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Open Thread: Cubs vs. Brewers, Tuesday 8/28, 7:05 CT

Yelloncard_tiny by Al on in Game Threads

Seems like it's been forever since the Cubs played, doesn't it? If you're antsy to see a game today, imagine how the players must feel. The entire NL Central was off yesterday, and all six teams will play inside the division today, including a Reds/Pirates doubleheader (go Pirates!).

Here are a few morning headlines to whet your appetite, and this will also serve as tonight's game thread:

Bob Howry says Cubs fans are better than Red Sox fans. He should know, too: he played there for parts of the 2002 and 2003 seasons, though not in the postseason for the ill-fated 2003 team.

Is Alfonso Soriano coming back too soon? Yes, says Carol Slezak:

Soriano was able to convince the training staff and Piniella that he's healthy enough to play. But whose idea was it to put him back in the leadoff spot? What is Piniella thinking? Ryan Theriot has done a good job filling in for him at the top of the order. Why mess with one of the few spots in the lineup that worked during his absence?

And why put a tender-legged Soriano at the top of the order when stealing bases or running out an infield hit is the last thing he should be thinking about at this point? Wouldn't it make more sense to bat him lower in the lineup, especially since the Cubs need more production from the middle of the order?

Excuse me for being a worrywort. With any luck, Soriano will make a problem-free return, the offense will start clicking and the Cubs will widen their lead on the Brewers and Cardinals. But given their history with injuries to marquee players in recent years -- from Wood and Prior to Sammy Sosa's big sneeze -- I can't help but be concerned.

The Cubs were 8-11 without Soriano. Yes, Theriot did a good job leading off. But it's time for Soriano to show the power he's lacked most of the year. His SB game is likely done for the year with this injury and the hamstring that he hurt in April that's probably still bothering him. If he hits the ball out of the ballpark, he can run around the bases as slowly as he wants to.

Bruce Miles compares this series to a similar "three nights in August" the Cubs had on nearly the same calendar dates in 2003, and says they'll sweep it. Hope you're right, Bruce.

Who's going to start for Milwaukee on Wednesday and Thursday? Could Ben Sheets return? (The Cubs should hope so: Sheets has a 4.76 ERA vs. them this year.)

And in case you were wondering about the story behind the difference in the spelling of "DEROSA" on Mark's home and road jerseys, our girl Carrie has the scoop:

The clubhouse attendants were not aware of the difference, but DeRosa noticed it right away. He would prefer to have it spelled with the small "E" as it is on his road jersey. But, he said, "I'm just thankful to have a jersey."
 Today's Starting Pitchers
Rich Hill
 R. Hill
Cubs		 vs. Jeff Suppan
 J. Suppan
Brewers
7-7 W-L 8-11
3.67 ERA 4.85
145 SO 85
51 BB 57
24 HR 14
vs. Mil -- vs. Cubs
Rich Hill threw a fine game in his last start at San Francisco against fellow curveballer Barry Zito, but got a no-decision when the game went into extra innings. Hill's got 11 no-decisions in his 25 starts; only Matt Chico of the Nationals has more no-decisions (13) among pitchers with that many or more starts. Oddly, the Nats have a winning record, 13-12, in games Chico has started, even though he is 5-7. The Cubs are 11-14 in games Hill has started, and he has allowed two or fewer runs in five of the seven no-decisions that turned into losses. Conclusion: Hill's put his team in a position to win with his pitching, and the bullpen has failed.

Jeff Suppan shut out the Cubs for 8 innings on April 24 at Wrigley Field, but they cuffed him around pretty good on June 6 in Milwaukee; this doesn't jibe with his overall record, which is better at home (5-3, 3.97) than on the road (3-8, 5.68). He hasn't won since June 22, and will be facing two guys who hit him hard (Derrek Lee, 15-for-33, 5 doubles, 3 HR, .455/.571/.879) and Jacque Jones (12-for-42, .286/.444/.571, 4 HR and twelve (!) walks).

Baseball-reference.com preview for tonight's game with more stats than you can possibly ever use.

Today's cable-only telecast is also available at the MLB Mediacenter.

MLB.com Gameday (2007 version)

MLB.com Gameday (2006 version)

MLB.com Gameday for today's Reds/Pirates doubleheader game 1 (4:05 pm CT start time)

MLB.com Gameday for today's Reds/Pirates doubleheader game 2

MLB.com Gameday for today's Astros/Cardinals game (7:05 pm CT start time)

Discuss amongst yourselves.

