Open Thread: Cubs vs. Rangers, Wednesday 3/12, 3:05 CT

by Al Yellon on Mar 12, 2008 8:29 AM CDT in Game Threads

This will serve as your all-purpose thread all day, since later this afternoon I'll be heading to Arizona, and won't arrive till (probably) after 9 pm Central time, at which time it may be too late to post a recap of today's game. Tomorrow, I'll be on the LF lawn at Mesa; anyone going to the game, stop on by, you can find me right in front of the clock on the scoreboard.

In the meantime, here are a few things to start the discussion this morning:

Check out blackhawk24's diary, in which he cites today's Barry Rozner column which says that Don Levin, owner of the AHL's Chicago Wolves, is still in the running to be the new Cubs owner:
Levin is still interested in buying the Cubs despite all the delays and the controversy over selling Wrigley Field separately, and he's also one of the select few to receive the OK to see the book and bid on the club.
"I know I can get the book. I've been approved to get the documents," Levin said. "But to my knowledge, there's nothing out there yet, and there probably won't be until arrangements are made with the state over the sale of the park.

This is excellent, excellent news. Levin is my #1 choice -- he is, essentially, Mark Cuban without the "all about me" attitude. Deep pockets, already runs a fan-friendly organization in town, and grew up a Cubs fan.
Bruce Miles tells us that Lou Piniella was impressed with what he saw of Jeff Samardzija this spring:
"He impressed in camp," manager Lou Piniella said. "More poised. More relaxed. Quality of his pitches. Last year he threw hard and overpowered hitters here in camp.
"But this year he pitched more. A little better sinker. A little tighter slider. Worked on a changeup. He's starting to develop a split-finger, which he didn't used in these games, but at the same time, he's getting better with."
Piniella liked one more thing about Samardzija.
"His hair got shorter, too," Piniella said. "I told him by August he'd be in a crew cut."

Doubt we'll see the Shark in a crew cut. But it'll be interesting to watch his progress in Double-A this year.
The Cubs have 15 home games in April. Gordon Wittenmyer asks: will that be trouble for Kosuke Fukudome? I say no. Fukudome's a smart player who can adapt to conditions. But it wouldn't hurt to have a warm April, either. The Cubs play exactly zero games in "warm" weather or a dome until May 19 in Houston. (Unless you count trips to Washington, St. Louis or Cincinnati as "warm".)
Paul Sullivan tells us that Lou may have some lineup shakeups in the works:
"If you go to Surprise [for Wednesday's game], you might be surprised," he said.
The first ten photos of this azcentral.com slideshow are from yesterday's Cubs/A's game.

There will be a MLB.com audio broadcast of today's game at the MLB.com Mediacenter. As you know if you've listened to any of these, the quality of those announcing teams is widely variable.

MLB.com Gameday

Discuss amongst yourselves.

Tweet Comment 204 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Levin

Couldnt agree more. Plus (after hearing it on The Score a million times ) the Wolves have been the most successful team in Chicago in the last decade, of course that is saying too much.

Id love it, and you said it perfectly hes Mark Cuban without the hype.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Mar 12, 2008 9:00 AM CDT reply actions

Samardzija

Is there any talk of Samardzija starting the year in AAA? I ask because West Tenn has a 4 game set to open the season here in J'ville...would be nice to see him pitch.

Yeeesh...this is my first post in like 6 months...sorry Al, it's a bit of a football hangover.

Chicks dig the long ball

by Will23 on Mar 12, 2008 9:37 AM CDT reply actions

Shark's going to AA

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=151327&src=152

GOATBUSTERS! - I ain't afraid of no goat!

by gjdow on Mar 12, 2008 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions

Ahh, Arizona

I'm leaving for Mesa on Monday. I'd rather be there now. =)

GOATBUSTERS! - I ain't afraid of no goat!

by gjdow on Mar 12, 2008 9:37 AM CDT reply actions

Getting concerned

Granted these are only spring training games, but bottom line the Cubs need to get their crap together. And quick. Personally, I think Lou needs to stop wasting playing time on people we know aren't going to be here and focus on getting our primary lineup and bench guys game at bats. Piniella and Rothschild also have some big decisions to make in terms of the bullpen.

I wonder if we might see a surprising roster move in the bullpen. Like trading Michael Wuertz for a nice addition elsewhere???

by MDBNIU on Mar 12, 2008 9:58 AM CDT reply actions

"Quick"?

There are 2 1/2 weeks left in the spring. Why are you so panicked?

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

by Al Yellon on Mar 12, 2008 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions

Ha, I agree its ST

but WE THE CUB FANS as a whole tend to overreact. IE---Cubs blow a game in the 9th and the sky starts falling at the same time.

I dont care what happens in ST, there is a story about Ichiro being 0-21 and him almost thinking its funny.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Mar 12, 2008 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions

Yup...

and in 1984, when the Cubs haven't been to any playoffs for 39 yeaers, they were 3-18 in ST IIRC.

Don't panic anyone, there's lots of time left in ST, plus dare I say the 25-man roster is NOT yet set for the 3/31/08 opener.

BTW, FWIW those sports talk radio fans, Mike and Mike in the Morning (ESPN1000 here 5-9AM CDT daily) will be at Murphy's for their show on the 31st starting at 05:00 CDT.

by blackhawk24 on Mar 12, 2008 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions

Nice

Thats cool, I am moving down the block on the 30th and plan to take th 31st off. Very nice indeed

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Mar 12, 2008 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions

1984...

... was the first year I went to ST. Coming off a bad '83 season, expectations were low.

They lost 13 in a row at one point... and that's what triggered Dallas Green to make the trade for Gary Matthews and Bob Dernier right at the end of camp.

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

by Al Yellon on Mar 12, 2008 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions

84 ST

I thought Jim Frey might get fired before the season even began, things were so bad.

By the way, they had an actual in-season 13-game losing streak in June the following year which did indeed help lead to Frey's eventual dismissal.

