Open Thread: Cubs vs. Giants, Sunday 3/2, 2:05 CT

by Al on Mar 2, 2008 10:57 AM CST in Game Threads Comment 112 comments

A couple of site notes: per several requests I've received, I have begun the Ticket Exchange posts for the 2008 season. If you're new here, this is how it works: we do it by homestand, all the posts are located in the Ticket Exchange section (which is always on the left sidebar), and all I ask is that if you are selling, face value only. Here are the links for the first homestand and the second homestand, which will get us almost to the end of April. I'll try to keep a couple of homestands ahead this season. Please make sure you give contact information in your post! (the email form: name (at) domain (dot) com is preferred to avoid spambots)

On to today's game, which will feature Ted Lilly making his spring debut, against one of the top young righthanders in the game, Matt Cain, who had a pretty good year for the Giants in 2007 despite an ugly 7-16 W-L record.

There are plenty of places to listen to or watch today's game. It's on radio in both Chicago (WGN) and the Bay Area (KNBR); here is today's MLB.com Mediacenter link; and it's on TV again via CSN Chicago.

MLB.com Gameday

Discuss amongst yourselves.

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Comments

Do we know the line-ups yet?

by cubswin14 on Mar 2, 2008 10:56 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Question for the web techies

If spambots can harvest name@domain.com, couldn't they also be programmed to pick up name (at) domain (dot) com ?

(always wondered about 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 2, 2008 11:42 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Yes

This site has alot of good info.

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse

by BigJohnAZ on Mar 2, 2008 12:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Interesting.

I did not know that. Of course, a lot of that is beyond the scope of what we can do here at a Cubs blog. Useful information, though. Thanks.

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

by Al on Mar 2, 2008 12:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Lineups

Giants
Davis, LF
Velez, 3B
Rowand, CF
Ortmeier, 1B
Alfonzo, C
Frandsen, SS
Lewis, RF
Denker, 2B
Cain, P

Cubs
Soriano, LF
Theriot, SS
Fukudome, RF
Lee, 1B
Soto, C
Patterson, 2B
Figueroa, 3B
Pie, CF
Lilly, P

by Bruce Miles on Mar 2, 2008 12:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Thanks, Bruce.

First off, my condolences.

Secondly, I'm wondering about Rowand; do you think he's capable of producing the same numbers as last season in a much more pitcher-friendly home park? It seems to me that the Giants have really handcuffed themselves for a good long while with Zito and Rowand deals.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 2, 2008 12:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Not Bruce, but...

... I agree with your analysis of the Giants. They have the chance to be a very expensive, but very bad, team this year. That lineup, which isn't too far off what their Opening Day lineup might look like, is pretty horrid.

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

by Al on Mar 2, 2008 12:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Just noticed...

No Rammy? How serious is this "shoulder tightness?"

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 2, 2008 12:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Aramis is still sore?

And if so - why not Cedeno, Fontenot, or Cintron at 3B?

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

by JohnM on Mar 2, 2008 12:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Two days of E-Pat playing second...

...in a row? Televised?

I don't know if I could be any happier right now.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 2, 2008 12:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Why are you ...

... so excited about seeing him play? I think he might be just about the most overhyped Cub prospect since... well, his brother.

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

by Al on Mar 2, 2008 12:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Because I like to make my own judgements.

I don't pretend that I'm objectively better at evaluating player defense than the pro scouts (and I prefer having good zone rating data to at least compliment the observational data), but I'm tired of hearing that E-Pat is a bad defender at second without having any more to go on.

It's not even that I don't believe it, per se. I just want to see it for myself.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 2, 2008 12:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Let us know what you think.

I think if Patterson were that good at 2B, the Cubs might have put him in the mix to earn the 2B job last year rather than go out and get Mark DeRosa -- and further, that he'd be given a shot at it now rather than the endless you-know-who-from-Baltimore discussion.

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

by Al on Mar 2, 2008 12:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I go into work around 2...

...so I'm Tivoing it for later. I've seen all of two plays so far, nothing that really stood out. And it's hard to evaluate defense off TV, just the way the cameras are set up and the shots picked - hard to figure out where a fielder was positioned before the play, which tells you so much.

His footwork on the popup was a bit... dancy, for lack of a better word, but the high sun in Arizona can mess up a lot of fielders, and to be quite frank I don't know that there's a single infielder in the majors who can't handle the vast majority of infield popups.

He looked pretty good on the other play, but again, it was a pretty routine one-hop grounder; he took care of it easily, but only so much you can tell from one play.