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There must be absolutley no pitching
in that league. Because all of our guys seem to hit .350 there. Then, they can't do squat in the Bigs.
1-RUN GAMES = 16-19 | EXTRA INNINGS = 2-7 | HOME = 33-31 | updated on 8/22

by SackMan on Aug 28, 2007 10:10 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Defense too
I think a lot of balls that turn into hits in the PCL are really outs in the major leagues because of the superior defensive players at the major league level.  

by cubsbak on Aug 28, 2007 10:14 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Good point
I know that a lot of balls hit toward Ronny Cedeno and Eric Patterson turn into hits.
1-RUN GAMES = 16-19 | EXTRA INNINGS = 2-7 | HOME = 33-31 | updated on 8/22

by SackMan on Aug 28, 2007 10:40 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

lol
Don't forget Jake Fox.

by cubsbak on Aug 28, 2007 10:51 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Cubs fans
That is a most excellent link Al.  So regarding some of the discussion yesterday, it is clear that Cubs fans are better than Red Sox fans, because Howry would be the guru on that.  Now how do we find out if Cubs fans are better than Yanks fans?  That one never was determined.

by adam316 on Aug 28, 2007 9:10 AM CDT   0 recs

All other teams fans
are better than yankee fans.  Period.  :)
"Who are you going to believe, me or your own eyes?"

by Jettero2112 on Aug 28, 2007 11:04 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I WISH THIS GAME WAS AT 10 A.M.!!!!
"The game is always healthier when the Cubs are good, and in a week they have made themselves a whole lot better."

by BillHoldenFan on Aug 28, 2007 9:14 AM CDT   0 recs

Tonight's Game
It will be important to get the W tonight and get this serious off on the right foot. I'm glad that we have a 1.5 game lead as opposed to .5 game lead. Could you imagine how nervous everyone would be if one loss would knock us out of first?
AC 00 00 00 - BELIEVE

by mike on Aug 28, 2007 9:16 AM CDT   0 recs

Maybe I woke up cranky today, but...
Is it my imagination or do the qustions on Muskat's "mailbag" article quoted by Al above seem more stupid than ever before?

Oh, well, it's a long time before the game. I better go back to work. In the meantime, laugh a little. (I hope you all find this video useful. lol)

by Fraggin Judge on Aug 28, 2007 9:16 AM CDT   0 recs

some of those were freakin horrible!
"Did the Cubs sign Scott Podsednik from the White Sox?"

or

"Just wanted to say it's great Lou reads the maibag and listens to the experts."

Sorry all, I just made anyone who reads these last two lines instantly less intellegent

"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Aug 28, 2007 12:20 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

My favorite...
I liked the second quote you list.  Frankly, the writers words were just dripping with sarcasm, which Muskat obviously missed.
Eamus Ursuli!

by WGNstatic on Aug 28, 2007 1:30 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I dunno what Carol Slezak sees.....
...or when she's been seeing it, but the Alfonso Soriano I saw last week during batting practice in San Francisco hitting bombs into the seats and line drives everywhere, followed up by playfully skipping around the bases, sure seemed ready to me. Ready to the point where I thought he might be playing then.
Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Aug 28, 2007 9:22 AM CDT   0 recs

I thought the same thing...
... when I saw Soriano running in the outfield with no pain or restriction, during BP in San Francisco.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Aug 28, 2007 9:23 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I just hope...
Soriano can generate power even with that sore leg.

by Fraggin Judge on Aug 28, 2007 9:26 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Amen...
Her reference to Wood, Prior, and Sosa is just lame. That was under the old regime. I'd say Piniella and his staff have done a good job this year of managing the health of the players. If Lou says that Soriano is ready to go, send him out there.  

by Oscarson1 on Aug 28, 2007 9:31 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I gotta say...
...Theriot has done a great job in the leadoff spot.  He's been terrific at working counts, taking pitches, taking walks to lead off the game.  Hats off for a job well done.

by John Q Freejazz on Aug 28, 2007 10:02 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

It would be great...
to win this game. It's my birthday darnit. So yeah, if for no other reason they have to win this game to usher me into my mid-20s the right way.

Anyhow, with Soriano batting leadoff what happens in that 2 hole? And what happens if that man isn't Theriot? Do you pull that "bat the pitcher 8th" stuff? It's a thought I suppose. Probably a bad one at that ;)

by hawkeyenation on Aug 28, 2007 9:30 AM CDT   0 recs

Theriot...
... will bat 2nd.

Although, I wouldn't be unhappy to see Kendall bat second on occasion.

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

by Al on Aug 28, 2007 9:34 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I like that
I think getting the hot hand between Kendall and Theriot in that second spot would be a really great idea. Have the one who isn't hitting 2 in the 8 hole, as both seem to be tough outs and willing to at least work a count or stay alive by fouling off a bunch of balls. Not only would this obviously help at the top of the lineup, but with some of the free swingers we have, it would help lengthen some of those extremely quick innings we seem to have, thus giving our pitcher a bit more time to rest.

I wasn't the biggest fan of sticking Soriano back at the top, but the more I think about it the more I believe it actually will help us if he is as free and mobile as you all said he looked. He certainly can't do anything to hurt us at this point, as the production from our offense as a whole just hasn't been that great as of late.

by hawkeyenation on Aug 28, 2007 9:44 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

re: Theriot...
I heard a pretty good case made on sports radio this weekend about leaving Theriot in the leadoff spot and batting DLee in the two-hole and Soriano third. That way, Ramirez could serve as protection for Alfonso and maybe Soriano would see a little less junk.

My guess, however, is Lou feels it's a little too late in the season to be doing anymore major experimentation with the lineup.

"I've said it before, if we don't win in my lifetime, when I die, I'm going to find that [expletive] billy goat and kill him." ~ Ron Santo, 8/27/07

by dat cubfan daver on Aug 28, 2007 10:09 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I agree with Lou...
For whatever reason, Soriano seems to be most comfortable in the leadoff spot, so as far as I'm concerned, keep him there.

What I do love right now is that folks are hitting 1-8 in the lineup.  That shouldn't be overlooked in terms of how much it might help Soriano's RBI #s the rest of the way.  Having Kendall and a revitalized JJ in the 7/8 slots is actually pretty impressived when compared to Hill/oldJJ, which what pretty scary.

Eamus Ursuli!

by WGNstatic on Aug 28, 2007 1:34 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Happy birthday!
I put a cub sweep on reserve.  Hopefully it will come in today!
MMMMM...Mannys corned beef and a latke

by Kinky Reggae on Aug 28, 2007 9:39 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Sounds good to me
Thanks for the present. I think a Cubbie sweep this week would top rank right up there with tickets to the game Sandberg had his number retired in terms of birthday gifts.

by hawkeyenation on Aug 28, 2007 9:46 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Lets just hope it arrives today
tomorrow and thursady!  And heck, maybe, I'm feeling generous and I will get you a little something for this weekend too!
MMMMM...Mannys corned beef and a latke

by Kinky Reggae on Aug 28, 2007 9:47 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Two sweeps....
And a Hawkeye win? Hell yes.

by hawkeyenation on Aug 28, 2007 9:51 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I'll see what i can do.
MMMMM...Mannys corned beef and a latke

by Kinky Reggae on Aug 28, 2007 9:54 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Happy Birthday
and I hope you get a Cubs win today. I hope the Hawks get a win on my birthday on Sat.
I love this team!!!!!

by sue369 on Aug 28, 2007 11:15 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Could care less
about the Hawkeyes (but not much else going on in Iowa, so I do understand). Hope Northwestern beats them.

But a Cubs SWEEP? Now THAT would be terrific.

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

by TheEman on Aug 28, 2007 11:23 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Uh oh....
That Hawkeye comment probably won't go over well haha. I wish I could take a cheap shot at NW but the Hawks can't seem to beat them. They are like our Capuano.

by hawkeyenation on Aug 28, 2007 11:35 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

No one
asked you to care about the Hawkeyes.
I love this team!!!!!

by sue369 on Aug 28, 2007 11:35 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I was at the NW/Iowa game
two years ago when NW came back very very late to win.  Hawkeye fans who had left early and were tailgating in the rain outside refused to believe us when we told them their team had lost.  One drunk threatened to hit me until his friend went in the car and heard the score on the radio.  

by TR on Aug 28, 2007 12:10 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I don't know what you're talking about
That game never happened. I refuse to believe it happened......

That was a sad day to be a Hawkeye.

by hawkeyenation on Aug 28, 2007 12:14 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

It's been
a sad past two seasons to be a Hawkeye. I'm hoping for the best this season, but I'm not overly optimistic.

by qccub on Aug 28, 2007 1:05 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

awesome game
i was there too... the stadium was almost empty when the 'cats recovered the onside kick and took the lead.  hopefully they'll have some of that magic this year...

by numike on Aug 28, 2007 12:21 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Uhh.... too
bad we are not playing Northwestern on Sat. I plan on playing NIU:)

by BigZ 4 Cy on Aug 28, 2007 12:30 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

You going?
I really can't wait to get in that stadium and see all the black and gold. It won't be the same as being in the student section at Kinnick, but it should be awesome.

by hawkeyenation on Aug 28, 2007 12:41 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

From what I've
heard and read there should be anywhere from 46,000 to 60,000 Hawkeye fans there.

GO HAWKS!!!

I love this team!!!!!

by sue369 on Aug 28, 2007 1:48 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

That's what I heard too
Can't wait for the I-O-W-A cheer. That cheer is always my favorite, especially the first time in the first game of the year. Get goosebumps just thinking about it.

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!! LET'S GO HAWKEYES!!!

by hawkeyenation on Aug 28, 2007 2:00 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I won't be
there in person but will definitly be there in my black and gold spirit.  We need a confidence builder to start the year off on the right foot and get our young qb ready so when we go to Madison we can give them BADgers a game.

by BigZ 4 Cy on Aug 28, 2007 2:21 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Isn't there a Hawkeye website where
you guys can get all giddy with people who give a damn about this thrilling showdown with NIU?

by TR on Aug 28, 2007 4:22 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

My Birthday too, Hawkeyenation
Love the name. Go Hawks! Go Cubs! Go 'stros! Go Buckos!

by jmw676 on Aug 28, 2007 12:53 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Happy Birthday.
I agree with everything you said, but only the 'stros for 3 days, then they can remember they are terrible.

by hawkeyenation on Aug 28, 2007 1:05 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Side Note
Tampa Bay's elimination number is 3... On the other hand, they are only 23 games back in the wild card race!
Bulls 402 ta zip... but Micheal Jordan will be held to under 200 points. - Todd O'Connor

by Lou In Blue on Aug 28, 2007 9:33 AM CDT   0 recs

Why does it have to be the bullpen failling?
Doesn't Hill have one of the lowest run supports?

by GoCubbies34 on Aug 28, 2007 9:37 AM CDT   0 recs

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

by Al on Aug 28, 2007 9:40 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

What ironic timing
for that article about Red Sox fans and Cub fans!  That is kind of wierd.
MMMMM...Mannys corned beef and a latke

by Kinky Reggae on Aug 28, 2007 9:38 AM CDT   0 recs

Timing
That is awfully strange timing considering you and that Yanks fan were talking about the Red Sox, Cubs, and Yankees fans relating to TV time.

by adam316 on Aug 28, 2007 2:27 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

A note about postseason chances...
... because the Cubs have done poorly against the Diamondbacks, Padres and Mets, teams they might face in the playoffs.

It doesn't matter. When October 1 rolls around, the records revert to 0-0 and what's happened during the season is irrelevant.

A prime example of this is the 1988 Mets, who won 100 games and were 10-1 in the regular season against the Dodgers. Didn't matter, as LA won the NLCS.

The 1998 Cubs were 4-2 in the regular season against a much better Braves team, who proceeded to sweep them out of the playoffs. Same with the 2003 Cubs, who were 4-2 against the Marlins during the season.

Even the 2005 White Sox, who had a "perfect storm" sort of regular season, were 7-10 against the teams they faced in the AL playoffs (3-4 vs. BOS, 4-6 vs. LAA). They were 7-1 against the same two teams in the AL playoffs.

And for perhaps the most relevant example, look at last year's Cardinals, who were a combined 4-11 against the three teams they beat in the postseason (2-4 vs. SD; 2-4 vs. NYM, and 0-3 vs. the Tigers).

They went 11-5 against those same three teams in October. It's all about getting hot at the right time.

