The 2007 regular season will end three weeks from today. And yet, even this late in the year, there are still ten National League teams within 4.5 games of a playoff spot. This is unprecedented and could make for a real wild finish.
So fasten your seat belts and hang on for the ride. I, for one, was very pleased to wake up this morning to discover that the Cardinals had blown their early four-run lead and lost to Arizona 9-8.
Meanwhile, Lou must have read last night's recap, because he's thinking about holding Z back till Friday:
Piniella is tinkering with starting rookie Kevin Hart on Thursday in Houston, with Carlos Zambrano possibly getting an extra day of rest to face St. Louis on Friday. Trachsel and Sean Marshall will start in Saturday's doubleheader at Busch Stadium, with Lilly slated for Sept. 16 against the Cardinals.
Marshall hasn't pitched since his last start Aug. 31.
"We've freshened up his arm," Piniella said. "But we need to get him a little work."
If Zambrano pitches Friday, he will be able to start on four days' rest Sept. 19 against Cincinnati at Wrigley and on five Sept. 25 at Florida. He then would be able to start the season finale Sept. 30 at Cincinnati. Or if the Cubs are assured of a playoff spot, they can hold him out for the first postseason game.
| Today's Starting Pitchers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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A little more than a year after that last meeting, both pitchers are with new teams and the game has great meaning, at least for the Cubs. After going 11-3, 3.82 in 24 appearances vs. the Cubs from 1997-2004, Morris has become a favorite Cub whipping boy since 2005; he is 0-5, 7.86 vs. the Cubs since then, including giving the Cubs twelve hits and eight runs at Wrigley Field on July 19.
Several Cubs hit Morris very, very hard. Derrek Lee is 10-for-28 (.357/.438/.893, 4 HR), and Aramis Ramirez 15-for-43 (.349/.383/.628, 3 HR).
Trachsel is only 5-8 lifetime vs. the Pirates, but with a decent 3.16 ERA. The last time he faced them was on July 6, 2006, a 7-5 win while with the Mets.
Once again there is no Pittsburgh TV coverage of the game, but it is on CSN, so it should be on EI, and also at today's Mediacenter link.
MLB.com Gameday (2007 version)
MLB.com Gameday (2006 version)
MLB.com Gameday for the Brewers/Reds game (12:15 CT start)
MLB.com Gameday for the Cardinals/Diamondbacks game (3:40 CT start) Here's what to root for if you are following this game: for the game to go eighteen innings. As it is, the Cardinals aren't likely to arrive in Chicago till midnight. If the game runs long, they might not arrive till 3 or 4 in the morning.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
0 recs | 270 comments
At first.....
...I was going to ask why with six starters already Piniella would go with Kevin Hart, but his instincts have served the Cubs well so far, and he knows more than a little bit about baseball than I do. If I'm Sean Gallagher though I might back away from the dinner table and re-evaluate.I'm not sure I would want to wish any more adversity on the Cardinals, even a long road game. They seem to thrive on it. Hell, if Wainwright goes down they'll probably go on a ten game winning streak.
BeerCub - September 9, 2007
Options?
I'm coming up from Indy for the game tomorrow and have an extra bleacher ticket. I just want to get the value of what I paid at this point (w/ticketbastard and 2 day shipping, that's 47 bucks)...but I thought maybe Illinois was a state that maybe won't allow you (on the street) to scalp over the price of the ticket itself? Am I right here?Do I have any other options or do I just have to eat the 12 buck difference?
Any help is appreciated. Can't wait to be at Wrigley tomorrow!
carmenfanzone - September 9, 2007
It is illegal to sell on the street period
They will not allow you to resell the ticket anywhere near WrigleyField. You can still try to do it but be very discreet. First I would
try Craig's list Chicago to see if you can hook up with anyone. Option two if the ticket is really hot is to sell it to a broker or scalper.
Good Luck
jessica - September 9, 2007
ok...
...thanks Jessica!carmenfanzone - September 9, 2007
AL! DON'T FORGET...
...ABOUT YOUR FANTASTIC ARTICLE!http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/magazine/chi-mxa0909magcubsfansep09,0,5984795.story
Dan
dtpollitt - September 9, 2007
Thanks!
There's more on this in this diary, including another link somewhere in the comments, which may work if you can't get that first one to load.If you want to see the photo that was with the article, though, you'll have to buy the paper. It's not on the web version.
Al Yellon - September 9, 2007
I think we have...
...something real special here. I'm glad to be apart of this community and hopefully share a memorable season with all you fans, thanks guys and gals. I appreciate your hard work, too, Al.Dan
dtpollitt - September 9, 2007
Thanks!
Much appreciated. And know that the sentiment stated above by dtpollitt goes for me, too. All of you are who make BCB the great community that it has become. Thanks to everyone here for your contributions.Al Yellon - September 9, 2007
Thanks Al for providing us
with this site, as you say in the article, a sort of Wrigley Field away from Wrigley Field. It was good reading and enjoyed the article very much!DTJchris - September 9, 2007
At this point all I have to say is...
Go Cubs!!!And Bear Down!
Well one more thing, I really like the idea of Kevin Hart starting this week and Z getting pushed back.
JB 23 - September 9, 2007
Lineups
CubsSoriano, LF
Theriot, SS
Lee, 1B
Ramirez, 3B
Murton, RF
Jones, CF
DeRosa, 2B
Kendall, C
Trachsel, P
Pirates
Morgan, CF
McLouth, LF
Sanchez, 2B
LaRoche, 1B
Bautista, 3B
Pearce, RF
Paulino, C
Wilson, SS
Morris, P
Bruce Miles - September 9, 2007
Foiled again!
n/tcwyers - September 9, 2007
Notice who...