"Hey hey - kiss it goodbye! That one's in Milwaukee! Man oh man did he hit it. Isn't that something?" - Lou Boudreau, 5-17-79

by danimal15 on Mar 12, 2008 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions

Looks like you'll get your wish

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=151765&src=152

Summary: Piniella is worried about slow starts from regulars, and will increase their playing time. He likes them to get 60-70 at-bats, but says now that he will have to work to get them 50-60.

Prince Fielder a vegetarian? Run, carrots, run for your lives!

by TC Cubby on Mar 12, 2008 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions

IIRC

the starting lineup was mostly starters yesterday, and many of them played most of the game.

Stop panicking.

Worst to First in 2007, brought to you by Lou, Sori, A-Ram and D-Lee.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 12, 2008 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions

Lou is done with the honeymoon period welcoming

everyone back from winter. He is not happy with the approach of some of his veterans swinging at first and second pitches and giving up AB's. The approach is what he is made at and madder at the production. Old coaches trick...begin disciplining the leaders and stars and the rest of the team snaps to attention.

Also he appears to have decided that Fukudome is slated for the 5th spot in the order....Soriano, (who I can see eventually falling to the 3rd spot if his legs don't get better)..Theriot (or the nameless from O'-land), Lee, Ramirez, Fukudome, DeRosa, Soto and Pie.....

With Roberts then the move to SS for DeRosa and platoon and Roberts goes to the leadoff role, my bet then DeRosa (or Theriot) move to the 2-hole, Soriano, Lee, Ramirez, Fukudome, Soto, Pie.

Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."

by Ivy Walls on Mar 12, 2008 10:06 AM CDT reply actions

Anyone else think...

...Lou's being a little rough on Dome? In that Sun-Times article, Wittenmyer writes:

In particular, he seemed to refer to Fukudome when he said, ''We've got to concentrate a little more and get a little more out of the at-bat, even if you're taking a few pitches.''

As of yesterday, Dome has drawn seven walks -- second highest on the team behind (gasp!) Sam Fuld, who has nine. And Kosuke's OBP is still a more-than-robust .455. Even in yesterday's game, in which Dome went 0 for 3 with a strikeout, he still drove in a run with a sac fly.

Although I was a little unnerved by all the free-swinging that went on yesterday, I'm pretty far from hitting the panic button regarding Dome -- or DLee, for that matter.

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by daver on Mar 12, 2008 10:40 AM CDT reply actions

Maybe Wittenmyer

misinterperated Lou's comments and infact Lou wasn't refering to Dome

by cubswin14 on Mar 12, 2008 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions

Dome's approach to American baseball

There was interesting interview of Dome in Mesa the other day on Japanese TV (by his friendly reporter for long time), and he talked very straight ahead about his approach to American baseball this time - what he want to do in playing baseball the first thing...
Basically he wanted to try all the thing what he'd established in Japanese baseball, and wanted to find out what works and what does not, as much as he likes. I guess he's still in that kind of process right now.
I would like to write up a diary post tomorrow about the interview if time allows.

by dragonsfanatic on Mar 12, 2008 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions

re: Dome's approach to American baseball

Please do! I've really enjoyed watching Dome play in spring training.

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by daver on Mar 12, 2008 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions

OT: And you thought Felix Pie's injury was bad

Felix doesn't have anything on Kaz Matsui:

http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2008/03/11/kaz-matsuis-official-diagnosis-anal-fissures/

Old Style is the nectar of life.

by Mordecai on Mar 12, 2008 11:00 AM CDT reply actions

re: OT: And you thought Felix Pie's injury was bad

Damn, did the writer of that article have to go into quite so much detail? Getting back to Felix, this Sun-Times article provides some good news and contains a great, if brief, quote by Lou.

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by daver on Mar 12, 2008 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions

I had a friend who had that

slept on his stomach for eight months. Incredible pain, multiple surgeries. Are they projecting Matsui to play at all this year?

Worst to First in 2007, brought to you by Lou, Sori, A-Ram and D-Lee.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 12, 2008 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions

Sorry Kaz...

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 12, 2008 11:13 AM CDT reply actions

That even looks painful.

And to think, the Cubs were at one point in the offseason interested in him. He and Pie could have been an injury tag-team.

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

by Al Yellon on Mar 12, 2008 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions

Oh..that reminds me of...

the original "injury-tag-team"...

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 12, 2008 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions

front and back

by the way, Al; I cleared my cache, and it doesn't seem to have made a difference -- I can reply to comments, but I can't seem to initiate them.

Worst to First in 2007, brought to you by Lou, Sori, A-Ram and D-Lee.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 12, 2008 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions

That's very strange.

Do you not see the comment posting box? What happens when you click "Post"?

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

by Al Yellon on Mar 12, 2008 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions

I see the box

When I hit post, it begins to process, and I end up on a page that has both the left sidebar and the right sidebar, but nothing in the middle -- ie, not the post that I was reading, nor any of teh comments.

It seems to be only when I'm initiating a new comment, not replying to another comment.

Just started happening a few days ago in the middle of a game.

Worst to First in 2007, brought to you by Lou, Sori, A-Ram and D-Lee.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 12, 2008 1:56 PM CDT up reply actions

very funny!

These pics bring this comment board to life.
Thank you!

by Gucci on Mar 12, 2008 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions

The lesson here:

Eat your fiber and get some exercise and this can probably be avoided.

"Hey hey - kiss it goodbye! That one's in Milwaukee! Man oh man did he hit it. Isn't that something?" - Lou Boudreau, 5-17-79

by danimal15 on Mar 12, 2008 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions

No big "surprise" here

Typical road-game lineup for Cubs:

Soriano, LF
Fontenot, 2B
Hoffpauir, 1B
Ward, DH
Murton, RF
McGehee, 3B
Cintron, SS
Blanco, C
Fuld, CF
Lilly, P

by Bruce Miles on Mar 12, 2008 1:14 PM CDT reply actions

So much...

...for the "regulars" idea.

"Confidence is what you have before you understand the problem." Woody Allen

by BlueSox on Mar 12, 2008 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions

I guess I'm surprised...

that Lou went with a bunch of reserves after saying he wanted to get the "regulars" more AB. :)

But yeah, that looks like standard fare when it comes to the road lineup.

by SouthernCub on Mar 12, 2008 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions

re: I guess I'm surprised...

Yeah, I'm surprised that at least DLee isn't in there. Seems to me, he could use a few at-bats against Sidney Ponson, a pitcher with a 4.94 career ERA and 1.463 career WHIP. Then again, according to baseball-reference.com, DLee is only 2 for 12 vs. Ponson.

By the way, I just went to the Rangers Web site and it appears the team's ad slogan for this year is: "You could use some baseball." Not exactly awe-inspiring, is it. A slogan like that says to me, "You could use some baseball, so why not us? I know you've got other stuff to do but, c'mon, it's not like you're gonna drive all the way to Houston to see a game. So sit down, take a load off...we're a baseball team -- no, seriously, we really are."

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by daver on Mar 12, 2008 1:31 PM CDT up reply actions

well...

Everyone in that lineup except for Hoffpauir, McGehee, Cintron and Fuld were with the team. Soriano, Fontenot, Ward, Murton, Blanco and Lilly are all "regulars". Pie can't play, that's why Fuld's in, I bet. I wonder why Lee and Ramierez are off today...

Worst to First in 2007, brought to you by Lou, Sori, A-Ram and D-Lee.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 12, 2008 1:24 PM CDT up reply actions

I don't get it...

This lineup is a head-scratcher. Piniella needs to get his regulars at bats (particularly the struggling Derrek Lee) and publicly says so. Yet once again he trots out a lineup comprised of several guys who have zero shot of being on this ballclub.

by MDBNIU on Mar 12, 2008 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions

so what's the surprise lou mentioned?

maybe he's gonna sub some regulars in late in the game?

by anormal on Mar 12, 2008 1:42 PM CDT up reply actions

That

he was angry after yesturdays game, and said stuff he didn't mean. Now he calmed down and is thinking cleary again with a normal spring training line-up.

by cubsfan25 on Mar 12, 2008 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions

Surprise is a bit of a cruise

from Mesa, so I imagine most of the "regulars" didn't even make the trip and stayed and did work at Fitch.

Lemon20Pie's 2008 PECOTA for Rich Hill: 204 IP 30 HR 75 BB 180 SO 1.35 WHIP 4.25 ERA

by lemon20pie on Mar 12, 2008 8:56 PM CDT up reply actions

Murton...augh

Precisely how much more does Matt Murton need to be "showcased" before Jim Hendry finds somebody to take him off our hands?!?! I'll admit to being very sick of seeing Murton in the lineup. He has NO ROLE on this ballclub. If the only thing that can be obtained for Murton is a rusty infield rake, then make the bloody trade for the rusty infield rake !!

by MDBNIU on Mar 12, 2008 1:29 PM CDT reply actions

Precisely how much more...

complaining from you must we be subjected to about our roster, batting order, hitting approach, managing stratagem, etc...

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 12, 2008 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions

It's

BlueMike. Remember his hatred of Murton last season? He needs to let it go.

by sue369 on Mar 12, 2008 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions

Your opinion

has been noted, about a dozen times.

They're not going to just release him. If they can't trade him, or don't want to trade him, he might as well play.

I think Murton has value to this team. I don't think they WANT to trade him. If Soriano got hurt, would you pull DeRosa from 2nd to play LF? No. You put Murton in.

Toss Cedeneo, toss Marquis, toss Eyre (maybe). Murton adds to this team.

Worst to First in 2007, brought to you by Lou, Sori, A-Ram and D-Lee.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 12, 2008 1:36 PM CDT up reply actions

you sure are are a whiner

do you not understand what spring training is?

by anormal on Mar 12, 2008 1:40 PM CDT up reply actions

I have come around on

Orange Dude, a bit - but only that his nice OBP is useful as a platoon or 4th OF.

LF is tied up for quite a while with the team, but I am confident that injuries will allow him some PT.

He is a very good insurance policy right now. No more. I hope he gets the chance to play every day somewhere as I do Micah Hoff-Power.

Wait 'til next year. And the next. And the Next. And the next after that too.

by TheEman on Mar 12, 2008 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions

i totally agree

but IF murton ends up on the cubs bench i'm glad to see him get some spring at-bats to prepare for the season... i like murton, but without an injury he just doesn't have an everyday spot on this team...

by anormal on Mar 12, 2008 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions

re: I have come around on

So, in other words, you're confident that Soriano is going to suffer an injury this season? That makes the bunny cry.

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by daver on Mar 12, 2008 2:17 PM CDT up reply actions

Well, I suppose that

I feel Soriano has been "Cubbed"!

As he ages, it appears as if he may - MAY, get "nickled and dimed" with injuries.

And, it is yet to be seen how the quad thing will respond to our beautiful April and May weather.

Just a "hunch". In any case - wouldn't you rather have Matt Murton in the wings than Jay Payton, or someone of his ilk?

Wait 'til next year. And the next. And the Next. And the next after that too.

by TheEman on Mar 12, 2008 2:30 PM CDT up reply actions

re: Well, I suppose that

Yeah, I guess it wouldn't surprise me if Soriano got hurt this year -- especially since he already has. And, of course, it would be nice if the Cubs could build up a nice division lead so Lou could rest him regularly. In any case, to answer your question, yes, I would actually rather have Murton around than Payton, et al. If he can't be traded for anything of true value, Matt does provide a decent option in left field and -- yeah, I'll say it -- even a begrudgingly acceptable one in right, if need be.

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by daver on Mar 12, 2008 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions

I don't have the link

to the Orson Welles clapping thing, but if I did, you'd see it.

There HAVE to be some backup players. Why -not- Murton?

Worst to First in 2007, brought to you by Lou, Sori, A-Ram and D-Lee.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 12, 2008 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions

is this okay?

by wojo on Mar 12, 2008 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions

wewt!

there it is!