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

by Al on Aug 28, 2007 9:39 AM CDT   0 recs

Exactly
Much like March Madness, crazy things happen in the post season. It's part of what makes baseball so great.
Heck, crazy things happen in the regular season. If someone had been talking about playoff matchups on June 1st we would have called them insane. But, being that baseball is crazy, we now get to talk and analyze it. Things like this remind me why I love baseball so much.

by hawkeyenation on Aug 28, 2007 9:50 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Agreed
The Cubs have a small sample size versus non-divisional teams such as the Snakes, Mets, Pods, etc.  While poor performance during the regular season may not fill you with confidence, it is not indicative of playoff performance at all.  The seven game series involves more chance than a 162 game season, which is why "Moneyball" school guys just throw up their hands in the playoffs - just not enough games for trends to emerge.  More often then not it's something like Mark Lemke or Billy Hatcher just catching fire and getting on base constantly or a pitcher like Jared Wright stringing together 3 very good starts.  

Just get in, Cubbies, & I'll take the Cubs against any of the NL.

by BigJimSlade on Aug 28, 2007 11:04 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Last year
the worst hitting every day position player in the league, Yadier Molina, was a 1 man wrecking crew helping the Cards win the pennant and then the world series.  Ya just never know.

by cubsbak on Aug 28, 2007 11:11 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Not only that....
Name the 4 starting pitchers for that Cardina....(DeadTurd) team.....

Tell me how they are doing this year...

And how they did previous to being a TURD last year....

The best defense is a good offense

by kcjones on Aug 29, 2007 2:03 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Somewhat disagree...
While I don't believe regular season records vs playoff opponent matters, I do think that the best teams GENERALLY win, which is usually not the team with the worst record in the playoffs. I think the Cardinals were just an abstract anomaly, and I don't think we should be clinging to their run as hope if we limp into the playoffs slightly ahead of the other Central foes. I think our fate, both playoff and regular season, rests on the rotation's shoulders. If Z heats backs up, and the rest of the starters gain consistency, then we can ride a White Sox-like run to the World Series. Teams built for the postseason-with a strong staff-don't need a great regular season record.
MARQUIS! YES, MARQUIS!

by thekansasian on Aug 28, 2007 12:36 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Exactly
Using the Cards as an example of how limping into the postseason isn't cause for alarm is slightly misleading. The '06 Cards were KILLED by injuries most of the year, yet hung around long enough to be in the race when Edmonds, Rolen, et al got healthy. By the time the playoffs rolled around, they were essentially a completely different team than the one who played May-August. The first time they had a completely healthy team (aside from Isringhausen) was when the playoffs started. Basically, that team was much, MUCH better than their regular season record would indicate.

by scotteboy on Aug 28, 2007 1:13 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Disagree
Killed by injuries?  Edmonds missed some time but Rolan played in over 140 games.  They did lose Mulder and Isringhausen but those guys weren't back for the postseason.  No, they were essentially the same team in the postseason as they were in the regular season.  The difference of course was that scrubs like Jeff Weaver, Anthony Reyes, Jeff Suppan, and Yadier Molina played out of their minds, and their rookie closer, Adam Wainwright, was pretty much unhittable in the playoffs.  In other words, they got on a roll at the right time.

by cubsbak on Aug 28, 2007 1:21 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Yes, killed by injuries
Edmonds missed lots of time, Rolen was never completely healthy, Pujols had health issues, Eckstein had issues, etc. Yes, Wainright, Suppan, Weaver, and Reyes played a HUGE part in their postseason run, but they most certainly had plenty of injury problems that hampered their regular season record.

There is definitely something to be said for continuity, and it wasn't until late September that the Cards had all their parts (minus Izzy and Mulder) in place. Is it the sole reason they won the WS ? Hell no. But it sure as heck was not the same team, health-wise, that played the regular season.

by scotteboy on Aug 28, 2007 1:52 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Pujols
played in 143 games.  Eckstein played in 123.  Edmonds in 110.  They had these guys for most of the year and they were were all healthy when the Cards were practically falling apart during the month of September.  They didn't just magically heal for the post-season (as you say, Rolan was never healthy).  Their success in the playoffs had significantly more to do with certain guys unexpectedly getting on a roll than with a return to health.

by cubsbak on Aug 28, 2007 2:06 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Rolan is actually Rolen.
Sorry, let it go the first time, had to correct.  It is my father's fault, he edited all my papers growing up.
MMMMM...Mannys corned beef and a latke

by Kinky Reggae on Aug 28, 2007 2:10 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Cards Surprise
What surprised me about the Cardinals surge through the postseason wasn't so much their final record as how HORRIBLE they ahd been the last 10 days of the season.