And again - I have no reason for you to believe that I'm a better talent evaluator than the people the Cubs employ, other than my track record; you can make your own judgements there. But I'm not shy about having my own opinion about these things, and I'm not afraid of having my opinion disagree with the experts. I figure the truth will out in the long run.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 2, 2008 12:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Went back and rewatched it a few times...

...and you actually get a real good camera angle on the play. Patterson didn't have to move at all to get to that ball.

Hopefully I'll know a bit more after today.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 2, 2008 1:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

E-Pat, Indeed, since several

current Oriole "braintrust" scouted and helped sign E-Pat out of GTech, I think that this is an "audition" for them.

With Roberts gone (and I heard today on WSCR that indeed, after a deal was in place, Angelos stepped in), they are going to need a 2B replacement.

EPat as a lefty, and top of the order speed, MAY be a part of a trade, imo.

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

by TheEman on Mar 2, 2008 12:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I disagree...

I suspect that Hendry knew he had to make a big splash last year to save his job. As such, he couldn't rely on unproven youngsters. I believe that's why he got Soriano and Floyd, effectively blocking Murton out. I also believe that's why they got DeRosa, theoretically blocking out Theriot, Cedeno, and Patterson (until it was proven that Izturis was terrible).

Whether or not Patterson can play 2B adequately to be a major league player remains to be seen, of course. As is whether or not he can actually HIT well enough to be a major league player.

by SouthernCub on Mar 2, 2008 2:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

mlb.com's new media player

for those of you who watch the cubs through mlb.com--are any of you dissapointed int eh new media player? I know you have the option to revert to the old one, but the new one (which uses silverlight instead of windows media player) loads video unbelievably slow. i'm hoping i'm not the only one experiencing this.

just my thoughts though.

go cubs.

by cubs2234 on Mar 2, 2008 12:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I had to switch to the old viewer

last night. The Silverlight thingy was terrible.

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

by JohnM on Mar 2, 2008 12:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

more details please

why was it terrible?

by wojo on Mar 2, 2008 12:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It has two speeds...

slow and stopped. Part of it was probably my (admittedly inferior) PC, but it's not a great program yet. Perhaps they'll get the kinks worked out by the time the season starts.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 2, 2008 1:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

see

i'm on a mac and a PC on the same network both with more than the minimum requirements. i'm also on a fiber-optic connection. i guess silverlight just sucks.

by cubs2234 on Mar 2, 2008 1:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

So it would seem.

I hope they fix it before the season.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 2, 2008 1:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The video

was choppy and unviewable. It would improve slightly once in awhile, but still not watchable.

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

by JohnM on Mar 2, 2008 1:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I switched back

I loaded Silverlight, and it screwed up my whole computer (XP). I had to remove it and all old WMPs, then reload WMP. I won't load it again.

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

by DeRoMyHero on Mar 2, 2008 2:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Soriano Out w/ Broken Finger

Out 3-5 days with non-displaced fracture of middle finger according to Paul Sullivan's blog on the trib site

by noblerj on Mar 2, 2008 1:21 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

not worried

"Soriano was working on catching balls against the outfield wall early Sunday, and he reached up to make a two-handed catch, and the ball hit his finger."

-cubs.com

by cubs2234 on Mar 2, 2008 1:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

so are they changing

the lineup?

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

by drewishdrewid on Mar 2, 2008 1:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Murton playing LF today.

n/t

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

by Al on Mar 2, 2008 2:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

E-Pat moves to the lead-off spot.

n/t

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 2, 2008 2:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Isn't this game supposed to be on WGN?

Right now, I have some old movie on.

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

by DeRoMyHero on Mar 2, 2008 2:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

WGN radio,

CSN on tv

by cubs ftw on Mar 2, 2008 2:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks

Thank God for Gameday Audio!

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

by DeRoMyHero on Mar 2, 2008 2:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Commercial on CSN

All CSN Cubs games to be in HDTV soon :)

Beautiful.

"I guess you had some lean years, and didnt have to beat it hard" - Craig Sager

by Galvan316 on Mar 2, 2008 2:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

The Game

is on XM channel 179. Man it's great to hear Pat's voice again!

And so it goes.

by Luigi on Mar 2, 2008 2:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Dome

just served notice. Do. Not. Test. My. Arm.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 2, 2008 2:30 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Well - the ball

was to the LF side of the 3b bag by at least 10 feet.

A throw he may not make often in the regular season.

But, glad to see that the arm is ok after surgery.

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

by TheEman on Mar 2, 2008 2:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It was bit offline,

but he nearly beat the runner anyway. Give him a bit to get the accuracy dialed in. Assuming Pie wins the starting CF job, the Cubs OF could easily lead the ML in OF assists. Three really strong arms out there.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 2, 2008 2:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

For anyone interested...

...Hendry is in the booth next inning on CSN.