Worst to First in 2007, brought to you by Lou, Sori, A-Ram and D-Lee.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 12, 2008 4:24 PM CDT up reply actions

Of course

we would rather have Murton instead of somebody like Jay Payton playing LF. But offense is already the Cubs weakness, if they lost Soriano for most of the season were in big trouble even if Murton is in LF. Thats because Soriano when leading off is WAY better then Murton. Personally I like Murton and think he could be a solid everyday player in the right situation, but he's nowhere near as good as Soriano. Plus I wouldn't be so sure a guy like Daryle Ward wouldn't get a good amount of playing time in LF if Soriano got hurt. We should trade Murton if we can get anything of decent value for him, because his value is probably just gonna go down sitting on the bench this year. But one thing this team needs is a RH hitting back up CF, Ronny Cedeno isn't gonna cut it in that role IMO.

by cubsfan25 on Mar 12, 2008 3:02 PM CDT up reply actions

I agree we have some holes to fill...

But Daryle Ward in left is the answer to a question born in hell.

"Confidence is what you have before you understand the problem." Woody Allen

by BlueSox on Mar 12, 2008 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions

Huh.

...I've always kind of liked Murton.

by DonGerard on Mar 12, 2008 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions

DWarle is a corner OF by trade

I think he'd look fabulous in the lineup, and can't be any worse than Sori in the field.

by Jerry Mumphrey on Mar 12, 2008 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions

He cant be any worse than Sori

REALLY!!!! If it was appropriate to do at work Id roll on the floor laughing but I wont. You cant teach speed for 1.

Sori possesses many MANY more skills in the OF than Ward. I dont even know where to start....maybe its the fact that Ward needs a manzier.

All an all----DWARD is a tremendous asset on the bench and a liability in the field.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Mar 12, 2008 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions

BRO!!!

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by daver on Mar 12, 2008 3:07 PM CDT up reply actions

I was going to write

OR A BRO, but like to leave the Seinfeld qoutes open for everything......

Great show.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Mar 12, 2008 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions

re: I was going to write

Yeah, ya can't go wrong with a well-placed Seinfeld quote. And, getting back to the subject at hand, I agree that DWaryle is a great bat off the bench but should be considered a "last resort" outfielder.

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by daver on Mar 12, 2008 3:12 PM CDT up reply actions

ITS THE MANZIER

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Mar 12, 2008 3:15 PM CDT up reply actions

ah ah ah...it's The Bro!!!

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by daver on Mar 12, 2008 3:22 PM CDT up reply actions

MANZIER

Ok Im done

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Mar 12, 2008 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions

Easily

the best show ever. And this is wonderful. Dang, wish there was a show on now that even came close.

"Just because you've had enough/ doesn't mean you wanted too much." -Dean Young

by Kegler on Mar 12, 2008 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions

'curb your enthusiasm'

is pretty fantastic.

"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie

by buckmulligan on Mar 12, 2008 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions

re: 'curb your enthusiasm'

I agree. I've always thought of "Curb" as a sort of a "Seinfeld" for the 21st Century, if that makes any sense.

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by daver on Mar 12, 2008 3:58 PM CDT up reply actions

With a "handle"

like Jerry Mumphrey, WHAT DID YOU EXPECT!

Wait 'til next year. And the next. And the Next. And the next after that too.

by TheEman on Mar 12, 2008 3:18 PM CDT up reply actions

Agreed.

If we trade Murton, I would want someone in return who could play LF and finish the 40 yard dash in the same day he started it.

"Confidence is what you have before you understand the problem." Woody Allen

by BlueSox on Mar 12, 2008 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions

Ward

Could drink a 40 faster than he could run a 40.

by Tangled Up In Blue on Mar 12, 2008 3:16 PM CDT up reply actions

Would the word "WORD"

be appropriate here? I'm an old guy.

"Confidence is what you have before you understand the problem." Woody Allen

by BlueSox on Mar 12, 2008 3:23 PM CDT up reply actions

I think so. Nicely done. LOL!

by Tangled Up In Blue on Mar 12, 2008 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions

Could this have been inspired by...

...Stacey King saying Mehmet Okur runs a 40 in "about 2 weeks" last night?

by Hogie on Mar 12, 2008 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions

What's a Mehmet Okur?

"Confidence is what you have before you understand the problem." Woody Allen

by BlueSox on Mar 12, 2008 4:22 PM CDT up reply actions

Hogie

Didn't hear that one, but that's good.

by Tangled Up In Blue on Mar 12, 2008 4:59 PM CDT up reply actions

I am no

baseball expert, but I started playing MLB 2K8, and I'm about 2 weeks into the season. I repeatedly notice the lack of a quality right-handed pinch hitter. If we lose Murton (for an infield rake--if ever there was an overused baseball blog cliche, its that), then our main pinch hitter from the right side would be Ronny
Cedeno.

I don't think they can get rid of Murton unless they get someone else right-handed to come off the bench.

by jazzypete on Mar 12, 2008 6:36 PM CDT up reply actions

you sure are a whiner.

it's spring training. get over it.

by anormal on Mar 12, 2008 1:37 PM CDT reply actions

oops, meant to repy to you know who....

by anormal on Mar 12, 2008 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm not surprised

Piniella always says stuff out of anger, and ends up changing his mind once he calms down. After losing again yesturday and falling to 5-9 Piniella was upset and says stuff like this. But I'm sure he went home relaxed and realized it's just spring training, and to relax.

With Piniella nothing is usually set in stone, so if you don't like something he says or does. Don't get worked up about it because he often changes his mind.

by cubsfan25 on Mar 12, 2008 1:43 PM CDT reply actions

Today's radio

Fear not, fellow BCBers!

Rangers broadcaster Eric Nadel is, IMHO, the very best radio broadcaster in MLB -- at least in the non-legends division. (He has been the greatest gift I have received in my 5 years of Gameday Audio.) His sidekick, Victor Rojas, is good as well. Should be a good broadcast, though obviously tilted a bit toward the Rangers.

Just wonderin'...
The Cubs have one of the biggest fan-bases in the country. Why don't the Cubs broadcast (or webcast) all of their ST games? Even the Padres broadcast all of their ST games.

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

by DeRoMyHero on Mar 12, 2008 1:54 PM CDT reply actions

Good question.

I presume new ownership will address this.

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

by Al Yellon on Mar 12, 2008 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions

Maybe

because management wants to remind us of the "good old days" in Chicago, back when if a Bears' game wasn't sold out, it wasn't shown on TV.

"Hey hey - kiss it goodbye! That one's in Milwaukee! Man oh man did he hit it. Isn't that something?" - Lou Boudreau, 5-17-79

by danimal15 on Mar 12, 2008 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions

Have you noticed

that these other teams' web-only broadcasts of ST games have no commercials? You think WGN is going to make Pat and Ron work for no return - or rather, do you think Pat and Ron would agree to it?

Those other teams must be doing these games in order to drum up business among their fan base for the regular season. The Cubs don't have that problem.

As for doing the ST games over the normal radio and with commercials -- business logic would suggest that WGN can get more money for ad time with their regular programs compared to ST games, but not compared to regular season games.

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions

I kinda miss

BlueMike.

Ok, sorry about that. I think I'm officially ready for Spring and meaningful games.

"Just because you've had enough/ doesn't mean you wanted too much." -Dean Young

by Kegler on Mar 12, 2008 2:53 PM CDT reply actions

Rangers announcer just mentioned...

...He Who Shall Not Be Named. But they called him "Johnny." High-larious.

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by daver on Mar 12, 2008 3:10 PM CDT reply actions

Are we fortunate enough...

to have someone who is able to do play-by-play today?

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 12, 2008 3:12 PM CDT reply actions

I thought us comments-based PBP guys

had been replaced by MLB's PBP pages for mobile phones, i.e., http://wap.mlb.com/scores/index.jsp

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 3:14 PM CDT up reply actions

That is a nice feature...

and I do have that game-link open, but it lacks the ability to give many details about a play if we have questions. You guys listening to the audio can give us a little more insight sometimes.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 12, 2008 3:16 PM CDT up reply actions

Fine

I will trudge upstairs and get my headphones, so as not to disturb the better half, who is studying. I will unreliably add occassional color.

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 3:22 PM CDT up reply actions

re: I thought us comments-based PBP guys

I can't seem to find my way tot the play-by-play feature today. Is it not working right now?

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by daver on Mar 12, 2008 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions

Doesn't look like

it is working yet, at the actual PBP link of http://wap.mlb.com/scores/plays.jsp?gid=2008_03_12_chnmlb_texmlb_1&c_id=mlb&i=1

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 3:21 PM CDT up reply actions

gameday

is not doing us any favors today....

by luv4cubs2 on Mar 12, 2008 3:19 PM CDT reply actions

Ward and Murton get hits...

But someone just said that Murton has no place on this club. The guy just got an RBI ten seconds ago.

Ward and Murton -- a pair of good hitters :-)

by zevkalman on Mar 12, 2008 3:20 PM CDT reply actions

I forgot to give the score

Now 1-0 Cubs in the lead. End of 1/2 inning.

by zevkalman on Mar 12, 2008 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions

Murton's problem

is that the Cubs need someone who can play CF on occasion. Neither DeRosa, Ward or Murton can. I'm not sure the Cubs want Fukudome flipping back and forth with everything else he'll be learning this year and I agree. If/when the Cubs do get someone to play CF, that leaves Murton without a spot on the 5 man bench. I would be ok with Murton as the 6th bench player so unless Piniella decides against the 12 man pitching staff that he appears to want, Murton doesn't have a spot.

by rlpete on Mar 12, 2008 3:27 PM CDT up reply actions

Dome will have his

hands full with RF in Wrigley.

Brenly claims the "toughest RF in the NL, if not all of baseball."

Wait 'til next year. And the next. And the Next. And the next after that too.

by TheEman on Mar 12, 2008 3:43 PM CDT up reply actions

Yup

and of course Matt plays on a day when it's not on TV. :-(

by sue369 on Mar 12, 2008 3:29 PM CDT up reply actions

Middle of first, 1-0 Cubs

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by daver on Mar 12, 2008 3:21 PM CDT reply actions

How bad do you have to be to hit AFTER Henry Blanc

OH---Sam Fuld bad.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Mar 12, 2008 3:23 PM CDT reply actions

IIRC he got a hit yesterday

And I like him even though he hasn't been hitting very well this ST.

by zevkalman on Mar 12, 2008 3:26 PM CDT up reply actions

i know

I like him too---just messing

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Mar 12, 2008 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions

A triple to boot...

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 12, 2008 3:29 PM CDT up reply actions

Wow, that looks ugly!

How many calories would that be?

BTW, Fuld just made a good catch in CF. First and third and two outs for the Rangers in bottom of the 1st.

by zevkalman on Mar 12, 2008 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions

That, sir, is a beautiful sandwich.

n/t

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 12, 2008 3:38 PM CDT up reply actions

Not to mention that it could

feed, scratch that, house a family of four.

"Confidence is what you have before you understand the problem." Woody Allen

by BlueSox on Mar 12, 2008 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions

Sorry, but I

just finished a Beef from Al's.

"Sweet & Hot" lightly dipped.

Wait 'til next year. And the next. And the Next. And the next after that too.

by TheEman on Mar 12, 2008 3:44 PM CDT up reply actions

i prefer these

by wojo on Mar 12, 2008 3:48 PM CDT up reply actions

I've just got to like a guy

who photographs his food before he eats it.

"Confidence is what you have before you understand the problem." Woody Allen

by BlueSox on Mar 12, 2008 3:52 PM CDT up reply actions

Beef---Its whats for dinner

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Mar 12, 2008 3:52 PM CDT up reply actions

or w/eggs!

by wojo on Mar 12, 2008 3:52 PM CDT up reply actions

I just got back

First two Rangers got on, then a K and a fly-out to deep center. Two outs, two on, bottom of first.

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 3:30 PM CDT reply actions

Edgardo Alfonso

Doubles in a run, runners at second and third.

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 3:32 PM CDT reply actions

Byrd smokes one to CF

but Fuld got a terrific jump - 3 outs tied at 1.

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 3:32 PM CDT reply actions

Gameday is

back to being slow again.

by sue369 on Mar 12, 2008 3:33 PM CDT reply actions

This was the sequence in the Cubs first inning

Top Half
B:0 S:3 O:1 - Alfonso Soriano strikes out swinging.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

B:0 S:0 O:1 - Mike Fontenot reaches on missed catch error by first baseman Edgardo Alfonzo, assist to second baseman Ian Kinsler.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

B:0 S:3 O:2 - Micah Hoffpauir strikes out swinging.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

B:0 S:0 O:2 - Daryle Ward singles on a line drive to center fielder Marlon Byrd. Mike Fontenot to 3rd.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

B:0 S:0 O:2 - Matt Murton singles on a line drive to left fielder Jason Botts. Mike Fontenot scores. Daryle Ward to 2nd.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

B:0 S:0 O:3 - Casey McGehee grounds into a force out, fielded by third baseman Ryan Roberts. Daryle Ward out at 3rd.

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 3:34 PM CDT reply actions

Cubs top half second inning

Cintron leads off with.....a very good at bat, resulting in.....a strike out looking.

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 3:37 PM CDT reply actions

Hank White

draws a walk. Some patient at bats to start the inning. (Despite Cintron's SO, he fouled off a ton of pitches and ran it full)

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 3:40 PM CDT reply actions

Fuld and Soriano both made outs

Soriano's was on a very deep drive. His at bat was not what you'd call patient, not that there's anything wrong with that.

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 3:42 PM CDT reply actions

Awkard 1-3 put out

on a cue shot right back to Lily, ricocheting out his body.

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 3:44 PM CDT reply actions

Next batter grounds out to Fonty

(aka Little Todd Walker)

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 3:46 PM CDT reply actions

Fly out to center

1-2-3 inning for Lilly

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 3:47 PM CDT reply actions

Rangers lineup

for the record

Kinsler, 2B
Roberts, 3B
Young, DH
Botts, LF
Alfonzo, 1B
Byrd, CF
Cruz, RF
Laird, C
Vazquez, SS

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 3:48 PM CDT reply actions

Not that any of you care...

... but my flight is delayed. Sitting at Midway watching Gameday.

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

by Al Yellon on Mar 12, 2008 3:50 PM CDT reply actions

I care!

n/t

by zevkalman on Mar 12, 2008 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions

LOL

Thank you for caring!

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

by Al Yellon on Mar 12, 2008 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions

I don't care

n/t

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 3:56 PM CDT up reply actions

But that doesn't mean I hope this happens

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4Rsie7u2vk

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 3:58 PM CDT up reply actions

go to...

The Bagel Restaurant and Deli!

if there's still one at Midway.

by wojo on Mar 12, 2008 3:57 PM CDT up reply actions

Just don't end up like this Al...

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 12, 2008 3:57 PM CDT up reply actions

LOL

I feel compelled to point out that he wound up with Catherine Zeta-Jones.

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

by Al Yellon on Mar 12, 2008 4:07 PM CDT up reply actions

Odds are your younger

Than Michael Douglas. Question is can you Romance The Stone?

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Mar 12, 2008 4:11 PM CDT up reply actions

LOL

Good line. Yes, I am younger than Michael Douglas. (Younger than Tom Hanks, too.)

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

by Al Yellon on Mar 12, 2008 4:25 PM CDT up reply actions

Actually....

He didn't end up with her.... Like our ST run production, who's counting anyway?

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

by Lou In Blue on Mar 12, 2008 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions

It's quiet

I assume Gameday is working now

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 3:51 PM CDT reply actions

Hoffpower homers! 2-1 Cubs

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by daver on Mar 12, 2008 3:52 PM CDT reply actions

Hoff-Power time

solo shot to the berm in right center

2-1 Cubs

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 3:52 PM CDT reply actions

Just what I was

sayin' earlier.

Good luck to ye, Hoff-Power!!

Wait 'til next year. And the next. And the Next. And the next after that too.

by TheEman on Mar 12, 2008 4:00 PM CDT up reply actions

Hoff-Power

another home run for the dude. awesome.

by zevkalman on Mar 12, 2008 3:52 PM CDT reply actions

Micah is a beast: Home run

"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 Mar 12, 2008 3:52 PM CDT reply actions

PBP

It's still nice to get the perspective from someone that's watching it!

by Gucci on Mar 12, 2008 3:53 PM CDT reply actions

Only listening here

(no video)

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions

Ward flies out to the RF wall

(btw fontenot struck out to lead off the inning)

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 3:53 PM CDT reply actions

Murton grounds out to 3B to end the inning

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 3:55 PM CDT reply actions

Young just drove in Kinsler

Sorry, I don't have details. One on, one out, Botts up, 2-2.

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 4:00 PM CDT reply actions

A guy just tagged from first?

Get well soon, Felix!

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by daver on Mar 12, 2008 4:01 PM CDT reply actions

Botts flied out to center

Young advanced to second. two outs, score still tied at 2

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 4:01 PM CDT reply actions

Fontenot made a great play

robbing Alfonzo of an infield hit. Inning over.

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 4:03 PM CDT reply actions

Fontenot makes a great defensive play at 2nd.

Score still tied.

by zevkalman on Mar 12, 2008 4:03 PM CDT reply actions

New pitcher for Rangers (Ramirez)

Megeehee flies out to center on first pitch

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 4:05 PM CDT reply actions

Contron robbed of a double

by Byrd, also swinging at the first pitch. With a new pitcher in, take a few, guys.

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 4:06 PM CDT reply actions

Blanco did the same and flew out

announcers had to cut their interview very short because it sounded like a 3-pitch inning.

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 4:06 PM CDT reply actions

Lilly pitching the fourth

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 4:08 PM CDT reply actions

Struck out Marlon Byrd to start the inning

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 4:10 PM CDT up reply actions

Nelson Cruz - fly out

but Laird hit a homer down the LF line - 3-2 Rangers.

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 4:11 PM CDT reply actions

Argh!

Lilly was so close to having a great outing.

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by daver on Mar 12, 2008 4:12 PM CDT reply actions

A lot of the early outs

were hard hit though

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 4:13 PM CDT up reply actions

Lilly has been hit hard today

Vazquez hits a double to the corner (not sure which one)

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 4:12 PM CDT reply actions

Never fear

Strike out ends the inning, and even better, Sidney Ponson is warming up...

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 4:14 PM CDT reply actions

Eddie Guardado pitching, Ponson not ready yet

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 4:18 PM CDT reply actions

Fuld base hit up the middle

to lead off the fifth

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 4:18 PM CDT reply actions

Woo hoo!

Sammy gets a hit and makes a nice play in the field today. 9 walks also leads the Cubs in ST. Hopefully some of pressing he talked about in the recent article is subsiding.

by dwm on Mar 12, 2008 8:51 PM CDT up reply actions

Soriano

2 run jack

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 4:19 PM CDT reply actions

4-3 Cubs

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 4:20 PM CDT reply actions

Soriano homers!!! 4-3 Cubs

I believe that's his first long ball of '08.

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by daver on Mar 12, 2008 4:20 PM CDT reply actions

Sori -- 2 run HR

4-3 Cubs.

by zevkalman on Mar 12, 2008 4:20 PM CDT reply actions

Er, Al?

I hope your not flying Southwest. Might be awhile:

DALLAS (AP) -- Southwest Airlines Co. grounded 43 planes to examine if they were structurally sound enough to carry passengers after it recently acknowledged it had missed required inspections of some planes for cracks.
Southwest shares fell more than 9 percent before closing down 7.3 percent.
The move announced Wednesday affects about 8 percent of its fleet and comes as Southwest faces a $10.2 million civil penalty for continuing to fly almost 50 planes after the airline told regulators that it had missed required inspections of the planes.

Vote for experience -- Woody for Closer 2008!

by mlf on Mar 12, 2008 4:35 PM CDT reply actions

I mean

your=you're

Vote for experience -- Woody for Closer 2008!

by mlf on Mar 12, 2008 4:39 PM CDT up reply actions

Which reminds me...Al,

I have a few "free drink" tickets for Southwest that I could have sent you. A gin and tonic might have come in handy for you today :-)

BTW, according to the announcers Fuld just made a good play on a well-hit ball to CF to retire the side.

by zevkalman on Mar 12, 2008 4:41 PM CDT up reply actions

Drat!

Yes I could have.

Apparently, the SW grounding of planes is the reason for the delay -- the original plane that was supposed to be on this route is one of the ones that was grounded, so they had to send another one.

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

by Al Yellon on Mar 12, 2008 4:55 PM CDT up reply actions

that is a very good thing!

...one delay worth waiting for!

Safe travels!

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 Mar 12, 2008 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions

Ascanio coughs up lead

as Young homers

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 4:36 PM CDT reply actions

Botts doubles off the wall

there's scurrying in the cubs bp

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 4:37 PM CDT reply actions

I don't mind that Lou put in Ascanio

as long as he doesn't get upset when the Cubs lose. What else does he expect?

by zevkalman on Mar 12, 2008 4:38 PM CDT reply actions

Give me some

Cotts baby! Lets really let this thing get out of hand.... :) Setting up for a 9th inning double A player rally.

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

by Lou In Blue on Mar 12, 2008 4:40 PM CDT up reply actions

re: Give me some

Yeah, I'd like to see Botts face Cotts. Just cuz.

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by daver on Mar 12, 2008 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions

LOL

I'd like to see what happens when someone suggests that to Lou.

"Confidence is what you have before you understand the problem." Woody Allen

by BlueSox on Mar 12, 2008 4:45 PM CDT up reply actions

Ascanio, as I have said

last week, is a big disappointment so far.

Lou has given him several chances with "Games on the line" (ST), and he flat out is not ready for prime time.

Good thing they find out now.

Cotts: see ya in AAA
Ascanio: AAA or AA
Eyre: Will stink until June once more

BUT! Piggy, HArt, Marmol, Howry, will be pitching many innings...(and maybe Marshall)

Wait 'til next year. And the next. And the Next. And the next after that too.

by TheEman on Mar 12, 2008 4:47 PM CDT up reply actions

Yeah...

I thought ST was for seeing which of the scrubs might be able to help in the bigs, not winning.

"Confidence is what you have before you understand the problem." Woody Allen

by BlueSox on Mar 12, 2008 4:41 PM CDT up reply actions

well, no substitutions yet (except for pitching)

and Asciano got out of it, mostly.

Maybe we can do some damage to Ponson.

Worst to First in 2007, brought to you by Lou, Sori, A-Ram and D-Lee.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 12, 2008 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions

5-4 Rangers

Howry gave up a homer, Lou's patience is shot, now Eyre is coming in.

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 4:54 PM CDT reply actions

Yay!!!! Cotts is in !!!!!

Cotts is in! He should buy Sori a beer, 'cause Sori had to go to the warning track to flag down that well-hit ball. Cotts is lucky.

by zevkalman on Mar 12, 2008 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions

aw, hell.

Darn it to heck.

Worst to First in 2007, brought to you by Lou, Sori, A-Ram and D-Lee.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 12, 2008 5:00 PM CDT up reply actions

Howry

My hopes of him being closer are looking less and less likely with each outing.

"Hey hey - kiss it goodbye! That one's in Milwaukee! Man oh man did he hit it. Isn't that something?" - Lou Boudreau, 5-17-79

by danimal15 on Mar 12, 2008 4:57 PM CDT reply actions

Howry sucked last year

until sometime in May. Then he pitched like a closer most of the rest of the year.

