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Open Thread: Cubs vs. Brewers, Thursday 8/30, 7:05 CT

Yelloncard_tiny by Al on in Game Threads

Mike emailed me earlier today with his pregame thoughts:

After yesterday, I fully expect the Cubs to look like world beaters tonight. Remember, we're dealing, basically, with mediocrity here, and I mean all three contenders. We're not used to seeing this from division leaders, but it's the hand that is dealt, this year.
That, I think, sums up this series pretty well. The Cubs clinched the season series vs. the Brewers on Tuesday night. A win here would win this series, and solidify the currently tenuous hold on first place.
 Today's Starting Pitchers
Ted Lilly
 T. Lilly
Cubs		 vs. Manny Parra
 M. Parra
Brewers
13-7 W-L 0-1
3.85 ERA 3.09
140 SO 23
46 BB 9
23 HR 1
vs. Mil -- vs. Cubs
Manny Parra threw a perfect game for Nashville on June 25 with 11 strikeouts. In his fourth major league appearance on August 1 he threw six innings in relief against the Mets. He's young. He's lefthanded. He's invincible. We are doomed.

Meanwhile, Ted Lilly has allowed eight earned runs in 12 innings in two starts vs. the Brewers this year, one of which was a 9-3 Cubs win on April 25. Prince Fielder is 3-for-5 vs. Lilly; Ryan Braun 2-for-3 with a HR; Corey Hart 2-for 6 (double, HR). Only four NL pitchers who have thrown as many or more innings than Lilly have walked fewer batters than Lilly's 46, and not by much (Aaron Harang, 44 in 190.2 IP; Woody Williams, 45 in 169.2 IP; Tim Hudson, 45 in 183.2 IP, and Derek Lowe, 45 in 172 IP). It will be a cool night tonight, perhaps a good pitchers' night.

The Cardinals just lost to the Astros in an afternoon game, 2-1, so the Cubs have a chance to extend their lead over St. Louis to three games again. Get it done!

Today's game is on WGN; if you are in the Wisconsin areas served by FSN Wisconsin, it'll be there too. It's also available at the Mediacenter.

MLB.com Gameday (2007 version)

MLB.com Gameday (2006 version)

Discuss amongst yourselves.

0 recs | Comment 694 comments

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Just do it Cubs!!!
I love this team!!!!!

by sue369 on Aug 30, 2007 3:40 PM CDT   0 recs

Flashbacks of "The Waterboy"
You can do it Cubs!  Rip their !#$@ing heads off!

With Theriot and Fontenot on the team, you might even be able to get those cajun guys from the movie to come to Wrigley and yell that....  

by SuperContext on Aug 30, 2007 3:47 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Would the Cubs pay for their ride-on mowers?
Go Cubs-get to the rookie early tonight!
"It's a pier 9 brawl!..."

by rrobinson on Aug 30, 2007 4:04 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Let's hope our ace Lilly gets the Cubs rolling
on this homestand.  It would be nice to get hot & start putting some distance behind them.

by Basman on Aug 30, 2007 4:05 PM CDT   0 recs

Brewers Record
The Brew Crew is 1-7 in games that Para pitches.  Sure, he's the long man so he gets a lot of mop-up duty.  Nonetheless, this is cause for optimism.  So is the .372 opp OBP for RH batters.

Besides, Parra's gotta be tired from all of the baby-saving he does in his free time.

"Look, what's important is to be in first place on the last day of the season." -Lou 8/1/07

by 26.2cubfan on Aug 30, 2007 4:08 PM CDT   0 recs

This is exactly the type of pitcher that....
... will look like Cy Young for a day vs the Cubs.
1-RUN GAMES = 16-19 | EXTRA INNINGS = 2-7 | HOME = 34-32 | updated on 8/30

by SackMan on Aug 30, 2007 4:16 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Yes
That worries me.  I foresee the Cubs having to win this one against the Brewers 'pen.

by SuperContext on Aug 30, 2007 4:27 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Nah....
There are a few things that really help "make" a guy transform into Cy Young against us. He has to have one of the following "attributes."
  1. He is a crafy lefty
  2. He throws no harder than 82
  3. He has been completely blasted by everyone else in the league for an extended period of time.
  4. He is on his 8th different teams in the last 3 years.
I'm sure I'm missing a few, but Parra doesn't really fit the kind of build of someone who will make us all wonder how in the hell is getting guys out. That is to say, he looks like he's got a little talent.