... has been conspicuously absent from the Pirates lineup this series: Cesar Izturis. Not a single appearance.Al Yellon - September 9, 2007
Wilson is scorching hot right now...
...batting .538 with an OPS of 1.513 this month. I am positive that's not a reflection of underlying talent levels, but it's still a pretty good excuse to not start the Wizard of Iz, if you need to find such an excuse.cwyers - September 9, 2007
I'm glad, then, because...
... Wilson is 0-for-13 in his career vs. Trachsel.Al Yellon - September 9, 2007
Lineups!
CubsSoriano, LF
Theriot, SS
Lee, 1B
Ramirez, 3B
Murton, RF
Jones, CF
DeRosa, 2B
Kendall, C
Rain Delay, P
Pie-rats
Morgan, CF
McClouth, LF
F. Sanchez, 2B
LaRoche, 1B
Bautista, 3B
Pearce, RF
Paulino, C
Wilson, SS
Morris, P
cwyers - September 9, 2007
Al
Great article!DeRoMyHero - September 9, 2007
Time to Turn it On
3 weeks left - It is time to finish this season on a winning streak and go into the playoffs to win the whole "dang" thing.FSArkCubsFan - September 9, 2007
Great Article, Al !!!
You put a lot of hard work into this site and definately deserve the recognition. I'm certainly happy to have stumbled onto this site which only to makes being a Cub fan that much more fun.And just think.....SOME OF US will be sporting BCB t-shirts !!!!
GO CUBS !!!!!
coral - September 9, 2007
Website
I found this site in the last month and love it. Glad to be able to talk to Cubs fans from around the country.FSArkCubsFan - September 9, 2007
Thanks again to all of you...
... for your compliments, and also for your contributions to BCB.Al Yellon - September 9, 2007
Al: you are the Blog Stud!
I am thankful for the links to the article on BCB as in typical Tribune fashion, I could not open the article online, in spite of the fact that the website showed me as logged in. Keep up the great job, Al! This site does a great job of keeping me connected to my love of the Cubs & the fans from the left coast!!LAcarl519 - September 9, 2007
I had the same problem opening the article...
... so the links here were very helpful.Al Yellon - September 9, 2007
Milwaukee pounding Cincy
three straight HRs to start the game. Five straight hits. SP out already.CubFaninNY - September 9, 2007
I guess we won't get to face Dumatrait
In any of our six remaining games agains the Reds. Lets face ithe had an ERA of 12 going into the game so facing Sheets I did not have a lot of hope of Reds win here.
jessica - September 9, 2007
B-Ref lists it at 13.00...
...going into tonight's action over five starts. Yeah. Wow.cwyers - September 9, 2007
I just realized he is a lefty
Which means he WILL start against the Cubs and give upmaybe one run in 8 innings and driving his ERA under 10.00
jessica - September 9, 2007
braun
when are they gonna catch him hanging out in Ankiel's medicine cabinet??Chanman25 - September 9, 2007
well cinncy leads off with two hits..
Chanman25 - September 9, 2007
And they score on a sac fly.
One on, one out, one scores. So not exactly a pitcher's duel today.cwyers - September 9, 2007
only one run though
cubs ftw - September 9, 2007
1-2-3 go the Cubs
on 10 pitchesCubFaninNY - September 9, 2007
Come on Cubs
let's do it!!!sue369 - September 9, 2007
1-2-3 for the Buccanears
Chanman25 - September 9, 2007
again...
when will they find out that braun has been hanging around with Ankiel...Chanman25 - September 9, 2007
Kendall...sweet!
greetings to his old team.thaks for the memories and that nice big contract! :-)
LAcarl519 - September 9, 2007
He must feel obliged...
...to be extra-productive in his "home" ballpark, since the ticket-holders are paying so much of his salary.mistersite - September 9, 2007
Nice job
Jason. We score again early, which is always a good sign.qccub - September 9, 2007
there ya go Kendall
and Traschel!Chanman25 - September 9, 2007
Trachsel
I seem to remember Trax being a pretty decent hitter when he was here before.Am I correct?
puckishcubsfan - September 9, 2007
career .164 hitter
not too shabbycubs2234 - September 9, 2007
folks - if you report on EVERY
pitch in Cinci - it will drive many of us INSANE!TheEman - September 9, 2007
Agreed.
I don't give a "Sheets" about that game. I always assumed this one was a Brewer win, given the match up.Given the start of that game, let's forget about the Brewers and hope that Traschel can give us 6+ innings today. It looks like we will need a few more runs today...
LAcarl519 - September 9, 2007
Len and Bob
do update the other games scores too.sue369 - September 9, 2007
Len and Bob
are atrocious.rustydevil - September 9, 2007
That's your
opinion doesn't mean it's right.sue369 - September 9, 2007
I just want him to end this inning!
n/tcwyers - September 9, 2007
Easy Come
Easy GoTheEman - September 9, 2007
crap...
pitchers seem to be actually hitting...Chanman25 - September 9, 2007
I hate Steve Trachsel so, so much.
n/tcwyers - September 9, 2007
traschel pick up
looking pretty good so far..huh..Chanman25 - September 9, 2007
looks
even better knowing that scott moore hit a grand slam last night . .CZ38 - September 9, 2007
lately, it seems, the Cubs just have a hard time
avoiding the 'big inning'. It's time to start seeing them stop the bleeding much earlier.LuisSalazar - September 9, 2007
Everyone must be watching football.