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

by BlueSox on Mar 2, 2008 2:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Patterson did a nice job

of getting out of the box quickly there...like to see Lou try and run with him here. Cain can be rattled with the running game...

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 2, 2008 2:50 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Hendry just said DeRo is in the clubhouse..

...should be on the field in a week..

Nice bunt by EPatt..

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 2, 2008 2:51 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

All that work

Theriot's been putting in with Dunston on making the throws is obviously paying off.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 2, 2008 2:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Soto with the gun!

Quick release, good strong, accurate throw. Nicely done.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 2, 2008 2:59 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Soto

What an arm.

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

by BlueSox on Mar 2, 2008 2:59 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Soto

you're my hero!

"The only way to prove that you're a good sport is to lose." ~ Ernie Banks

by love the ivy on Mar 2, 2008 2:59 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Nice throw by Soto!

by cubs ftw on Mar 2, 2008 2:59 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I really

like Soto.

by sue369 on Mar 2, 2008 3:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

yay soto

by cubs ftw on Mar 2, 2008 3:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Arrgghhh.

Baserunning blunder. I guess it is only the second ST game. Lou'll take care of it.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 2, 2008 3:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

There's DeRo

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

by BlueSox on Mar 2, 2008 3:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I wonder if he'll do an interview on TV or radio

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

by DeRoMyHero on Mar 2, 2008 3:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

What has he never complained about?

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

by BlueSox on Mar 2, 2008 3:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Last year the name on the back of his jersey

was spelled wrong

by cubs ftw on Mar 2, 2008 3:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Here is the story

http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070822&content_id=2164578&vkey=news_chc&a mp;fext=.jsp&c_id=chc

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

by DeRoMyHero on Mar 2, 2008 4:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Cotts is horrid.

Falls behind and then has to throw that straight-as-an-arrow fastball.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 2, 2008 3:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

There's the hat trick for Cub's pitchers.

The Giants are paying for this game with bruises.

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

by BlueSox on Mar 2, 2008 3:35 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Pie!!!!!!!!!!

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

by BlueSox on Mar 2, 2008 3:39 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

pie crushed that

by dogcatratcheese on Mar 2, 2008 3:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I have come to my senses today

Ryan Theriot really is not a good hitter
The "up and coming" 'pen pitchers, save "Piggy", Kevin Hart, Billy Petrick, need seasoning in the minors.
Neal Cotts truly does stink.
Dome is pressing a little bit.

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

by TheEman on Mar 2, 2008 3:50 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Pretty much agree with all of this.

Pignatiello is a nice guy to have as the second lefty in the pen, though. And it's not like we have a lot of openings in the bullpen.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 2, 2008 3:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd rather see

Pignatiello (cut and paste is our friend) than Cotts.

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

by BlueSox on Mar 2, 2008 3:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd rather see

an actual pig than Cotts.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 2, 2008 3:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

Good one.

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

by BlueSox on Mar 2, 2008 4:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Lets hope

Neal Cotts goes to Jason M. for advice on how to get a guaranteed spot in the rotation.

"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will

by eswan9 on Mar 2, 2008 4:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I am working.

Did he hit that off MLB pitching? Or did he hit that off, what I am guessing is Minor League Pitching? Why is he working on the longball. I want to see bunts, opposite field hitting. All the BS Gerald Perry was spewing during the off-season.

by louslovechild on Mar 2, 2008 3:53 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I am working.

by louslovechild on Mar 2, 2008 3:53 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Geez.

We're going to complain about a home run now?

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 2, 2008 3:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It was a high, tight fastball

and Pie turned on it very well. It's not like he was served up a batting practice pitch.

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

by BlueSox on Mar 2, 2008 4:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Not to mention

that there are many Major League pitchers who should be minor league pitchers, and vice versa.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 2, 2008 4:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You can't be serious

Pie hits a homerun and it's not good? The biggest problem for Pie was his swing not bunting.

by rlpete on Mar 2, 2008 4:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed.

And his swing, IMO, bears the signs of someone who's been putting in work trying to improve. If he keeps working hard, he'll start hitting.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 2, 2008 4:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Pie's swing

is materially different than what he flashed in 2007. He actually has a fighting chance to get his hands through the zone in good fashion with this new approach. He needs repetition, repetition, repetition....

by MDBNIU on Mar 2, 2008 4:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It looks like Pie

may be working on closing the hole in his swing. Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems like he's holding the bat a bit closer to his body and that he's standing a bit straighter in the box, as opposed to the bailout stance he has used in the past.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 2, 2008 4:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

That said, it seems as if

his pitch selection still needs work.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 2, 2008 4:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Cotts

just wrote his ticket to Iowa

Live is boring until March 31st strolls by..

by Chanman25 on Mar 2, 2008 4:06 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

So

is it really true that guys get only one chance in a practice game to prove their worth, and if they blow it, they're traded (Marquis) or sent down (Cotts)? That's brutal.

