.  It's a 1/102 shot.  ANd if you believe that THAT can happen AND that it can happen in back to back years, I feel sorry for you.
I really do.

I love this team, I love the Cubs, but seriously, pack the bags, enjoy the ride, and get ready for a title shot in '08.

"You're fired." - Dallas Green to Billy Connors while Billy was staying in the hospital.

by jdoolsiu on Aug 15, 2007 10:15 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Sigh.
I was making no comparison other than to say that the 1969 Cardinals got hot for a time, and fell short of winning. I suspect the 2007 Cardinals will do the same.

Other than that, no, there aren't really any comparisons.

The difference between this year and last year, when an 83-win team won the title, is that there are NO dominant teams in the NL (if you read my post carefully, you'll note that I point out that the team that currently has the best record in the NL has a horrendous negative run differential). Thus ANY NL team that gets into the playoffs has a shot at winning the NL title.

I should point out that of the three other teams since divisional play to have made the postseason with 85 wins or less (1973 Mets, 1984 Royals, 1987 Twins), two of them took the World Series to seven games.

Don't give up yet. Or, give up if you want to. I won't.

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

by Al on Aug 15, 2007 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

this year's chances
how does the cardinals winning the WS with less than 85 wins last year have any impact on a team's chances this season?  if anything, the fact that it happened last year would be more likely to give the cubs a greater chance to win if they sneak in, as it is an indication of what is possible in this day and age.  

if you feel sorry for the fans that choose to remain hopeful, go ahead.  but it is fallacious to say that last year's events have any impact on this year's.

by numike on Aug 15, 2007 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Odds
"There have been 102 World Champions in baseball history.  The worst record to EVER win the world championship was by the St. Louis Cardinals.  SO< you're telling me that only ONCE in 102 chances a team won under 85 games and won the championship...that if the Cubs made the playoffs under 85 wins that they would have a shot?  NO, kids.  The chances are written on paper.  It's a 1/102 shot.  ANd if you believe that THAT can happen AND that it can happen in back to back years, I feel sorry for you.
I really do."

So if you had posted this on the Cardinals site last year would their fans have given up all hope seeing as how according to your logic, they would have had a 0% chance of winning?  It's a pennant race right now and like Al said with the NL as open as ever, ENJOY THE RIDE!  The Cardinals proved last year that if you get hot at the right time, anything can happen.  Yeah, the odds are stacked against the Cubs (and every NL team for that matter), but if the Cubs win it this year, it'll only make it that much sweeter.

If you've truly given up hope already? well then I feel sorry for you.  I really do.  You must lead a miserable life.

"Dad gum right this games gonna be played under protest. . . I guarantee this is gonna be one protest that's upheld." --Hawk Harrelson, 6/24/07

by RynoHoF on Aug 15, 2007 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

its not as unlikely as you make it out
The division is roughly similar to how it was last year.  There is no one dominant team.  It's only 1/102 if every season is completely indepedant and since rosters are similar it is clearly not.

by JonH on Aug 15, 2007 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What??
The 1/102 "agrument" doesn't make much sense. Yes, the Cubs have been scuffling, but the bottom line is get in the playoffs and anything can happen.  I don't see the Cardinals hangin around, especially without Carpenter in the mix this year.

by cubboy89 on Aug 15, 2007 3:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's silly
How many times have teams with less than 85 wins even made the playoffs?  I'm going to go out on a limb and guess it had never happened before the Wild Card era.

You have to look at the odds of winning once an 85 team has made the playoffs, not after.  Otherwise it would be sort of like going back to 1997 and telling the Marlins they had no chance of winning the World Series because in 95 years no Wild Card team had ever won the world series.  

by Wreckard on Aug 15, 2007 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I like the recap Al, but
I am already set to move on.  Z didn't pitch well, defense let him down, and let everyone know he was frustrated at the entire outing by throwing his helmet.  After all that, the Cubs had a chance to win, Lee homered, ARam homered, DeRosa ducked in time so the ball hit his shoulder and not his head.

