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Open Thread: Cubs vs. Mariners, Monday 3/3, 2:05 CT

Yelloncard_tiny by Al on in Game Threads

While the media focuses on the first time Kosuke Fukudome and Ichiro Suzuki have played a game on the same major league field (yes, true: in Japan they played in different leagues, and Ichiro left NPB for the USA when Dome was in only his third NPB season, and they did play on the same team in 2006, for Japan in the World Baseball Classic), Cub fans should be focusing on Jon Lieber and Sean Marshall, who will both make their spring debuts this afternoon. Jarrod Washburn will throw for the Mariners.

Bruce Miles tells us that Aramis Ramirez will likely make his own Cactus League debut tomorrow, along with Daryle Ward, who's been out with a balky glute muscle (sore butt, if you want to be less technical).

Today's game is available through the MLB.com Mediacenter, though you won't hear any Cub announcers. Audio is through Seattle area radio station KOMO and video is via MLB.TV.

MLB.com Gameday

Discuss amongst yourselves.

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No news on A-Fon?
Can someone explain to me how a broken finger only puts a guy out for 3-5 days?  I understand its his middle finger, but still...a broken bone is a broken bone, right?

Dan

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Mar 3, 2008 10:58 AM CST   0 recs

Not a doctor but
it was a minor fracture and this I believe is the reason he won't be out for a long time.  Though...I am guessing that 3-5 days is generous and for the benefit of the fans and the media.
MMMMM...Nutrisystem!

by Kinky Reggae on Mar 3, 2008 11:05 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

Cubs go this-a-way

Cedeno, CF
Theriot, SS
Fukudome, RF
Murton, LF
Hoffpauir, 1B
Fox, DH
Figueroa, 2b
Cintron, 3B
K. Hill, C
Lieber, P

by Bruce Miles on Mar 3, 2008 11:17 AM CST   0 recs

Ah...
... the great Cedeno-In-CF experiment begins.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Mar 3, 2008 11:18 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

re: Ah...
Yup, this should be interesting. It should also be fun to see (well, hear in my case) Dome and Murton batting back-to-back.
Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by dat cubfan daver on Mar 3, 2008 11:25 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

I await the results
with not so bated breath.
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will

by eswan9 on Mar 3, 2008 12:20 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

what a waste
What does he offer in CF that we aren't better served letting Fuld get some more action?
"We're going to turn this team around 360 degrees." -Jason Kidd

by tony412 on Mar 3, 2008 12:43 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Right-handedness.
The ability to also play the middle infield.

The fact that he's out of options, so he's probably a lock for a roster spot anyway.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 3, 2008 12:48 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

So,
I take it Fuld has looked pretty bad in the OF?
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will

by eswan9 on Mar 3, 2008 12:55 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

HA THATS FUNNYT
Because isnt it ONE play in ONE game that has us talking about Sam Fuld to begin with?  TOO MUCH IRONY MUST GO BACK TO WORK
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Mar 3, 2008 3:27 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

It's not a waste
Cedeno has a lot more potential than Fuld.  Of course, we'll see if he ever reaches it.  However, Cedeno could be a very useful multi-position utility player.  Fuld will never be anything more than a reserve outfielder.  

by rlpete on Mar 3, 2008 1:14 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Thanks Bruce
Still no ARam huh?  What's the story with that, any word on when he is going to be available?
"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Mar 3, 2008 11:19 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

oops, I should read the diary a little closer
"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Mar 3, 2008 11:19 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

Cedeno in center?
Why not Aramis behind the plate?  He's got great, er, legs.  And let's throw Alfonso at secon...wait a minute.

Dan

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Mar 3, 2008 11:32 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

Wait, we have
A leadoff hitter with some power, some speed who can play second base?
"Kosuke draws a walk" is music to my ears.

by cubbybear on Mar 3, 2008 3:28 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Thanks, Bruce
I always appreciate your insight.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Mar 3, 2008 12:01 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Those you with the Directv sports package...
...today's game can be seen on Fox Sports NW channel 651.
"Man, this is fun!" - Len Kasper

by ryno HOF 2005 on Mar 3, 2008 12:36 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Ramirez
Lou said yesterday he might play tomorrow.

by Bruce Miles on Mar 3, 2008 11:20 AM CST   0 recs

Re: ...might play tomorrow...
As long as he doesn't sit on a cactus.  Someone wrap him in bubble-wrap.
"Confidence is what you have before you understand the problem." Woody Allen

by BlueSox on Mar 3, 2008 11:40 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