Not many posters today.Saratoga - September 9, 2007
yeah,
it's going to take some sort of mistake from the pirates to get that third out.dogcatratcheese - September 9, 2007
Milwaukee
just scored again. I hate the Reds. They're going to play like the '27 Yankees next week in Chicago and they play like this today.elgato - September 9, 2007
I thought Pittsburg Batting Prac before the game
parrotinct - September 9, 2007
at least we got the out
cubs ftw - September 9, 2007
that was so ugly
we need a big comeback!But it is Morris on the mound...
LAcarl519 - September 9, 2007
wow......
LuisSalazar - September 9, 2007
my gametracker is all F'd
...whats the current situation in the game?rustydevil - September 9, 2007
PAIN.
6-2 'Rats, inning over.cwyers - September 9, 2007
bad to worse...sanchez cleared the bases on a ball
up the middle that JJ misplayed.....6 Run second for Pitt but Morris does look hittable today.LuisSalazar - September 9, 2007
Morris is
always hit-able. Plus he's got a bad attitude, perhaps we can rattle him.rustydevil - September 9, 2007
see, took a mistake by sanchez
to end the inningdogcatratcheese - September 9, 2007
damnit
I think this trade was a bad movegiving up two prospects for a one month rental we didn't really need..
oh and A-rod with ANOTHER home run!
Chanman25 - September 9, 2007
I feel physically ill
We're not done. But Trachsel and JJ (I'm assuming, based on the radio call) just killed any momentum from last night. Ouch.elgato - September 9, 2007
wow, trachsel has nothing.
lou left him out there too long. and i don't see any way you can ever send that guy out there again. he throws puffballs up in the zone.i don't understand that signing. nice work cubbies.
buckmulligan - September 9, 2007
No kidding, Trachsel had nothing 8 years ago!
Stupid move by Hendry. Just put Marshall back in the rotation.Itchy - September 9, 2007
welcome back to second place
dogcatratcheese - September 9, 2007
seven innings to go
And we're facing Matt Morris. I think the Cubs have some fight left in them.elgato - September 9, 2007
i hope so
but my initial response was "whatever"dogcatratcheese - September 9, 2007
Nice play Jock!
Daydreaming out there again?Itchy - September 9, 2007
hard not to daydream with the
Human rain delay pitching.A Clear reminder on why he was availible and no one else wanted him. Garbage...
JB 23 - September 9, 2007
can you blame him with that excuse for a pitcher
on the mound. my god, trachsel has nothing. he just stands out there for days throwing puffballs. what a joke. why the hell is he on this team? i can't imagine a worse option.we should have tried old wood before trachsel.
buckmulligan - September 9, 2007
Well 4 behind? That will be pretty tough to
overcome. We need to start hitting and getting runs in bunches. We can't continue to nickel and dime other teams!Saratoga - September 9, 2007
We need to start hitting
we need to start pitching.We need to steal more bases.
We need the lead off guy to raise his obp.
We need players that can deliver when the pressure is on.
We are not a good team.
TheEman - September 9, 2007
Why not Pie?
I know he has struggled with the bat, but his defense would save many disasters. An awful play by JJ.moldyfolky - September 9, 2007
meh
he hasn't been given any AB at all lately...Chanman25 - September 9, 2007
JJ hasn't had many disasters
And Pie is barely hitting his weight. Besides, JJ has had a lot of key hits in the past six weeks.elgato - September 9, 2007
someone suggested raround here
Starting Pie in to get a spark, regardless of how poor he's been hitting. I agree.LuisSalazar - September 9, 2007
i also agree.
i mean pie is dying on the bench and yet a guy like trachsel is put out on the mound.i don't get it.
buckmulligan - September 9, 2007
shit, i'd rather have pie on the mound
that trachsel; that guy throws puffballs up in the zone. he was asking to get crushed.buckmulligan - September 9, 2007
put Marshall back in the rotation!
Chanman25 - September 9, 2007
he will be back this week
And, perhaps, for the duration.elgato - September 9, 2007
well, that was a disaster of an inning.
at this point, i think that's the most damaging half inning of the year. a crippler.thanks trachsel.
buckmulligan - September 9, 2007
whyt the hell did we get him
Marshall is a much better fifth starter , this piece of shit has nothing left. Just look at his numbers, yes he had a good ERA the past month put his other numbers suggested that was just a fluke. That fat ass Hendry though had to get his one illogical move in before the deadline though. It is frickin Sspetember and we got a fully staffed bullpen, but Uncle Lou decides to leave this piece of junk out there when he has nothing.DC Cubbie - September 9, 2007
Well...Jim Hendry
rolled the dice on this guy, and LOST.TheEman - September 9, 2007
"Cubs can't catch a break"
Len said it best.CubFaninNY - September 9, 2007
you make your own breaks,
and you don't do it by putting that guy on the mound. he should be playing softball somewhere.buckmulligan - September 9, 2007
I can't decide
if I should be laughing or crying after that softball comment. :-) :-(LAcarl519 - September 9, 2007
Just a question:
Does anyone think if Pie was playing center at that time instead of JJ, do you think he makes that play in the second inning?It's all academic now. :-(
LAcarl519 - September 9, 2007
it's hard to say after that long inning
standing around. but that ball was scalded.buckmulligan - September 9, 2007
but jones misplayed it badly.
buckmulligan - September 9, 2007
Hendry has made two dumb moves
He did get rid of Barret and got Kendall, which was good. However, I do not like that:- Rapada for Monroe. Makes no sense whatsoever, especailly with how bad Monroe has been lately
- Traschel for Cherry AND Moore. I think both of those were great prospects. Moore could have potentially placed in the outfield and Cherry had a good arm. Moore even hit a grand slam last night!!