I want to see the boys make the Cinci pitcher tonight look like the rookie he is and not Cy Young.  Shouldn't be asking for too much. Right?

by N Oakley on Aug 15, 2007 10:26 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Right.
But "move on"? From what?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Aug 15, 2007 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If I could read and process at the same
time, I would have answered "from what" versus "to what."

"From" being the game they should have won yesterday.

by N Oakley on Aug 15, 2007 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh.
Well, that makes sense. Onward!
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Aug 15, 2007 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Youngsters
"Jake Fox was recalled last night -- but not used. What's the point of having these kids on the roster if they're not going to play?"

don't you know Al, Lou and Jim are trying to see if they can use every minor league players options up before the end of the season?

That way we can be forced to DFA all these guys 3 years from now when they're completely out of options and we need to make roster room

by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 15, 2007 10:28 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

One game...
He just got called up yesterday.  LouPa has rarely played a guy on the day that he got called up from the minors.

And lets be honest - Fox isn't being called up to be an everyday starter.  Which probably isn't a bad thing, being that Fox is mediocre, at best, defensively.

by big_lowitzki on Aug 15, 2007 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

i'm not saying Fox should play
i'm just making a comment on how many options we're using on guys for little apparent reason

we keep calling up guys to essentially sit on the bench for 3-4 days and then sending them back down

there seems to be little rhyme or reason to the strategy other than throwing mud at the wall and hoping something sticks

by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 15, 2007 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Options...
Because of the (lack of) time that Fox spent in the minors after he was sent down, an option was not wasted.  The same is said for EPat, as he will not spend enough time in the minors before 9/1 to use an option.

by big_lowitzki on Aug 15, 2007 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

really?
interesting, that's something i didn't know

how long do you have to be up for an option to technically be used?

by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 15, 2007 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

20 days...
From what I understand, and according to the great Arizona Phil at The Cub Reporter, if a player spends less than 20 days on optional assignment to the minors in a given season, a minor league option is not used.

by big_lowitzki on Aug 15, 2007 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Minor League Options Remaining, Courtesy AZ PHIL
Here is the current minor league option status for Cubs players with less than five years of MLB service time:

MINOR LEAGUE OPTION STATUS (8-6-2007):

* Can only be optioned to minors after clearing Optional Waivers

NO MINOR LEAGUE OPTIONS LEFT
Koyie Hill

ONE MINOR LEAGUE OPTION LEFT
Ronny Cedeno (will be out of minor league options in 2008)
Angel Guzman (see NOTE below)
Rich Hill

  • Roberto Novoa
  • Will Ohman
Geovany Soto (will be out of minor league options in 2008)
* Michael Wuertz

TWO MINOR LEAGUE OPTIONS LEFT
* Neal Cotts (will have one minor league option left in 2008)
Brian Dopirak (will have one minor league option left in 2008)
Mike Fontenot (will have one minor league option left in 2008)
Carlos Marmol (will have one minor league option left in 2008)
Scott Moore (will have one minor league option left in 2008)
Angel Pagan (will have one minor league option left in 2008)
Felix Pie (will have one minor league option left in 2008)
Ryan Theriot

THREE MINOR LEAGUE OPTIONS LEFT
Rocky Cherry (will have two minor league options left in 2008)
Buck Coats (will have two minor league options left in 2008)
Jake Fox (will have two minor league options left in 2008 if he is not recalled by 8-16-07)
Sean Gallagher (will have two minor league options left in 2008)
Sean Marshall (will have two minor league options left in 2008)
Juan Mateo (will have two minor league options left in 2008)
Matt Murton (will have two minor league options left in 2008)
Billy Petrick (will have two minor league options left in 2008)
Clay Rapada (will have two minor league options left in 2008)

FOUR MINOR LEAGUE OPTIONS LEFT
Jeff Samardzija (will have three minor league options left in 2008)

NOTE: Angel Guzman will have that 4th option year available again next year because he still has not spent five full seasons on an active minor league and/or major league roster. (A "full sesaon" is defined as 60 consecutive days on an MLB or full-season minor league club roster from Opening Day, or 90 days aggregate on an active roster MLB and/or minor league rosters in a given season, and Guzman somehow still has not done that).

Also, Jeff Samardzija gets four option years, as long as he uses them all before the 2012 season, because he will not have spent five full seasons on a minor league and/or major league roster until after the 2011 sesason (at the earliest).

>>>>>

As you see, Jake Fox now will have only one left. But, at least unlike the former manager, Lou will actually try the callups and see how they perform.

It is AUGUST, and we're STILL IN IT! YES!

by TheEman on Aug 15, 2007 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nope...
E-Man...

Fox will not have one of his options used up, because he was called up by 8/16.

This means that he will still have THREE options, not one.

by big_lowitzki on Aug 15, 2007 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

DOH!
Sorry - you are indeed right!

I sit corrected.

It is AUGUST, and we're STILL IN IT! YES!

by TheEman on Aug 15, 2007 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You should post this in the diary about Soto.
It explains why K. Hill is currently in the big team and Soto is not as the backup C. Hill is out of options; Soto has one left.

by Fraggin Judge on Aug 15, 2007 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's not why...
Soto was already called up, and has since spent more than 20 days in the minors, so this year's option has already been used.

An option is for a year, meaning that you can move a player back and forth as many times as you want in one year and only use one option.

by big_lowitzki on Aug 15, 2007 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

thanks
this is really helpful information i didn't know.

So if Soto was called up in September would his option have been used this season or not?

Of all the players it seems like using Soto's option the way that it was this year seems the silliest

and for clarity's sake:

you mentioned the player has to stay 20 days in the minors for the player to be "optioned"

so could a player be yo-yo-ed up and down all season long and never have an option used?

by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 15, 2007 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Total time
I believe the 20 days is "total time" - so every day spent down in the minors, after being sent down, would be added up to determine whether it was 20+ days.

Options are not used when you call someone up (whether in September or not); they are only used when sending someone down.

by big_lowitzki on Aug 15, 2007 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

ok
gotcha

thanks for the clarification

very very helpful

and only 1 option can be used per year right?

by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 15, 2007 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Correct
Correct - only one option can be used per year.

by big_lowitzki on Aug 15, 2007 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

cedeno
also cedeno's yo-yo-ing around will likely make it that he never achieves much with the Cubs.

His minor league numbers are fantastic in AAA and certainly suggest there's some potential there but it doesn't seem he'll be given another opportunity to prove that talent

looks like he's destined to be in the utility type role and then maybe one day realize the talent with another major league club

by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 15, 2007 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not real sure about that
Maybe he does realize his potential with another team, but to say he had zero shot with the Cubs isn't exactly right. When he has gotten his shot he hasn't exactly done much to ensure he keeps getting a shot. He isn't a smart ballplayer on top of lacking the mental focus to succeed in the bigs and often looks completely and utterly lost at the plate. He will, most likely, settle into being a AAAA player.

by hawkeyenation on Aug 15, 2007 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

granted
I'm not saying Ronnie "should" be getting his shot right now or anything like that

he got a shot in 2006 and wasnt very good for an extended time

i'm simply suggesting that using that option this year on Cedeno and him now not having anymore options makes it more likely that if he ever does realize that potential it wont be with the Cubs

because they won't be able to send him back down again next season

by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 15, 2007 12:55 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

agreed
Not real sure he's going to be missed if we do have to let him go, as it's pretty apparent he doesn't "fit" with the team. Although, as you stated earlier, perhaps we keep him around as a utility middle infielder. If we could team him how to run the bases, throw the ball to first base, and not look so lost at the plate, that would be a great option.

by hawkeyenation on Aug 15, 2007 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nice post
Very nice post Al whenever I want to know whats going on in Cubbie land I come here.

by Calhoun on Aug 15, 2007 10:44 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Josh Hamilton vs. Floyd...
As Hendry searches for power hitting outfielders let's take a look at one we could of had and compare him to Floyd who Hendry absolutely had to have in the off-season.

Hamilton:
214 AB |AVG .285 | HR 14 | RBI 31  | OBP .374 | SLG .542        

Floyd:
217 AB | AVG .290 | HR 4 | RBI 36  | OBP .366 | SLG .382  
   

by seang03 on Aug 15, 2007 10:52 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

while
its noteworthy

its also kind of unfair

the guy hadnt played above A ball, ever

and hadnt played professionally in 4 years

it was impossible to project he'd be able to do this and furthermore the Cubs would've had to keep him on the roster the whole year, given Lou's inclination to fiddling with the lineup and roster, it probably would've been difficult to manage

by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 15, 2007 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ugh...
Can we please move on with the Hamilton thing?

The Cubs had no interest in Hamilton.  Hamilton had been completely out of baseball for a couple of years, and few people thought he would perform as well as he has this year.  

The Reds made a good move to get him, and their risk has paid off.  Lets leave it at that.

by big_lowitzki on Aug 15, 2007 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I just think...
...it's something interesting to think about considering 14 home runs would put him at 3rd on the team.

It's hardly a risk considering he's making 380K this year. They could have kept him in the minors if they wanted. There's no risk there at all. It was more of a risk with us signing an oft-injured Floyd for 3M.

Hendry had no interest because he had no plan and it's as simple as that. It was pretty much like lets just sign whoever and see how they fit in.

I never really even cared they gave him up I think it's just something to think about considering he's exactly what we're looking for right now.

by seang03 on Aug 15, 2007 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Correction:
He couldn't be sent to minors but he could be placed on the DL.

by seang03 on Aug 15, 2007 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

well
he could be put on the DL but then he cant play, and he can only spend a certain number of days on rehab assignment

and if he's not hurt and you put him on the DL you risk a greivance being filed by the players association

really there was little chance of Hamilton ever working out as a Cub and given his history and the limited roster flexibility we already had, there was little reason for Hendry not to just take the cash

by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 15, 2007 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And
How many of the other GM's in MLB are you going to villfy for not having the foresight to see 14 HR's out of a recoverig drug abuser that had never played above A ball?  Hopefully all of them not named Wayne Krivsky.
Eighty-five percent of the f*ckin' world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here. -- Lee Constantine Elia, 1983.

by krummy12 on Aug 15, 2007 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just the Royals GM...
...he's the only other one that passed on him.

by seang03 on Aug 15, 2007 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

So
You're suggesting the rest of the GM's had similar deals in place with the other teams at the top of the Rule 5?  Oh really....
Eighty-five percent of the f*ckin' world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here. -- Lee Constantine Elia, 1983.

by krummy12 on Aug 15, 2007 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Come on...
Hamilton was a HUGE surprise.  Almost no one in baseball thought he would amount to anything this year.  Sure, Hamilton would have worked out better than Floyd to this point, but what were the odds of that happening.  It's always easy to second-guess in hindsight.  If Hendry had publicly turned down Floyd in favor of Hamilton, there'd have been even more calls for his firing this past offseason.  Hamilton has definitely outplayed Floyd, but that's not a gamble Hendry was in position to take.