Probably a foolish question...
...but did Lou say anything of note regarding Eric Patterson after yesterday's game? I'm curious if he made an impression on anybody NOT in the Orioles organization.
I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 3, 2008 11:59 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

EPatt's been a big...
...mystery to me.  Two years ago, it seemed the Cubs were REALLY HIGH on him.  If that was true, then you don't go to the bottom of the barrel, or to trade bait, after one late appearance to The Show.  What gives?! - TL
"Why shouldn't we believe that we're going to win the World Series?" - Ted Lilly, 1/19/2008, Daily Herald interview w/Barry Rozner

by timlacy on Mar 3, 2008 3:22 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

game blackouts
Yes, I know this game isn't on CSNCH today, but I mentioned in saturday's game thread that the game was blacked out in Birmingham, AL.

I found this on the comcast chicago web page:

"Professional games will not be available on Comcast SportsNet.  Due to professional league mandates, customers must also subscribe to MLB Extra Innings to see Chicago Cubs...for broadcasts outside the regional viewing area"

But, of course, that's not an option on Dish Network.  It's awfully nice to have the leagues treat us fans so nicely, don't you think?

by cpnkirk on Mar 3, 2008 12:35 PM CST   0 recs

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

by Al on Mar 3, 2008 12:38 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

That is bogus of them
I live in central Illinois and have Directv. Right now, I can watch the Braves vs. Mets and the Yanks vs. Houston. No blackouts here. Today's Cubs game is supposed to be on Fox Sports NW, channel 651. Seattle announcers.
"Man, this is fun!" - Len Kasper

by ryno HOF 2005 on Mar 3, 2008 12:41 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

still hopeful
on Friday night, the cardinals vs. Mets game was also black.  However, on NESN, I was able to watch Red Sox vs Twins (well, until my son took over the TV to watch Dora...).

So, I'm hoping that even if I can't watch the cubs on CSNCH, maybe I can catch them on some other channels. I guess that remains to be seen, since I won't be home during the game today.

by cpnkirk on Mar 3, 2008 12:49 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

That is a bummer.
I have to go to work at 3:30 CT myself.
"Man, this is fun!" - Len Kasper

by ryno HOF 2005 on Mar 3, 2008 12:53 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

You can't see it
because you have Dish Network who doesn't offer MLB EI. Therefore, they have to blackout the baseball games on the sports tier. If you have Directv, they carry the EI package so they don't have to block out the spring games. They will be blacked out on Directv too when the season starts unless you pay for the service. At least thats the way it works about 3 or 4 years ago when I was still on Directv.

by LT on Mar 3, 2008 2:36 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

blackouts suck
So will all games be blacked out for those who don't subscribe to extra innings?

All this makes me wonder why comcast games would be black, but not WGN...

by cpnkirk on Mar 3, 2008 2:52 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

WGN is a national superstation
so you would get those games. They are not part of the Extra Innings package. The channels that are blacked out are considered regional so any outside of your area would be blacked out. These regional networks make up the Extra Innings package. You may need to take a class in MLB Blackouts 101 to understand this garbage...

by LT on Mar 3, 2008 3:12 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I must be
in the regional viewing area because I got the CSN games this weekend. I also have DirecTV so I'll be able to see the game this afternoon. :-)

by sue369 on Mar 3, 2008 1:34 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

anywhere
I can listen/watch the game for free?

by Rezze21 on Mar 3, 2008 12:46 PM CST   0 recs

If you are a subscriber to the sports package...
you should be able to watch the game, yes.
"Man, this is fun!" - Len Kasper

by ryno HOF 2005 on Mar 3, 2008 12:49 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

We're all sick of talking about it, but...
...Jon Heyman at SI.com says the talks between the Orioles and Cubs for Brian Roberts are heating up again.

I know you're all sick of talking about it, but I do have one question in all of this:

Has Derosa at SS been floated as a possibility?

I only ask because he seems to be better at the plate than Theriot, and while I like the idea of him being a supersub, I think our team would be better served having DeRosa more consistently in the lineup....I'm just not sure we're improving too much by taking him out and adding Roberts - I'd like to see BOTH in the lineup.

by Chadnudj on Mar 3, 2008 12:50 PM CST   0 recs

This has been discussed.
DeRosa doesn't have the range or the arm to be an everyday SS.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Mar 3, 2008 12:52 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Okay...
...sorry for asking questions that may have been answered long ago (I don't have time to re-read everything).