These two players have done nothing sense coming over here..Chanman25 - September 9, 2007
Ont' Agree fully
Scott Moore was BLOCKED in both corner spots. Also, we drafted Josh Vitters, Ty Colvin, have a good Micah Hoffpaiur, on and on...Every scouting report I have read said the same thing regarding the guy as a platoon or bench dude.
Sure, when he hits a home run - "we gave away A-Rod".
But I believe Hendry was rolling the dice and this time he lost.
He has done pretty well with nearly ALL of the FA's.
Trachsel sucks as much as Oh-Man!
TheEman - September 9, 2007
traschel out, Hart in
Chanman25 - September 9, 2007
If there is one thing today I like
Is Lou yanking that piece of garbage....Can you say relegated to long relief? I dont want to see him start again.
JB 23 - September 9, 2007
If Hart has a good outing in long relief...
...he might buy himself Trachsel's starting job.Or maybe that's me wishcasting.
cwyers - September 9, 2007
by the way
I think the NL figured out the Riot....hasn't had a multiple hit game since August 23.DC Cubbie - September 9, 2007
thats two weeks
called a slump, buddy...Chanman25 - September 9, 2007
well better hope he breaks out of it soon
because his D leaves a lot to be desired, pal.DC Cubbie - September 9, 2007
Would you rather have Cedeno start?
because that could be arranged..Chanman25 - September 9, 2007
the riot is the least of our problems
he works counts...plays tough. we need out bats to take some balls out of the park.TipsyMcStagger - September 9, 2007
I agree compared ot the rest of the
team he is golden, still need him to be on base thoughDC Cubbie - September 9, 2007
Lemme help you out, Bob...
...Trachsel's problem is that he's old and lacks talent. Not hard to figure out.cwyers - September 9, 2007
that was a devastating start on so many levels.
now, zambrano will start thursday and miss the cardinals.buckmulligan - September 9, 2007
Rotation --
Zambrano does not have to start on Saturday. Lou can start Gallagher or Marshall on Thursday against the Stros. Z on Friday and either Gallagher/Marshall or Hart along with Lilly on Saturday. Just please stay away from Traschel.ceegeewow - September 9, 2007
My Error
I meant Z does not have to start Thursday. He still can start on Friday.ceegeewow - September 9, 2007
Glad we got his veteran presnce
the most overrated aspect of all time...talent wins, not experiance.DC Cubbie - September 9, 2007
experiencedoes have some influence
but it almost seems like Hendry was TRYING to buy experience from other teams and get more by getting Traschel and Monroe...Chanman25 - September 9, 2007
just driving me nuts...
Moore and Cherry are gone for good and we got one decent start from TrashCan....JB 23 - September 9, 2007
it was a rediculous trade
I think that Marshall could have produced more and Moore and Cherry would have won more games than a ONE MONTH RENTAL!! Thats what we give up Moore and Cherry for! They were two good prospects! Usually, we dump our crap on Baltimore. I guess they got back at us..Chanman25 - September 9, 2007
more like a one month punishment.
that guy is worthless. i refuse to spell his name anymore.buckmulligan - September 9, 2007
Hart with a good inning
Chanman25 - September 9, 2007
well, they have to comeback today
can't afford to lose 2 of 3 to the pirates, especially after getting the clutch, 2 run, 2 out hit.i'm not sure i've ever been more down on this team's chances.
buckmulligan - September 9, 2007
I agree!
The Cubs have to "man up" as they say.LAcarl519 - September 9, 2007
i just am dumbfounded.
i cannot believe they actually let that guy start. wow. maybe we can turn into the brewers and hit about 8 homeruns.buckmulligan - September 9, 2007
Way to get
on base Matt.sue369 - September 9, 2007
two on no out
lets make it happen!Chanman25 - September 9, 2007
22 Games left in the season.
Where is the "hot streak".Does this team REALLY deserve to be in the Playoffs?
TheEman - September 9, 2007
they will "deserve" it
if they make it. Period. Who cares about anything else?elgato - September 9, 2007
what is up
with all these $#@% double plays!?TipsyMcStagger - September 9, 2007
Clutch Hitting
We cannot get a clutch hit when we need it. Early in the game, Soriano leaves two in scoring position. This time it's DeRo with the DP.As a team, we just fail to deliver time after time. There is no rhyme or reason why but we just cannot do it when it counts.
ceegeewow - September 9, 2007
In the playoffs who would you trust more?
Murton or Monroe?Chanman25 - September 9, 2007
Jermaine Dye
n/telgato - September 9, 2007
Playoffs?
Murton I guess.Itchy - September 9, 2007
I love DeRo but he must lead the team in GIDP
AAAHHHJB 23 - September 9, 2007
Always trying to hit a 3-run homer
will bring about a lot of dribbling groundballs, thus DPs.Itchy - September 9, 2007
from yay to nay
very quick turnaround there.MattyMo doing what he did with the Cards.
CubFaninNY - September 9, 2007
Morris --
His last two years in St. Louis the Cubs pounded him like a rented mule. Earlier in his career they did nothing.I was hoping today would have been more reminiscent of '05 and '06.
ceegeewow - September 9, 2007
Morris Again --
Meant to say '04 and '05 -- he was in SF last year and did not face the Cubs.But in '04, he was 1-1 against the Cubs and gave up 15 runs in 22-2/3 innings.