That said, here comes the no-no.

by hawkeyenation on Aug 30, 2007 4:31 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

LOL
1-RUN GAMES = 16-19 | EXTRA INNINGS = 2-7 | HOME = 34-32 | updated on 8/30

by SackMan on Aug 30, 2007 5:04 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

PTBNL
The Cubs sent outfielder Buck Coats to the Reds for a player to be named, and also announced the Tigers have claimed lefty Clay Rapada off waivers, which completes an earlier trade.

I kinda liked clay

by cubs ftw on Aug 30, 2007 4:19 PM CDT   0 recs

Monroe In Center?
I know Lou has moved away from a platoon system in the last month or so due to Pagan's injury and Jone's resurgence, but just wondering if Monroe is a decent enough fielder to handle center if we ever wanted to go all-righty or have only one lefty against a LHP. I assume tonight we'll see Jones in center and then all righties.

by ms9av on Aug 30, 2007 4:30 PM CDT   0 recs

monroe in cf
i know he's played around 200 innings in cf and has shown adequate range.
"If you'da been thinkin you wouldn't 'a thought that." ~~ "Squints" Palledorous

by rm463 on Aug 30, 2007 4:36 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Adequate Range
He's been well below league average in Range in CF.    He has a 1.81 and the league average is 2.36.  (And that's in 482 innings).   He's a bad ball player that has no business being on this club.

by frustratedfan on Aug 30, 2007 5:13 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Careful...
you'll hurt his feelings. We all piled on JJ when he was vulnerable instead of being encouraging and constructive, and he may never forgive us.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 30, 2007 5:20 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

yes, monroe has adequate range.
He's been well below league average in Range in CF.    He has a 1.81 and the league average is 2.36.  (And that's in 482 innings).   He's a bad ball player that has no business being on this club.

you're referring to range factor, which has almost nothing to do with a player's range. range factor doesn't account for a fielder who may play on a team where the pitchers record a lot of strikeouts.

i'm referring to zone rating, which gauges a fielder's ability to field balls in his respective zone.

"If you'da been thinkin you wouldn't 'a thought that." ~~ "Squints" Palledorous

by rm463 on Aug 30, 2007 6:12 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Zone Rating
If you take his zone rating and look at qualified CF, you will see that he's ranked in the bottom half.  

by frustratedfan on Aug 30, 2007 10:19 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

The M-word?
I thought Al might be throwing around the word "must" in regard to this game.

Win it, and you're 2 1/2 up, win the Brewers series and push the Cards 3 back.

With Houston creeping into town, no less.

Drifting ... drifting ... foul.

by mlf on Aug 30, 2007 4:34 PM CDT   0 recs

lineup
soriano lf
theriot ss
lee 1b
ramirez 3b
monroe rf
derosa 2b
kendall c
jones cf
lilly p

by seang03 on Aug 30, 2007 4:36 PM CDT   0 recs

prediction!
bottom 1st, theriot up with one out.
"If you'da been thinkin you wouldn't 'a thought that." ~~ "Squints" Palledorous

by rm463 on Aug 30, 2007 4:38 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

prediction!
Soriano reaches in the 1st inning, Prince Fielder thrown out and suspended for trying to eat him.  

by SuperContext on Aug 30, 2007 4:44 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

lol
"If you'da been thinkin you wouldn't 'a thought that." ~~ "Squints" Palledorous

by rm463 on Aug 30, 2007 4:46 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

nah...
He's all muscle, Fielder would prefer someone with a little more meat on his bones.
"We tried to set up a double play, and the shortstop doesn't play in the bullpen." Lou Piniella, July 4, 2007, discussing Young's GS

by gp1966 on Aug 30, 2007 5:07 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

This is why...
Lou won't send Eyre in to pitch to Fielder. Prince would charge the mound and it would be like a scene from Dawn of the Dead.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 30, 2007 5:08 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

ha. that's a lock.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie

by buckmulligan on Aug 30, 2007 4:51 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

K number 97
for Soriano.  And only 3 behind Lee for the team lead!!!  Awesome.  Bat him 5th Lou, please!
"It's a pier 9 brawl!..."

by rrobinson on Aug 30, 2007 5:42 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Alfonso Mays Hayes
When is Lou gonna make him do 50 pushups for every time he strikes out on a low slider?  It's ridiculous.  I didn't think Parra (a lefty) would get away with that tactic, but lo and behold...
Get on your feet and do the funky Alfonzo! ~FZ

by Bert on Aug 30, 2007 7:34 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

yep
you were right

by cubs ftw on Aug 30, 2007 7:30 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

would like to see...
Monroe come up big tonight...
"I've come to the conclusion that the two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen." ~Bob Lemon, 1981

by carmenfanzone on Aug 30, 2007 4:39 PM CDT   0 recs

agree,...
It just feels like this team is due for a 12 run explosion and Monroe can be part of that..

Certainly statistically they are over due for that..

