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Drama, and Open Thread: Cubs vs. Astros, Friday 8/31, 1:20 CT

Yelloncard_tiny by Al on in Recap/Game Thread Comment 517 comments

If you read the New Yorker magazine, you are familiar with its famous cartoons, which always tell funny, poignant, ironic or hilarious stories with just one line of text.

I brought the current issue to the ballpark last night to read it before the game; it happened to have a baseball-related cartoon. I'd have posted it here, but to avoid copyright violations I checked out the New Yorker's policy on posting them on other sites. They wanted $600 for a year's license, so instead of seeing it on this site, you'll have to look at it via this link, and please do before you read the rest of this post.

Done? OK! Now wasn't that just about how you'd have described what should have happened to Ryan Dempster during his far-too-dramatic save of last night's 5-4 Cubs win over the Brewers? Although, somehow I can't see Lou Piniella hugging Dempster, or for that matter, any of his players.

Dempster got the job done for his 23rd save, although not before giving all of us a scare by allowing a leadoff double, hitting Rickie Weeks (the third time Weeks was hit in the series; Cubs pitchers hit five Brewers in all during this series), then getting the next two hitters before intentionally walking Prince Fielder to load the bases (a no-brainer move, I thought).

On a close 3-2 pitch with the crowd roaring, Corey Hart walked, forcing in a run to make the score 5-4, and then I was absolutely stunned to NOT see Geoff Jenkins hit for Kevin Mench. Almost before I could express that opinion out loud, Mench slapped a sharp grounder to Ryan Theriot, who got the force at second to end the game, and increase the Cubs' lead to 2.5 games, assuring that they would be in first place on September 1, tomorrow.

Why do I mention that?

Because as Dave van Dyck reminds us in today's Tribune:

... since 1995, when baseball split into six divisions after a prolonged strike, 59 of 72 teams that led Sept. 1 also led at the end of the season.

Last year four teams sweated through the September steam bath, although the Tigers and Dodgers faded down the stretch. The year before the Red Sox and A's failed to hold leads.

Of course, leave it to the Cubs to be involved in one of the exceptions. That came in 2003, when the Cubs were 1 1/2 games behind the Cardinals and Astros on Sept. 1 but finished one game ahead of Houston and three ahead of St. Louis.

If nothing else, the Cubs are way ahead of where they were last time the Brewers visited Wrigley Field, June 29-July 1. They were 6 1/2 behind then.

Not only are they ahead of where they were then, they're ahead of where they were starting August. Going into the game of August 1 vs. the Phillies, the Cubs were 1 game out of first place. Now they are 2.5 ahead, despite going 12-15 so far in August.

Anyway, it can't hurt to be ahead. Then all you have to do is win your game, and it doesn't matter what anyone behind you does. (Incidentally, van Dyck conveniently leaves out the 1994 strike season, which is when baseball actually did split into three divisions, but didn't have a postseason).

As far as the Brewers go, we appear to have finally determined the easiest way to beat them -- let them score first. For the second time in the series, Milwaukee took the lead early. They scored two first-inning runs off Ted Lilly, who had absolutely nothing last night, but who managed to make it through five innings tied after the Cubs had another long-sequence rally (walk, double, single, walk, single) to score three in the third. The extra inning of work, which came after Lilly batted for himself in the 5th (and singled!), helped save the bullpen for the weekend.

And then Carlos Marmol came in and dominated for two innings, striking out five with that filthy slider of his, while Matt Murton and Alfonso Soriano gave the Cubs the lead with back-to-back solo HR off Chris Capuano, who had relieved Manny Parra after Parra suffered a minor injury to his thumb attempting to bunt. I didn't think anyone could hit the ball out last night, as the wind was blowing in pretty good at game time. It had died down by the sixth, when the two HR left the yard. Bob Howry threw an efficient eighth, setting up Dempster's heart-stopping save.

Incidentally, Soriano's HR gave him the team lead back with 19. There are only five other teams in baseball who do not have a 20-HR man (LA Dodgers, Tampa Bay, Baltimore, Kansas City and Texas, and Texas would almost certainly have one if Mark Teixeira hadn't been traded).

Doesn't matter. The Cubs are winning, and showing they can do it with -- and without -- HR.

I should note, since there has been some contentious talk between Brewers and Cubs fans this season, particularly on this site and Brew Crew Ball, that a couple of nice guys, Brewers fans, sat by us last night. When Chris Capuano came into the game, they both said, "It's over!", and after Murton and Soriano's HR, they both called him "Crapuano", and left an inning later.

And so, onward. The weather's supposed to be gorgeous all weekend. Let's hope the baseball at Wrigley Field is, too.

 Today's Starting Pitchers
Sean Marshall
 S. Marshall
Cubs		 vs. Wandy Rodriguez
 W. Rodriguez
Astros
7-6 W-L 7-12
4.04 ERA 4.67
58 SO 136
27 BB 49
12 HR 18
vs. Hou -- vs. Cubs
Sean Marshall is only 1-3, 4.24 in four lifetime starts vs. Houston. Keep him away from Chris Burke, who is 5-for-7 with a HR vs. Marshall. In his last three starts Sean is 2-0, 3.38.

Rodriguez threw 8 innings of four-hit, one-run ball against the Cubs in Houston on August 6, a game the Astros won in extra innings. The key to the previous sentence is the phrase "in Houston", because on the road Wandy is 1-9 with a 7.80 ERA and 1.68 WHIP, which includes giving the Cubs nine hits, three home runs and seven runs at Wrigley Field on July 15. Today's game is again on WGN; it should be on Extra Innings (which, according to the list now on my EI channels, is covering all 15 games today) and also at the Mediacenter.

MLB.com Gameday (2007 version)

MLB.com Gameday (2006 version)

Final note: I gave an interview to Tom at The Baseball Zealot yesterday; click here to listen or to download it as a podcast.

Discuss amongst yourselves.

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Soto won the MVP for the PCL
wow...this is unheard of for a minor league catcher. He's going to be called up tomorrow. He is definately the future of our organization..
Now that he is back, play Matt Murton!!

by Chanman25 on Aug 31, 2007 9:01 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Where did you get the info...
... that he'll be called up "tomorrow"?

The PCL season doesn't end till Monday. I would imagine the callups won't happen till after that.

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

by Al on Aug 31, 2007 9:06 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Iowa and Callups
I am pretty sure that only the 4 division winners qualify for the playoffs in the PCL. Since Iowa can't catch Nashville in their division, there would be no need for Soto, Pignatello, and any other possible callups to remain at Iowa after today.
Interesting note -- Cubs moved Gallagher and Hart back to Tennessee so they could get work. Good chance Tennessee gets into the playoffs in the Southern League. From what I've read, it looks as though Gallagher or Hart will start one game when we need the extra starter due to the DH in St. Louis.

by ceegeewow on Aug 31, 2007 9:29 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Iowa is out of the race
Interesting tidbit....the only other MVP from the Iowa franchise (back in the American Association) was Zambrano.........Eddie Zambrano.
This is Harry Carray, goodbye from Wrigley Field and So Long Everybody.

by mrcubsfan on Aug 31, 2007 11:28 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Calm down.
Don't get your hopes up just yet. I mean... Pie, E Pat, Cedeno, and Murton were all hitting like .350+ in that league. And, (aside from Murton) they haven't done squat in the bigs.  
1-RUN GAMES = 17-19 | EXTRA INNINGS = 2-7 | HOME = 35-32 | updated on 8/31

by SackMan on Aug 31, 2007 10:34 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bullpen
The bullpen was fantastic again yesterday as it's been for the most part since the end of June.  Excellent win.  Lilly battled for 5 grueling innings without anything close to his best stuff and the bullpen came in and shut the door.  If the offense doesn't step up and start scoring more runs the Cubs will need these types of performances from the bullpen down the stretch.  Let's keep it up!

by cubsbak on Aug 31, 2007 9:12 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ready to change your tune
on murton?  another solid month of august.  i really hope he can platoon with jones in right next year--scorched slicing fly balls not withstanding.
Big Z on Cuban: "Plus, I can be signed by him. You know, I know he has the money for me. Hopefully he can buy the Cubs."