In '05, he was 0-4 and gave up 19 runs in 21-2/3 innings.
So the Cubs have done it against him -- let's hope we can today.
ceegeewow - September 9, 2007
Disappointed
I am so disappointed with the Cubs right now. I have lost all hope for this team.adam316 - September 9, 2007
Lets all be honest
did anyone really think that Traschel would be better than Marshall? Did anyone really think he'd be any good??Chanman25 - September 9, 2007
we didnt
but lou and hendry did . . .CZ38 - September 9, 2007
Trachsel Sucks
No, and he has shown that more than one inning of play is entirely too much for him to handle. He should never do anything other than middle relief from now on.adam316 - September 9, 2007
I'm very
disappointed in Trachsel.sue369 - September 9, 2007
DeRosa may need a rest. He has a tired bat!
Saratoga - September 9, 2007
DeRo was plunked
in his last at bat Saturday.Len & Bob mentioned in his first at bat today that they were surprised he was in today. I guess Lou does not want Fonty matched up against Morris (instead of DeRo) for the game...just PH duty.
LAcarl519 - September 9, 2007
damn it
trashsel u really suckCZ38 - September 9, 2007
Lou
Where was your hook when we needed it for Trachsel? Hart hasn't allowed a run.tharr - September 9, 2007
Caught Stealing
Well that's one way to get it done! Nice head's up play by THE RIOT.TipsyMcStagger - September 9, 2007
our pitching
has gone to the dogscubsonWGN4ever - September 9, 2007
hold on a sec
8-5 in Cincy now!Chanman25 - September 9, 2007
Turn the game off
and watch the NFC champs.The Cubs are back to May SUCK!
As long as the Cards do not get in, I can somewhat live with it.
Rick Ankiel, 24x7.
What a sorry-ass bunch of competitors - I am booing - BOOOOOO!!
And so much for the many, "What an advantage we have over the below .500 teams!" theories, I've read around here.
Blech!
TheEman - September 9, 2007
Hart --
Why did Lou pull him? He was doing fine and was scheduled to lead off next inning?I do not understand ---
ceegeewow - September 9, 2007
there are a whole bunch of things
that i don't understand about today's game...Chanman25 - September 9, 2007
He's a little nuts sometimes
He's gonna burn thru 7 pitchers today and then wonder why the bullpen stinks tomorrow. He's probably Oh-man getting loose to seal things for the Bucs.Itchy - September 9, 2007
sorriiiii
cubs ftw - September 9, 2007
Ok a start
LuisSalazar - September 9, 2007
We are within a field goal
LAcarl519 - September 9, 2007
Soriano!!
home run...only down by three!Chanman25 - September 9, 2007
Now the 3-run siesta that JJ took
looms even larger. Pick up JJ, boys.Itchy - September 9, 2007
yeah fons
he's en fuego right now guyscubs2234 - September 9, 2007
He's like the girl with the little curl
when he's good, he's very, very good. But when he's bad, he's horrid. Kind of a metaphor for this team.ksreed - September 9, 2007
I know this is total heresy
but do you even want this team to go into October?God knows we all want a World Series, but I always imagined that when we finally got one, it would be with a team that showed dominance throughout the season and really deserved the title, one that we could really be proud of and happy for. This team is so mediocre and inconsistent they look nothing like champions. If they weren't playing in a terrible division, we'd be no where near the playoffs. If they somehow managed to win the World Series, it would be a fluke and I would almost feel cheated because the World Series wouldn't mean that much if a team like this could win it.
All that said, I feel like we're on the right track. With guys like Theriot, Soto and (hopefully) Pie coming into there own, this could be a very solid team in a year or two. Hopefully, it will grow into one we can all be proud of. They're not there yet though, no matter what happens this year.
ksreed - September 9, 2007
I didn't
expect to win it all this year but I did expect improvement. I think they are taking steps in the right direction.sue369 - September 9, 2007
The most frustrating thing
Is when you see them play like they did a month or so ago. When they would lose once a week and that's it. They could dominate pitching, hitting and everything was all around solid. You know it's there.Arbusto - September 9, 2007
Now That's the That I Remember with STL
Let's just hope Tracy leaves him in just a few runs longer.ceegeewow - September 9, 2007
i hope the rain doesn't get any harder
cubs ftw - September 9, 2007
Come on guys
you can do it.sue369 - September 9, 2007
Lee!
Chanman25 - September 9, 2007
cmon Ramirez..keep up with fonzy
LuisSalazar - September 9, 2007
One Swing
Gets us back in this game -- please a big time hit for once.ceegeewow - September 9, 2007
Ugh !!
Too much to ask I guess.....ceegeewow - September 9, 2007
come on Murt
so us why you deserve to start!Chanman25 - September 9, 2007
jesus guys
calm down. it's the fifth inning. a baseball game is nine innings.cubs2234 - September 9, 2007
well when you are down
by alot of runs and it looks like rain is in the forecast, you need all you can get!Chanman25 - September 9, 2007
you know
gameday doesn't show rain...in that case. step it up.
cubs2234 - September 9, 2007
well
http://www.weather.com/weather/map/interactive/USPA1290?from=36hour_map_large&zoom=7&interac tiveMapLayer=radarChanman25 - September 9, 2007
murton
boocubs ftw - September 9, 2007
yeah really
cubs2234 - September 9, 2007
can i boo him too
booo, but id rather see him out there than monroeCZ38 - September 9, 2007
Come on Sean
make it a 1-2-3- inning.sue369 - September 9, 2007
ok so Lou is now pitching Marshall
Chanman25 - September 9, 2007
trachsel
is about as good as Glendon RuschNDcubsfan - September 9, 2007
yes...
but glendon could mash the ballcubs2234 - September 9, 2007
At least the opposing pitcher isn't hitting HRs.