Regular season records can be particularly misleading when comparing, for a timely example, the Cubs & Brewers of today.  If a team is lousy in April and May, and sneaks into the postseason anyway, I'd feel pretty good.  On the flip side, a team that starts hot and barely stays alive to make the postseason would be more worrisome.

that said... let's just be playing in Oct.

Eamus Ursuli!

by WGNstatic on Aug 28, 2007 1:42 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

In addition to the Cards
both the White Sox in 2005 and the Tigers last year faded down the stretch before picking things up in the postseason.  Ya never know.

by cubsbak on Aug 28, 2007 1:46 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Sox
The one thing about the Sox in 2005 was that they did pick it up for the last 5 or so games.  Folks had pretty much given up on them holding off cleveland, so they actually seemed to be in a good place heading into the postseason.

On top of that, the Red Sox were actually a pretty easy first round opponent with no Schilling or Pedro and a remaining hangover from 04.

Eamus Ursuli!

by WGNstatic on Aug 28, 2007 2:26 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

True
In fact, if Houston gets just ONE clutch hit in the Sunday game against Atlanta last year they probably screw St. Louis to high heaven. The Cards then would've had to have won 2 games, and not have had Carpenter available for either game. In fact, I believe it would've been Marquis' turn on that Monday, if it had reached that point. And we all know how bad Marquis was down the stretch last year.

by scotteboy on Aug 28, 2007 2:07 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Pennant races are crazy
I sure would like to see the cubs go on an 8 game tear while the Crew and Cards drop 8 straight.

I'm not counting on it, but my bloodpressure could use it.

Eamus Ursuli!

by WGNstatic on Aug 28, 2007 2:28 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Agreed
I would like it to be like in 2003 where after that Cardinal series, it was all downhill.  Actually more like a victory lap.  I just don't want a repeat of the 2004 season.  

by shawonfan on Aug 28, 2007 4:34 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Also seem to remember...
after the Cubs threw in the towel a couple of tough close 1 run battles with them late in the season AFTER the Cubs proved dominance over the bird.......seem to remember a great performance by Rich Hill ...Cubs lost like 2-1....a little offense that day mighta left the TURDS completely OUT (where they Belonged)....where was/is Jeff Weaver?  None of that McGwire water left???
The best defense is a good offense

by kcjones on Aug 29, 2007 2:21 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

What is it about the Meth in Kansas....
That Turd team last year didn't deserve to make the playoffs...let alone the series...

This years edition shouldn't be anywhere close to competing for the division title...

What is it in the water is St. louis....did McGuire "poison" the water?

The best defense is a good offense

by kcjones on Aug 29, 2007 2:12 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Brewers staff
If the Brewers have the chance, they should let Capuano start against the Cubs. He's been awful the last three months (trust me, he's on my fantasy team), but if I recall, he pitched two complete game shutouts against the Cubs last year. Let's hope he stays as bad as he's been all year and doesn't revive if he pitches against us.
"Have Keith Moreland drop a routine fly. Give everybody two bags of peanuts and a frosty malt, And I'll be ready to die." -Steve Goodman

by danimal15 on Aug 28, 2007 10:01 AM CDT   0 recs

Yeah
Capuano pretty much owns our soul.

by hawkeyenation on Aug 28, 2007 10:04 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

cappy vs cubs
A look at Baseball Reference pretty much confirms that. 8-2 with a 3.76 era in 11 starts.
AC 00 00 00 - BELIEVE

by mike on Aug 28, 2007 10:28 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

But, only one this year so far...
... a win in April when he was pitching well. He did not face the Cubs in any of the other three series.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Aug 28, 2007 10:33 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

lies, damned lies, and statistics
we can go back and forth all day on this.

Sure he only has one win against us, but he's only faced us once.

Sure he has a great record against us this year, but he doesn't have a win since May 7th. oh, but that means he's due!

fwiw: When I saw Capuano on the 19th the Brewers gave him a 5 run lead and he slowly but surely gave it all back. The 5th run was probably the most frustrating to watch, as he plunked Dunn in the back and then threw two straight wild pitches to put Dunn on 3rd at which point Conine was able to get him in with a sac fly.

not all of his losses are like that, but in that game he definitely did his best to give that game away.

AC 00 00 00 - BELIEVE

by mike on Aug 28, 2007 10:48 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

re: lies, damned lies, and statistics
Good points one and all, but I'm still glad Capuano won't be pitching. The last thing the Cubs need is for him to come out and have a stupendous "comeback"