by kylejo on Aug 31, 2007 9:42 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

C'mon
Give it up already.  What're you his agent?  It was great to see him get his 16th RBI of the year.  Not so great to see him get his 4th error of the season.  Hopefully the Cubs have a better option for right field next season.  

by cubsbak on Aug 31, 2007 9:52 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

just checking
dont want to get into a debate, but i thought his .313/.362/.547 line with 4 jacks in 68 at bats this month might have changed your mind.  I sure hope he gets his playing time next year platooning with jacque.
Big Z on Cuban: "Plus, I can be signed by him. You know, I know he has the money for me. Hopefully he can buy the Cubs."

by kylejo on Aug 31, 2007 9:55 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I was told
by a prominent member of the Murton fan club to only pay attention to Murton's statistics that are accumulated while he's starting at least 9 consecutive baseball games.  Since he didn't start last night and hasn't been starting in 9 consecutive baseball games I'm not supposed to pay attention to anything he does.  

by cubsbak on Aug 31, 2007 10:02 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

re: I was told
Death, taxes, reality TV shows involving Flavor Flav, the Matt Murton debate...it's nice to know there are still some constants in life.
Carlos Marmol, you complete me.

by dat cubfan daver on Aug 31, 2007 10:15 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I hear ya
I was minding my own business admiring the fine bullpen work last night when a charter member of the Matt Murton Love Brigade starts pestering me.  Isn't there anything better to talk about than the worst position player on the roster?  The Cubs are in a pennant race!

by cubsbak on Aug 31, 2007 10:22 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

"Flava Flav?"
C'mon!
It is AUGUST, and we're STILL IN IT! YES!

by TheEman on Aug 31, 2007 10:40 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by TheEman on Aug 31, 2007 11:10 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You left out the error in RF
He stinks. He can't even play an acceptable corner OF position. If he were hitting 40 HRS a year like Adam Dunn, then you could live with that horrible defense.
1-RUN GAMES = 17-19 | EXTRA INNINGS = 2-7 | HOME = 35-32 | updated on 8/31

by SackMan on Aug 31, 2007 10:14 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

"scorched slicing fly balls...
...not withstanding" on the post above.  His range factor is good, and he gets rid of the ball quickly and accurately.  His arm strength is nothing to be proud of, but hes not an adam dunn in the field either.

the spin on that ball and the velocity it was hit with was incredibly difficult to judge last night, youd have to admit.  definitely an error, but you can see why he missed it.

Big Z on Cuban: "Plus, I can be signed by him. You know, I know he has the money for me. Hopefully he can buy the Cubs."

by kylejo on Aug 31, 2007 10:19 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah. I see why he missed it.
Cause he stinks.

So far this season, I've seen him drop two fly balls, let a number of hits rattle around the corner like a pinball machine, and now with last night's error, I've seen more than ball get pass him.

1-RUN GAMES = 17-19 | EXTRA INNINGS = 2-7 | HOME = 35-32 | updated on 8/31

by SackMan on Aug 31, 2007 10:30 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

C'mon
Why are you paying attention to his actual play?  You're supposed to ignore his miserable defensive play on the field and only pay attention to "range factor" statistics or whatever.  That's what tells you he's a good fielder.  Don't believe your lying eyes...

by cubsbak on Aug 31, 2007 10:34 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Everyone take notice....he did fine last night
Murton is what he is, not an All Star. Could he be? Maybe, maybe but he will have to change alot in his approach and start driving the ball into the outfield instead of primarily being a ground ball hitter with average speed.

That said, he did hit a HR and has shown some power this August he has hit 4 HR's and 3 2B's 68 AB's scoring 10 runs on 20 hits, 12 of those hits during a stretch where he started 13 games consecutively, 47 AB's (.255-BA) during which his 3 of his 4 recent solo HR's came.

I am expecting Murton to perform in the opportunities given to him down these 30 games. The league has found his hole, he is not driving the ball to the opposite field so they are pounding him inside. Last night he hit an off speed curve or slider up in the zone (mistake) and did what a major leaguer should do, park in the seats.

Fortunately Marmol struck out the side when he misplayed the liner to RF...should have retreated and angled it so it would not get past him.

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 31, 2007 10:34 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

mis-wrote
I meant pounding him outside and trying to get him to roll over and hit ground balls. He has this dip in his swing that i think is blocking his power as he seems to hit the ball later than other players. He has got to find his niche..is he an OBP guy...or a OPS guy.
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 31, 2007 10:37 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

HE HAS CHANGED HIS APPROACH
Hence, the number of strikeouts piling up... and the number of flyball outs.

Unless this guy drives in 90+ runs a year (which doesn't look like it's gonna happen any time soon) there should be no place for him as a starter in the major leagues. His defense is horrendous, and he doesn't drive in enough runs to outweigh the piss poor defense.

He should shorten up that swing again, and go back to being a contact hitter. Then, he could find a job on somebody's bench as a good pinch hitter.

1-RUN GAMES = 17-19 | EXTRA INNINGS = 2-7 | HOME = 35-32 | updated on 8/31

by SackMan on Aug 31, 2007 10:40 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I have resigned
myself to the fact that he'll most-likely be an o.k. 4th OF, but certainly not a "defensive replacement".

There are jobs in MLB, consistently, for folks like this.

But, a perennial All Star? No.

Terrific HR last night, but he tried hard to give it right back in the next inning. That's what you get from the guy...

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

by TheEman on Aug 31, 2007 10:44 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The other part of his game that kills me:
He doesn't hit with guys on base. He only hits when he leads off an inning, or there's nobody on.

.301 with nobody on.
.216 with runners on.
.191 with runners in scoring position
 

1-RUN GAMES = 17-19 | EXTRA INNINGS = 2-7 | HOME = 35-32 | updated on 8/31

by SackMan on Aug 31, 2007 10:49 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think he grew another foot yesterday
he's now up to 8'4 375lbs!!!

//sorry, just hadn't posted this in a while ;-)

You may run like mays but you hit like $#!%

by cubsirishkillme on Aug 31, 2007 11:00 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What a game!

My heart is still beating strong from last night!  And I swear that I sang "Hey Lou Piniella" in my sleep all night.

The Brewers announcers interviewed DeRosa after the game.  DeRo said that it was the loudest that he had ever heard for a baseball game.  I'm guessing that he wasn't talking about the first inning...

Fun stuff!

by Ghost of Fred Merkle on Aug 31, 2007 9:13 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Very intense
game last night. I needed CPR after that ninth inning. Dempster can really drive you nuts sometimes, but to give him credit he has been very good as of late. I wouldn't call him good last night, but he was good enough. It feels great to pick up another game on the Cardinals too, they make me nervous. Regarding Wandy Rodriguez, I hope we allow him to continue his streak of futility on the road.

by qccub on Aug 31, 2007 9:15 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I love this quote from Dempster...
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=2998803&lpos=spotlight &lid=tab6pos1

Meanwhile, Marmol wasn't too shabby himself -- punching out five Brewers in two spectacular shutout innings. So when Dempster was asked later if he was mentoring Marmol on how to be a closer some day, the current closer quipped: "No, he's mentoring me."

You ARE freaking out MAN!

by crw89 on Aug 31, 2007 9:16 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cartoon
Hugging aside, Lou would also probably insert an expletive or two in the "Now throw some strikes" line.

by BrownE34 on Aug 31, 2007 9:25 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Also wanted to add...
that my heart stopped twice last night. Once in the ninth and the other when DLee fell on the plexiglass...he's ok though:

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/536438,CST-SPT-cubnt31.article

First baseman Derrek Lee landed hard on the Plexiglas shield protecting fans in the first row near the on-deck circle and bruised his ribs. But he stayed in the game and said afterward he was fine. ''You need a tow truck to get him out of the game,'' Piniella said.

You ARE freaking out MAN!

by crw89 on Aug 31, 2007 9:28 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bruised ribs are not fine
Baseball is a rotation sport and this could effect him for a while.

When I looked at this adaptation of plexiglass it really is another injury waiting to happen. It should be higher or if not glass then netting.

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 31, 2007 10:40 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Taking years off my life
I must of lost about 8 months off my life last night (2 when D Lee ran into the wall and 6 when Dempster came in and almost blew it), but as I continue to watch this team, they seem resilent and battle back. Marmol was disgusting last night. Striking out 5 of 6 batters. Let's hope Sean can put it together today and we can stretch this lead to 3.5 and 4. I will be watching the game on mlb.tv while I am at work, gotta love the 2:20 starts Eastern Time (Rhode Island fan here)

Cheers

by mossey12 on Aug 31, 2007 9:42 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Brutal ninth inning...
...but a good result. I think when the book is written on Ryan Dempster, that's how many of us will remember him: As a guy who seemed to always stretch the rubber band as far as it could go without breaking. (OK, it breaks occasionally -- particularly against the New York Mets.)

And how 'bout that Carlos Marmol? To paraphrase Muhammad Ali, "He's a baaaad, baaaaaad man."

Carlos Marmol, you complete me.

by dat cubfan daver on Aug 31, 2007 9:46 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

We finally beat him.....
I can believe now!
I'll be a believer once we beat Capuano. Updated 8/31/07: I guess I can be a believe now!

by cubbie08 on Aug 31, 2007 9:46 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

re: We finally beat him.....
If I were Chris Capuano, I'd fake an injury and take the rest of the year off. Seriously.
Carlos Marmol, you complete me.

by dat cubfan daver on Aug 31, 2007 9:55 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ok, folks....
...this morning's Sun-Times can end any consternation we have about the playoff rosters.

Because the Cubs have four players on the disabled list, no roster maneuvering is necessary at today's deadline for setting 25-man playoff rosters.

As long as a player is on the DL, he -- or his roster spot -- is eligible for the postseason. And anybody in a team's organization before Sept. 1 is eligible to replace the injured player for the start of the playoffs.

One rules change since the Cubs were last in the playoffs eliminated the requirement that a pitcher on the DL be replaced by a pitcher and a non-pitcher by a non-pitcher. That eliminates the need to make a paper move today to configure the roster to reflect the number of pitchers and non-pitchers for the desired playoff roster.

So the team still has September to decide who might make the playoff roster, if we make it.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Aug 31, 2007 9:49 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ready to change your tune on murton???
does a simple "no" work.

by bigzaccountant on Aug 31, 2007 9:55 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

it must be hard
not to like .300 hitters who consistently get on base and slug over .500 in the second half every year.
Big Z on Cuban: "Plus, I can be signed by him. You know, I know he has the money for me. Hopefully he can buy the Cubs."

by kylejo on Aug 31, 2007 9:57 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I like Murton
And agree with you that he belongs on the team.

But why are you trying to start another Murton argument?  Some people just don't like him. He has enough bad traits to go along with his good August that figuring out his value to the club is not an easy decision.

You like him, others don't....let it rest

by El Borto on Aug 31, 2007 10:26 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

huh
im not, i was responding to a post, with a post...isnt that what we do on a message board?  on my above post i was just checking in to see if someone had changed their mind at all, specifically stating, "i dont want to get into a debate"

not sure what youre reading here.

Big Z on Cuban: "Plus, I can be signed by him. You know, I know he has the money for me. Hopefully he can buy the Cubs."

by kylejo on Aug 31, 2007 10:30 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Right, I forgot..
The Murton lovers only want people to pay attention to the statistics he accumulates when he's starting 9 consecutive baseball games between the months of July and September.  You're supposed to ignore everything else.  Got it.

by cubsbak on Aug 31, 2007 10:31 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yep
its going to be september in a day, so now those are the only stats i care about!  murton for certain baby!
Matt Murton career in September: .321/.401./576, 10 jacks (165 ab). Make sure Matt the Bat gets in the lineup this month Lou!

by kylejo on Aug 31, 2007 10:37 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Your signature makes me smile
It makes me very thankful the Cubs are finally in a pennant race this year playing meaningful games in September rather than playing meaningless glorified exhibition games in which borderline major leaguers are able to accumulate statistics.  Thanks for the reminder!

by cubsbak on Aug 31, 2007 12:14 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What Did Murton Do To You
What did Murton do to you to earn this kind of constant attack.  Of the regular outfielders on the Cubs, he's now got the second best OPS after Soriano.  He's been just fine as an offensive player since he was called back up... and yet you treat him as if he struck out every time that he came to the plate, placed wake up calls to keep the entire team up while on the road, slept with all of the wives, girlfriends, life partners and boyfriends of all of his teammates and otherwise was a complete jerk.  

Its the only way that I can reconcile attacks launched on him even when he has a game where he is 2 for 2 with a home run or 1 for 2 with a walk (while the rest of the team isn't hitting at all).   Even those that have pointed out Jones and Floyd's problems tend to be a little quiet when those blind squirrels find acorns.  But not Murton.  Nope.  When he has a good game, like the 30th, the attacks seem even more strident.

by frustratedfan on Aug 31, 2007 10:38 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I loved Dempster's
interview after the game last night. He does make me nervous at times. Marmol is just one fantastic pitcher!!

Very happy to see Matt and Soriano hit home runs. They should both be MVP's of the game.

Just do it again today Cubs!!!

I love this team!!!!!

by sue369 on Aug 31, 2007 10:03 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

How funny was it
To see Marmol toting around that Hello Kitty backpack?  That has to be one of the best/most fun rituals of the Cubs this year.  I bet Carlos will be glad when they call up someone junior to him and he no longer has to lug the pink bag of shame.

by SuperContext on Aug 31, 2007 10:10 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

re: How funny was it
It was funny, and I'd again point out the irony of the guy with the filthiest stuff in the pen having to carry that thing.
Carlos Marmol, you complete me.

by dat cubfan daver on Aug 31, 2007 10:12 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

LOL! So, that was Marmol's bag
Under the bench in San Fran... when Vizquel hit that triple. LOL.
1-RUN GAMES = 17-19 | EXTRA INNINGS = 2-7 | HOME = 35-32 | updated on 8/31

by SackMan on Aug 31, 2007 10:16 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I gotta say that was a team wins with lotsa
key plays, no clear cut MVP. Lilly gutted out 5 innings with not much, JJ key hit in 2nd, big jack by Matty, great shutdown by Marmol and Howry, and a great double switch by Lou. The Brewers are pretty potent lineup to keep in check and Marmol/Howry really did a great job of keeping them off of the bases during the key innings. That ninth was a bit too close for comfort, kinda like playing with fire.

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

I should have
said that Matt and Soriano are my choice for MVP. It's fine if you don't agree.
I love this team!!!!!

by sue369 on Aug 31, 2007 10:35 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i think ron santo agrees with you!
back to back jacks for what, just the second time this season?  i wish i was listening to 720 last night.
Matt Murton career in September: .321/.401./576, 10 jacks (165 ab). Make sure Matt the Bat gets in the lineup this month Lou!

by kylejo on Aug 31, 2007 10:38 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm just glad that we can discuss who's
MVP in a great win instead of all the bashing and ledge jumping that normally takes place during the game on BCB. I see that you're a faithful poster, but I just can't take all the negativity that spews every time someone doesn't perform to perfection. I just avoid the site altogether until later in the evening. Glad to see you here because you seem to keep some posters civil and help to clean up the language.

by billybuck on Aug 31, 2007 1:02 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Thanks for the
compliment. I just don't understand the negativity either. Let's hope the Cubs give us lots to cheer about this weekend.
I love this team!!!!!

by sue369 on Aug 31, 2007 2:09 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cartoon
Great cartoon, Al. I think every fan in Wrigley would have liked to hug Dempster and say the same thing.

The one positive you can take from the agonizing 9th inning is that we have improved our 1 run game record.

A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings. ~Earl Wilson

by tucsoncubsfan on Aug 31, 2007 10:21 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

A very maddening game
I kept turning off the TV, then sneaking back in to watch the game. My wife and I left to go out to dinner and it was 3-3, came back and it was 5-3 Good Guys (sorry for the Hawkism ;)

Dempster was scary, Lilly threw a gutty game, Big Red and Sori came through in a big way. Just another day at the 'ol ballpark, i guess lol

Welcome to the last month of the divisional race!

Go CUBS!!!!

"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 31, 2007 10:22 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ponder this for a moment:
Starting August the Cubs were 1 game out of first and if I were to tell you then that:

1.    Big Z would not win a SINGLE game in the next month,
2.    Soriano would miss 2/3 of the games with an injury,
3.    Dlee and Rammy would have 3 homers in the next month (I think, I didn't check this),
4.    we would get swept by the Astros, (yea that team, how bout some payback this wkend)
5.    JJ would be considered the MVP for the month
6.    cubs would have a losing month
7.    and did I mention a LOSING record.

We all would be getting ready for the Bears season by now.  But lo and behold all this did happened and we find ourselves 2.5 games in front of the Brew Crew and 3 in front of the Birds.  What a roller coast of a season, just think if this team turns things around this week or next and wins 5-6 in row.

What a year this could be!!!!!

by BigZ 4 Cy on Aug 31, 2007 10:23 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by TheEman on Aug 31, 2007 10:47 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

DeRosa's Big Blast
late in the game gives even more "heft" to the HR's by Murton and Soriano.  I thought it had a good chance, but the Brewer's outfielder got it with his back against the ivy.  Now that would have been more good insurance to have with Dempster on the mound!
Pie, Fontenot, Theriot and Soto up the middle ... yippie oh, oh, oh!

by SpudV on Aug 31, 2007 10:23 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i gotta say,
that it is frustrating to read the often re-hashed debates about murton as to whether he is total crap or the second coming of willie mays. he is neither. he has a role to play on this team and he does a decent job of it - not awesome or terrible, but decent. i for one was thrilled when he hit the homer and bummed about the error. such is life. GO CUBS!

by anormal on Aug 31, 2007 10:25 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

People, people...
What's with all the histrionics here, using words like "far-too-dramatic", "scare", "CPR", "heart stopped", "taking years off my life", "brutal"...

C'mon - don't you all remember Mitch Williams?  This should be old hat for Cub fans...  ;-)

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Aug 31, 2007 10:29 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It is old hat
That doesn't mean we get used to it.  Just cause you've had one heart attack doesn't mean you're prepared for the next.
"Don't think; it can only hurt the ball club."

by Jesse Guam on Aug 31, 2007 10:35 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I get nervous
Brewers can flat out hit, I was sort of glad he walked Hart to force in a run. Hart is good, and will be an All-Star. His catch off of Theriot was incredible. Like Al said, no Jenkins for Mench, No wonder Brewer fans what Ned Yosts head. From pulling Suppan early to not hitting for Mench. Glad he swung at the first pitch.
 I just hope Lilly and Z have a solid September. They have not been sharp for a while. I believe Theriot needs a day off. I am sure Cedeno will come up 1 September, I know what everyone will say, but the Riot needs a day.

Just start hitting fellas, Go Cubs
 

by Johnny Callison was a Cub on Aug 31, 2007 10:43 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

RE: Pulling out Mench for Jenkins
Ned Yost is having a tough time making peace with his players and he is not experienced to guide a team that too a very young team through a pennant race. Just recently tempers flared in their dugout wherein Yost was seen having a shouting match with his players. Earlier in the season Mench was complaining about playing time and I am very sure if Mench was pulled out yesterday in favor of Jenkins and if Jenkins fails to get a hit then there would have been some egos badly hurt. I cannot think of any other reason for not pulling out Mench for that critical at bat.

by cubsnlinux on Aug 31, 2007 10:51 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ummm....
Jenkins is 4 for 22 lifetime vs. Dempster, not really the kind of numbers that you'd expect good things out of if you are Yost.  Not to defend his tactics because I could care less what he did, but it's not as if Jenkins has been beating down the door vs. Demspter.  Mench on the other hand had faced him only once before, thus no real advantage or disadvantage either way.  

As far as experience, Yost was the bench coach for Bobby Cox for a good portion of the Braves' extended post-season run.  That excuse is just not accurate.

Just like Piniella was second-guessed for running in the ninth inning of the finale against Arizona, if Mench had driven in the tying and go-ahead runs, Yost would have been applauded.  That's just the nature of the beast.  Not pinch-hitting for Mench wasn't that bold of a move.

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 31, 2007 11:05 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yes...
Yost was a bench coach in ATL but being a manager is a totally different experience now that you are on the hot seat. As outsiders we can look at factual data like stats etc to make sense out of some in game managerial decisions but there are a number of other things that a baseball manager factors into decision making that doesn't make any sense with your stats.

by cubsnlinux on Aug 31, 2007 11:42 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Those who caught Peter Gammons
on ESPN Radio last night, he stated he thought the Cubs were perhaps "the most dangerous" team in the NL. Liked Carlos Marmol (who doesn't). Loves the starting rotation (obviously he was not acknowledging Z's recent struggles), experience. Wouldn't be surprised if they make it to the World Series...

Please fill in the blanks here if you caught it.

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

by TheEman on Aug 31, 2007 10:50 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's available online...
...here. NL Central talk starts at 6:35ish.
FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Aug 31, 2007 12:00 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

How about this one
After last night, Marmol needs to move up. Period. We're not playing around, people we're in a pennant race.
Feel the Brees.

by SouthernBrees on Aug 31, 2007 10:55 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Just Maybe
After a super series win over the 2nd place Brewers and with August turning the page tomorrow, it's officially time to believe that maybe, just maybe, this is the Cubs year.  It's time to set aside the debate over whether Murton is a major league OF or simply a shuttle exchanging fill-in.  We can pick that up again next year.  It's time to end the hand-wringing over which LHP will see bullpen duty.  It's time to stop dissecting each and every roster move and lineup change.  It's time to get unconditionally behind this ball club and enjoy the wins, both ugly and pretty, and enjoy the ride for as long as it goes.  The window is open and it's time to jump right through.

Because quite frankly, maybe it IS the Cubs turn and pardon the language but god damn it isn't it just maybe time to hoist that trophy one time.  Maybe, just maybe this is that incredible season that you'll remember for the rest of your life and that you'll share with your kids and grandkids and anyone else who cares to listen.  Maybe, just maybe a franchise that has been filled and cluttered with talk of "just maybe" for ten decades can stand on the podium just one notch above everyone else.

This past series was fun and shows that the next month will be just the same.  And it's alright by me.

And as far as Rick Morrissey is concerned, don't worry about us....we worry about you.  Because if you sit in that press box and can't get your blood flowing with what is going on right now and can't let your imagination run with you for just a little bit, I do not envy your occupation and feel more than a little bit sorry for you.  Because the rest of us, with all the extreme highs and lows we're certain to feel in the next several weeks are just fine, thank you.  In fact, we're pretty damn good and that is what it's all about.  

IT IS TIME.  GO CUBS.

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 31, 2007 10:57 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

love the attitude
lets just keep winning series from here on out.  the only thing im worried about going forward is that zambrano gets in a groove so that he can be at his best if/when we get to the postseason.
Matt Murton career in September: .321/.401/.576, 10 jacks (165 ab). Make sure Matt the Bat gets in the lineup this month Lou!

by kylejo on Aug 31, 2007 11:06 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Amen
Great post, brother. We deserve this.
Feel the Brees.

by SouthernBrees on Aug 31, 2007 12:16 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Morrissey is one of those columnists
Who doesn't feel he's done his job if he doesn't say 1,000 negative things.

Lincicome, Bayless, Rosenbloom and now Morrissey. They are the types who win the lotto and complain about the taxes.

Pay them no mind.

I'm tired of the Murton debate. What I want to know is what we do about Jacque.

Extension? Locked in at RF next year? Or doing the CF/RF thing again with Murton/Pie. (I can assume his Floydness isn't around next year)

by lancaster99 on Aug 31, 2007 11:06 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

let jacque finish out his contract
and wave goodbye.  hes definitely a completely different player this second half, and was pretty good last year, but i expect nothing less than a steady decline for him.  as good as hes been hes still not really hitting homers.

hopefully colvin will be ready by 2009.

Matt Murton career in September: .321/.401/.576, 10 jacks (165 ab). Make sure Matt the Bat gets in the lineup this month Lou!

by kylejo on Aug 31, 2007 11:08 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I pitched against Colvin in high school....
I don't have too much more to add, but got to watch him play some at Clemson in college as well.

Helluva ball player, although it's always difficult at that age to know how they'll end up panning out in the higher levels.

Seems he's done very well.  And yes, most of the point of this post was to gratuitously point out that I struck out a future Cub. :)

by USCKB on Aug 31, 2007 1:02 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Doesn't matter right now
What matters right now is that he's hot. Live in the moment, brother. We might actually get it done this year. Stop looking to next year.
Feel the Brees.

by SouthernBrees on Aug 31, 2007 12:18 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Amen
This franchise has endured 99 consecutive "next year's".  Let's win it this year.
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 31, 2007 1:27 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I can forsee a bright future...
for the next guy I want in RF for us...Brad Hawpe.
He's only on a 1 year $400,000 contract with the Rockies this year and he went to LSU! Double that money and give him a 3 year deal, we get a young lefthanded bat with power just entering the prime of his career.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2007 12:19 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Not to be a wet blanket, but...
HOME: .310/.405/.643
AWAY: .256/.352/.433

Oh, and...

RHP: .316/.416/.610
LHP: .184/.257/.330

Yes, we need to throw a three-year contract at a guy having a career year who can't hit lefties and who hits best in Coors Field.

Going into next year, we're going to have Soriano, Pie, Jones and Murton in the outfield, Uncle Cliffy if his option vests, and that leaves finding out what to do with guys like E-Pat. If we want to glut up our outfield, fer chrissakes could we just sign somebody like Kosuke Fukodome and be done with it? We're big, we're evil, we have money. If every other fanbase on the planet wants to treat us like marauding big-market assholes, we might as well act like it and throw big money at the premier Japanese talent.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Aug 31, 2007 12:34 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I see your point...
but your making it a little too fine for me. JJ had a TERRIBLE first half, and arguably the best 2nd half of all right fielders in baseball. If you looked at his splits pre/post break you'd see 2 different players, and you could make your case either way.

Here are Hawpe's career Home/Away splits...figure out with is which.

.284/.374/.495
.270/.355/.432

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2007 12:57 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oooops...those were only his 3year splits 04-06
his total career splits are

.275/.367/.476
.283/.372/.500

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2007 1:02 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

None of which changes...
...the fact that a team with Jones, Pie and Floyd that is horrible against lefties doesn't need to sign ANOTHER guy that can't hit lefties.
FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Aug 31, 2007 1:20 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You think Floyd is going to be back?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2007 1:22 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The word I'd use is "fear."
There's still a chance his option vests.
FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Aug 31, 2007 1:26 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hawpe
I'm not sure how you plan to pull off your "give Hawpe 3 years at double the money" scheme to get him.  After this season he will have just over 3 years of ML service, so he won't be a FA until after the 2010 season.  What you you propose to give the Rockies in a trade?
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Aug 31, 2007 1:37 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They can have...
Wood
Jones
Floyd
Pagan
Murton
Ohman
Eyre

in any and all combinations.

I'm not the GM, and I don't expect us to actually go after him. I'm just a dumb fan posting my hopes on the internet. After all, if we can't do that then the terrorists have already won.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2007 1:40 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

HBP
R Weeks was actually hit 4 times this series.  Twice by Zambrano, once each by Hill and Dempster.

by ilove1060 on Aug 31, 2007 11:06 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

A few of the
balls that hit him looked like they were just an inch or two off the plate.  He dives into the ball and then doesn't seem to make much of an effort to get out of the way.

by cubsbak on Aug 31, 2007 11:19 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

At least we're throwing inside!
This is Harry Carray, goodbye from Wrigley Field and So Long Everybody.

by mrcubsfan on Aug 31, 2007 11:26 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I am pretty stunned
That no Cub got plunked in return.

by lancaster99 on Aug 31, 2007 11:11 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

the brewer batters seemed to be crowding the
plate a lot to me. Glad to see us pitch inside and take control...

by LT on Aug 31, 2007 12:48 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And his bruises
don't amount to enough wins for them.

We need to go 16-14 or 17-13, I'd think, in September, to hopefully knock it down - there are NO "easy teams" now. Last place teams will be as dangerous as the Dodgers or Cards.

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

by TheEman on Aug 31, 2007 11:14 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I did a look into this about three years ago
I wrote a brief piece about this three years ago; it turns out that if you have a three games or greater lead entering play September 1, the odds are dramatically in your favor, as virtually all the teams converted those into a division or pennant win (going back prior to division play).
The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.

by scareduck on Aug 31, 2007 11:16 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Related item
That piece flowed out of another piece I wrote about big leads that slipped away, including the biggest lead ever to be erased going down the stretch, the 1995 Angels' epic collapse (7.5 game lead on September 1).  The Cubbies appear on this list three times: twice as losers, in the infamous 1969 collapse, a 1930 coast-to-the-finish that paled in comparison to the 21-6 Cardinals despite the Cubs beating the Cards 2-1 in their final series — and once on the winning side, as the 21-5 Cubs blew past a 13-14 Pittsburgh team whom Chicago swept 5-0 in the teams' final encounters of the season.
The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.

by scareduck on Aug 31, 2007 11:25 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Just to make a point...
For your non-20 homerun list, Tampa Bay does have a 20 homerun guy...two in fact... BJ Upton has 21 and Carlos Pena has 31...

On another note, great game last night, though I did miss another Dempster adventure thanks to work.

by ams05g on Aug 31, 2007 11:38 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Anyone
hear anything more into the person who was said to have caught both home runs last night?
Bulls 402 ta zip... but Micheal Jordan will be held to under 200 points. - Todd O'Connor

by Lou In Blue on Aug 31, 2007 12:16 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Lineup posted yet?
"Mine, mine, says the squirrel to the transformer, unclear on the capacities of electricity." -Dean Young

by Kegler on Aug 31, 2007 12:34 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Former Cub and Current Cardinal's
Miguel Cairo will be recalled by LaRussa where he's languishing in AAA Memphis to replace Rolen.

Now, for SURE, LOU should WALK PUJOLS in every AB!

HA!

Ain't no protection for the monster.

Rolen is gone for at least 10 days. Maybe 15 day DL. Maybe the rest of the season.

Maybe.

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

by TheEman on Aug 31, 2007 12:36 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Lineups
Cubs

Theriot  SS
DeRosa  2B
Lee  1B
Ramierez  3B
Monroe  RF
Murton  LF
Blanco  C
Jones  CF
Marshall  P

Huston
Pence  CF
Biggio  2B
Berkman  1B
Lee  LF
Loretta  SS
Wiggington  3B
Burke  RF
Ausmus  C
Rodriguez  P

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

by seanlovescubs on Aug 31, 2007 12:36 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No Soriano?
I guess they're resting him on a day game after a night game.

by cubsbak on Aug 31, 2007 12:42 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yeah
he did strike out 3 times last night...

by cubs2234 on Aug 31, 2007 12:43 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He needs the rest
because he's not 100% or even close.  He couldn't even jog out his homerun without limping a little.  Soriano has to sit...
"It's a pier 9 brawl!..."

by rrobinson on Aug 31, 2007 12:46 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Lou said as much...
...in last night's postgame conference. Which is odd, seeing as Soriano keeps saying he's healthy, it's just a mental readjustment.
FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Aug 31, 2007 12:43 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

JUST HEARING THIS!!
Steve Trachsel signed by the Cubs!!!

Bring a copy of War and Peace of the park!!

As long guy!!!

WSCR Radio

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

by TheEman on Aug 31, 2007 12:43 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If you're lying...
...I'm suing you for emotional distress.
FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Aug 31, 2007 12:45 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I sincerely hope that
you're joking...and that Trachsel is staying far, far away from the Cubs roster...
"It's a pier 9 brawl!..."

by rrobinson on Aug 31, 2007 12:48 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The Human Rain Delay is back!
It was a trade... a couple of minor leaguers to Baltimore. One of them is Scott Moore, as just reported by The Score.
1-RUN GAMES = 17-19 | EXTRA INNINGS = 2-7 | HOME = 35-32 | updated on 8/31

by SackMan on Aug 31, 2007 12:45 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

"War and Peace"
= TO the PArk, not OF

SORRY

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

by TheEman on Aug 31, 2007 12:47 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Thank you, sir
"Mine, mine, says the squirrel to the transformer, unclear on the capacities of electricity." -Dean Young

by Kegler on Aug 31, 2007 12:44 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You gotta be kiddin'
Trachs is like 500 years old. I don't know about this one....
"Mine, mine, says the squirrel to the transformer, unclear on the capacities of electricity." -Dean Young

by Kegler on Aug 31, 2007 12:46 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He's going into the pen
as the long man... for September.
1-RUN GAMES = 17-19 | EXTRA INNINGS = 2-7 | HOME = 35-32 | updated on 8/31

by SackMan on Aug 31, 2007 12:48 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Apparently it's Moore...
...and Cherry.

I think I feel ill.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Aug 31, 2007 12:48 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nooooooooooo...
...not Rocky Cherry!!!

NOOOOO!!!!!

Carlos Marmol, you complete me.

by dat cubfan daver on Aug 31, 2007 12:50 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

take a breath...
I have't heard Cherry anywhere.

Let's wait a couple hours until an official announcement.

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

by TheEman on Aug 31, 2007 12:52 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They just announced it in WGN pregame...
It is Moore and Cherry for Trachsel.

by grogg2434 on Aug 31, 2007 12:53 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If it works

Its not that huge, then.
It is AUGUST, and we're STILL IN IT! YES!

by TheEman on Aug 31, 2007 12:57 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cherry's a 28 year-old rookie
Big whoop.
1-RUN GAMES = 17-19 | EXTRA INNINGS = 2-7 | HOME = 35-32 | updated on 8/31

by SackMan on Aug 31, 2007 12:53 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well - Rich Hill
was a 27 yo rookie last year.

He was a promising reliever.

But, the Cubs are loaded with arms now, fortunately.

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

by TheEman on Aug 31, 2007 12:56 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah, but...
...he's got the best name in baseball.
Carlos Marmol, you complete me.

by dat cubfan daver on Aug 31, 2007 12:56 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooo
I just saw a fox sport net report saying we picked up the human rain delay from Baltimore. Why??

by LT on Aug 31, 2007 12:46 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Trachsel
They probably picked him up to start one game of the DH against the Cards.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Aug 31, 2007 1:40 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Resting Soriano?
I know it's the key time to get some rest with AZ coming up, but we need some pop.
Feel the Brees.

by SouthernBrees on Aug 31, 2007 12:47 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I would assume
he will be used EXCLUSIVELY as a long reliever when our guys "don't have it".

Could you imagine if Trachsel and Kip Wells face each other!!! OMG!!

An 8 hour game! for 9!!!

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

by TheEman on Aug 31, 2007 12:49 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Trachsel
is probably for insurance in case of injury to a starter and to be used in that double header when the Cubs will need a 6th starter.  Adding an experienced innings-muncher instead of a kid who could get bombed out in the first inning of a big game is probably not the worst idea.  I don't think Moore or Cherry were gonna do much for the Cubs anyway.

by cubsbak on Aug 31, 2007 12:52 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Moore AND Cherry
OK, just how stupid is that?

by lancaster99 on Aug 31, 2007 12:54 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Rocky Cherry and Scott Moore?
We traded both these guys for maybe a couple spot starts? I dunno about this.
"In all the categories that you pay the most attention to, except the loss column, we're doing very well" - Jim Hendry

by Jayo525 on Aug 31, 2007 12:54 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cherry and Moore
Cherry has the ability to be a closer in the future and Marmol is our closer of the future and Moore is primarily a third basemen, stuck behind A-Ram and in front of Vitters.  

These guys for Trachsel are a bit of a stretch, but perhaps Hendry is willing to give these guys up more for the player's sake, then the team's.

by eamuscatuli1881 on Aug 31, 2007 12:58 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's VERY unlikely
Cherry will be a closer in the future.  These guys are just roster filler at the major league level and are nothing special.  If Trachsel can give the Cubs a decent spot start and a few decent innings in relief down the stretch this trade is worth it.

by cubsbak on Aug 31, 2007 1:03 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Agreed.
It was just a thought... I was just trying to say that I don't think it's a big deal to trade these guys.  You have to give something to get something.  Clearly Hendry likes Trachsel for some reason, so he paid for him.  

Plus, for those that still disagree with it, the Orioles took Sammy Sosa AND Corey Patterson off our hands... I wouldn't be complaining too much.

by eamuscatuli1881 on Aug 31, 2007 1:06 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

2 Decent prospects
for TRACHSEL?  He's giving up almost two hits per inning!  People hit .277 off him!  He's had two winning seasons since we got rid of his dead weight!

Did Hendry wake up drunk today?  Sure, we might need an emergency starter or a long relief guy, but not this guy...

"It's a pier 9 brawl!..."

by rrobinson on Aug 31, 2007 12:57 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Not sure I understand
The Cubs have the most solid five-man rotation in MLB right now. What the hell do they need this old guy (actually he's only a year older than me) for? In case Marshall or Hill falters? I guess it's possible one of them could, but for now, they're both pitching better than our $91 mln man! Maybe Trachsel can replace El Toro until he gets back on track :)

And this can't be good for Hill and Marshall's confidence. It makes it seem like the Cubs are ready to dump either of them from the rotation at any time, despite the fact that both have pitched very well in the second half.

Trachsel is probably going to sit around a lot. I suppose if someone gets knocked out in the third, he can pitch 3 or 4 innings, a la Capuano for the Brewers last night. But there haven't been many games like that for the Cubs, and let's hope there aren't in September.

"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 31, 2007 12:58 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I don't think
that Hill and Marshall have anything to worry about.  I think Trachsel is here to pitch one of the double header games and get some long relief here and there.

by grogg2434 on Aug 31, 2007 1:03 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I agree.
Is he better than Hill or Marshall? No.

I give a shit about Moore. But Rocky Cherry?

Why both?

Couldn't one of these go to the pen in the Playoffs?

And - what's wrong w/Gallagher for the long-guy until then?

WTF?

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

by TheEman on Aug 31, 2007 1:04 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If
Hill/Marshall are so weak mentally that this deal will cause them to lose confidence then they were probably not gonna pitch well down the stretch anyway.  Nothing wrong with adding a veteran arm for some insurance and to eat some innings down the stretch.  It's not like they gave up much.

by cubsbak on Aug 31, 2007 1:08 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Not bad for an old guy....
Trachsel is 1-1 with a 2.37 ERA in six August starts this year....
"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 31, 2007 1:02 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

In a much
tougher league for pitchers.

by cubsbak on Aug 31, 2007 1:04 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

there is also
a club option for Trax in 2008.

by lapetino on Aug 31, 2007 1:03 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Can't wait to Stevie Eyre and Henry Blanko today
"In all the categories that you pay the most attention to, except the loss column, we're doing very well" - Jim Hendry

by Jayo525 on Aug 31, 2007 1:04 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The bottom line of this deal:
If we win it all, whether or not Trachsel helps, who cares?
"Mine, mine, says the squirrel to the transformer, unclear on the capacities of electricity." -Dean Young

by Kegler on Aug 31, 2007 1:04 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

LOL! SWL's
HAHA! I was thinking of old rubberarm, Terry Mulholland!
It is AUGUST, and we're STILL IN IT! YES!

by TheEman on Aug 31, 2007 1:12 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Does Trachs
now how to "rub up a baseball" so that very "normal" and "commonplace" dirt stains stick to his hands?
You may run like mays but you hit like $#!%

by cubsirishkillme on Aug 31, 2007 1:14 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I imagine
that is a skill that is refined with age
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic.

by seanlovescubs on Aug 31, 2007 1:17 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

OK, I'm calming down
Lilly only went 5 last night

Marshall consistently goes 6 or less.

Zambrano has moments where he has 100 pitches in 4 innings.

Marquis is still Jekyll and Hyde.

We need a long guy. Long stretch without a day off coming.

Moore OR Cherry, I could live with. I could live with one of those guys and some Single A meat sack.

But both?

by lancaster99 on Aug 31, 2007 1:06 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Exactly
It's a good move. Think of Trachsel as Marquis #2. A spot starter/long reliever who takes up innings in September that might have instead gone to Gallagher or another minor leaguer.
"These are terrible times, and I shouldn't joke about them." --Warren Zevon

by ExNorthsider on Aug 31, 2007 1:11 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The single A meat
comes in tubes.
"Mine, mine, says the squirrel to the transformer, unclear on the capacities of electricity." -Dean Young

by Kegler on Aug 31, 2007 1:07 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I see the logic in it
Maybe it is a little too much to give up. But I can't imagine Scott Moore or Rocky Cherry are going to be all-star material any time soon (or not so soon).

Then again, when the Cubs traded for Mitch Williams, I never thought Moyer would still be pitching (effectively) 18 years later and that Palmeiro would hit 500 homers, either.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 31, 2007 1:08 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: Palmeiro
I believe you underestimated Rafi's "juice"
You may run like mays but you hit like $#!%

by cubsirishkillme on Aug 31, 2007 1:10 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Anyway - if one of our
quicker-to-the-plate starters get knocked out (Z, MArshall), we NOW have a pitcher that will BORE them to death!
It is AUGUST, and we're STILL IN IT! YES!

by TheEman on Aug 31, 2007 1:14 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I've never seen Marmol speak
WOW he doesn't know english well. GO MONKEY!! (That's our nickname for him)
Feel the Brees.

by SouthernBrees on Aug 31, 2007 1:10 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wow...
that is a very dangerous nickname to give a man
You may run like mays but you hit like $#!%

by cubsirishkillme on Aug 31, 2007 1:12 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ray King didn't care for it I hear.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2007 1:14 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And, not very
poltically correct considering Marmol is black.

You may want to consider something else?

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

by TheEman on Aug 31, 2007 1:15 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He's Southern
We're probably lucky the nickname wasn't worse.

Ever been to the South? I was just through Arkansas and Mississippi in June, on my way to Texas.

I really wonder if secession wasn't such a bad idea.

For us Northerners, not for them.

by lancaster99 on Aug 31, 2007 1:19 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Agreed
Apparently he doesn't know secession ended
"In all the categories that you pay the most attention to, except the loss column, we're doing very well" - Jim Hendry

by Jayo525 on Aug 31, 2007 1:23 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Actually, I believe Marmol is
Hispanic, however that type of name calling is unaaceptable, regardless of Marmol's ethnicity.
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 31, 2007 1:21 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

BAD. very bad.
I can't believe folks on this board would appreciate it either.  I love Marmol.

That filthy slider.......

by coral on Aug 31, 2007 1:43 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

UH,
Hello it is 2007, check your calendar, George Wallace

by Johnny Callison was a Cub on Aug 31, 2007 10:05 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I hope MLBtv.com works better today
for me than last night.
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue."

by thehawk on Aug 31, 2007 1:19 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

good pickup!!
...was worried about throwing a kid in a key game vs. St. Louis...and when starters falter like Lilly did kinda sorta last night, Trachsel will give some solid innings.

Didn't give up much where was Scott Moore gonna play? Unless A-Ram gets hurt, he had nowhere to go...

six-man rotation anyone?? think our starters could use a breather here before next day off Sept. 20 or whenever it is...go Cubs!!

by writerinwrigley on Aug 31, 2007 1:21 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

We have DeRosa if Aram gets hurt...
DeRosa is the MVP of this team anyway.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2007 1:22 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I don't know about you guys..
but I could sure use a 14-2 laugher of a win today. Take some pressure off for once ya know?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2007 1:24 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Biggio
 I thought that the more knowledgeable baseball Cub fans would give Biggio a nice hand when he came to the plate but nothing.

Go figure.

by lemon20pie on Aug 31, 2007 1:26 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Why would we?
He plays for the other team. It's not like he's done anything special right now. I'd clap if he got plunked, but that's about it.
FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Aug 31, 2007 1:28 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It would've been the respectful thing to do..
...For a very good player who no doubt overachieved and got every ounce of ability out of his small frame that he could, through hard work and was a team orientated player who would hit or play wherever he was told.

 Played the game the right way.

by lemon20pie on Aug 31, 2007 1:31 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

After reading your touching post..
I threw up in my mouth a little.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2007 1:33 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

3000 hits or not...
I hate that little bastard. I wouldn't applaud him if he was saving my drowning child.

I may have exaggerated there a little.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2007 1:28 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

awesome
I echo these sentiments
You may run like mays but you hit like $#!%

by cubsirishkillme on Aug 31, 2007 1:33 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Why?!
He's killed us his entire career.  There's no way any self-respecting Cubs crowd would applaud him.

by grogg2434 on Aug 31, 2007 1:31 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wasn't it a month ago that he hit 3,000?
When the Giants come to town next year, should the fans stand and up and cheer Bonds?

by IllinoisCubs on Aug 31, 2007 1:31 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Now that Trachsel is back
Are we going to pick up Tapani and Gaetti as well?

Too bad Rod Beck is no longer available.

What's Henry Rodriguez doing these days?

"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 31, 2007 1:27 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Can Trax come in to pitch today?
We may need him if Marshall is only going to trow 1 strike out of every 8 pitches.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2007 1:27 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

scheduled day off
to rest the leg.
In the middle of difficulty, lies opportunity - Einstein

by cubbieblue86 on Aug 31, 2007 1:30 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think it's a metal thing...
he found out that when we play home games and the other team bats first he isn't "technically" leading off.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2007 1:30 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

maybe
we could trade him to other team, but some how have his at bats count for the Cubs during homestands?
In the middle of difficulty, lies opportunity - Einstein

by cubbieblue86 on Aug 31, 2007 1:32 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sean...
F!@K the heck!!!??? It this our new strategy for the playoff run? Begin all remaining games down by at least 2?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2007 1:36 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

re: Sean...
My thoughts exactly. Let the other team wear themselves out by scoring a few runs and then come back late in the game.

BRILLANT!

Carlos Marmol, you complete me.

by dat cubfan daver on Aug 31, 2007 1:37 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He's not bad off
He's barely missing. They should leave him in.
Feel the Brees.

by SouthernBrees on Aug 31, 2007 1:37 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think Hendry...
...wanted Trachsel all year but waited until after the Brewers were off the sked to avoid the terrifying possibility of Trachsel v. Vargas.  That game would take 6 hours

by BigJimSlade on Aug 31, 2007 1:39 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Here we go again, another
30 minute first inning
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue."

by thehawk on Aug 31, 2007 1:39 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's all about giving the other team
a false sense of confidence
You may run like mays but you hit like $#!%

by cubsirishkillme on Aug 31, 2007 1:39 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yes..
our 99 year plan to lull MLB into the trap is almost complete.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2007 1:42 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Good stragey, Then we come and
shut em down!
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue."

by thehawk on Aug 31, 2007 1:42 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

todays line-up
hope theriot goes 4 for 4 so lou leaves him there and bats soriano 2-6 somewhere

by philadelphiacub on Aug 31, 2007 1:42 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wind direction and speed anyone?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2007 1:44 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

In
and too fast.
In the middle of difficulty, lies opportunity - Einstein

by cubbieblue86 on Aug 31, 2007 1:45 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I thought DeRosa and Lee's balls...
might be out.

Oh man...I could have said something so much better.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2007 1:47 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

wow...
it's alright, at least you gae me the set up, I completed it in my mind and laughed on my own.
In the middle of difficulty, lies opportunity - Einstein

by cubbieblue86 on Aug 31, 2007 1:49 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I don't want any wind direction...
...but I'll take some speed. Greenies, if ya got 'em. Some guy named Neifi is here and wants some, too.
Carlos Marmol, you complete me.

by dat cubfan daver on Aug 31, 2007 1:46 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I know
a guy, his name is Dusty.
In the middle of difficulty, lies opportunity - Einstein

by cubbieblue86 on Aug 31, 2007 1:48 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

gameday showing a tight k zone
verifiable via tv?
You may run like mays but you hit like $#!%

by cubsirishkillme on Aug 31, 2007 1:45 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Alot of borderline pitches...
I can't say either pitcher is getting squeezed, they're both trying to live just on the edge of the plate today.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2007 1:46 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

9 pitches
And that's with you guys' God, Theriot, batting leadoff.

by lancaster99 on Aug 31, 2007 1:46 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Your right...
With Soriano there would have been 2 more pitches from his K swingin'
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2007 1:49 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

31 - 9
well, I think that's slightly better than yesterday at lesat
You may run like mays but you hit like $#!%

by cubsirishkillme on Aug 31, 2007 1:47 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

1-2-3
LETS GO MARSHALL. SETTLE IN AND KNOCK'EM DOWN!
6-01-2007 the Cubs begin to rise. They will never look back.

by Scott G F on Aug 31, 2007 1:49 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

To paraphrase from
Kevin Bacon in Animal House... "Thank you, Sean. Can I have another!"
Prince Fielder...he is neither.

by LAcarl519 on Aug 31, 2007 1:53 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Who is Hendry talking about??
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue."

by thehawk on Aug 31, 2007 1:50 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nevermind, got it
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue."

by thehawk on Aug 31, 2007 1:52 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Seems like Sean is getting on track now...
maybe they can have the starters throw a "simulated" first inning before each start. Get all those walks and high pitch counts our of the way in the bullpen. Wood could help them know how to go about that.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2007 1:51 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Marshall
I keep waiting for him to go Inigo Montoya and announce he is not left handed, switch gloves, and start firing 95 mile an hour cheese on the black at the knees.

by BigJimSlade on Aug 31, 2007 1:51 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

lol
hunter pence killed his father
You may run like mays but you hit like $#!%

by cubsirishkillme on Aug 31, 2007 1:53 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

re: Marshall
My name is Inigo Montoya. You kill my father. Prepare to die.
Carlos Marmol, you complete me.

by dat cubfan daver on Aug 31, 2007 1:54 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

not sure what is going on
with Astros' team photos, but they all look like they are wearing a hat that is 2 sizes too big
You may run like mays but you hit like $#!%

by cubsirishkillme on Aug 31, 2007 1:52 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Dat's more like it!
Carlos Marmol, you complete me.

by dat cubfan daver on Aug 31, 2007 1:52 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Only
46 pitches through 2.....
Bulls 402 ta zip... but Micheal Jordan will be held to under 200 points. - Todd O'Connor

by Lou In Blue on Aug 31, 2007 1:53 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ryan O'Malley
Anyone know how he is doing?  Don't hear about him anymore.

by coral on Aug 31, 2007 1:53 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I believe he is in Double-A
He struggled in Triple-A this year so they sent him down.  He's 26, 27 years old.  At this point they should really be making him a bullpen pitcher.  He had one really good start last year and one semi-decent start before that, but he's nothing special.  

by IllinoisCubs on Aug 31, 2007 2:01 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I live in Madison
& a coworker today said he was so frustrated with Yost, they should go out and hire (wait for it) DUSTY BAKER.

My response?  Go for it, dude.

by BigJimSlade on Aug 31, 2007 1:54 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Pat called Wady's ERA as
"beefy" at Wrigley. Over 11. I'd say more chubby than beefy.

by SouthsideCub on Aug 31, 2007 1:55 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I wish my name was Wady
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue."

by thehawk on Aug 31, 2007 1:56 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

is there
an audio link so i can listen to the game?  thanks!

by bamix1 on Aug 31, 2007 1:57 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If you have a credit card
and about $20 for the rest of the year, go here:

http://mlb.mlb.com/mediacenter/#20070831

"I took an IQ test and it came back negative." -- Woody Paige

by BlueSox on Aug 31, 2007 2:00 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

How many double plays is that
over the last four games. Seems like about 10. and most with no out.

by SouthsideCub on Aug 31, 2007 1:57 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

and
they all seem to have been followed up by a base hit.

by Mr Snrub on Aug 31, 2007 1:58 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hmmm I thought Soriano had the game
winner myself...Guess not.
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue."

by thehawk on Aug 31, 2007 2:01 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think Monroe is
on the Kendall program where he is going to take a little while to settle in and then he will produce as the Cubs hoped. I think these guys press too hard when they get into the Cub/Wrigley atmosphere. That's my hope.
Prince Fielder...he is neither.

by LAcarl519 on Aug 31, 2007 2:02 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Agreed
I just hope he doesn't take the JJ program.
6-01-2007 the Cubs begin to rise. They will never look back.

by Scott G F on Aug 31, 2007 2:02 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Why life is good:
In between innings I realized FSN Wisconsin was replaying last night's game, and I turned it on to see Murton go yard.  Nothing like watching 2 games at once.
2007 Badger Football - 1-0

by Schwa on Aug 31, 2007 2:02 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Biggio just did a Caminiti
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2007 2:04 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Scott G F on Aug 31, 2007 2:09 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Marshall is not goijg deep today
Looks like another pen day.
So much for quality starts!!
6-01-2007 the Cubs begin to rise. They will never look back.

by Scott G F on Aug 31, 2007 2:11 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Does Marshall
ever really go 'deep'?
In the middle of difficulty, lies opportunity - Einstein

by cubbieblue86 on Aug 31, 2007 2:11 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That's what she said.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2007 2:12 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

excellent.
n/t
In the middle of difficulty, lies opportunity - Einstein

by cubbieblue86 on Aug 31, 2007 2:14 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Why so negative?
Just a couple 5 pitch innings from him and he can go 8.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2007 2:12 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

'eh
just trying to point out, he's not much more than a 5 inning pitcher, it's just a fact.
In the middle of difficulty, lies opportunity - Einstein

by cubbieblue86 on Aug 31, 2007 2:15 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

5 innings max for Marshall
Can Wood go 2 innings today?
SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Aug 31, 2007 2:14 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Marshall versus Traschel in August
Marshall 5 starts, 24 innings, 6.75 ERA
Traschel 6 starts, 38 innings, 2.37 ERA

I think Traschel will be the 5th starter after today.

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Aug 31, 2007 2:12 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

With the direction and speed of the wind today...
why are we up there swinging as hard as we can?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2007 2:15 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Because
Gerald Perry gave them instructions to hit home runs ;-)

by rlpete on Aug 31, 2007 2:17 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Funny you don't hear about Perry...
considering the way this offense hasn't performed up to it's expectations.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2007 2:19 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

AHAHAHAHA
Len needs to make more comments like "easy inning"
In the middle of difficulty, lies opportunity - Einstein

by cubbieblue86 on Aug 31, 2007 2:16 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Theriot gets a lot of breaks! lol
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue."

by thehawk on Aug 31, 2007 2:16 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Thanks, Burke
"I took an IQ test and it came back negative." -- Woody Paige

by BlueSox on Aug 31, 2007 2:16 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Burke muffed a pop fly
"I took an IQ test and it came back negative." -- Woody Paige

by BlueSox on Aug 31, 2007 2:18 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Come on D!!!
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue."

by thehawk on Aug 31, 2007 2:20 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

better camera angle?
n/t
In the middle of difficulty, lies opportunity - Einstein

by cubbieblue86 on Aug 31, 2007 2:22 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bigs and Bags want to sit in the blachers...
Len just mentioned this. I, for one, welcome both. Hated those guys for most of their careers, which only means I feared and respected the hell out of 'em. Great role ball players, both of them.
"I don't know what I'm talking about, and I'm pretty sure you don't either." -David Letterman to Bill O'Reilly

by hipster17 on Aug 31, 2007 2:23 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

How come Lee
only has 68 rbi's this year.  Seems he's had plenty of rbi opportunity.
SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Aug 31, 2007 2:25 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Might be the same reason...
we've seen his avg trickle down from .340 to .309. P
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2007 2:31 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Damn, Ramy, doesn't do that very often.
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue."

by thehawk on Aug 31, 2007 2:26 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

E5?
Wow, that doesn't happen very often.

phat

by phatass on Aug 31, 2007 2:28 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ruh roh raggy
listless lollygagging
"I don't know what I'm talking about, and I'm pretty sure you don't either." -David Letterman to Bill O'Reilly

by hipster17 on Aug 31, 2007 2:28 PM CDT