Arbusto - September 9, 2007
how many freaking
leadoff hits are they going to allow??? what the hell?cubsonWGN4ever - September 9, 2007
hmm
i guess it's "take your pitcher to work" daycubs2234 - September 9, 2007
well atleast we have the bears game to look
forward to? i hope..Chanman25 - September 9, 2007
y scott eyre
i dont get it, is lou trying to walk a run in . . .CZ38 - September 9, 2007
good job
eyreCZ38 - September 9, 2007
upgraded to very good
Reverend Jim Ignatowski - September 9, 2007
What is up...
...with Lou's beard? Looks like a hobo.TipsyMcStagger - September 9, 2007
Nice work by Scottie Eyre
Let's get some runs!TipsyMcStagger - September 9, 2007
wow Eyre!
pitches well..with runners on!Chanman25 - September 9, 2007
Geovany!!!!!!!
wooohooo!!sue369 - September 9, 2007
maybe Soto should start next year..
hmmChanman25 - September 9, 2007
It sure feels to me
like this is a game that the Cubs could win.Starting with that arrogant little gnat Sanchez trying to turn that triple into an inside the park homer. It just feels like we can come back all the way. LET"S GO CUBS!!
LAcarl519 - September 9, 2007
They better do
it soon. The Bears come on in 15 minutes.sue369 - September 9, 2007
one swing could tie it up
come on Murton!Chanman25 - September 9, 2007
atta boy rammy
cubs2234 - September 9, 2007
We will see whos got heart !!!
parrotinct - September 9, 2007
come on Murton and Jones!!
god!Chanman25 - September 9, 2007
De ro ^ Riot need days off !!!
parrotinct - September 9, 2007
update?
Last I saw Cubs were up 2-0Now what?
Scott G F - September 9, 2007
that was a quick dash of hopes
LO 2B, didn't move.CubFaninNY - September 9, 2007
damnit guys
take some f**ing pitches. Don't swing away at every god damn pitch!! Why the f** can't this team get the guy home who got a LEAD OFF DOUBLE!Chanman25 - September 9, 2007
That was frustrating. :=(
Let's hope Kerry can hold 'em. That's why they play 9.LAcarl519 - September 9, 2007
frustrating.....would've settled for 1 there
LuisSalazar - September 9, 2007
how many pitches did he trow after the double 4 ??
parrotinct - September 9, 2007
Nice AB DeRosa
In a situation that demands a little patience, down by 2 with 2 outs and a man in scoring position, you go 1st pitch hacking like so many of the other pieces of garbage on this team. Real nice AB, Mark.scotteboy - September 9, 2007
Hitting coach has to go -
parrotinct - September 9, 2007
Lou's post game
Will he mention that this team needs a streak ???He has been saying that for 2 weeks
parrotinct - September 9, 2007
DeRo has been preety good in that sit.
Might be pressing since Mil. put up the W already.Scott G F - September 9, 2007
sliver of hope in the top of the 8th
that's gone now. The Bucs are gonna add some insurance here.CubFaninNY - September 9, 2007
Nice job to keep 'em there Kerry.
NOT.CubFaninNY - September 9, 2007
He just sealed it for Pittsburgh
Thanks Kerry, now we get to see suckwad Ohman stoke the flames.Itchy - September 9, 2007
damnit and the green bay game may
go into overtime and the Bears game will be delayeed!Chanman25 - September 9, 2007
So what was all of this about Trachsel?
.. what "veteran" quality were we supposed to gain from this signing?Grade A Lovable Loser, I guess. We'd had better luck with Marshall still in there.
cubnational - September 9, 2007
crap and to make things worse
looks like green bay is going to win a game they should have lost...Chanman25 - September 9, 2007
arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh
cubnational - September 9, 2007
Ohman in
Thank God.CubFaninNY - September 9, 2007
If we're saying that
Then this game is over!Scott G F - September 9, 2007
Well that doesn't help!
Seems other teams are able to hit in the clutch. Why can't we with any regularity?Saratoga - September 9, 2007
because we're the Cubs.
CubFaninNY - September 9, 2007
Choke
I cannot believe I root for this suck ass team. The Cubs are an absolute disgrace! How could anybody think we are in a playoff race winning only 1 game in every series. Face it, the Cubs suck and will finish the year in 3rd place in the Central.adam316 - September 9, 2007
where's the fat lady?
cubnational - September 9, 2007
and thank you fox
they go to a friggin commercial break when the game is on! Thank you, assholes..
Chanman25 - September 9, 2007
Anyone know what our records is from
August 1 to today? I tried to look, but couldn't find it.Saratoga - September 9, 2007
5 or 6 games under.500
They were, I believe, as much as 8 games over .500 at one point. Now they're two. September swoon, anyone?CubFaninNY - September 9, 2007
Considering
We are so bad, we've got to the point of struggling like hell and still losing 2 of 3 against the Pirates, our record is tanking. I bet we are tanking faster than any other team in the NL.adam316 - September 9, 2007
Kerry Wood needs to move on
both for him and for us it would be bestDC Cubbie - September 9, 2007
No, the Cubs can still win this division ..
.. because every other team stinks also.The Cards should have leapfrogged us already three weeks ago, but they haven't. The Brewers reek and their meltdown just slowed down.
Heck, in the battle for divisional attrition, anything can happen. No one in the division is giving up .. so neither should we. This thing probably won't be decided for another week or so, and if the 8 cylinder divisional blocks fire on 6 for the next week like they have been the past week or so, it will probably be longer.
Everyone is choking today because they're trying to do too much all at once. It's obvious. They can and have done better. The AB's and plate discipline have been better. Unbelievable.
cubnational - September 9, 2007
why should we believe it'll get better?
They haven't played well when they had little pressure, i.e. when they had a 2.5 game lead. They pi--ed it away. So now that the pressure is building, and they're behind, NOW they'll start playing better baseball?CubFaninNY - September 9, 2007
why SHOULDN'T we believe they will?
Because everyone in the division is ISN'T playing any better (except, at this point, the Pirates). That's the point. It's a stinking slaughterhouse with awful offal smearing the floors, and the Cubs might be able to slip over the mess into the postseason.This is the year and the Cubs might squeal ..
cubnational - September 9, 2007
Sorry
I don't think so. We have only been able to win 1 game in each of the last 2 series (or is it 3). If that trend continues, we have no chance. The Brewers and the Cardinals aren't even playing that bad.adam316 - September 9, 2007
Well, time for the 5 run rally.
Turn your caps around, gang.cubnational - September 9, 2007
3 outs to work with
The Cubs have come back from ome tough games.Scott G F - September 9, 2007
Grossman
was just turned into a nice little potted plant on the Bear's 7 yard line.Yipes.
BlueSox - September 9, 2007
yeahh
he looked like he was in painCZ38 - September 9, 2007
why why why do they keep giving him the ball?
The mysteries of the offensive line's inner sanctum continue to defy belief.cubnational - September 9, 2007
LOL!
That comment made me laugh. Sorry for Grossman but it sure was funny. I needed after this game!!1060 W Addison - September 9, 2007
Pathetic
Sums it all up.Rithor - September 9, 2007
hendry
ur fatass is in trouble, spent a ton of money for this crap . . . cardinals have the same record and didnt spend a dime.... this is frustrating, it always happensCZ38 - September 9, 2007
Thats all folks.......
The Cubs just lost 1st place in the central and will not be back in it, because they just plain stink!adam316 - September 9, 2007
This team is just bad.
I knew this series was going to give us trouble but give me a break. We just look awful and I don't see it getting any better. I prefer Milwaukee to the Cardinals that is all I have to say on the matter.mgfabc - September 9, 2007
cue the fat lady
cubnational - September 9, 2007
another series loss to a sub.500 team
They can't beat the good teams, SD, LA AZ, and they can't beat the bad teams, Cincy and Pitt.CubFaninNY - September 9, 2007
Nothing to root for
Anymore. The Cubs can't play good baseball. They are pathetic, and there is no excuse for it.adam316 - September 9, 2007
You can root for the Bears now!
they are containing LT and BLOCKED an easy field goal!Chanman25 - September 9, 2007
OK Pittsburgh
don't roll over and die now that Milwaukee comes to town......cont that scrappy playLuisSalazar - September 9, 2007
I am sad.
I think this series is the nail in the coffin.mgfabc - September 9, 2007
i have
the same feeling . . . i wish i could just watch the bears and forget about it but it doesnt feel goodCZ38 - September 9, 2007
Go Bears!
Spring traing is just 5 months awayRithor - September 9, 2007
everyone to the Bears thread!
onward!Chanman25 - September 9, 2007
How many more games would the Cubs
have won if they scored 5 runs? The story of our lives. Today we did and it didn't matter. Too bad.Saratoga - September 9, 2007
F. U. CUBS!
SecondSon - September 9, 2007
LOU
im sick of lous post game comments like "this team will have another hot streak before the season is over" lou, get ur ass up and take somebodys head off cuz this team sux big time and ur a huge part of itCZ38 - September 9, 2007
In May, Al kept trying to induce some winning
streaks in this team in his daily recaps by saying over and over...'the season is not over,but the Cubs need to get started and start winning NOW!' and the like....time for Al to rehash that inspiration to get these guys going...time's running thin.LuisSalazar - September 9, 2007
Oh, just you wait.
Recap coming.Al Yellon - September 9, 2007
is that what it takes?
a recap from Al to get them to win?is it any wonder that this team is "cursed?"
CubFaninNY - September 9, 2007
who cares?
whatever it takes to get em going.LuisSalazar - September 9, 2007
pathetic.
here's my take: we will play well against st. louis, taking 3 or 4 of the five. but, we will be destroyed by astros, reds, pirates. same old, same old. finish with around 78-80 wins. not good enough.i still don't understand the trachsel thing, but having that guy on the team has completely sucked the life out of me.
i just hope milwaukee wins the division, cause i can't stand the cardinals.
buckmulligan - September 9, 2007
today this board was an embarrassment
This is not KC Royals baseball, it's Cubs, who were in first place when play started today. The fact that the gameday thread, which has had days with more than 1000 comments, had 250 comments today means that nobody cares. The Bears started play in the 8th inning, so what's the excuse?CubFaninNY - September 9, 2007
Ignorant posters...
scare away many posts. The gameday threads are saturated in doomsday, idiotic ramblings.thekansasian - September 9, 2007
You need to learn how to
be tolerant and lose the insults or you'll be gone.BEcause someone's opinion is different than yours - does not mean they're "idiots" or the other stuff you've said.