If DeRosa can't do it (and are we sure he can't?) than what about Roberts playing SS? I think I'd sacrifice a little range/defense for more offense (particularly because our Soriano/Pie/Fukudome OF has the possibility of being one of the best OF defenses in baseball, and DLee makes a lot of guys in the infield look a lot better)....

by Chadnudj on Mar 3, 2008 1:27 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Likewise
Roberts has had arm surgery before.  It's not likely that he has the arm to be a regular SS.  Both he and DeRosa could play in a pinch but I don't expect either could be the regular SS.  

Cedeno is the only other option at SS.  For that reason, I'd prefer to see Murton and not Cedeno go if there is a Roberts deal.  If Theriot's September is the real Theriot, the Cubs need an alternative.  Maybe Cedeno could be it.    

by rlpete on Mar 3, 2008 1:31 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

re: Likewise
Ah, OK. This answers my question above.
Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by dat cubfan daver on Mar 3, 2008 1:41 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

To be fair...
...the exact same things are often said about Theriot.

And when DeRosa has played SS in the past (full disclosure: by years since 2003 he has logged only 50, 83, 42, and 8 innings there), he's been better than "Gold Glover" Derek Jeter, for whatever that's worth.

by Ayralin on Mar 3, 2008 1:32 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

re: This has been discussed.
The range thing I can see, but DeRo doesn't have the arm to be a shortstop? Doesn't he often sub at third base? Taking another tack, what about the idea of starting Roberts at shortstop and leaving DeRo at second? (Sweet sufferin' beelzebub, we're discussing the Brian Roberts trade again, aren't we? AGHHHHH!!!!)
Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by dat cubfan daver on Mar 3, 2008 1:34 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Al
The only reason you don't think DeRo has a SS arm is that you've been comparing him to Furcal.  He has plenty of arm for SS.  He doesn't have the greatest range, but with a high-K pitching staff it might not be that important.

Riot has better range, but his arm is so weak that he has to play more shallow and he can't throw out guys even if he gets to balls in the hole.  

What's the difference?

The question will be answered if Lou plays DeRo at SS some in ST.

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

by DeRoMyHero on Mar 3, 2008 1:53 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Why does...
his adjustable rate mortgage matter? Let's judge his potential by his past performance shall we?

Mark DeRosa Career SS Fielding Stats...

G 138
PO 149
A  297
E  12
DP 66
FP .974  
lgFP.970  
RFg  3.23
lgRFg  3.97
Inn 813.7

His range is below league average, and his fielding percentage is pretty much average. He's not completely inept at SS, just not above average. The same thing can be said of our current SS Ryan "fancy cheeks" Theriot.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 3, 2008 2:05 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Be realistic
In the past four years, DeRosa played part of 35 games at SS.  That's it.  He has just turned 33.  In all likelihood, he has slowed down/bulked up from when he was 26 or 27.  He is not a realistic option at SS as a regular.  

I am not a Theriot fan but if DeRosa is the answer, it will not be a good year for the Cubs.  

by rlpete on Mar 3, 2008 2:33 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I'm not lobbying for him
to play SS, I am just stating some basic facts. He's not the worst guy in the world to play the position, but he's not going to play there anyway. Unless there is some emergency or Lou get really drunk while he's filling out the lineup card.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 3, 2008 2:36 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Sorry, but I have to...
So there is a "new" Roberts rumor floating out there now on SI, I won't even bother with a link.

The jist is that the talks are heating up and that Jay Payton may be involved.

My question is this, why do the Cubs want Jay Payton?  Would DeRosa get any at bats this year barring injury?  

I am not opposed to a Roberts trade because of DeRosa, but I do feel that DeRosa is a valuable asset, and to block him at both 2B and the OF seems silly.  

Obviously with ARam's health DeRosa has real value as a backup 3B, but he seems to be a pretty expensive player who will only back up 3B and 2B.

Eamus Ursuli!

by WGNstatic on Mar 3, 2008 12:56 PM CST   0 recs

Payton would take the Fuld spot
Payton can play center, DeRosa can't.