Meanwhile, the Reds were in a perfect spot to take that chance.  They have a rebuilding team in a low-pressure environment.  They have veteran starters in the OF.  Essentially, it was a no-risk situation for them.  Much easier to take that chance when there's no pressure than to take that chance when you're trying to win now.

by SouthernCub on Aug 15, 2007 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Tra la, la, la
Actually Harry broke that song out in 1963. The Cards had fallen behind the Dodgers even though they were hotter than a firecracker. Musial announced he was retiring at the end of the season and on 8/29 the Birds were in third place 7 games behind the Dodgers. The Birds, with Harry singing louder and louder after every game won 19 of 20 to close the gap to one game (91-59 to 91-61)  before beginning  a three game series with the Dodgers. The Dodgers swept, the Cards season was over and Musial just missed the World Series his last year.
El Jefe

by Reverend Jim Ignatowski on Aug 15, 2007 11:24 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Wasn't 64 the year
the Phillies collapsed and the Cards won the pennant?  Something tells me Harry probably sang it that year too.

by cubsbak on Aug 15, 2007 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I can't remember that...
...I think most of baseball was in shock over the Phillies collapse. That year the Birds weren't coming so much as the Phillies were pulling the ultimate choke (yikes, at least until '69)!
El Jefe

by Reverend Jim Ignatowski on Aug 15, 2007 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The back was broken...
... for the Cardinals in this game, in which Dick Nen, playing in his first major league game, hit a home run to tie the game in the 9th (after the Cardinals had blown a 5-1 lead), the Dodgers won in 13.

Yes, that's Robb Nen's father.

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

by Al on Aug 15, 2007 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I HATE Matt Stairs
I hope the Cubs move right on past him.

by riverryne on Aug 15, 2007 11:51 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

We almost stole a game we shouldn't have won
last night... except for one minor thing: WE CAN'T GET TIMELY FRIGGIN HITS WITH GUYS ON BASE!
1-RUN GAMES = 15-19 | EXTRA INNINGS = 1-7 | HOME = 30-29 | updated on 8/15

by SackMan on Aug 15, 2007 11:55 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Tough to win
when your starter is shelled for 6 runs.  Considering they were facing one of the better pitchers in the league, the offense did its job.  So did the bullpen.  Zambrano didn't do his.

by cubsbak on Aug 15, 2007 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed...
much like it wasn't the bullpen's (or starter's) fault when we lost a 2-1, 11-inning game for Rich Hill a few weeks back, it wasn't the offense's fault last night.  Scoring 5 runs in a game against a top-tier starter (with your ace on the mound against him) should be good enough.

by SouthernCub on Aug 15, 2007 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You've got to move past the horrible outing by Z
And look what happened in the late innings. We had a chance to win against their pen, and couldn't plate the runners, leaving the two guys on in the 8th, and stranding another runner in the 9th. So Zambrano sucked. OK. We know that. But, we still had a chance and failed.
1-RUN GAMES = 15-19 | EXTRA INNINGS = 1-7 | HOME = 30-29 | updated on 8/15

by SackMan on Aug 15, 2007 1:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's baseball
Teams don't come through every time.  In fact good teams don't even come through 1/3 of the time.  The offense scored 5 runs.  That should be enough at home when your ace is on the mound.

by cubsbak on Aug 15, 2007 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes we had a chance...
and we would have had a BETTER chance if Zambrano didn't suck last night.

The offense was effective in June/July, but hasn't been good in August.  These things come and go.  But your ace giving up 15 baserunners just shouldn't happen.

by SouthernCub on Aug 15, 2007 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

demoralizing loss
To me, last nite's game was especially tough to take because we kept fighting back, only to come up a run short.  Down 4-0 against Harang, they could've packed it in.  What hurts is that everytime we seemed to make it close again, first with the back-to-back HRs by Lee and ARam to make it 4-2, Z gave the Reds some more cushion.  He immediately gave up a run to make it 5-2, then Jones gets us closer with his bomb onto Sheffield and Z does it again by giving up another run to make it 6-3. Tough loss, let's hope Lilly plays stopper tonite and we win a laugher.  This division has been laid out on a silver platter for us and we're not taking advantage of it.  We've GOT to beat the teams were supposed to beat and that definitely means Cincinnati.  I'm done venting now (I think).

by cubboy89 on Aug 15, 2007 3:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Prince Fielder suspended three games...
Let me tell you how upset I am about this.  </sarcasm>

by eamuscatuli1881 on Aug 15, 2007 12:18 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I imagine he'll appeal.
But wouldn't it be great if he had to serve the three games during the Cub series?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Aug 15, 2007 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That would be great
They really should just uphold it based on his stupidity. That pitch was right down the middle. There wasn't a lot to argue. You don't go fat man crazy in the middle of the home stretch when your team is in it unless there is something to actually argue.

by hawkeyenation on Aug 15, 2007 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Could we
be that lucky?
I love this team!!!!!

by sue369 on Aug 15, 2007 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If he is suspended for the Cubs series
I think the Cubs should show the Brew Crew how considerate they are, and agree to allow Fielder to be a defensive replacement in the late innings :-)

by zevkalman on Aug 15, 2007 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Only
So long as if it isn't at 3B where Braun continues to treat most balls as if they were hand grenades.
Eighty-five percent of the f*ckin' world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here. -- Lee Constantine Elia, 1983.

by krummy12 on Aug 15, 2007 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

HAHAHAHA
That's one of the funniest things I've ever read on this site!
Soriano's Contract: Approximately one dollar for every pitch in the dirt that he swings at.

by Ryno8 on Aug 15, 2007 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Don't worry you won't have to
He'll eat em for you during his offtime

by GoCubbies34 on Aug 15, 2007 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

man..
we are only two games over .500 now...not good. i didnt see this coming. we need to get on another roll before "the flying ankiels" catch us.

by tbizzle83 on Aug 15, 2007 12:32 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Yeah
2 games over 500 and 1.5 games out of first. Can ANYONE argue that isn't a crappy division?
"I got mad hits like I was Rod Carew!"

by lostinthevines on Aug 15, 2007 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

All this talk about cheeseburgers, Fielder,
and Ward have me wondering what the All MLB XXXL Team is for the last 30 years. Perhaps it would start with:

Pitcher - David Wells
Catcher - Pudge (Name Only)
1st - Prince or Cecil
2nd, SS - Has there ever been a big 2b or SS
3b - ?
RF - Tony Gwynn
CF - Kirby Puckett
LF - Where do you start?

by N Oakley on Aug 15, 2007 2:35 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

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

by Ryno8 on Aug 15, 2007 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Where's Luzinski?
"I got mad hits like I was Rod Carew!"

by lostinthevines on Aug 15, 2007 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Via Baseball Reference:
"At 225 pounds he (Greg Luzinski) is a doorway and a half. They could hold the Winter Olympics on his shoulders, balance Rhode Island on his knees, and plug up leaky dams with his feet."--Phil Elderkin (1979)
Soriano's Contract: Approximately one dollar for every pitch in the dirt that he swings at.

by Ryno8 on Aug 15, 2007 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Crap!
225 is a doorway and a half? I must be Danley-style!
"I got mad hits like I was Rod Carew!"

by lostinthevines on Aug 15, 2007 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

3B
Miguel Cabrera'a a pretty big boy.
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 15, 2007 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I always picture him as the
skinny kid that came up and played OF in 2003.  You are correct though, he discovered the buffet table.

by N Oakley on Aug 15, 2007 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That was his first or second year in the Bigs
so he probably wasn't eating as good as he is now ;)
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 15, 2007 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

'Roids
The only explanation on Cabrera.  A fulltime ballplayer should not gain this much weight between the ages of 20-24.  I have never seen anything like it.
PC load letter, what the f*** does that mean?

by cubfaninSTL on Aug 15, 2007 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

this gets thrown around
way too loosly on this site...

Cabrera has gained a ton of fat not muscle

and if you grew up your entire life in Venezuela making next to nothing, played in the minor leagues making next to nothing, and then came up to the big leagues with full clubhouse spreads and huge salaries.... there is a decent chance you'd put on weight as well

clearly Miggy's let it get a bit out of control and its significantly impacting his defense, but to just throw steroids out as the only possible reason seems a bit lazy and careless

by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 15, 2007 3:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed..
I wasn't implying anything like that. Besides, he hasn't buffed out, he's puffed out :)
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 15, 2007 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Whatever
Don't give me this "he grew up poor".  I'm not saying he is on Roids now.  I'm saying he was on Roids coming up and now he is off them.  This is what happens to guys his age that come off the Roids.  I know a few people that have had this problem.  He is too young to be gaining this much weight.  Take a look at a comparison photo from the 03 season to now.  He was rip then.  Now this weight gain does happen to players when they get older, but not now at his age.  Can you name anybody else that you have seen this happen to between at his age.  People need to get there head out of there ass and realize that half of these guys have taken 'Roids at some point in there career.
PC load letter, what the f*** does that mean?

by cubfaninSTL on Aug 15, 2007 3:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

2B
ronnie belliard?

by numike on Aug 15, 2007 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Good one, I also thought of
Luis Sojo, he of the annual August signing by the Yankees to play in the post season.

by N Oakley on Aug 15, 2007 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Good time to...
show my new sig...
"All the fat guys watch me and say to their wives, 'See, there's a fat guy doing okay. Bring me another beer." Mickey Lolich, Detroit Tigers Pitcher

by bloodindableachers on Aug 15, 2007 3:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

and due to a lack of large shortstops...
...we might need to throw juan uribe out there.  

by numike on Aug 15, 2007 3:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ronnie Belliard
Could captain the All MLB "stay the hell away from my daughter" Creep team

by El Borto on Aug 15, 2007 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Prince Feilder suspended 3 games
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2976112
I demind an asterisk be placed behind Neifi Perez's mark of 64 career homeruns

by jds2 on Aug 15, 2007 3:11 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I imagine he'll appeal.
It'd be sweet if the appeal was heard right before their series at Wrigley Field.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Aug 15, 2007 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Update.
According to this article on the Brewers website, Fielder will be in tonight's lineup, indicating he HAS appealed.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Aug 15, 2007 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Prince Feilder suspended 3 games...
WOW! That is breaking news indeed!

;-)

It is AUGUST, and we're STILL IN IT! YES!

by TheEman on Aug 15, 2007 3:28 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Cubs are two games over
.500, I don't care about Paslfjlfslfsy graphs or whatever it is, Cubs are what they are.
 Z needs to throw well when we need a big win. Cubs drop two in a row, and he gives up 13 hits and no K's. An ace he is not, but will get paid like one, and to who?

 Cubs need wins , period,  Lets go tonight.

by Johnny Callison was a Cub on Aug 15, 2007 3:34 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

The Cards aren't the team
that we need to worry about, imho. The Brewers are a much more talented team. The Cards have weak pitching, no feared hitters beside AP, and are just a shell of their former greatness. They are only moving up because of the two teams ahead of them are going through a slump at the same time they have a little run going. If we end up losing out to the Cards, then we were just a poor team to begin with and didn't deserve to win. We are a better team than the Cards in almost every area so let's not get too up tight about their mini rally that they have going. We have plenty of games left with them to set things straight on who is the better team.

by billybuck on Aug 15, 2007 3:38 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

It seems to me
to somewhat "guarantee" a Cubs series win it we have to win the first games. It seems over the last month, if we lose the first one, we lose the series. Still a lot of games to play, but you can't depend on the others losing to help the cause. Winning takes care of everything. Let's start another streak tonight!
"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 Aug 21, 2007 7:45 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

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White Sox Sign Vizquel To One-Year Deal
Cubs' next major hire: marketing guru
Zambrano attends Bears game

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Cubs By The Numbers

Cubs By The Numbers is a history of the ballclub by uniform number, but the biographies help trace the history of our beloved team in a new way. For everyone who's a Cubs fan, anyone who ever wore the uniform is like family. Cubs By The Numbers reintroduces readers to some of their long-lost ancestors, even ones they think they already know.

Click here to order your copy, available now!

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