This is not just a "Rainbows and Roses" Cubs blog that Al started -
It is for ALL Cub fans who adhere to the rules.
TheEman - September 9, 2007
That's true.
One of the reasons, I believe, the comment thread is shorter today is that it's Sunday. Seems that more people are away from their computers on weekends. It happens to be a gorgeous day in Chicago today. Maybe people were out enjoying the nice weather.See what happens tomorrow afternoon, a weekday when it's supposed to be rainy and the Cubs are playing the Cardinals. I'm betting the game thread will be quite a bit longer.
Al Yellon - September 9, 2007
Are you threatening...
me getting kicked off? Laughable.I don't mind differing views. I don't mind if some aren't as positive as others. I didn't single anybody out, but I was offering a reason for the vast turnover rate. It's always more satisfying to argue with someone intelligent.
Thanks for the lesson papa bear, but I don't care what you think.
thekansasian - September 9, 2007
Bears-Chargers
at least the Bears' D is crushing LT and Rivers. 3-0 Bears with SD deep in it's own territory.CubFaninNY - September 9, 2007
Pessimists 2. Optimists 0
Well - in my opinion, today's game is the second of the "stretch difference makers".1st, The Dempster Game
2nd, Trachsel meets the juggurnaut Pirates.
Tomorrow is the Rick Ankiel show - we'll see what happens.
But, I'm not counting on much anymore for 2007.
If it ended today, it was a very exciting year and a HUGE improvement over 2006 and the Dusty regime.
TheEman - September 9, 2007
Goodbye 1st place
It was fun while it lasted. We will miss you. Go Bears.qccub - September 9, 2007
I FEEL BAD FOR YOU - NOT BRUCE!
Really sorry you had to endure this Cubs bullshit!I hope at least you got some good food/drink out there.
TheEman - September 9, 2007
Tough day, but there's still hope!
If we were 4 or 5 out it might be pretty much lost, but we're 1 out. Anything can happen.Saratoga - September 9, 2007
Wow, such nasty posts.....
This years team is a HUGE jump from last year. Even if it did end now, it was a good run. But I still have hope that they can pull it out. Remeber this relationship that we have with the Cubs is -One of hope, not one of convience- You just always have to remember that, and figure out what one you are......WaterRooster - September 9, 2007
are you kidding me?
"This years team is a HUGE jump from last year"----------------------------------------------
My Soft ball team would be a huge jump from last year. If we don't make it to the post season with the current payroll and that too in this comedy of a division then "we were better than last year" should not be an excuse. Such perception is lame and reflects the state of the Cubs Organization. If we are in a re-building mode that would be fine. But with a 100 million dollar payroll anything short of the post season is inexcusable.
cubsnlinux - September 9, 2007
anything can happen
We didn't get much luck today, but I wish we didn't have to depend on so much luck. I just wish it was just power.coral - September 9, 2007
Imaginary press conference.
The Cubs manager approaches the microphone.- "Good afternoon. This was a heck of a ballgame. Well fought. Luck wasn't on our side, though."
Q. What? You lost by 5 runs and have only won a game in each of the last series.
- "Hey, there are only a few weeks to go. It's not time to panic. The bullpen is doing its job and the hitters did theirs too. We'll get them the next time."
Q. The Cubs have a losing record against Pittsburgh, one of the worst teams in the National League. What makes you think that the story will be different the next time you face them?
- "Well, because we got good pitchers. In a close game, Ohman and Wood can stop them. We expect a lot fron Kerry Wood this year. Having him back is like getting a star reliever in a midseason trade without having to give up any prospect. Nice move by Jim, not moving, you know? It's always great to depend on Kerry."
Q. Were you awake during the game? Did you notice how the lowly Pirates trashed Wood today?
- "It's only one game. We still have the rest of the season left. And I still think this team has a rally in it. I really do."
Q. What are your plans for the upcoming games?
- "Well, we have Hill and Trachsel in their usual spots. They really eat up some innings up there. (Chuckles) Marquis never chokes in September. And I expect the ace, Carlos, to win the rest of his games. And Ohman and Wood will set it up for Mármol, Howry and Dempster. By the way, Ryan promised Larry he won't blow any more saves. Nor that he'll have many chances, though. I mean, the team will be leading by many runs in the ninth inning. I'll use Dempster in every open game because he needs the work to get ready for those few save opportunities, you know. All I need is for Ryan to be ready for a ninth ninth of the game."
Q. What about the lineup?
- "What about it? We're scoring a ton of runs. Five. That's a lot these days. I hadn't seen that since I was the manager in... that place, what's its name?"
Q. So you're not concerned about Soriano striiking out and all the double plays the teeam is hitting into?
- "No! Why would I? have you seen how many home runs has Soriano hit lately? Those solo shots are beautiful, man! And sometimes there are men on base when he hits them. What a talent this kid has! A natural born hitter. He hardly needs to run the count. That's what we need, dude! I'll make sure the pitcher hits before Sori the rest of the way. We don't want to clog the bases for Sori. And he likes to be the lead off man. I can't possibly disappoint him.
OK, thank you. See you tomorrow at Wrigley."
The manager walked away and put a toothpick between his lips. He found Jim Hendry in the hallway and was heard telling him:
"Thank you Jimbo. This white dude disguise is the only way I can get back to manage in Chicago. You can untie Lou in a week because I have to make it to Bristol and do the TV show on ESPN."
Fraggin Judge - September 9, 2007
S-H-I-T-T-Y D-A-Y
It happens. Seems like it happens to us a lot.sue369 - September 9, 2007
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