If Roberts/Payton was acquired the five bench players would probably be Blanco (or other catcher), Ward, Payton, DeRosa and Cedeno (unless traded).        

by rlpete on Mar 3, 2008 1:20 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Forgot to add
in my prediction that I expect Murton would head to Baltimore if Payton is coming to Chicago.  

by rlpete on Mar 3, 2008 1:25 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I think Cintron
is destined to be the 25th man. Cedeno, and possibly Patterson, will be be gone in the Roberts trade. JMHO
Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 3, 2008 1:28 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

You are right
Cintron could be the 25th man instead of Cedeno.  I don't see Patterson in the mix even if he stays as he doesn't have the versatility as a bench player.  

by rlpete on Mar 3, 2008 1:33 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Blackouts and Direct TV/EI deals...
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 3, 2008 12:59 PM CST   0 recs

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

by eswan9 on Mar 3, 2008 1:02 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

FYI, audio link is working.
Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by dat cubfan daver on Mar 3, 2008 1:47 PM CST   0 recs

Whoever mentioned...
... that the original MLB.TV mediaplayer is better than the Silverlight player, was right. Far superior.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Mar 3, 2008 2:07 PM CST   0 recs

really?
I'm using the "silverlight" one and It seems Ok to me? What do you find to be the big difference?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 3, 2008 2:08 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Seems more grainy...
... and movement doesn't seem as fluid. Also, I can't get rid of the volume control on the screen, which on the original player is BELOW the screen.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Mar 3, 2008 2:13 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I just re-upped with...
 MLB.tv this morning, and that was the first thing that I noticed. Needs much work.

by Damen Jackson on Mar 3, 2008 2:15 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I think your right Al.
If they could only incorporate the boxscore with the original player.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 3, 2008 2:16 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

You can always...
... call up an additional screen with the boxscore on it.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Mar 3, 2008 2:17 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Silverlight
You can pull up the boxscore and linescore by clicking on the appropriate links at below the video.  The graphic that appears to be notes is the boxscore and the bat and ball is the linescore.

Also, there is a link at the top right that will allow you to switch to the old player.  I think the quality issues have more to do with the 400k feed and the fact that these facilities probably lack the better equipment at actual MLB stadiums.

by imauis on Mar 3, 2008 2:27 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Volume control
Make sure your mouse isn't over the section of the browser where the video is displayed.

Biggest pet peeve for me so far is the lack of a fullscreen option.

by Ayralin on Mar 3, 2008 2:25 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

There's such an option...
... with the original player.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Mar 3, 2008 2:26 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Plus...
... I just switched to the Silverlight, moved my mouse away from the screen portion, and the volume control slider was still there.

I'll stick with the original player.

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

by Al on Mar 3, 2008 2:27 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Looks Like ESPN 1000...
... will also be broadcasting the game in the Chicagoland area.
Jacque Jones is gone and I doubt Ivan DeJesus would mind this!

by initram on Mar 3, 2008 2:11 PM CST   0 recs

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

by Al on Mar 3, 2008 2:12 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Let Me Clarify...
... they are broadcasting from the game - not the game.  They will be giving updates every half inning or so, interviewing players (like Theriot), etc.
Jacque Jones is gone and I doubt Ivan DeJesus would mind this!

by initram on Mar 3, 2008 2:27 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

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

by Al on Mar 3, 2008 2:28 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Great
Unfortunately you have to sit through the insufferable ESPN afternoon show.
"It's that wonderul relief that comes when they stop hitting you in the head with a hammer."

by lostinthevines on Mar 3, 2008 2:33 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

No they aren't.
"It's that wonderul relief that comes when they stop hitting you in the head with a hammer."

by lostinthevines on Mar 3, 2008 2:26 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Dome and Murton both reach base. Nice.
Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by dat cubfan daver on Mar 3, 2008 2:14 PM CST   0 recs

Dome...
... did a nice job beating that DP relay throw.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Mar 3, 2008 2:16 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I cringed when I heard...
...that flyball was going to Cedeno but, evidently, he caught it. Nice quick inning for Lieber.
Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by dat cubfan daver on Mar 3, 2008 2:20 PM CST   0 recs

The things I like best...
... about Jon Lieber: works fast, throws strikes.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Mar 3, 2008 2:20 PM CST   0 recs

Washburn
He's moving pretty fast, too.  I might get to listen to the whole game before the workday is done.

by kranskie on Mar 3, 2008 2:25 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

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