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 5:00 PM CDT up reply actions

howry usually does this

sucks it up the first few months, then gets great come June. Same with Eyre..

Live is boring until March 31st strolls by..

by Chanman25 on Mar 12, 2008 5:02 PM CDT reply actions

Why IS this?

Wait 'til next year. And the next. And the Next. And the next after that too.

by TheEman on Mar 12, 2008 5:06 PM CDT up reply actions

Closer..

Why can't the Cubs alternate closers, i.e., if Wood closes 2 days in a row, then let Marmol close the next game, maybe Howry the next, etc. What is the problem with that plan? They are all capable.

"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse

by ronsanto10 on Mar 12, 2008 5:06 PM CDT reply actions

roles

i think that lou likes for most of the guys on his roster to have well defined roles. that way they know what is expected from them when they come to the ballpark everyday. i also think this helps create a better clubhouse environment where guys can worry about competing with the other team rather than having to compete with each other.

by anormal on Mar 12, 2008 5:11 PM CDT up reply actions

Roles...

The role of any relief pitcher is to get the out when needed. What difference does it make whether it's the 7th or 9th inning?

"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse

by ronsanto10 on Mar 12, 2008 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions

Cotts vs Botts

line out to Fontenot

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 5:09 PM CDT reply actions

LOL There it was....

n/t

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

by Lou In Blue on Mar 12, 2008 5:24 PM CDT up reply actions

re: Cotts vs Botts

Wow, it actually happened. The rhyming showdown of the century. And Cotts won. Maybe there's hope for that kid after all.

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by daver on Mar 12, 2008 7:25 PM CDT up reply actions

Down to their last out

Sam Fuld comes to the plate with, I belive, 2 runners on base

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 5:39 PM CDT reply actions

My typing is appalling

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions

What the

Ronny Cedeno caught stealing for the last out of the game, they knew he was running a put on the pitch out.

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 12, 2008 5:43 PM CDT reply actions

that's just groundhog day for Ronny....

...nothing new. A terrible baserunner...

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 Mar 12, 2008 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions

Cedeno is dumber than a hockey puck

Ronny Cedeno, Mr. Low Baseball IQ.

by MDBNIU on Mar 12, 2008 6:04 PM CDT up reply actions

A Surprise inspection

Awesome park, but way the effin out in the middle of nowhere.

As for the Cubs... Fuld looked real good in the field. Nice catches, good read on everything and accurate throws. Not much at the plate, though. He could definitely make a living in the bigs as the late-inning defensive replacement. Not sure if there's that role on the Cubs though.

Sure hope the Micah-man gets traded to the AL. He continues to swing the bat well, and actually looked good at first today. Made a great sprawling catch of an errant throw keeping foot on the bag.

Soriano homered to right-center, always a good sign. However, he's in mid-season form defensively speaking. Botts batting lefty sliced one pretty good to left. Soriano got twisted around like a Felix Pie testicle and then pulled up rather tentatively as it went over his head and bounced off the fence. Sure hope the bigger warning track at Wrigley helps but I'm not holding my breath. Later on another fly ball went over his head and he did make the catch running back, but he kinda pulled a Edmonds on it, making it look harder than it was, only without the dive.

Most surprising/funniest moment of the game for me came early on. Coming back from the concession stand and settling back down on the berm when I hear the PA announcer say "Now batting, Brian Roberts!"

I about lost my beer - did the trade finally happen and B-Rob hopped on a red-eye to Phoenix 'cause he was so happy to get out of the Orioles organization? Nahhhhh..... I mis-heard. It was "Ryan Roberts".

Nice to see Henry Blanco on the field again. And Cedeno getting thrown out to end the game could very be a fitting epitaph.

Ok, time to go find some more good grub-n-grog somewhere. Then I have to get my "Employee"-hit foul ball from a certain 2003 NLCS game ready for an autograph in case he makes the trip with the Padres to Mesa tomorrow. Not likely, but hey - maybe he wants to see all his fans... ;-)

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

by ballhawk on Mar 12, 2008 8:45 PM CDT reply actions

Ryan Roberts-that's funny

I'm thinking of bringing my #22 Jersey with "Employee" on the back and see if he'll sign it too.

Lemon20Pie's 2008 PECOTA for Rich Hill: 204 IP 30 HR 75 BB 180 SO 1.35 WHIP 4.25 ERA

by lemon20pie on Mar 12, 2008 9:21 PM CDT up reply actions

ok...

but good luck getting him to sign it...

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 13, 2008 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions

re: ok...

Sweet. I'm not sure what licensing or legal complications would be involved, but I'm guessing someone could make some decent money selling that shirt.

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by daver on Mar 13, 2008 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions

Employee (dust rag) Jerseys

speaking of which, I just saw a ton of "Employee" replica jerseys by Majestic at TJ Maxx for $15.

"We're going to turn this team around 360 degrees." -Jason Kidd

by tony412 on Mar 13, 2008 8:35 AM CDT up reply actions

Flying

Al Hope you made it to AZ finally.

by Madison Cub Fan on Mar 12, 2008 8:53 PM CDT reply actions

Thanks for asking!

Flight left about 90 minutes late, arrived about 70 minutes late, so they did pick up some time in the air.

Weather's great here. Temperature still in the low 70's. Supposed to be 84 tomorrow. Can't wait to get to Mesa!

Ballhawk's summary/recap above looks like a good one. Will make a longer post tomorrow morning.

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

by Al Yellon on Mar 12, 2008 11:08 PM CDT up reply actions

Anyone here get their season tix?

I did and there was a mention in the letter about an enclosed pamphlet explaining the Cubs' exciting new partnership with StubHub. If the Cubs are excited about it I assume us season ticket holders should be less than thrilled but I wonder if anyone's ticket package contained said pamphlet. Mine didn't. If yours did, what are the Cubs excited about and how will it cost me money?

by TR on Mar 13, 2008 12:52 AM CDT up reply actions