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 30, 2007 4:46 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Band name
Craig Monroe and the Twelve-Run Explosion.  

by SuperContext on Aug 30, 2007 4:49 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Or...
a porno movie name

by seang03 on Aug 30, 2007 4:52 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

re: would like to see...
My thoughts exactly. With the trade sealed today, it would be perfectly poetic to see Monroe knock this rookie lefty around -- and for the rest of the Cubs to follow suit.

Go Cubs!!!

"Maybe the wind's blowing out on top, and inside the ballpark it's blowing in -- who the hell knows?" ~ Lou Piniella, 8/29/07

by dat cubfan daver on Aug 30, 2007 4:52 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I think the cards are done....
...even in this crappy division. Lose a series to the 'stros, lose Rollen for the year, I don't think the Cubs can lose enough games to catch 'em.

The Brewers must be approaching some kind of record for blowing the most large leads in history. They have fear in their eyes.

El Jefe

by Reverend Jim Ignatowski on Aug 30, 2007 4:48 PM CDT   0 recs

Knowing the Cubs...
...this has Cubs loss written all over it. Lefty pitching, cubs with a big opportunity, guy they haven't faced, St. Louis losing, etc.

They just don't ever seem to come through in these situations.

by Mapmaker on Aug 30, 2007 4:48 PM CDT   0 recs

you're right.
but we've got lou these days, and this team shows anti-cub sparks from time to time.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie

by buckmulligan on Aug 30, 2007 4:53 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Manny Parra.
Parra means "vine," translating from Spanish.  So simply put, we have to have "many (balls find the) vines" tonight against Manny Parra.  That's my theory.  This man was meant to pitch at Wrigley Field.  Destiny is calling, Manny...
Prince Fielder...he is neither.

by LAcarl519 on Aug 30, 2007 5:02 PM CDT   0 recs

In other news...
My boss gave me two tickets to the game on Monday!  I'll be sitting in the company seats, section 412, right on top of 3rd base.  Hopefully I'll see Zambrano get his 15th win.

by grogg2434 on Aug 30, 2007 5:03 PM CDT   0 recs

I have a good feeling about this game
I have one request Cubs: a home run please. The over-the-wall kind. Just one. I forget what they look like. Thank you.

by ElvisCole on Aug 30, 2007 5:34 PM CDT   0 recs

I could care less
if they hit another HR this year. I'll take some decent pitching and some CONSISTENT OFFENSIVE PRODUCTION from here on out...wherever that may be.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 30, 2007 6:04 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Dilema!!
Friend just called and said she has an extra ticket to the Broncos game tonight... What to do??
Bulls 402 ta zip... but Micheal Jordan will be held to under 200 points. - Todd O'Connor

by Lou In Blue on Aug 30, 2007 5:50 PM CDT   0 recs

uhhhh
big game vs division rival or lame football game where no starters play. big decision...not. by the way the broncos suck.

by tbizzle83 on Aug 30, 2007 5:54 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Go!
Don't miss a fun night out at a live sporting event with a friend to watch a regular season baseball game on TV.  Just TIVO or record (if you are a luddite like me who still uses a VCR) the game and watch it when you get in.

by SuperContext on Aug 30, 2007 5:54 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

well
if you have a tivo ignore my last comment.

by tbizzle83 on Aug 30, 2007 5:57 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Broncos vs. Cubs
There's a reason that extra tickets are available:  the starters aren't playing.  So, what you are really asking is "Broncos training camp scrimmage or Cubs game with playoff implications?"  Watch the Cubs, you'll get 16 real Bronco games starting in September.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Aug 30, 2007 6:47 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

to solve your dilemma
if the broncos arent playing america's team the dallas cowboys(07-08 super bowl champs) yu stay at home and watch the cubs beat the $%#@ oughtta the brewers. bears, broncos etc are all garbage. only good football team worth watching is the cowboys.
Here comes the nasty leftie to shut it down in the 9th......Clay Rapada!!!!

by cubsluver22 on Aug 30, 2007 5:57 PM CDT   0 recs

This is a joke,
riiiiiiiight?
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 30, 2007 5:58 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

The Cowboys are...
the Yankees of the NFL.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 30, 2007 6:02 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Except
the Yankees win playoff games.

by cubsbak on Aug 30, 2007 6:08 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

the cowboys?
are you serious?
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie

by buckmulligan on Aug 30, 2007 6:00 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

let them
hate we know the cowboys are the best in the NFC. let them hate.

by tbizzle83 on Aug 30, 2007 6:47 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Prediction
JJ tells Soriano about a little site called BCB and upon reading the many diaries and posts, Soriano decides he needs to get his poop together and plays a game that makes the Cubdom go wild.  Failing in that, we witness another night of internet fighting.  Oh yeah and Monroe gets one tonight as well.

Go Cubs

Why do you play?  You play to win!

by Villeslgr on Aug 30, 2007 6:30 PM CDT   0 recs

Help
I need some advice from BCB land.

Am I wrong to feel more secure going into a game with our $40 million "#2 starter" on the mound than when our $91.5 million "ace" is starting?

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Aug 30, 2007 6:40 PM CDT   0 recs

Actually
You should never feel secure.  Just hope for a good game and a bottom of the ninth rally.

by Villeslgr on Aug 30, 2007 6:43 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Do you also feel more secure
with your half-a-million buck shortstop leading off the batting order than your $136 million left fielder?  If so, you're normal :-)

by zevkalman on Aug 30, 2007 6:45 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Big pull-away game tonight
Cards lost, Rolen speculation that he is out and possibly some next year.....Cubs can go up 2 1/2 and 3 games on their chasers and move to play the Astros over the weekend.

I see the cubs getting on the rookie early and often....

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 30, 2007 6:58 PM CDT   0 recs

The following is a presentation of WGN Sports
And Cubbie Baseball is on the Air!
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!

by sanantonecub on Aug 30, 2007 7:01 PM CDT   0 recs

Yes it is
I love this team!!!!!

by sue369 on Aug 30, 2007 7:05 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Let's GO CUBBIES!!
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue."

by thehawk on Aug 30, 2007 7:06 PM CDT   0 recs

You have got
to be kidding. Not a good start.
I love this team!!!!!

by sue369 on Aug 30, 2007 7:08 PM CDT   0 recs

Well he got that out of the way,
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue."

by thehawk on Aug 30, 2007 7:09 PM CDT   0 recs

I'm glad Monroe is starting, I think he'll be fun
to watch..
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue."

by thehawk on Aug 30, 2007 7:11 PM CDT   0 recs

What, is Lilly too distracted
by the huge preseason tilt at Soldier Field????

by Itchy on Aug 30, 2007 7:12 PM CDT   0 recs

If anyone needs distractions tonight
Don't forget that there is College Football for the first time of the season... LSU at Mississippi State on ESPN right now, though I'm waiting for Saturday for the Big Red to start their quest for a Big 12 Championship.
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!

by sanantonecub on Aug 30, 2007 7:15 PM CDT   0 recs

Enough...
Nebraska...Big 12 north champs!?!...Now that's just crazy talk. I will not allow this to continue....

by Jsheared on Aug 30, 2007 7:22 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

The North is in the bag
As long as Pinkel remains head coach at Mizzou.  And Nebraska holds a perfect 5-0 record at the Alamodome, site of this years Championship Game...
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!

by sanantonecub on Aug 30, 2007 7:24 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

MIZ....ZOU!
The Tigers are in it to win it this year. The offense is going to roll over big Red this time and we're not going to choke winnable games again!

by Jsheared on Aug 30, 2007 7:44 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

LOL!!!
Pinkel is your head coach.  You don't know anything else but to choke winnable games!!!

And when's the last time the Tigers won a championship of any kind?

There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!

by sanantonecub on Aug 30, 2007 7:45 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Most recruiting Violations!
Ha! Don't you feel stupid!

by Jsheared on Aug 30, 2007 7:54 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Beginning of the end.
 Big "Mo" has jumped on the Brewers back after last nights game, with the Brewers "Ace" coming back and manhandled the Cubbies and their "Ace".

 They're gonna be tough to keep up with and I don't think the Cubs have the weapons to do so.

 Bears are here though, just in time.

by lemon20pie on Aug 30, 2007 7:16 PM CDT   0 recs

Much the same way
The Cubs were never going to reach a decent level of play when 9 games under .500 and from first, and Milwaukee is an unreachable 14 games over, right?
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!

by sanantonecub on Aug 30, 2007 7:18 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Cubs are 3 games over .500
 Exactly about where I expected them to be, this time of year, even with their bloated payroll.

 The Brewers have been scuffling since Sheets went down and now he's back and has clearly given the Brewers a much needed  shot in the arm.

 I would say the Brewers have fallen to the Cubs as opposed to the Cubs have "Caught" the Brewers.

by lemon20pie on Aug 30, 2007 7:25 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Starting early tonight?
Can we atleast bat first?

by Villeslgr on Aug 30, 2007 7:18 PM CDT   0 recs

no kidding
I love this team!!!!!

by sue369 on Aug 30, 2007 7:19 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

the never ending inning...blech
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue."

by thehawk on Aug 30, 2007 7:20 PM CDT   0 recs