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

by JohnM on Mar 2, 2008 4:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Welcome to Chicago sports...

...where criticism is savored like 12 year old Scotch.

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

by BlueSox on Mar 2, 2008 4:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If you think this is

Cotts' and Marquis' first chance, please refer to their respective pages and view the festival of mediocrity that is their careers.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 2, 2008 4:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Their respective pages

at baseball-reference.com, that is...I am to syntax as Cotts is to the strike zone.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 2, 2008 4:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't doubt

that they're on short leashes. But even Mr Zero got a second appearance this spring already.

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

by JohnM on Mar 2, 2008 4:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think Lou

will probably give Cotts every chance to become the second lefty in the 'pen, but he's not any better than we was with the White Sox, excepting his fluky 2005. Same problem for years now: no control and a flat fastball.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 2, 2008 4:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He's had two bad spring training outings

I just don't think he is going to make the cuts..

Live is boring until March 31st strolls by..

by Chanman25 on Mar 2, 2008 5:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I thought today was his first outing

Anyway, Lou says the hitters should get about 70 at bats in spring, and pitchers should get about 27 innings. Still early, but you have an excellent shot at being right.

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

by JohnM on Mar 2, 2008 5:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Takatsu

in midseason form.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 2, 2008 4:16 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Is Takatsu

the guy the Cubs signed to make Fukudome feel more at home?

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

by BlueSox on Mar 2, 2008 4:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

yes

by cubs ftw on Mar 2, 2008 4:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don;t know who that was singing,

but I think my ears are bleeding and every dog with two blocks of my house is howling.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 2, 2008 4:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I hope Fuld is okay, but

he never gave himself a shot at that ball. Horribly misplayed. I know about the "high skies," but that was not a major league play.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 2, 2008 4:37 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Plesac kills me..

The rest of the world just calls the "facial area" the "face."

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

by BlueSox on Mar 2, 2008 4:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah.

Plesac is a total hack and he talks over the action constantly.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 2, 2008 4:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

On the other hand

he's not Joe Morgan kind of bad.

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

by BlueSox on Mar 2, 2008 4:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I guess, but that's like

saying Mao wasn't Pol Pot kind of bad...

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 2, 2008 4:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Precisely

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

by BlueSox on Mar 2, 2008 4:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I know I've been down on Fuld in the past...

...but I have to say, I've been really disappointed in him in camp so far. I thought he was at least a better fourth outfielder candidate than what we've seen.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 2, 2008 4:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yep.

I thought the one thing he could was catch the ball, especially considering he spent the fall in Arizona and should used to those fabled "high skies." He really looks outclassed right now. How apropos that Pie makes a real nifty snag immediately after Fuld flubbed one...

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 2, 2008 4:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

My favorite has to be...

...his running into the wall on that home run. Did he think he had a play on that ball?

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 2, 2008 4:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

When you have

that much grit and determination, you have play on every ball. Do you think David Eckstein would let a wall stop him? Not a chance.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 2, 2008 4:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe he's trying too hard

or not seeing the ball off the bat or something.

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse

by BigJohnAZ on Mar 2, 2008 4:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think it's the former.

He's really pressing to try and get a job on this club - all the talk of a competition between him and Pie isn't really fair to him at this point, I think. And I think he's trying to do too much to try and make a good impression.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 2, 2008 4:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Come on Pie

Wait for it.

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

by BlueSox on Mar 2, 2008 4:44 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Whoa -- Pie walks!!

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

by BlueSox on Mar 2, 2008 4:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Good eye, Felix!

Way to take the walk. That's good to see.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 2, 2008 4:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

williamson pitching

he's still in the league?

Live is boring until March 31st strolls by..

by Chanman25 on Mar 2, 2008 4:50 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Awwww, Felix.

Don't let Williamson deke you like that! Gotta be more careful. Two more baserunning mistakes by the Cubs today. Gotta tighten up.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 2, 2008 4:54 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Interesting...

Ron thinks that Marmol will win the closer's job.

by cubs ftw on Mar 2, 2008 5:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Marmol has looked better than either

Howry or Woody so far!!

by teacher tom on Mar 2, 2008 5:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

However,

Marmol is pitching in the later stages of the game, against minor leaguers, and ST invitees, not against major leaguers. If Lou wanted to, he would have Marmol pitch in the 3rd-5th innings.

"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will

by eswan9 on Mar 2, 2008 5:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs